Chapter 6

Ashley 

The door opened to a spacious place, and my parents and I were ushered inside. Alpha’s office has minimal and masculine decor, with bookshelves, an oval table -I’m assuming is for meeting purposes- a world globe, and a map of Andorra on the wall. The office felt even more bigger with the light coming from all angles. The smell from the small leather couch and chairs and the dark oak desk evoked old times. I swear if anyone lit a cigar, I would be transported to almost ten years ago during former Alpha Tyson leadership. Smoking was his only vice. 

My parents took the two chairs before Alpha’s desk, leaving me no choice but to share the loveseat with the new guy. I wanted to complain, but I couldn’t. His spicy sandalwood scent is rich and earthy. Hmm, he’s making me feel warm. I avoided his gaze, not wanting to meet his eyes.

“Would you like something to drink?” Alpha asked, but my mom thought he meant for her to fix the drinks, so she was beside the liquor cart in seconds. - “It'll get that for you right away, Alpha.” Mom jumped off her seat and hurriedly arranged a drink, but Alpha Atticus put a hand over the glass she held to stop her from pouring the liquor. “Please, Carmen, you don't have to do it. You don't need to pour me a drink request. Go sit, I’ll handle it.” Mom bares her neck in submission and returns to her place beside Dad.

Mother muttered, "I'm sorry, Alpha," and returned to her seat beside Father. Alpha took over the liquor cart and swiftly arranged glasses of an amber liquid for everyone but me. I was handed a can of Coke like a little child. I stared at the can in my hand and wondered if I should put the can back in the cart and take a beer to rile things up. I'm eighteen years old, am I not? My parents had to stop viewing me as their child and the Alpha as if I was a helpless girl—the reason why I needed to go away and find my place in the world. I'm tired of people making choices for me. Just then, Blondie interrupts my train of thoughts, "Is something wrong? Would you like me to fetch you something else to drink?"  He asked with concern registered on his face. Is this guy for real? 

I opened my mouth to politely say it was none of his business when Alpha stepped closer to us and clasped a firm grip on Blondie's shoulders, "Before addressing the matter of why the Dawson family is here, I want to introduce you to our new Beta, Jack Benson, an old friend, and a recent Westling Academy graduate.  He accepted the post two days ago. Jack's formal induction to the pack will be held in a ceremony on the next full moon." Alpha Atticus said with profound happiness. His chest welled with inhaled air, followed by a gratifying exhale. 

I looked at my parents and the two friends, and my only thought was, Are you fucking kidding me? I can't believe Blondie is the new Beta of Greenway Pack. Thanks to the heavens, I will be out of here when he takes full charge of the post. I remembered him now; he made that prank about daring me to kiss him and then spanked my ass. He ruined my surprise for the Luna that day and put me in a lot of trouble with Mother. I hate him.

"So, tell me, Dawson, how can I help you?” Alpha Atticus proceeded. 

Dad explains, "Alpha, our Ashley wants to move to my former pack. While visiting her uncles, she will stay with her cousins ​​in the North."

Alpha's gaze fell on me, "I see. Ashley, what do you have to say on your behalf?"

I swallowed the invisible gulp in my throat, releasing the air I held to answer, "I want to attend a culinary arts institute near Crescent Moon Pack. They have a new program with renowned chefs, and I want to learn from them and gain experience."  There. I aired my actual plan. Father looked at me apologetically.  Then Mom interjected, "But she is our only daughter, and she recently turned 18. She has never been out of the pack lands alone before. We worry for her safety." Mom looks at me with sad eyes. Her sentimentalism does not help my cause, “Alpha, we come for your authorization, but I fear that something might happen if she travels alone." 

I spit out my soda when I heard her talk about me as if I were a child and not a grown woman. How humiliating. "Are you okay, Ash?" Father was quickly beside me, giving me a pad on my back.

"Yes, yes, went the wrong way," I said, coughing. Beta Jack handed me his handkerchief. “It happens to us all. You seem to need more practice swallowing fluids, that's all.” He dares to wink at me.  If my face was pink from embarrassment earlier, it now turned redbeat.

That's it. If people keep worrying about me, I can kiss my only chance of a life of independence goodbye. Mom and I have a very close relationship, and I know she will miss me terribly, but I must act quickly, or I won't see my plans unfold. Taking her hands into mine, reassuring her, "Momma, I won't leave forever. There's nothing to be afraid of. I'm old enough to fend for myself, and you and Dad will leave me at the train station."  I employ the sweetest, most calm voice I can convey while my heart is in turmoil. Thanks to my wolf, the people in the room can't detect the rise of palpitations. 

"Would you authorize her departure, Alpha?" Dad asks.

I looked between the pensive Alpha and my parents, ignoring the Beta, waiting for the final decision. For a moment, I thought he would not say anything, but then Alpha had to consult his friend: "What do you think of all this, Jack?" Now I get it. Jack is at this meeting to discuss whether I should move to the Crescent Moon Pack? This is unbelievable.

With my eyes still cast on the floor, I was surprised to discover Jack vouching for me, "I think she is ready to see the world. She is a werewolf, and I've learned she has had basic defense training from her dossier. I don't see why she has to hold off on her plans to move out for another year. Besides, she can always come for a visit during holidays."

"My thoughts exactly, Jack." Alpha concluded, "I think life is too short, and she should live it to the fullest."  Alpha stretched his hand to me,  "Ashley, life outside this pack awaits you. Go, explore the world, learn new things, and discover what you can do. I will gladly welcome you back when you are ready. I, Alpha Atticus of Greenway Pack, authorize Ashley Dawson-Perez to move out of this back for as long as she is ready to return."

A whoosh of air ran through me, and I felt a disconnection. The teether that bound me to Greenway was numb. I was free from the mindlink but not rejected from the pack. 

"Oh, no, Ashley, what did you just do?" Mom sobbed.

"There is nothing to be afraid of, Carmen. I did it to allow Ashely to be receptive to a new teether when she arrives in the North."  Alpha Atticus tried to comfort Mom.

I recomposed myself, "Mom, I'll live with my cousins. You don't have to worry. You have taught me well, Mother, and I'll look for a job at a bakery to earn my own money. I don't want to be a burden."

Alpha cleared his throat, "About that. I'll talk to Alpha Rick to help you with enrollment procedures and find your residence inside the pack territory. You are still under my guardianship, Ashley; I will grant you a stipend for tuition."

"Alpha, that was a very kind gesture, but I couldn't pay you back. Are you sure about this? If so, I promise to return every penny spent for my daughter's education."  Dad shook Alpha Atticus's hand to seal the deal.

"Noneses, Dawson. You have done great for this pack. This is a token of my appreciation. Besides, we had a surplus this year, so it's better to put it to good use." Alpha grabbed my father's hand in a firm handshake.

I gasped in astonishment. I had been hoping to be allowed to move out of the pack, and now I had most of my expenses covered. "Alpha, I don't know what to say. Thank you."  I was so happy I could have hugged my Alpha, but a low growl reverberated in the room.