Chapter 62 – Asher
I saw the disgust in Bailey’s eyes at my initial comment, but the disgust soon turned to pain at my sly dig. I don’t even know where it came from… I was awaiting a sarcastic reaction from her like previously before. She seemed good at them, but then I saw the tears building in her eyes and she quickly walked away with no further words.
Marc, one of our pack’s senior warriors, and definitely one of the more popular ones with the ladies, looked at me with disdain. “Was there any need for that?” he snapped, taking me by surprise. “I was simply helping the poor girl back to pack, Beta. She was lost in the forest. And, going from the look on her face, she looked like she wanted to cry.”
I looked down at my feet momentarily, angry he felt he had any right to talk to me like that. “Well, how was. I to know that?” I snarled.
“What difference would it make to you anyway?” he asked, and I paused. He was right… what difference did it make to me? Absolutely none. If she wanted to get involved with one of our pack’s most eligible bachelors, that would be her look out. I was trying to protect her was all… it had took me by surprise seeing him with his arm around her and thought he was trying it on with her… I was defending her honor the same way I would my sisters if I saw him doing that to one of them…
“I thought you were hitting on her and I was defending her. Warning you off. Giving the poor girl a chance. Same way I would my sisters…” my voice faltered as I saw the way Marc
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was looking at me. He had his brows raised and he was shaking his head.
“You looked like you wanted to kill me, Beta Asher.” He muttered. “And the way you spoke to her was out of order. If she has lost a mate, be it because he found his fated mate or been rejected or whatever, she did not need it thrown in her face like that.” And suddenly I feel confused. I knew I was being spiteful when I spoke. But I had never intended to hurt her. Yet, I did not need telling my mistakes by a warrior either…
“Thank you for your time Marc.” I said bluntly, moving away from him, because the way I feel right now, and the fact Zion is pushing forward, his presence undulating beneath my skin, means I am so unbelievably close to going for this guy. Likely punching him right on the nose. And, as much pleasure as I may gain from doing that, I don’t think it would prove to Caleb that I was in the right state of mind to continue in my role as Beta. Nor would it help me in proving to Bailey I regretted my behavior… And I don’t think Marc’s Mum would forgive me.
“There is no harm in having mixed feelings for her, you know Beta?” Marc’s voice was speaking once more, but it was suddenly a lot softer, attempting to reassure me, I believe. “Nobody would think badly of you for having feelings for another woman, you know? It is only natural. It has been a long time. since you lost Isla. I know it still hurts. We all still miss her too. But, being alone forever doesn’t have to be the way you live your life.”
looked across at the brother of my lost mate, and I hated him all the more. How dare he imply I had feelings for the new girl. I was simply protecting her from his womanizing ways. He was a
asman and always had been. Ever since Isla’s Mum had
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moved here once her husband had died, to be closer to where Isla had been. To make a fresh start after the loss. Bringing her warrior son with her. Who had worked his way up the ranks to senior warrior he had become quite the hit with the ladies…
“You are f** clueless.” I muttered under my breath. “I thought you were hitting on her.”
“And if I was?” he questioned.
I thought about it and realized it would be none of my business. I simply shrugged. “Thought she ought to be warned.”
He chuckled. “Cheers, bro.” he nudged me with his elbow. “But incidentally, as cute as she may be, I genuinely found her in the forest. She was running away from me. I think I scared the poor little thing, she tripped up. I didn’t know who she was because I didn’t recognize her. When she introduced herself, I realized she likely didn’t know her way back, especially in the heightened state of panic she seemed to be in. My shift was near done, so I offered to walk her back. That was it. Being a gentleman, was all.”
I shook my head at him, surprised he thought she was cute… “Ever the hero, eh Marc?”
“Always. Women love it.” He grinned. “But I do think you owe her an apology, Asher.”
I noticed he was back to calling me by my name and not using my title now, which meant he felt more relaxed, and didn’t see this as being formal…
“I am not good at dealing with people Marc, you know that.” I told him. “Got lumbered with her induction because Alpha and
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Luna are dealing with pregnancy stuff.”
“I hope you didn’t say it to her quite like that. I can see why she wouldn’t think too highly of you if that was the way you have spoken to her.”
“Thanks again Marc.” I rolled my eyes, as I reached the packhouse.
“No worries. I got to go sign off for the day. But seriously, go. apologize to her. Try to be nicer. And rein in that temper. I don’t think that would kill you… it may kill someone else if you don’t.” he looks at me knowingly. The poor guy who had once been my brother-in-law had been at the end of my temper many a time, yet still acted like a friend. And, despite everything, he had still been there for me once Isla had gone…
I walked through the doors of the packhouse, deciding then I would go and find Bailey. But in making that decision, I was shocked at the churning within my stomach, the nerves at having to go and talk to Bailey. I was the pack Beta, I ahd to talk to pack members all the time…
‘Well you did f**k up.’ Zion helpfully piped up.
‘Do not start, or I will shut you up again!’ I warned him.
And my delightfully helpful wolf simply chuckled in response, going to curl up in the pit of my mind. Not caring in the slightest that he had irritated me. If anything, I am sure he goes out of his way to do so…
walked through the busy corridors of the pack to the stairway, knowing I was going to have to try hard to allow this new girl to forgive me or else Eden would be on my case forever, and she
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already found so many excuses as it was. I planned to visit them later, and no doubt she would want to know how her newest pet project was getting on. It would not go down well if told her I had already found a way to upset her and make her cry… I mean that should at least wait a few weeks…right?
‘Or you could just stop being a jacka*.’* Zion threw in, making me roll my eyes, knowing, despite the fact he was chilling withi the pits of my mind, he was still more than aware of my thoughts.
Ignoring my wolf, I ran up the steps, dashing across the landing to reach the door of Bailey’s room. But instead of knocking, I stood there awkwardly looking at the door. Looking down, I noticed my palms were sweaty. Why was I anxious about havin to apologize to some new girl? Yes… I was out of order, I know that, but she was rude to me when all I was trying to do was protect her… I was grumpy, as always, because I hadn’t slept… she would understand that, right? F**k this. I don’t even know what I would say. I am sure she would get over it.
And, with that, I quickly turned and walked away from her door. She would just have to remain upset with me. I am sure she would rather cry in peace anyway without having to discuss it a with me…