The Beta's Mate

By Tanya Gilford

Anastasia (Anna) Keller was dreading moving to the Midwest farming community to live with her mom until she met the farmhand, Charlie Lancer, her stepfather hired for the summer. Anna is the type of girl, that once she sets her mind to something their is no turning back. Though she unknowingly falls for a werewolf beta. When the Keller family secrets are revealed, Anna's world is flipped upside down and Anna enters into an identity crisis at the age of 18. Will she ever find her footing? Will Charlie be able to help? Can Anna and Charlie make their relationship work?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Jul 1, 2023
• ISBN: 9781312389021

Book preview

The Beta’s Mate

By: Tanya Gilford

Copy right @ 2021

Chapter 1

It’s been a long two months, to say the least, with my dad getting sick and me being forced to move out to the middle of nowhere in Kansas.  I’m from New England, so this is all foreign to me.  I’m beginning my Senior year of High School as the new kid, which is fantastic, not.  As I sit in the back of the car, I watch acre after acre of farmland roll on for miles in front of me.  We’ve been driving for almost an hour now and are still no closer to finding anything. 

Back home, we can go down the road and find a mini-mall of some sort, but here there’s nothing.  Unless you drive an hour out of the way to the main city.  This will be a very long year, but the plan is to finish High School then move back East next year for college.  Hopefully, dad will be feeling better by summer, and I can go back home sooner than later.  Dad was diagnosed with stage three prostate cancer and is undergoing treatments as we speak.  To help, my mom thought it was best for me to spend the whole year with her instead of the usual period of a week or so during various school vacations.  I hate it out here, but what choice do I have?

I’m only seventeen, with no job or money; I have to do as I’m told.  I check my phone and smile when I see a photo my friend Debbie sent me.  It was a group picture of all my friends in front of the school building with the caption: ‘It’s not the same without you.’  I quickly sent a heart emoji with a miss you all sticker.  I slid my phone into my shorts pocket as the car pulled up to the farmhouse my mom lived in with her new husband, Bo. 

I’m a New Englander dropped into the Midwest farming community.  What the hell am I really doing here?  I kept trying to wake up from my dream but to no avail.  This was real life, and I needed to deal with it.

As I opened the car door to get out, my mother came rushing out of the farmhouse with her arms open wide.  I embraced her with a hug in return.  Don’t get me wrong, I love my mom, but I hate where she chose to live.  I grabbed my luggage out of the trunk of the car as my mom began grabbing some of my bags.  I’m just so happy you're finally here.  You know I always miss you when you’re not here.  My mom clucked away in her normal fashion.  I tried not to roll my eyes as we entered the house.

I sighed the last time; I was here during February vacation, but the house looks different in the August sun.  The light filters in the windows, and there is an A.C. in every room blowing to keep the temperature bearable in this heat.  Mom has clearly been baking since the whole house has a muggy sweet smell.

I walked up the stairs to the room where I usually stayed and began unpacking my luggage.  As I was putting my clothes away, I couldn’t help but look out the window at the rolling farmland below.  When I was here last, it was covered in snow, but now the cows and horses were out roaming, and the hay fields were being harvested.  I saw Bo out working a machine, and then I saw a young guy working on the fence.  He was nicely tanned in this Kansas heat, well-muscled, with light brown hair under a cowboy hat.  He looked delicious; in fact, I snapped a picture and sent it to Debbie with the caption: ‘My view….’

I can appreciate a good-looking guy, even if I’m looking to just finish school and get out of dodge.  I finished unpacking my clothes and other belongings and decided to take a quick shower to freshen up.  After my shower, I pulled on my denim shorts, a pair of work boots, a black tank-top, and a ball cap.  I may be from New England, but I knew enough about working with livestock, especially chickens, to lend a hand; Bo had ensured that since my very first visit here.

I went down to the kitchen, where my mom was still cooking up a storm.  Mom, you’re crazy cooking in this heat, I complained.

Trust me, dear, Mondays, I do all the baking every week.  It always lasts the whole week.  She explained happily, taking a pan of fresh-baked bread out of the oven.  That’s why we have all the A.C.’s going.

I’m going to go offer Bo a hand, I announced, making my way through the door.

That’s nice of you, dear; he’ll appreciate it.  Oh, by the way, we hired Charlie this summer to help out on the farm.  He may be able to direct you to work since Bo is in the harvester today.  My mom said as I pushed open the back door.

I walked quietly over to where Charlie was working with the wired fence.  He was cursing it out as he pulled the barbed wire tight.  Excuse me,  I called as I got closer to him.  He quickly nailed the wire to the fence post and turned to look at me.

His ocean blue eyes captivated me as he smiled and tipped the brim of his hat.  You must be Annie.  Bo and your mom have been talking about your arrival all month.  I’m Charlie.  Charlie Lancer.  He held out a dirty gloved hand.  He looked at his gloves and quickly pulled them off before reoffering me his hand.

I took his hand, giving it a quick shake hell.  You can just call me Anne.  It’s short for Anastasia, but my mom has always called me Annie.

I see; well, Anne, what can I do for you?  He asked in a thick drawl.

I wanted to tell him there were many things he could do for me and me, but I felt that would be a bit rash.  My mom said to ask you what jobs need to be done around here still.  I usually help with the animals, particularly the chickens, but I can help with the horses as well.  I explained, keeping my eyes on his face to ensure no other dirty thoughts entered my mind.

Well, if you want, you can get the horse paddocks ready for the night.  I need to finish this dang wired fence before I can do much of anything else.  He replied, scowling at the fence.  Other than that, the chores are mostly done for today.

I nodded and trekked through the dry dirt to the barn.  Inside, I began mucking out the horse paddocks.  We had six horses, so emptying out the dirty stalls then putting clean hay in them proved to be time-consuming, but it was a job that needed to get done.  By the time the sun was setting, I had finished the last paddock.  Charlie came in, leading two of the horses.  Any chance you can help brush them down?  He asked with a friendly smile.

Of course, but I get to brush Buttercup down, I said, pulling the tan-colored horse into her stall.  She was supposed to be my horse, but I have never really had time to enjoy being with her.  Maybe this year I can take her out more.  I gently began brushing the horse’s mane and coat in even strokes.  I stepped out of the paddock when I was finished while Charlie stepped out of Bullet’s paddock.  Bullet is Bo’s favorite horse; he was a beautiful black stallion and fast.

I’ll go grab two more, Charlie announced as he walked out of the barn.  I took the time to fill all the troves with the horse feed and fill their water buckets.  When Charlie reemerged in the barn, he led an all-brown horse that my mom named Cinnamon and the black and white spotted horse that my mom named Oreo.  I took Oreo into his paddock to brush him down as Charlie brushed down Cinnamon in her paddock.

The last two horses were brushed down in the same fashion.  I brushed the brown and white horse Bo calls Patches, and Charlie brushed down another brown horse with a small white streak on her nose named Starlight.  Did they tell you that Starlight is with a foal?  Charlie asked as he worked.  He was clearly trying to make conversation.

Mom mentioned it, but with everything going on with my dad, I didn’t get overly excited, I confessed.  I like the horses just fine, but I’m not a farm girl.

Good to know.  Please tell me that you at least listen to country radio. 

I do.  I love me some Little Big Town and Garth Brooks.  I admitted with a smile.

So, I won’t hold the non-farm girl thing against you.  Though I must say, you could pass as a farm girl with the looks of these paddocks. 

I couldn’t help but feel myself blush.  We locked up the last paddocks and headed towards the house to wash up for dinner when we finished.  Apparently, Charlie was joining us, not that I was complaining since he was super easy on the eyes.

Mom made a boiled ham dinner with all the fixings.  I loved my mom’s cooking and missed it dearly, but not as much as I missed my home and my dad.  I felt a little guilty when the wave of being home sick washed over me as we ate a delicious home-cooked meal.

After dinner, I help my mom with the dishes.  I see you and Charlie seem to be friendly.  She cooed as she scrubbed a pan.

He’s alright.  I helped with the horse paddocks so he could finish the wired fence.

He’s a fine young man, darling; you should spend time getting to know him.  Was my mom seriously trying to play matchmaker?  I rolled my eyes at her and put away the plates I had just dried.  Maybe he can show you around before school starts.  So, you can see what all the cool kids around here do.

Sure, mom.  I smiled.  I know she means well, but I just got here, and I need time to adjust.  Honestly, I don’t want to look for a relationship.  After we were finished with the dishes, I retired to my room for the night.  I checked my phone that I managed to leave on my nightstand.

I had a reply from Debbie asking for Charlie’s number.  I laughed and rolled my eyes at my friend.  Then I saw I had missed a call from my dad and friend Billy.  I decided to text Billy back since he’d want to talk my ear off, but I wanted to talk to my dad more. 

‘Hey, Bill.  Sorry I missed your call. I forgot my phone in the house.  I worked in the barn all afternoon with the horses; I’ll call you tomorrow.’  I hit the send button and then dialed my dad’s number.

Hey, sweetie.  How were your flight and your ride to your mom’s?  He asked.  Just the sound of my dad’s voice made me homesick.  I had to fight back my tears.

It was good, non-eventful.  I sighed.  How are you feeling?

I’m doing good.  I go in for surgery on Friday, and with any luck, I’ll be fully recovered by next month.  He replied enthusiastically.

That’s great.  Fingers crossed the surgery is successful.  I miss you and everyone already.  Why did I have to move? 

I know, sweetie, and I miss you too.  I promise this is for the best.  You need to focus on finishing school instead of worrying about me.

I graduate this year, and I know no one.  I tried to protest.  Plus, I feel like I’m going to be overqualified for this school year here.  I’m in the middle of farm country.

We’ve discussed this many times, Anastasia.  You need to be with your mom, give her one year with you.  She truly misses you.

I groaned.  She should have thought about that before moving halfway across the country.  I was hurt when my mom made her move.  I was eleven and wanted to stay with my friends, so I stayed with my dad when she moved.  I had always felt that she chose Bo over me in a way when she moved out here. 

I heard my dad let out a sigh.  He knows I never fully forgave my mom for leaving us, but he has done his best to keep my relationship with my mom as healthy as it could get.  Sweetie, I know this is going to be hard for you, but can you give it a real chance.  Let’s say you give your all to try not to resent this arrangement for an entire month before you can complain about it again.

I rolled my eyes in annoyance.  The drawback of being a psychiatrist's daughter is that he always tries to put a different perspective on everything.  Fine.  One month, and I promise I will do my best to try.  In a month, you’re going to hear about it.  I agreed. 

My dad let out a cheerful laugh.  That’s my girl.  Hey, I’m going to go eat some dinner now.  I’ll talk to you soon.  I love you.

I love you too, Dad, I whispered into the phone as the other end disconnected.

Chapter 2

I woke up the next morning to the crow of a damn rooster.  Ugh, I do not miss this early morning wake-up from a bird outside my window.  I groaned as I rolled out of bed.  I’m the type of person that once I’m up, I’m up.  I pulled on a pair of jeans and a light plaid shirt that I knotted the ends around my midsection.  I had my bikini top under the shirt because the weather starts off cool but rises quickly.

I got up went downstairs to find Charlie and Bo having coffee.  Morning, Annie.  Bo greeted me.  I nodded and went to the coffee pot to pour myself a cup.  You’re up early. Did you sleep okay?

I took a sip of the coffee and crinkled my nose at the bitterness.  This will take some getting used to.  I turned around to face the guys holding my coffee.  I slept fine, but the rooster decided to stand under my window this morning, I grumbled, taking another sip of this nasty bitter coffee and trying not to grimace from the awful taste.

I forgot you’re not used to the rooster’s call, Bo noted.  You’ll get used to it in time.

I hope so, I replied to my coffee again.  I promised my dad I wouldn’t complain for a month, but I had two things to complain about in less than an hour.  This was going to be a long month.  I pulled my eyes away from my cup and looked up at the guys sitting at the table.  Charlie looked delicious as always, and I vowed that I would have tasted that forbidden fruit within the month.  Since I’m up, I’ll tend the chickens and the horses?  I offered, forcing myself to sound pleased with the idea of chores this early in the morning.

That would be great.  Charlie and I need to collect the hay that I baled yesterday.  Your mom will be up soon to tend to the cows.  Bo informed me.  I nodded in response.

I dumped the rest of the coffee down the drain; I couldn’t choke down another sip.  I pulled on my work boots, pulled my dark brown hair up into a messy bun, and headed out the door.  I collected eggs as I fed the chickens.  I noted that I should plan to clean out the chicken coop at some point today.  As my mom began to set a plate of bacon and eggs on the table for Bo and Charlie, I brought the eggs in.  She placed a plate down on the table for me with a smile.  Good morning, sunshine.  My mom sang as I set the bucket of eggs next to the sink and washed my hands. 

I took a seat at the table.  My mom set a cup of tea in front of me with a smile.  I took a sip with a sweet sigh of joy.  I mean, it wasn’t a cup of coffee, but the warm tea and caffeine were enough to give me the boost I needed.  Thanks, mom.

I know my daughter well enough.  I also know these boys make their coffee extra strong, so if you tried to drink it, you wouldn’t like it.  She patted my hand as she sat down with a plate of food for herself.  I really am glad you’re here, Annie.

I know; I just don’t like the circumstances, I muttered, looking down at my food.  Dad goes in for surgery on Friday.

I know; I spoke to him when you were out in the paddock yesterday.  He tried to call you, but you didn’t answer.  My mom continued.

I left my phone in my room.  Don’t worry, I have it with me today.  I assured her by patting my pocket that held my phone.  I caught Charlie’s watching me quietly; I couldn’t help but blush.  He was going to be mine, and he had no idea. 

Good.  My mom declared. 

Well, Charlie and I need to get the day started if we want to finish today, Bo announced as he brought his dirty dishes to the sink.  He walked back to my mom and kissed her on the cheek before heading out the door, followed by Charlie. 

I finished my breakfast and washed the dishes.  Then my mom and I walked out to the farm together.  I grabbed the wheel barrel to clean out the chicken coop while my mom grabbed a bucket to milk the cows.  I plugged in my headphones and turned on my music as I worked.  I zoned out to the rhythm scaping out the old hay and laying the fresh straw in the chicken roosts.

I walked the wheel barrel over to the manure pile and dumped it out.  I took a handkerchief from my back pocket and wiped off the sweat.  I looked up at the hayfield beyond the manure pile and watched as Charlie pulled his t-shirt over his head.  I bit my bottom lip as I watched his muscles stretch and relax with the simple motion.  He’s going to be the sole person who made a living here worthwhile.

When Charlie came in, I was in the paddock brushing Buttercup and debating if I should take her for a ride.  Hey, do you want to take a horse ride with me?  Charlie asked.

I was thinking about it, but Bo has always put her saddle on for me, I admitted shyly.  He chuckled, disappeared around the corner, then reappeared holding a blanket and saddle for Buttercup. 

I can help you with that.  He replied.  Do you know how to ride?

I narrowed my eyes at him.  Oh, I know how to ride.  The question is, can you keep up?  I replied, biting my bottom lip.  I knew he was talking about riding a horse, but I clearly insinuated other things.

Are you challenging me to a horse ride?  Charlie raised an eyebrow at me.

If you want it to be.  I flirted with him, batting my eyelashes at him.

He paused as he tightened the strap on Buttercup's saddle.  He shook his head with a smile and went back to getting Buttercup ready.  Aren’t you like fifteen?  He muttered.

Seventeen.  I’ll be eighteen in December; what’s that got to do with anything?  I pointed out, moving closer to him.

It doesn’t.  We’re going for a horseback ride, so your age doesn’t matter.  He replied.  He finished getting Buttercup ready.

I closed the space between us, wrapping my arms around his shoulders.  I tilted my head and pressed my lips to his.  He took a step back, blinking at me.  What?  You have a significant other?  I asked him as he stared at me.

No, but you're only seventeen.  He stammered.

So what?  I know what I want, and as long as you’re not taken, then I plan to take you for myself.  I replied, moving closer to him.  Don’t worry, I’ve had others before you.  Plus, no one will have to know.  I kissed him again.

He wrapped his arms around my waist, spun us, and pressed me against the wall of the Buttercups stall.  I bucked my hips against him as I heard him moan against my lips.  He pulled away but kept his hands on my hips, holding me at arm’s length.  Anna, there are so many reasons not to do this.  The two main reasons are your age and your parents.  He sighed as he looked at me.

I straightened into a full stand.  Fine, then don’t do anything, I replied.  Is my horse ready?

Yes, but I still need to get Patches ready.  I’m going to join you and show you the new trails.  Charlie informed me.  I led Buttercup out of the barn and mounted her with ease.  Sitting high on her back always felt a bit awkward, but I love the feeling of the wind in my hair.  I began leading her in a trout as Charlie came jogging up with Patches.  I thought I told you to wait for me. 

You said you were taking Patches to show me the new trails; you did not tell me to wait for you.  You also said you couldn’t do anything with me, but showing me new trails on horseback is doing something.  I shot at him over my shoulder as he caught up to me.

Anna, you and I both know what I was referring to.  I’m twenty-three, and you're seventeen.  Bo is my boss and has asked me to stay away from you in the sexual sense.  You are very appealing and tempting, but I have to restrain from the temptation.  He explained. 

Whatever.  I start school next week, so you’ll barely see me.  If you’re not interested, you just need to say that.  Don’t give me some lame-ass excuse; I’m not a child that needs to be let down easy.  I was super annoyed with him.  I gently kicked Buttercup to get her to step up her speed and pulled away from him.  So much for having a peaceful ride on the trails today. Instead, I get chaperoned by a man conflicted with his thoughts on me. 

After running my horse, I slowed her to a gentle trot.  He pulled Patches up next to me.  You think I’d give you a lame excuse?  I barely know you, and I’d like to avoid going to jail for fucking a girl who isn’t eighteen.  Talk to me next summer, and maybe we can have some fun.  He said as we directed the horses along with a muddy spot in the trail.

I won’t be here next summer.  I plan to go home after graduation.  I began to explain when my phone started to ring.  I looked at the caller I.D. and answered it, Hey Billy, what’s up?

Has Debbie called you yet?  Billy asked. 

No.  We sent a few texts yesterday. What’s up?

Umm... It’s not my place to say.  Billy said timidly.

You called me first, so spill the beans.  I shrieked and startled Buttercup.  Hang on a second, I told Billy as I regained control of Buttercup with Charlie’s help.  Okay, go ahead, you were saying.

"It sounds like you’re a bit busy at the moment; I can call back."

I groaned into the phone.  You can be such a little bitch sometimes, Billy.  I’m taking my horse out for a ride, and yelling at you startled her.  I explained.  I got her under control again, so tell me what’s up.

Well, Debbie said she was going to tell you.  She’s going to kill me.  I rolled my eyes at him.  Billy can be super dramatic at times.  I let out a long, loud sigh to show my annoyance with him.  Okay, fine.  Sal’s back; he returned to town yesterday and began asking where you are.  Shelly told him you went to Kansas to live with your mom.  Now he’s looking to get your number.

I let out a laugh at the idea.  So, why are you all calling me?  Don’t give him my number.  He dumped me last year over a damn text; he doesn’t get my number after everything.  Someone better slap Shelly too.  Salvador doesn’t need to know where I am.  Sal was my ex-boyfriend; he was my first at everything, including heartbreak.  I genuinely believed he loved me, but then he sent me a text around my birthday to break up with me.

Are you going to be okay?  Billy’s question pulled me back to the conversation.

Why wouldn’t I be?  I’m in Kentucky, and that asshat is in New England.  Where he can stay, away from me.  I replied.  I need to get my horseback to the farm, so I’ll call you later this week.  Tell all our friends I miss them and to not do anything I wouldn’t do. 

Well, that’s not saying much.  Billy laughed as he hung up the phone.

When I put my phone away, I let out a groan.  I glanced up to see Charlie watching me intently.  Bad news from home?  He questioned.

None of your damn business.  I spat at him.

Hey, just hold on a minute.  Just because I won’t fuck you doesn’t mean we can’t be friends.  So, you can just stop the attitude towards me, alright.  He told me sternly.  I was a bit shocked at his firm tone with me.

Sorry, I mumbled.  Yeah, bad news.  My ex is back in town and was looking for me.  We were quite the pair for two years, up until my birthday last year when he texted me saying we needed to break up.  Mind you, he was on a family vacation trip to top it off.  Someone told him I’m here, not that it’s a big secret, I just thought he was the one, and he hurt me terribly.

Well, at least you’re here now, so you don’t have to worry about seeing him.  Charlie tried to cheer me up. 

I gave him a weak smile as I turned Buttercup around to go back to the farm.  He followed suit with Patches.  We said nothing more as we dismounted our horses and led them into their rightful paddocks.  We brushed down the horses and fed them a treat. 

Thanks for showing me the new trails, and sorry for cutting the ride short, I told him as we walked towards the house.  We stopped at the sink outside to wash up before dinner and entered the house.  Mom made some beans and cornbread.

Charlie, what do you young kids do around here for fun?  My mom asked, trying to start a conversation.

Depends on what the person considers fun, Charlie replied between bites.  My friends and I are going to a bonfire on Friday night, but not everyone likes bonfires.  Otherwise, they can go into the city and see a movie or go shopping.

Oh, that sounds nice.  Annie, didn’t you tell me that you and your friends go to bonfires on the beach at home?  My mom volunteered.  Annie loves fires.

I fought back a mischievous smile.  I did go to fires on the beach with my friends.  My parents didn’t know what took place at those beach parties.  I did, and I do.

Maybe Annie can join you and your friends on Friday night.  My mom added.  I looked up at Charlie through my eyelashes.  He shifted a bit uneasily and then looked over at Bo.  Bo won’t care.  It may be good for Annie to go and meet some new friends before school starts.  My mom assured him.

If she wants to go, I can bring her along.  Charlie finally replied.  I rolled my eyes at him.  He’s made it clear that he doesn’t want to spend too much time alone, and I know all too well what people do at the fires back home, and I doubt that it is any different out here. 

Well, Annie, what do you think?  Bo asked, clearing his throat.

Sounds fun, I replied, watching Charlie carefully.  I planned to make him squirm with this arrangement.  After dinner, I washed the dishes and went up to bed.  If I’m going to be woken up every morning at the crack of dawn, going to sleep early sounded like a good plan to avoid exhaustion.

Chapter 3

The next couple of days went the same as all the others; I woke up at the crack of dawn with the damn rooster, worked my ass off, took my horse out, had dinner, and went to bed early.  I can’t help but feel like I am becoming depressed.  Today is Friday, and the day my dad goes in for surgery to remove the tumor from his prostate, and I’m thousands of miles away in the middle of nowhere.

I was in the horse barn, mucking out the paddock’s when Charlie came in.  He grabbed the saddles and set them on sawhorses.  What are you doing with the saddles?  I asked, leaning against the shovel I was using.

Oiling the leather.  They'll crack and fall apart if they don’t get oiled often enough.  Today is the day I need to oil them.  Is it okay with you?  He raised an eyebrow at me.  Since he turned me down, I have been giving him the cold shoulder.  I shrugged and turned back to mucking out the stall.  I pushed the wheel barrel out to go dump it.  When I came back in, he was oiling one of the saddles.  Anna, what did I do to earn this silent treatment?  I said I’d bring you to the bonfire tonight, though I should warn you it’s more of a keg party.

I snorted and rolled my eyes.  I figured it would be.  Notice how my mom doesn’t know everything about me?  By the way, I’m not giving you the silent treatment.  I just have a lot on my mind. 

Do you want to talk about it?  Charlie offered, looking up from his work.

I don’t talk about my feelings often.  My dad’s a psychiatrist, so I try to avoid talking about my feelings with anyone else.  I admitted.  But I’m looking forward to tonight. I could go for a decent distraction.

You’re looking for a distraction?  He asked as he put down the oiling rag.  He wiped his hands on a clean rag and walked over to me.  He took my pitchfork out of my hands, leaned it against the wall, grabbed my hips, and pulled me to him.  He pushed me a few steps back against the wall behind me, then