Beauty and The Beta (Bailey)

Chapter 0111

What is it about that woman that messes with my mind? Puts me on edge and makes me question my own sanity? Not to mention the fact my wolf seems to have gone missing in action ever since I caught him all but gazing adoringly at her. None of this made sense. She was no connection to me, nor would she be. And the way Alli was suddenly dropping these bizarre comments made me feel uneasy.

I rushed from the classroom, down the now empty corridor toward the school door. “Ah here again, Beta Asher?” Gabby the other teacher, greeted me with a cheeky wink. “Anyone would think you were checking up on us.”

Oh, wonderful, just what I needed, another teacher making comments implying things too. I should just have stayed in my office. It was safer there. There were no other people...

“No, Miss Waterdale. Here simply, as Luna Eden asked of me, checking in on the new member of staff to check she had settled in okay.” I said curtly, beginning to get irritated at their implication that I was here because I wanted to be. Or, even because there was something between Bailey and I. Because I am certain that that was what they were trying to imply. Well, they could not be further from the truth with that. Had Eden not forced me to be here, I would be sitting back in my office with a coffee in my hand, feeling perfectly fine.

“Oh.” Gabby said with an uncomfortable nod, looking at me fearfully like I had roared at her or something. I swear, this reputation of me as being this grumpy and moody guy was so over- exaggerated. I was not that bad…

I waited, expecting a sly dig from Zion at this point, as that sort of thought from me would definitely earn it usually, but there was nothing. He was definitely deserting me right now. Ah well, not like it made much difference. It just meant I wouldn’t be going for my usual run with him. Plus, on a positive note, it means I get to have some peace.All text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.

I quickly pushed the door open of the school, glad to get away, and try to free my mind of everything that had happened today, but as I do leave the school I am surprised to see Marc standing there. “Hey Asher.” He greeted me with a smile.

I nodded at him in acknowledgment to his greeting, but I could not help but wonder if he was here to see his Mum or Bailey…

“You okay?” he asked me, frowning slightly, likely at my overjoyed face. “You don’t look too happy.”

“I am fine. Getting a little tired of running errands for other people. You here to meet your Mum?” I asked, unable to help myself. Feeling an undeniable need to answer my curiosity.

“Mum suggested I come and welcome Bailey.” He said with a smile. “I mentioned to her that I had met her the other day, and she found the story quite amusing.”

My breathing began to quicken for no apparent reason. He was here to see Bailey… Was that why Alli wanted me to leave? I simply nodded. “Well, I shall leave you to it then. I do believe she is in the classroom with your Mum.”

“Asher, are you okay?” Marc started to walk alongside me, as I began to walk away. “I know you got uncomfortable at us talking about this the other day, but you seem genuinely disappointed now at the mention of me calling in to see Bailey. If you are unsure of how you feel for her, then I understand that, you know? I will head home, tell Mum I got held up at work.”

I gave him a dark glare. “For fuck's sake. What is it with people implying this today? Miss Waterdale just implied the same thing, I am sure of it, and I am sure your Mum is dropping hints. There is nothing between Miss West and I. Eden asked me to check in on her. Told me to make her welcome. I am rubbish with people, you know that. But, it seems to involve me having to be around her more than I may like.” I snapped, and I found Marc looking at me curiously, with a smirk upon his face.

“Okay. If you say so. You were always a weird one, Ash.” He nodded. “I may head back to work anyway. I missed some training to come here, and if I go into school Mum will likely find me things to do, and I will never get away.”

“You don’t need to make excuses for me Marc.” I told him with a roll of my eyes, wondering if his excuse was for my benefit, thinking he did not believe my reasoning.

“Oh it isn’t. I snuck away, and if Gamma realizes he will kick my ass.” He chuckled. “So, if he sees me with you, he may go easy on me.”

I rolled my eyes at him. “So you are using me as your excuse?” I questioned.

“What are old brother-in-laws for?” he grinned, and I laughed.

“Fair enough.” I said with a shrug.

“So, did the beautiful Bailey have a good first day?” Marc asked me with a smile and I rolled my eyes once more.

“If you think she is that beautiful Marc, then go back to school.” I told him icily. “But, from what I heard, yes, she loved it.”

“Need to keep hold of this one, eh?”

What the hell did that mean? “Why would I need to keep hold of her?” I snapped.

Marc laughed, and with a shake of his head he looked at me. “Hmm. I think you may want to reconsider that thought that you aren’t interested in her, Ash.” He playfully slapped me on the shoulder. “Wouldn’t be in any shame in it. You wouldn’t be betraying Isla either. It has been seven years now. Finding another mate wouldn’t be the end of the world. Better than being alone, right?”

I quickly increased my speed. “Fuck off Marc. You haven’t got a fucking clue.”