Page 154 of Bonding with the Beta

My heart aches at the invisible ties that are knotted around Kayleigh’s. It might not be the same as a matebond, but it’s our own. She makes me feel like I’m floating through water and I’m physically weightless.

“Fine,” I exhale. “We’ll go to see the elders.”

“Good.” She raises her head. “We’ll head out tomorrow. Pick me up at midday.”

I’ve lostcount of the number of times I’ve called Kayleigh. She never picks up or answers my texts. Maybe I deserve this for the pain I’m putting her through, but going to see the elders will give me a better understanding of the situation.

I should have gone earlier. I should have committed to finding out the truth.

This situation might have been completely different if I had.

I don’t want to lose her.

My stomach churns at the possibility of never being with her again.

Ava sits on the porch, sipping on green tea. She senses me but doesn’t turn. I sigh silently and lean against the decking fence.

“Have you heard from her?” I ask.

“Yes.”

“What has she said?”

Ava shrugs. “She doesn’t want to talk to you, so I’m not going to tell you.”

“You’re angry at me; I know that.” I grit my jaw. “But I never intended for her to get hurt. My feelings for her are real.”

Her nostrils flare as she turns around to face me. “Then why is my best friend wondering why she’s not good enough?”

“This situation is impossible, Ava, and you know it.”

“Or maybe you shouldn’t have been playing with her heart in the first place.”

“I want her, Ava. I wanther. No one else.”

Ava hums unconvincingly.

“I’m going to see the elders,” I state. “To try and understand all of this.”

Ava glances away again. “Good for you. Enjoy your journey with your mate.”

51

KAYDEN

“Can you turn down the heating?” Harley asks as she loops her finger into the hem of her hoodie and tugs.

I narrow my eyes. “The heating isn’t on.”

“Then can we turn on the air conditioning? I’m literally suffocating.”

My gaze flicks from the road to the centre console where I flick on the air conditioning and turn it up. It blasts through the vents, and Harley flinches.

“Goddess,” she moans. “Not that high.”

I grip onto the steering wheel. “Then do it yourself.”

“Fine,” she huffs. “I will.”

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