Beauty and The Beta (Bailey)
74

74

Chapter 74-Asher What is it about that woman that messes with my mind? Puts me on edge and makes me questionmy own sanity? Not to mention the fact my wolf seems to have gone missing in action ever since Icaught 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 feeluneasy 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 youwere checking up on us.” Oh, wonderful, just what I needed, another teacher making comments implying things too. I shouldjust 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 ofstaff to check she had settled in okay.” I said curtly, beginning to get irritated at their implication thatI was here because I wanted to be. Or, event 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 furtherfrom the truth with that. Had Eden not forced me to be here, I would be sitting back in my office witha coffee in my hand, feeling perfectly fine. “Oh.” Gabby said with an uncomfortable nod, looking at me fearfully like I had roared at her orsomething. I swear, this reputation of me as being this grumpy and moody guy was so 11 14 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 definitelyearn it usually, but there was nothing. He was definitely deserting me right now. Ah well, not like itmade much difference. It just meant I wouldn’t be going for my usual run with him. Plus, on apositive note, it means I get to have some peace. I quickly pushed the door open of the school, glad to get away, and try to free my mind of everythingthat 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 tosee 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?” Iasked, 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 hadmet 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 whyAlli wanted me to leave? I simply nodded. “Well, I shall leave you to it then. I do believe she is in theclassroom with your Mum.” “Asher, are you okay?” Marc started to walk alongside me, as I began to walk away. “I know you gotuncomfortable at us III 1288 Wouchers talking about this the other day, but you seem genuinely disappointed now at the mention of mecalling in to see Bailey. If you are unsure of how you feel for her, then I understand that, you know? Iwill head home, tell Mum I got held up at work.” I gave him a dark glare. “For f**k’s sake. What is it with people implying this today? Miss Waterdalejust implied the same thing, I am sure of it, and I am sure your Mum is dropping hints. There isnothing between Miss West and I. Eden asked me to check in on her. Told me to make herwelcome. I am rubbish with people, you know that. But, it seems to involve me having to be aroundher more than I may like.” I snapped, and I found Marc looking at me curiously, with a smirk uponhis face. “Okay. If you say so. You were always a weird one, Ash.” He nodded. “I may head back to workanyway. I missed some training to come here, and if I go into school Mum will likely replace me thingsto 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 G***a realizes he will kick my a**” He chuckled. “So, if he sees mewith 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 66 73% III 11:15 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 Iheard, 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 toreconsider that thought that you aren’t interested in her, Ash.” He playfully slapped me on theshoulder. “Wouldn’t be in any shame in it. You wouldn’t be betraying Isla either. It has been sevenyears now. Finding another mate wouldn’t be the end of the world. Better than being alone, right?” I quickly increased my speed. “F**k off Marc. You haven’t got a f**g clue.” 85.331