Second Thoughts After Divorce

Ashton’s POV

The day had finally arrived for our journey to Alpha Jacobs annual ball, and the excitement in our pack house was palpable. I stood in my office, going through my final checklist before departure. Suits, check, Dresses, check. Cases, check. Accessories, check. Security arrangements, check.

Everything seemed to be in order…

I couldn’t help but feel a mix of anticipation and excitement for my return…

This ball had always been significant for many reasons, and I remember back to the first ever ball that I had attended as a boy. Being present at such an established event at a young age, had only heightened my thirst for power and authority, and had pushed my drive to become the top Alpha standing in that room one day…

Which I now considered myself to be.

This year, I was excited for different reasons though… sure I was hyped about returning to see some familiar faces that I hadn’t seen in a while, but I was most excited to show off my new mate- especially to Derrick Colt.

Taur

It was going to be Rose’s first public appearance as my new mate besides meeting my own members and Alpha Marcus himself at one of our neighbouring packs most recently.

We needed this event to be perfect, not just for our pack’s reputation but also for Rose’s confidence when facing her ex–mate and war criminal Derrick

With everything happening, I hadn’t even had a single private moment to check in on Rase yet, or even Lydia for that matter to see how they both felt

about it all

Lydia wanted to rest after the trial yesterday, and Rose understandably wanted to stay with her for comfort. Things were for sure moving fast, but I had to be the one to keep a level head through it all… I would provide strength to them both in these uncertain times.

“We should probably head to the station now Ash.” I see Sawyer appear in my office doorway, as I nod in agreement.

“Are the girls both ready to go? And Hunt?” I question, as he nods to confirm my questions.

Sawyer leaned against the doorframe, looking remarkably dapper in his tuxedo. His eyes sparkled with an amused glint, as if he knew something that 1 didn’t

“The ladies are ready and our men are all on the train waiting too. Some of them are already at Alpha Jacobs pack to help with security. Hunt, on the other hand, is pacing like a caged wolf. You know how he gets when he’s travelling.” Sawyer chuckled loudly as I smirked.

Hunt had always been a man of action, not one to stand around waiting. The anticipation of the night ahead, with all its uncertainties, must have been eating away at him and to top it off, he now has Lydia to look after.

I couldn’t blame Hunt. This ball was not just an occasion to dress up and have a good time; It was a complex web of politics, alliances, and secrets. And at the heart of it was Rose, my mate, a new Luna who would bear the weight of our pack’s reputation and expectations.

Sawyer continued, “He’s on the porch, making sure the vehicles are ready. He just wants everything to go smoothly I suppose but he’s damn stressed for no real reason.” He laughed on as I shook my head at his mockery,

“Well we best go then shall we? Before he loses his shit with the pair of us!” I laugh, grabbing the last of my things and heading for the door.

We left my office and made our way downstairs. The atmosphere in the house was electric as the three in question came in to view.

The maids and other staff in the house seemed to even buzz around with excitement, wishing us well on our time at the ball. They too: knew how big a deal it was to attend especially since I hadn’t in the past couple of years…

+

My eyes landed on Hunt as we reached the bottom step – the front door wide open and revealing him outside. He was indeed, stood inspecting the way the suitcases had been packed in to the vehicles, making sure everything was organised and in order for our departure.

Rose and Lydia also stood on the front porch – seeming relaxed in the comfortable travel outfits that consisted of pink tracksuits.

“Alpha and our new Lunat Please do have the best time at the ball! We have everything covered back here don’t you worry!” An elderly maid smiles kindly as I prepare to head out, her colleagues smiling and nodding in agreement from beside her.

Turning on my heels to depart

“Ready?” I Eace Rose and Lydia, as they spring in to action at my voice – following me down the steps towards the car.

“Yep! I think so?” Rose ponders, suddenly seeming to run over a mental checklist in her head as her brows scrunch up causing me to smirk at her,

She’s fucking adorable….

As we made our way

y to the

vehicles, Hunt opened the door for Rose, as she climbed in instantly with a small “thank you‘ leaving her lips…

“Are you excited?” I ask them both once I am in the front, as I look back over my shoulder at them

“Yes, as ready as I’ll ever be I guess. I’m really nervous but trying not to think about it too much… at least not yet! It’s a big night for us, and representing the pack is a big responsibility, I don’t want to embarrass anyone.” She sighs, as I nod in understanding of her thoughts.

“Fuck what everybody else thinks anyhow! You’re there to have a good time and to stand by my side as my mate- you’ll do great.” I confirm firmly, as Rose offers me a lazy smile staring out of the window and choosing to remain silent.

The journey to the train station wasn’t long at all, before the large red carts came in to view as we pulled in to park up the vehicles.

As we stopped the car beside the station, a couple of our men were already there, waiting to help us on with our suitcases and bags…

I couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride watching Rose’s eyes light up as we approached the glimmering train. The private cabins awaited us, all elegant and spacious, providing a perfect sanctuary for our journey which I knew that Rose would enjoy as a first time experience…

I mean, considering she did arrive to my pack on a cargo train when I first met her- this would be a highly new experience to say the least – hopefully one that would help crase that memory for her!

before encouraging Rose to step on–being met with the

I guided Rose towards the carriage which read ‘Alpha Silver on the name plaque outside – b plush sofas, masses of beverages and flat screen television to help pass the journey.

There was also a private bedroom and bathroom in the event of anyone wanting to take a nap or shower at any point.

We got settled quickly, as Lydia and Rose clicked through the TV show options and got themselves comfortable and myself, Sawyer and Hunt cracked open a beer.

It wasn’t long after that, when the soft hum of the train’s engine rippled to life, and the promise of the evening ahead made it all feel more surreal as we began to pull out of the station…

We took a seat further up the carriage away from the girls, enabling them to watch their show in peace as we spoke. Hunt seemed a bit on edge, and I could tell he was worried about how the night would unfold…

“Hunt, is everything alright?” I asked, slightly concerned for his demeanour.

He sighed, his shoulders relaxing a bit. “I’m just concerned about who will be attending this you know? Not to mention that we also have those two to look after now too” He sighs, evidently feeling responsible for Lydia’s safety above all else.

I could sense the protectiveness in his eyes, and I knew that he cared deeply for Lydia whether he wanted to admit it yet or not… it was there.

“I understand that, Hunt, but we’ll handle it no matter what shit they even dare to pull! We always do!” I state firmly, as he sighs and nods.

“You’re right… I just want this to be good for them rather than piling on more fucking trauma!” Hunt groans out in a whisper avoiding being heard

as I nod in understanding.

r’s right… we need to do everything possible to keep them both safe and protected… It wasn’t fair otherwise since they had very much so been roped in to this whole trip!

Sawyer approached with some snacks he had gathered, breaking in to a new, more lighthearted conversation as we all tried to relax a little.

“When we get there, we will have time to properly get ready though yeah?” Sawyer questions, as I nod once.

Time to calm ourselves down before the storm he means.

The train glided smoothly down the tracks, carrying us towards Alpha Jacobs‘ annual ball with each passing second.

The journey will mark Rose’s first proper public appearance as my mate, and the significance of the evening was not lost on her 1 could sense it through the bond she too, was on edge. I can only imagine how she would feel if Lydia wasn’t here to distract her….

She’d faced so much on her own already, from her traumatic past with Derrick and his pack, to the recent trial of Lydia’s abusers, and now, she was here.

mi mate ready in attend this grand event,

e would shine in her role as

is my Luna

As I watched her, I couldn’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of pride. She had come so far, and I knew she tonight…

“Perhaps you’ll meet a woman tonight Sawyer? Give us some peace for a while?” Hunt attempts to joke, as I smile at his efforts swinging back my

“I take it you won’t be on the prowl then? Since you’re all locked up

up with 11

that one over there!” Sawyer fires back, as Hunt hisses for him to be quiet. Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

t

That backfired…

I smirk at the encounter, heavily entertained by it… especially by Hunt and his new feelings which he struggles to face!

It was about time that Hunt started to consider finding a serious romantic partner, since it was heavily uncommon now to find a mate after your late feens and early twenties have passed….

Perhaps it was meant to be? He and Lydia? After everything that she had gone through… she could use a man like him… she just doesn’t know it yet.

But time will tell…

The train’s rhythmic motion and the gentle hum of the engine set a tranquil backdrop for our journey. The private cabin was spacious and elegant, offering plush seats and a sense of comfort away from the business of the rest of the train.

We knew the night ahead would be filled with challenges, alliances, and the pressure of public appearances, but for now, we could find solace in this moment of respite and peace…

I watched as Rose and Lydia continued to chat and share stories, whilst tuning in and out of the TV show they had decided to watch. Their laughter occasionally filling the cabin as they each amused one another.

Tonight, as we approached Alpha Jacobs annual ball, we would be united in purpose, ready to face the un

the unknown together.

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