Chapter 1066
“Did something happen?” Alpha Cristian asked. He didn’t miss the awkward atmosphere.
“Nothing, really,” Ashton responded. “Mother is scolding us for missing a function and asking for an apology.” He turned to his mother. “Who is more important? Me as the future Alpha or a bunch of pencil-pushers p>
“Now, now…” Alpha Cristian said while gesturing to Ashton to calm down. From those few questions, he understood what was happening because Luna Michelle was crying last night and that morning about Ashton not coming with Violet and making them look like fools. They called people saying that Ashton was back with his mate, Alpha Violet Blake, yet the main couple didn’t appear.
Some Elders questioned if Ashton was around, and some wondered if he was mated to Violet.
“Of course, you are more important, but you shouldn’t offend others,” Alpha Cristian said. “Some of those people made great contributions to this pack, and they deserve respect even though they are below you in ranks p>
“I didn’t organize the party. I didn’t invite them. I didn’t say I will be here. Why should I apologize p>
Alpha Cristian didn’t know how to respond to this. In a way, Ashton was right. But Ashton was not done.
“Things like these make me wonder if it’s worth taking over this pack p>
Luna Michelle paled. “What are you saying p>
“Alpha should lead and not bow to others p>
“No one said you should bow to others,” Luna Michelle said.
“You said I should apologize for something that was not my fault p>
Luna Michelle shook her head. “Forget I said anything p>
“I don’t think I can. This got me thinking, should I take over as the Alpha p>
“What?” Luna Michelle asked.
“You heard me,” Ashton snapped. “Things are changing, and we must do what’s best.” Ashton looked at Violet, as he didn’t share this with her. “I think it’s time to remove this virtual border separating our territories and combine them into one p>
Alpha Cristian sucked in a sharp breath. “You want the Dark Howlers pack to absorb our pack p>
Ashton nodded, but he didn’t remove his gaze from Violet. “I have been thinking about this since I found out you are my mate. It’s the logical step. Think about it. The Spring Leaf pack will be a good addition to your pack p>
While growing up, Violet didn’t think about packs as separate entities. Her parents were leaders of the coalition, and everyone listened to them. Violet was set to inherit their positions, so thinking about only one or two packs would be narrowminded. But if she needed to focus on only two, the Dark Howlers pack was much larger and stronger when compared to the Spring Leaf pack.
Before Violet could voice her agreement, Alpha Cristian waved his hands, indicating to Violet and Ashton to stop talking. “There are Omegas here. Don’t talk in the open about such big changes unless you know the details. Rumors can shake even the most solid plans p>
“We can talk about that later,” Ashton said. “I will take Vi upstairs, so we freshen up before we go to the Dark Howlers pack p>
“What about a party here?” Luna Michelle asked.
“Wasn’t that last night?” Ashton responded with a question.
“But you didn’t show up p>
Ashton would ask for Violet’s opinion on this, but she already told him he would need to deal with his parents. He had an answer for this.
“We will tell you when we are ready for a party. Both Violet and I have our duties and schedules. As a newly mated couple, we want to spend time with each other and our families. I am confident that Elders and high-ranking members will understand. If they don’t, remind them I am their future Alpha and that five years of solitude made me less forgiving p>
Luna Michelle looked at Violet, silently asking for help.
Ashton frowned at his mother. “Don’t expect Vi to talk against me, mother. I am your son, but I am also her mate and an Alpha p>
“Let it go, dear,” Alpha Cristian said.
Luna Michelle was not the one to give up easily. “After you freshen up, can you come to the garden? Some people would like to greet you p>
“If we feel like it, we will come down,” Ashton said while leading Violet inside. He turned to glance at his mother. “Make sure no one disturbs us. If there is an emergency, use mind-link p>
Ashton and Violet didn’t talk until they reached Ashton’s room.
“How was that p>
Violet cocked an eyebrow at him. “What do you want, a medal?” She made a face. “Sorry. My temper sometimes gets the best of me p>
“Your bests and your worsts are my everything, Vi. As long as you are with me, I will take it no matter what it is p>
Violet melted on the inside. In front of her was an exquisite male specimen. Tall, muscular, broad shoulders, sexy tattoos, and enchanting eyes she couldn’t look away from. And he smelled of carnations. Ashton Pascal was a complete package, and what impacted her the most were his love and insecurities. He was craving her approval, to know that she accepted him.
“Alpha Ashton,” Violet called. “That’s not how an Alpha should talk.” Or feel. What was up with those insecurities?
“No, it’s not. This is how a male will talk to his mate, his other half. In front of you, I am not an Alpha. I am just a man who will do anything to make you happy. If I must defeat dragons or extinguish volcanoes, I will do it for you p>
Violet pouted. “Sounds like you will do a lot of things to avoid me p>
Ashton chuckled. He loved her sarcasm and her sense of humor.
Violet heard some voices from the outside, and she walked to the window, the same window through which she had jumped out the previous day.
Now the garden was set up with tables and chairs. She estimated that at least fifty people could sit there comfortably, and she counted about a dozen males and females, mostly older ones in fancy outfits. Were they hoping to get Ashton’s attention? Or hers?
“What are you looking at?” Ashton asked.
“I’m wondering if the party is just starting or if it’s over and these people are lingering p>
Ashton hummed ambiguously. “Who cares? We are not going there p>
Violet’s previous hostility disappeared completely and she turned to him. “Are you sure p>
“Positive. The only thing I want is to stay here with you. Actually, anywhere with you will be fine. But here is special p>
“And why is that p>
Ashton traced her jaw with his index finger. “I never had a woman in my room, Vi p>
She wanted to remind him that his mother was here, but she didn’t want to be snarky. “Really p>
“Mhm… you are my first Vi. You will be the first one to sleep in my bed p>
“Who said we will be sleeping p>
Ashton chuckled. “I love you, Vi p>
She smiled. “I love you too, Ash p>
Slowly, really slowly, Ashton lowered his head, and Violet got on her toes to reduce the time she needed to wait until their lips connected.
Violet’s arms snapped around Ashton, and she couldn’t get him close enough. They had kissed so many times already, yet every time it felt fresh and all-consuming. Not enough. She needed more of Ashton. She needed all of him.
Violet tugged on his shirt with such force that buttons ripped and fell on the floor, but neither of them cared about ruined clothes.
Ashton grabbed Violet’s buttocks and lifted her. He loved the way her legs wrapped around his waist, and he walked into the bathroom with her.
After last night’s activities, they both needed a shower. It’s not that Ashton minded some sweat, but it gave him an excuse to get naked and have sex, and… he wanted to have sex with Violet — all the time.