Page 114 of Bonding with the Beta

Once we are settled outside in peace and without distractions, I stare back at Kayleigh’s curious face. I don’t remove my hand from hers for a second as she chews on her lip with anticipation.

“Are you sure you want to see him again?”

She nods without hesitation. “Yes, I want to understand you and your world more. It might help me come to terms with everything you said.”

Everything I’m missing out on and will never understand.

I frown at her quick thought that crosses my mind. I shake it away slowly and drop her hand as we step into the clearing. My fingers raise to remove my clothes one by one until I’m in nothing but my boxers.

“If you feel faint for a single second, Kayleigh?—”

“I won’t,” she exhales. “I’m prepared this time.”

My eyes roam her expression for a moment before nodding. “Okay.”

One moment, I’m standing on two legs; the next, my bones are snapping until fur bursts from my skin, my teeth grow into sharp canines, and my dark eyes sharpen with focus.

Kayleigh doesn’t take a step back as I press my paws into the grass beneath me. She moves forward with bright eyes and rosy cheeks. I can’t ask her to do anything in my shifted body, but it’s like she already knows exactly what to do. She runs her fingers through the fur on my neck and smiles. My entire body erupts into goosebumps as all my hairs stand on edge within seconds.

“Oh my God,” she murmurs. “I can’t believe this is happening.”

This is actually insane. This is real, Kayleigh.

Her thoughts make me chuckle, but she doesn’t run in the opposite direction. She stays here—with me.

“Does your wolf hate me touching him because I’m not his mate?”

The question is like a spear to the heart as I stare at Kayleigh’s face and how determined she is to keep it together.

I take a moment to tune into my wolf and his sensations, surprised they’re not stronger in pushing her away. The entire time I’ve known Kayleigh, he hasn’t hated her presence or touch—if anything, he likes knowing I’m happy.

I’ve been told in the past that my wolf will turn his back on anyone who isn’t his mate, so why is he so content around Kayleigh? I thought this would be harder, but instead, it feels like the easiest thing in the world.

My head shakes, and before I know what’s happening, I’m nuzzling my snout into her wrist as she chuckles gently and scratches beneath my chin.

I close my eyes at the euphoria of her simple touch, sparking fireworks around my sternum. Her skin is warm, and the smoothness makes me shudder as she takes her time exploring my fur.

“I’ve never seen a wolf before,” she comments. “Even in the wild. You’re bigger than I thought you’d be.”

My insides tighten, and my ego becomes impossibly bigger. I open my eyes and stare up at this beautiful woman giving me a chance, even if this seems incredibly dysfunctional.

My head spins faster than it ever has before.

Nothing makes sense.

But do I want it to when my life with Kayleigh is perfect as it is?

I don’t want anything to change.

I don’t want anything else.

I wanther.

After a few moments, I take a step back and shift into my human form again. Kayleigh blinks in surprise at the way my bones snap back into place and my fur sinks into my skin.

“Holy hell,” she gasps as I stand above her. “That’s so strange to watch. I’m not sure if I’ll ever get used to that.”

I grin back at her and cup her cheek. “Do you know how much this is turning me on?”

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