Second Thoughts After Divorce

Ashton’s POV

1 ignored the wandering eyes as we made our way to our private table–making our presence as a pack known to the room instantly.

Ildn’t yet looked at Jacob, however knew where he stood and knew that he had no doubt already spotted us by now.

I did have a lot of respect for Jacob though, however didn’t like the whole idea of him being seated up on a platform above all of his guests at the event

as though he were some sort of a King compared to the rest of us!

There’s only one true king amongst the wolves… which would be determined by strength, riches and smarts… and I’m stood right fucking here!

I didn’t like to feel belittled, however as a friend, I would let the stunt slide for Jacob to have his grand night of feeling important.

“Here you are! The gentleman states, moving aside to reveal the glamorously decorated table with our pack name found printed proudly in the centre.

I nod once, acknowledging the table, before looking around to notice many of my guards nearby – ready to defend their Alpha and new Luna if they had to at any point tonight…

“Look around here… see all of those guys with the red ties and dark suits… they belong to our pack. They won’t let anything happen to you, you’re safe. I lean down to tell Rose in her ear, pointing them out as her gaze follows my finger around the busy room.

She mumbles and nods, offering me a small smile as she tries her best to face this situation head on.

1 pull out the chair closest to the wall, gesturing for Rose to sit in it, as Lydia moves to take the other one beside her – concealing her between us both at we all sit at the table.

I had made this day as exciting as I could for her, and hopefully with Lydia being here too, Rose could at least find some enjoyment in it.

“Drinks everyone?” A chirpy female appears before us with a notebook, as I glance to Rose for an answer.

“What do you

you want? A fruity cocktail?” I suggest, as Rose nods and shrugs before turning to Lydia.

“Sounds good! Make it two Lydia confirms, as the female smiles and takes note of it.

Three whiskey on the rocks too.” I state next, ordering for myself, Sawyer and Hunt as they chuckle at the choice.

“Needing to take the edge off are we Ash?” Sawyer cackles, as I laugh too at how it must’ve looked.

Sure the whiskey wasn’t my first drink of the day… but it was a bold choice for my first drink at the event.

But, I probably did need it to take the edge off…

I eyed the room carefully, taking note of each pack and each familiar face talking, laughing or dancing without a care. Some would occasionally glance over at us, before quickly diverting their gaze again when I would notice them…

Females would whisper amongst themselves and would even give little points towards us, probably wondering who my new she–wolf was

Everyone and everything seemed somewhat normal, as I turned to view the raised platform area nearby, which Jacob had filled with his dearest family and friends who seemed happy and joyous to be at the event.

Jacob, however, had now made his way down the steps and towards his guests – beginning to make his rounds to greet each and every pack and their Alphas attending.

My eyes then found three empty tables of packs still to arrive…..….

East Ridge Pack ……..

Opal Pack….

And of course the Moon Lust Pack had to be amongst those still yet to make their entrancet

Derrick Coll no doubt wanted to ensure that every pack was present before arriving since he did in fact convince himself that he wa the top dog

In my opinion, he was none other than a cocky privileged child – earning the pass to becoming an Alpha through his fathers blood.

And little does Derrick know, that I have a surprise just for him… sitting right beside me!

“You ok Ashton? I turn back around in my chair when feeling a little poke on my bicep, smiling when I find Rose to be the culprit.

“Yeah just checking if he was here yet… but he’s not so you don’t have to worry. I’ll let you know when he arrives so that you aren’t caught off guard.” 1

her the truth, causing Rose to pull her lip up in to her teeth anxiously.

I instantly raise my hand, freeing her lip from her vigorous chewing, before she giggles a little at the action – her eyes sparkling with amusement.

“What have I told you about biting that damn lip?!” I lean forward and groan in to her ear, earning another laugh as she playfully pushes at my chest.

Before I know it, a bright flash comes from beside us, as we turn to find the photographer – smiling wide at us as though he had just caught the perfect picture of us laughing together.

“Quick shot of the table–smile everyone! He announces, getting ready, as we all do as he asks and move in closer together.

Another flash comes next, before he thanks us and moves along to the next group of guests.

“Ah Ashton……. always a pleasure to have you here my boy! But just what do we have with you eh? A new female hooked around your arm? I’m very intrigued! If I’m not mistaken… she also bares your mark now too, yes?” I turn to see Jacob approaching, arms stretched out and his smile wide.

People could notice my new mate instantly, with my proud mark on her neck and due to the fact that she practically oozes of my overpowering scent.

“Evening Furcht Yes it is… this is my new mate, Rose. I announce proudly, standing as he makes his way around to hug me q warm welcome. Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g

He then pulls back, offering his hand to Rose as she reaches across to shake it gently with a shy smile.

quickly – offering me a

“Nice to meet you…” Rose speaks politely, causing my heart to swell with pride that she hadn’t stuttered on her first meet with Jacob.

“No… it’s nice to meet you Miss Rose! Ashton here made a beautiful choice with you! But just what high status family did you manage to pluck this one from eh?” Jacob asks, as Rose releases his hand and shrinks back a little at his words.

Rose wasn’t from no high status family… she didn’t even have a family at all for that fact…

Little did Jacob also know, that my new mate was the rejected mate of Derrick Colt. Rose was damn well banished from his land with nothing and nowhere to go before I took her in!

“She was actually a runaway from the Moon Lust Pack seeking refuge… one thing lead to another when she arrived on my land and here we are!” I update him with somewhat of the truth, as his eyes widen and he nods along with my words.

“A true fucking love story if I’ve ever seen onel Sawyer chuckles, joining in, as Rose’s cheeks flare pink from being the topic of conversation so far.

“A true knight in shining armour then I take it my boy? Very good. I’m glad to see you happy after everything… Jacob places a strong hand on my shoulder, choosing not to go any further on the topic of Vanessa, as I nod briefly at his words.

Well it was lovely to meet you Rose, I wish you two all the best and please have a great time tonight! My wife will be intrigued to meet you later too I’d bet.” Jacob smiles, as Rose forces a smile back and remains quiet.

Thank you, Jacob. We always appreciate your warm welcome, I reply curtly, matching his politeness as best as I can. Jacob gives a nod before excusing himself, leaving us to greet the next pack,

As we settle hack into our seats, I feel a mix of emotions swirling within me. The attention from the other packs, the scrutiny, and the constant whispers to figure out who my new lover was followed by the anticipation of Derricks arrival….

Huse, my new Luna, had now been completely thrust into the spotlight. The weight of my past and the expectations of my position felt heavier than ever and my wolf clawed at the surface to protect his mate from the lingering eyes… but this all needed to happen… sooner rather than later!

Rose would now be a huge part of my life, and potentially the mother to my children when the time comes, so it was best to introduce her to my world immediately.

“You did good. I commend her, as she releases a small breath and nods.

The arrival of our drinks provides a welcome distraction. The clinking of glasses and the ambient hum of the ballroom becoming a comforting backdrop as we move on to engage in conversation with Sawyer, Hunt, and Lydia,

Their easy banter and shared Laughter help to ease the tension that lingers in the air, as I occasionally check for the arrival of Derrick and his pack of

matts.

Rose, though still reserved, seems to find comfort in the company of our friends and the fact that we had been seated in one of the large corner tables surrounded by guards

1 catch glimpses of her stealing glances around the room, her eyes widening at the g in their intricate gowns.

grandeur of the event as different women would occasionally pass by

It warmed my heart to see her taking tentative steps into this unfamiliar world that I had grown up in my whole life… it gave me purpose, sharing it with someone who once had nothing.

Drinks are soon finished, before we order a second round, followed by an appetiser of soup being served around the hall with warm bread.

That couple are so cute!” Lydia suddenly comments, forcing all of our eyes to land on the elderly couple swaying in the centre of the dance floor.

I recognise them instantly, as the ex Alpha and Luna of the South Moon Pack. If I remembered right, they had been coupled up together since the of seventeen… still going strong.

Other

-You f

couples soon join, as Rose smiles and moves her head a little in time with the musics tune…

fancy it?” I test, gaining her attention as her eyes widen in horror at the thought…

“1-1 don’t know the dance steps! Rose defends, as I chuckle and shrug,

“So? We just sway around, it can’t be that hard!” 1 conclude boldly, as she shakes her head and laughs a little at my c

comment.

“Maybe later.” Rose confirms, seeing the current dance coming to an end as everyone clears the floor to take a break…

“Well I’ll hold you to that princess.” 1 state, before taking another sip from my drink, before noticing a sudden shift in atmosphere.

1 perk up a little, before the whispers in the room intensify, before some people move aside – showing the arrival of the Moon Lust Pack, led by none other than Derrick Colt himself dressed in a ridiculous leather set.

“What the fuck is he wearing?!” Sawyer cackles, letting the alcohol talk, as Hunt turns to take a look and snorts out a laugh too.

Rose’s attention is gained, and before I can even get the words out to wam her, she raises her gaze to find Derrick across the grand hall – making his way to his assigned table.

Rose’s eyes grow wide, before she tums to look at me

seeming a little disheveled.

“Its ok doll… I’m right here…” I reach out to take her hand, which she relaxes in to a little more, offering me a small smile.

“I bet you’re glad you aren’t with him anymore… did you see that outfit?” I speak quietly, holding her gaze, as she chuckles and nods slightly. “Who in the damn hell would even wear a leather shirt and leather pants to a ball?! He’s an idiot! I continue, louder this time, as Hunt, Sawyer and Lydia all laugh along with us.

The energy in the room had already shifted with the little shits presence, and I couldn’t help but wonder where Derricks father was

Derrick wasn’t yet the Alpha to the Moon Lust Pack however he seemed to think that he already was… but as far as I was aware, his father hadn’t yet stepped down and nothing was official on paper.

Leve the

little shit as he talks with two other men, before I turn back to Rose, squeezing her hand again in reassurance.

Derrick’s presence, once a haunting specter, is now an opportunity to showcase the strength of the bond we’ve both forged together.

I just can’t fucking wait until he notices who my new mate is…