12

"It's time for training." Asher says as he pulls away.

"You can miss one." I argue.

"I haven't trained in a week. I can't miss. Plus I need to see how the Beta has done with my men." I look away knowing I'm the reason he has been out a week. He sighs and takes my hand. "Let's go."

Once we get close to the training grounds I get excited to tell Uncle Malak. I want to tell everyone but he's the first family I see.

"Goodbye Mr. Gamma." I say kissing his cheek and running off to tell Malak that I'm gonna have my ceremony. After I tell him I run off and get ready for shift training. We start out like before until Aaher runs up and picks me up.

"Ash! Let me get dressed first!" I yell at him. He sets me down and I slide on my shorts. He picks me up and runs to the pack house we soon enter my Dad's office. Why are we here?

"About time you two get here." Dad says as we walk in.

"Sorry sir... I didn't realize we were telling people yet." Asher say looking down at me. Ohhhh yea... probably should have told him first.

"I only told a few people." I defend myself.

"I'm happy for you two." The Dad says with a smile.

"But you should have been told first and for that I am truly sorry sir." Ash apologizes again.

"I'm fine with it Asher... My Mate on the other hand is upset she wasn't informed first... and that she hasn't met her newest son yet." Dad says.

"Extend my apologies to her as well, sir." He responds.

"Tell her yourself. You are having dinner at my house tonight." Dad tells us.

"Ummm... yes sir." I can see how nervous Asher is by this. It's adorable.

"Don't worry boy she won't kill you... but don't be late... just in case. Dinner's at 6:00." Daddy grins.

"Yes sir." Asher responds.

"Daddy back off. Momma is the sweetest and she will love you." I say kissing Asher's cheek in an effort to calm him.

"Alright run along you two." Dad says sitting back at his desk.

"Bye daddy!" I smile at him as I pull Asher out of the office.

"Really she will love you." I tell him as we walk outside.

"I hope so." He sighs.

"So does that mean you've changed your mind? You know sence you care what she thinks... are you gonna stick around?" I ask. He grabs my arm and pulls me around the house where no one can see us pinning me against the wall.

"Listen Emily. I told you, you won't change my mind! Except that or break this off. I'm done lying to you and pushing you away but if you can't handle my decision reject me now and save yourself the pain." He tells me. I sigh and wrap my arms around his neck.

"And I told you I'm not going anywhere, idiot. I do hope you will change your mind but I'm not going to push you. Just be with me until the end. That's all I ask." I respond. At least I will have him for a while... and who knows the war may take years to finish.

"That I can do, princess." He smiles kissing me.

"Good!... now that that's settled believe you have wariors to train and I am going to relax and get ready for tonight." I say knowing I won't be able to concentrateon training.

"We have hours before dinner. How long does it take to get ready?" He asks.

"If only you knew what we girls go through. Go! Train your men Mr. Gamma." I order him with a smile.

"Yes ma'am!" He gives me a playful salute and runs off to train his men

°•°•°•°•°•°•°

Once I'm ready and it's time for dinner I go over to Ashers room. I hear the water on in the shower. I sit on his bead to wait for him. When he comes out I jump up.

"Get dressed! We're going to be late!" I yell throwing clothes at him and pushing him back into the bathroom. Wow! Hot hot so hot! No shirt wet hair... shake those thoughts!

Asher comes out of the bathroom buttoning the shirt as he walks.

"Come on princess. Don't want to keep them waiting." He says as I stare at his chest. So much for shaking those thoughts. "Earth to Emily!" He says snapping in front of my face. "let's go!"

"Umm... yea." I jump up and we make our way to the Alpha's house.

"Welcome!" Dad greets us as he opens the door.

"Thank you, sir." Asher says as we step in.

"Dinner is ready so let's head to the dining room." Dad says escortingus in. "Bella! Our guest has arrived!" He calls out to mom as we enter the room.

"Let me look at him!" She responds as she bursts through the door. She takes Asher's hands and looks him up and down. "Handsome... and just in time. Have a seat Asher. It's nice to meet you." She let's him go and I lead him to the table.

Dad sits at the head, Mom on the right, Matty and Addy on the left, I'm next to mom with Asher at the opposite end of the table as Dad, beside me. We wait for Dad before we eat.

"Welcome to our home Asher. We are happy to have you as part of this family. Let's eat." He says and once he takes his first bite the table comes alive with everyone eating and talking.

"So Asher how are the warriors coming along?" mom asks.

"Rather well." He responds with a smile. He is good at this! I'm glad because I find it awkward. Especially with Addy who seems angry. "I've chosen the first group to advance in their training and the men seem motivated to better themselves."

"That's nice. I'm glad they are doing well." She says.

"You killed anyone recently?" Addicus asks angrily.

"Addy!" I yell at him. Hes definitely angry.

"What?! That's what he is! A murder! We are sitting at the table with a little Hitler! Are we just gonna sweep mass genocide under the rug because he's Meme's mate?!" Addicus rants.

"Stuff it Addicus! It's none of your conc..." Asher grabs my hand to stop me.

"Stop." He whispers in my ear then turns to Addy. "No, Addicus. We aren't sweeping anything under the rug. I haven't hidden anything in my past. I should be dead right now for what I've done. It's what I deserve. Your father has shown me grace. I intend to live in that grace. Because he has shown mercy on me I will do everything in my power to repay it. Nothing I can do is sufficient but I serve him and this pack. I will live and die for it. So be mad at me all you want, Addicus. Hate me if it helps you. You are not my concern. I know who I am." He stands up from the table. "Thank you for the lovely meal ma'am... My King." He nods to my parents then leaves out the front door.

"He's my mate Addicus and he's done nothing but good sence he's been here. He's done more harm than any of us can imagine but he's trying to help now. He was just as much a victim as those he killed! People can change, Addy. Don't talk to me until you can see that!" I yell once Asher is out of the house and then chase after him.

"Asher." I say coming up behind him. He turns around and I quickly wrap my arms around him. "Don't listen to him. Don't leave me. Please Asher! Don't do anything!" I beg. Please don't let him kill himself. I need more time to change his mind!

"Meme... I told you, you have me until the war. I'm yours. Your brother can't change that. Shhhh. I'm here little one." He whispers holding me tightly with one arm as he strokes my hair with his other hand.

"Promise me you won't leave me... until it's time. Promise! No sooner Asher! I want as much time as I can get!" I say. I try to sound stern but I can feel the tears on my cheeks. I don't want to lose him.

"Its a promise." He smiles at me. "You know the plan... until it's over I'm here no matter what." I nod and put my head on his chest. I just want to be close to him.