Ch. 1061..1070

Chapter 1061 Alpha Violet and Alpha Ashton (2)

Violet's smile faded when she saw two people missing at the main table.

'Where are Val and Ed?' Violet asked Axel through their mind link.

Axel looked at Violet guiltily. 'Val is not in the best state of mind, and she asked to be excused from this event. Ed is giving her company.'

Normally, Violet would let this slide. The truth was that she didn't want to see Valeria brooding during this supposedly happy occasion. However, as an Alpha, Violet couldn't let it go.

'She has ten minutes to appear here, or I will treat her as a traitor,' Violet said sternly, which earned her a frown of disapproval from Axel.

Violet narrowed her eyes at Axel, releasing some of her Alpha power through the mind link, 'It is time for Valeria Moonrider to act her age and her position. If she can't respect me as her cousin, she should respect me as her future Alpha. Valeria will deal with that or suffer consequences. Seeing you sit there and hoping I will fold makes me wonder if Valeria is the only one challenging my position.'

Axel lowered his head, but he still spoke, 'You are wise and kind, Violet. You know we are not rebelling, and you won't hurt your family.'

'Maybe I won't. But my father will.' This was the truth.

Damon would mercilessly punish anyone who caused grievances to Talia or his children, in that order.

And what was that nonsense about them not rebelling? They didn't need to start throwing rocks at Violet. It was enough to not show respect and talking back and being absent from events like this one qualified as disrespect.

Every pack member was elated to see Violet in person, yet it seemed that Valeria and Edgar, two people who were supposed to be her right and left hand after she took over as the Alpha, were silently disapproving of her position.

Axel raised his head to meet Violet's firm gaze. After a long second, he stood up and bowed. "Pardon me, young Alpha Violet. I will check on Valeria and Edgar to see what held them back."

Ashton pulled a chair for Violet to sit on, and then he settled by her side.

She watched with amusement as he piled up the food on her plate. This was their first proper meal in public since they were mated, and she was surprised that he hovered around her just as he did in private. He disregarded his image of an Alpha and turned into a doting mate.

Ashton's hands paused. "Did I miss something? Do you want your meat cut differently?"

Violet bit her lower lip to suppress the incoming grin, but it still happened. "Everything you are doing is perfect, Ash." More than perfect. She felt loved, protected, cherished, and her vision blurred with tears that swelled under the onslaught of emotions that caught her by surprise.

Ashton threw the knife and fork on the table and cupped her cheeks. "Hey, hey… Don't do that. People will think I'm bullying you."

Violet buried her face in his neck and took a deep breath. "Do you know that you smell of carnations? I always loved those. They were my favorite. I think I scented you a long time ago, but you were always bringing me flowers, and I thought it was from them."

"What are you saying?"

"I think that if you came once without flowers, I would realize you were my mate." She swallowed hard. "Before you left."

Ashton pinched her chin and looked at her. "Don't torture yourself with such thoughts, Vi. Whatever happened brought us to this exact moment. It's the two of us, with all this food that your people prepared for you."

"Us," she corrected him. "It's OUR people, and they prepared this food for US."

"Whatever you say, my love," Ashton murmured and pecked her lips once, twice, and her arms snaked around his neck as she kissed him back like no one was watching.

Exaggerated clearing of someone's throat got their attention.

Violet turned to see Yasmin giving them a stern look.

"I know you are newly mated, and hormones are raging, but…" She glanced in the direction of the crowd that was looking at them and smiling. "You don't need to give them a live show."

Violet cleared her throat. "Sorry, aunt Yasmin. Thanks for the reminder." She turned to Ashton. "You need to stop using your charms on me in public."

Ashton smirked. "I'm quite confident that you were the one who charmed me first."

Violet was about to object, but the most delicious bite of lamb entered her mouth.

Other packs relied on hunting to get fresh meat. The Midnight Guardians pack was not against hunting, but most of their meat came from sheep and cows they were raising themselves. With their territory being isolated, if they went hunting freely, their meat supply would dwindle quickly.

Since they opened a portal directly to the Dark Howlers pack, their hunting escapades were more frequent, but it was more for practice and the thrill of it than out of necessity.

Violet studied the changes her mother brought to the Midnight Guardians pack, and she was proud of her, but a small part of Violet feared that there was nothing left to do, and she was not happy with the idea that she would always be known as the daughter of the Alpha Natalia Moonrider everyone worshiped. Her mother left some big shoes to fill, and she was still an active Alpha, accomplishing the impossible. Violet wondered if she would ever be able to top that, and in a way, she understood that Valeria probably felt the same when she thought of Violet as the future Alpha of the Midnight Guardians pack. They were all of the Alpha bloodline, blessed by the powers of Gods, yet their insecurities were tangible, and if anyone thought their lives went without a hitch, they would be wrong.

Violet could feel the change in the air, and she didn't need to turn to see that Valeria and Edgar had arrived.

The twins took their seats at the main table and started eating.

Violet glanced at Valeria. "How nice of you to join us."

Valeria cocked an eyebrow. "I see you are eating. It's not like you were waiting for us."

"Were you expecting us to wait for you?" Violet asked. Before Valeria could respond, Violet asked her next question. "Do you think you are important enough for your Alpha to wait because you decided to make a grand entrance by being tardy?"

Valeria knew that Violet was provoking her, but she couldn't stop her temper flaring. "Oh, I know that young Alpha Violet would never wait for me."

'CRACK!'

The glass in Violet's hand shattered.

"I was talking about Alpha Ashton, not about myself," Violet said stiffly. "Disobedience toward me can be overlooked because we are cousins, and we have known each other for a long time. However, I'm not sure that Alpha Ashton will be so forgiving. After all, he doesn't know you as well as I do, and he might interpret your unruly behavior as rebellion."

"Rebellion?" Edgar said with panic in his voice. "We would never…"

He stopped talking when Violet raised her hand.

"We are cousins, so I will share some information with you. Alpha Ashton spent the last five years fighting rogues. He saw enough carnage and death for several lifetimes. Those things change a person, and make him less forgiving. I'm sure that my mate will do everything in his power to protect his mate and his pack, regardless of who the threat is."

"We are NOT a threat to our pack," Valeria said through her teeth.

"Then maybe you should act like it," Violet quipped and turned to Ashton who was ready to feed her.

 

Chapter 1062 Alpha Violet and Alpha Ashton (3)

Violet and Ashton didn't stay the night in the Midnight Guardians pack.

Due to the time difference between the realms, staying a few extra hours or days wouldn't make a big difference for the world that existed beyond the portal, but Violet didn't want to linger longer than necessary and give more chances for Valeria to step on her toes.

The last thing Violet wanted was for Valeria to get crazy ideas of revenge or maybe to approach Ashton carelessly. It's not that it would work, but Violet would need to punish her cousin, and Violet hoped it wouldn't come to it.

Will Valeria accept her role and they could coexist peacefully? Violet was unsure. But she knew that she was not the one who could talk sense into Valeria. In this situation, Violet was the one at the top, the one with a happy ending, and Valeria needed to hear the truth from someone else.

Violet left words of warning to Axel and Edgar, who seemed to be the most reasonable there out of the Moonrider family. She told them that unless Valeria learns to act according to her position and accepts Violet as her future Alpha, Valeria should be prepared to leave the pack.

"Val accepts you as her Alpha," Edgar said with desperation etched on his face. If Valeria leaves (or was banished) it would tear their family apart, and the pack will suffer.

"Does she?" Violet asked as her eyes moved from Edgar to Axel. "I know that for Val, I am her cousin. Her YOUNGER cousin. That worked when we were kids, but now it won't pass. She needs to see beyond family bonds because I won't allow such relationships to be a security risk for me, my family, or my pack. Is that clear?"

It was harsh, but Violet didn't see a different way out. If Valeria didn't accept her as the Alpha, there would be a risk of some people following Valeria and causing a rift within the pack; the last thing Violet wanted was to punish her pack members because they sided with Valeria, who was plagued with jealousy.

Sure, members of the Midnight Guardians pack worshiped Talia and Violet, but Valeria was a Moonrider who rarely left the pack, and it was normal that people respected her also. Damon told Violet that the biggest betrayals come from within, from the people she trusts, and Violet didn't want to risk it.

At the Dark Howlers pack, Talia welcomed Violet and Ashton with a big hug, but the rest of the Blake family was more reserved.

Violet's brothers were protective of her, and they saw Ashton as someone who came to take away their sister. Even Jacob, who was usually friendly with Ashton, was giving him the stink-eye. Damon was filled with a different level of hostility, one that was bloodthirsty and tangible, and Ashton was confident that if Talia was not there, Damon would explode into violence.

"Are you staying this time?" Talia asked.

Violet glanced at Ashton. "We didn't discuss logistics, but we would like to visit Alpha Cristian and Luna Michelle." They would probably go there first, but the portal connected them directly to the Dark Howlers pack, and it would be rude if they skipped greeting Damon and Talia, as they knew that Violet was there already.

Talia was hoping they would stay. She was used to Violet always being home. It was hard to think about Violet as a mated woman.

Talia suspected that Violet and Ashton would want to live in the packhouse of the Spring Leaf pack. It was smaller than the home Damon and Talia shared with their children, but Ashton was a single child, and with him gone, Alpha Cristian's packhouse would be left empty.

There were so many things to consider, and they were still adjusting to their bond. Talia didn't want to add to it, but she needed to mention…

"As you go to the Spring Leaf pack, avoid the Blue River pack's territory. It would be best if your uncle Max and aunt Tanya don't know you are back."

"Why?" Violet asked, genuinely worried. She didn't think about driving anyway. With portals, they can be at the Spring Leaf within a minute, and they didn't need to get close to the Blue River pack, but still… They were always friendly with open borders.

Jacob cleared his throat. "Uncle Max is angry that you destroyed his vacation house."

Violet's eyes widened when she realized what Jacob was talking about. She glanced at Ashton, who was grinning shamelessly.

Violet nudged him with her shoulder, and she asked through their mind link, 'How can you be so nonchalant about this?'

Ashton's grin widened. 'What we did was a result of our love. I didn't hear you complaining when I took you…'

'WE CAN HEAR YOU!' Talia's words made both Violet and Ashton freeze.

"You can?" Violet asked, using her voice.

Talia shook her head helplessly and stood in front of Damon, whose eyes were bloodshot, and his murderous intent was directed at Ashton.

"Your mind link might be out of reach for regular pack members, but when you are close to us, please… watch your language," Talia warned them while wrapping her arms around Damon. "Will you be here in time for dinner? We can plan a little party for you. Our people miss you and want to congratulate you on finding your mate."

"Miss me? We were away for only a few days," Violet said. It was that long in this realm.

"That's true, but everyone knows you met your mate during the pack run, and they are curious. If not today, then tomorrow or the day after?"

Violet turned to look at Ashton, silently asking him to decide.

Ashton couldn't say no to Talia, even if he wanted to. "We will have lunch with my parents and catch up in the evening. We can return tomorrow. That should give you enough time to prepare dinner. How does that sound?"

Talia clapped excitedly. "Sounds wonderful." She loved hosting parties. Their friends would gather and come with the kids. It was lively. "Invite your parents over for dinner also. It will be nice to catch up with Michelle and Cristian." She glanced at Damon. "Technically, they are our in-laws."

Damon was not so excited, but he didn't want to spoil this for Talia or for Violet.

This would be the first time for Violet and Ashton to appear at their event as a mated couple, and Talia wondered how that would turn out. She knew that Ashton never really fit in because he was noticeably older than all the other youngsters. Violet also stood out because everyone knew she was destined to lead not just two packs but also a coalition of packs. It was a lot of responsibility, but it was not a secret that Violet was the most powerful Alpha of their generation and that her abilities were still growing.

Due to her power, Violet was the only one who could keep other Alphas in check and watch over packs to prevent senseless killing over land and resources that their kind endured in the past.

Now that Violet and Ashton were mated, three packs would be under the absolute rule of one Alpha couple. The Dark Howlers pack was the largest pack in North America based on their territory and the number of pack members. The Midnight Guardians pack was the most powerful one, thanks to the abilities their pack members had and their close connection to witches. The Spring Leaf pack held its ground with profound tactics in strategizing and negotiating. With those three packs combined, no one could predict what the future would bring, but it would be inevitable for other packs to grow restless while contemplating their choices between submission and retaliation - there was no third option.

 

Chapter 1063 Alpha Violet and Alpha Ashton (4)

Lunch at the Spring Leaf pack was awkward – for lack of a better word.

Luna Michelle was sniffling most of the time, happy that her son was back and that he was mated to Violet.

Luna Michelle would put food onto Ashton's plate, always asking if he wanted more, and Violet suspected that Luna Michelle would try feeding Ashton if Violet was not there. Violet saw the Pascal family many times, but always in an official setting with many guests around.

This was the first time for Violet to witness a private moment, family only, and she wondered if Luna Michelle was always clinging to Ashton like that or if this was just because they hadn't seen each other in a while. It was normal for a mother to be proud of her son and to dote on him, but wasn't this exaggerated?

On the other side, Alpha Cristian was too polite, and Violet found it odd that he would talk to her with such respect. He was her senior, and they should at least talk as equals.

Luna Michelle shifted the topic to remodeling their packhouse. She wanted to combine two bedrooms into one so that Ashton and Violet could stay there and have extra space for a crib. Luna Michelle was talking about colors and fabrics, and based on the number of details, Violet guessed that her future mother-in-law had thought about it for a while.

Luna Michelle spoke about a welcome party for Ashton since he was back for good this time and that they should conduct the Alpha ceremony for him so he could take over the pack officially.

"Now that Ash is mated, we need to plan a ceremony for Violet so she becomes the Luna." Luna Michelle looked dreamily at Ashton and Christian. "Once Ash takes over as an Alpha, we can relax and travel." She glanced at Violet. "Don't worry, dear. We will always be close and available to help you if needed. But I assume your parents prepared you for a big role in life, so this shouldn't be new for you. I can help you with figuring out packhouse management and…"

Violet plastered a smile as her mind was spinning. Packhouse management? Her parents taught her about politics, using abilities, and breaking bones. Violet was a warrior, a leader of two packs by birth. She had numerous lessons on how to fight, kill, and negotiate, and not how to manage a house.

Violet could torture a person for days without killing them. Of course, Talia disapproved of such things, but she taught Violet how to use her ability to force a person to tell the truth.

People always spoke about Damon like he was the Black Demon, the one that shouldn't be offended, without realizing that Talia was a bigger danger than Damon. Damon was a powerful but straightforward guy. If he didn't like someone, that person knew it. Talia could smile and pretend she wanted peace, but then she would use whatever means necessary to get that peace, even if that included causing a calamity, and Talia could cause a calamity with a thought. It was scary. People were lucky that Talia was not easy to anger.

"It will be the biggest party we ever hosted!" Luna Michelle was back to talking about Ashton's Alpha and Violet's Luna ceremonies. "I will ask for help from Talia, Mindy, and a few others to organize an event of such magnitude…"

Violet didn't think about the ceremonies involving the Spring Leaf pack. Suddenly, her being mated to Ashton came with a different cause for a headache. It's not that Violet was objecting to being a Luna. That was only a title, a label others would use, and it didn't define her in any way. However, the problem was that Luna Michelle was talking about locations, food choices, and which band to hire, asking Ashton about his preferences, like Violet was not there.

Ashton could feel Violet's unease and disapproval, so he cut the lunch short with, "Vi and I will head to my room to rest. Plan for dinner at the Dark Howlers pack tomorrow. If we take the portal, we can leave late afternoon."

Violet didn't object when Ashton took her hand and led the way upstairs, and only when it was the two of them, she relaxed.

Violet stood in the middle of the room and observed it. There was a queen size bed, a desk with a chair, a small sitting area with a sofa and two ottomans around a coffee table, several wall shelves with books on them, and one closed door that led to the bathroom and possibly a closet.

Ashton rubbed the back of his head. "Sorry about my parents. If you had any thoughts of us staying here for a few days, those thoughts are probably gone by now." And they could forget about living here permanently.

Violet didn't want to lie, but she didn't want to sound like a bitchy daughter-in-law either. "I don't want to make your parents uncomfortable."

Violet had no intention of fighting with Luna Michelle for Ashton's attention. It's not that Ashton was neglecting Violet, but Violet didn't like the long hug Luna Michelle gave Ashton when they arrived, and that hug would last much longer if Ashton didn't pry Luna Michelle's arms from him. After that, the whole lunch, Luna Michelle was utterly focused on Ashton, barely acknowledging Violet's presence. Violet could understand that Luna Michelle was doting on her son, but ignoring Violet was difficult to swallow. She was the future Alpha of Alphas, and Alpha Cristian treated her as royalty, while Luna Michelle wanted Violet to manage her packhouse. What a joke!

Ashton wanted to explain that he was the only child, which made his mother clingy, but Violet was not interested in hearing it. It was not a secret that Luna Michelle was sticking close to her son, more so as he was growing up. But Violet didn't know it was this bad.

"What are we going to do, Ash?" Violet asked, and she sucked in a breath when she felt a splash of carnation-scented heat on her back.

"I don't know about tomorrow, but I know what I want to do right now…" His breath fanned her ear. "In my room. With my mate. You know, Vi... I never had a female here." Sure, he wanked off more times than he would like to admit, but to have a woman here, in his bed… it would be a first.

Violet closed her eyes when his arms wrapped around her, and he kissed his ear, and they both froze when the door of his room opened.

"Oops!" Luna Michelle exclaimed. She was holding a tray with fruits. "I thought you kids might be hungry since you didn't finish lunch. I will leave this here, and I will give you privacy."

Ashton closed his eyes. He didn't need to look to know that his mother placed the tray on the coffee table and left the room, but not before she threw another glance or two at them.

"I'm so sorry…" He said.

"Lock the door," Violet snapped.

There was a clicking sound, and in the next moment, Ashton's arms were back around Violet's waist.

"Sorry, love. My mom can be…" He didn't know how to end this.

"Good that you know," Violet snapped.

Chapter 1064 Alpha Violet and Alpha Ashton (5)

Violet looked at Ashton as irritation swelled within her. She didn't want to break the lovey-dovey mood, but his mother had broken it already.

There was a danger of Violet coming out as overbearing and controlling, but leaving this for later was not a good idea because Ashton would think it was fine when it was NOT fine, and he will continue allowing this to happen. This behavior needed to be nipped in the bud, and Violet was ready for nipping.

"I don't want to be a pain in the ass, but this is unacceptable." Violet grabbed his shirt. "You are Alpha Ashton Pascal, my mate, and I have no intention of sharing you, even if the other woman is your mother. Is that clear?"

Her possessiveness turned him on. "Crystal clear."

He went for a kiss, but Violet dodged him.

"Vi?" He called, and her eyes fell on the fruits Luna Michelle brought.

There were grapes, oranges, apples, and strawberries. Everything was washed and cleaned, oranges were peeled, and apples were cut into geometric shapes.

"Be honest with me, Ash. If I'm not here, your mom would feed you."

Ashton didn't respond.

"Ash?"

"Only if my hands were busy with something else."

Violet couldn't believe this. He was a grown-ass man! "What else does your mother do for you? Prepare you a bath? Wash your back? Irons your underwear?"

Ashton puffed his cheeks as he realized where this was going. "I was not raised by Omegas. Mom was doing all that when I was a kid. I was gone for five years, and other than adjusting to the fact that I have a mate, she needs to adjust to the fact that I grew up. Give her time."

Violet's eyes flashed in anger. "I am Alpha Violet Blake. I don't give anything to people. I take what I want, and I want you to tell me if we have a problem."

Ashton was taken aback. Why was she so angry? "A problem?"

"Don't play stupid, Ash—your mother. I am not used to sharing, and I have no intention of sharing you. Your mother needs to step back, or I will."

Ashton's stomach dropped. Why did that sound like an almost rejection? "What are you saying?"

"If it's any other woman, I would fight her, make her submit. However, this is your mother and your problem. You need to show me you will stand up for me, for us. If you don't, I'm gone. Make your choice. Now." She squeezed that last word through her teeth irritably.

Ashton was quick to wrap his arms around Violet. "Vi, I need you to calm down." Her eyes were flashing in silvery light, and the wind in the room was picking up. "What sharing? There is no such thing. I was only trying to explain my mother's - "

Violet pushed him away angrily. He didn't expect it and ended up stepping backward.

Ashton was about to go back to hugging her, but Violet extended her arms to prevent him from getting closer.

"This is a problem, Ash. Instead of explaining TO ME that I need to be tolerant, you should be talking with your mother."

Violet didn't want to corner him and make him choose; she really didn't. But her wolf was hurting at the thought of their mate codling feelings of another person, and neither Violet nor her wolf cared who the other person was. He didn't put her first. That was enough to hurt.

Violet was never so furious or disappointed.

She imagined her mate would crush everything and everyone that stood between them, and he would do anything to make her happy, and he had done that so far with everyone except with his mother. And not only that, but he was expecting Violet to be understanding and patient while his mother adjusted to this situation. What a joke!

Her eyes filled with angry tears, and she didn't want him to see her like that.

Violet turned on her heel and dashed toward the open window, not caring that they were on the third floor.

"VI!" Ashton shouted and ran after her. By the time he was there, he saw a golden wolf running toward the forest. "Fuck!" He cursed loudly. Now what? Should he talk to his mother or go after Violet?

After a moment of hesitation, Ashton leaped through the window and exploded into his massive gray wolf.

'Vi! VI! Wait!' Ashton shouted through their mind link while struggling to catch up with her.

'I know you can hear me. Please. Wait. WAIT!'

He was running as fast as he could. More than once, he lost sight of her, but he used her scent and the pull of the mate bond to guide him.

'Love, let's talk about this.'

'There is nothing for us to talk about,' she hissed back.

'Yes, there is. I don't want us to fight whenever we disagree.'

'This is a disagreement only if you think it's fine for your mother to disrespect me. Is that what you are saying?'

'Of course not! Can you stop looking for a fight when there is none?'

'We are not fighting! I am angry, and I need to vent. Give me space, or I will release my anger on you, and I don't want that.'

'I'm fine with it, Vi. Use me as your punching bag. It will hurt less than you running away from me.'

This made her slow down. She didn't want to run away, but she didn't want to fight him either.

'I know I'm wrong, Ash. I know I'm unreasonable, but…' She slowed down more, and Ashton caught up to her.

He jumped in front of Violet and blocked her path. 'But?'

Violet shook her furry head.

'Talk to me, Vi,' Ashton pleaded.

She raised her head slowly to meet his gaze. Even as a wolf, he was handsome.

'I don't know how to deal with this, Ash. I can't stand anyone else touching you. I can't stand when you look at another, even if that other is your mom. I need you to be with me. I need you to look at me, only me, and tell everyone else to scram.'

He snorted. 'I feel the same about you, Vi. There will be no touching and no looking other than you. How about that?'

'You can't exclude others from your life.'

'Why not? I have done that for the last five years. The difference is that now I have you.' He approached her slowly and rubbed his head on her neck. 'I waited six years to claim you, Vi. That's six eternities on my calendar. I have no intention of waiting for another minute. I want us to be together all the time. Every second counts. Don't run away from me. If you don't want my mother nearby, I will cut her off.'

'That's not fair.'

'I don't care. The only thing I care about is that you are happy, and I know you are happy when it's just the two of us.'

Violet's eyes widened as the big gray wolf shifted into a shape of a handsome man. She saw Ashton naked many times, but the sight of his muscles and tattoo-covered flesh made her heart speed up.

Now that she was in her wolf form, his scent of carnations was so much stronger than usually; it made her dizzy. It called her to get closer. He was irresistible.

Chapter 1065 Alpha Violet and Alpha Ashton (6)

Ashton sat on the ground and extended his arms to Violet.

Violet raised her head and sniffed the air.

Ashton chuckled, knowing why she did that. "Don't worry. There is no one around to see me." He frowned. "But just in case, I want you to stay like that."

Violet realized that he didn't want her to shift. He wanted her in wolf form in case someone comes around and sees her naked. Talk about double standards, but she was glad that he was so protective of her.

Violet put her head on Ashton's thigh, and he ran his fingers through her golden fur. Her muscles rippled because everything was much more sensitive when she was a wolf.

Ashton leaned to kiss the top of her head.

"You are beautiful, Vi. I am lucky to have you in my arms."

The sincerity of his words hit her hard, and she whimpered.

"Do you want us to return to the Midnight Guardians pack?" Ashton asked, his fingers never stopping their movement through her rich fur. "We can spend another few months there and see if that's enough to satisfy our cravings for each other. And if that's not enough, we will stay there longer. Forever, if needed. I don't care about me or you being Alpha. I don't care about welcoming dinners and feasts, and I definitely don't care about ceremonies that will put me in a position I don't want. The only thing I want is to be with you, and if other people are upsetting this bliss we have, we can leave, run away, go to a place where it will be just the two of us. We can live in a human city or find an isolated spot. I will build us a shelter, and hunt for food, and it will be just us. What do you say?"

Violet raised her head to look at him.

'We can't do that, Ash,' Violet was snarling, snorting, and making other noises in her wolf form, but her words reached him clearly through their mind link. 'If you leave, there will be no one to lead the Spring Leaf pack. And if I leave, Jacob will take over the Dark Howlers pack, and Valeria will become the Alpha of the Midnight Guardians pack.'

"Would that be bad?" He didn't bother using the mind link, knowing she could understand him.

'They will never live up to those roles, Ash. Not because I don't trust they can do it, but because they will know that they got those positions only because I left. They will doubt their abilities, and they will doubt the pack's loyalty, and those will eat them from the inside. A leader without confidence is doomed for failure, and the pack will suffer.'

Ashton smiled. "The Moon Goddess blessed me with a wise mate. You are not only breathtakingly beautiful and powerful, but you also hold wisdom beyond your age. I am indeed a lucky guy."

Violet snorted, and she moved her head to the side only to be greeted with Ashton's raging erection hitting her snout.

'Why are you aroused now? Are you into furries?'

Ashton chuckled. "I thought I told you a story about how once I nearly fucked a mountain goat. She was lucky I hadn't eaten for days and was starving. You, on the other hand…" He grinned. "I had lunch, so I am rather horny."

Violet's eyes were open so wide that they nearly popped out of their sockets.

She quickly flipped her body and landed on her four legs.

'If you want to eat this…' She raised her tail to show him her butt. 'You will need to catch me first!'

And off she went to disappear into the bushes.

Ashton jumped after her, and instead of two bare feet, four paws landed on the soft grass as a massive gray wolf dashed in the direction where the golden one disappeared.

Ashton knew that he needed to talk to his mother about boundaries, and it was a question if the relationship between Michelle and Violet could be mended at all.

Considering their current situation, pacifying Violet came first, and dealing with his mother was for later. He will do his best to make Luna Michelle understand the situation, and if it doesn't work, he will cut her off. For him, it was that simple.

Ashton was aware that his mother was happy and didn't handle the situation appropriately. He couldn't blame her. However, Violet was not a no-name she-wolf, and his mother should know better.

Violet was an Alpha female and the highest-ranking werewolf by birth whose strength and power were praised by werewolves, witches, and the Guardians. Dismissing Violet and talking like she should be happy to be the Luna of a mediocre pack was testing luck. Ashton knew his mother was lucky only because Violet cared about his feelings.

Ashton shook those thoughts away. He was chasing after Violet, and if she got a hint that he was thinking about someone else, she would blow a fuse.

Violet was temperamental and possessive, and he loved her just the way she was. She was a strong female, submitting to him willingly and letting him plunder her insides, and that turned him on beyond belief. Now the only thing he needed to do was to catch her...

…

Ashton and Violet returned to the packhouse after a night of frolicking in the forest. Violet enjoyed exploring the secret hideouts Ashton used as a kid, but what they did in those places was inappropriate for kids to see.

"Where were you?" Luna Michelle asked from the door. She wanted to scold him for being irresponsible, but she stopped when she realized that Ashton was holding onto Violet like she might escape if he let her go. "Did something happen?"

"Whatever happened is between me and my mate," Ashton responded dryly.

Luna Michelle gaped at him. "My question came from a place of love and worry. Why are you curt with me? We had an event last night, and everyone was waiting for you, and you didn't show up. Your father and I tried mind-linking you, and you shut us down, leaving us with an event hall full of Elders and other high-ranking pack members, unsure how to explain your absence. This is not the right way to set the tone as the future Alpha who knows his responsibilities. If anything, you should apologize."

"Alphas don't apologize," Ashton said and looked behind his mother to see Alpha Cristian approaching them.

Ashton turned to Violet. "Do you want to wait in my room?"

Violet refused. "Luna Michelle might be talking to you, but her words are directed at both of us. I am your mate, and I won't allow you to face this, or anything else, on your own."

Ashton's heart expanded, and he felt a sudden urge to kiss Violet, but this was not the time for a lovey-dovey mood. His parents were right there, and they had an audience of several Omegas pretending to work while eavesdropping.

Ashton welcomed spectators as he didn't want to risk other incidents. It's not that he feared it might separate him from Violet, but he could feel her insecurities and dejection, and he vowed never to be the reason for Violet to have negative emotions.

 

Chapter 1066 Alpha Violet and Alpha Ashton (7)

"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?"

"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."

"I didn't organize the party. I didn't invite them. I didn't say I will be here. Why should I apologize?"

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."

Luna Michelle paled. "What are you saying?"

"Alpha should lead and not bow to others."

"No one said you should bow to others," Luna Michelle said.

"You said I should apologize for something that was not my fault."

Luna Michelle shook her head. "Forget I said anything."

"I don't think I can. This got me thinking, should I take over as the Alpha?"

"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."

Alpha Cristian sucked in a sharp breath. "You want the Dark Howlers pack to absorb our pack."

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."

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."

"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."

"What about a party here?" Luna Michelle asked.

"Wasn't that last night?" Ashton responded with a question.

"But you didn't show up."

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."

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."

"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."

"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."

Ashton and Violet didn't talk until they reached Ashton's room.

"How was that?"

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."

"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."

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."

Violet pouted. "Sounds like you will do a lot of things to avoid me."

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."

Ashton hummed ambiguously. "Who cares? We are not going there."

Violet's previous hostility disappeared completely and she turned to him. "Are you sure?"

"Positive. The only thing I want is to stay here with you. Actually, anywhere with you will be fine. But here is special."

"And why is that?"

Ashton traced her jaw with his index finger. "I never had a woman in my room, Vi."

She wanted to remind him that his mother was here, but she didn't want to be snarky. "Really?"

"Mhm… you are my first Vi. You will be the first one to sleep in my bed."

"Who said we will be sleeping?"

Ashton chuckled. "I love you, Vi."

She smiled. "I love you too, Ash."

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.

 

Chapter 1067 Alpha Violet and Alpha Ashton (8)

~ The Dark Howlers pack ~

Ashton was sitting on an office chair in Violet's room and looking around. Her room was a bit larger than his.

There was a bed, a sitting area with a sofa and two sofa chairs around a coffee table, and a workstation with a desk and an office chair where he sat. Walls were lined up with shelves filled with books, and there were two tall cabinets with pull-out drawers. On top of the cabinets were several dolls that looked worn out from being loved. He smiled while imagining little Violet playing with those.

"What do you think?" Violet asked.

Ashton visited many times, but this was the first time for him in Violet's room. The third floor of the packhouse was always reserved for the Blake family. Just being here was a big deal.

"Why do you have so many books in here?" Ashton asked. He saw light novels, books on history, science, finances, and almost everything. It was like a library.

"This is my room," Violet stated the fact. "I grew up with a bunch of brothers and friends who were invading every part of my life. This room was off-limits."

"Why not store books in electronic form if you didn't want others to take them?" Ashton asked.

"It's not about the books. It's about knowing that others won't touch my things. It's my piece of heaven."

Ashton's brows came together.

"What?" Violet asked.

"This packhouse is so big that I never thought…" That she would consider only this room as hers, and everything else was shared. Normally, werewolves don't mind living in a group setting and sharing, but Alphas are different. They need to have something that's theirs, and Ashton was determined to give her just that – something that's theirs, Violet's and his.

"What is your dream packhouse?" Ashton asked.

Violet was taken aback by that question. "What do you mean?"

"Since we will combine our packs, it doesn't seem fair that we stay in this packhouse or the other one. Let's make OUR packhouse."

Violet gaped at him. She didn't want to live with Luna Michelle and Alpha Cristian, yet asking Ashton to move in here didn't sound right either. The idea of them building their own home was novel, and she liked it.

"Are you sure?"

Ashton nodded. "I want you to think about the number of rooms and their use. How many floors? I always wanted a swimming pool."

Violet's eyes sparkled. They had a lake nearby, but a pool sounded great. She could imagine it... a hot tub, with Ashton.

Before she could respond, there was a knock on the door.

Violet walked there to open and see the triplets, Scarlet, Page, and Robin.

"Can I help you?"

The triplets craned their necks to see behind Violet. "We came to say hi to Ashton."

"You can greet Alpha Ashton when we join others." Violet made sure to emphasize Ashton's title.

Three brunettes were still trying to take a peek at Ashton when suddenly they froze.

"OK. OK," Scarlet groaned. "We are leaving."

"Make sure everyone knows that Ashton is my mate and their future Alpha. If anyone dares to get close or look at him for longer than a second, I will gouge their eyes out. Is that clear?"

Violet retracted her Alpha aura, and the triplets quickly took a few steps back.

Page rubbed her sweaty neck. Her face was pale like a sheet of paper. "Your power. It grew."

And with that, the three sisters left.

Violet smirked and turned to Ashton as she closed the door. "Did you hear that? My power grew."

Violet blinked, and in the next moment, Ashton was in front of her. The only thing that indicated he moved was the wind that whipped around her.

"You forgot to tell them that if anyone dares to look at me, I will take it as a challenge to my position as your mate and I will make them regret being alive," Ashton said and Violet smiled in approval.

He touched the left side of her neck where his mark was. "Look at that. Beautiful."

Violet's mouth opened as she sucked in a breath. "You like your mark?"

"I love my mark on you, Vi. But I said that you are beautiful, not the mark."

Violet's smile reached her eyes. "Keep telling me that I am beautiful, and I will tell you a secret."

"Do I need to tell my Goddess how perfect she is?"

"Sweet-talker."

"Enough to hear the secret?"

Violet got on her toes and whispered close to his ear, "I never had a man in my room. You are my first."

Ashton's eyes darted to her bed. Was that why Damon was glaring at him like he might commit murder? Ashton thought it was just overprotective daddy-Damon. "Never?"

"Why does it sound like you have someone on your mind?"

Ashton shrugged while trying to conceal his uneasiness. There was someone.

"Ash?" Violet raised her eyebrows, silently telling him she was expecting an answer.

"You and Ethan were connected at the hips, so…" He didn't finish that, but he knew Violet understood.

She wrapped her arms around his neck. "Ethan and I are close, but when we hung out, it was in the garden or the common room or on the training grounds. Not on the third floor and not in my room."

Ashton felt like a knot of insecurities around his heart loosened. He always wondered about Ethan and Violet. If anyone asked Ashton during his five years of solitude if there was any man he was worried about, that would be only one - Ethan.

It was not a secret that Violet thought she and Ethan would be mates, and part of Ashton wondered how far Violet would go to test When Ashton found out that Violet was his mate, one of his concerns was if he would ever be able to be better than Ethan. that.

When Ashton found out that Violet was his mate, one of his concerns was if he would ever be able to be better than Ethan. Sure, Ashton was faster and stronger, and more skilled when compared to Ethan, but none of those changed the fact that Violet was annoyingly close with the young Alpha of the Blue River pack. Ashton imagined many times sneaking in wherever Ethan was and just killing him off. No one would know it was Ashton. He killed stealthily many rogues in their own dens without being noticed.

"What are you thinking about?" Violet asked. She could feel that Ashton's emotions were unstable.

"I am thinking how even before I knew you were my mate, I hated how you smiled at Ethan. And I hated more the way he looked at you."

Violet blinked. "He is like a brother to me. I would never cross the line."

"Unless you confirmed you were mates."

"Oh, Ash. If another female ended up being your mate, you wouldn't be here with me. Don't think about those things because we are mates, and there is no one else. You are my first, and you will be my last."

It was the same for him. "Sorry. I don't know what came over me."

"It's the same thing that came over me when I thought about anyone other than me being on your mind. Our bond is fresh, and our wolves are strong and willful. My wolf urges me to claim you and protect what's mine."

Ashton was glad that she understood how he felt.

 

Chapter 1068 Alpha Violet and Alpha Ashton (9)

Ashton looked at Violet, and he didn't want to sound insecure, but he wanted her to know one thing.

"I'm not saying that you would go to Ethan. But if he dares to get chummy with you…" Ashton ended with a deep growl full of warning that was charged with his Alpha aura. If this were anyone else, they would bow in submission, but this was Violet, and Ashton asserting his dominance turned her on.

His nostrils flared when he picked up the scent of her arousal. They were horny for each other most of the time, but knowing she wanted him just as much, enhanced his confidence that they were meant to be together.

"Ash," Violet called.

"Yes, Vi?"

"My bed never had a man on it. Do you want to be the first?"

Ashton grinned. "And last."

"That toOOOOOO!" Her last word became a shriek when Ashton picked her up in his arms.

She knew where this was going, but the lust that came through their bond still caught her by surprise.

Ashton put her on the bed and started tugging on her clothes.

"Wait. Wait!" Violet cried.

"What?" Why was she stopping him?

"The door. Can you lock it? Just in case…"

Before she could finish that thought, Ashton moved like the wind, locked the door, and he was back on top of her.

"Where were we?" He asked.

Violet smiled coyly. "My mate was about to claim me."

Ashton's insides shook. She knew exactly what he was about to do, and she had no objections. It was more than that because she had the power to fight him for dominance, yet she wanted him to claim her. She was submitting to him willingly. Violet Blake was the perfect female. For him. Only for him.

Ashton was never so happy. Or horny.

…

Officially, the party was supposed to start half an hour ago, but people were gathering for more than two hours.

The high-ranking members of the Dark Howlers and the Midnight Guardians pack were in the event hall. Delegations from several other packs were there as well. The garden and the forest around the packhouse were filled with other pack members sitting on blankets, benches, and chairs they brought themselves. They had picnic tables, and some just sat on the grass and ate from plates they were holding. Several bonfires reached higher than the packhouse, and people danced around them.

Everyone came with food and drinks, and they sat in cheery groups as laughter, singing, and the scent of grilled meat filled the air. Some were wearing fancy clothes, while others came in t-shirts and sweatpants like they just shifted from their wolf forms and were wearing the backup clothes their pack had in strategic locations. The whole mood was casual and festive, and Luna Michelle couldn't believe that they managed to organize all this in only two days.

Luna Michelle and Talia were standing on the terrace overlooking the garden. They could see there were hundreds of people present, but since the forest obstructed her view, there was no way to estimate the number of attendees accurately.

"I thought this would be a small party," Luna Michelle told Talia while looking around.

"What's a small party?" Talia asked.

"Fifty people? A hundred?" A hundred was a lot, in Luna Michelle's opinion.

"We have more than a hundred only in the event hall. People are excited to celebrate their future Alpha finding her mate. I estimate several thousand people outside." And they were still coming.

"Several thousand?" Luna Michelle's eyes were open in surprise.

"You don't know Mindy. She is good as my Beta, but her secret talent is being a party organizer."

Luna Michelle pursed her lips. This whole thing was on a different level than what they had at the Spring Leaf pack. Also, Luna Michelle didn't have her Beta. She had a few Omegas helping her manage the packhouse and matters related to the pack like ensuring everyone had shelter, food, and clothes, but that was it. Alpha Christian had his Beta, but they would deal with warriors and supplies, and not with things like parties. For that, she was on her Luna Michelle wanted to ask if Violet could take on such responsibility, but she guessed it would be disrespectful, so she own.

"Will Vi have her Betas?" Luna Michelle asked.

"Yes," Talia responded right away. "There is no way she could handle her duties otherwise. She will be the Alpha of the Dark Howlers and the Midnight Guardians pack and the head of the coalition. As such, she will have the responsibility to deal with matters related to witches, guardians, and humans, and then there are things like this one." Talia spread her arms, gesturing at the party.

Luna Michelle wanted to ask if Violet could take on such responsibility, but she guessed it would be disrespectful, so she moved on to her next question.

"Does she know who her Beta will be?"

"It will be me." A voice came from the side.

Talia smiled at Lavender. "Did Vi confirm it?"

Lavender shrugged. "I am the best candidate. I know it, you know it, and if Vi doesn't know it, she is not as smart as I give her credit for."

Luna Michelle's eyes flashed. "Is that the way to speak about your future Alpha?"

Lavender raised her chin proudly. "A good Beta won't shy from speaking her mind. If I sit in the corner quietly and wait to be picked, noisemakers will get ahead of me." Lavender looked in the direction where Scarlet, Robin, and Page were. "I am the obvious choice."

"Of course, you are, dear," Talia said dotingly. "Are Vi and Ash down yet?"

Lavender shook her head. "Nope."

Luna Michelle turned to Talia. "Should we call them down?"

Talia refused. "We shouldn't disturb the newly mated couple." She was with Damon for two decades, and he would still blow a fuse when someone interrupted their lovey-dovey time.

Luna Michelle thought this was unacceptable, but she couldn't speak openly in front of Talia, so she asked carefully, "Won't guests be upset if Vi and Ash come down late?"

"Upset?" Talia asked. "Who would dare to say anything when Damon is in the house? Besides, they are getting free food and drinks, and look at them having fun without our kids around."

Lavender nodded in agreement. "If Vi and Ash are not ready to mingle, they will be in a bad mood or just stick to each other, and we don't want any of those two." Lavender spotted her cousins from the Blue River pack arriving. "Excuse me, ladies."

"Vi is lucky to have friends like that," Luna Michelle said.

Talia agreed. "Yes, she is."

"Can they be trusted with serious matters?"

Talia smiled. "Their generation is full of talented individuals. They have a lot to learn, but they will figure it out eventually."

Talia will never forget how empty the packhouse was when Damon brought her the first time. He didn't have many people to help him lead the pack, and he didn't trust anyone. She was happy that Violet had her brothers, cousins, and many friends, and Talia knew, without a doubt, that none of them were malicious. Sure, they had their quirks and issues, but that was typical for teenagers who were yet to find their place in society.

Talia came to this packhouse as an insecure female who was not worthy of being an Omega, yet now everyone looked at her and Damon like they were in charge of everything.

She was confident that Violet and her generation were on the right path. As long as they stick together, they will keep each other in check, and none of them will stray into the darkness. That was all it mattered.

 

Chapter 1069: Alpha Violet and Alpha Ashton (10)

While spacing out from her conversation with Luna Michelle, Talia's eyes moved to the handsome man who was standing nearby with Alpha Christian, Commander George, and Beta Caden.

Damon was in his late forties, yet he didn't have a single gray hair and his physique was impressive as ever. In less than a second, Damon's icy-blue eyes were directed at her. He could always sense when her attention was on him.

'Yes, kitten?' Damon's deep voice sounded in Talia's mind, making her smile widen.

'I was just thinking how lucky I am to have you.'

He puffed his chest proudly. He didn't know why she said it, but it didn't matter. Talia praising him will never get old. 'The lucky one is me. Without you, none of this would be possible.'

Damon meant it. Thanks to Talia, they had their family, friends, and allies. He remembered clearly the day when he brought the skinny she-wolf without her wolf to his packhouse. He knew Talia was his mate, but he had no idea how her presence would change his life - all for the better. Their story confirmed that the pack prospers when their Alpha devotes himself to his fated mate, the Luna of his pack.

"Stop looking at your mate and greet your guests," Maddox grumbled from the side, and Damon sneered.

"Don't tell me you are jealous that I would rather look at my mate than at you?"

Maddox rolled his eyes, and then they hugged while patting their backs with more force than necessary. With Maddox and Damon, everything was competition. Even hugs.

Talia shook her head at their banter and was relieved that Maddox didn't bring up the destroyed cottage. That would remind Damon who destroyed it and why, and it would probably cause more friction between Damon and Ashton.

Talia turned to see that Luna Michelle was talking to Tatiana and Mindy.

Talia greeted Tatiana and looked behind to see the River siblings trickling into the garden, but one was missing. "Is Ethan not with you?"

"He is," Tatiana responded, and before she could say more, cries from inside were heard.

Talia could feel the disturbance, and she quickly scanned the surroundings to check for her kids. Jacob, Logan, Zeke, and Gabriel were all in the garden with their friends. Other than her kids, who would dare to cause a commotion in the packhouse of the Dark Howlers pack?

She rushed inside to see what was going on.

Talia paused at the sight of Ethan on the ground with his face bloodied and Ashton standing in front of him. Ashton's red fist was proof of what happened, but why…? Talia looked at Violet, who stood behind Ashton with her face etched in worry and uncertainty.

"Travis!" Damon called, and the good doctor was beside his Alpha in a second.

Olivia, Travis's mate, was two steps behind in the crowd that gathered to see what was happening there.

"Yes, Alpha?" Travis asked.

"There is a patient for you to check."

Travis moved swiftly, and Ethan hissed but didn't push the doctor away.

A few seconds later, Travis spoke to Damon. "Young Alpha Ethan's nose looks broken, and he should get his bones set properly before they start healing."

"Jacob," Damon called. "Help Doctor Travis take young Alpha Ethan to the pack hospital."

"I am fine," Ethan squeezed through his teeth while glaring at Ashton.

"I know you are," Damon said. "But Doctor said your nose is broken, and I'm sure you don't want it to heal like that. This is not negotiable."

Maddox and Tatiana stood on the side. They wanted to go to him, but Ethan was a grownup now, and if they babied him, it would make him appear weak.

Maddox turned to Ashton. "I hope there is an explanation for this."

"He was touching my mate," Ashton said icily, and now Damon was glaring at Ethan also.

Ethan was leaving with Jacob, Doctor Travis, and Olivia, so Damon turned to Violet. "He was touching you?"

"That was not…" Violet puffed her cheeks. "It was a misunderstanding."

Ethan saw Violet and Ashton coming down the stairs, and he rushed to hug Violet – as always. They didn't see each other often because Ethan was studying in a college with humans, and he visited last time more than six months ago.

Ethan was about to greet Violet, how they usually would, but instead of Violet's hug, Ethan was greeted with Ashton's wrath.

Violet never saw that side of Ashton. His energies were hostile and prickly, and it was difficult to breathe even for her. She was surprised to see how easily Ashton suppressed Ethan. Ethan just froze with his mouth agape as Ashton hit him. Thrice.

"Alright!" Damon didn't shout loudly, but everyone flinched. "Youngsters had a spat. We all know that newly mated couples are territorial. This is not something for us grown-ups to meddle with."

The crowd quickly dispersed, leaving Ashton, Violet, and three sets of parents.

"Are you alright?" Talia asked as her eyes moved from Violet to Ashton.

Ashton turned to Violet. He was still charged up and irritable, and he was also concerned about how Violet would react. What if she scolds him and defends Ethan?

Violet frowned at Ashton. "You shouldn't hit my friends."

"He is not a friend," Ashton said with more fierceness than he intended, but that was his wolf talking. "He is a male with affection for you. You accepting him is…"

"Not happening," Damon interjected and turned to Violet. "Vi. What is your wolf saying?"

"My wolf?"

"Sweetie," Talia called. "I know we taught you to use your head and follow your heart, but when it comes to your mate, you should listen to your wolf. They don't share."

'You tell her!' Liseli hissed in Talia's mind.

"Ethan is my friend. Are you saying I can't have friends because I have a mate?"

Talia nodded in acknowledgment of Violet's words. "I hear you, but if you want to remain friends with unmated males, there must be a boundary between them and you. If you don't do that, you will hurt your mate. Do you remember the main rule about dealing with conflict?"

"Put myself in the other person's shoes," Violet said, and she sucked in a sharp breath. If that were a female going for Ashton, Violet would blow up everything.

She threw herself at Ashton and hugged him tightly. "I'm sorry, Ash. It won't happen again. I will tell Ethan to stay away."

Ashton released a long breath, relieved that she was not angry at him. He put his arms around her awkwardly.

Violet looked up at Ashton. "Are you blaming me? What can I do to fix it?"

"Why do you think I'm blaming you?"

"Why are you not hugging me properly?"

"Because I have blood on my hands, and you told me that was your favorite dress."

Violet's eyes flashed in understanding. "OK. Let's go so you wash your hands, and then you can hug me."

Talia leaned on Damon and smiled. Damon was never fond of Ashton, and it got worse after he found out that Ashton and Violet were mates. However, now Talia sensed Damon's approval of the young Alpha. Was it because of Ashton's vicious attack on Ethan?

 

Chapter 1070: Alpha Violet and Alpha Ashton (11)

"Will young Alpha Ethan hold grudges?" Luna Michelle asked.

She knew that Ashton was fighting rogues, but this was the first time for her to see in person Ashton drawing blood. She was distraught, but Alpha Cristian warned her to not cause a scene.

"If he doesn't hold grudges, he wouldn't be a man," Maddox responded.

"What should we do?" Luna Michelle asked.

"Nothing," Alpha Cristian responded before anyone else could. "I know this is your son, and you are worried…"

"Ash is your son also!" Luna Michelle said.

Alpha Cristian shook his head. "Ash is the future Alpha. He is an adult, and he will deal with the consequences of his actions, no matter what they are." He held onto her shoulders and looked at her seriously. "Mica, your behavior is hurting him. Do you not see his position?"

"What position?"

"Ash is Violet's mate. As such, he will be the Alpha of the Dark Howlers pack and the Midnight Guardians pack and at the head of the coalition. This is way beyond the Spring Leaf pack. Do you think Luna Tatiana didn't want to go to Ethan to check on his injuries? Do you think it was easy for her to stand on the side while her son was bleeding? Do you think Alpha Maddox was happy to see his son on the floor? But they did that because they were putting Ethan first."

Luna Michelle looked around to realize it was only her and Alpha Cristian in the hallway. Everyone else left. When did that happen? But it meant she could talk to her mate.

"How is that putting him first when they showed no concern for his wellbeing?"

"They were putting his future first. If people saw a mother running to her adult son, or his father getting vengeance in his stead, they would see Ethan as weak. For us, our image is half of the battle. Babying Ash and doubting him openly makes others think he is weak."

"I am not doubting him, but…" She sighed in defeat. "I already did the damage, didn't I? How can I fix it?"

"Don't. Just give him space. If any fixing is to happen, it needs to happen on their terms."

"Their?"

"Ash and Vi, Mica. They are together now as one. We need to step back and give them space. It will be hard, but it's the only thing we can do unless you want Ash to push us away."

Alpha Cristian hoped that his mate would understand that this was hard on him, and she won't think of him as the bad guy.

Ever since the incident with Arya, Alpha Cristian felt guilty because part of him feared he failed as a mate. He didn't cheat or abuse Luna Michelle, but he allowed an unmated female to get too close, and he didn't see how much that hurt Luna Michelle. She told him that she disapproved of the attention he gave to Arya. Still, he would brush it off with arguments that Arya was a child, an orphan who didn't have anyone else, and he would repeat that until Luna Michelle lowered her head and accepted her fate. As a way of coping with Alpha Cristian's absence, Luna Michelle got attached to their son.

It was a messed up situation, and Alpha Cristian should have got the hint when Luna Michelle said she didn't want more kids. He didn't see it then, but later he understood that she didn't want more kids with HIM.

After Arya recognized Keith as her mate, Alpha Cristian turned to Luna Michelle, only to see that she was emotionally detached. She poured everything she had in Ashton.

Alpha Cristian went above and beyond to convey how sorry he was for neglecting her needs. He failed to assure her she was his priority, and those wounds still didn't heal. In the last five years, Luna Michelle would fervently wait for Ashton's call, and the only joy she showed was when there was news of Ashton.

Now that Luna Michelle had to let go of Ashton, will her attention return to Alpha Cristian? Will she like what she sees? What if it was too late? What if she leaves him? Where would she go?

Alpha Cristian knew Luna Michelle had nowhere to go, and part of him feared that was the only reason she had stayed with him so far. He would catch her often staring into the distance with a dreamy smile on her face which faded when she turned to see him there. It made him wonder if she was thinking about Ashton, or about some other man, or about the time when their relationship was fresh, and they had no Ashton, no Arya, and it was just the two of them.

Alpha Cristian was aware that his pack was mediocre, so he put his efforts into not falling behind impressive youngsters like Alpha Damon and Alpha Maddox. At the same time, he failed his mate completely. Was there a way to turn the clock and start over?

…

Ashton and Violet appeared at the party half an hour later, and based on the blush on Violet's cheeks, and the size of Ashton's grin, no one was wondering why washing hands took so long.

There was a table set on a small podium with six chairs. On the far left were Alpha Cristian and Luna Michelle, on the far right were Damon and Talia, and the two chairs in the middle were empty. Violet tugged Ashton's hand in that direction. Those two spots in the center were for them.

Normally, the main people of the party would be inside the event hall, with high-ranking members of their society, but the Dark Howlers pack prioritized their pack members. Damon never liked rubbing shoulders with Elders and Alphas of other packs. If they wanted to socialize with him, they could join him in the garden.

"Everyone will be watching," Ashton grumbled while walking to the podium with Violet.

"Is that a problem?"

He spent five years not attracting attention, and also… "I don't want people looking at you and getting funny ideas."

Violet giggled and snuggled closer to him. "I'm sure you can take care of those. But this is only for the meal. Once we are done with food, we can mingle."

Ashton leaned to speak close to her ear, "The only one I want to mingle with is you." He nipped her ear, and she shrieked.

"Ash! Behave!"

Ashton grinned and tightened his hold on her.

Talia ate food that Damon was feeding her, and she smiled in approval as she watched Ashton pulling a chair for Violet, and then he got busy piling food on her plate. Ashton was looking only at Violet, and Talia had a feeling those two would be just fine. Better than fine.

Talia turned to Damon.

He cocked an eyebrow at her. "What?"

Talia stuffed a forkful of food in his mouth, and then she cupped his cheeks and gave him a smacking kiss on the greasy lips. She lingered there to lick him clean.

"Life is good," Talia said and gave him eye signals to continue feeding her.

Damon was delighted that Talia was in a good mood and affectionate, and he hoped this would last forever.