Beauty and The Beta (Bailey) novel Chapter 190

I had a slightly later start today for training, so I was loitering in the breakfast hall, kicking back with my third, or it could even have been my fourth coffee, and yet another pastry. The new chef was a whizz in the kitchen, and the pastries they made were beyond delicious… probably not the best for my waistline, but, it wasn’t like I wouldn’t be burning it off in a little while on the training field… or in the gym tonight. The joy of being a dedicated warrior. Not like I had much else to do.

Most of the other guys from my squad had left already, so I was sitting on my own. I had thought I might catch a glimpse of Bailey, see how she was doing. She was always good for a catch-up. She was fun and easy to chat with. Easy on the eye too, to be fair, but I had a feeling Asher had a bit of a thing for her, not that I think he would ever admit that to me. No, he never would. And, after I had caught them together in the forest the other day, I was even more adamant he was with her, but when I tried to broach the subject with him, he got defensive and told me to mind my own business… or he said he wouldn’t betray Isla that way…

The thing was, I knew he had to be lonely. Seven long years without his mate had to be taking its toll. I wonder if he had feelings for Bailey that scared him, so he was battling an internal battle. Which was why I had stopped questioning him. If he was battling with himself, he did not need to be battling me asking questions too. The thing was, he had no reason to fear my feelings or my Mum's for that matter. Yes, Isla was our family, but we loved Asher like family too, and we just wanted the grumpy old fool to be happy.

And when I saw him with Bailey, I could see something different in him. A spark that hadn't been there for a long time. A potential for happiness. So, I just hoped he gave into those feelings. He deserved to be happy. He deserved another chance at love. At happiness. He shouldn’t be lonely forever, and I am certain that my sister would have thought the same thing.

So, while I made a point of being friends with Bailey, as I enjoyed her company, and my Mum had asked me to keep an eye out for her within the pack, I never tried it on with her. But, there had been no sight of her this morning either. So, I was sitting alone, nursing my coffee like a proper sad little loner, when suddenly my nose was filled with the most delectable scent.

Violet and vanilla… instantly my wolf was bouncing around within my mind, and he was normally well away in the land of nod until training began at this point of the day, but this scent had us both on the edge of our seat… my eyes darted to the door… that scent was not one that was usually within our pack… and I noticed a slim, beautiful young she-wolf walk through the double doors. Dressed in a cute little outfit. Very modern and fashionable, no doubt. Her long, dark hair slicked back into a high ponytail, which only went to show off the beauty of her face. She had the most gorgeous brown eyes. Where the hell had she come from?!

And those eyes were framed with long, dark lashes, as they quickly darted around the room. Looking more than a little panicked. Had she scented us too? I went to stand up and make my way to her, desperate to speak with her… touch her… know her name… I had never been in a hurry to find my fated mate before. Always enjoying the company of women… yes, I had a reputation as a bit of a ladies' man… I liked the ladies, and they seemed to like me… but, now? Now she is here, I don’t think anyone else would do…