The Alpha's Bride Chapter 1065 Alpha Violet and Alpha Ashton (6)

Ashton lowered himself to the ground, reaching out his arms toward Violet.

Violet tilted her head back, catching the scents on the breeze.

A soft chuckle escaped Ashton, well aware of the reason for her caution. "Don't worry. There is no one nearby to spot me." His expression darkened slightly. "However, just to be safe, I want you to remain in that form."

It dawned on Violet that he was preventing her from shifting. He preferred her as a wolf to ensure she wasn't caught naked if a stranger stumbled upon them. It felt like a double standard, yet she felt a wave of gratitude for his protective nature.

Violet rested her head against Ashton's thigh, feeling his fingers weave through her thick golden fur. Her muscles twitched under his touch; in her wolf form, every sensation was magnified.

Leaning down, Ashton pressed a kiss to the top of her head.

"You are beautiful, Vi. Having you in my arms makes me the luckiest man."

The raw honesty in his voice struck a chord within her, causing her to let out a soft whimper.

"Should we head back to the Midnight Guardians pack?" Ashton inquired, his hand continuing its rhythmic stroking of her coat. "We could stay there for a few more months to see if that calms our craving for one another. If it doesn't, we can extend our stay. We can stay forever if that's what it takes. Being an Alpha doesn't matter to me, for either of us. I have no interest in welcoming banquets, feasts, or ceremonies that force me into a role I never wanted. My only desire is to be with you. If others are ruining our peace, we can simply disappear to a place where it's just the two of us. We could live among humans or find a secluded wilderness. I'll build us a home and hunt for our meals; it will be just us. What do you think?"

Violet looked up at him, her eyes searching his.

'We can't do that, Ash,' Violet communicated. Though she was snorting and growling in her beast form, her thoughts traveled clearly through their mind link. 'If you walk away, the Spring Leaf pack will be leaderless. And if I abandon my post, Jacob will have to take the Dark Howlers, and Valeria will be forced to become the Alpha of the Midnight Guardians.'

"Would that really be so terrible?" he asked aloud, knowing she could hear him without the link.

'They aren't ready for those burdens, Ash. It's not a lack of trust in their potential, but they would always know they only reached those ranks because I gave up. Self-doubt would plague them, and they would question the loyalty of the pack. That uncertainty would destroy them from within. A leader lacking confidence is destined to fail, and the pack is the one that pays the price.'

Ashton gave her a warm smile. "The Moon Goddess truly gave me a wise mate. Not only are you stunning and powerful, but your wisdom far exceeds your years. I really am a fortunate man."

Violet gave a playful snort, turning her head only to have her snout bump directly into Ashton's blatant arousal.

'Why are you turned on right now? Do you have a thing for fur?'

Ashton laughed. "Did I ever tell you about the time I almost took a mountain goat? She was lucky I was starving and hadn't eaten in days. You, however..." He smirked. "I’ve already had lunch, so I’m just feeling horny."

Violet’s eyes widened so much they looked ready to pop.

She scrambled to her feet, flipping her body around quickly.

'If you want a taste of this...' She wagged her tail, flaunting her backside at him. 'You'll have to catch me first!'

With that, she bolted into the thicket and vanished.

Ashton lunged after her. In an instant, his bare feet were replaced by four powerful paws hitting the grass as a massive gray wolf raced toward the spot where the golden wolf had disappeared.

Ashton realized he needed to have a serious talk with his mother regarding boundaries. He wondered if the bond between Michelle and Violet was even repairable at this point.

Given the circumstances, his priority was soothing Violet; he would deal with his mother later. He intended to make Luna Michelle see reason, but if she refused, he wouldn't hesitate to cut ties. To him, the choice was simple.

Ashton recognized that his mother was overjoyed and had handled things poorly, which was somewhat understandable. However, Violet wasn't just any random she-wolf, and his mother should have known better.

Violet was an Alpha by birth, a high-ranking werewolf whose power was respected by wolves, witches, and Guardians alike. To dismiss her and suggest she should be grateful to lead a mediocre pack was playing with fire. Ashton knew his mother was only safe because Violet valued his feelings.

He pushed those thoughts aside. He was in the middle of a chase, and if Violet sensed his mind was elsewhere, she would be furious.

Violet was possessive and had a fiery temper, and he adored every bit of it. She was a dominant female who chose to submit to him, allowing him to claim her body, and that thought turned him on immensely. Now, his only task was to hunt her down...

...

After a night spent roaming the woods, Ashton and Violet made their way back to the packhouse. Violet had delighted in seeing the hidden spots Ashton frequented as a boy, though their activities there were certainly not for children's eyes.

"Where have you two been?" Luna Michelle demanded from the doorway. She looked ready to lecture him on responsibility, but she paused when she saw how tightly Ashton was holding Violet, as if afraid she might vanish.

"Whatever occurred is strictly between me and my mate," Ashton replied coldly.

Luna Michelle stared at him in shock. "I’m asking because I care and I was worried. Why are you being so blunt? We had a gathering last night, everyone was waiting for you, and you never showed up. Your father and I tried to reach you through the mind link, but you blocked us out. We were left in a hall full of Elders and officials with no way to explain why you were gone. This is no way for a future Alpha to act. You should be apologizing."

"Alphas do not apologize," Ashton stated, spotting Alpha Cristian walking up behind his mother.

Ashton looked down at Violet. "Do you want to go up to my room and wait?"

Violet shook her head. "Luna Michelle might be addressing you, but her words are meant for both of us. I am your mate; I won't let you deal with this, or anything else, by yourself."

Ashton felt a surge of affection and a desperate need to kiss her, but the timing was wrong. His parents were right there, and several Omegas were nearby, clearly eavesdropping while pretending to work.

Ashton didn't mind the audience; he wanted no more misunderstandings. It wasn't that he feared losing Violet, but he could sense her lingering sadness and insecurity. He made a silent vow never to be the source of her pain again.