Beauty and The Beta (Bailey)

Chapter 0168

The weather had been glorious today, meaning I had enjoyed my early morning training session outside rather than at the gym, and if the sunshine continued, I would be going for a run after work, allowing Akira to have the run she craved. The sunshine had put everybody in a cheerful mood, and the children, like so many of us, were desperate to spend their time in the sunshine, so I taught my class in our outdoor area of the classroom toward the end of the day. The children all happily took part in the activities I had provided for them, while they sang the songs we had been practicing for their upcoming concert for their parents. A movement caught my eyes as I glanced up, only to catch sight of Asher. I had not been expecting him here today, but I was sure he was watching me...

Akira chuckled. 'Aww. I think he has it bad.'

'Don't even go there.' I wanred her. I knew she was only teasing me, but I was not willing to sit and analyze everything. This would not happen. We had seen each other on and off over the last week. Sitting in the lounge of an evening enjoying one another's company, watching films, having our dinner together in there too. Yes, there had been plenty of moments where kissing had happened, but we never took things any further. That isn't to say I didn't want to. Hell, I was literally desperate for him at some moments, but I didn't want to rush him. I knew he found this adjustment difficult with the loss of his mate, and I know he thought he shouldn't rush me...

So, we enjoyed one another's company. And, I have to say, I did enjoy my time with him. He seemed so much more light-hearted and, I dare to say, happier. Maybe it is me being big-headed to suggest I could make him happier, but he seems different in himself...

Right now he was leaning against the wall outside of the school grounds, but in such a position he could see my area of the outdoor classroom. "Oh look kids, there is Beta Asher, shall we give him a wave." I said to my class with a grin, knowing he would hate me for it, as I pointed in his direction. All the children from my class waved eagerly at their pack Beta, who shook his head slightly before waving back.

"Miss Bailey, me not think he likes that.” Danny said from the spot he was kneeling. "He looks mighty grumpy. Like my Daddy does when he wakes up."

I had to smile at his words. Yeah, he did look mighty grumpy, but to be fair, I think he often did... you'd think these kids would be used to that by now. "Ah well, a little bit of sunshine can brighten somebody's day, right?" I grinned at the little boy, and he nodded me.

"Sunshine is better than rain and clouds." He adds. "I think Beta is rain and clouds. He needs some sunshine. Then you get rainbow too." The young boy sounded so enthusiastic in his explanation, I had to smile, nodding at him, showing him I totally agreed. Before leading my class back inside to gather their things together before their parents arrived to collect them. Soon, all the children were gone, and Asher was striding into my classroom. "Good afternoon Miss Bailey." He winked, wrapping his arms around me, pushing me up against the wall next to my classroom door. His lips instantly found mine, with an urgency like he had not seen me for days...

"Asher, what if one of the other teachers comes in?" I urged, pushing him away.

He lets me go, with a deep sigh, nodding. "Sorry." He shrugged. "I missed you."

"Oh, was that why you came to spy on me?" I teased, though secretly, I was shocked at him for admitting he had missed me. We had not said we were together. Not properly. He had seen me last night... was it normal for him to be missing me?!

"Hmm." He smirked. "Talking of that, getting your whole class to wave at me?"

I laughed. "What can I say? A little sunshine brightens someone's day."

"You surely brighten my day." He says softly, offering me his hand, and I took it as he ran his fingers over my palm. "Can I walk you home, beautiful?" he asked, and again I felt myself softening, as it appeared he had basically come to walk me home.

'Well, isn't that just the sweetest dang thing?' Akira teased.

Ignoring my wolf and her gentle teasing, I answered Asher with a smile. "I think that would be good." I looked up at him, and could see a tenderness in his big green eyes that melted my heart.

"Oh, and Zion wonders if Akira

fancies a run again later?" he suggested, and I couldn't help but laugh. We had gone for a walk together a few nights previous, and Asher's wolf had been so desperate to go for a run with Akira that Asher was struggling to hold him back. Though in truth, Akira was just as excited about the prospect. They loved their time together. The two of them truly seemed to find some comfort in one another. A comfort or a friendship... I wasn't sure what the correct term would be, but they seemed to crave one another's company more and more of late...

It wasn't like I didn't plan to go for a run. I generally found time each afternoon or evening to run, to allow Akira time to shift if I could... so, some company would definitely be nice...

"Oh, does he now?" I teased. "And does he plan to behave?"

"Well, hello, Beta Asher. I didn't realize you were coming today. Is everything okay?" she asked, her eyes narrowed slightly as she watched Asher almost suspiciously.

"Hmm." Asher nodded, avoiding the intense gaze of his former mother-in-law, "All good Alli. Just came by to see if Miss West was free to come and discuss some things with Luna Eden."

I felt my body tense at his words.

Miss West? Am I now Miss West again?! And in the conversation we had just had there had been no mention of the Luna... Had he just lied to cover up the fact he had come to see me? Ashamed of the fact he had wanted to see me? Pain and hurt wracked through me. I had allowed him to get close to me, yet it seemed I was nothing more than a

cheap and dirty secret...

I knew I was never good enough for Miles, but when I considered this, I could not help but contemplate if Asher wondered if I was truly good enough

for him... because right now, his actions definitely did not seem to indicate that...