Page 9 of Bonding with the Beta

“I don’t think you’re weird,” the words slip from the back of my throat quicker than intended.

Kayleigh’s entire body jumps off the ground at the sound of my voice, a hand slapping to her chest as she turns to me with wide eyes. “Jesus Christ,” she gasps. “What the fuck are you doing here?”

“This is also my bathroom.” I chuckle lightly. “Did I not explain that? My bad.”

“No,” she exhales exasperatedly. “You didn’t.”

Kayleigh slaps two hands to her face and closes her eyes. “Oh, God,” she murmurs. “How much of that did you hear?”

I shrug once and decide to spare her the embarrassment. “I just got here. But I stand by what I said. I don’t think you’re weird.”

“So, you did hear,” she murmurs and clenches her eyes tight. “Fuck my life. Honestly. Please ignore me. I promise I’m being a drama queen; it's what I’m known best for.”

Hard to ignore when you’re also in my mind.

The corners of my lip twitches upwards, and her eyes slowly begin to dip down my bare chest. If I thought she was blushing before, she’s about to burst right now. I glance down for a second, realising I’m in nothing but my boxers.

Holy. Fucking. Shit.

God, are you punishing me right now?

Her voice echoes around my head breathlessly. I tighten one fist in an attempt not to feel anything over the obvious, subtle compliment. But it’s near impossible, especially when her eyes look like they might pop out of her head at the sight of my abs.

“Right,” she rasps, drawing her eyes to mine rapidly. “I need to go to bed.”

She takes two steps to the door to leave, but I stay where I am. She releases a small, frustrated sigh. “Excuse me.”

“Sorry,” I whisper, but I don’t move.

Those big blue eyes look up at me as she swallows around the lump in her throat. “Kayden,” she murmurs desperately.

I step to the left until there is enough room for her to slip her body past. She dips her eyes and doesn’t look at me again as she heads down the hall and shuts her door with a firm slam.

My hand rests on the doorway as I allow my lips to curl. I shouldn’t be entertaining this. I shouldn’t be enjoying our encounters. It’s only going to end in disaster.

She’s not your mate, Kayden,I tell myself for the hundredth time.

It’s not only going to be a thought; it’s going to be a daily affirmation.

4

KAYLEIGH

When Ava told me about her baby shower, we decided to make a weekend trip out of it. I barely see her as it is, and I need to make up for the two years we lost.

“It’s just over here on the left.” Ava points as I steer my car towards the shimmering lake.

“Oh, wow.” I admire the still, clear water and the vibrant greenery growing over the lake. “It’s stunning.”

Ava nods in agreement. “It’s beautiful, isn’t it? This place is special to me. It was one of the first places I let my walls down after everything, and Jaxon was so patient with me. I learnt a lot about him and about who I am as a person.”

My heart skips a beat at her declaration. “Well, thank you for sharing it with me.”

She leans over and takes my hand. “You will always be a special person in my life, no matter how long we’ve been apart. Nothing can break our friendship.Nothing.”

“It’s only ten o’clock. I’ve got a hangover, and we’re already starting to get soppy?”

Ava laughs, and I adore seeing her smile. Her happiness is almost contagious, and it makes me forget about everything elsegoing on in the back of my mind. “That’s what champagne does to you,” she admits.

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