"So you made up." Beta Malak says as we continue training. They are getting better. Soon I will be able to have some of them learning ho to use a quick shift in a fight. That's when training will get fun.
"How?" I ask.
"My little niece is beaming at you... and she invited me to the ceremony. One week?! You move fast pup." He grins at me.
"Oh... yea. That was Emily's decision." I say.
"I assumed... you treat her right. That's all I care about... welcome to the family Asher." He says shaking my hand.
"Thank you Beta." I say.
"You can call me Malak."
"Thanks Malak."
"Tho you should probably take her and talk to Alic... you know before the rumor mill gets to him." He says.
"Crap!... can you..." I start and he just laughs.
"Go pup... take her and run if you want to avoid the wrath of the Alpha King... oh and your soon to be Father in law." He says.
"Thanks Malak!" I run through the men shifting into their wolves and grab Emily.
"Ash! Let me get dressed first!" She yells. I set her down and she slides on her shorts. They all have vests now so everyone is covered but I still hate that she insists on participating in this training. I pick her up and run to the pack house to the Alpha's office.
"About time you two get here." He says as we walk in.
"Sorry sir... I didn't realize we were telling people yet." I say looking down at Emily.
"I only told a few people." She defends herself.
"I'm happy for you two." The Alpha says.
"But you should have been told first and for that I am truly sorry sir." I apologize 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." He says.
"Extend my apologies to her as well, sir." I respond.
"Tell her yourself. You are having dinner at my house tonight." He tells me.
"Ummm... yes sir." I gulp. What if she hates me?
"Don't worry boy she won't kill you... but don't be late... just in case. Dinners at 6:00." He grins.
"Yes sir."
"Daddy back off. Momma is the sweetest and she will love you." Emily says pecking my cheek.
"Alright run along you two." The Alpha says sitting back at his desk.
"Bye daddy!" Emily calls as she pulls me out.
"Really she will love you." Emily tells me as we walk outside.
"I hope so." I sigh.
"So does that mean you've changed your mind? You know sence you care what she thinks... are you gonna stick around?" She asks. I grab her arm and pull her around the house where no one can see us pinning her 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." I tell her. She sighs and wraps her arms around my 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." She responds.
"That I can do, princess." I smile kissing her.
"Good!... now that that's settled believe you have wariors to train and I am going to relax and get ready for tonight." She says.
"We have hours before dinner. How long does it take to get ready?" I ask.
"If only you knew what we girls go through. Go! Train your men Mr. Gamma." She orders.
"Yes ma'am!" I offer a salute and am off back to the men.
○●○●○
Training went well. I've selected the men that will begin combat training tomorrow. I'm excited for it! I'll finally get to participate. Unfortunately its nearly time for dinner. Back in my room I jump in the shower and scrub off the training gunk. As I step out I see Emily sitting on my bed. She jumps up and charges at me.
"Get dressed! We're going to be late!" She yells throwing clothes at me and pushing me back into the bathroom.
Well then! I guess I'm not deciding what to wear. I slip on the dark jeans and slide my arms into the dark blue dress shirt. I leave the bathroom buttoning the shirt as I go.
"Come on princess. Don't want to keep them waiting." I say as she stares at my chest. "Earth to Emily!" I say snapping "let's go!"
"Umm... yea." She jumps up and we make our way to the Alpha's house.
"Welcome!" The King says as he opens the door. Now you'd think a King would live ina castle but no. It's just a house. A very nice house but not a castle.
"Thank you sir." I say as Emily and I step in.
"Dinner is ready so let's head to the dining room." He says placing a hand on my shoulder. "Bella! Our guest has arrived!" He calls as we enter the room.
"Ler me look at him!" A women's voice responds as she bursts through the door. She takes my hands and looks me up and down. " Handsome... and just in time. Have a seat Asher. It's nice to meet you." She drops my hands and Emily leads me to the table.
The King sits at the head, His wife on the right, Sons on the left, Emily next to her mother with me at the opposite end as the king. I notice no one starts eating and follow suit. Once all plates are made the King begins to speak.
"Welcom to our home Asher. We are happy to have youas part of this family." The older brother (Matthias) smiles as does her mother the younger one (Addicus) looks ready to kill me. "Let's eat." Once the king takes his first bite the table comes alive with everyone eating and talking.
"So Asher how are the warriors coming along?" Emily's mother asks.
"Rather well." I respond with a smile. "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!" Emily yells at him.
"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..." I stop Emily by taking her hand.
"Stop." I whisper in her ear then turn to her brother. "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." I stand up from the table. "Thank you for the lovely meal ma'am... My King." I nod to the King and his mate then leave out the front door.
I walk towards the pack house.
"If you truly accept that Mercy and Forgiveness why are you so set on killing yourself?" My wolf asks.
"One man forgives me... he may be the king but he is still only one man... I've hurt to many. I've done to much. My slate can never be clean. I will serve the King and the Pack. In the end my greatest service is my death." I explain. He huffs and tunes me out. Of course even my wolf hates me.
"Asher." Emily says coming up behind me. I stop and turn to her. She quickly wraps her arms around me. "Don't listen to him. Don't leave me. Please Asher! Don't do anything!" She begs.
"Meme... I told you you have me until the war. I'm yours. Your brother cant change that. Shhhh. I'm here little one." I whisper to her holding her tightly with one arm as stroking her hair with the 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!" She says sternly face damp with tears.
"Its a promise." I smile at her. "You know the plan... until it's over I'm here no matter what." She nods and puts her head on my chest.