The One The Whole Town Abandoned

Chapter 14 Time to Really Talk

Dominic's POV

Stefanie opens the door for all of us to enter the apartment. I prance to the bathroom, shifting back and grabbing a towel, throwing it around my waist, and walking out to go the girls.

"Holy Mother of God, you look perfect. That has to be the werewolf genes, right? Oh, yea I definitely have to meet your friends!" Stefanie says to me as she stares at my muscles. I chuckle and say back, "I'll make sure to introduce you Stef."

I smell the arousal and my gaze scans the room and locks onto those gorgeous green orbs, liking what she sees with lust in her eyes.

She still has Aurora in her arms as she stares at me walking past.

That is until Stefanie stops her and pulls Aurora out of Ashleigh's arms saying," I'll take care of Aurora getting us both changed and I'll sleep in there with her so you guys can talk... You both need to talk about all of this.. but pay attention to his words, not his hot bod!" This makes Ash scoff and roll her eyes at Stefanie, as she laughs and takes Aurora. Ashleigh leans in, kissing her and telling her she loves her as I do the same, making them all smile as Stef and Aurora go into the bedroom, leaving us alone.

Ashleigh grabs my hand and leads me to the couch, so I sit down next to her. I'm so nervous and I just don't know what to say to her about all this. My heart is racing as if it's just going to beat out of my chest at any moment. "Dom, I have to say.. um... thank you for being honest with me from the beginning and I'm sorry for not believing you. You were right when you said it was something you had to see to believe, but everything kinda makes sense now... So.. you were meaning it when you said I'm your mate?" she asks, curiously staring up at me.

I nod at her as she continues, "and that's why you said this doesn't normally happen... you meant me being human and you werewolf right?" I nod again and she continues, "So does that mean I'm a weak link for you and your pack? I can't exactly take care of myself with wolves and you saw that they are targeting me.. is that because I'm your mate or because I'm a human? Ugh... I'm sorry you got stuck with me, a weak human as your mate.." She says sadly as she lets out a huff. I instantly shake my head and holding both of her hands tightly in mine.

"Yes, they were going after you to get to me but they would have done that no matter who my mate was. Also, who did they think they could take on easier... you or me?? Of course you, but that has nothing to do with you being human, that just has to do with you being a woman that's smaller than them and my weakness because you're my mate, your the one person who makes me a stronger Alpha... But Ash, I'm not stuck with you at all... This might sound bad and I don't want to offend you at all... But the moon goddess picks out a person to be your other half, but if there is some reason to not like it or that relationship can't work, she gives you a one-time chance to reject your mate if you want to and get another mate later in time to get a second chance. I choose to stay with you because you are amazing in so many ways and exactly who I want by my side. You're the farthest thing from a weak human.. I have seen you put so many werewolves in their place at the bar, without you even knowing what they were, nor caring. You're strong and don't take anyone's crap and are such a great mother, you're so caring and Goddess.. drop-dead gorgeous, what else could I ever want in a mate? I do love Aurora already as well and she is just as perfect for me as you are. I don't care that you are human and neither does my family at all.. Now don't let it bother you either, please. As I said, she chose you for me for a reason and I don't want to reject you, so don't you dare ask. I can see that look in your eyes, Ash... I'm not doing it because I don't want anyone else." I say with so much passion in hopes she understands.

"You don't think you would be better off with another werewolf? I mean, she would be stronger than I am, more accustomed to your cultures and ways of doing things.. and I'm sure no one would object to another werewolf as a leader, but don't you think they would object to a human? I'm not saying I don't want to be with you Dom, because believe me, I really, really do.. but I'm just trying to be realistic about what's best for you and your pack."

I like that she wants to be with me, but she sometimes thinks too much about everything. I know she is just putting everyone else first, but I want her to put herself first for once.

"See right there! That sacrifice and reasoning is what makes you an astonishing person and would be an amazing Luna for my pack... You're already putting myself and the pack first before yourself and your happiness... Most she-wolves I know just care about themselves and the title that goes with being Luna... Most she-wolves don't think as you do, and they don't appreciate things like you do. You're way more genuine than any of them could be and I'm not picking a random girl just because she is a she-wolf. You're who I want."

I say this with so much enthusiasm because she is just what I want and need.

"But I don't know the first things about a Luna, let alone how to be one for a pack... I mean I just found out your kind even existed just a little bit ago, so how am I supposed to lead? How would anyone want to follow? I'm just going to lead you to failure. Well, and I'm assuming I'm going to need a job to help out around the pack, so I don't know if I will have the time to work and be a proper Luna at the same time. What are we going to do with Aurora if I'm busy all the time? Do you think they will even like her? Ugh... I don't know what to do or how to do it. I just feel like a mess with a million thoughts going through my head... How could you even want me? " She says this all so quickly as I see the wheels turning too fast, as her mind has now started to overwhelm herself with all these thoughts. I do the only thing I can think of to get her to stop and calm her mind down.

I put my hand gently on her cheek, getting her attention as I leaned in kissing her soft lips gently. I can feel her calm under my touch, thankfully giving into my affections.

Now you need to tell her we need her and no one else. She needs to believe it because I swear to goddess Dom if she doesn't come with us I'm never speaking to you again... I don't want anyone else.

Miles says to me with so much warning in his voice, but I wasn't planning on letting her stay here.

I break our kiss as I lean my forehead to hers before I respond. "Baby, I told you I will answer any questions you have about anything to help you understand. My mom will be more than willing to help you out with any Luna responsibilities you may have. She hasn't stopped harassing my dad because she wants to meet you and Aurora so badly. Oh, and Aurora will be fine. She is the most likable human being ever besides yourself and we have schools, sports, and different recreational activities that she can do with other kids her age. I have been running the family business for a while, plus all these extra assignments, so I'm wealthy and I want to help ease your mind, so I would love it if you wouldn't work and were just the Luna of the pack. You don't have to worry about any financial hard times anymore. Lastly, I'm here for you. I would never set you up to fail, so that means I know you can be the best Luna alive and I will be with you every single step of the way. I know I have been groomed to be the future Alpha all my life and you haven't had that, but I still haven't been the Alpha yet, so we will be experiencing that big step together. Just please be with me, Ash. I just want to have the woman I love by my side for the rest of my life, is that too much to ask?"

Ashleigh's POV

I can't believe he wants me to still be the Luna, even though he could have a second chance at a stronger, probably better she-wolf Luna. I don't understand why or how he could still possibly want me. I'm trying to process everything he has said, answering my whole inquiry as much as he can, until I process what he just said... I look up at him quickly understanding what he just said.

"Wait.. you... love me?" I ask him with so much shock plastered on my face. If it was physically possible my mouth would have dropped to the floor.

Dominic scoffs at my question as he scoots a little closer to me, leaning down, "Oh I have loved you since the moment I laid eyes on you. Even Miles knew it that soon, but he was the only one brave enough to admit it then. I want you and only you." he whispers into my ear sending chills all over my body making my heart race as my breath hitches at him being so close.

"Come on Ash please be with me, I can give you both everything you want, and need... All I need from you is to come with me, so I know you're happy and safe." He says to me softly, still in my ear. I'm trying to not get turned on and distracted I need to make sure this is what he wants and what's best for him and his pack. Not letting our bodies get the best of us, by making our decisions for us.

"Are you sure you don't want a chance at something better? I will understand in our particular situation if you feel the need to..." he crashes his lips to mine with so much possessiveness and hunger that I don't think I ever want this remarkable kiss to end.

He breaks the kiss to my dismay as he looks down at me and says, "I don't want anyone but you and Aurora, I swear Ash. Please be with me."

So much for not letting my body take over... Before I even know what I'm doing I press my lips to his, as my hands wrap around the back of his head, gliding through his hair, making our kiss even deeper than before. I hear a deep rumbling purr in his chest and it sounds so good. I love the animal that he is, somehow it's a complete and utter turn-on for me. I break the kiss before the sparks take over and I can't control myself any longer.

"Please tell me that sensational kiss means yes. I can't do any of this without you Ash." Dominic says this to me with almost desperation in his voice, which makes my heart clench with so many emotions attached to that one comment.

"Yes, I will go with you... I just really hope you and your pack, don't regret it at all.. but just knowing you're going to be there with me, makes me feel so much better already." I say a little shyly as he smiles down at me, so I continue, "it's just like what Mrs.Willows said before.." I say as my eyes go wide and I look at Dominic.

"What's wrong Ash?" Dominic asks with so much concern on his face. "Earlier when we were walking, Mrs.Willows walked up behind me saying nice day for a walk and I agreed, telling her we are walking all around town today because of the great weather... She told me to be careful out there because you never know what could be out there.. but then she said almost sarcastically, that it doesn't matter because you're with me... I think she knew we were going to get attacked... You said the rogues were trespassing, but they didn't act like they were trespassing or maybe like they didn't care if they were, but what if they were let in?" I ask looking at Dominic.

"See this is exactly why I need you with me, for your protection and your insight. Could I please use your phone? Mine got lost in the madness earlier." He asks me as I hand him my phone without hesitation.

He dials a number and stands up, walking, almost pacing around the room. He still only has the towel that's barely hanging onto his hips showing his washboard abs and deep V, and then the towel covers the one part I'm aching to see. I watch him walk around the room as he turns and smirks at me, then winks.. I think, of course, he can tell I'm liking everything I see, but not trying to distract from the task at hand, so I bite my lip and just enjoy the view.

"Hey, it's Dom... Man, we have a problem... Tonight, the ladies and I were walking back to Ash's apartment when we were attacked by a group of rogues. When I told them they were trespassing they laughed and acted as if they weren't... I let off my Alpha Ora to try to ward them off, but it didn't work and he figured out real quickly who I was. I asked them to let the girls go, but he laughed and said he has both of his jobs in the same spot, so he wasn't going to let them go. I think someone is targeting them because of me, I'm assuming." He says as he listens to whatever his friend is saying until he responds.

"They are ok, thank you and yes, I was forced to shift in front of them, earlier than I had planned, but luckily they are not scared... I know, I know, Miles said the same thing to me earlier. But on other matters, Ashleigh just told me that when the Luna had talked to her earlier today, she told her to be careful while walking because you never know what's out there... But she said something along the lines of, it doesn't matter though, because you have Dominic. Ash said that Luna had said it a little sarcastically. But I think she is part of this attack. Maybe the one behind it by letting the rogues onto pack territory. We need to increase the numbers of guards around the territory and we will probably have to put a guard with Ashleigh and maybe her friend Stefanie because she is Ashleigh's only friend, so an easy target as well." I love listening to him talk about business. It's somehow sexy. So I just keep observing the hunky view.

Dominic hums in response as he listens to his friend, then shakes his head and responds, "No I don't want her that far from me right now, because I don't know if I can trust her to be taken care of, since she is not officially part of the pack yet and I can't make her part of the pack until I get back and I don't know if Stefanie would even go." He listens more and says, "Ok if anything, I just might send you, Wes, or both with the girls, until I can take care of all this for myself, you're the only people here I completely trust." he hums more as he says, "I'm staying here tonight. There is no way in hell I'm leaving them alone after tonight, especially finding out if they are a target."

It's so sweet how much he cares for us and wants to make sure we are safe. I love his protective side. It makes me feel so loved.

"Ok man, I'll see you tomorrow... I'm going to run back out to those woods quickly and see if I can find my phone and items just in case. I'm giving Ashleigh her phone back, so if you get a call back from her, then pick up. That means I didn't come back." he hums again as he says, "Yes, you too. I'll call you tomorrow. Night."

He turns around handing my phone back to me, as I shake my head saying, "I don't like the idea of having a guard around all the time and I know Stef won't like it either."

"I know, but Nate's suggestion was to send you, Aurora, and Stefanie to my pack now, but that's not safe as of right now. So having a guard with you when I can't be around is my only option baby." He says back to me as I look up at him with confusion. "I thought you said your pack was safe?" I ask a little worried now.

"No don't get me wrong, my pack is very safe, it's just a huge pack for one thing, so we can't watch everyone all the time. But with me not being there with you or you being able to officially join the pack, plus not being mated or marked... it's just unsafe for you right now, because it's just here-say at that point, that you're my mate. Besides, you would be hours away from me and that thought in itself makes me feel uneasy." He says to me, trying to explain himself so it doesn't sound bad. "Why does it matter if I have mated or been marked? Could anyone even tell?" I ask with confusion on my face, still trying to understand.

He gets a little smirk on his face thinking about this question before turning to me. He steps closer, but I don't mind at all, so I let him get as close as he wants. I think he can tell that I don't mind, so I keep my eyes locked on his. I feel his hand trailing from my neck to my collarbone and back up as he says.

"Well, when we get to mate and I mark you while we are mating, the mark will hold some of my scent forever with yours showing any single or what we call unmated males, that you're taken by me. It's honestly my claim to you, because you're my mate. In the werewolf world, that's just as good as putting a ring on your finger."

I have a shocked look on my face, I'm assuming because I can see the panic in his eyes as he says, "But I understand that's a big thing to ask. That's why I'm just happy you agreed to come with me and everything else will come when you're ready and only when you're ready for that. I promise."

I smile and shake my head at him as I responack instantly, "Thank you for being so respectful about the whole mating thing... but that's not the reason for the look on my face... I feel stupid now.. but I was just shocked again, that you would not only choose to have me with you forever. But also choosing me to be the Luna of your pack and now you're telling me that you would mark me, showing everyone around us that I'm yours? I have never had anyone choose me first and foremost.. ever.. let alone make sure everyone knows it. It's just.. um.. refreshing. It's as if you're proud to have me and it's a nice feeling."

His hand goes to my face as he leans in saying. "I'm so proud that I get to call you mine and I can't wait to be able to show the world you're mine forever. That will probably be the best moment of my life, at least because I have been waiting my whole life to find my mate and mark her on the best night of our lives as we become one: heart, body, mind, and soul."

Wow, that does sound intense and amazing at the same time. I can feel myself getting turned on by that thought and I just can't help it. But I'm a little self-conscious about all this honestly. "That does sound amazing... But I don't know if I will be any good at all.. you know what happened the one and only time I had sex.. so sorry in advance if I'm awful."

"Oh baby, just being with you as one will be amazing and you won't have to worry about anything at all.. It's just the moment I want because I know it will be perfect just because it will be with you." I smile so big as he kisses me again.

He separates from me as he says. "I'm going back to the woodsy area that we were just at, to see if I can recover any of my things... If I'm not back within 30 minutes, then call that last number back. His name is Nate and he is my best friend. You can trust him for sure, I have trusted him and Wes with my life, multiple times... But I'll be right back my love, stay here and lock the door behind me. I'll knock when I get back." I nod at him as he undoes his towel, letting it drop to the floor. He is smirking at me as I get a good look at him and he is very well-endowed, which is very nice to know.

He instantly shifts into Miles as I open the door for him and he runs out so quickly. This is probably good, because after seeing that, I'm completely turned on and need a minute, or probably longer, to calm myself down.