Page 127 of Bonding with the Beta

She nods instantly, almost desperately.

My arms snake around her body, and I tug her into my chest. She releases a deep sigh as she touches my bare skin.

I gently brush my fingers up and down her spine. We stay like this for a while, neither of us uttering a word to each other. I listen to her breathing and feel my heartbeat slow to regulate with hers.

Kayleigh pulls back slightly, and I raise my hand to cup the back of her head.

“Why did you come to mine?” she croaks, her withdrawn eyes flicking between mine. “We were literally texting a few minutes before. H-how did you…know?

I sigh and brush away a clump of blonde hair from her cheek. “I knew something was wrong, Kayleigh.”

Her lips part. “What do you mean?”

“There is something I haven’t told you,” I rasp.

“Haven’t told me what?

“You’re going to think this is absolutely mad, and I don’t expect you to understand because I don’t understand it mysel–”

Kayleigh drops her hand down onto my chest. “Kayden, please just tell me.”

A wave of her anxiety showcases on her face. So, I come out with it.

“Sometimes, I can hear your thoughts,” I admit.

Her expression stiffens, and then her eyes narrow. “What?”

“I know it sounds equally as mad as when I told you about being a wolf,” I say softly. “But I’ve heard your thoughts from the moment I met you. The day you saw me walking into the kitchen, and you thought I was the most handsome man you’ve ever seen.”

Kayleigh’s face glows brighter than a red traffic light. I wait for her to start blubbering nonsense, but she doesn’t. “What else have you heard?” she gulps nervously.

“Not everything,” I clarify. “Nothing too invasive. I promise.”

Her brows dip as she roams my face. “And last night?”

“It was like sirens were going off in my head. I could hear your voice as if in the distance. I could feel your distress.” I drop my hand from her face to take her hand. “I was nearby with Jaxon. I came as soon as I knew something was wrong.”

“H-how?” she stutters. “How is that even possible?”

“I don’t know, but it’s what some wolves can do with their mates. Jaxon can hear Ava’s thoughts.”

Kayleigh freezes at my words. “I don’t understand. You said I’m not your mate.”

“I know, it’s something else between us. It must be.”

“Oh.”

“Do you want to talk about what happened?”

She shakes her head. “No.”

“Do you want to go to the police?”

“No. I doubt it’ll hold up anyway; his face will be black and blue. I don’t want you getting in trouble for me,” she murmurs.

My lips curl, and I cup her cheek. “Don’t worry about me, blondie. I couldn’t care less about what happens to me as long as he never comes near you again.”

“Did I take you away from your work?”

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