The Alpha's Bride Chapter 1068 Alpha Violet and Alpha Ashton (9)

Ashton fixed his gaze on Violet. Though he didn't want to appear lacking in confidence, there was something he needed her to understand clearly.

"I am not suggesting you would ever choose Ethan. However, if he tries to become overly familiar with you..." Ashton's sentence trailed off into a low, menacing growl, vibrating with the heavy weight of his Alpha aura. Any other person would have been forced to their knees in submission, but Violet found the display of Ashton's dominance to be an intense turn-on.

His nostrils flared as he caught the scent of her arousal. While their mutual desire was a constant, sensing that she craved him with equal intensity bolstered his conviction that their souls were perfectly matched.

"Ash," Violet whispered.

"Yes, Vi?"

"No man has ever been in my bed before. Would you like to be the first?"

A grin spread across Ashton's face. "And the last."

"That toooooo!" Her words turned into a startled shriek as Ashton swept her up into his arms.

She was well aware of his intentions, yet the sheer wave of lust flowing through their bond caught her off guard.

Ashton laid her upon the mattress and began pulling at her attire.

"Wait. Stop a moment!" Violet exclaimed.

"What is it?" He paused, wondering why she was halting him.

"The door. Could you lock it? Just to be safe..."

Before her sentence was even finished, Ashton moved with supernatural speed to secure the lock and returned to hover over her.

"Now, where were we?" he murmured.

Violet gave him a flirtatious smile. "My mate was just about to claim me."

Ashton felt a tremor of excitement deep within. She was fully aware of his plans and offered no resistance. It was significant because she possessed the strength to challenge him for dominance, yet she chose to let him claim her instead. She was yielding to him by choice. To him, Violet Blake was the ultimate female—meant for him and him alone.

Ashton had never experienced such joy. Or such hunger.

...

The party was officially scheduled to begin thirty minutes prior, but guests had been arriving for over two hours.

The event hall was packed with high-ranking members from the Dark Howlers and the Midnight Guardians. Various other pack delegations were also present. Outside, the gardens and the surrounding woods were bustling with members from different packs lounge on blankets and benches they had brought along. Picnic tables were scattered about, while some guests simply sat on the turf, eating from handheld plates. Massive bonfires, some taller than the packhouse itself, crackled as people danced in circles around the flames.

Everyone had contributed food and drink, creating a jovial atmosphere filled with the sounds of laughter, songs, and the aroma of roasting meat. The attire ranged from formal wear to simple t-shirts and sweats, likely worn by those who had just shifted back from their wolf forms using spare clothes kept in strategic caches. The vibe was relaxed and celebratory; Luna Michelle was stunned that such a massive event had been coordinated in a mere two days.

Standing on the terrace, Luna Michelle and Talia looked out over the grounds. Hundreds of people were visible, though the dense forest made it impossible to get an exact headcount.

"I was under the impression this would be an intimate gathering," Luna Michelle remarked to Talia as she surveyed the crowd.

"What do you consider small?" Talia inquired.

"Perhaps fifty people? Maybe a hundred?" To Luna Michelle, a hundred felt like a significant number.

"We have over a hundred guests just inside the hall. The people are thrilled to celebrate their future Alpha finding her mate. I'd guess there are several thousand more outside." And the numbers were still growing.

"Several thousand?" Luna Michelle's eyes widened in shock.

"You haven't seen Mindy in action. She's a capable Beta, but her true genius lies in event planning."

Luna Michelle pressed her lips together. This was on a completely different scale than the Spring Leaf pack's operations. Furthermore, Luna Michelle lacked a Beta of her own. She relied on a few Omegas for packhouse management and basic logistics like food and housing. While Alpha Christian had his Beta, they focused on warriors and resources rather than social events. In those matters, she was often left to her own devices.

"Will Vi have her own Betas?" Luna Michelle asked.

"Absolutely," Talia answered without hesitation. "She couldn't possibly manage her obligations otherwise. She will lead the Dark Howlers, the Midnight Guardians, and the entire coalition. That means overseeing witches, guardians, and human relations, in addition to events like this." Talia gestured broadly toward the celebration.

Luna Michelle considered asking if Violet was truly ready for that level of pressure, but she held her tongue to avoid being rude and pivoted to a different topic.

"Does she have someone in mind for her Beta?"

"That would be me," a voice interrupted from the side.

Talia beamed at Lavender. "Has Vi made it official?"

Lavender gave a casual shrug. "I'm clearly the top choice. I know it, you know it, and if Vi hasn't realized it yet, she isn't as bright as I think she is."

Luna Michelle's eyes sparked. "Is that an appropriate way to discuss your future Alpha?"

Lavender lifted her chin with pride. "A competent Beta shouldn't be afraid to be honest. If I just hide in a corner waiting to be noticed, the loud ones will push past me." Lavender glanced toward Scarlet, Robin, and Page. "I am the logical pick."

"Of course you are, sweetheart," Talia said warmly. "Have Vi and Ash made an appearance yet?"

Lavender shook her head. "Not yet."

Luna Michelle looked at Talia. "Should someone go get them?"

Talia shook her head. "We shouldn't bother a newly mated pair." Having been with Damon for twenty years, she knew he still hated being interrupted during their private moments.

Luna Michelle found the delay improper but kept her tone polite in front of Talia. "Won't the guests be offended if the hosts are late?"

"Offended?" Talia countered. "Who would dare complain with Damon here? Besides, they have plenty of food and drink, and they seem to be enjoying themselves even without our children present."

Lavender nodded. "If Vi and Ash are forced to come down before they're ready, they'll either be grumpy or completely distracted by each other. Neither is good for mingling." Spotting her relatives from the Blue River pack, she added, "Pardon me, ladies."

"Vi is fortunate to have such loyal friends," Luna Michelle observed.

"She certainly is," Talia agreed.

"But can they be trusted with real responsibility?"

Talia smiled softly. "This generation is full of talent. They still have much to learn, but they'll find their way in time."

Talia recalled how desolate the packhouse had been when Damon first brought her there. He had lacked a support system and trusted no one. She was relieved that Violet was surrounded by brothers, cousins, and friends, and she felt certain none of them harbored ill intent. They had their teenage flaws and growing pains, but that was natural for their age.

Talia had started in this house as a broken girl who felt unworthy of even being an Omega, yet now she and Damon were the pillars of the community.

She felt certain that Violet and her peers were on the right track. As long as they remained united, they would support and balance each other, ensuring no one fell into the dark. That was the only thing that truly mattered.