Moon Rising

Chapter Ten

We all sat at a dark wood dining table, I sat in between Craven and Chase while Derek and Marisol sat on the other side of the table. Marisol made lasagna and homemade garlic bread and served wine with it, even though Derek opted for a beer in a mug instead.

            “So when is your birthday, Ashyln?” Marisol asked me, directing her bright blue eyes on my face. I fought not to roll my eyes at the question and noticed Derek giving me a warning look as if he knew whatever I was about to say would be sarcastic.

            I cleared my throat and ignored the Alpha’s stare; if I could ignore his son’s gaze I could ignore his too. “In three weeks actually, my brother thinks I will shift.” I told her and felt Craven’s hand tighten on my upper thigh, right next to my core, and fought the urge not to moan.

            “Your emotions are driving me wild.” A silky voice whispered into my mind and I gasped and whipped my head towards Craven’s. He smirked at me over the top of his wine glass; his dark eyes still had a wicked glint to them.

            “Stop toying with your mate while your mother and Luna of this pack is talking to her. Have some respect.” Derek growled from across the table before shoving a bite of lasagna in his mouth. His dark eyes were focused on his son warningly.

            Craven snarled. “I can do anything I want with my mate.” He challenged. I noticed out of the corner of my eye Chase shake his head but he stared down at the table, a grin wobbled on the corner of my lips at my cousin.

            “I don’t know if you are aware of this, but apparently my son was raised by rogue wolves, just like his daddy.” Marisol spoke up and grinned back at me when Derek and Craven both shot her looks of disbelief.

            A small smile cracked on Derek’s hard face, reminding me a little of Craven when he smiled at me. “My wife knows how to tame em though, don’t she?” He teased back affectionately.

            I took another bite of the delicious lasagna and garlic bread when Chase cleared his throat and stood up. “Thank you for the dinner, Marisol, and thank you for your hospitality Alpha,” He nodded at the two and smiled a small smile. “I must be going now though, to help finish setting up Craven’s re-do birthday party since Ash crashed the first one.” He winked at me with mischief in his eyes that immediately made me wary; I stiffened and met his stare.

            “Permission to leave, goodbye Chase.” Derek rumbled out and stood up to shake his hand. You could feel the power auras around the two; Derek’s being the more dominant.

                        “There’s another party tonight?” I asked with narrowed eyes directed at my “mate”. Craven smirked and slung his arm across the back of my chair.

            “Yes, and we should probably leave soon to make it there on time, you did ruin the one everyone tried throwing for me last night.” He answered nonchalantly.

            I gritted my teeth. “And if I don’t want to go?”

            Craven frowned at me. “Why wouldn’t you? It’s just a party Ash, not like I’m asking you to go to a pack meeting or something.” He countered smoothly.

            Derek cleared his throat. “Speaking of, I’ve set a pack meeting in a week to introduce Ashlyn as your Luna and mate of this pack.” He stated and stared at me. “Your scent is so unusual, I’m curious to see how everyone reacts to you.”

            I stiffened again. “What do you mean, reacts to me? Do I need to worry about becoming dinner to a pack of wolves?” I asked and bit my bottom my lip.