Page 68 of Psycho Shifters
“She already has all the help she needs.” Aran stomped over to where I was getting my ass kicked.
“I know. I just wanted to also offer my cap into the ring. You can never have enough help around here.” John flashed his perfect white teeth at Aran and gave a shrug.
He seemed like an easygoing guy, which was an extremely rare trait among betas.
Instead of smiling back or nodding, Aran aggressively punched the air in front of John’s face.
I raised my eyebrows at Aran’s antics. While I appreciated his support, he was acting a little ridiculous. John had just asked me if I needed help with anything.
“It’s fine, Aran.” I choked down a laugh and dodged a punch. The blue-haired beta’s eyes were twitching like he was struggling to hold himself back.
I didn’t know what I had done to earn such unwavering loyalty, but I was grateful for it.
Aran was a great friend to have. I wasn’t the only one trapped fighting a war I didn’t care about.
“Thanks, John. I’ll take you up on it,” I said honestly.
John visibly relaxed, and a massive grin split his face. Clearly, the guy was dying to be my friend, which was not something I usually experienced. Since most of the betas were now terrified of me, I wasn’t going to look a gift horse in its mouth.
His massive shin bone slammed against my ankles as he swept my legs from underneath me.
Lying on the mat, staring up at the ceiling, I wondered how long my body was going to stay weak. John offered me a hand and hauled me up easily.
He patted my back, and the action sent me sprawling forward. At this rate, my new friend was going to accidentally kill me.
“Time for media interviews.” Zed’s voice echoed through the gym. “Alphas must leave now.”
Relief coursed through me. Blessedly, I didn’t have to keep getting beat up by John. I wasn’t in any shape to fight.
“Great working with you, Sadie.” John shook my hand aggressively, with more strength than Aran had.
I didn’t know what energy I was giving off lately, but men kept giving me firm handshakes.
I guess my bitch energy was shining through. Finally, I was getting the respect I deserved.
“You too.” I smiled and detangled myself from the red-haired beta’s grasp. John was really laying it on thick.
“Let’s go, Sadie,” Jax alpha-barked at me from across the room. His voice was filled with command and annoyance.
Immediately, my feet began to move toward the door. So much for respect.
After a few steps, I gritted my teeth and fought the persuasion. He hadn’t put the full force of his bark behind it.
I gave Aran a hug goodbye. The blue-haired beta was a hugger, and I decided I liked it. Before he’d hugged me the other day, I had only ever hugged Lucinda. It was a comforting experience to embrace a friend.
I wanted to practice it more often. So I could get good at it.
“Remember, you’re a badass. Also, remember we have therapy tomorrow with Auntie.” Aran squeezed me tight to his lanky body, and a scratchy laugh burst out of my throat.
“Stop holding us up,” Ascher snapped angrily from across the room.
I said goodbye to Aran and dragged my aching body toward the other alphas.
Of course Ascher would be excited about the media. He loved to talk about the alpha fame and riches. Jax stood calm and collected, and Cobra looked downright bored.
“Should we change?” I turned to Zed and ignored the three annoying alphas.
“No, the media likes it better when you’re sweaty from training. They say it makes it more authentic.” Zed rolled his eyes like he wasn’t a fan of the media circus.