Chapter 2: The Proposal

Asher's POV

The room was tense from the moment I entered. Everyone appeared angry when I opened the door, especially the girl I almost ran in to. Her eyes were wild and as bright as emeralds. I'm sure if the room was pitch black, they would glow brighter than the full moon.

I look past her head, locking my eyes with Alpha Lawrence. I haven't seen him since he visited my Father's pack when I was a small boy. They were best friends. The grey hairs in Lawrence's curly locks pain me for a moment, making me wonder what my father would look like at this age.

I offer up a friendly smile and move past the girl. I can feel her eyes following me as I move towards Lawrence to shake his hand. My uncles follow suit, and we all take our seats at the end of the table.

The girl huffs and storms out of the room, her long hair trailing behind her. I wonder what her problem is.

"Oh my, Asher, you have grown up to be quite the handsome young man." Lawrence smiles, bringing his wine glass to his lips.

I offer a smile back, "I got it from my Father." That makes Lawrence laugh.

Lawrence gushes about his friendship with my Father. They were inseparable since the age of five. My Father would tell me stories every night before bed of how he and Lawrence would run amuck between their two packs, playing pranks on their families, and sometimes on each other. They were the jokesters of their packs, bringing light and laughter during stressful or hard times.

I sometimes wonder if I have that personality trait from my Father, or if I'm just a boring man with no sense of humor.

"I'm sure you miss him." Lawrence's voice breaks me from my thoughts.

I look up from the plate of food in front of me, which I didn't know was there, and offer him a warm smile, "I miss him every day. He was a great man."

Uncle Julius steps in, offering up his own sentiment of his brother, "His death was tragic and unexpected. I'm glad Asher has stepped up to take his Father's title as Alpha, he's a strong man."

Lawrence raises his glass in a toast, "Asher, since your coming-of-age ceremony you have led your pack well, guiding them towards success and security. You're a true Alpha, your Father would be very proud of you."

Everyone around the table clinks their classes together, shouting "Cheers!"

Dinner proceeds with light conversation, though not about my Father thank God. I'm not sure what to talk about with anyone. I'm not a shy person, I just don't know what to do in situations like this. Since becoming Alpha I haven't had to do social engagements, so I'm letting my uncles take the reign in this situation and I'll take notes for future reference.

I stand from my chair, "Will you please excuse me?"

Lawrence nods his and the conversation around the table picks back up. I head out the doors I came through and wonder down the hallways searching for the bathroom.

I'm almost at the end of the hallway when I run in to the girl from earlier in the night. Her long black gown is gone, replaced with sweatpants and an oversized t-shirt. She lets out a small grunt when we collide.

"Watch where you're walking, jeez," she huffs at me, not making eye contact.

My eyes widen, "You have a fiery personality."

She folds her arms across her chest, "You don't know a thing about me."

I laugh, "I don't know if I want to."

I brush past her and head towards the door with the sign 'bathroom' written across it. When I leave, I run into my uncles. They both have sour looks on their faces.

"I can't catch a break around here," I whisper under my breath.

"What was that back there?" Julius questions me.

"What do you mean? I was eating dinner." Why is everyone on my a** tonight.

Dean shakes his head, "As the Alpha you're meant to be conversing with Lawrence, but instead you made us do all the hard work."

I'm so confused; they like being the center of attention at social gatherings, so I'm not sure why tonight is any different.

"I'm not sure what you want from me. I've been learning how to lead a pack from you two since I was sixteen. I'm still learning how to interact with others in social settings, especially another Alpha." I shove my hands into the pockets of my jeans.

Julius takes a step towards me, "You're old enough to step it up and be a real leader."

For years I have followed the guidance of my uncles. They promised me when my Father died, they would teach me everything I needed to know about leading a pack and being a true Alpha. Everything I have learnt to this day has been because of their influence.

I'm starting to think that maybe I don't need their help anymore. I need to learn how to run things of my own accord instead of asking them for help when I'm not sure what the right decision is. Making mistakes is part of the learning process, and I need to accept that. But I know they won't go down without a fight.

"How can I prove to you that I'm ready to lead this pack on my own?" The question leaves my mouth before I have time to think about it.

Julius and Dean stand in thought for a moment, shocked by my question. "You need to get married." Julius answers. They both share a look between themselves.

Dean agrees with him, "Once you get married, Julius and I will take a step back. However, until then we will continue as we are."

I nod my head, feeling a bit defeated. I've only loved one girl and she left me without a reason. I gave her my heart, but she stomped on it like it meant nothing, like I meant nothing to her. Getting married isn't going to be easy. I want to marry a girl who takes my breath away. My Mate. I can't just marry any ordinary girl.

I open my mouth, ready to admit defeat, but Julius walks away without another word, Dean is hot on his tail. I watch them walk away in silence. A soft sight leaves my lips. I'm ready to head back to dinner when a shadow moves towards me from the other end of the hallway. Fiery orange hair comes into view, followed by floating emeralds.

"Will you marry me?"