Chapter 8

Ashley 

I’m tired and want to go back home to finish packing, but my parents are still outside the parking lot of the packing house. The sun beams are coming down, " I’m hungry. Could we just go home now?” I whined, ecoying the voice of my wolf Genie, she is teh impatient one. I guess I could let her come forward and run home, but that would mean stripping my clothes off in front of my parents and that’s not a picture I want to cherich in the feanow nor ever.  

“It’s not like I don't want you to move to another pack, sweety, but I think you are too young and inexperienced. I wish I had more time with you before you go,” Mom sobbed.

“Come on now, love, let her make her own choices. She will be fine at Crescent Moon; my family is up there and will take care of her. And we always can visit.” Dad hugged his mate in a comforting manner. If there was someone who knew how to handle my mother, it was him; with a peck on her lips, she calmed down. “Thank you, Mr. Dawson; you always know what to say to calm my nerves.” My parents make a cute couple, and I’ve grown accustomed to their PDA my whole life. But this time I feel a sting of jealousy. Seeing them together awakened the longing for a mate. A partner I’m not sure I will be able to find in the near future. 

Engrossed in my family moment, I didn't realize the Beta was watching us. “Is something wrong?” He asked once he spotted us all outside. “No, Beta, my mate and I were just leaving. Thank you for everything.” Dad responded and ushered us to his car. “Come along, now, we wouldn’t want to bother the Alpha or Beta. They are busy people.”

The Beta cleared his throat and descended the steps to join us, “I’m never busy when it comes to the people of the pack. As the new  second in command, I urge you to confide in me about what is the matter.”

Technically, only the Alpha can command us to do anything, but as his second in command, Beta Jack can force his aura to make us comply if he needs to secure the pack house. In this case, I’m afraid we are still on pack house grounds. “They are only worried for me, Beta, but we are assuring Mom there is nothing to be afraid of,” I interjected.  He stared at me, and for a moment, I felt embarrassed. How many eighteen-year-old she-wolves has he encountered that her parents keep treating like a pup?  Just then, it dawned on me that I wanted to crawl under a rock and never come out again in his presence.   If only I had a mate to hold me in his arms and whisper sweet things in my ear, to convince my mother I'm going to study at an excellent cookery school in London.

“Why would she want to travel to enroll in a patisserie school in London anyway? Did you look into the schools in Andorra? There must be a good one that doesn’t take you far away from us.” Mom continued her ranting.

Oh, sweet Selene, open the earth and let it swallow me whole. How much humiliation can one take in a single day?

“Mrs. Dawson, if you worry about her transportation arrangement, I can guarantee Ashley’s transportation.”  

“That won't be necessary. Beta, don't bother with a trivial errand such as this. You and the Alpha have done enough. My husband and I will  deliver Ash to the train station.” Mom provided. She is more serene now that Beta Jack involved himself in all of this.

“I beg your pardon, Mrs. Dawson but I insist.  I will personally be in charge of delivering Ashley to the hands of the Alpha Victor of Crescent Moon Pack . It will be an honor for me to fulfill this mission as a Beta and take your daughter to her  temporary home. “ He said reassuringly before improvising a small bow.  “I will let you know when we  leave with the escort convoy.”

Mom laughed softly, but Dad looked suspicious. My cheeks were flushed red, and the Beta bid us farewell,  “I’m glad we reached an agreement. I’ll see if everything is settled for departure.” Jack shook hands with both my mom and dad, then turned to me.

“See you soon, Ashley.”

If he expected a hand shake from me as well, he is utterly mistaken. I don’t want anything to do with this man. Is torture enough I have to travel with him to the train station, but I’ll make sure to sit in a different car. 

Suddenly, Alpha Atticus appeared on the porch. “Jack, is something the matter?” He looked between us, waiting for his Beta to answer. There is an exchange through the mindlink, evident by how their eyes glassed.

When they disconnected the inner communication, Alpha looked at me, and the hairs on my skin prickled. “Ashley, it has come to my attention that your parents are concerned about the transportation arrangement. I’m giving instructions to my Beta to use the jet on behalf of pack business. He will accompany you until you reach safety in Crescent Moon Pack and report back to me.” My jaw dropped, and I mumbled about the train tickets when Alpha turned to my parents, “All expenses are on me. You don’t have to worry for your daughter’s security; she will be in the care of my Beta’s good hands.’’ 

I felt dizzy, and almost lost my footing when firm arms got hold of me before I fell to the floor. 

“Woah, take it easy there, I got'cha.” Beta Jack spoke in a tone only the two of us could hear,  pressing his ear close to me, letting his musky cologne invade my senses as he hushed his hot breath, “I got you now, Cupcake."

He steps back and our eyes met. I knew very well what those words meant: I'm screwd. Coursing imnwardly my day is a complete mess: What a relief, the new Beta of the Greenway Pack is taking me on a private planet to London thanks to my overprotective parents. All I wanted was for the earth to open and swallow me whole.

“That won't be necessary. Beta, don't bother with a trivial errand such as this. You and the Alpha have done enough. My husband and I will  deliver Ash to the train station.” Mom provided, the woman is more relaxed now that Beta Jack has involved himself.

“I beg your pardon, Mrs. Dawson, but I insist.  I will personally be in charge of delivering Ashley to the hands of the Alpha Victor of the Crescent Moon Pack. It will be an honor for me to fulfill this mission as a Beta and take your daughter to her temporary home. “ He said reassuringly before improvising a small bow.  “I will let you know when we  leave with the escort convoy.”