Page 175 of Bonding with the Beta

Kayleigh’s cheeks raise in a pink tint as she drops her head an inch. “Yeah,” she whispers. “I know.”

“Then look at me,” I demand.

She sucks in a breath and tilts those pretty blue eyes to me. In this moment, I know she feels seen and vulnerable, but that’s not particularly a bad thing. Therapy can’t be easy, although the step she’s taken is brave, and the pride in my chest glows to think about her trying to achieve a healthy mentality.

“You are incredible, okay?”

Kayleigh laughs hesitantly. “I’m–”

“You are.” I squeeze her fingers. “I don’t want to hear anything else.”

She clamps her lips shut and nods. “Okay. Thank you.”

My thumb brushes over her knuckles gently as I stare at our hands moulded together. I swallow the growing lump in my throat. My eyes move back up to find her already looking at me.

“Did you know that you’re my soulmate?”

She laughs again. “Sure. We’re soulmates.”

My eyes narrow. “No, Kayleigh. You’re my actual soulmate.”

“Who told you that…the Gods?”

“Not the Gods, but someone with lots of knowledge.”

Kayleigh pulls back and stares at me for a long time. “What are you talking about, Kayden?”

My lips curl at the sides. “I went to the elders months ago.”

“Who?”

“They’re a group of people who live in the mountains, who are well into their hundreds. They’ve seen a lot in the werewolf world, and they know a lot. I went to ask them why I can hear your thoughts.”

Kayleigh blinks in surprise. “And what did they say?”

“They said I can hear your thoughts because you are my soulmate.”

“I am so confused.” She chuckles hesitantly but doesn’t take her weary eyes off me. “W-what about your actual mate?”

I shake my head. “She doesn’t matter. We were never compatible. It’s always been you.”

Kayleigh is silent for a long moment before her fingers brush her lips. “Kayden, this?—”

“I know,” I cut over her. “I’m willing to take you there so you can hear it first hand from them. You deserve answers and reassurance, and this will give it to you. Will you come with me?”

Her throat contracts as she pulls her hands into her lap.

“What if they meet me and tell us they were wrong?”

“They won’t.”

“How do you know?”

“Because I know exactly how I feel about you, Kayleigh.”

She flicks her gaze to me. “This sounds crazy.”

“Completely, but please come with me and let them explain.”

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