Better Without You

Chapter 9

I  was so pissed. I wanted to rip her head off. I won't stand anyone pushing me around. Not today, not tomorrow. Not anymore. 

Tanner and I went back to the house in silence. I was LIVID. "How does he think that I'll come crawling back to him?" I spoke my thoughts out loud. We walked into my room and I flopped on my bed. Tanner just walks over and squeezed my hand "He's just realizing what he missed out on." He smiles at me kissing my knuckles lightly. God I love this man. Wait. What? Did I just say that?! 

I smile up at him "What would I do without you Tanner?". He laughed at me "Die probably. I know I would die without you in my life." He says laying down next to me. All I do is just admire his gorgeous face. This moment. This moment right here. I knew. I truly loved this goofy, handsome, outgoing man next to me. The rest of the day we spent together watching movies, eating junk food, and laughing, just truly enjoying each other. 

******Next Day******

I woke up to banging on my door and then someone jumping on me. Opening my eyes I see Sam. "Good morning love birds!" She smiles down at me. Realizing what she said, I look over to see Tanner next to me in my bed. We must have fallen asleep at on point. "Ugh, Sam it's" I glance at my phone "5:30 in the freaking morning!" I groan pushing her off the bed and turning into Tanner. "I know silly! But we have school today and I wanna talk about" She gestures to me and Tanner "This." Smiling she finally leaves. Deciding I should get up before she comes back I get up and head to my closet. 

"Well, that was a interesting way to wake up." Tanner laughs sitting up and running his hands through his hair. God. That morning voice though. Shaking my head I focus back at the task at hand. I pull out a black crop top and some ripped skinny jeans. Happy with my choice I put my clothes on and put on my black heels. Threw my hair half up and put a bow in my hair. (Outfit above)

Coming out of the I don't see Tanner. I come to the conclusion that he must have went back to his room to get ready I head downstairs. Upon entering the kitchen I see Sam sitting at the island. She grins evilly "So, what's going on with you and Alpha Tanner? Hm? " She smirks. "Everyone saw that kiss and he asked you out!" Rolling my eyes I smile at the memory. "Yeah, he did. Honestly though, I've secretly been waiting for him to ask me out forever." I blush shyly. 

"So you've been waiting for me huh?" Tanner teases coming in and kissing my cheek. "Oh, don't be getting a big head now mister!" I laugh sticking my tongue out at him. "You two are so cute! I totally ship it!" Sammy squeals clapping her hands. 

Shaking his head Tanner starts to open cabinets and pulls out pans "Want me to make you ladies some breakfast?" he asks turning to us with a pan in his hand. Sam and I glance at each other and simultaneously respond with "Yes please." That's how our morning went until we went to school. Tanner made us breakfast and we talked and laughed together. In that moment I was truly happy with no care in the world. 

******Later that day******

School was incredibly boring. I had avoided Chase as much as I could but is still felt his eyes on me whenever we had a class together. Finally the lunch bell rang and I jumped out of my seat and heading straight to my locker. 

Turning me head I see Sam walking over. "Hey Ash! Ready to go to lunch? I'm starving." Sam said holding her stomach for exaggeration. "Yeah, let's go." I laugh nudging her and closing my locker. "Where's Tanner at? You guys are attached at the hip since you found out he was here." Reaching the cafeteria doors I hear a my name being called. "Speak of the devil and he shall appear." I joked. 

"Talking about me are you?" He laugh throwing an arm around my shoulders. "Are you kidding me? She never stops talking about you!" Sammy jokes making kissy faces as we find a table.

"Oh shut up will you!" I laugh at her sitting next to Tanner. "I'm going to miss this." Tanner suddenly speaks up seriously "Seeing you guys everyday and hanging out. I'm not looking forward to leaving once our fathers think this pack can handle themselves." Hearing the sadness in his voice I grab his hand and rub my thumb against the back of it. "I have a feeling you two will still see each other a lot. Just don't forget to invite me to the wedding." Sam joked trying to lighten the mood.

"Sam! He literally just asked me to be his girlfriend yesterday!" I squeak out embarrassed by my best friend. "So, you haven't at least imagined what it would be like to marry each other? Because I know that I have." Tanner joked nudging his nose against my cheek smiling.

"You have?! I mean I have too but I never thought you would." I respond fairly surprised. "Oh course!" Tanner smiles. Then it hits me. In this perfect moment. It hit me. "What about your mate? She's out there somewhere and I can't do that to you or her." I can't believe I didn't think about this before! How could I let things get this serious without even thinking that one day he'll find his mate. How can I be so selfish! 

"Ash, it's okay." Tanner smiles softly. "I found her about a year and a half  ago. She was sick. So so sick." His eyes were so sad. "Ashley, my mate died."

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Xoxo,

Marie

Edited  8/23/20