Second Thoughts After Divorce

Chapter 22

Ashton’s POV

“Dude?! Why the fuck are you just chilling in here naked?? Hunts voice questions loudly as he lets himself into my office.

on my office

I hold my finger up to signal for him to wait as I continue listening in to the phone ring. Hunt gets the idea, as he moves to take a seat o sofa by the book shelf, opening up a random book as he pretends to be interested in it, before the line finally connects, and a voice on the other end responds…

“Alpha Jacob speaking? Comes the authoritative voice of the Alpha from the North

“Jacob, it’s Ashton Silver,” I reply, my tone formal. “I hope you’re well.”

“Ashton, my boy! So good to hear from you!” Jacob greets me back warmly. “To what do I owe the pleasure? He questions next..

Jacob was an Alpha that I had always thought highly of. He ran his pack well, always complied by the laws set by my pack and often kept in touch ever since I was younger…

“I was wondering if you had a date set for your annual ball this year? I obviously didnt make it the past two years and so I made it a point to go this year.” I Inquire, getting straight to the point.

Since Vanessa had passed, I didn’t want to go to any social events unless they were being held at my own pack… and shortly after her death, the war broke out, and so I’ve just been preoccupied I suppose.

To–tell the truth, I had no real intent of going this year,

ar, until this morning

that

There’s a brief pause before Jacob answers me. “Invitations will be sent out in the next week or two sont For the ball to be held next month! I’m ecstatic to hear that you will be joining us again this year, I will be sure to reserve you a good room!” He speaks highly.

I lean back in my chair, satisfied with the response. “Just making sure we mark our calendars for it. It’s always a memorable event.” I commend, as Hunt eyes me warily from the corner…

Jacob chuckles back, satisfied fight to hold back my scoff.

With my compliment. “Indeed it is. A time for all Alphas to gather and respect one another’s boundaries.” He states, as 1

Unityt between some and respect for very few…

“I’m sure it’ll be a night to remember,” I force my reply, my thoughts already planning my next course of action.

“Every pack will be given invitations, Ashton, you know that already though yes? As tradition dictates, all the higher–ranking titles will be welcome at

the event.”

“Understood It’s the only time of the year we will all choose to put the war aside… I acknowledge, my mind already whirring with idens.

appreciate that… Is there anything else you need help with, Ashton?“Jacobs asks me next, as I hear some busy chatter in the background

“Just one more thing,” I press on. “May I inquire about the guest list? I’m

I’m curious to know if all packs have attended the past couple of years when I

have been absent?” 1 add.

u know as well

Jacobus voice grows slightly more cautious, understanding that I do not see eye to eye with a few other packs for good reason. “Ashton, you

I do that the ball is meant to foster unity and peace among the packs. Attendees are expected to put their differences aside…”

understand the spint of the event, Jacob, and please be assured that we won’t be any trouble.” I reply smoothly. “I’m just wondering who we’ll have the pleascate of sering.”

Theres a pause, and i can almost picture Jacob considering my words. Ashton, I do expect you to adhere to the purpose of the ball, for mine and my

aku sake? But if you must know, we expect all packs to show face every year.” He explains, as I smide in accomplishment.

I nod, even though hei

I are ine. “Of course, Jacob. 111 look forward to

“Until then, Ashton, will be cited to greet you again! His tone picks up nest, returning to its warmah

Chapter 22

Thank you for taking my call, Jacob. Goodbye.” I Enish.

Hanging up the call, I turn my attention over to Hunt, who’s been watching me intently this whole time. He raises an eyebrow in question, expecting for me to update him on why I suddenly wanted to attend the ball this year…

“So, what’s your plan? I know you better than anyone and you’re up to something here Adhir Be

wariness.

me, his voice laced with curiosity and a hint of

I offer him a grin, my excitement palpable. We’re going to attend (acobs ball” I thoug as though it were normal

Hunt’s eyes squint in thought. “Seriously? You want us to go mingle with the other padit be in the same room as Derrick Colt? Hunt deadpans, standing from his spor

we are at war with some of them? You do realise you

approach my desd…

“Exactly,” I confirm, leaning forward. “It’s the perfect opportunity.” I conclude, as he nuts and shakes his head at me

Hunt’s expression shifts, as he slumps himself into the chair opposite my own. “Ah, I see what this is You’re not thinking with your head here Ashton… You’re thinking with your damn cock!” Hunt complains as I throw him a glare.

“You’ve completed the mating process with that girl, and don’t tell me otherwise because you fucking reek of sec! 1 also don’t think it is a coincidence that you’re in here taking calls naked!” Hunt rants on, as my face remains stone – allowing fox thin

“So now, you’re all up in your feelings, and you’re thinking about Rose’s old pack and how they traded her, aren’t you? Derrick Colt will be there at the ball and you know that! Hunt sighs heavily, as I shrug.

He has me there… he’s right… he can read me like a book!

He stares across at me, awaiting my response as I all but nod, my lips curving up into a dangerous smile. Truly And he’s going to lose his fucking mind when he sees that Rose, his ex–mate, is now mated to me. I grin wickedly, as Hunt’s mouth open

Hunt lets out a low whistle. “You’re fucking ruthless, man. You’re seriously going to take her to that party and show her off to every authoritative figure in the country? You know what that could mean for us right?!” He adds, as I take in his words.

“As long as we play our cards right, we can get our revenge without violating the spirit of lacob’s ball. To a fool Him, I know how to work the fucking system on this one. As for the other packs learning of my new mate, I don’t care: They will be foolish to even GERIE LA PRt close to her.” I explain, leaning back in my chair confidently.

Hunt eyes me warily. “Are you sure about this? You know Jacob expects everyone to play nice… and the other Alplus love setting some fresh meat. especially a young innocent thing like that girl. He states, as my insides chum at the thought of any of them bothering ben

“I’m fully aware, but she wont leave my side!” I reply confidently. “We’ll find a way to work around Jacobs damo rules. Thus me” Inounce, intitation evident in my tone.

“I’m the fucking Alpha in charge, those other packs always bow down to me! At the end of the day, none of them would dare to question or dullens me because they know I would have their heads on a stick.” I rage, growing irritated by his concern.

“Seriously though Hunt: What will jacob actually do? Ban me from his ball next year? Because that fucker knows I would just u rage, not liking my authority to be tested.

Hunt smirks, holding his hands up in sumender. “Alright then, boss. Count me in, I’ll go with you.” He gives, cousing me to chuck

He always did question my every decision just to test me, but in the end knew I wouldnt have things done any other way

say, pleased with his agreement. “Oh, and speaking of Rose anyhos

Hunt raises an eyebrow at my mention. “Yeah, speaking of the girl, when do I finally get to meet the one who’s managed to waltz in here and turn ruthless Alpha a world upside down?” He states, ai i stuke my head in thought.

arranging an intinute dinner, only with the people that I trust must to meet her so soon. She still meets time to adjust”” i state, is the

una. Perfect! I ve been curious

scare the poor thing she doesnt to to hate your try as pense of huma

Chapter 22

He rolls his eyes. “Yeah, yeah. Don’t worry about me, I’ll be the perfect gentleman.” He states smugly, as I smile.

But on that note… I want you to bring Oliver tonight too. I add quickly, remembering my reasoning.

What? Why the fuck do I have to bring that little shit?” Hunt groans, throwing his head back as I laugh further.

“She’s already met Oliver, and he was decent to her so I want him there! The pair of them are also close in age so perhaps they can build a friendship…

will need her to start forming new relationships here with people I trust in the event that I am busy or away for work in the future…” I begin to share my thoughts, as Hunt listens intently.

“Look, she’s never really had any friends from what I’ve gathered. The only friend she claims to have made her whole life is Ruth, my former maid, that she only met when she first got here.” I explain, feeling a pang of sorrow fill my chest before I push it aside.

Ruth was kind to her, but you and I both know that she’s an elderly woman with other commitments. I need her to find friends her own age.” I explain, as Hunt sighs.

“Yeah ok… I get it… I’ll bring Oliver with me if you insist! What age is she anyhow?” Hunt suddenly ponders, as I straighten up.

“Eighteen.” I state, as his eyes widen and he blurts out a laugh.

He’s such a prick!

“Does she know that you’re twenty–six? You’re damn closer to thirty than she is to twenty–five!” Hunt continues to mock, as I roll my eyes at his comments.

“I’m not that fucking old! Some of the higher up are in their fifties and have mistresses our age!” I rage, as he continues to chuckle.

“Well, you’re right about one thing, Oliver is closer in age so beware Incase he steals your girl!” Hunt adds, earning a growl from me next.

He wouldn’t dare…

“Im only teasing… but I’ll bring Oliver and Sawyer. Anyone else?” He questions, smiling in victory as I think on his question.

“Nah just them. I’ve invited Ruth, who she already feels comfortable around. Let it be us six and see how she gets on” I state, as Hunt nods in understanding before standing from his seat.

“Great! Now do us all a favour and go take a long shower… and get fucking dressed!” Hunt laughs loudly, sauntering out of my office and calling back to me over his shoulder.

If he wasn’t my life long best–friend, I probably would’ve killed him by now for breaching a million counts of disrespect towards an Alpha! But that’s just typical Hunt for you…

When shit gets serious, Hunt was the right man for the job,

At the end of the day, I can always

is rely on him….

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