Better Without You

Chapter 10

"She died? Tanner I'm so sorry!" I exclaim sadly. "It's okay, I eventually got over it. I try to think of the positive. I would have never gotten to be with you." Tanner smiles. "At first I didn't want to even think about being in a relationship with any girl when my mate died. I felt wrong to like someone else. Then, I remember holding her hand and she told me to try and move on with my life. That's why I never asked you out before."

"Tanner, I don't know what to say." I was honestly speechless. All this time I was wondering why he hadn't asked me out and he was healing from the loss of his mate! How stupid can I be? 

"It's okay Ash, I'm over it, it took some time but I'm just so happy to be with you right now." He smiles. I was so caught up in the moment that I hadn't realized Sam had left our table. So we made small talk and ate our lunch until the bell rang.

******After School******

Closing my locker, I sling my backpack over my shoulder. "Hey Ash!" Sam yells catching up to me. "Sorry about ditching you at lunch. It didn't feel right to invade a private moment like that." She explains as we walk through the doors. "It's okay Sammy. I was planning on stopping at my parents house. I feel bad that I haven't seen them very much. You wanna go?" I ask as we reach my car. "Of course!" She replies.

It didn't take long for us to get to my parents house considering they don't live very far.

As we get out of my car I smell it. That annoying scent that lets my know HE is around.. Chase. I go inside and walk to the kitchen to see Chase talking with my parents. Why the eff is he here? Sam must have been confused too because she gives me a questioning glance.

(Her real parents. I thought I would bring them back)

"Hey guys." I smile at my parents as I walk to the fridge and pull out a water bottle. "Hey Ash. How was school?" My mom asked. I know I don't see them as much as I should but we still stay in touch. I walk over and sit on the counter "Same as usual. How was your day?"

"It was lovely honey. Alpha Chase came by and talked with us. He's staying for dinner." She squealed. Mom has always has a soft spot for him. Why? The world may never know. "Oh, um okay? Well I'm gonna go watch TV with Sammy." Why is he staying? The real question is why is he here in the first place? "I have no clue." Sam says as we plop on the couch. "Did I say that out loud?" I laugh. "Yeah, yeah you did." Sammy throws a smile my way. I turn on the TV and watch Ghost Adventures. About 10 min into the show Chase comes in.

"May I help you?" I look at him as he sits down in the chair next to us. "You didn't tell them." He says watching the show. "Tell who what exactly?"  What the hell is he going on about? "Your parents. You didn't tell them I was your mate." Oh. That. "No. I didn't. Why would I tell them? Because last I checked you're not my mate. You rejected me." is all I respond. With that he gets up and leaves.

After 2 more episodes of Ghost Adventures my mom yells "Dinner."

I walk to the dining room with Sam and sit down. We all start eating when my mom asks the dreaded question.

"So Ashley dear. You were gone for along time. And changed A LOT!! Did you find your mate?" Should I tell her? She is my mom and I tell her everything. No I'll wait.

"Yeah, I did actually. His name is Alpha Tanner and he treats me like a queen." As I say this Chase clenches his fist around his fork nearly bending it. "The alpha of my pack took me in as his own daughter too. He's so sweet and his three sons are nice too. They call me their little sis." I smile thinking about them.

My mom smiles "That's amazing honey! I'm proud that they are so caring towards you. And as for that mate of yours, We'd like to meet him." She gives me a smile.

"I'm not being replaced am I?" My dad jokes.

I smile at him "No dad you can never be replaced. I love you both equally." I assure him. We talk and finish eating. Chase didn't say much and thank the goddess that he didn't bring up we're ex mates. When I start getting tired I say "Hey, We're going to head out. I'm tired. Night guys. Chase." I say getting up kissing my parents goodbye.

The trip back to the house was quick and I change into my pajama's upon reaching my room. Once I'm changed I go straight to bed and as soon as my head hits the pillow I'm out like a light.

******Next day******

I wake up with the sun shining on my face from the cracks in my curtains. Sitting up I look at the clock. 8:00am. I should probably get dressed.

I put on my black skinny jeans with a black and white stripped crop top. It has holes cut in the shoulders and is long sleeved. Then I pull out my black heeled boots. (Pic above)

Once I'm finished getting ready I head downstairs.

"Morning dad, boys." I say and grab a breakfast bar and a water bottle. "Morning sweetie. Did you sleep well?" Dad smiles and kisses my cheek. "I was out like a light as soon as my head hit my pillow." I tell him. Sitting at the island with my brothers.

"Well I made breakfast. Hope you're hungry." He places a plate in front of me.

"Yum, I'm starved. Thanks." I moan because this has to be the best omelet I have ever ate. "You're welcome Ash." Gosh he has to be the best person ever. I'm so lucky to have found them.

As I eat I tell them about how I planning on writing some more songs. "I keep getting invitations from people saying they will pay me to sing at their party's!" I smile widely.

"That's amazing!" My dad exclaims. "Congrats!" Blake says side hugging me.

"Well I should probably get going. I told the Sam we would meet up sometime soon."

I hug them and say bye then head out the door.

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Xoxo,

Marie

Edited  8/23/20