Second Thoughts After Divorce

Chapter 18

Achons POV

“What’s all of this about Ashton? You said it was an emergency? Shouldn’t the pack generals be in on this?!” Hunt voices, before another knock is heard on my office door as Sawyer lets himself in.

I eye the two of them frustratedly, feeling increasingly flustered by the mere thought of being away from Rose this soon after marking the poor girl…

It was fair to her nor my own wolf but this has to be done… Until we complete the mating process, Rose will go through a horrendous heat…one which I will have to be by her side through and the sooner I get this meeting over with, the better.

“Take a seat the both of you! This isn’t about the war, this is a private matter!” I gesture for them both to sit, as they eye one another wirily–causing me to drag a rough hand down my face in thought.

I need to at least let someone know what I’ve just done… it isn’t exactly minor for an Alpha to mark a female… the pack would lose their minds at the

But I wouldn’t allow that to happen, not yet. Rose must recover, and mentally prepare for what lies ahead first….

“You’re killing us here Ash! Just fucking say it?! Hunt, my trusted d Beta pushes on, as I sigh – inhaling a slow breath.

“Alright, fine,” I relent, leaning back in my chair. I’ve been keeping something from you two. Something… rather unexpected to say the least.” I trail off, as their eyes squint at my words.

Hunt and Sawyer exchange curious glances, remaining silent, as their expressions grow more serious when realising the sudden gravity of the situation. “Spill it. Ashton! What’s gotten you this worked up? Sawyer demands, clearing his throat.

I exhale heavily, my gaze fixed on the desk in front of me. “You remember that girl you brought to me from the train? The one who appeared on our territory unexpectedly that morning?” I question.

The both of them nod in unison, their interest now piqued. “Yeah, so what about her? Didn’t you just end up making her a maid or some shit?” Hunt asks impatiently, as my wolf grows restless.

He doesn’t like the thought of Rose nor being g seen as a mediocre maid… she was more than that now… potentially their new Luna at that!

“She’s not just an ordinary girl…” I admit with a touch of frustration in my voice. “Her name is Rose, and she’s a runt wolf, banished from her old pack by her ex–mate… which just so happens to be Derrick Colt. I conclude, watching their eyes widen with the mention of the name. ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

“Are you fucking kidding us? So she was, in fact, a spy?! He definitely sent her out here to do his dirty work for him right?! Sawyer rambles, as I grit my teeth at his firm opinion.

*Not quite… from what I’ve gathered, she was rejected by him within minutes and banished from her land. That’s when she boarded the train and found herself here.” I inform, as the duo stare back at me blankly–drinking in my words.

“So you believe that? She could be lying… Hunt ponders, as I nod once in confirmation

A short silence falls between us, as they both remain deep in thought – awaiting my next update on the situation.

“Look, the girl has had a bad start in life… and it isn’t often that I want to give trespassers second chances here, but she just seems so different. I can’t explain it. The more time I spent being around her, the more addicting it became… I find myself admitting, finally owning up to the truth to them.

“So you’re saying… that you like having her around? Even although she was Derrick Colts destined mate? She will still have feelings for him Ashton Sawyers brows pull together, as I groan loudly.

Derrick Colts REJECTED mate come him, my tone rising in defence.

Sawyer gives me an odd look, as if confused at why I was reacting this way to him over a meaningless comment….

“I know how this shit sounds! Believe me! I would have nonually ripped her apart for even being connected to his pack… but she doesn’t deserve any of that… not after what she’s been through.” I attempt to speak calmly, as they perk up to listen.

“She was taken in as an Orphan when she was young, she doesn’t have any friends or family. Hell: They even named her Tragedy and pretty much

abused het, her whole life. The poor thing doesn’t even have a wolf yet. I slam my hands on the table in aggravation est, gaining their full undivided attention as they nod along with my words.

“I can’t put my finger on why… but the minute I laid my eyes on her.., there was some sort of a connection. I breathe out the words, closing my eyei momentarily to regain my composure.

speaks up, before my eyes snap open to meet

“You mean… you felt a spark with her? Similar to a mate bond? But how can that be Ash… aller…” Hunt speaks up. his–silencing him on what he was about to say.

“After Vanessa?!” I snap back, as he opens and closes his mouth momentarily to form the right words unable to find any

‘I know I said I would never l

love another female again, and trust me, that is not what this is! Nobody could ever come close to how I felt about Vanessa! I am only saying that there was a small connection, a small attraction if you will when I met this girlt I haven’t felt anything like it again until now.” I begin….

“I need a mate in order to secure the future of this pack! I can’t let what happened to Vanessa destroy our packs future here! I have grieved for long enough, she wouldn’t want me to remain misemble in this life either!” I ramble further.

“So what are you saying here exactly Ashton? Sawyer pushes, as I clear my throat.

I may as well just say it…

+1 made a deal with Rose last night… and so I marked her! That is why I brought you both here…” I deadpan, before watching the both of their mouths drop open in horror–having not expected this news in the slightest.

Hunt’s eyebrows shoot up, and Sawyer’s eyes narrow in disbelief. “You marked her? Why? And so soon too? Are you sure you’re in the right frame of mind?! That mark is for life Ashton – you could’ve chosen any female around this place, one of your own?!” Sawyer questions my actions, his voice laced with concern.

“It’s tacking complicated!” I rage, rubbing my temples. “Rose has a sad past, and she needed a fresh start as did E. She’s special, and I believe that marking her will help unleash her true potential. I’m not a fool, so don’t question my choices! I brought you both in here only to inform you of my news. I fold my arms across my chest firmly.

Hunt leans forward, his eyes narrowing in thought. So, you just marked her without consulting with anyone first? What if the pack finds out about this? No offence Ash, but she’s not the strongest option for the pack is she?!”

With that, I release a hellish growl, one that causes them both to straighten in their seats.

“You’re playing with fucking fire here Hunt! This is my damn decision! I’ve been running this pack on my own ever since Vanessa, so what makes you think that by having a weaker female by my side, anything will change? My Alpha bond will only help strengthen Rose, and she has already agreed to bare my pups whenever I want them! If 1 have felt a slight connection to this girl, then she shall be the right Et for the role! I’ve not been able to look at another female after Vanessa – that is untill now so what does that tell you?” I conclude, burning holes into Hunt’s face daring him to challenge me again.

Hunt stares back at me blankly, as Sawyer d

chooses to remain silent by our sides.

With a slow breath, he finally speaks up again- “Look, I’m sorry Ashton… I just don’t want you regretting picking a girl you barely know to fill such a large void in your life. I trust you, not only as a friend but as our Alpha. If you say she’s the right match then so be it. Hunt gives in, as I nod my approval.

Sawyer leans back, processing all of the information I had just thrown at him. “So, what’s the plan now then?” He questions.

“I want you two to keep this between us for now,” I request, my gaze meeting theirs. “I’m not ready to announce it to the pack until Rose is ready. Shes been through enough already.”

Hunt lets out a sigh, his skepticism giving way to understanding.

1. ng. “Alright, Ash. We’ve got your back. Just promise us you won’t make any rash decisions without at least telling us beforehand. He laughs out dryly.

nod, grateful for their unwavering support with such a heavy update. Thank you, the both of you. I know it’s a lot to take in but I just needed to tell you both – it’s been driving me fucking nuts.”

*When did you mark her exactly? Sawyer asks, as 1 push some papers aside on my desk which have been annoying me.

“Only last night.” I tell them, as they n

”

as they nod in understanding

“I just need some time with Rose, before the pack hears of this.” I explain, my voice softer now. “I want to give her a chance to recover from the mark and adjust to this. Since she isn’t my destined mate, the heat comes on much faster than usual, so she is currently going through her first heat and I should be getting back to her soon.‘ I state briefly.

“It will be good to meet the girl properly once she’s ready… since you know, the first time we met we had hauled her off the train and brought her straight to you!” Sawyer sports, as I smile at the memory.

I’m glad they did….

As we conclude our discussion, I’m grateful for the understanding and support from the both of my friends. Although they regularly pissed me off, their opinions still mattered to me.

I see them out, before returning straight to my room to find and check in on Rose…

I was gone way longer than expected, but she should be fine….

Right?

Chapter Comments

Rebecca Wakazi

hope they’re second chance mates,

Visitor

bear my pups