Total pages in book: 38
Estimated words: 36039 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 180(@200wpm)___ 144(@250wpm)___ 120(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 36039 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 180(@200wpm)___ 144(@250wpm)___ 120(@300wpm)
He would do it for her, but he knew she was the only person he wanted.
Chapter Ten
“When were you going to tell the pack, your family, me, that you’re mated to the freaking alpha?”
Ashley grabbed hold of Daniel, shoved him to the ground, and covered his mouth. She lifted her head, hoping none of the other builders had heard anything. No one turned in their direction.
“Do not speak,” Ashley said.
Daniel glared at her.
She released her hand and then grabbed Daniel’s shirt, lifting him up and dragging him back toward the garden. She was proud of how she’d worked the land. It looked more beautiful and well kept. Together, with Daniel, they were helping to build a garden of dreams, even though she knew Phoenix was jealous of him. She kept her distance so no trouble began.
“Okay, so we’re far enough away from prying ears, but seriously, Ashley, what the fuck?” Daniel asked.
“Will you please keep your voice down?” She kept hers low.
Phoenix wasn’t happy with keeping their relationship a secret either. After their impromptu rendezvous last night, he’d not spoken to her. She wasn’t trying to be cruel, just protecting herself and her heart. She wanted nothing more than to accept his words and believe that was it, they were now mated and nothing was going to come between them, but she knew he felt free on the bike.
Not anymore.
You’ve got to learn to listen to him.
He no longer feels free.
He wants you.
She truly wanted to believe her own inner thoughts, but she couldn’t help doubting them.
“My voice is down. Well?”
“You can’t tell anyone.”
“What the fuck, Ashley?”
“Please, you cannot tell a soul.”
Daniel shook his head. “How long has this been going on?”
“I don’t think that’s any of your business.”
“Ashley, I’ve been your friend for a damn lifetime. I saw you and Phoenix and I knew sparks were flying, so cut the shit and just be honest with me.”
She nibbled her lip and sighed. “Okay, technically, I’ve known that he was my mate for five years.”
“Five years!”
She pressed her palm flat against his mouth. “Shut up. Nothing happened. Okay. Phoenix wasn’t … happy.”
“What?”
“You know he’s never been part of a pack before, right?”
“Er, I think so.”
“Well, I was eighteen and he was like forty years old.”
“So.”
“He grew up with people and I’m guessing age means something.”
Daniel frowned. “So he what? Rejected you?”
She nodded.
“Holy shit, you’re kidding, right?”
“I’m not kidding. For five years, he and I, we knew what we meant to each other, but nothing ever happened. He’s still a little uncomfortable with my age.”
“Okay, that makes no sense. Mates are like the most important thing.”
She shrugged. “We didn’t grow up the way he did. He doesn’t know how packs work. It’s still new to him.”
Daniel rubbed at his temple. “Okay, fine. I can sort of not understand that, but aside from that, you two are now mates. I mean, you stink of him.”
“Stop it.”
“You do. So I’m guessing the whole rejecting thing is on the back burner, so why haven’t you told anyone?”
Ashley sighed. “Because, what if he doesn’t want to stay? What if he wants to leave again? What if he can’t be part of a pack? I don’t want to get hurt.” She shrugged.
“And what if he wants to stay? What if he never wants to leave? What if he wants to start a family, be part of a pack for the first time in his life?” Daniel asked.
“I don’t know.”
“I do. You hold on for fucking dear life. Ashley, I don’t know what to say to you. I’ve not found my mate, I’ve not. She’s not out there right now for me, and I can tell you, it is fucking lonely. I’m not going to lie, I’ve fucked a couple of women, and it is … it’s great, but it’s missing that special something. That connection. You have that. You have a guy who’s your mate, your mate. I can’t even tell you how precious that is.”
“He rejected me, Daniel. He was cruel.”
“Trust me, I wouldn’t give a shit. People make mistakes, Ashley. But they do shit that makes you forgive them. Hasn’t he earned your forgiveness?”
“It’s not that simple.”
“Yeah, it is. He’s your mate and you have feelings for him. The reason I know that, his rejection wouldn’t have hurt so much. You have this chance with him, and you’re not taking it.” Daniel laughed.
“Where are you going?” she asked, watching him walk away.
“To work, because I can’t do this with you.”
“Please don’t say anything to anyone.”
“I won’t say anything, but you already know what I’m thinking.” Daniel shook his head, and she watched him leave.
Was she being too hard on Phoenix? She wrapped her arms around her body and glanced over at the house. Several of the windows were open, to try to rid the place of the paint fumes. Ashley closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She understood what Daniel meant. Keeping this a secret was hard.