Beauty and

Chapter 23 Bailey

I approached the house with a content feeling in my chest. Harley could be my savior. Yes, I was disappointed about this teaching role, but perhaps I could look for one closer to his Mum’s former pack he planned to move us to. Wow. A chosen mate. A handsome warrior too. One that actually liked the fact I had gained my degree.

Taking him as a chosen mate is okay, isn’t it?’ I asked Akira.

‘Fated mate not want us. He reject us. This mate does want us. Akira almost purrs as she replies. I think it is safe to say she was just as content. I had felt her becoming fond of Harley as we spent time together. She had always previously been against building close bonds with other male wolves in the hope Miles would want us back, but once he rejected us, it had hurt her massively. The pain it caused her nearly tore her down. But, we have got there in the end. Hopefully, Harley can be the thing that fixes us. A savior in so many ways.

‘A fresh start Akira!’ I told her excitedly.

“If he lets us go, of course. She snarls, like she expects a fall-out.

“We just don’t tell him until the last moment. I told her. If Harley had marked me, I could go with him and there would be nothing Miles could do about it. Because a mate goes with her mate, and that was the procedure. I don’t think even the Alpha would argue with that. And would he really want me around if I had been marked and mated by another?

I pushed open the front door to the house and relished the peace that enveloped me. Not to mention the cool. Everyone loves the sunshine when it arrives, but I have to say I am more a cooler weather person. Glad to be in and out of the scorching sunshine. I dropped my keys on top of the drawers by the door before moving through to the kitchen in hopes of making myself a coffee. Only as I am sorting the coffee machine do I hear movement behind me, causing n me to quickly turn around. I hadn’t realized there was anybody home.

Jordan, my older brother, was leaning on the doorway of the kitchen watching me with a dark expression. Of all the people it could be, it had to be him. “Hear you been causing issues.” He says coldly.

I rolled my eyes. “Jordan please, can we leave this? It has been a long day so far, and it isn’t even over yet.”

“Trust me, I have places I would rather be, and people I would rather be with. But no, I want to ask you this. Besides, you found time to chat to the warrior boy though?” he questions, and I can’t help but wonder how the hell he knew I had been speaking to Harley. I can only assume Miles had told him of the confrontation when I was walking back earlier. It seemed these two were connected by a speed dial when it came to exchanging even the slightest piece of gossip or information.

“Harley and I are friends. Of course, I will speak to him if I see him.” I argued, feeling the need to defend myself, like I so often did with my brother, who seemed to see negatives in everything I

did.

“Don’t think your fated mate would appreciate it thinking you are whoring yourself out to some.

random warrior.” My brother said with a sneer. “Who would have thought that of the class nerd?”

I rolled my eyes. I have had just about enough of this now. My brother has turned into a top tier kno bhead. All through spending too much time with Miles. When the pair of them became Alpha and Beta, this pack stood no hope. I was glad Harley had given me the opportunity to get away.

“I am whoring myself out to nobody. You should have better respect for your sister.” I hiss. “Though the way he seems to have you trained up to do his bullying and dirty work, I’d say it is you that is whoring yourself out to Miles.” I snarled, not caring now that my words are below the belt. My brother seems to think it is acceptable for him to speak as he chooses to me, so I will return the favor to him.

The look of fury upon Jordan’s face is a picture. “What did you just say?” he demanded.

“Sorry did I use words that were too big for you?” I asked sarcastically, going to move past him, having lost the desire for my coffee and just wanting to get away from my brother.

But instead, he puts his arm up to block my path. “I don’t believe I was done with you yet.”

I raised my eyes to meet his. Dark brown eyes. Full of anger. All aimed at me, his younger sister. So much for looking out for your family. No. This delightful brother of mine is too dedicated to his best friend and upcoming Alpha. Yet he doesn’t even know the stuff he had done!

“Jordan, I haven’t done anything, okay? I went for an interview, which you chose to run to Miles about. He went crazy about it and has been making threats about since.” I said angrily. “There, that is the sh it you are implying. Though I imagine Miles the muppet said it was something a whole lot worse to make me look like I was in the wrong.”

“Don’t try to get clever. It doesn’t suit you.”

“Well, it sure as hell doesn’t suit you big bro. Because you believe whatever b*lls hit your numskull of a friend tells you.” I said with a shake of my head, beginning to wonder why my brother was even here at this time of day. He should be out working. I had assumed I would be safe coming home now. He was always out at this time.

“When is it going to hit home that Miles and I are going to be your next Alpha and Beta? You need to start learning to show us respect. I owe him my loyalty. So, yeah, you come way down. that line, I am afraid. You betrayed your pack today by going behind their back.” He snarled, lowering his face almost next to mine, his eyes glowering at me.

“f**king hell Jordan, it was a job interview. I wasn’t planning nuclear war! Maybe you want to ask yourself why that big, bad friend of yours is so desperate to keep me here in his pack.” I said, leaning back against the kitchen counter, my arms crossed aggressively, finally having given up with trying to hide the truth. If Jordan knows, he f**king knows. Miles would have to deal with it. Because then, perhaps Jordan may have a little understanding.

Jordan’s head tilts momentarily as he considers my words. “What the f**k does that mean?” he demands.

I shrug. “Well, other pack members are permitted to work out of the pack, some even work away. Yet Miles will not my brows at my

brother and allow that for me, will he? Ever questioned why?” I raisedContent rights by NôvelDr//ama.Org.

caw a crowl cross his fare

“Miles always said you had a thing for him. I told him he was off his f**king head. But he is right, isn’t he? You want him. Is that why he lets you stay, because he feels bad for you?” Jordan’s face grimaces in horror. I imagine mine would pretty much reflect his, because the thought of that to me is truly horrific.

I laughed sarcastically. “No. Try because fate played a cruel game.” And with that I saw an opportunity to leave the kitchen as Jordan was away from the door. And I snuck out of the room and ran up the stairs to my room.

“What the f**k are you talking about?!” Jordan now mindlinks.

I chose to ignore him, letting him think over my words. I was sure at some point he would work it

out.

I lay c

on my bed, needing some time to chill out. I will find some time to message the Alpha or Luna of Autumn Valley Pack tomorrow I think. Thank them for their offer, but to let them know it just wasn’t the right time for me. Their pack was truly beautiful. But, I had other priorities. I just hoped Harley could fix the things he said he would. Because I truly loved the prospect of him and I building a future together far from here…

‘I had stuff to deal with today, Bailey, and now my brain is f**king fried. Tell me you are not saying Miles is your f**king fated mate?’ Jordan suddenly mindlinks, and from the tone alone he is far from impressed. Oh dear, I wonder how Miles will cope with that now…