Second Thoughts After Divorce

Chapter 41

Ashton’s P POV

event.

The drive back home was filled with a sense of contentment, contrasting the nervous anticipation of the earlier e

“You did a fucking excellent job up there!” I commend, as Rose chuckles and waves me off–growing embarrassed.

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Rose sat behind me with Lydia again, which meant that I would steal occasional glances at her in the mirror.

Her pride filled eyes would occasionally dart to the window, where the towering trees of our forest home passed by. The tension that had gripped us before had now eased, and Rose was pleasantly surprised at how quick the whole ordeal was over with.

My pack had responded well to the news, at least from what I had gathered in an overall sense, however I did still understand that there could very well be few amongst the crowd who turned their noses up at Rose and disagreed with the choice however if they are smart they will remain silent.

I would find them, if they dared to voice their displeasure at my choices, and I would rip them limb from limb.

I take sudden note of my whitening knuckles which gripped the wheel, as I make a visible effort to ease my wolfs temper.

Navigating the winding roads, we shortly approached our home as I smirk knowingly at what I had planned ahead of time.

Rose’s sharp intake of breath and gasp of surprise drew my attention first, and I smiled at her instant reaction. Both the front and back gardens had been transformed into a fairy tale setting, with twinkling fairy lights adorning the trees, colorful banners fluttering in the breeze, and an army of delectable dishes arranged on tables all of which I could have never planned on my own it was all Ruth of course!

The sight seemed to take Rose’s breath away, and I couldn’t blame her. It was better than what I had asked for (not that my description was remotely helpful; but the surprise worked in my favour.

Parking the car up, I glanced at Rose, who still gazed at the festive scene. Her excitement was palpable, and I couldn’t wait to see her reaction to find that the celebration continued round to the back yard too.

“This is so beautiful!” Lydia breathes with a smile, as Rose all but nods frantically in agreement with her statement.

“Extremely!” Rose remarks, before I bring the car to a stop and they both waste no time before rushing out.

Exiting the car, we were immediately greeted by our usual familiar faces. Oliver, Hunt, and Sawyer now stood by the front door, shaking my hand and congratulating us on sharing the news with the pack (despite them always knowing about Rose being my mate, they knew what it meant to actually announce it as Alpha).

“Better go check out back.” 1 state, as the two girls‘ eyes widen and they rush inside–taking a shortcut route towards patio doors which lead out to the back garden.

We follow behind them steadily, seeing roughly around twenty guests outside – enjoying themselves. All prople that I can trust personally of course… I couldn’t possibly invite the whole pack back here!

Rose immediately rushes to Ruth as soon as she spots her, Lydia following behind with a giggle. I head in the same direction – eager to thank her for the job she had organised with decorating the house.

Ruth currently held the hands of two of her young grand–children, a boy and a girl of around six and eight who looked up at Rose with a mix of curiosity and shyness.

Tse,” Ruth greeted her warmly, her voice filled with genuine kindness that it always held. “I brought my grandchildren here to meet you today. They’ve been very excited.” Ruth smiles down at them, as the bay flashes his toothless smile and the girl waves up at her shyly.

Hose’s eyes light up with delight as she stepped forward to greet the children leaning down to be on their eye level. “Hello there,” she said gently. “Tim

Im Trgan… and that’s my brother…” The tiny girl speaks up, her voice quiet yet proud.

TOM! The young man cuts in to finish his sisters sentence, yelling his name with puute as Bose chuckles at his enthusiasm.

“You are a perfect Luna! Like a princess!” Tom states aloud, cocking his head to the side as though judging Rose in more depth.

“Oh why thank you kind sirt Aren’t you just the perfect gentleman!” Rose smiles from ear to ear at the encounter, as the children chuckle at the

encounter.

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“It’s so lovely to meet you, Tegan and Tom. Rose carries on, reaching forward to shake their tiny hands as they both smile and giggle–accepting her

hand shake.

The children, already sensing her genuine kindness, seemed to relax in her presence. Their initial shyness melting away, replaced by genuine curiosity and excitement to interact with their new Luna

Rose was a natural at this… and seeing her this way with the children only confirmed why I had chosen her to be my new partner….she would be the perfect mother without a doubt!

As if on cue, the children suddenly proposed a game of hide and seek, and their enthusiasm was nonetheless infectious. Rose and Lydia surprisingly didn’t hesitate to join in the fun, their laughter filling the garden as Rose offered to be the first to count.

It was a joyful distraction from the formalities and responsibilities that

at often came with our roles in the pack.

I watched with a contented smile as Rose, surrounded by the warmth of our pack members and the laughter of children, embraced this new chapter in her life.

It was as though we were destined to meet at this point in our lives…

“Alpha? We couldn’t find the boy!” My attention is gathered as I turn to one of my men, my eyes squinting at what he was telling me.S

I was thankful now that Rose had actually gone off because I didn’t want her or Lydia hearing any of this…

“Nathan sir… he’s just gone! We can’t find him anywhere around the pack, we’ve checked everywhere and have even asked around everyone who knows him and they don’t know a thing!” He continues on, as I nod once- becoming deep in thought.

My heart began to pound in my chest with frustration… how has he vanished?

I considered the gravity of the situation. Nathan clearly had a hidden history of abusing the poor girl Lydia, and I couldn’t afford to let him escape justice within this pack – not now that he had been caught.

It made sense though… that he would hide. I’m guessing that since Lydia didn’t return home to him after work last night, that he is wracking his brains for any reason as to why.

He probably knows that he’s in deep shit with this now… but perhaps that’s it?

“Check with the staff at the salon. Question them all! They knew of the abuse and Nathan might have gone there to look for her.” I instruct him, as he nods his understanding of my order.

“Have the teams continue to search the pack, he might turn up somewhere.” 1 add, knowing that it was worth a shot to continue looking.

We need to find this mant

pased a threat to them at any point, and right now, Nathan was seen

It was my duty as Alpha to protect my pack incmbers, especially from those who p as a high level threat!

Returning to the garden party, I attempted to put on a facade of enjoyment, not wanting to alarm Rose or Lydia with the ongoing situation happening in the background.

But my distraction was evident to those who knew me well… such as Sawyer and Hunt.

What’s gotten in to you?” Sawyer questions, as I take a seat at one of the outdoor tables, them both taking the motion as an open invite to join me.

“They can’t find Nathan anywhere.” I state, before taking a long drink of the for cold water we had been served.

“is that the little bitch who was abusing that girl?” Hunt asks, glancing over to Rose and Lydia who remained across the garden – engisissed in whatever made up game the children wanted to play now.

“Tut’s the one.” I sigh, as it shakes his head at the fact.

“That’s a shame… she’s quite a looker as well…” Hunt then mumbles, causing me to cock how at the statement – Turning my head to face lim

– vn un temale in question.

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instantly begins to tease him, seeming to snap Hunt out of his trance as he da 06:3

“Quite the looker? Could this

is be love at first sight Hunty?” Sawyer instantly him a death stare in return.

“Piss off!” Hunt fumes, causing us both to chuckle loudly now.

“Well maybe you should talk to her? I know it’s early, but she might be interested?” Sawyer grufl

shrugs, as Hunt shakes his head and pretends to remain

“At least give the poor thing some time will you? She’s fresh out of an abusive relationship!” Hunt defends, as I smirk in amusement at how wound up he was getting over the girl,

Maybe he likes her?

Sawyer, always one to enjoy teasing Hunt, grinned mischievously–seeing

ing his chance to continue annoying him.

“Come on now, Hunt, I’m just offering some friendly advice. We all know that you have a soft spot for damsels in distress – you could be her Prince Charming! Sawyer shorts,

Hunt’s cheeks visibly flush a little as he mutters something incoherent and takes a swig of his drink – rolling his eyes at our immaturity. It was clear that Lydia’s presence had left an impression on him, even if he tried to play it cool.

It was nice to finally see that the man did, in fact, have a heart in there somewhere!

I couldn’t help but find amusement in their harmless banter. It was a welcomed distraction from the troubling situation with Nathan and where he actually was. I appreciated their efforts to lighten the mood, even if it was just for a moment.

As the evening continued, the garden party began to wind down just as the sun began to set. The guests gradually made their way home, and the children reluctantly accepted that the games had to come to an end – with tired yawns and happy faces.

Rose and Lydia joined us back at the table after saying a last goodbye to Ruth who then took them away. I looked at the girls, seeing their laughter and excitement still evident from their time with the kids a sight I was grateful for confirming that today had went well for everyone involved.

I placed a reassuring hand on Rose’s thigh as she sat by my side, using it to silently communicate that everything was alright despite the earlier interruption.

She smiled at me, her eyes reflecting gratitude and warmill

The party had been a success in many ways, celebrating the announcement of Rose as my mate and Luna, and allowing her to bond with members of the pack.

However, the shadow of Nathan’s disappearance still hung over us, a reminder that not all challenges could be celebrated just yet…

us, and natural protector of my pack, I didn’t like not knowing where he was..

As an Alpha,

“I should probably go and check up on some things… you lot can sit out for a while longer.” I say, reluctantly standing from the table. “I don’t want to leave the pack duties unattended for too long.”

With that, I left the party, leaving Rose and Lydia with Sawyer and Hunt as Sawyer attempted to make silly jokes to entertain them.

I reach a quiet room nearby, one in which I knew had a phone inside, before I dial the number to o

one of my leading guards.

“Alpha. I’ve been trying to mind–link you…” He responds almost instantly, as i curse myself – remembering I had blocked out most people during the

what is 117′′ 1 push on, hearing him clear his throat before continuing.

“We didn’t find Nathu…but we have his cousin. He in

informs me, as 1 hun at the

That will have to do…. least for now… until I get my hands on Nathan once and for all.

ving Tragedy