Choosing Mr. Destiny - Chapter 31: Chapter 31

Ashley's POV
Walking next to Arthur as we head towards the dining place was okay until I saw the entrance heading inside the packed dining hall, which I assume would be enormous due to the number of people living in this freaking huge mansion. And I feel like this mansion's like 10 times bigger than the pack house where Connor and I stayed when we were in Colorado, and that is saying something. So yeah, this pack house is no joke when it comes to the size.
Anyway, as we neared the dining hall, my uneasiness started to get worse causing me to hold a little bit tighter onto Arthur's big warms hands.
"Are you okay?" He asked as he gazed down at me.
I nodded unsure whether I should say yes or no.
"If you're still not comfortable facing a lot of people, it's totally fine. There will always be a next time. There's no rush." He stated as he stopped in his tracks, stopping me in the process as well.
"No, it's okay. I'm just, I uh, I'm just a bit scared, is all." I told him as I stared into the entryway heading inside the dining hall.
"Remember, I'm right here. Relax, we'll just have our breakfast, then after that, we will go back to my apartment." He assured, which wasn't giving me much of an assurance that everything will be fine. But then again, he tried and that's what matters most.
"Are you certain that it's fine for me to join?" I asked again for like the hundredth time. "What if they don't like me," I stated worriedly as I glanced at the door. "We... We should just go back to our apartment and make our own breakfast." I said, thinking of backing out.
"Are you sure? We're already here... Wait, what did you say?" He said cutting mid-sentence.
"Uh, I said can we go back to our apartment so I can just cook us breakfast," I responded somewhat unsure if that was what he's referring to.
"Our apartment?" He asked smiling widely and genuinely.
"Uh yes? Is something wrong?" I responded back a question which he replied with a shake of his head.
"Nothing at all." He admitted making me look at him a bit confused as he grinned wide. "Our apartment." He repeated, still grinning like crazy. "Wow, that sounded so good when you say it."
"Oh." Was all I said, feeling my cheeks heat up when I finally realized why he was suddenly so damn happy.
"You don't know how much that means to me, bunny." He said which caused me to smile along with him.
"It was merely a comment," I admitted. "But if it makes you this happy, then I'm glad I said it," I started a bit shy that a simple sentence turned his mood this bright.
"A simple comment yet means so much more to me." He said, smiling softly at me. "Call me cheesy all you want, I don't care."
My smile went even wider.
"You are." I teased, causing him to chuckle. "But it's adorable. So it's even better."
"You know, you're ruining my moment here." He commented jokingly.
I giggled. "Sorry."
"It's all good." He said, still grinning. "So, do you still want to go back to our room?" He asked looking down at me expectantly.
"Well...." I started, still debating. I looked up at him and met his waiting gaze. "You're going to be there next to me the whole time right?" I asked, in which he nodded.
I glanced at the door again, hearing a glimpse of the people behind it, chattering happily.
I sighed, already made up my mind. "Alright, I'll give it a try," I said somewhat curious about how people will react once they see me.
"Are you sure? As I said, you don't have to do it if you're not comfortable enough." He said trying to reason me out but I finally decided and I'm not going to back out this time.
"Yeah, I'm sure," I told him. "If I'm going to be the 'Luna' as you said, I should train myself being around people more often. And maybe now is the right time to start training." I concluded in hopes it does makes sense.
He smiled proudly and adoringly at me.
"What did I ever do to deserve such an amazing person like you." He breathed out huskily, which instantly made me blush a bright crimson red.
"Stop! I don't want to get in there a blushing mess, you know." I admitted cupping my own cheeks to stop it from heating up.
"But you look so freaking adorable." He countered making me blush even harder.
He's totally not helping.
"You're not helping with my situation here, Arthur." I scolded. "Let's just get in there and have some breakfast to get this over with," I said dragging a chuckling Arthur towards the dining hall. "And my tummy demands to be filled right now, so quit chuckling."
And I thought it would be an easy task dragging a well-toned human-half-wolf like Arthur. Boy am I wrong. I feel like I was dragging a train than Arthur himself. Seriously, he weighs like tons and tons of bricks.
"Arthur stop dragging your feet and cooperate. I'm like a small bunny here dragging a huge wagon full of carrots." I stated with a pout.
He just chuckled and continued dragging his feet, ignoring what I just said.
"Arthur I'm warning you. If you don't cooperate, I'll go home this instant." I threatened and that had him moving way ahead of me.
"Well, why didn't you say so? Let's go I'm hungry." He finally straightened up and started walking ahead of me, a bit too fast for my little legs to catch up.
"Right. Now you're hungry." I said rolling my eyes and jogged to catch up next to him. "You do know I have little legs, right?" I asked slightly out of breath after finally catching up to Arthur's speed walking, which for me was actually a jog.
"Yep." He replied.
"It means you have to stop speed walking, you jerk."
"No need when I can do this." He said making me furrow my brows.
"Do wha...............Ahhhhh! Arthur put me down." I screeched out after he suddenly picked me up from the ground and continued on his speed walking towards the entryway to the dining hall. "Arthur I said I have little legs but that doesn't mean I can't walk by myself," I stated flustered.
"Hey put me down. Didn't you hear what I just said? I can walk by myself." I tried squirming out of him but to no avail. He just continued walking without even listening to me.
"Arthur I said put me down, this instant." No reply and just kept walking.
"Arthur I will seriously kick you in the balls right now." I threatened but was automatically went to deaf ears. I tried wiggling out once again but he just held me tighter without even sparing me a reply.
"Arthur!" I screamed but no reply as usual.
"Arthur if you don't put me down, I swear I will castrate y....." I was about to finish my not-so-scary of a threat again when he suddenly cut me off.
"Sshhh babe. We're here." He said causing me to frown.
"What?"
After realizing what he meant, I instantly turned my attention in front of me to see if we were actually at the dining hall. And I was right. But what's worse than being caught red-handed about spewing threats to Arthur, are the stares. Probably a hundred or more pairs of eyes were trained at nothing but me and Arthur.
And that right there is the reason why I'm an introvert.
"Snap." I breathed out thinking of casually sliding down out of Arthur's grip and walking out of there like it was nothing. But then again, how am I able to get out of Arthur's hold when his grasp on me was much stronger than super glue? So no other option but to suck it up and just 'Smile and Wave' like the penguins from the movie 'Madagascar' said.
"Good morning everyone." Arthur greeted casually like he was just talking to a bunch of people and not a huge crowd.
Then he turned to me, probably expecting to greet the owners of hundred pairs of eyes looking at us.
"Hi," I whispered, my voice suddenly failed me.
Something went wrong with my tongue for some reason. Instead of saying 'good morning', I went to whispering a stupid 'Hi'. Just great!
It makes me want to slap myself so hard and start digging my own grave right now. And because of that, people started bursting into a fit of giggles and awes.
What can I say, I'm an idiot.
"Oh uhm, I mean good morning." I corrected as I cleared my throat, acting more formal this time.
Gosh I'm so weird around people, I swear.
"We're here to join the breakfast, so continue on," Arthur said, which the people immediately abide. Just like that.
When all of them went back to eating their breakfast, Arthur walked towards a table where a few people were sitting. There I saw Brandon along with two buffed guys looking at us with a beaming smile.
"Good morning gentlemen." Arthur greeted as his friends stood up from their seats as we approached them.
Then finally, Arthur slowly placed me back down on my feet and I happily gave him a thankful smile, which he reply with a wink and a kiss on my temples.
"Good morning Alpha."A black-haired guy greeted. "You seem like you're in such a good mood this fine morning." He commented before giving Arthur a man hug.
"Yeah, I am indeed in a good mood," Arthur said as he looked at me after they pulled away.
"No wonder." He chuckled. "Well, it's nice having you back, Alpha. Even though you were gone for only 6 days." The guy added.
"Yeah, it's nice to be back. I can't afford being gone for too long you know." Arthur said.
Yup. My 5'3 self is totally fine being surrounded by giants.
"Hey man, had a nice sleep?" Brandon said, giving the usual man hug to Arthur while wearing a teasing look on his face.
"Yeah, I did. But don't get too dirty-minded, you idiot. We just slept and nothing more." Arthur responded back as he pulled away from Brandon.
Yes, I'm okay. Even though Arthur forgot to introduce me, I'm still perfectly fine.
"What? I didn't say anything." Brandon defended while still wearing that teasing smile.
"Oh shut up."
"It's good to have you back Alpha." The other guy who I still haven't met yet spoke up and gave Arthur another man hug.
Seriously, when are they going to finish with the man hug? I'm hungry.
"So am I," Arthur said before turning to me. Finally acknowledging my tiny presence. "Anyways, you have met my mate right?" He asked.
"Personally? No. But I have heard his name multiple times since you talk about him almost non-stop. But it's still a lot better finally meeting him in person." He replied turning his gaze to me and gave me a smile and a bow. "It's nice to meet you Luna."
"Nice to meet you too. But uh, I still don't know your name." I told him before turning to the black-haired guy. "As well as yours, sorry." I admitted shyly with bright cheeks.
"Oh, my bad. It's Lukas by the way." He introduced and I offered my hand for him to shake and he took it.
"Ashley." I introduced back as we shake hands.
"I already know." He said, still sporting a wide smile.
And I just reacted by blushing. No surprise.
"The name's Chandler." The black-haired guy finally introduced himself.
I shook his hands as well.
"I'm guessing you also know my name already?" I asked unsurely. But he quickly nodded his head with a chuckle.
"Yeah I do." He said. "And I feel like everyone here already knows who you are." He said, giving me a wink with a teasing smirk, which only worsens my reddened cheeks.
"I'll take that as a good thing," I responded back feeling flustered.
"It's good to have you here, Luna. We've been wishing to finally meet you." Chandler chimed in making me turn my attention to him.
I gave him a genuine smile. "I'm also happy to be here too."
The conversation circulated just like that and the feeling of being uncomfortable around people slowly vanished as I figured it wasn't that bad at all. Yes, it could get a little awkward at times when being around new people you just met, but it's still a nice environment to be in. And I must say, these guys looked like they're genuinely nice people.
We talked for a little until my tummy made sure to tell everyone that it needed food, like badly. And as usual, they just chuckled at me after I commented that I've been eyeing the pancake ever since, and my stomach couldn't help but agree.
Then finally we had our breakfast with conversations here and there, while I busied myself indulging with so many yummy foods.
And after we had our breakfast, we quickly made our way towards our apartment to prepare and get changed. I showered in the bathroom inside Arthur's room, since he said he'll go take a shower in the other room, so we can finish at the same time.
After we both showered, got dressed, and made sure we had the essential things that we needed, we headed out and went downstairs to the pack house's living room, which was also huge I might add. As we sat down on one of the many couches in the living room, Arthur suddenly stood to his feet and said that he forgot his license inside his other wallet
"I'll be right back." He told me before taking off.
As I sat there waiting for Arthur to come back, three girls unexpectedly approached me.
They were really beautiful if I'm being honest. And if I was straight, I would surely ask one of them for their number. But then again, since I'm gayer than gay that poops glitters and all that stuff, me asking a girl for their number and flirting with one would be like asking a bunny to lay eggs.
"So you're the future Luna." The girl with long blond hair said with a fake smile. "Pity. I honestly expected someone much better."
"Uhm, hello." I greeted as politely as I could, even though her remark was mean.
"Your name is Ash, am I right?" The girl said whose name I still don't have any idea.
"Yup. That's my name." I replied, trying to play cool and not to fidget under their intense gaze.
"It's Trixie by the way. And these are my friends. Celine and Chelsea." She introduced herself as well as her friends.
"It's nice to meet you," I responded, still a bit intimidated with how they were acting towards me, but I forced myself to keep cool.
"I'll be straight to the point, okay my dear 'Luna'." She said, purposely lacing her obvious disgust at me as she air quoted the word Luna. I didn't respond, I just sat there waiting for her to continue whatever she's going to say. "First of all, I don't know how you brainwashed Arthur for him to claim you as his mate. But seriously? He could have found someone way better than you." She said as she looked me up and down. "Secondly, Arthur is clearly not gay. Maybe you used some kind of potion on him for all I know. And lastly, Arthur is mine and I won't let a tinnie tiny f*ggot like you take away what rightfully belongs to me." She spat bitterly, as she looked down at me as if I was nothing but dirt.
"What are you talking about?" I was starting to feel uneasy, but I remained seated and tried to keep a calm composure.
She leaned down, making herself at an eye-level, causing for me to back up a little into the couch. "Stupid f*g. You know It would be somewhat acceptable if Arthur's mate was a woman, but knowing it was a guy made me feel sick. Arthur isn't gay, so maybe you did one of those little tricks of yours to seduce him or put him in some kind of a spell just so you can have him all to yourself. You're not just a f*ggot but also a selfish b*itch." She spat at me venomously again and all I did was stare at her with wide eyes. Clearly off guard at her outburst towards me.
There are words I want to say to defend myself but my body seemed unresponsive from my brain's commands.
She chuckled after seeing my state. She wiped a tear I didn't know fell from my eye.
"Oh look at that. You're not just a stupid f*ggot and a b*tch, but also a cry baby. How adorable." She said mockingly. "Are you gonna go run to your Mommy for help, little one?" She added, caressing my cheeks, acting all sweet and caring.
I should have said something, anything, in my defense from all her nonsense accusations, but I didn't. I just let her.
All I did was sit there, my mouth closed and with eyes focused on her face coated with a bitter expression. My calm composure was no longer present as the urge to talk back bubbled up to the surface of my mind. But somehow, I couldn't speak up.
"If you can't even find a way to compete with us, then I suggest just give up and go home little one. Go to your room and cry your little heart out. I'm sure tomorrow you will be okay and who knows, maybe you'll find yourself another good boy toy. What do you say? Nice idea right?" She stated still being her mean self.
"I don't know what you're talking about. If you three doesn't have anything nice to say then might as well just leave me alone." I responded weakly causing her to giggle a bit menacingly, much to my discomfort.
"Aw, the little kitten is afraid of a little fight. How cute." She cooed while pinching my cheeks, making me pull away.
"Maybe he's only good at sucking someone's d*ck and that ends there. Too bad we're more talented than him." The girl who I assumed whose name is Celine, stated as she twirl her hair using her pointer finger.
"Agreed. Looks like Alpha Arthur found a pathetic, weakling, and utterly stupid of a mate." The other girl who I assume was Chelsea said, giving Celine a high five.
"Did you hear that Ash. Not all of us here approve of you being our Alpha's mate. What more, to be our own future Luna." She said sweetly before her expression turn menacing in a matter of seconds. "You disgust me." She added as she once again, looked me up and down.
"I get it, you don't like me. But that doesn't mean the three of you have the right to judge me, without even knowing me on a personal level. I don't know what I did for you girls to hate me so much. I didn't even know if I ever did something for the three of you to hate me like this." I said as I stood up, finally feeling a little brave to talk back.
I looked around and saw everyone completely oblivious of their pack member degrading someone just within their earshot.
"Well news flash for you Ash, we do have the right to judge since we're just looking after the pack's secure future. We don't want a weak, and a cry baby of a Luna like you. We need someone like Trixie to lead us next to her mate, who is Arthur. That may be a hurtful reality to you, but sadly, that's the truth. And yes, we do hate you." Celine said with her arms folded in her overly large boobs that even a man-whore would decline from touching. Too much plastic. Just like everything about them.
"Okay. But then, it's not my fault that Arthur chose me to be his mate and not your friend." I paused. "Actually, let me rephrase that. It's not my fault if FATE chose me to be mated to your Alpha. And I'm sorry if it didn't happen to be your friend. Sucks to be her, I guess." I retorted back, making sure to glance at Trixie. I somewhat found confidence to say something to at least defend myself from being degraded by three women. It surprised me.
"You got a tongue there, Ash," Chelsea warned with a glare.
I almost rolled my eyes there.
Well duh, of course I do.
"I suggest you to be more careful from using that. You're talking to Trixie in front of you. Just a warning." She said with a hidden threat under her voice.
I smiled up at them. Surprisingly, their intimidating act towards me was slowly failing.
"Should I be afraid? Should I run, and cower under my bed? Is that what you're suggesting? Well too bad I don't do that." I said causing for the three of them to glare at me.
I may look like someone unable to defend myself but that doesn't mean I'm just gonna let anyone degrade me because they can.
I may be little and look harmless to everyone's eyes, but that also doesn't mean I'll let anyone treat me like I'm no less than a dirt. I've already let a good amount of people to step on me like a rug before, but now, it would be foolish of me to let it happen again. I've been in that situation way too many times in the past, and I'd be damn to let them do it to me again this time around. I know I'm a lot stronger than what I like to put on. I may not be strong physically, but I know I'm very well capable of handling myself at situations like this. I'm small, but I'm not one to be taken easily of. I'm not one to be messed around with.
Trixie smirked evilly at me, but I told myself to never be fazed by it and stand my ground. "Looks like someone gained some confidence and decided to fight back. I must say I'm amazed." She commented looking me up and down in a very judgemental way. "Looks like I got myself a competition. I like it." She added smirking menacingly.
She stepped closer to me. "Just know this Ash. I will do anything, and I mean anything, to get what I want. And even if it means that I have to get rid of you for good is what it takes, I will gladly do it without a second thought. So be careful and watch your back from now on." She threatened, but I still didn't falter.
After she said those words to me, she stepped back and sent me a sweet and innocent smile, which I wasn't one to be fooled with. And even though I practically just made an enemy, I won't let that fake boobie squad scare me away.
I'm no longer the Ash that lets everyone take advantage on. The old Ash that easily lets anyone and everyone pull me down without a fight.
I'm no longer that person.
And if she wishes to have a little competition, then I'll give her one. Hopefully, she'll make sure she has some back up plans in hand because I sure do have mine.
Ashley Dale Valdez never backs down.
I will never back down. Not after what I've been through.
Finally, after being gone for what I assume was way too long, Arthur came back with his wallet in hand.
"Bethany is already outside." He said as we walked out of the living room and into the hallway leading out of the pack house. But before stepping out of the front door, I looked over my shoulder and saw the three plastic surgery regulars who are watching us with unreadable eyes.
"You ready babe?" Arthur asked as he opened the door for me.
"Yup. More than ready." I stated before I looked back at the girls and gave them my sweet smile. One that also subtly tells them to mess with me, I'll mess theirs way worse than they do mine.
Hopefully, that gives them the idea that I never back down.
If it takes to be a b*tch to fight a b*tch, then I can be more than a total b*tch to put them in their place.
Two can play that game.
Arthur's POV
A few minutes into the drive, I cleared my throat, effectively gaining Ash's attention.
"So, did you get to mingle around when I momentarily left you in the living room earlier?" I asked, interested to know if he made acquaintances with anyone in the pack.
He turned to me with a small frown on his face. "Not really." He replied. "But uhm, I met this woman and her two other friends." He added, making me nod.
"Did you asked their names?" I continued.
"Well, they introduced themselves to me." He paused. "The woman I was talking to was Trixie and she introduce her friends Chelsea and Celine." He stated, making me tense at the mention of that b*tch's name. She always speaks trouble. But because she's loyal to my pack and a really good fighter, I didn't have any reason to banish her after that little stunt she did on me.
I hummed, still focused on the road in front of us.
"How did it go?" I asked as I casually glanced at him before turning back to the road.
He didn't answer right away, which gave me the idea that the little interaction they had wasn't any good.
"It was interesting, I should say." He said.
I hummed a response once again.
"Were they mean to you?" I asked, just to make sure.
And after asking him that question, his composure suddenly changed from calm to tense as he turned to look out the window.
"Ash?" I called after he didn't answer my question.
"They were okay, I guess." Was all he said, still not meeting my gaze, and his voice somehow wavering. At that point, I knew he wasn't telling me the truth. And his body language said so. I noticed he scratches his thumb using his pointer finger when he lies, and he scratches his left hand when he's nervous. Even without noticing all those little things he does, I can already tell just by hearing his heart hammering in his chest.
"Ash is there something you want to tell me?" I asked encouragingly.
He sighed, now facing the windshield.
"It's not important." He said. And through my peripheral vision, I saw him bite his bottom lip as he started scratching his left hand.
I glanced at him.
"It's important if it's bothering you this much," I stated, which made him look down at his hands.
He shook his head before turning his gaze towards me and smile.
"It's nothing, I promise." Was all he said before he turned his attention back out the window. And after that, silence engulfed us once again, with the soft music from the radio playing in the background.
I decided not to ask him further seeing as he clearly doesn't want to talk about it. If he's willing enough to tell me, then he'll tell me. For now, I'm just gonna assume nothing bad happened between those three and my mate. But if I find out they did something as outrageous as mistreating my mate, then they will have to deal with me. And I sure as hell won't hold back with their punishments this time.
Fifteen minutes into the drive, my phone started ringing obnoxiously.
I picked up my phone from my pocket and answered the call without looking at the caller ID.
"Hello," I answered as I watched my mate bite his bottom lip unknowing. He doesn't notice what that little gesture does to me.
If I could, I would have ravage that luscious lips of his like there's no tomorrow.
"Get your ass back in here right now Arthur Jones Trevino or I swear to the moon goddess up above, you won't see the light of day again." A voice that was all-to-familiar roared on the other line of the phone.
Obviously it was Mom.
"Hi Mom. What's up?" I replied back casually, making Ash's brows to rise questioningly after he turned his attention to me.
"Don't you 'what's up' me, mister. You have some serious sh*t of explaining right now, so get your ass in here or I will throw you back into your father's testicles as a tinnie bitty sperm. You heard me!" Mom threatened again, obviously not in her cool composure at the moment.
"Mom I can't, my mate and I are going out with Bethany right now," I told her which only gained me a very angry growl from mother dearest.
"No. Get your ass in here. I will call Bethany to cancel what you guys have planned for another day. Right now, I want you to be in the pack in 5 minutes." Mom said being her strict self.
"5 minutes? We're already 8 minutes out from the pack house? How can I drive up there in 5 minutes?" I asked. "Not unless you want to make me fly this goddamn car, then I can be there in 3," I told her through the phone as Ash watch me curiously.
"Fine. Be here as soon as you can. No more excuses. Bye." Mom said, but before she completely ends the call, I asked her what was all the rush.
"What with the rush anyway? Is there something wrong?"
"Oh Gods give me strength. I raised a son who is a part idiot." Mom sighed in frustration and I just rolled my eyes to what she said. "Isn't it obvious Arthur? I want you here right now because clearly, you didn't introduce your mate to us. Us! Your parents. How can you not introduce your freaking mate to us, huh? Did you...." Mom rambled and I decided to cut her off before anything gets worse.
"Mom relax, I'm coming and I'll be there as fast as I can. Bye." I told told her and instantly her rambling continued.
"Okay fine. Drive safe." She said and I shook my head at my Mom's incredible moods.
Just now she was threatening that she'll send me back into my Dad's balls if I didn't get there in time, now she's telling me to drive safely.
Now even death himself is confused about whether to kill me or not.
Typical moms.
"Is your mom in beast mode right now?" Ash asked after I hang up the call.
I chuckled. "Kind of."
"Oh." Was his reply before going silent.
"Don't worry. Mom really has her moments these days, especially when she's getting older." I told him, part humor part serious.
"I bet she'll go mama dragon when she hears you say that." He commented making me chuckle.
"She can be, sometimes. But I'm used to it." I commented back as I check in-front and behind me if I can make a U-turn.
"Are we going back to the house?" Ash asked as I maneuvered the car back to where we came.
"Unfortunately yes. Mama bear; as you heard from the phone call, is in her beastly mood right now, and she's asking us to be there as soon as possible." I told him as I began to speed on the freeway back to the pack house.
"Okay. But what about Benny? Does she already know that we're going back to the mansion?" He questioned looking over at me.
"Well, Mom said she'll call her and ask her to reschedule our plan for another day."
He nodded his head as he took in what I said. "Okay. I don't want your mom to be even madder if we didn't follow what she asked." He said followed by a shrug.
After we finally made it back to the pack house, I made sure to keep Ash secured and protected next to me, knowing he'll soon be bombarded with curious relatives and pack members. And thankful enough, his so-called bodyguard came into the rescue as soon as Ash stepped out of the passenger side of my car.
"Oh hi Connor. I haven't seen you at breakfast this morning." Ash immediately said after he saw his 'protector'.
"Yeah. I kind of came in late since I overslept." Connor said, smiling down at me mate.
"Well, I guess that's a good thing then. Since you know, you were obviously not having enough sleep before. That just means that everything is going back to normal." Ash stated, smiling back at Connor.
"I guess," Connor replied before he turned to look at me and gave me a nod. I nodded back as I looked down at my mate.
"Are you ready bunny?" I asked as I wrap my hands on his waist.
"Yeah." He exhaled.
With that, we walked towards the front door entrance and went straight to the family's living room built inside the pack house. It was custom built for us so we can have our own private time as a family. And even though Connor's accompanying Ash, I'll just consider him as an exception since he's basically my mate's little soldier.
As we stood in front of the double doors heading inside the private living room, I Gave Ash's temple a reassuring kiss, telling him everything will be alright.
Then right as we entered, we were immediately greeted with smiling faces from my brother Nate, his wife Jenny, and their daughter Jasmine, as well as my Dad. While as for Mom, she was glaring lord knows what kind of deadly materials towards me. And at that moment, I knew I was in deep sh*t.
"Finally." Mom roared as she stood up, causing Ash to flinch at the sudden loudness.
I pulled him towards me by his waist and sent him a smile. Then I met my Mom's angry gaze.
"Okay, we're here. So what's the agenda?" I spoke up casually, worsening Mom's glare.
"You are in so much trouble right now young man." Mom said using her angry voice while still deadly glaring at me, which made Ash's slim, petite body, to subtly shake from fear.
"What the hell did I do? Other than not introduce my mate to you and Dad?" I asked completely and utterly confused why Mom was so over-the-top mad.
"Well, that's the problem right there. You didn't tell me or even your Dad that your mate was with you when you arrived last night. You didn't even tell me you left Arthur. I wouldn't know if it wasn't for the fact that a pack member of yours have the audacity to tell me that you just arrived back from Colorado this morning. How come that you were gone for almost a week and no one even made the effort to at least tell me what was going on? How come no one even said or utter a word to us that your mate arrived with you last night? Does that mean you forgot me and your father as your parents, Arthur?" Mom spoke up as tears trickled her eyes causing for Dad to stand up and comfort her.
I sighed, not even expecting that was what she's feeling about all this. And in the first place, I thought she was just overreacting to things again. But I guess not this time.
"Mom that's not the reason why I didn't tell you, okay. I didn't tell you that I left because I don't want you to worry about things you shouldn't worry about. And I didn't bother mentioning it to you because I didn't want you and Dad to trouble yourselves about it. I just wanted you guys to enjoy your lives without worrying things anymore." I explained.
"Then why didn't you tell us about your mate then? You promised Arthur. You promised that when you finally take your mate here in the pack house, we will be the first one to know. If we were important to you then why did you break that promise?" Mom said as Dad soothed her lovingly.
"Mom that was not my intentions, okay? I have everything planned to properly introduce my mate to you all, but things just didn't go as I was expecting." I told her as I started rubbing my hand soothingly on my mate's back, feeling his growing discomfort from being in this situation.
"I was thinking about introducing my mate to all of you today at dinner. Then by tomorrow, I was thinking about officially introducing him to the pack." I stated. "I'm just concerned about my mate's well being, Mom. He's new to all of this and I know accepting and sinking all these kinds of information all at once would soon take a toll on him. I just wanted to take everything slowly. For my mate." I explained looking down at my mate who gave me a soothing smile.
I heard Mom let out a sigh, causing for me to turn my attention back to her.
"You're right. You should always prioritize your mate's well being before anything else." She spoke as she slowly calms down. "Well, I guess I'm being the usual over-reacting and overly dramatic mother again, huh?" Mom said as her face wore a sad smile.
"Mom you're not being overdramatic nor overreacting. I completely understand why you were upset and I'm really sorry if I caused it. I really do." I stated as I stepped forward with my mate securely next to me.
"I'm sorry." Mom said apologizing sincerely as he looked at my mate. "And I'm sorry you had to deal with my moods."
I smiled. "It's alright. There's nothing to be sorry about."
She smiled, but this time it was of gratefulness.
"Anyways, enough with the awful drama, and introduce your mate who will soon be my son-in-law." Mom said as she tried to lighten up the atmosphere.
I let out a chuckle.
As always. Transition from another mood for Mom is hella easy like it was nothing.
"Well everyone, this is Ash, my mate." I proudly said without any thoughts of hesitation.
Mom walked over to us and stood in front of my mate, smiling gently at him.
"I'm Elizabeth. The mother of this trouble-maker, right here." Mom introduced, earning a chuckle from Ash. "It's nice to finally meet you, sweetie."
"It's nice to meet you too, Luna." Ash said with a small bow.
"Can I hug you?" Mom asked softly, causing Ash to blush.
He only nodded before he walked towards her. And immediately, Mom took him for a hug.
"Oh my goodness, you are such an adorable bundle." Mom commented after they pulled away with still a bright blushing Ash.
"Uhm, thank you, Ma'am." Ash responded back politely.
"Pshhh. Cut the Ma'am bullsh*t and call me Mom or Elie from now on, k?" Mom stated casually like she was just simply gossiping around with her group of friends.
Women. Typical.
"Oh, uh, o-okay." Ash stuttered adorably, still sporting the same bright red cheeks.
Mom awed before she turned her attention to me."Are you being good to him, Arthur?" Mom asked suddenly. Giving me an intense questioning gaze.
I chuckled. "Of course I am. Why wouldn't I be?" I stated.
She rolled her eyes.
"We all know how much of a pain in the ass you are." She pointed out, earning a laugh from Ash.
I smirked down at him. He's laughing at me now, but soon, he'll be the one sporting that obvious pain in the ass once we're done with the mating process.
"Well, I'm a changed man now," I commented, winking at Ash.
"Good." Mom said. "You better treat this sweetheart right, or else I will have your head on a post."
I smiled proudly. "Gladly noted, Mom," I responded back with a smile.
Goddess knows she's not even kidding with her threat.
"Aren't you going to introduce your mate to me, Arthur?" Dad said, finally speaking up for the first time.
I smiled. "Oh, my bad." I apologized. "Anyways, Dad this is Ash, and Ash, this is my Dad, Dominic. The former Alpha of the Crescent Moon Pack." I introduced a bit too formal for my liking.
"It's nice to meet you, Sir." Ash said politely partnered with a curt bow, making me mentally chuckle. He didn't have to bow though. But then again, we all know Ash is an equal of an angel, so it's totally no surprise if he's being so polite and nice to everyone, especially to my parents and family.
Dad chuckled. "Call me Dad from now on, Ash. Sir is just too formal." Dad commented. "And it is an honor to finally meet you too." He said sincerely, and right then and there, the look that suddenly appeared on my father's eyes shows that he's building up an attitude of protectiveness towards my mate. And it made me feel happy that my father wanted my mate as safe as possible.
Ash only replied with a huge smile and a nod of his, seeing as he's still clearly flustered.
"And hun, I'm really sorry if you had to see my state earlier. I just can't help these sort of emotions, especially now that I and my mate are getting older." She apologized as Dad wrapped his arms around Mom's waist.
"Finally, I was hoping one of you would admit it out loud. And today is the day. Woop Woop!" Nate suddenly said from the back making me chuckle, as Ash let out an adorable giggle.
"I should be mad about that, but if it made Ash giggle so adorably then I admit being old proudly." Mom said making all of us let out a laugh as Ash stood there flustered again.
"But you don't look old though. I even thought you were still in your thirties." Ash spoke up.
"I like him already," Dad told Mom and she didn't waste a second to agree.
"Why thank you, sweetie. At least someone thinks we are still in our prime even when we're already in our 50s." Mom said making me roll my eyes.
"Bunny stop patronizing them. They'll think you were being serious." I joked.
"I was telling the truth." He defended adorably.
"Oh stop being so bitter Arthur. And really? You call him bunny? That is just too cute." Mom said. "Wait! Dominic, you do have a pet name for me before, right? I just forgot what it was." Mom suddenly asked her husband who grinned widely.
"Oh of course I do." Dad stated, a mischievous look on his face.
"What is it again?" Mom asked interestingly.
"Goat," Dad said plain and short, causing for all of us who were there to burst into laughter, including Connor who was standing behind me and Ash a couple of feet away.
"How sweet. Well I have one for you too." Mom said lovingly as she wrapped her hands around Dad's arm.
"Surprise me, sweetheart." Dad encouraged still grinning.
"Manatee." Mom said proudly, earning another round of laughs from all of us in the room.
Their childish banter never gets old. They are already in their early 50's but they act like they were married just yesterday, which is a good thing.
"Fair enough, Goat," Dad said causing Mom to smile.
"Accept defeat Manatee." Mom retorted back.
"Okay Mom and Dad, enough. Continue that in your free time. But for now, I have to introduce my mate to my niece." I told the both of them with a chuckle and they gladly obeyed.
"You haven't met my niece yet, right?" I questioned Ash making him shake his head.
"Nope. But I'm guessing that's her right there?" Ash said as he looked to where Nate and Jen were sitting with Jasmine on her Dad's lap.
"Yup. That's her." I confirmed. "Wanna meet her?"
Ash gave me a 'duh' look. "Are you kidding me? Of course, I do. Look at her, she's freaking adorable."
He then dragged me towards where my brother, sister-in-law, and niece were sitting.
"Hi!" Ash greeted with a beaming smile.
"Hello." Nate responded back which gained him a smack on the shoulder from his wife.
"He was referring to Jasmine, not
you idiot." Jen scolded as Nate rubbed his shoulder.
I chuckled. "Anyway this is Jasmine. And these are her parents, Nate and Jennifer." I introduced as Ash waved at them, smiling widely.
"You cute." Jasmine suddenly spoke up to Ash making all of us raise our eyebrows.
"Who, me?" Ash pointed to himself which Jasmine replied with a nod.
"Yup yup. Can you turn into a unicorn?" She asked nicely out of nowhere, stunning all of us there in the room.
Jasmine is never the one to talk to people she just met, but now she looked like she's about to ask my mate to go play with her. Which is very surprising. The only people that Jasmine likes, except her parents, are Bethany, my Mom and Dad, me, and along with some selected pack members she approved of associating herself with.
"Uhm no, but I wish I can," Ash responded back as he crouched down to meet Jasmine at eye level while sporting a smile.
"That okay. Wanna play with me and my teddy bears?" She asked again.
"I would love to, but I haven't introduced myself to you yet." Ash said which caused Jasmine to shake her head.
"Nope. I know you already. You are Didi." She said stunning us again.
"Didi?" He asked, stunned as well.
"Yup yup." She said happily.
"I'm really sorry Ash. She doesn't know what she's saying." Jenny intervened, causing her daughter to look at her with a glare.
"No, it's totally fine. It's just, I remember someone important to me who calls me that." He admitted and out of nowhere, the feeling of jealousy suddenly hit me. But I forced myself to shrug it off.
"Oh, I am so sorry. I'll tell her not to use that again." Jenny said.
"No. No it's fine. She can call me that if she wants to." Ash said.
"Yey!" Jasmine clapped happily. "Can we go play now?" She turned to her parents and asked with her infamous puppy eyes and pouty lips.
"I'm okay with it if Ash wants to," Jen said as Nate nodded.
"Omg, I would love to," Ash exclaimed excitedly. "Can we?" He then turned to me and used Jasmine's technique, which was a first. And me being me, I couldn't help but just nod while starting to grow a boner.
The f*ck.
"Thank you teddy bear," Ash said as he stood on his tippy toes and gave my cheek a kiss.
"Ohhhh, wanna play with purple too? She's our puppy." Jasmine said excitedly, after she took my mate's hand in her tiny ones.
"You have a puppy? That is so cool, and yes I wanna play with purple as well." Ash said giggling.
"Yay. Let's go." Jasmine said dragging Ash out of the family living room and into who knows where they are going to play.
"Hey, bunny," I called before they stepped out of the room. "Just don't go too far if you decided to play outside okay," I told him and he sent me a smile.
"Okay." He replied and with that, they were out with Connor following close behind.
And knowing his protector is right behind them, I feel relaxed that he'll be fine. And even though I still don't trust that guy just yet, I can't deny the fact that the moon goddess never makes mistakes when it comes to giving someone their purpose.
And speaking of that. Ash consolidated me before about a ritual. That Connor will bind his mind with his to complete the process and make Connor my mate's life soldier for good.
I mean, I have no problem about it if it means for my mate's highest security and safety. But is it really that necessary to bind your mind with someone else?
If that is the case, I have to go find elder Delsiah and ask for answers. But for now, I'll have a talk with my family with the incoming event I was planning.
The official introduction of my mate as the Pack's future Luna.
Ashley's POV
As the adorable little girl named Jasmine dragged me into their apartment, I couldn't help but feel delighted to see how she wasn't able to contain her excitement. She was telling me about all her stuff and toys, and how she got them. Apparently, she also like the color purple which made everything more interesting and enjoyable. Seems like I have the little version of myself but only a girl.
"Here we are." She declared after we made it in front of a door.
Jasmine placed her little thumb on the scanner and Connor turned the doorknob after it unlocked. Then Jasmine ushered us inside. It wasn't a room but a suite. It was pretty simple, the walls are colored a clean white with pictures hanging on the walls. And the living room was occupied with a nice comfortable looking couch and a nice fireplace with a large flat-screen television mounted above it.
As we made it inside Jasmine's room, that's when things started getting really colorful. The walls are painted a nice Lavander; no surprise to that, and the bedsheets are also colored purple decorated with 'Princess Sofia' along with the pillowcases and the headboard. Basically, all the things that you can lay your eyes on inside Jasmine's room are colored purple, or a color close to that, which made me so damn happy knowing purple is also my favorite color.
And right after we entered, a cute looking puppy immediately ran up to her.
"Purppie," Jasmine exclaimed after picking up the puppy; which is a husky I might add. And what's even cuter is the little ribbon on her collar that is also purple.
"Oh my gosh, she's so cute," I exclaimed as well.
I knelt down as Jasmine walked towards me and handed me the puppy.
Jasmine giggled. "Yup she cutie."
"Yeah she is." I agreed, causing me to gain a lick on the chin from the puppy.
"Can we play outside with Purple?" Jasmine asked and I turned to Connor.
"Can we?"
He smiled. "If you want. I'll be there to look after the two of you anyway, so I guess it's fine. After all, Arthur said it was okay as long as the two of you won't run off." He said making Jasmine and I smile from ear to ear.
"Yay!" Jasmine and I said happily in chorus.
And with that, we were out of their apartment and went outside to the yard.
With purple in my arms, I placed her down and she started running around happy to be outdoors. Jasmine started chasing her as I followed closely behind them. Then purple turned to me and started chasing me around. Jasmine laughed as she chased after me as well.
So basically we were playing tag and I'm always the one getting chased since that's what Jasmine likes. And who am I to say no when she gave you that freaking adorable puppy eyes and pout? So obviously, I gave in and let myself be the one being chased around. And even though it's tiring running in the large yard, it was all worth it when I get the chance to play with the pretty little girl named Jasmine.
After an hour of playing, I told Jasmine to take a break, and thankfully she obeyed.
"Do you need something to drink Ash, Jasmine?" Connor asked as he sat next to us on the grass.
"Yeah. A drink would be nice." I told him as I watched purple play with the ball Jasmine brought for her.
"Okay. Do you mind if I go inside real quick to fetch the two of you some drinks?" He said and I turned to Jasmine.
"I don't mind. I can watch over her for a sec." I told him
"Okay cool. So any preferred drinks you like?"
"Uhm water would be great." I replied back with a thankful smile
"What about you Jasmine?" Connor turned to Jasmine who is playing with her teddy bear.
"Apple juice please." She stated without turning away from her teddy bear.
"Okay, apple juice and water it is then," Connor repeated as he stood up. "I'll be right back with your drinks okay." He said as he walked back into the pack house
"Thank you," I yelled out making him look over his shoulder and send me a smile.
"You're welcome." And after he said that, he was gone into the pack house.
As I continued to have a rest on the grass, Purple was still playing happily with the ball, that is until she pushed it way too hard and it went flying into the woods in front of us.
"Purple stay, I'll go get the ball." I commanded, but it seems like she only follows orders from her master because she instantly ran off after the ball. "No, Purple stay. I said stay." I shouted.
"Purple come back," Jasmine yelled but her dog didn't listen obviously.
I sighed. "Don't worry baby girl, I'll go get purple back really fast. I just want you to do something for me, okay." I told her and she nodded her head obediently.
"Okay."
I smiled. "I want you to go inside and go back to mommy and daddy. I can't leave you here without someone looking after you as I get purple back." She pouted but nodded her head.
"Okay Didi." She said making me smile and I gave her forehead a kiss.
"Very good. Now go, cause I don't want purple to run off even deeper in there." I told her and once again, she nodded her head. Then she walked back into the pack house. I made sure she was inside before I made my way into the woods to go fetch little naughty Purple up.
Let's just hope she didn't run off that far.
As I walked into the woods, I started calling purple's name just in case she listens this time and ran back to me. But when I've been calling her name for a while and no response, that's the time I got nervous.
What if she got lost because of her trying to find the ball.
Hopefully not, because that would be very devastating for Jasmine.
And why didn't I think about putting a leash on her when we were still in the apartment? If I wasn't to engrossed with swooning over the cute puppy then that idea would have come upon my mind in the first place. Damn that cute puppy for running off.
Deciding to go look further for her, I continued yelling her name in hopes of her running back to the source of the sound which was me. And as I came upon a large tree, a growl was suddenly caught by my ears.
Well, a very cute growl to be precise.
I went around the large tree and there I saw purple. But instead of cutting her growling fit, she just intensified.
I lowered myself down to make it look less intimidating towards purple considering she's in an offensive stance. If I make one wrong move, there's a chance she'll mistake me of a threat and attack.
"It's just me Purple. Calm down." I spoke as I crouched low.
And upon seeing that it was just me, she immediately calmed down.
I first made sure she was calm before I decide to pick her up. I gave it a few seconds as I watched her cautiously. But when she started wagging her tail, that's when I know she's slowly going back to being playful.
I chuckled.
"Okay little puppy. Let's go back to the house before you decide to run off again." I stated as I picked her up.
I stood as I looked around.
"Okay, where is your play ball?" I asked, more like directed to myself than to the puppy seeing as she can't reply to me back, obviously.
Purple suddenly barked making me look down at her.
She had her eyes trained on my right so I'm guessing she found the ball.
I turned and there I saw that Purple was in fact right. She found her play ball just under a not-so-thick bush.
I smiled down at Purple and gave her head a little rub. "Good job Purple." I praised in which she replied with a bark.
I giggled and went to pick the ball.
"Okay, now that I have you and your play ball, it's time to head back to the house," I spoke.
With that, I made my way back where I came from with Purple in my arms. But I instantly stopped when I noticed it wasn't where I went before.
"Was it this way or that way?" I asked as I pointed straight ahead then to my left. "What do you think Purple? Use that sense of smell of yours."
Instead of helping, she just huffed and licked her nose.
"You're no use at all Purple. Thank you." I stated sarcastically.
I turned to both directions again and debated whether to go straight or go left.
"Okay, I feel like I should just go straight," I spoke again, clearly talking to myself. "Do you think we should go straight Purple?" I questioned as I looked down at the pup in my arms.
Instead of giving me a response like a huff or something, she reached over and licked me in the lips.
I scrunched my nose up in disgust.
"Ewww. Dog drool." I wiped my face with the sleeve of my shirt and gave Purple a disapproving look. "Totally unnecessary but I'll take that lick as a yes."
And with that, I made my way straight.
But before I could even take another step, an arm suddenly wrapped around my waist, making me jump in surprise.
"Ahh!" I exclaimed as I hurriedly tried to turn around.
But then a familiar voice interrupted my panic.
"Calm down, it's just me," Connor spoke making me glare at him.
"That was also totally unnecessary." I scold him. "You could have just called my name instead of startling me like that, you jerk."
He chuckled.
"Sorry. I figured you'd still be surprised either way so I just went with just wrapping an arm around you and picking you up." He explained making me roll my eyes at him.
"Cool. That's practical thinking for you." I stated sassily.
By the looks of it, he's not going to be placing me back down on the ground with how he carried me in his arms bridal style.
I mentally cringed.
How ironic. If I haven't met Arthur, Connor and I could have been married by now.
He shook his head. "Alright, let's head back before your mate starts looking for you."
Then he turned to walk towards the left. In which if I did took the straight path, I would have been even more lost than I already am.
"Oh, it was this way? Haha, my bad." I chuckled lightly.
"Right," Connor replied with a shake of his head.
"What? My sense of direction was never good in the first place." I commented in which Connor agreed.
"I noticed that since clearly this is not the first time you got lost in a forest." He said making me wince at the memory.
But it wasn't a bad memory though. In fact, it was a good one and I treasure it so much.
Now that I remembered them, I wonder how they're doing? Are they still in there or did they relocated?
I sighed. I wish I can see them again.
I miss Tammy. As well as Jessy and Matthias.
"Earth to Ash. I repeat, Earth to Ash." Connor spoke snapping me out of my thoughts.
"What?" I snapped as I send him a glare.
"We're here." Was all he said while having one eyebrow raised.
I instantly looked around me and saw we were in fact in the yard.
"Oh."
He then placed me down on my feet with Purple still in my arms.
"How did we get here so fast?" I asked, confused.
"Actually, it took me 15 minutes to get here." He said making me raise my eyebrows at him. "You were so lost inside that head of yours you didn't notice." He added with a slight chuckle.
"Oh."
Then the door suddenly burst open and out came Arthur looking alarmed.
"What the hell happened?" He asked as he walked towards me.
"Uh." I blinked, not able to answer him.
"He walked off as he followed the dog who also ran off to get her playball," Connor answered for me.
I cleared my throat as Arthur wrapped his strong arms around me.
"Yeah I was meant to say that." I said casually.
Arthur looked down at me.
"Why didn't you tell me or asked anyone to go get the dog for you? You could have lost yourself in there since you're not even familiar here yet." He said making me send him an apologetic smile.
"Well, I figured if I didn't follow her right away, she would have run off even further and end up getting lost," I spoke coming up with an acceptable excuse.
He sighed before giving my forehead a kiss.
"Okay. But next time if things like this happen, you will go ask someone from the pack to help you out, okay?" He said making me nod my head.
"Okay."
With that, we headed back inside to have lunch since clearly, it was lunchtime.
But before Arthur and I stepped inside, I looked behind me towards the woods I just came out from. I just had this feeling that someone was looking at me from behind. But when I turned to see if there was anyone in there, I found none.
I frowned.
That was odd.