Beauty and The Beta (Bailey)

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Chapter 74-Asher What is it about that woman that messes with my mind? Putson edge and makes me

question my own sanity? Not to mention the fact my wolf seems to have gone missing in action ever since |

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 madefeel uneasy | rushed from the

classroom, down the now empty corridor toward the school door. “Ah here again, Beta Asher?” Gabby the other

teacher, greetedwith a cheeky wink. “Anyone would think you were checking up on us.” Oh, wonderful, just

what | needed, another teacher making comments implying things too. | 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.” | said curtly, beginning to get irritated

at their implication that | was here because | wanted to be. Or, event because there was something between

Bailey and I. Because | 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 forcedto be here, | would be sitting back in my office with a coffee in

my hand, feeling perfectly fine. “Oh.” Gabby said with an uncomfortable nod, looking atfearfully like | had

roared at her or something. | swear, this reputation ofas being this grumpy and moody guy was so 11 14

over exaggerated. | was not that bad... | waited, expecting a sly dig from Zion at this point, as that sort of

thought fromwould definitely earn it usually, but there was nothing. He was definitely desertingright

now. Ah well, not like it made much difference. It just meant | wouldn't be going for my usual run with him. Plus,

on a positive note, it means | get to have speace. | 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 | do leave the school | am

surprised to see Marc standing there.

“Hey Asher.” He greetedwith a smile. | nodded at him in acknowledgment to his greeting, but | 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?” | asked, unable to help myself. Feeling an undeniable need to answer my

curiosity. “Mum suggested | cand welcBailey.” He said with a smile. “I mentioned to her that | 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 wantedto leave? | simply nodded. “Well, | shall leave

you to it then. | do believe she is in the classroom with your Mum.” “Asher, are you okay?” Marc started to walk

alongside me, as | began to walk away. “I know you got uncomfortable at us Ill 1288 Wouchers talking about this

the other day, but you seem genuinely disappointed now at the mention ofcalling in to see Bailey. If you are

unsure of how you feel for her, then | understand that, you know? | will head home, tell Mum | got held up at

work.” | gave him a dark glare. “For f¥*k’s sake. What is it with people implying this today? Miss Waterdale just

implied the sthing, | am sure of it, and | am sure your Mum is dropping hints. There is nothing between Miss

West and I. Eden askedto check in on her. Toldto make her welcome. | am rubbish with people, you know

that. But, it seems to involvehaving to be around her more than | may like.” | snapped, and | found Marc

looking atcuriously, 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. | missed straining to chere, and if | go into school Mum will

likely findthings to do, and | will never get away.” “You don’t need to make excuses forMarc.” | 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. | snuck away, and if G***a

realizes he will kick my a**” He chuckled. “So, if he seeswith you, he may go easy on me.” | rolled my eyes

at him. “So you are usingas your excuse?” | questioned. “What are old brother-in-laws for?” he grinned, and |

laughed. “Fair enough.” | said with a shrug. “So, did the beautiful Bailey have a good first day?” Marc asked 66

73% 11 11:15with a smile and | rolled my eyes once more. “If you think she is that beautiful Marc, then go

back to school.” | told him icily. “But, from what | heard, yes, she loved it.” “Need to keep hold of this one, eh?”

What the hell did that mean? “Why would | need to keep hold of her?” | snapped. Marc laughed, and with a shake

of his head he looked at me. “Hmm. | think you may want to reconsider that thought that you aren't interested in

her, Ash.” He playfully slappedon the shoulder. “Wouldn't be in any shin 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?” | quickly increased my speed. “F**k off Marc. You haven't got a f**g clue.” 85.331