Page 10 of Bonding with the Beta

“Ugh.” I rest my forehead against my steering wheel, my stomach cramping. “Please, don’t remind me.”

“Come on.” She beckons her head and opens the car door, her hand instantly resting against her baby bump. “Let’s go find some shade. I’m sure some food and my company will help you perk up.”

I step out of my car and grab our things before walking along the edge of the breathtaking lake. We perch in a shady spot, and I lay out a blanket and help Ava to the floor.

“I might not be able to get up after.” She laughs softly.

“Don’t worry. That’s what I’m here for.”

“My hero.”

Once we get comfortable, I take off my shoes and dig into the food to try and save myself from this atrocious hangover. The worst part is I barely managed to sleep after Kayden heard me talk to myself like a loser. I’m officially losing the plot.

But he doesn’t need to know that.

I’ve never wanted the ground to swallow me whole more than in that moment, and the fact he taunted me added the icing to the cake. I pray I never see him again—which is stupid, considering he lives with Ava, and it’s inevitable.

“So, how have you been, Kay? I feel like everything has been about me, Jax, and the baby,” she says before letting out an exhausted sigh. “I feel awful.”

I shake my head at her statement. “Don’t say that. Everything is great.”

Ava’s brows crease. “You sure? That doesn’t sound so convincing.”

“Yeah, of course it is. Why wouldn’t it be?”

“Dunno.” She shrugs. “Something sounds off in your voice. You know you can talk to me about anything? Just because I’vegot a baby on the way doesn’t mean I can’t also listen to you, Kay. If anything, it’d be nice to talk about something different.”

I smile at her. “But it’s exciting.”

“Don’t change the subject.”

I’ve had my moments in the past where I was in a dark place, but I know things aren’t as bad anymore. I’ve come to terms with it. But it’s not something I like to talk about because it hurts to voice aloud.

“I’m fine, honestly.” I shove a mini sausage roll into my mouth. “I’ve got some exams coming up, and I’m a little stressed and hungover. I’m fine, I promise.”

Ava hums and looks at me for a moment too long. “Fine. You and Kayden seemed pretty close yesterday.”

I blink at her comment. “We did?”

I laugh hesitantly as if we did something we shouldn’t. But all I did was embarrass the hell out of myself in front of a guy I shouldn’t find attractive.

She nods, placing a bottle of pink lemonade to her lips. “Yeah, I saw you guys talking loads.”

I extend my arm, and she hands me the bottle. “Thanks,” I say as I take a rather large gulp.

Her eyes are like lasers on me, and I hate being in the firing line.

“I mean, yeah, we spoke. But you know, just normal chit-chat stuff.”

“Did something happen between you guys?” She narrows her eyes. “Like…happen,happen.”

The pink lemonade I attempt to swallow is now being sprayed across the grass. “What?” I exclaim as I wipe my mouth with the back of my hand. “Of course not. No. Never.”

“Mmm.” She drums her fingers across her lips. “I’ll take your word for it. He’s a nice guy, but you should know?—”

“Stop, Ava, stop.” I hold out a hand to her. “I am not looking to be in a relationship, date, or do anything like that. I’m working on myself for now.”

“Okay.” She raises her own hands in defence. “I was just asking.”

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