The Powerful Mate

Chapter 5

The next morning I decided to go into the town to grab a coffee from the local little coffee shop. I walk along the cobblestone path up to the front door when I bump into a young man. He smells familiar but I can’t seem to remember why. “Oh jeez, sorry!” I say to him. “That’s alright.” He says to me. He puts his hand out to shake mine. “My names Asher, nice to meet you.” “Aria.” I say. “I’m here visiting my grandma.” “Oh, Aria… Uma’s granddaughter?” “Yeah, how’d you know?” “I’m Asher, I live with my mom down the road from your grandma. We used to play all the time when we were little. You used to call me Ash all the time.” He says while smiling. “Ahhhh yess that’s right! I do remember you! Long time no see!” I say to him. I knew he smelt familiar. “Are you in town for long?” He asks me. “No, my grandma isn’t feeling well so we came to spend some time with her then back to the pack.” “Oh man, I’m sorry to hear that. I hope she gets better.” He says to me. Yeah, me too I think. “Thank you. I should probably be on my way, gotta got back to the house.” “Of course, it was nice seeing you Aria.” “You too Ash.” I say back to him with a smile and I make my way into the coffee shop. I wonder if he has found his mate yet, no mate sparks or anything between us but boy, has he gotten handsome. I wouldn’t mind for him as a mate I think to myself. Aspen growls in my head at me over that one. Jeez, okay grouchy. I grab my coffee and walk back to my grandmas house to find her asleep in her recliner. I put the tv on and watch a show while I wait for her to get up. My uncle comes in and makes dinner, it smells amazing. He sets up a plate for my grandma and I bring it in to her. We all have dinner together for the last night, spending this much needed time together, reliving memories and telling jokes, trying to be happy. After dinner we make our way back over to our house and get ready for bed. The next morning we go back over to have breakfast before we head back. Grandma was smiling the whole time and I could tell it was a bittersweet moment for her. As we’re all saying our goodbyes, a switch flips in me and I turn around and tell my family, “I wanna stay here with grandma.” My mom looks at me confused, “Honey, what are you talking about? You have school and so much going on right now. You know grandma is very sick.” “I know” I tell her, “But I need to stay. Please, don’t make me go.” I beg my parents. My dad looks at my mom and nods his head. She then looks at me, “okay honey, as long as you understand what you’re doing.” “I do, I fully understand.” I say to her. “Alright then, we should be on our way then.” She says. She turns to kiss my cheek and say goodbye. My dad walks over and kisses my head. “You’re a strong girl. Call if you need us.” He says as he gives me a big hug. I walk them out and watch them pull away from the house in their car. I have a lot to do now, make up a room for myself and get school switched over.