The Alpha's Bride Chapter 1063 Alpha Violet and Alpha Ashton (4)

Lunch at the Spring Leaf pack was awkward, to put it mildly.

For most of the meal, Luna Michelle was sniffling, overwhelmed with joy that her son had returned and was now mated to Violet.

Luna Michelle kept piling food onto Ashton's plate, repeatedly asking if he needed more. Violet had a feeling that the Luna would have tried to hand-feed him herself if she wasn't there. Although Violet had encountered the Pascal family numerous times before, it had always been during formal events surrounded by many guests.

This marked the first time Violet had seen them in a private, family-only setting, and she couldn't help but wonder if Luna Michelle was always this clingy or if it was merely because they had been apart for so long. While it was natural for a mother to dote on her son, this seemed quite excessive.

On the other hand, Alpha Cristian was behaving with an odd level of politeness. Violet found it strange that he addressed her with such deep respect; since he was her senior, they should have been speaking as equals.

The conversation shifted when Luna Michelle brought up the topic of renovating the packhouse. Her plan involved merging two bedrooms into a single suite so that Ashton and Violet would have plenty of space, including room for a crib. As the Luna rambled on about specific fabrics and color schemes, Violet realized her future mother-in-law had been planning this for quite some time.

Luna Michelle then discussed organizing a welcome-home party for Ashton, noting that since he was back for good, they should hold the Alpha ceremony so he could officially take command of the pack.

"Now that Ash has found his mate, we must schedule a ceremony for Violet to become the Luna." Luna Michelle gazed dreamily at Ashton and Christian. "Once Ash assumes his role as Alpha, we can finally relax and travel." She then looked toward Violet. "Don't be anxious, dear. We’ll be nearby and ready to assist whenever you need us. I'm sure your parents groomed you for a significant role, so this won't be entirely new. I can guide you through the details of packhouse management and..."

Violet forced a smile while her thoughts raced. Packhouse management? Her upbringing had focused on politics, utilizing her abilities, and breaking bones. Born as a leader of two packs, Violet was a warrior. Her education consisted of lessons on how to fight, kill, and negotiate—not how to run a household.

Violet was capable of torturing someone for days on end. Though Talia generally frowned upon such methods, she had taught Violet how to use her power to extract the truth from anyone.

People frequently spoke of Damon as if he were the Black Demon, a man who should never be crossed, yet they failed to realize that Talia was far more dangerous. Damon was powerful but transparent; if he disliked someone, he made it obvious. Talia, however, could smile and offer peace while simultaneously doing whatever was necessary to secure that peace—even if it meant triggering a disaster. Talia could manifest a calamity with a single thought, which was terrifying. People were fortunate that she was difficult to provoke.

"It will be the grandest celebration we've ever thrown!" Luna Michelle continued, returning to the subject of the Alpha and Luna ceremonies. "I’ll reach out to Talia, Mindy, and several others to help coordinate an event of this scale..."

Violet hadn't given much thought to the formal ceremonies of the Spring Leaf pack. Suddenly, being mated to Ashton was presenting a new kind of headache. It wasn't that she lacked the desire to be a Luna; to her, it was merely a title or a label that didn't define her essence. The issue was that Luna Michelle was discussing venues, catering, and bands with Ashton as if Violet weren't even in the room.

Sensing Violet’s growing irritation and discomfort, Ashton brought the lunch to an abrupt end. "Vi and I are going to my room to get some rest. Let's plan to have dinner at the Dark Howlers pack tomorrow. We can depart in the late afternoon via the portal."

Violet offered no resistance as Ashton took her hand and guided her upstairs. She only began to relax once they were alone.

Standing in the center of the room, Violet took in her surroundings. It featured a queen-sized bed, a desk, and a small lounge area consisting of a sofa and two ottomans centered around a coffee table. Book-filled shelves lined the walls, and a closed door likely led to a bathroom and closet.

Ashton rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. "I'm sorry about my parents. If you were thinking about staying here for a few days, I imagine those plans have changed." Living here permanently was now out of the question.

Violet didn't want to be dishonest, but she also didn't want to come across as a spiteful daughter-in-law. "I just don't want to cause any friction with your parents."

Violet had no desire to compete with Luna Michelle for Ashton’s time. While Ashton wasn't ignoring her, Violet hadn't appreciated the lingering hug his mother gave him upon their arrival—a hug that would have lasted much longer if Ashton hadn't physically pulled away. Throughout lunch, Luna Michelle had been completely fixated on her son, barely noticing Violet. While she understood a mother doting on her child, being ignored was hard to take. She was the future Alpha of Alphas; Alpha Cristian treated her like royalty, yet Luna Michelle expected her to manage a packhouse. It was absurd!

Ashton started to explain that being an only child made his mother overbearing, but Violet wasn't interested. It was common knowledge that Luna Michelle stayed close to her son as he grew up, but Violet hadn't realized the extent of it.

"What is our plan, Ash?" Violet asked, catching her breath as a wave of carnation-scented heat hit her back.

"I'm not sure about tomorrow, but I know exactly what I want to do right now..." He whispered against her ear. "In my bedroom. With my mate. You know, Vi... I've never brought a female in here before." He had spent many lonely nights here, but having a woman in his bed would be a first.

Violet's eyes fluttered shut as his arms pulled her close and he kissed her ear, but they both went stiff when the door suddenly swung open.

"Oh!" Luna Michelle chirped, carrying a fruit platter. "I thought you two might be hungry since you barely ate lunch. I'll just leave this here and let you have your privacy."

Ashton closed his eyes in frustration. He didn't have to look to know his mother was setting the tray on the table, lingering for a final glance before slipping out.

"I am so sorry..." he muttered.

"Lock the door," Violet commanded sharply.

A click echoed through the room, and a moment later, Ashton’s arms were once again wrapped around her waist.

"Forgive me, love. My mother can be..." He struggled to find the right words.

"I'm glad you realize that," Violet snapped.