Page 111 of Cost of Courting

Bailey

This neighbourhood reminds meso very much of my dad and uncle Charles. I stand on the sidewalk really looking at this world. It’s poor, you can see that. The shutters are broken or missing, there is no grass, no one drives luxury cars. But there is something about the way they look after each other.

I don’t know my neighbours. I doubt any of them even want to know me.

I slide my phone out before I can stop myself and dial my dad’s number, but the phone's engaged.

Before I can put the phone away, I get a video call from Kelly. I frown and answer it because he doesn’t usually call me.

“You’ve been avoiding me.”

I curse internally. Not Kelly, but Charles.

“Yep.”

I glance around, making sure no one is looking at me as I make my way into Selene’s backyard.

“Why are you calling me all the time?”

“You’re running away. I know what running looks like.”

“It’s not running. I gave the company back into the hands of the people who work there.”

I shove my hand into my hair and pull.

“And we both know that’s just to buy you some time to sort out your problem.” Charles smiles. “Have you sorted it out yet?”

I growl at him. “I don’t like you.”

“You love me. But, in all seriousness, how are you?”

He actually cares how I am. I don’t know why that shocks me. I guess I’m used to only my dad or the…no I’m not thinking about that.

“I’m getting there.” I press my lips into a line and then abruptly sit down and glower at my uncle. “So, I met someone who said to me that being an omega is a strength.”

“And what do you think?”

“I don’t know. I thought she was wrong at first, but the more I see, the more I think I am wrong.”

“She?”

I growl at my uncle’s smile that is beaming at me from wherever the hell he is.

“Yes, she.”

“Who is she?”

“She’s my pack’s omega?”

Charles chokes. “Say what?”

I grin at him. “See you later, Uncle.”

“No, wait a minute, Bailey!”

I hang up the phone and snicker. Charles and I have this friendly rivalry that borders hostility some days. He has been instrumental in this new version of me. I don’t know if I should thank him or not.

I have restraint, and he’s got me thinking about others more now. But I don’t feel like a Raines. Isn’t that half the reason I was out here seeking a beta? Because I felt like a failure. Because everything I tried to do, I sucked at. I couldn’t take over the club. I can’t take over the company.

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