Saving Tragedy Chapter 32

*****Rose's POV*****

"Come with me... we have something to discuss," Ashton's voice was gentle yet serious as he led me up the stairs towards his office - my hand in his.

We entered his office, the rich scent of mahogany and vanilla filling the air. Ashton motioned for me to take a seat as he closed the door behind us, his expression unreadable. I settled into one of the chairs, fidgeting slightly under his gaze before he moves to sit opposite me behind his large desk.

"Rose," Ashton began, his voice calm as he leaned forward against the desk, his eyes never leaving mine. "There's an important event coming up— the Alpha ball hosted by Alpha Jacob from the North." He begins to explain, as I nod and pull my knees up to my chest on the seat to get more comfortable.

My heart skipped a beat at the mention of a ball - thinking back to the large scale events I had been forced to work at during my time in my previous pack... the people were always rude, and my work load around those times almost tripled!

I had never heard about a ball designed for the Alphas until now though, a grand affair where pack leaders could all attend from across the country? All the way up in the North too? It sounds... busy!

Ashton continued, his tone softening. "I've received an invitation, and I would like for you to accompany me this year." He states, showing me the dark black envelope - encased with a torn open silver seal…

I blink in surprise, my mind racing to comprehend his words. Me? Attend the Alpha ball with Ashton? The thought of being in a room full of the most powerful wolves, many of whom I had never met, fills me with a mix of dread and anxiety.

"I... I've never been to an event like that before," I stammer, my nerves evident. "And what if people ask questions? About us? I'll just make you look bad..." I glance down at my hands breathing out steadily, my cheeks flushing with a mixture of embarrassment and apprehension.

Ashton's gaze held a mixture of understanding and reassurance. "Rose, I know it's a big step for you, but I believe it's important. It's time for you to come out to the world as my mate... I wouldn't let anything bad happen to you." He adds, as I pull my lip in between my teeth.

My heart swelled at his words, however I still couldn't shake the nerves. I had imagined what it would be like to be with Ashton after everyone finds out about us, but I hadn't ever imagined for the news to go further than his pack...

Before I could even respond, Ashton's expression shifted slightly, his eyes growing serious. "There's something else you should probably know too, Rose. Derrick Colt will be attending the ball." He deadpans, causing my jaw to practically hit the floor.

My breath caught in my throat, and my eyes widened in surprise.

Derrick Colt — my previous mate and destined Alpha who rejected me in a matter of minutes?

Not to mention that he was apparently wanted for shameful war crimes on top of that... referring back to the document I had found on Ashtons desk that day...

"D-Derrick? I can't go!" I managed to utter out, my voice barely above a whisper, causing Ashton to lean back in his chair steadily.

Ashton's jaw tightened, his gaze unwavering. "Yes, Rose. He's the soon-to-be Alpha of the Moon Lust Pack and loves this type of shit. I know it's a lot to process, but I wanted you to be prepared beforehand. I won't let anything happen to you. You'll be safe by my side and perhaps you can rub a little salt in the wound... he will lose his mind seeing that you are with a real Alpha now!" Ashton swivels slightly in his chair, seeming amused at the thought.

Despite my apprehension, Ashton's words acted as a light bandaid to my fears. He was offering me protection and support, a promise that I wouldn't have to face Derrick Colt alone...

Maybe I could go, and show him just how much I have changed and grown since leaving his dreadful pack! If it weren't for him rejecting me, I would have never met Ashton...

"I... I'll go with you," I state, my voice steadier this time. "I trust you, Ashton." I nod in affirmation, as he flashes me his pearly teeth.

His smile was contagious, as I offered him one of my own in return. "Thank you, Rose. I'll make sure you're comfortable and that nobody harms you. You're not alone in this and I do believe, that for your own personal healing, this will be good for you." Ashton adds, as I move my hands up to tighten the clip holding my hair up in its messy bun.

Ashton watches my movements, the sincerity held in his eyes.

I wasn't just attending the ball with some random powerful Alpha; I was going with someone who I shared a mating bond with... someone who had shown more care for me in the past weeks than I had ever experienced throughout my whole lifetime!

Ashton leans forward to collect his coffee mug, taking a long sip from it as I watch him curiously, as he glances at me from over the brim. "We'll face whatever challenges come our way together. And remember, you're not defined by your past. You're stronger now - and you can show that bastard just how wonderful your new life here is, with me."

His words resonated deep within me, and a sense of determination washed over me. With Ashton by my side, I could face anything — even the presence of my past mate, Derrick Colt. He couldn't harm me, not with Ashton being there.

"Does that mean that I get to wear a pretty dress?" I giggle, as he smiles and nods at my question.

"Only the best baby..." He states, his tone velvety and smooth as I blush profusely.

Ashton's chuckle was low and warm, filling the room with an ease that made my nerves settle. "You'll look your absolute best at the ball - absolutely stunning. You can even visit the salon and have your hair and nails done before we leave to help build your confidence? I mean, if you even want to go there? You look great already…" He suggests, as my eyes glimmer with sudden excitement from the idea.

"I would LOVE to go to a salon! I've never been there before!" I clasp my hands and grin widely, earning a chuckle from Ashton.

"Great... your wish is my command." Ashton laughs, as I can't help but wonder what colours I could have my nails done or what hairstyle I could have!

"But before we get ahead of ourselves, there's something else I think we should discuss." Ashton clears his throat, gaining my full attention again as my heart sinks.

What now...

I tilt my head curiously, a mixture of anticipation and trepidation bubbling up once again. "What is it?" I ask him, trying to keep my voice steady as I grow impatient.

Ashton leans back in his chair, his expression thoughtful. "Rose, it's only fair that I announce the news of our new mating bond to my own pack members first, before we attend the Alpha ball. It would be disrespectful to them to find out elsewhere..." Ashton explains the situation to me slowly as I think on it for a moment.

My heart skips a beat at his words. The thought of standing before the thousands of wolves making up his pack made me feel a fresh wave of anxiety. What if they didn't like me? What if they thought I was too weak to be Ashton's other half?

"I plan to hold a compulsory pack meeting in two days' time..." Ashton continues on. "It's an opportunity for us to spread the news and celebrate together as a pack. I want them to know about us before we present ourselves at the Alpha ball." He states, as I remain quiet.

His words spread sudden fear within me...

On one hand, I appreciated his desire for transparency and unity with his pack. On the other hand, the idea of standing before such a crowd, being the centre of attention, knowing that they were all looking at me and judging me, sent my nerves into overdrive.

"I... I don't know if that's a good idea... I don't think I can do that!" I admit, my voice wavering slightly. "What if they don't like me? What if they think I'm not good enough for their Alpha?" I bite the skin beside my nails next, something I tend to do often when I grow uncomfortable as Ashton watches me.

Ashton's gaze softens, his eyes filled with warmth. "Rose, I understand your concerns. But you have to trust me. You've already faced so much here, and you've shown incredible strength. The pack will see that. And I will be right there with you... if they don't like it, they can find a new pack - it's simple!" Ashton folds his arms, seeming set on his words.

I bite my lip, struggling to hold back the worries that threaten to spill over. "There's something else..." I close my eyes, feeling suddenly guilty for even having to bring it up.

"Tell me?" He pushes, as I swallow the heavy lump forming in my throat...

I inhale a steady breath, my voice coming out barely above a whisper. "I... I'm scared that they'll compare me to your original mate... she was their true Luna." I admit as gently as possible.

A heavy silence settles in the room, causing me to open my eyes to see Ashton's expression had shifted, his gaze growing distant as though in deep thought.

I immediately regretted bringing up the topic, not wanting to cause him any pain or regret having moved on and mated with me...

Just as I am about to open my mouth to apologise to him, Ashton clears his throat, refocusing his attention back to me. "Rose," He begins steadily, his voice gentle yet firm. "You are not Vanessa. You are your own person, and you have your own life journey. What happened between us is in the past... Of course I miss her every day, but she wouldn't want me to live in sorrow forever! This is a new chapter in my life, and I want you to be a part of it." Ashton nods to confirm his own words as I almost sob at the admission.

Wow...

His words offered the reassurance that I desperately needed. I met his gaze, my eyes filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Ashton. If you're sure, and you think things will go well with your pack, then I'll try..." I find myself agreeing to his plans, before my brain can comprehend what I was saying.

He reaches out for me across the desk, his hand finding mine, his touch grounding and comforting me. "Rose, you are strong, and you are appreciated here. My pack will come to understand that this is a new beginning for me, and they will see you for the amazing person that you are." He adds, sending a flurry of butterfly's to my stomach.

Tears well up in my eyes, but this time they were not born from fear. They were tears of relief, of feeling accepted and supported in a way I had never known before.

I had some pretty big events coming up... and fast... yet I knew deep down that I could face them with Ashtons support!

Ashton's thumb brushes against the back of my hand smoothly. "I wouldn't have picked you if I didn't think you were right for the role... you are stronger than you think..."

"Perhaps I should visit the salon twice... once for the ball and maybe one sooner… before you show me off to the whole pack?" I bargain, causing him to chuckle and shake his head at my bold attempt.

"Whatever you want..." He smirks, as I giggle.

I can do this...

I know I can!