Page 3 of Bonding with the Beta (Fated Souls #2)

3

KAYDEN

S omething weird is going on.

That something being Kayleigh and her wandering thoughts. The most important question is, why can I hear them?

It doesn’t make any sense. Wolves are only meant to hear their family's and pack members' thoughts. And of course, their mate, but Kayleigh is one hundred percent not my mate.

I would know. I’m sure of it.

Kayleigh is attractive; anyone with a set of eyes can see it. But when I saw her for the first time over a year ago, my wolf didn’t stir inside me at the sight and scent of her. I didn’t get that infamous urge of overwhelming protectiveness that everyone always talks about—including Jaxon.

All day at the baby shower, I’ve been hearing glimpses and repeated sentences in my head as if she’s trying to get herself together. At first, I thought there was some kind of misunderstanding, but when I realised her lips weren’t moving and her voice was in my head, I knew something strange was happening.

Most importantly, how?

It’s been driving me insane despite how well I’ve been trying to conceal my expression. It probably explains why I’ve been following her around like a lost puppy. It's embarrassing, but I’m eager to find out what the hell is going on.

Although, what I found most bizarre was when she zoned out during Jaxon’s speech about Ava. I couldn’t hear a single thing she was thinking. She had completely gone into her own head. It was like she was replaying a memory, yet I was pushed out of the experience.

She’s not the only one who has a headache.

My mind is so loud, filled with her thoughts and mine alike.

I’m going insane, I’m sure of it.

I watch her from across the kitchen as she stands with Ava. Her light curls brush her shoulders as they fall, perfectly framing her face. Her vibrant baby blue eyes flick between Ava’s as she speaks, and I don’t miss the pink tint on her cheeks—most likely from the endless glasses of champagne she’s had.

Deep down, I know I shouldn’t be entertaining the situation like I was earlier. The second I saw the little fleck of icing on her lip, I couldn’t help myself.

I heard her breathing hitch and the beat of her heart increase. I shouldn’t have enjoyed the way her body began to shudder. A shot of adrenaline rushed through my spine, knowing I had some sort of effect on her.

She’s not your mate, I remind myself. So stay the fuck away.

When the baby shower is over, Jaxon sends Ava up to bed so he can clean up the kitchen. Kayleigh interjects and tells him she can help and he should be with Ava. He thanks her, looking unbelievably relieved, then leaves us alone in the kitchen.

She begins to stack up the cups and the plates with half-eaten cake on them. I walk towards the dishwasher beside her and start making myself useful. It’s Ava and Jaxon’s day after all; this is the least I can do for them before there is a little one running around.

Kayleigh peeks her eyes up at me but doesn’t say anything. My eyes dart to her exposed neck. Now her hair is tucked behind her back, I can physically see her pulse jump out of her veins as I begin to fill the dishwasher.

Her nerves practically radiate off her, and I have no idea why—until her thoughts come flooding into my mind.

You had one job, Kayleigh. One job not to totally embarrass yourself.

I frown at her harsh words and the way each syllable is enunciated.

“Did you have a good day?” I ask, snapping her out of her trance.

The deep scowl on her face drops immediately, and she glances at me. “Huh?”

“The baby shower?”

“Oh.” Her cheeks turn a deeper shade of pink. “Yeah. It was nice. Probably should have stayed away from all that champagne. Especially in this head spa–”

The words die in her mouth, and she clears her throat, busying herself with finding a dishwasher tablet. I don’t push her. “Will be nice for you to see Ava more often.”

Kayleigh nods but avoids my eyes. “Yes, and the baby.”

Once the kitchen is clean, I wipe my hands on a tea towel and lean against the counter. “Do you know where your room is?”

I presume she’s staying over and not driving over the limit. Not that I’d let her anyway.

“Uh…” she trails off and drags her eyes up to mine, nipping her bottom lip. “No, but I’m sure I can find it.”

“I’ll show you.” I beckon my head to the stairs. “Don’t want you getting lost.”

Her hand brushes the back of her neck. “Yeah, this place is like a maze.”

Kayleigh grabs her bag, and we head up the stairs. I step out onto the hall and drop my head into the spare room which has fresh bed sheets and towels. “This would be you,” I say, rapping my knuckles on the wooden door.

She peeks her head inside and flashes me a forced smile. “Thanks.”

“The bathroom is next door,” I say, throwing my thumb over my shoulder.

“Thank you,” she exhales again.

“Well…” I step away. “Good night, Kayleigh. If you need anything, I’m down the hall. First door on the right.”

Kayleigh nods once. “Good night, Kayden.”

I walk down the hall and hear her door shut behind me as I reach my room. I strip out of my clothes, leaving me in nothing but my black boxers. I perch on the edge of my bed and plug my phone in to charge, scrolling through my notifications.

A deep sigh escapes my chest, and I throw my phone down onto the cover and make my way down the hall to the bathroom. I pulled the short straw not getting an en-suite with my room, but because I share with the guest bedroom, I normally have it to myself—except at this moment.

I don’t even need to hear her thoughts because she’s speaking them out loud to herself in the reflection. I pause by the half-opened door and study her in those mint-green silk pyjamas, a cropped shirt, and tiny shorts. My lungs clench for a moment.

“What is wrong with you, Kayleigh? I swear you do these things to make people think you’re weird.”

The grip she has on the sink basin makes her knuckles turn white. She focuses on her eyes and nowhere else. I should probably leave and give her some privacy, but I can’t find it in myself to walk away.

“I don’t think you’re weird,” the words slip from the back of my throat quicker than intended.

Kayleigh’s entire body jumps off the ground at the sound of my voice, a hand slapping to her chest as she turns to me with wide eyes. “Jesus Christ,” she gasps. “What the fuck are you doing here?”

“This is also my bathroom.” I chuckle lightly. “Did I not explain that? My bad.”

“No,” she exhales exasperatedly. “You didn’t.”

Kayleigh slaps two hands to her face and closes her eyes. “Oh, God,” she murmurs. “How much of that did you hear?”

I shrug once and decide to spare her the embarrassment. “I just got here. But I stand by what I said. I don’t think you’re weird.”

“So, you did hear,” she murmurs and clenches her eyes tight. “Fuck my life. Honestly. Please ignore me. I promise I’m being a drama queen; it's what I’m known best for.”

Hard to ignore when you’re also in my mind.

The corners of my lip twitches upwards, and her eyes slowly begin to dip down my bare chest. If I thought she was blushing before, she’s about to burst right now. I glance down for a second, realising I’m in nothing but my boxers.

Holy. Fucking. Shit.

God, are you punishing me right now?

Her voice echoes around my head breathlessly. I tighten one fist in an attempt not to feel anything over the obvious, subtle compliment. But it’s near impossible, especially when her eyes look like they might pop out of her head at the sight of my abs.

“Right,” she rasps, drawing her eyes to mine rapidly. “I need to go to bed.”

She takes two steps to the door to leave, but I stay where I am. She releases a small, frustrated sigh. “Excuse me.”

“Sorry,” I whisper, but I don’t move.

Those big blue eyes look up at me as she swallows around the lump in her throat. “Kayden,” she murmurs desperately.

I step to the left until there is enough room for her to slip her body past. She dips her eyes and doesn’t look at me again as she heads down the hall and shuts her door with a firm slam.

My hand rests on the doorway as I allow my lips to curl. I shouldn’t be entertaining this. I shouldn’t be enjoying our encounters. It’s only going to end in disaster.

She’s not your mate, Kayden, I tell myself for the hundredth time.

It’s not only going to be a thought; it’s going to be a daily affirmation.