The Scorned Luna Lives Again!

Chapter Seventeen

Ryker led Ashlyn on a brief tour of his pack house. It was exponentially bigger than her own and more lively as young and old wolves roamed the halls, even young adults seemed to be mingled in the mix. It was different from her own pack house that only consisted of the warriors, her family and the omega servants. Jacob said it was a better system for the pack, to keep the heart of the pack strong and protected in case of an attack. Marcus had a similar philosophy so she thought that's how all packs were but seeing Ryker's way she questioned everything she had been taught.

After the tour of the pack house Ryker took her on a drive of the territory, the difference in size and organization was astronomical. In her pack everyone fends for themselves, often visiting neutral cities for commerce and entertainment but in Ryker's pack it was its own bustling city, filled with everything one would need or want. Her eyes were wide with astonishment, she'd never seen a single pack territory be so large and independent. There were cities that consisted of multiple packs, governed by a collective of alphas, or smaller territories like her own that did trade and traveled between packs using a toll system. Ryker's pack was entirely self sufficient and didn't seem to lack a thing, it was no wonder women constantly begged to be his Luna.

He pulled up to a nice boutique, the windows were large and showcased various outfits for any occasion and the sign was made of yellow neon: Willow's Weavers.

"A boutique?" Ashlyn asked curiously.

He smiled warmly, "A special boutique." He took her hand gently but firmly in his "Come." He led her inside and everyone bowed in respect as they greeted him.

Amongst the workers was a vibrantly dressed older woman with a short platinum bob, big expressive purple eyes and a warm inviting smile. She hugged Ryker, lifting him as she spun him around despite being a foot shorter than him.

"Ryker you naughty boy! You haven't visited auntie in ages!" She playfully scolded him.

He tossed his hands up in feigned submission. "My apologies auntie, I've been... Occupied."

She looked at him with a sad smile. "I understand."

It was common knowledge Ryker became busy running the pack since his father's death and with no Luna he had shouldered the burden alone.

After a brief catch up between the two Ryker pulled Ashlyn to his side.

"Auntie, this is Ashlyn. She's special to me and I need you to make her something spectacular." He said with a warm smile that made Ashlyn's cheeks turn pink.

The woman looked at the pair and began to giggle, her eyes full of various theories about their relationship already forming in her mind. She quickly took Ashlyn by the arm and took her into her office where she began to measure every inch of Ashlyn while trying to pry details about their relationship.

Ashlyn felt bad to disappoint the woman but there wasn't anything to spill, nothing she noticed. She shared only vague details, not wanting to discuss anything too personal. Soon the woman became less invasive, asking smaller questions about Ashlyn who shared simple details.

After she finished measuring, the old woman invited Ashlyn to have some tea, wanting to know more about her. They shared conversations from idle gossip to political debates. The elderly woman was impressed with Ashlyn's versatility and adaptability in conversation.

"You know my dear, you'd make an excellent Luna." The woman said with a soft smile.

Ashlyn nearly spit her tea out at the comment, her heart pounding at the thought. She tried to compose herself with A smile.

"N.. No. That life isn't for me." She said with a sad smile. She had lost her life giving herself to her mate. She didn't want to give her life for anyone ever again.

The elderly woman noticed the distant look in Ashlyn's eyes and made a small hum of understanding. After they finished their tea Ashlyn returned to Ryker who was talking to a lovely young woman.

Seeing the sight made her chest tighten but she couldn't understand why. He wasn't hers but seeing him with another woman filled her with a subtle annoyance. She quickly masked her unease when the elderly woman followed behind her. The woman chuckled.

"My little Ryker has always attracted attention, unfortunately he'd remained loyal to his mate... Even when he discovered she had passed he's been holding out for his second chance... He'd never betray her when he finds her, never ever." She stated firmly as she gripped Ashlyn's hand, hoping she could understand the meaning of her words.

Ashlyn blushed a bit as she looked at Ryker. Every detail about him made her heart flutter. The way his eyes shimmered like liquid silver. The dimple on his face when he smiled. Every fluid movement exuded confidence and control. She didn't realize she was starting to drool until the older woman gave her a handkerchief.

"T.. Thank you ma'am." She muttered shyly, dabbing away her shame.

"Call me Auntie Willow." She said warmly before leading Ashlyn back to Ryker who seemed to light up seeing Ashlyn.

"Everything ok?" He gave a curious look to Willow who simply smiled in response.

"Yeah... Everything is fine, why?" Ashlyn said softly, eyeing the female carefully.

"Just...You were gone for some time." He said softly. He looked at Willow who simply shrugged.

"Just a bit of girl talk darling, nothing serious." She looked at the woman beside Ryker. "Maribella, did you bring the gifts I requested?"

The woman nodded and motioned to various boxes of expensive fabrics, precious metals and gemstones. Ashlyn's we're wide. Various ideas filled her head as she gently traced her delicate fingers over the boxes.

"What's all this?" She asked Ryker who was smiling proudly. He stepped closer. Finding an unpolished ruby and handing it to her. "This is my investment in you. Willow wants some jewelry to match her clothes. Who better than you?"

Ashlyn looked up at him tearfully as she took the ruby from him. At first glance it was a dull, dusty rock but she knew its potential and the symbol of faith he had given to her. She smiled widely at him, her voice soft and warm.

"I'll make you proud Alpha Ryker"

He chuckled a bit and brushed some hair behind her ear delicately. "Call me Ryker."

She blushed and looked at her new inventory. With this she would not only gain her independence but she could easily make a name for herself. Severing the ties that still binded her to her painful past. Her only obstacle now was where to store so many precious items.

Previously she stored things around her room but with Lily stealing her necklace Ashlyn refused to be so naive again. When they got back into the car Ashlyn was silent deep in thought. Ryker gave her a moment before reaching his hand over and resting it in hers, snapping her out of her trance.

"Are you alright?" He asked, concern evident in his tone. He gripped her hand gently to comfort her.

She smiled at the gesture, "I'm fine. Thank you... Just... Thinking about what to do with the materials. I can't bring them home especially after what happened with Lily."

His grip tightened as his eyes narrowed. "How pathetic. A normal pack would celebrate your talents, encourage you to grow... Not steal from you."

Ashlyn sighed softly. "I haven't been a part of the pack for a while." She said all too calmly.

He continued to drive, her words lingering on his mind. The silence in the car felt heavier with every passing moment until Ashlyn fell asleep, her breathing softly and subtle. He smiled as he looked at her peaceful face, his hand gripping her thigh gently as he thought of all the hardships she's had to face alone.

He kissed her slumbering hand tenderly, his eyes focused on the road. "Don't worry, you'll be taken care of with me." He purred softly, his voice holding a possessive edge as he gripped the steering wheel, driving back to the pack house.