Howl's Parting

Chapter 5

"I know I have been avoiding you...and to be honest I wasn't gonna talk to you." Ashton paused. "But I can't help it. I want to know why you hid the truth from me."

Ashton's iron eyes slide back to Leanna, his calm expression deforming to sheer commotion.

"I was scared." Leanna said, her eyes narrowing downwards. "What would I tell you? Would you take me to your pack if you knew I was branded? You were my last chance at ever having a family and I...just didn't wanted to mess it up."

Leanna's voice held a threat of breakdown over the last string of words, and sizzles of pain fill Ashton's senses like the gurgling of liability.

He wanted to say something, but his voice was caught somewhere out of reach, forcing him tongue-tied.

"I wanted to tell you, but what would I? Would you believe me? You didn't even know me. You would kick me out the second you found out, or worse, maybe kill me."

As Leanna poured out her emotions, Ashton realized just how bitter her side of story was. He knew that this was hard for her, but never dived in further than he needed to.

All she wanted was to have a pack, and Ashton was unable to figure that out. Clouds of relief started to fog around him, and he knew he was ready to forgive Leanna.

The air unexpectedly started to feel like comfort, as warm strength engulfed around Leanna. She realized that it was Ashton, embracing her in a hug, and she missed no chance to return the gesture.

"It's alright, I am no longer angry." He finally pulled back, his tone seeped with flowers of satisfaction. They just realized how important they had become for eachother.

For Leanna, Ashton was the person who gave her a second chance at life. He was the one who brought her here, and she will never forget his kindness.

But what was she to Ashton?

"Let's go out, and celebrate. We must honour the renewal of our friendship." Ashton spoke, mischief lurking out of his timbre.

Leanna smiled, but the reminder of the gala still going on bursted it out.

"You are the Alpha's son. You probably shouldn't be hanging out with me." Leanna voiced out her concern, worried that Ashton will be judged because of her.

"We are not doing this. You are gonna walk out of this door with me, and nobody will say a thing. I won't let them." Ashton grabbed Leanna's hand, and rushed her outside with him.

By the time they made it back, the cake ceremony had just ended. The sweet scent of the cake was playing in the air, as it was being distributed.

"I know you like desserts. You should have a try." Ashton took a relucant Leanna to the table, where the magnificent cake was resting in it's assign.

A nearby servant helped Ashton get a piece, which he immediately handed over to Leanna.

The pleasurable taste entertained Leanna's mouth, as she feasted on the delicious relish.

"It's really very good." She rejoiced, couldn't help but taking one bite after another. Ashton felt satisfied with her answer, glowing with pride.

Meanwhile Ace was sitting at the side of the room, reveling his seclusion. He had lost the count of alpha's that had approached him tonight, wanting to have a nice discussion.

In the name of a nice discussion, they just wanted to forge an alliance.

Appreciatively, Kayden was here. He was left to deal with those people, meanwhile Ace enjoyed his rare privacy.