Page 90 of Bonding with the Beta

After a stern mindlink from Jaxon about needing me at home, I know I can’t let the pack down, not now he’s put me in charge. But leaving Kayleigh? That makes me feel like the worst person on this planet, especially after everything we experienced today.

“I’m sorry,” I say, resting my hand on the steering wheel. “I really,reallywant to, but I have something I need to do back home.”

“Oh–” Kayleigh’s voice hitches. “That’s okay.”

Her head ducks, hiding the disappointment on her face. She undoes her seatbelt, and a few strands of blonde hair fall in front of her face.

“Thanks for today,” she says, finally looking at me.

There is a slight reservation in her eyes, and I despise the way she’s waiting for me to change my mind. She pauses for another second, clearly unsure if I will kiss her goodbye, but she slips out of the car without a chance for me to.

“Bye,” she says, slams the door shut, and begins to leave.

“Fuck,” I curse to myself, knowing I’ve let her walk away.

God, you’re so stupid, Kayleigh. You scared him off.

She shakes her head to herself as she reaches the door to the block of apartments.

No. No. No. That is the last thing she did.

I drag my hand through my hair, my eyes burning into the back of her head.

He probably feels sorry for you.

She’s spiralling. And I’m letting her.

As she pushes her way through the doors, I undo my seatbelt and rip the keys from the ignition. “Fuck it,” I murmur and follow her.

Kayleigh shared something with me that was so incredibly deep and personal. Things that will probably be floating around her head all night, and I’m allowing it? No. I was raised to be better than that.

I’m not like her ex. I never will be.

Jaxon, I’m not going to be able to make it.

He’s going to fucking kill me. But right now, this is more important.

I jog across the car park and reach the building.

Kayden, are you serious? This is important.Jaxon’s voice booms through my head, his words harsh and punchy.

I’ve got to do something, okay? You can fill me in tomorrow.

It better be fucking important,he grumbles.And you better make it up to me.

I run up two flights of stairs to reach Kayleigh’s hallway. I turn left and watch as she places her keys into her door, herblack oversized jumper barely covering her thighs. Her head turns to me as she hears my footsteps.

She blinks once and then twice. “Did I forget something?”

I take long strides to reach her. “Yeah,” I breathe out. “This.”

Her big blue eyes scan my body with curiosity until I grip her cheeks and press her against her dorm door. My lips collide with hers, and she lets out a tiny gasp as I cover her body with mine.

“I’m sorry,” I whisper against her lips.

She kisses me again, her tongue swiping across mine gently. Her fists tighten onto my T-shirt, holding me in place as I taste her perfect lips. I pull away ever so slightly.

“I’m sorry.” I hold her face, forcing her eyes to mine so she listens. “I shouldn’t have left you after what you told me. I should have stayed.”

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