Love or War?

Chapter 8

Joanna's POV
"Come on, babe. Let me walk you to class."
I chuckled, "You're cute, Ashton. But I'll have you know that I've calmed down and can manage getting to and from class all on my own."
Ashton leaned down and kissed my temple, "I'll see you after, babe."
"Bye, Ash."
I was the first person to Physics.
"Ms. Hemmings." The teacher's voice boomed. "Nice of you to rejoin us."
"I'm sorry sir. I had some things to take care of."
"And is your work finished?"
I nodded and handed him everything.
"Thank you, Ms. Hemmings."
"No problemo."
I sat down and waited for class to start. Classmates filed in; some made small talk, others didn't.
"Hey Jo."
I looked at the boy next to me. "What do you want, Calum?"
"I have to ask, how are you and Ash?" He wiggled his eyebrows.
I rolled my eyes, "We're fine."
"Have you done it?"
I crinkled my nose up, "Ew, Calum. Quit it."
Class began but that didn't stop Calum from bugging me.
'Come on. We're just trying to keep an eye on the lad, and you of course.'
I huffed and turned in my seat. 'Seriously, Cal. Stop. But for your information, no we haven't done it. We've only kissed, like three times.'
'Hmmm. Okay.'
I flashed my Beta blues at him. 'Even though it's none of your business, we have a date tonight.'
'Do you? That's great!'
'Pay attention, Cal.'
'Ha! Don't need to. I already passed this class.'
I rolled my eyes, 'Whatever.'

As soon as class was dismissed I ran out of class, fast. Ashton promised that if I went to every single one of my classes, he would take me out tonight and get me out of perimeter check. I was not going to pass this opportunity. I know we all said we'd focus on planning for the fight, but I don't want to. I'm not ready. I need more time for myself.
"Ashton!" I yelled when I saw him.
He turned just in time to catch me and spin me around once.
"Hey babe."
"I did it! Every single class." I said out of breath from running. He leaned down and kissed me. "So can we go out tonight?" I whispered. "Did you get me out of it?"
He nodded. "I did. We just have to stop at the house first to see Luke."
I huffed, "Do we have to?"
He nodded, "That was the deal getting you out of perimeter checks tonight."
"Okay. Let's go then."
****************
"Wow, Ash! This is a really nice restaurant!" I exclaimed as we walked in.
"I know. I only want the best for you, love."
I smiled up at him, "Thank you." I went up on my tiptoes to kiss his cheek but he moved his head just in time to lip-lock.
He wrapped an arm around my waist to catch me from falling; his other hand hit the wall behind me.
I pulled back and gasped, "Wow."
"Yeah. That was some kiss, huh?"
"Yeah." I whispered. "Should we, um, get a booth?"
He let go of my waist and took my hand. He led the both of us through the tables to the back wall.
"Pick a booth." He mumbled, fiddling with my ring on my finger.
I pointed to one in the corner. "That one."
"Alright."
We walked over and I slid in; Ashton right behind me.
"There's another side to the table, ya know?" I giggled.
"Yeah, I know that. I just want to be close to you."
I couldn't stop my heart from skipping a beat. Even though we know we're not mates, Ashton has been incredibly sweet and loving towards me.
"Are you okay, Jo?"
I nodded. "Yeah." I glanced down at the menu on the table.
Ashton still held my hand under the table; his thumb rubbing over my thumb.
"Love?"
I looked over at him. "Yeah?"
"I know we're not meant to be or anything, but I really like being with you."
I smiled, "I like being with you too, Ash. You're amazing."
"But?"
I sighed, "I don't like leading you on like this. We won't be together forever."
"I know, but why can't we just live it to the fullest till then?"
"Isn't that wrong of us to do that to our mates?"
He scoffed, "Did you forget who your mate is, Jo?"
I shook my head, "No, but-"
"No, I don't think there should be any 'buts'. His pack killed your father."
"But it wasn't him directly." I mumbled.
Ashton pulled away from me, "Are you defending him right now?"
I shook my head, "No. I'm just saying maybe he's not like the rest of his pack and we shouldn't hate him for something he didn't directly do."
Ashton stood up and placed a twenty on the table. "Get yourself something to eat. I have to get out of here."
"Ash! C'mon! You promised to take me out!"
"Yeah, well that was before you started defending your mate that you've hated until recently." He stormed out of the restaurant.
I tried talking to him through mindspeak but he was ignoring me.
I grabbed the twenty and shoved it into my pocket before running outside. It had started to rain so it was hard to find his scent. I got it from a dry patch and followed it into the woods where I transformed.
'Ashton! I'm sorry! Please come back!'
I kept running, hoping he'd show up.
And then he did. But so did Harry.
I transformed back and ran up to them. They were circling each other but they were both still in human form.
"Guys? What are you doing?"
Ashton's gaze never left Harry, "He followed us. He was right outside when I ran out, Jo. He's been following you."
I looked at Harry, "Is this true?"
"No. I wasn't following you. I was supposed to meet some friends of mine. But your boy toy here attacked me."
I groaned, "Stop dramatizing everything, Styles."
"I'm not! He pushed me backwards and told me to go away. When I tried to explain he did it again, so I ran out here."
I looked back at Ashton. "Really?"
"Jo! There wasn't anyone else in the restaurant! He's bluffing!"
"I was early!" Harry shot.
"Sure you were!"
"Okay!" I stepped in between them and they stopped.
"Move, Jo." Ashton hissed.
I glared at him, "or what?"
He stood up when he saw my Beta blues. "Jo. That's not what I meant."
"Really? Because I think you just threatened me!"
"Jo. I'm sorry."
'Stand down.' I hissed.
I shook my head and turned to look at Harry who had somewhat relaxed. "Why are you out here?"
He sighed and didn't respond.
"Harry!" I challenged.
"Fine! I was following you."
"Why? You promised to leave me alone!"
"He what?" Ashton stepped beside me putting a protective arm around my waist.
We ignored him; both of our eyes turning Beta.
"I know I did." He said between his teeth. "But I can't."
"Well you promised!"
Ashton turned me around, "What did he promise?"
I sighed, "Last week when he had me up against the building at school, he said if I looked him in the eyes and told him I didn't want him, he'd leave us alone."
"No." Harry countered. "I said I'd leave you alone, Jo. I never promised anything for Irwin."
I faced Harry but Ash didn't let me out of his grip, "That's not fair, Harry. He's with me! It should go both ways."
"Well my promise only applies to you. You know how I feel about him, Jo." He tried stepping closer but Ashton growled at him.
I pulled, struggling my way free and walked up to Harry. "I told you I didn't want you." I said just loud enough for him to hear. "Please just leave us both alone."
"I can't do that." He replied.
"Come on, Styles."
He leaned forward. I could feel the heat radiating off of Ashton from here. Harry's forehead touched mine and the stinging sensation rushed through my veins. "Jo, I can't let him have you. You're mine."
"Harry, I can't and don't want to be with you."
Ashton growled but he knew if he challenged me again I'd be pissed.
But in this moment with Harry I knew my eyes were calm and my heart was beating abnormally. Two things that don't occur at the same time, ever.
"Jo? Please."
I shook my head against his. "I-i can't."
"But you want to?"
I shook my head again. "No Harry." I pulled back and stepped away. "Please. Just go."
His feet didn't move.
"Harry, she said to leave."
Harry's gaze met Ashton's. "Yeah well she told you to back down."
"How do you know that?" Ash and I said at the same time.
Harry's demeanor froze. "Wh-what?"
"How do you know she told me to stand down?"
"Because she did."
"Not allowed!"
"Yes she did!" Harry countered.
I shook my head, "No, I didn't Harry."
Before I knew it, Ashton and Harry were transformed and at each other's throats. Literally.