Emma's Mate (ON HOLD)

Chapter 24

Ashton Williams

As soon as Emma went to the bedroom to change, I quickly headed to the kitchen where I had my outfit ready for the night. I didn't have any clothes other than some casuals, as I had no idea we would be staying here for some time and there would be a chance of us celebrating our love with a date. So, while I bought Emma that dress, I also bought myself a suit so that we could complement each other with our outfits.

I had already showered after cooking for her, so I just changed into the outfit. I wore a charcoal gray suit with a crisp white dress shirt underneath, paired with a deep green tie. A white pocket square was neatly folded in the jacket pocket, and I added a simple watch and cufflinks as accessories.

I know this kind of outfit is usually for a fancy restaurant, but I also know Emma will enjoy herself more in her comfort zone than at any high-class establishment. She will be happier to have a date here in her apartment with just the two of us than at any fancy restaurant. And for me, her comfort and happiness are always my priority. So, I chose her apartment as the location for our date and cooked for her myself, knowing it would make her feel special and happy. I would do anything for my girl always.

I waited for her in the living area near our bedroom, and when I heard her unlock the door, I quickly went to fetch her. My goodness, I couldn't have prepared myself for what I saw when she opened the door. She looked ethereal in her emerald green dress. The delicate lace detailing and flattering silhouette accentuated her curves perfectly. I had only seen her wear makeup once, on our 15th birthday party, and that was because Abigail had forced her to. Since then, she rarely wore makeup, but today was an exception.

Her makeup was light and natural, enhancing her features without overpowering them. Her skin had a dewy glow, and her eyes were subtly defined with a soft brown eyeshadow and a touch of mascara. Her lips were painted a delicate shade of red, adding a hint of color to her face.

The makeup was the perfect complement to her dress and jewelry, highlighting her natural beauty without being overdone. It created a look that was both sophisticated and alluring. I couldn't take my eyes off her, and I couldn't help but notice the tinge of red on her cheeks, knowing it was there not because of makeup, but because she was blushing from my intense gaze.

Her long, flowing hair cascaded down her shoulders like a silken waterfall. She had styled it in a loose, romantic updo, with a few tendrils left to frame her face. The style was both sophisticated and effortless, perfectly complementing the dress. My breath hitched as I looked at her. She looked like a goddess.

Lucas was pacing back and forth in my mind, his voice echoing loudly as he repeated, "mark her, mark her." His eyes were fixated on our mate, her beauty captivating him completely. Despite being in her apartment, he couldn't bear the thought of anyone even looking at her the wrong way. His primal wolf instincts were urging him to claim her as ours.

"Lucas, calm down," I whispered, trying to reason with him. "We can't just mark her without her consent. And most importantly, Emma's wolf is not with her right now, buddy."

But Lucas was too far gone in his possessive frenzy. "She's ours, she belongs to us," he growled, his eyes glowing with intensity. "I have been asking you to mark her for so long now, Ashton, but every time you convince me this is not the right time. I don't know anything. Just mark her as our own so that people like Henry know she is ours," he demanded of me.

I knew I had to find a way to calm him down before he did something we would regret. Emma was our mate, but she was also a human with a faint wolf presence right now and with her own free will. I don't even know if she will want us to mark her. I just know I can't do anything that will make me lose her. Again. I had to make Lucas understand that.