My Older Alpha Mate

chapter three

Ashton's POV

She skipped up the stairs excitedly and my attention darted to Jonathan as I whispered: "Did you tell her?" He shook his head no, "Not yet. I was thinking about waiting until her birthday, that way she will feel it too. She barely knows what this is." he spoke, never breaking eye contact with me. I liked that about Jonathan. He was so bold, he got shit done, and he always has a plan.

Jake sighed, pushing a piece of egg around on his plate mindlessly. "I'm gonna show her around the alpha house today." I nodded, ignoring his sigh. He's been weird recently but I don't care, there's only one thing on my mind. The small girl who just skipped up the stairs was the only thing that had been on my mind since I met her. She occupied my brain entirely.

The patter of feet coming down the stairs interrupted my thoughts. She slid across the hardware floor with her socks and giggled as she almost fell. "You ready Jakey?" The words escaped her mouth smooth, carelessly.

My jaw clenched, I knew Jake would never do anything to sabotage me and my mate's relationship, well... association. He nodded and stood as they left. I looked at Jonathan and he shrugged, chuckling slightly.

I stood and told Jonathan to walk with me. We went to the alpha house and went to my office to begin planning out Aurora's birthday party.

Aurora's pov

I walked through the fresh-cut grass and allowed my body to take in all of the beauty. Amy howled in my head causing me to grin and howl out loud and then giggle hysterically. Jake looked at me like I was crazy and then grinned. Something sparkled in his eyes as he opened his mouth and began to howl loudly with me.

The other citizens in the community looked at us as if we were insane but at that moment, I was so happy and carefree, I couldn't bring myself to care. Jake and I both burst into laughter and fell into the grass. "What was that about?" Jake asked, catching his breath. "My parents were murdered by rogues. Me and Jon hid... We heard the entire thing. They left them beaten... They- They did things to my mom.." Tears started streaming down my cheeks.

I sniffled and sat up, "They told us to run and that there was a house for us... Now were here." Jake sat up and placed his hand on mine sympathetically. "It just feels nice to be happy and free of worry... A fresh start... Its been a really long time." I said, looking around at the grass. He nodded understandingly and squeezed my hand gently. I looked at him and smiled. "Thank you for telling me. I'm sure it wasn't easy." He said gently. I leaned my head on his shoulder. "Let's finish the tour so we can go get lunch." I nodded in response.

We stood and walked to the building nearest to us. "So, this is the Alpha house and the Alpha, Luna living quarters." He finished. I nodded again and then he clapped his hands. "Let's go eat." I nodded and followed him into the Alpha house where lunch was being served on the table.

Seemingly endless trays of food were served as the table discussed things I didn't understand. I feasted on the sandwiches, gourmet pizza, homemade chips, and wraps that were served. Jon cleared his throat and everyone at the table silenced, I looked up from my food noticing that everyone was looking at me. I widened my eyes and said a quick, "What?" Jon smiled an evidently fake smile and I realized. He was in 'Impress-the-alpha-mode. I smiled a polite smile as Jon began speaking, "Alpha, you know Aurora really enjoys running and training, you should teach her one day. She isn't very good but she loves to learn." Jon spoke, winking at me.

I became mildly irritated that he spoke about me but smiled politely at the Alpha nonetheless. I stared at the Alpha and took in his appearance. He had stone-cold grey eyes, sharp features, a cold stare, and he was very muscular. I had never seen him smile, or laugh, or even look mildly happy. I could never. His voice was deep and raspy, and serious, always serious. "Agreed. I can arrange that for after her birthday." He spoke sternly, putting a piece of chip in his mouth.

"You guys know that I'm right here and you don't have to talk about me like you're considering selling me for three cows, right?" I said, snarkily. Jon's eyes widened as he traded glances with Jack. The alpha stopped in his steps and looked at me, "Women are always discussed in this manner. If it bothers you-" alpha Ashton started. "It bothers me." I finished. I untucked my napkin from the collar of my shirt and stood up, not excusing myself from the table. Jon rubbed his temples as I walked by, muttering a quick, "I'm going home."

Jon slammed the door when he walked in and I already knew what was coming. "What the fuck Aurora?! What if he kicked us out of the pack for disrespect?! You have to apologize for your behavior at dinner tonight. You acted on your emotions and impulse when you know better. You have to work harder unless you want to be homeless and alone." I stood there, in shock at Jon's outburst. He rubbed his temples now. "Look. I didn't mean to explode on you, but I can't carry both of our weight forever. There's some stuff you don't understand and I don't know if you ever will." My eyes teared up but I nodded.

Unfortunately, the alpha is a gross, misogynistic pig but I have to do better for Jon. I just hope I don't have to be around the alpha much after this week.