Page 178 of Bonding with the Beta

“No, not at all.” Genevieve shakes her head. “It’s probably because the connection you have between you feels so magical. Right?”

Kayleigh starts nodding before Genevieve finishes her sentence. “Exactly. When we’re together, it’s like something I’ve never felt or knew I could feel.”

Genevieve smiles at us. “I know you haven’t been introduced to our world for very long, Kayleigh, but eventually, it will start to sink in, and you’ll see the power it holds.”

“Oh, I’ve definitely seen.” She smiles. “I’m excited to learn more and welcome these things with open arms. I hope it welcomes me back.”

I take Kayleigh’s hand and give it a supportive squeeze. “Trust me, it will,” I tell her sincerely.

“You were made to be here with us,” Genevieve says slowly before standing. “Excuse me for a moment. Let me double-check I didn’t leave the hob on.”

She stands from her chair and leaves the room. My attention is turned back to Kayleigh again as she blinks at me over and over. “We’re soulmates,” she whispers heavily. “Like actual, actual soulmates.”

I nod once. “Yeah. It sounds crazy, but I don’t care because I know it’s real and so damn special. I am beyond blessed to have this bond with you.”

Her shoulders tremble as she flicks her eyes between mine. She cups my cheek and draws our lips together. “I love you, Kayden,” she whispers against me. “I always have, and I always will.”

My lips stretch into a grin, and I kiss her back. “I love you, blondie. You’re mine, you know that?”

“Yes.” She nods with glistening eyes.

I hold her close and devour every second of this moment.

My heart almost bursts at the seams, and I will cherish this moment forever.

58

KAYLEIGH

When we leave the mountains, I’m still caught up in Genevieve’s words.

It sounds crazy—utterly bizarre—but I find myself believing her.

Kayden is my soulmate. He’s made for me in every sense.

We are connected in more ways than we thought. My heart swells with love.

Kayden pulls up outside a hotel, and I glance at him, confused. “I’m too exhausted to do the rest of the journey,” he says softly. “I need to have you right now.”

“Okay,” I whisper, smiling as I chew on my lip.

We make our way to the front desk of the simple hotel. It’s nothing fancy, but we don’t need fancy. All I need is him. Kayden orders a large room with champagne, and he takes my hand as he swipes the keys from the receptionist's hand.

Both of us rush up the stairs, our laughter filling the air.

Kayden quickly fumbles with the keys before the door shuts behind us, and I turn towards him, his eyes already burning into mine. “I know we should take it slow.” His chest quivers with every breath. “And I–”

I shake my head and step towards him, pressing my lips to his as I wind my arms around his neck. “I just found out that you’re my soulmate,” I mumble against his lips. “I don’t think I can go slow with you right now.”

Kayden hums in agreement and kisses me back with intense passion. I almost lose my breath when his teeth graze my bottom lip, his hands wandering down the curves of my body.

I fall back onto the bed as Kayden hovers over my body, his fingers tracing the skin beneath my T-shirt as he lifts it over my head swiftly. I lean up to start unbuttoning his corduroy shirt, and I admire his toned, bare skin when I push the fabric off his shoulders. My lips brush over his chest, and Kayden groans, fisting the back of my hair.

He draws his mouth to mine, his eyes a dilated mess. “It’s selfish of me, but please, tell me you haven’t been with anyone else,” he heaves.

“The last time I was with anyone, it was you,” I whisper against his lips, and he takes a quick breath of relief. “I couldn’t even think about being with anyone else but you.”

Kayden looks down at me with his dark, hooded eyes, and I flash him a sweet, innocent smile.

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