Chapter 17. Jealousy
Oh no. Ashleigh. My beautiful mate, my first mate.
With blazing eyes, she clawed at her brother, peeling him away from him. "Are you insane?" she yelled, hitting his chest.
"Ashleigh," I tried to calm her, but when her eyes spat fire at me, I immediately darted back. Best not interfere then.
"How dare you? You know this isn't right!" she shouted at her brother. Guiltily, Aspen looked down at her, watching how she hit his chest with her fists.
"It just happened," he mumbled, running his hand through his wet hair.
"Happened? How does something like this just "happen"? What, she stumbled on a rock and fell on your cock?" she yelled sarcastically, kicking the mountain that I'd been pressed against only moments ago.
From the tree line, Danny and her men appeared, drawn by the noise Ashleigh was making. "What's going on?" Darren called out, his arm wrapping around my mate's waist to pull her away from Aspen.
"Let go off me, I'll kill him!" she threatened , clawing at his face. With a terrified look, Darren released Ashleigh and quickly hid behind Regan. If you could put a face on regret, it was his.
Concerned for Aspen, I pulled Ashleigh back by her arm, earning myself another glare. "You!" she bellowed, her eyes hard and angry.
Now I'd done it.
"You said you were okay with sharing..." I interjected softly, looking guiltily at the ground. Aspen had finally started to resemble his old self and I wanted to help him. If I had known she'd get this angry and upset, I wouldn't have done anything with him. Fuck, now I felt like a proper ass.
"You humping my brother isn't exactly what I meant by "share", Akira! Damn it!"
"I'm sorry, I... I didn't plan for this to happen..." I whimpered, feeling tears well up. No, Akira, don't cry like a child that’s just been scolded. Don't cry in front of everyone. Don't show them how weak you’re.
"Would you have gone all the way?"
"...I..." My brief hesitation spoke volumes.
"I see," she mumbled, turning away from me and with a defeated look and hunched shoulders, she walked away from the group.
"Ashleigh!" I called, pushing Aspen and Danny out of the way, running after her. I grabbed her by the wrist and made her face me. "Don't walk away from me!"
Angrily, she yanked her arm away from me. "Don't touch me with the same hands that were just on my brother."
Ouch. Her words stung like a slap in the face. I guess I deserved that. "I promise you. I would've never, ever, ever, ever, done something like this if I didn't think you were okay with it." Oof, at least I managed to get out a full sentence.
"I'm just hurt that you'd... That you'd even could," Ashleigh muttered, her jaw clenching as she glared at her brother.
"I..."
"I guess it was to be expected. The Alpha always gets what he wants," she spat out bitterly, throwing her dark curls over her shoulder, much in the same fashion as Danny. "I guess, like always, I'll just be your second."
I glanced at Aspen and felt my stomach churn. With Ashleigh standing so close to me, even the thought of kissing Aspen made me dry-heave. I clamped her hands and pressed them against my shirt, my shirt still damp from my dip. "You're not second. You're not even first. You're my only. You have to believe me," I tried to convince her, my attraction towards Aspen completely faded.
Stupid, stupid, treacherous wolf, making me all hot for Aspen.
"I..." Oh no, the first tear fell from my eye and rolled down my face. Angrily, I wiped it away, refusing to show how pathetic I was. Pull it together, Akira. I'm so, so, so sorry," I hiccupped, my voice breaking as I tried to get through my apology. Come on! "I thought you were okay with this. If not, I would never. You have to believe me. Please," I begged, praying she'd believe me. I couldn't live with Ashleigh never forgiving me.
Her face softened. "Don't cry," she mumbled guiltily. With a softness I hadn't expected, she gently swiped her thumb over my cheek, wiping away the traitorous tears from my face. Why was I such a crybaby? Making Ashleigh feel sorry for me wasn’t the outcome I wanted. I wiped my face and tried taking her hand again. And this time, she didn't slap it away.
"I'm sorry, Ashleigh... If I’d known..."
She placed a finger on my lips. "I know. It's his Alpha. It takes many forms."
I tilted my head in confusion. His Alpha? But he had been so happy and joyful? I thought this Alpha was dark and possessive and oh... His growl echoed through my head as I remembered his roaming hands and lustful eyes. I touched a tender spot on my neck and was almost sure he'd left a love bite. Damn it, his Alpha had come out to play and I, I hadn't even noticed. My own head too clouded with lust and desire, to notice how hard and urgent he had been.
"It's not your fault. It's his. He should've known better."
I bit my lip, feeling even more awful than I had before. So not only had I hurt Ashleigh, but Aspen looked equally as ashamed of himself as I was. Well, that's not how I'd expect a heated make-out session to end.
"I genuinely thought you were okay with sharing."
Ashleigh sighed, rubbing her forehead in exhaustion. "I thought I was. I mean, it's not like I expected you two to never kiss... It's just... Seeing it is much harder than I expected."
I placed my hands on top of hers. "I would never have even considered it, if you hadn't..."
"I know... I agreed to this. Hell, I proposed it. But the reality is just harder to stomach. Especially if his Alpha comes out to play. It's not safe. Not for him, not for you."
Carefully, I pressed myself against her. Compared to Aspen, she was soft and curved. Her curls wild, but her hands tender. Her eyes deeper than anything I'd seen before, cool and cold, yet somehow, they burned brighter than all the stars combined. Like blue suns or icy fire. She was fierce, but gentle at the same time. With stunning features and her hoarse voice, she was almost too perfect.
I smiled. She was so different from her brother, but equally as beautiful in her own way. Maybe even a little more so.
"I want you," I mumbled.
"But..."
I let out a deep sigh. She was right, there was a but. "But... My wolf won't listen."
With a sad smile, she caught my gaze. Her blue eyes were deeper than the lake, or any ocean I had ever seen. "Neither does mine. I want to share. I'm trying... But seeing you with him, seeing him wrapped around you, his hands all over you... Something snapped."
I chuckled humourlessly. "If only we didn't have wolves, right?"
Ashleigh's head suddenly snapped up, a strange glint in her eyes. "Wait a minute...." She turned on her heels and strode towards her brother. Carefully, the group watched, scared of what she might do. Her hand moved towards his neck and for a moment, I was afraid she'd strangle him. But then she coiled her fingers around the amulet resting on his chest and with a sharp snap, tore it away from him.
"I should've taken this from you a long time ago," Ashleigh spat, making Aspen flinch.
"You can't take it from me, I need it," he tried, but she wouldn't have it. She shook her head, her dark curls dancing in the wind. "You're not in control. You can't hold your Alpha back."
Aspen let out a mangled whine, resembling a strangled cat. "Yes, I can."
"I don't think so."
"I know how to deal with the Alpha. I need my amulet."
"You weren't in control. You could've hurt Akira!" Ashleigh shouted.
Her brother recoiled. "I wouldn't have."
Danny stepped in, pointing at me. "Can you guarantee that? Can you assure our safety? Can you promise Akira's safety?"
Aspen clenched his jaw, his face contorting in a pained expression. "Fine." he admitted, pushing Regan out of the way as he retreated back to the campsite.
The redhead turned to Ashleigh, extending her palm. "Give it."
My mate narrowed her eyes. "Excuse me?"
"You can't keep the necklace either. Give it to me."
Ashleigh snorted loudly. "I don't think so. It's my brother's."
"E-Exactly why you s-shouldn't keep it," JP added in carefully, immediately taking a step back as Ashleigh glared angrily at him. Funny. He had no trouble killing five men at the same time, but my usually gentle mate intimidated him?
"He's right though. You can't have both. We've seen the effect it has on you."
Stubbornly, the dark-haired beauty shook her head. "I was a lot younger. I can take it."
Regan placed a hand on her shoulder. "You can't," he added, sternly but gently. His voice made it clear that while he was looking out for her best interests, he also wouldn't take no for an answer. Ashleigh narrowed her eyes into slits. With attitude, she threw the necklace against Regan's chest. "Fine. So who'll take it then?"
Silence.
The whole group awkwardly shuffled as Regan held the amulet in front of him like it was a dirty sock. You could almost hear crickets chirp as they all uncomfortable exchanged glances.
"What's so special about Aspen's necklace?" I asked, breaking the silence. Five heads turned my way, staring at me intensely.
"What?"
"Should we tell her?" Darren whispered in Danny's ear, earning a nudge against his shoulder.
"Shhhhh," Danny hissed, clamping her hand over his mouth.
Ashleigh awkwardly tied up her long hairs in a ponytail, deliberately avoiding my gaze. Regan was studying the sky and JP kicked a rotten tree stump.
"Tell me what?" I asked, my question lost in the wind.
Without even acknowledging that I spoke, the group kept chattering by themselves.
"We should," Regan added, also earning a glare from Danny.
"I-I think Ashleigh should d-decide."
Hearing her name, Ashleigh snorted. "Why me? This is about all of us."
Darren nodded in response. "She's right."
Another glare from Danny. "She's your mate. You'll do whatever you think is right, anyway."
"I wouldn't!" Ashleigh defended herself, angrily pulling the necklace from Regan's hands. "It doesn't matter if she's my mate, it's about this stupid thing!" she groaned in frustration, pointing at the amulet.
"D-Do we have another choice?" JP reasoned, rubbing his hand over his chin. The rest of the group turned to him, all glaring angrily. That just meant he was right and won the argument.
"Don't think we do," Regan admitted, looking at me.
"Umm, hello, I'm right here?" I tried, waving my arms at them. For a brief moment, I gained their attention as they all stared at me wordlessly. But then they went right back to their usual bickering.
"I-I can wear it f-for you," JP chirped in, earning himself a scoff from Darren. That was uncharacteristic. He usually was very polite and respectful towards Danny's other mates.
"No offence, JP, but it's not made for humans," Darren weighed in, shaking his head in dismissal. What wasn't made for humans? Why were they always so vague? And if it wasn't for humans, maybe I could help? I wasn't human after all.
"Can I help?" I proposed, earning myself shifty glances from the whole group.
"You...?" Danny asked, quickly interrupted by Ashleigh's protest.
"No! You're not putting this on Akira!"
"It might be the only way," she tried again carefully, but Ashleigh wasn't taking it.
"We can't ask JP again, it's not safe," Danny firmly said, her hand resting on JP's chest protectively. Darren and Regan nodded, and as they did, I noticed how they positioned themselves slightly in front of their comrade. It would've been cute, if they weren't ganging up on my mate.
"Ashleigh, tell me what I can do," I interrupted, moving to Ashleigh's side to show my support and loyalty to her. As long as I was around, she wouldn't stand alone. Ever.
"There's nothing you can do," Ashleigh stubbornly said, dismissing my proposal.
Danny nervously ran her fingers through her hair. "It might be the only way..."
"I won't allow it!" my mate protested, stirring something inside of me.
"You won't allow it? I'm not a kid. I can make my own decisions," I argued for myself. A flashback of being attacked by Chesca ran through my head. "Granted, they aren't always great, but I don't need you to decide for me like a spoilt little child. Tell me what's going on!" I demanded, firmly planting my hands on my hips to seem more confident.
My beautiful mate smiled, completely ignoring my tantrum. Tenderly, she brushed a lost strand of hair behind my ear. "I wouldn't dare ask this of you, Akira," she mumbled, her voice softening as she said my name.
I pressed myself gently against her, locking my grey eyes with her blue ones. "Ask me anyway."
"I can't."
Aspen's Alpha, and putting Ashleigh and the rest of the pack under his grip, I needed to redeem myself. I needed to show them that I wasn't a burden. I had to make it up somehow. "Ashleigh. Please... I just want to help. You don't have to tell me why, just tell me what I have to do."
JP quickly cut in. "I-I don't think you can a-ask her without telling her w-what it is."
Darren nodded. "He's right. She needs to know."
Hesitantly, Ashleigh eyed the necklace resting in Regan's palm. "I could just take it," she tried. But, instantly, she was met with a lot of protest. Both Danny and her men clearly thought that was a bad idea.
"Looking for someone to wear it? I'll wear it," I impatiently snapped, pulling the amulet out of Regan's hands and throwing it over my head before anyone really knew what was happening. The five of them squealed in surprise and grabbed at the necklace around my neck.
"Woah, woah, keep your grabby hands to yourself!" I yelled, shielding the amulet and darting backwards.
"Take it off!" Danny exclaimed, clawing at me. Well, more at the trinket around my neck, but I didn't feel like she'd care if she scratched me.
"Back off," Ashleigh shouted at the redhead, pushing me behind her back so she could shield me with her body.
Darren growled at my mate, baring his teeth at her. "She can't know!"
"Know what?" I yelled back, cowardly hiding behind Ashleigh's soft back. As much as I disliked asking for her help, I wasn't about to face an angry Danny head on. I knew better.
Regan put up one of his big hands, silencing both Danny and Darren. He tilted his head to the side and stared at me. "You don't feel it?"
"Feel what?"
Ashleigh turned towards me, studying me carefully. "You don't sense it?
Annoyed, I let out an exasperated huff. "Sense what? Come on, use your words!" I barked, losing my patience. Why did they always do that? Couldn't they just explain what was going on, even for once?
"The necklace... Doesn't it... I don't know. Don't you feel different after putting it on?"
I lifted the amulet and twirled it between my fingers, getting a good look at it for the first time. It was a simple round totem carved out of bone. It had some graceful decorations on the sides and an elegantly carved wolf's head in the middle. Immaculate.
"What am I supposed to feel?" I inquired, not sure what they meant.
Darren and Danny exchanged odd glances, before turning to me. "Anything? No tingling, no electricity, no sparks?"
I shook my head. "Nope, nothing?"
"Strange."
"Why?"
Danny shrugged, throwing her red hear over her shoulder. "Just surprised."
"So what's the secret?" I asked, noticing how the whole group suddenly exchanged more awkward glances. "What? You didn't think I forgot about it, right? I'm already letting you keep the secret of your shift, even though I seriously think you should be telling me. But at least tell me what this amulet thingy is about?"
"Oh-oooh..." Danny let out a loud gasp, before clamping her hands over her own mouth and hiding behind Regan and Darren. JP suddenly seemed very busy studying the rotten tree mush he had made and Ashleigh, well, Ashleigh was looking everywhere but me.
"What?" I asked, studying the group. Why did they become so twitchy all of a sudden? Was it something I said? All I did, was ask about the secret of the necklace and mention their shifting. Wait... "Does the amulet have anything to do with why you all can shift?"
Danny's loud gasp gave it away more than anything. Bingo.
"So it has something to do with your shapeshifting!" I exclaimed. And judging by their faces, I had hit the nail on the head. "Tell me more."
"We... can't," Ashleigh muttered, a pained look on her face. "I would, but... It's better if you don't know."
"Why?"
JP gently placed a hand on my shoulder. "B-Believe me. It's better if you d-don't know."
I sighed. Putting aside their murderous alter egos, I did trust them. If they both insisted it was better that I didn't know, I'd let it slide.
"Alright then," I sang, hiding the necklace underneath my shirt. "It's not like this amulet allows you to shift, anyway," I bluffed, watching all their faces.
"Ooooooh," Danny loudly gasped, earning foul looks from all her men.
"Oops..." she blurted out, clamping her hands over her mouth. Too late.
"Wait, what?"
"Nothing!" the whole group yelled, all suddenly looking very awkward. I pulled the necklace from underneath my shirt and stared at it. Was this really it? The secret to their shift? A simple amulet? Would it let me shift?
"Hnnnnggggg," I grunted, glaring at the necklace and tensing all my muscles. Almost disappointed that nothing happened, I turned towards the group. They were all staring at me, eyes big like saucers. "Nothing is happening, guys."
Darren nudged Danny, who in her turn nudged Ashleigh. "Should we tell her?" the redhead whispered, staring at me with spooked eyes.
"Yes, tell me! I want to know how to use the necklace so I can shift!" I demanded, stomping my feet on the ground like a little child. Ashleigh was my mate, wasn't she? Why wouldn't she trust me with the secret? Didn't she want us to run together like wolves?
Ashleigh awkwardly shifted her feet. "Is it my secret to tell?"
Regan scratched his head. "We're all here, aren't we?"
"Oooh, that is a good one," Danny gasped, jumping in. "This could stand as a council of our four houses."
I tilted my head. "Wait, what. What four houses? What are you guys talking about now?"
Ashleigh gingerly touched my face, immediately silencing me. Well, if I couldn't get the secret, I'd settle for having my mate look at me this tenderly.
"All in good time, I promise... We need to discuss this in private. I'm sorry, but I'll explain everything later. Okay?"
I nodded. I'd agree to anything with her being so close to me. Damn, I really was a sucker.
"Hand me the necklace, please."
With the necklace in my hand, I felt my lips curl up. "If you want it, take it," I grinned, dropping the amulet back down my shirt, making her blue eyes light up in amusement.
"Don't tempt me," Ashleigh warned me, the lower tone of her voice sending a chill down my spine.
"Or?" I dared ask, sounding braver than I felt. I wasn't exactly sure if this was the so called "flirting" everyone talked about, but Ashleigh seemed to like it.
"Or I'll take you up on that offer," my dark-haired mate growled, her lips all of a sudden dangerously close. I felt another thrill run down my spine, remembering how right and perfect it had felt when she had kissed me a couple of days ago. How soft and warm her lips were, how perfect her body fitted against mine, how gingerly she made me feel.
"Maybe I want..."
"Hello? We've got more important issues to discuss?" Danny waved, snapping us out of our little world. Oh right, we weren’t alone. I felt my cheeks heat up in embarrassment, realising that Danny and her men had just witnessed my awful attempt of flirting. Oops. It was just hard to remember other people existed when Ashleigh was standing this close to me.
I let out an awkward chuckle and hid my face in Ashleigh's embrace. Her fingers playfully dancing over my spine as she shot a quick apology toward Danny. Pressed against her, her natural scent of strawberries flooded my senses. Oh the spirits, I was in heaven. I never wanted this to end. I never wanted Ashleigh to end.
"I can't believe I'm saying this but... Could you go check up on Aspen? As much as I hate him right now, I do worry about him. He hasn't been without his amulet for a long time."
With a smile, I nodded. "Of course."
Ashleigh gently pressed her lips against my cheek. "Thank you," she whispered in my ear, making me shiver underneath her touch. If it was up to me, I'd whisk her away from the rest and just spend the rest of my days wrapped in her arms. Preferably naked.
Wait, what? That was a new thought... Where did that come from? First Aspen? Now Ashleigh? What was happening? How did she do this me? Why had I never felt this way around her before? Or Aspen, for that matter? I wondered where all those desires came from, as I had never really looked at either of them in that way. But the longer I stared at her slender figure, the more I realised that I was indeed very attracted to her. How did this happen?
Did the amulet influence my wolf? Or without the necklace, was Aspen's wolf less demanding?
Either way, I didn't mind being so close to Ash.
But hey, if she wanted me to go check up on Aspen, I would. I needed to make sure he was alright, especially after our little ordeal. I didn't want him to feel bad after what went down. I turned on my heels, ready to find Aspen, but was stopped by Ashleigh.
"The necklace, Akira."
"What?"
"You're still wearing it."
I sheepishly grinned. "Oops. Sorry."
She gently swiped her fingers over my cheek and then followed my neckline to fish the necklace out of my shirt. "Thanks."
"Hmmm, while you're there..." I suggested, earning a deep chuckle from her.
"Don't try and sway me with flirting, young lady. I'm still not over what you did with my brother," she semi-scolded, but from her tone, I could tell she wasn't nearly as mad as before. "Now off you go."
I started saluting her, regretted my choice half-way through, and ended it with a facepalm. Idiot.
Ashleigh chuckled and rolled her eyes in amusement. "You're strange."
"I've been called that before."
"I'm not surprised," she whispered, leaning forward and surprisingly enough, capturing my lips with hers. Stunned at first, I froze. Did she really mean to kiss me or did she just miss my cheek? She tenderly cupped my face, pulling me gently towards her. Realising she wasn't mistaken, I melted into her kiss. Her lips plump and warm, soft and fruity.
With a hum, I leant more into her, losing myself in her. Her hand slid from my cheek to the back of my neck and as she tangled her fingers in my hair, a shiver travelled down my spine. Summer made way for strawberries and I couldn't imagine every wanting to taste something else.
"Now off you go," Ashleigh whispered against my lips, her breath tickling my skin.
"Do I have to?" I pouted, not wanting to break away from our embrace. She chuckled softly, her eyes lighting up.
"Yes... But I'll see you soon." She pressed another soft kiss on my lips and broke away from me, leaving me just a tad lost.
"I-I'll walk back with you," JP offered, peeling me away from my mate. I felt my wolf softly howl as we split apart from Ashleigh so I could climb out of the valley. Hopefully, she'd join me soon.
"I w-will collect some firewood. You'll find Aspen b-back in our camp, I b-believe," JP spoke, directing me to the campsite, while he disappeared into another part of the forest. Well, okay then. Looks like I was dealing with Aspen on my own.
I stumbled up the hillside to our tents and found Aspen moping on a tree stump, looking rather lost.
"You okay?"
He nodded almost unnoticeably. "Yeah, I think so."
"Listen, what happened..."
"I know. I know it's Ashleigh you really want."
I let my head hang low in shame. How awful was I? Bouncing from one twin to the other, breaking hearts where ever I went, tearing the siblings apart. If only I could stop. If only my wolf could choose. "I'm sorry."
He chuckled bitterly. "Don't be. I don't stand a hell of a chance without my Alpha." I opened my mouth to protest, but he cut me off. "No need to deny it. That's just how it works."
With my heart aching, I sat down on the stump opposite of him. "I do care for you, you know."
His upper lip twitched. "I know," he muttered gloomily, his eyes glazing over again. I shifted uncomfortable on my stump and it had nothing to do with the twig almost poking my private parts. I thought I'd gotten Aspen to a better place, but now he was completely back to his depressed counterpart. If only I could help him. Without jumping his bones.
"It's been a while," Aspen suddenly sighed, holding his face up in his hands.
"A while since...?"
He grimaced. "Since I took of the necklace."
I tilted my head to the side. "It feels different without?"
Aspen nodded, running his hand through his hair. "It does."
"What is so different?" "It's... Quiet. She's usually always talking to me, you know?" he mumbled, his eyes glazed. He looked utterly defeated.
I let out a hum. "Umm... Who?"
"Em... I can always hear her. She's calling out to me."
I bit my lip, racking my memories. If I remembered correctly, Em was his first mate. The love of his life, the one he lost, the one who died.
"You can hear her?" I asked carefully, hoping I wouldn't step on his toes or push him deeper in the dark pit he didn't seem to be able to crawl out.
He let out a heavy breath. "I can. She's waiting for me up there..." He paused, cracking his neck and stretching his shoulders. "I can't hear her now."
A lump appeared in my throat. Poor Aspen. "You can't?"
He shook his head, sadness painted over his face. "Not without my necklace. It's both... Liberating and lonely."
"What kind of things does she say? If you don't mind me asking..."
He rubbed a spot on his chest, the one where his necklace usually rested. "She usually talks to my wolf."
I waited, wondering if he was going to elaborate or that was all I'd get out of him. Nope. Silence it was. "Does your wolf talk to you when you wear it?"
Aspen nodded slowly. "I guess? Not exactly talk to me, but I can hear his thoughts. In many ways, I am his thoughts."
"Oh..."
He rubbed the back of his neck, looking pained. "Maybe some other time, I'll tell you all about Em and my wolf. But not tonight."
"That's okay. You don't have to tell me."
Aspen smiled sadly. "I should. It's not a story that should be left untold. One day." He pointed towards the lake. "Are they debating who will take the necklace?"
I nodded, hoping the change of topic would lift his mood. Seeing Aspen in pain like this, made me ache deep inside. If only I could cheer him up somehow. But I couldn't. So I just kept the conversation going. "Yes. And they are having a meeting of four houses? I'm not sure what's going on."
"Hmm," he snorted, shaking his head dismissively. "Only they would hold a council meeting in the middle of nowhere."
"What's a council meeting?"
With a small twig, Aspen drew four squares in the trampled snow. "Official clan business. Technically, the four of us are the heirs and direct representatives of the noble houses of our clan," he explained, adding in letters in the boxes. "There's Danny's house, Regan's clan, Darren's line, and then Ash and I. No matter where we are, we can hold an official meeting and whatever is decided, goes."
"You're all nobles?"
"Technically. All our houses are in shambles, so not much to be proud of or boast about. Ashleigh and I are the only survivors of our line. Regan was shunned by his parents, but claimed his rightful place as the heir when he turned eighteen. Darren has a lot of distant relatives, but I doubt any of them even know which clan they belong to. Danny tried to reject her title, but when her parents died last year, she became the next in line by default," he explained, hiding his face in his hands. "Our lineages are a mess."
"So what's the meeting about?"
"The secret of the Wolf. Disclosing the secret behind our shift is a breach of an ancient oath that all our houses have to uphold. We had a "meeting" about this around the time JP got filled in." He chuckled. "Actually, if I remember correctly, Danny had already told him and the meeting was about "her treachery". If our parents were still in charge, it would've ended in war. For us, it was more a shrug and we welcomed JP officially as a representative of House D'Ors. Danny's family name."
I smiled. "That's sweet."
"Danny chose him. He's family."
As if he heard his name, JP appeared from the tree line, carrying a whole bushel of firewood. It wasn't as much as Regan could carry, but I was sure it could easily last us till morning. I moved my stump out of the way, giving the slender man room to get the fire going and started dreaming of what goodness Darren would be making for us later tonight. At least, I hoped he would. I honestly wasn't sure how we were doing ration wise. They just kept producing more and more food from their backpacks. I wasn't sure how, but hey, I wasn't complaining.
Some magic was better left unexplained. The mystery of their never-ending supplies was one of those things.
From the tree line, the group reappeared. Ashleigh was happily chatting away with Danny and I let out a sigh of relief. No wars were being waged tonight.
I immediately jumped up, anticipation and fear keeping my body singing a nervous song. What did they discuss? Would they tell me the secret? Had they decided I was worthy? Or would they just boot me out?
A stone fell on my stomach. Oh no, what if they decided to leave me behind and travel without me? Surely, Ashleigh wouldn't like to leave my side, but then again, with me jumping her brother, she might not be as big of a voter for me to stick around. Oh fuck, they were going to leave me. Yes, that made sense. Ashleigh was fed up with me and my childish ways. If I could forget about her, she could forget about me, no?
"So..." Danny sighed, apparently initiating the awkward conversation that was to follow. Really? Could my mate not straight up tell me that she was ditching me?
"We've come to a decision," Regan added in, pausing as he left his sentence hanging in the air.
"Yessss?"
"It would only make sense if..." Danny started, cutting off her sentence to turn towards Ashleigh and nudge her. "Maybe it's better if you tell her? After all, she's your mate."
Ashleigh ran her hand through her dark curls and awkwardly chuckled. "Okay, yes, maybe you're right. So..."
Why were they so slow? What's up with all the shiftiness? Were they just playing? Why?
Frustrated, I shoved my hands in my hair and let out a long groan. Couldn't they just be frank with me?
Ashleigh and Danny exchanged more glances, seemingly having another silent conversation. Fine. If they weren't going to tell me, I'd just put them out of their misery and say it myself.
"I get it, you want me gone," I blurted out, exactly at the same time as Ashleigh said: "I want you to marry me."
Crickets chirped as a silence befell us. What? Had I heard that right? "What?!"
Ashleigh gently took my hands in hers. "I want you to marry me. I mean, not now. Not even soon, for that matter. But some day."
I stared at her, my mouth dry and my tongue like sandpaper against the roof of my mouth. "What?" I managed to splutter out again, not sure how we went from her cursing at me to a marriage proposal.
"If you say yes, if you accept, you'll become part of the Ardelean family by extension and are granted access to not just our ancient secrets, but to wearing one of our most valuable possessions." She held up Aspen's necklace, dangling it in the air. "This. Of course, we wouldn't have to get married until we both feel like it, after all..."
I turned to her very silent brother, not sure what he was making of all this. He'd certainly have an opinion on his sister's proposal. Aspen tapped his forehead and whispered: "Aaaah, that's what they did with JP. Now I remember."
I growled. Useless. Men were freaking useless. "A heads up would've been nice," I whispered to him before turning back to his still proposing sister. With a glare, I managed to stop her ramblings.
"No."
Ashleigh's face fell as I probably said the last word she'd wanted to hear. "No?" she swallowed, the usually clear lights in her eyes disappearing. Shit. I didn't mean to be so harsh.
"I meant... No, I won’t marry you for convenience. You can keep your secret. When I marry, I marry for love. Nothing else."
Pain flashed through her eyes. "And you don't think I love you?" she asked quietly, her voice flat and dull. Damn, this was so not how I'd planned my proposal to go.
I hesitated. "Well... We haven't really talked about that kind of thing," I deflected, already cursing myself for how I handled the whole thing. Why couldn't I have been patient and just heard her out?
My mate brushed her soft fingertips over my cheek, asking my full attention. "Let me make one thing very clear, Akira. You're my one and somewhere down the line, I will make you my wife. All I need to know is if you're okay with that?"
I bit my lip as coals far down in my stomach flamed up underneath her touch. A spark had returned in Ashleigh's eyes and as it did, her intense gaze quickly set my heart on fire. Relief hit me as her words' meaning finally started to make sense. She wasn't leaving me. It hadn't even crossed her mind. No, she wanted me to be with her. To stay with her. Not just for now, not just for my journey, but forever.
A thought I never considered before, entered my mind. I didn't need to go back to my village. I could just stay with Ashleigh. We could settle down somewhere, build ourselves a lovely little home. We'd have to reinforce our house, so she and Aspen wouldn't break it down with every little spat they had. Oh, and of course, we'd have Danny and her men as our neighbours. We could be our own little town.
Just the idea of not having to return to my resentful tribe spread a warm glow throughout my body. Suddenly, the idea of saying yes to Ashleigh right here and now didn't seem like such an awful idea. In fact, it seemed like a great idea. The best idea I ever had.
"I'm more than okay with that," I whispered, a tightness in my chest dissolving as
the image of my future just took a whole different turn.
"So do you accept my proposal that someday, I'll propose to you?"
I bit my lip as I released a long, happy sigh. That was so Ashleigh. "Yes," I smiled, not able to contain the wide grin spreading on my face. In fact, it was so wide it made the corners of my mouth hurt.
"Yes?"
"Oh gods, of course, yes," I laughed, pressing myself into Ashleigh so I could kiss her properly. With wild strawberries dancing on my tongue and hidden in the warm embrace of my woman, I gave in to everything that was Ashleigh. Hell yes, I wanted a future with her. If only I’d understood her words better, I could've avoided the whole awkward "no" thing, but then again, her presenting a whole future to me had me happier than anything I'd heard in a long time. Maybe ever.
The rest happily clapped and before I knew it, we found ourselves in the middle of a big group hug. Danny's red hairs somehow made it into my mouth, but I didn't mind. The warmth and support I got from all of them, made my heart sing in a way I had never known before. Yes, this could be home. It already was.
"Welcome to the family, Akira!" Danny cheered, kissing me on both cheeks.
"Yes, welcome to the group!" Darren added, again slapping me so hard on the back that it took my breath away. And not in a good way.
JP gently patted my shoulder, his cheeks red with excitement. "R-Really happy to have you, Akira."
I beamed in happiness. Was this how it felt to be wanted? Was this why everyone kept pushing family? Because it was worth it? I could get used to this. Not just for the short run, but for the long haul. I glanced at Ashleigh. She said that the group was a package deal, in a take it or leave it way, but she possibly couldn't imagine how much I wanted to take it. I could see them become my family. All of them. Danny, Darren, JP, Regan, and of course, Aspen.
Aspen... Who I'd been kissing only a while ago and now, I was pre-engaged to his sister. Without his wolf to sway me, it was unmistakably easier to tell that I was Ashleigh's. But still. I didn't want to hurt him. I needed to know he was going to be okay. I turned towards him and he hadn't moved from his stump. "You okay with this?" I carefully asked, hoping that I hadn't just broken him.
He gave me a tired smile. "Of course, this is the right thing to do. I'm happy for you." He turned to his sister. "For both of you."
"You sure?"
"I'm sure. Honestly, I'm okay. Congratulations, Akira." And with those words, he stood up from his tree trunk and disappeared into one of the three tents surrounding our campfire. Huh. I hadn't even noticed there were three. Had someone predicted a fallout like this or did he set up his own tent after what happened between him and Ashleigh?
A warm arm pulled me against an even warmer body. "I know my brother. He'll be okay," Ashleigh reassured me, nuzzling her face against the side of my head.
"I sure hope so..." I sighed, melting into her. Yes, I could get used to this. With Aspen's Alpha asleep and my wolf's connection to him severed, it was suddenly a lot quieter in my heart. A lot more peaceful for my soul.
This could work. This might actually give me some rest. It would stop my wolf from being torn between the two siblings. It would finally let me commit to the one that I was always meant to be with. I turned in Ashleigh's arms, peering into her blue eyes. "You got me," I whispered, my voice breaking. After everything I put her through, all the uncertainty, all the misery, I hoped I could finally give her everything she deserved. My full attention. My undivided love. Unwavering devotion.
"Be careful what you say, Akira. I might never let you go after this," she murmured, raw emotion swirling in her blue eyes.
"I wasn't planning on going anywhere," I replied, making her smile broader and wider than I'd ever seen before.
"Good." She laced her fingers through mine, turning the coals in a gentle fire that quickly heated me with a warmth that I knew wouldn't be easy to extinguish. Maybe even impossible.
I pressed myself against her, realising how perfectly our bodies matched each other. My head fitted in the nook of her neck, her arms following the shape of my waist impeccably. We were made for each other. I'd never been more certain. She was it. All my worries of my future melted away as I melted in her. Stress I'd been carrying in my shoulders left as I relaxed in her arms. I tried to hide a yawn, but of course, she caught it.
"You tired?"
"Hmm-hmm," I hummed, finally realising how exhausted I was. Had all this really happened in one day?
"You need sleep. Actually, we all need sleep," Ashleigh ordered gently. "We can keep the big reveal for tomorrow, right?"
Everyone nodded, more yawns going around. Everyone was worn out. Today had stretched us all far too thin.
"Goodnight, guys. We're calling it a day." She waved at the rest.
Danny happily waved back. "Night, girls. Behave!" She grinned, making me roll my eyes. Of course, she’d be over the moon about this. But I was far too tired for any funny business. I just wanted to sleep. Undisturbed sleep. Endless sleep.
Ashleigh steered me towards the middle tent and I gladly let myself fall down on the heap of furs and coats. My mate closed the tent flap and curled up next to me. With her arms wrapped protectively around me and my head rested on her collarbone, I finally left all my earthly worries behind. Just like Ashleigh, sleep became mine.