BETA's LOVER

Chapter- Thirteen

MACKENZIE

Closing the door behind me, I leaned my back against it as I release an unstable breath. My thoughts went back to what happened at the lake.

The way his palm softly caressed my head, so gently. Rubbing his palms in nervousness as he asked me about the incident earlier.

The way his eyes turned worrisome made me question that man.

Why did he care about me? Why is he so careful with me? Why does he make me feel things that I don't want to feel?

Even my mother never patted my head with so much care as he did. I don't know how to process this new kind of attraction I have for him.

I must have looked pathetic sitting there alone that he properly felt pity for me.

It it's all just for time to pass, right? Like he knows I will leave this place after some time and won't come back here because I belong in my city, my job wants me. And so he is just having a fun time with me, right. Right?

I can't let these stupid emotions get to me.

Nodding my head as if promising myself, I climbed up the stairs which led me towards my room. Now, that I was back I felt the fatigue kicking in and a yawn escaped my mouth so hard that it brought tears to my eyes making my vision blurry for a second. Sniffing those tears away, I tip-toed around the room and lay down in the warm bed to sleep.

The next morning, Quinn and I were doing breakfast downstairs silently as we were focused on the ruckus unfolding in front of us while I took a bite of my jam sandwich and enjoyed the sweet taste of jam in my mouth.

"Hi, girls! Good, you are here, I was about to go to your rooms. So let me pass the invitation to both of you.. for the upcoming party," she paused in between looking back at the people who were yelling and laughing simultaneously and not to mention- loudly, in the launch room.

"Just ignore them. This happens all the time," she said, waving her hand in the air, dismissing the chaos going on in the background as she threw a few peanuts into her mouth.

"What party?" I asked her in curiosity while wiping my mouth of any crisps of bread.

"Every year we organize a party or two, for the people of the town, for them to have fun and interact with people from other towns.

Unfortunately, this time we won't be having guests. But don't worry, I assure you, you girls will have a good time,"

"Why won't you be having guests?"

"Why so curious, my dear?" I heard his voice before I saw that familiar teasing smile on his face just as I pictured it, watching him striding into the kitchen.

Jamzine chuckled at my irritated look and gestured Alistair to take a seat as she went to bring him a cup of coffee.

Quinn nudged her elbow to mine, making me look at her, wiggling her eyebrows at me.

"What?"

"Since when did you get so close to him to have him call you my dear?" She questioned, both of us looking back at Alistair who was talking with Jazmine in the other corner of the kitchen. I couldn't hear what they were talking about against the loud noise.

"I am not close to him. He is just being a nuisance to me," I declared and even nodded my head agreeing to my statement.

Quinn raised her eyebrows with lips pulled into a straight line believing what I just told her.

"Oh sorry about the.. interruption," Jazmine rather beamed as she glanced between me and Alistair, who now was standing near my chair. Leaning against the kitchen counter with legs crossed in front, he looked rather stunning. Well proportioned, I would say.

He was wearing a black shirt with khaki pants and my god that was so my type of clothing. The old school kind of, you know. So you can imagine, how hard it was for me to not look at him and just enjoy the view but I was reminded again that we have an audience and I should just head bang myself against the wall at this point.

Might help control my lust or desire. Whatever s**t-ass emotions I was going through!

"You look troubled, my dear," Ah, jusssttt great.

Dragging my eyes from his feet towards his hazel eyes which were now a shade of green, looking at me with amusement. As if he

knew what kind of effect he was having on me.

"Indeed I do. In fact, you are my problem. Don't you have anything to do except getting on my nerves?" There I said it, I felt my inside loosening with ease. I guess i just needed to rant and tada!

I heard his booming laughter with him bending over his waist while he does, which made Jazmine to chuckle as well.

It made me look at Quinn who was giggling as well, leaving me with an open mouth in surprise.

What is wrong with all of them?

"What?" I questioned loudly, not finding the situation amusing.

"Oh dear. I didn't knew you were capable of being cute as well!" Alistair commented, his cheeks and ears red from laughing.

"She is cute, isn't she?" Quinn squeaked, throwing a wink at me.

"What are you pulling here?" Closing our distance while seated next to each other, i literally yelled in her ear.

"Just stay dumb okay?" She taunted with a smile on her face and pulled herself away from my grip. Making me think since when

did she started being a prick.

"Okay okay! Back to the topic, as for the party which is in two days, you shall not worry about the dresses. I already had asked the seamstress, the good one in town for your dresses as well. They have them all stacked up early in advance for this occasion. They shall be here today and when they do, we will have our fittings done. Good?" Jazmine took a long breath after she informed us about the details of the party and the dresses. With intertwined hands and a happy gleam in her eyes, she stood waiting for our response.

"Oh well. That's cool! But i hope we are not a nuisance to you and the people here. We are just here for a few days and-"

"Hello people!" Cylon cuts off Quinn as he stroked in with a smile on his face. And as usual his eyes fixed on Quinn. And now I

could clearly see something going on with them.

While everyone greeted them, I sneaked in closer to Quinn despite her being distracted by Cylon.

"I sense something going on with you two," I said, glancing sideways where Cylon stood talking in hush voices with Alistair and Jazmine.

"Mack, i love you but you wound me. I gave you all the spicy details yesterday night. Didn't you listen to a single word! What the hell Mackenzie?" She gasped, poking a finger to my side in annoyance. Eyes narrowed but soon a shy smile decorated her face as I searched her eyes for an answer.

"Is it what i think?" I asked, my teasing eyes searched her shy ones now.

"Later," she whispered, then clearing her throat and sat straighter in her seat. Swiftly pushing her hair to the side and exposing her long neck.

Sly fox.

I couldn't help but chuckle at her seduction. And not to mention, it quite worked on the one it was intended towards- Cylon. His eyes took a double take towards Quinn and he gulped visibly. I guess they were more than something. But then like a bubble burst, i remembered we have to leave. Like leave this place. So what could come about of them? I questioned myself as i looked at my friend, so happy and carefree i have seen her in awhile.

I sensed someone taking a seat next to me before they did. Turning my head to the right and found those hazel eyed man looking at me with a constant smile on his face, my eyes glued to his dimple on the cheek.

"Hey,"

"Um hi?"

"How you doing? Feeling better?" He inquired but inched closer to me so that he whispered into my ears. His hot breath tingled the hair in my ear and made me inch away from him. Looking back at him,his gaze still on me with his head tilted to one side. It kind of made me feel exposed, naked in front of his eyes. Like he was seeing my soul. Taking a shaky breath, i grabbed the glass of water and drank it in one go.

He was indeed dangerous for my mind and body.

"You okay?" His soft voice reached my ears, curious eyes searching mine for an answer.

"Yes" I let it out and looked towards Jazmine who had a huge smile on her face with eyes slightly watery. Making me weary of her.

"Jazmine? Are you okay?" I asked her, making all of them look at her.

"Oh no. No, I am fine. Haha,don't mind me," she spoke quickly, shaking her head and chuckled to herself.

"Uh you were saying something Quinn?" She questioned after clearly her throat. Looking composed now.

"Ah yes. I was saying if there is anything we can help with, we would love to. You all have done so much for our comfort so we would like to return the favor," Quinn said, with eyebrows raised in anticipation.

"Oh. That's so polite of you. If so,we could use some of your skills," Jazmine said, leaning forward with a clap of her hands together in eagerness.

"Sure" I answered, folding my arms over my chest as i focused my attention to her.

"Quinn, as you are a chef, you can help the ladies in the kitchen and if you want to make something, it's upto you. And as for Mackenzie, you can work with the people who are in charge of organization and decorations. It would be nice to have city's touch in our old little town's party. So you okay with this?," Jazmine said, looking in between us both with raised eyebrows and her lips pulled into a small smile, anticipating our response.

I looked to my left and meet Quinn's eyes. The answer was clear in her eyes and so was mine.

Let's do this and may be we can find some answers we are looking for.

"Yes. It's going to be a blast!" Quinn spoke for both of us, she snapped her fingers in the end to emphasize on blast.

Jazmine squealed while running towards us and hugged us from behind. Making us chuckle at her enthusiasm. After she left my side, I casually looked towards right and noticed Alistair sitting closer than before. His knee was almost touching mine, dragging

my eyes up to find those daring eyes upon me.

"Will you stop staring at me?" I asked, my tone laced with a touch of irritation.

"Why? Does it bother you?" he shot back, a daring smirk tugging at his lips. I raised an eyebrow, chin slightly tucked, and looked down at him.

"No. Rather, I am sorry to know that my presence is just too much for you to handle. You can't help but stare," I corrected him, my chin lifting and a smug smirk spreading across my face.

He seemed to enjoy the challenge I was throwing at him.

"Yes, I can't help but stare at you all day. In fact, even longer than that, my dear," he whispered, his eyes locked on mine. He placed his hands on either side of my chair, leaning forward as if he didn't realize how dangerously close he was. His presence bold yet smooth. One of his hands brushed against my back, pulling my attention fully to him. With a subtle, innocent smile, his thumb traced a gentle path along my back. The touch was slow and deliberate, making my heart race. The air between us felt charged, intoxicating.

I blinked, not finding my voice to taunt him in response. He seemed to have uno reverse my move and now he has the upper hand. His hazel eyes wouldn't move past my eyes and which were sucking me into his world.

"Let's go!" Jazmine's clap brought us back together.

Finally, he moved back and gave back my personal space. I took a deep breath and narrowed my eyes at his teasing eyes to which he smirked. His smile sure was sweet and teasing, that's how i like it, but i am never going to admit it. Rolling my eyes at him, i stood up from the chair and grabbed Quinn's hand, tugging her to stand up as well. She was busy giggling with Cylon and I scowl in annoyance.

"Fine fine," she commented, rolling her eyes.

"See you later," Cylon said with a grin, planting a quick kiss on Quinn's cheek. It left me wide-eyed, while Quinn giggled like a teenager.

I threw a glance back at Alistair, whose eyes were still fixed on me. The intensity of his gaze made me smirk, feeling like I had the upper hand now. With that, I walked out of the kitchen, joined by Jazmine and Quinn.

Jazmine introduced Quinn to the crew who were in charge of cooking and stuff. They consisted of three women and surprisingly two males as well. Quinn as usual was shy as first but warmed up to them rather quickly. Nodding my head to her waving her hand in bye, Jazmine and i walked out of the building.

"I hope this is not a burden to you," she asked, with a half smile on her face.

"No, Jazmine. I am just happy to be of help," I said, my voice softer. "And please, don't be formal with me. I—I'm not great with words, especially around new people." A sense of guilt settled in as I thought about the past week. They had only shown us kindness, and I hadn't done enough to show my appreciation.

"Sweetheart, I understand," she said gently. "I didn't know how to interact with new people either. When I married Arthur and moved to this town, it was overwhelming just trying to greet and talk to everyone. With my position, I had to remember the names and faces of over a hundred people! It was horrific. I remember crying that day," she chuckled, clearly reminiscing. Wrinkles appeared around her eyes as she laughed, and I found myself warming up to her even more.

"So just enjoy your time here," She cheered me up, nudging her elbow in mine. I gave her a smile in return and nodded my head.

We approached a small cottage house, where several people were sitting in the front lawn. Upon hearing our footsteps, they all stood up and bowed their heads to Jazmine.

"Everyone meet Mackenzie. She is a guest here as you may have heard about it. She is known to be a popular interior artist- you know decorating and managing the interior of a house, that's what she do. So upon my request, she will look after the planning you guys are doing. Be nice and cooperate with her. Okay," She spoke in a friendly manner but had certain authority in her tone. She was well suited for her rank in the society.

After Jazmine left, they all introduced themselves to me. There were three females and four men. Now four women including me.

"Lastly, I am Eloise! Nice to meet you!" She commented, grabbing my hands herself and shaking them enthusiastically.

If i thought Quinn was cheerful, i was wrong. Heck her cheerfulness and energy was on another level.

I awkwardly smiled and shook her hand. Like i had any choice.

Eloise started filling me in on their planning and the details of the party in just one go. That had me blink in surprise and looked around for help. They all started laughing at my state of distress.

"Eloise, you are scaring her. Calm down. You should go with the men and sought out the fairy lights. I will handle stuff here,"

Another women came forward, putting a hand over Eloise mouth.

"Ah i am sorry. I can't seem to control myself," Eloise spoke, laughing in embarrassment as she quickly walked away.

"Don't worry. This is how she is with new people. We hardly have guests in this small town. So don't mind her, she will exhaust herself with work to a bother to you," She spoke, a warm smile on her face.

After thanking her, she enlightened me about the details of the party. Together with my opinions, we chose the layout of the lawn where the party will take place and the stuff we need for decorating. Reviewing the plan with the others and with corrections, we all started to work. Theme color they have decided was purple and black, so then I taught them how to make a ribbon bow with silk cloth and Eloise was really good at that after learning once. So automatically, Eloise was given the task to make ribbon bows now and made us chuckle at her playful tantrum.The bows were in black and purple colored. Despite my request, they let me sit out and watch while they mostly did the work.

I sat beside where Eloise was doing her work. This was the best time to question her as no one was around.

"Eloise, the other day Jazmine showed me the farm across the mountain. I heard someone say you have wolves to keep watch out for the animals. But i didn't see any. I always wanted to see one," I asked, dancing around the topic, careful not to give away anything.

I observed her as she stopped working as my question was out in the air between us. She coughed and chuckled awkwardly.

"Wolf? What wolves? We don't have any here. You must have miss heard them, they wanted to say...dogs. Uh yeah dogs!" She rushed to answer me and frowned when she spoke of dogs.

I wanted to point out that there were no sign of dogs here. But i stayed silent.

This was suspicious.

"Oh. Haha i might have. Sorry for the trouble," I chuckled and dropped the topic.

"Let me have a look around see, if i can be of any help," She smiled at my thought and nodded her head, probably relieved to have me gone from her side, in case i ask more questions.

Finally after urging them to let me help them, I took the task for decorating the entrance of the venue. Throughout my work, Eloise odd reaction and wolves lingered in my mind. With a help of one the man, whose name i seem to have forgotten, I climbed up the small sized ladder to have access in reaching the top of the metal pole. I taped the purple cloth at the top and then wrapped the cloth around the metal pole till the end of it. I did the same with black cloth and then crouched down to tie the loose ends of them together in a bow at the rear end of the pole, near the ground. Standing up from the ground, i walked back to observe them from a distance to see if they were in right position and placement. Nodding to myself in satisfaction, I looked around to see the place coming around together, with all of them working at their paces.

Lights. I need lights.

I wanted to ask someone to bring the lights but remembering this was not my workplace where all they will hand me the items. I have to fetch them myself as i used to do during my internship. A smile sprung on my face at the memory as i walked inside the house. I found the store where all the items were kept in, turning on the light, I strolled in. My eyes trailed from one line of shelf to another, trying to locate the damn led lights. They contained all the stuff even saw cutter and rods but no lights. I reached a shelf which were a bit higher than the other but from distance i think i saw something similar to lights. I stood on my tip toes to reach the damn shelf, my fingers traced nothing but dust so far.

"Do you need anything?"

I stood with my hands on the shelf above, where I couldn't see anything. Alarmed, i quickly withdrew my dust covered hands and fixed my ridden up shirt. The man in front of me looked amused taking in my messed up state.

"Uh. Yes. I need lights for the entrance," I told him, my eyes went back up the shelf.

"It's not there. They are placed in a box outside," He must find me stupid now. Considering i was the one- kind of- leading them and here i am, who herself doesn't know where the stuff was placed. He was a crew member of decorating team. So imagine the embarrassment.

"Thank you," I was sure, i was pink with embarrassment as I rushed out of the store and exited the house.

Sighing, I looked around and located the several boxes which were lying in the ground near the porch of the house. Questioning myself, as to why didn't I bother checking them before i entered that store. Things were either out of the boxes or they were half in and half out of them. Finally getting my hands on the led lights, i grabbed two large pieces of them and went back. On my way back, i noticed the sun had gone long ago and now darkness was setting. So with quick steps, i climbed up the ladder and taped the lights in the same manner as i did with the cloth but placed lights in between the two of them. There were no noises as i did my work peacefully for a while.

"You should be careful with this," I was startled and quickly hugged the pole to prevent myself from falling. My heart thumping against my rib cage. I looked down to find Alistair, who had one of his hand on the ladder the small ladder, keeping it in place, on which i was standing and the other holding my one calf. His grip wasn't too strong but firm to hold one in place.

"Are you okay!?"

"Oh my gosh. Don't do this again!" I exclaimed, leaving the pole to fix my position on the ladder. His hand dropped from my leg and went back to holding the ladder. Not going to lie, i kind of liked the way he quickly protected me from hurting myself.

"Sorry. I didn't mean to scare you like that. I was just trying to alert you of the dangers of ladder," He shrugged,a playful smile decorating his face.

"I was doing just fine before you came and almost made me topple over," I said, throwing him a look that clearly said this is your fault, and went back to the last set of lights I was fixing.

"Sorry! My bad," he grinned, unfazed. "But hey, it only takes a little shake to throw someone off balance. What if there's no support and I am not around to catch you?" I shook my head at him and went back to work.

"Are you here to annoy me?" I asked, my focus still on the lights.

"Annoy you? Haha, I couldn't possibly," he replied with a mock-sweet tone. "After all, I am a gentleman, my dear."

Before I could react, I felt his fingers gently tickle the back of my leg. My hands froze mid-motion, and I slowly turned my head toward him, disbelief written all over my face. He was wearing that infuriating teasing smile, clearly enjoying the reaction he was getting from me. "What are you doing?" I managed to ask, trying to keep my voice steady.

His smile only widened, pleased with himself. "Just making sure you're paying attention."

I narrowed my eyes at him, trying to keep my focus on the lights. "Well, I am trying to finish this without any more interruptions, thank you very much," I said, my tone a little sharper than usual.

"Oh, I am not interrupting, just... helping," he said, leaning closer with that all-too-familiar grin. "Besides, I am a gentleman, remember?"

I shot him a side-eye and said under my breath, "A gentleman, huh? Seems more like a troublemaker to me."

"Hey, I can't help it if you are irresistible," he replied, voice oozing with teasing sweetness. I couldn't tell if he was serious or just playing.

"Seriously?" I shook my head, trying to ignore the heat that suddenly rushed to my cheeks. "You really can't help yourself, can

you?"

He stepped a little closer, his smile widening. "Not when I know you are this fun to tease."

I fought to keep my composure, but it was hard when he was standing this close, and all I could think about was how damn good he looked. "You're unbelievable," I muttered, returning my focus to the lights, but it was clear I was losing the battle.

His voice dropping to a whisper. "You love it, admit it."

I felt my heart race at the words, and I shot him a quick look. "Don't push your luck."

"I am not," he said softly, his fingers brushing against my leg again, sending a jolt through me. "I'm just... getting under your skin."

The tension between us thickened, and for a moment, I couldn't tell if I wanted him to stay or go. But with a smirk, I forced myself to focus again, determined not to give in. "You have got about two seconds before I start throwing things."

He chuckled, backing off just enough to let me breathe. "Alright, alright, I wil let you work. But I am not going anywhere, just so you know."

I couldn't help the slight smile that tugged at the corner of my mouth. "You're a pain," I said, though I knew I wouldn't want it any other way.

I secretly enjoy his company, though I'd never admit it out loud.

"All done" I announced. As i stepped down from the ladder, I subconsciously grabbed his shoulder for support. Only after I placed my feet on the ground, i realized how close we stood with my hand still resting over his muscular shoulder. I looked up into his eyes and slowly trailed them down to halt on his lips. But quickly, as if my mind switch turned on, i moved back, brushing my hair back behind my ears, looking anywhere but him.

"I will ask Jazmine to give you sweaters and coats. For now, you should wear this, it's getting cold," Alistair placed his warm coat was placed over my shoulders with a soft smile over his face. Making my heart warm with his gesture.

"Thank you," I was genuinely touched.

Except a few people in my life no one has ever been this nice to me. Especially, a stranger.

Was he still a stranger at this point? I questioned myself.

While i was carrying stuff which was left behind and was of no use, he insisted on carrying them. He did succeed and was now in front of me walking towards the cottage house. His blue pants fitting his ass perfectly giving me a nice view but i averted my eyes. It was not nice to thirst over a man who was not mine. Yes, i do appreciate his man's beauty but i better behave. Upon reaching the front lawn of the house, he was greeted by Eloise and others. The men came forward on their own grabbed the things from Alistair.

"Anything else?" He asked, looking back at me.

I shook my head in response and glanced at the giggling women who were my crew members. They were pointing fingers between Alistair and me and kept giggling about god knows what. Rolling my eyes at their gossiping, i turned on my heels and started walking towards the guest rooms. I was quickly joined by Alistair and we stayed in a peaceful silence. A cold breeze hit my face, making me scrunch my nose and it dawn upon me that he might be feeling cold too.

"You must be cold too, so you can have it. I am fine, It skipped my mind to bring my hoodie," I mumbled, taking off the coat from my body.

His palm grabbed my hand in his, stopping me from taking it off. Dragging my eyes up to his softened ones, he shook his head.

"I am fine. I am worried about you getting cold, so please," He says as he fixed the coat back on me and closed the front two buttons. The pressure of his knuckles grazing my stomach through the coat as he closed the buttons erupted a new kind of sensations throughout my body.

Gentle and warm. Like to be taken care of.

It dangerously tugged on my heart. I wanted him to hold me in his arms forever.

Nodding my head unable to utter a word as i try to comprehend this new sensation that i have never felt before.

"You were asking something about guests earlier in the kitchen. I happen to come and the question evaporated in the air and you never got the answer to it," He chuckled, scratching his head in guilty. His ears turning red again. He was embarrassed.

🌙🌙🌙