Page 99 of Bonding with the Beta

I’ve never been compared to Silas Shaw, let alone been told I’m looked up to. It’s an honour and a privilege I’ll forever hold onto because as long as I can make this world a better place, I won’t stop doing what I love.

“You don’t have to say anything.” Nina shakes her head and steps away. “I just wanted you to know. When’s our next session?”

“Friday.”

“We’ll be there.” Evan nods.

“If we can walk by Friday,” Nina says light-heartedly.

I laugh gently. “Even if you have to crawl.”

Evan and Nina flash me a smile before turning around and walking back to the pack house. I stay standing and drink in their compliments. A bright grin slashes its way across my face, and I remind myself this is exactly who I wanted to be.

31

KAYLEIGH

“Are you sure you want to stay up, Kayleigh? You’re already exhausted as it is,” Evie says as she adjusts her bag on her shoulder.

I hum with a nod. “Yeah. I’m going to read over it a couple more times before I submit it. Make sure it’s perfect.”

Evie huffs out a breath. “Okay, if you’re sure. Don’t stay up too late. It’s already two in the morning.”

“Ugh, don’t remind me.” I flash her a lazy smile before rubbing my sore eyes. “But I’ll head to bed soon.”

“Alright.” She grabs my shoulder and squeezes. “I’ll see you later.”

“Bye.”

When she leaves, I turn back to my laptop and glance around the silent library. I couldn’t stand another second being cooped up in my bedroom. I needed the space to focus, and this essay is easily one of the best I’ve ever written.

I rest my chin on my fist as I read over the essay again despite the throbbing behind my eyes. I want nothing more than for it to be perfect and for Professor Harvey to give me a good grade after my hard work.

My fingers press to the trackpad as I scroll down, and a second later, the screen goes black. I stare back, dumbfounded, seeing my expression in the reflection. I grip the charger and ensure it’s plugged in before tapping the spacebar repeatedly.

It doesn’t boot up again.

“What the fuck?” I mumble to myself.

My fingers move to the on button as a rush of dread shoots through my spine.

No. No. No.

My essay.

I swear if my essay is gone…I’m going to scream until I bleed.

My hands slip beneath my laptop, and I flinch from the heat projecting from the bottom. I bite the inside of my cheek a little too hard, and the taste of copper fills my mouth.

“Shit,” I hiss and continue to press any button.

A moment later, the screen powers back up, and I release a long sigh of relief. I chew on my nail as I wait for it to load up, and as soon as I see the home screen, I rush to my documents folder—except there is nothing there.

My entire laptop has been wiped.

“Fuck, fuck, fuck,” I chant before scurrying between folders, desperate to find any version.

But it’s gone.

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