Beauty and The Beta (Bailey)

Chapter 0209

The excitement in the car from Morgan was palpable, as we set off toward the Lotus Shadow Pack. I think she was excited at the prospect of introducing everyone to her fated mate, but with her this giddy, and the dread filling my stomach... not to mention the fact Asher was constantly at the back of my mind, it could be one hell of a long drive! Marc had offered to drive us in his pick-up truck, so Morgan and I had packed our things up and rushed out to meet him in the parking spaces outside the packhouse.

He was standing waiting, leaning against his car with the biggest smile upon his face the moment his eyes had settled upon Morgan. And it had taken him no time at all to load his truck up with our bags. As we were getting into the truck, movement near the doors of the packhouse had caught my eyes and Morgan had very, non-discreetly, cleared her throat too, and when I looked up, it was Asher. Looking to be returning in nothing but a pair of trousers. I could only assume he had been on a run. No shirt... his toned chest on display... looking perfect... like it had done only yesterday. That muscly chest, dappled with dark hair... the chest I had only yesterday rested my head on in sheer bliss...

My heart rate increased at the sight of him. And, I was about to rush to him to say goodbye, when his dark gaze fell upon us, he gave me a swift nod, before he moved inside the packhouse. My heart fell at his actions. Had the fact I was choosing to follow the orders of my father and Alpha irritated him that much? I had quickly got into the truck, and allowed Marc to drive us away from the packhouse, knowing we needed to get on the road anyway. But now, my mind was whirling with doubts of Asher even harder than it had been before...Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!

"It is only two days, Bai, then you can fix everything.” Morgan says suddenly, taking me by surprise. I glared at her. I didn't know that Marc was aware of everything between Asher and I.

Marc's gaze flicked back at me from the rear-view mirror, and he chuckled. "What you looking at your sister like that for? For implying there was something between you and Ash? I've known him a long time now, Bailey. I knew something or someone had got under his skin soon after you had arrived. Then, when I saw how he reacted that time I helped you when you were lost, I knew he was confused about you. Things evolved from there, as you well know. I just think Ash has battled his own emotions. Scared to admit how he feels, scared he is betraying his own past."

I released a deep breath at Marc's

words, and felt so bad for Asher. I think deep down I knew all of that. But hearing it from somebody else who knew Asher well, made it seem more real. But, knowing he had liked me from then seemed crazy! He acted like I was a pain in his ass...

"I think things may be a mess." I muttered.

"Because he has a grumpy ass on him because you had to come to the wedding of your former fated mate?" Marc questioned and I nodded.

But, realizing he wasn't looking because he was focused on driving, I whispered. "Yes. But, it isn't what I want to do. Our Dad expects us to do what is asked of him. Keep his reputation perfect."

Marc nodded. "I understand. My Dad

was similar. High expectations.

Could be a pain in the ass

sometimes. But, there does come a

point, Bai, where you have to consider what you want. I am guessing that is why you haven't denounced your old pack and officially joined ours?"

Morgan looked at me with curiosity, and I shrugged. "I think I always hoped I could when I found a job. Get away from Miles and his control for good. But when the time came, I knew it would be frowned upon. I was scared I would be letting my Dad down. Worried it could affect his role as Beta. Our pack doesn't really accept people denouncing themselves. Reasons for leaving a pack are for a mate, or being kicked out. Though my Dad did allow me to come here to work, which had made me hope, with a little time, he would consider me formally becoming a pack member there. But, I didn't want to disappoint him or have people questioning his choice either."