Howling Hearts

"Scarlet, are you OK?" The words ripped me from my thoughts. Ones which were probably over reacting.

I looked around the room to try and decipher who it was that asked me.

From the look on both Ash and his father's faces, I knew it wasn't them that had asked me.

I turned my head to Ashes mom. And saw her face filled with worry.

"I'm fine Miss Stormclaw. I just need some fresh air. Do you mind?" I asked, pointing in the direction of the balcony.

"Sure". I didn't hesitate after those words and made my way to the balcony.

"But please call me Jade". I heard her say behind me but I didn't turn around. I just made my way to the balcony while giving her When I got to the balcony, I just let out a long breath and hung over the balcony trying to get my senses back.

I barely heard a word after Alpha Caleb mentioned the marking ceremony.

Suddenly, I felt someone rub my back and felt the sparks going down my spine. It was Ash.

"What's wrong Red?" He looked at me with true concern swimming in those icy blue eyes.

I was worried that if I had told him what was bothering me he would think I was weak. "It's nothing"

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"Red, if this is going to work you have to be honest with me. I can tell you're lying because you're bad at it"

I was kind of taken aback by his words but knew I couldn't hide this from him.

"It's all so much today. First it was you and Saige, then it was you being an arrogant a's trying to apologize in a terrible way and now ... now I have to be marked by you in front of the entire pack including my sister. And...and...and" tears started to pool in my eyes and I was frustrated at this situation and the fact that I was losing control over my tears and that I couldn't even tell my mate everything without stuttering.

Yet again, embarrassing myself. He pulled me into a tight hug and whispered into my ear.

"Red, pull yourself together. Like the future Luna. You can't let anyone see you like that. Plus, it breaks my heart" He was terrible at reassuring me and making me feel better, but his touch was all I needed to calm down. 1

I pushed him away slightly so I could look up at him.

"Do you think I am fit to be Luna?" He went quiet as if he was thinking of the best truthful answer without hurting my feelings. 1

"Not right now... But I do believe you will be there soon". He said, making me push him off.

"What?" I asked in a furious tone. I knew he was right but it still stung.

"Well you won't be until I mark you?" he said in a joking manner, then I realized he thought this all to be a joke.

He wasn't capable of taking anything seriously. Why was he my mate?

"You can go in so long. I'll join you in a few minutes." He still stood still.

"Are you sure Red?" I nodded my head in reply.

I just needed to be alone for a bit. He made his way inside slowly and after a few minutes I regained myself again.

Now I'm ready. When I walked in, we continued talking about the mating ceremony and that everyone would know by tomorrow night. That would include Saige.

I don't know if I'll ever be ready for her temper tantrum.

After speaking about the plans for a while, we shifted the conversation to the mating ball. That's right.

"The mating ball that takes place yearly is our pack's responsibility this year. It is taking place this Saturday, as we all know. This year, however, you will be standing hand in hand. And this will be your first big event as an exclusive couple." 1

Alpha Caleb said whilst looking at Asher and putting emphasis on the word exclusive. I couldn't help but giggle while Asher was sinking into the couch to try and hide away from the judging eyes his father was giving him.

"Anyway, you two will be the center of attention and I need the two of you to be on your best behavior. The ball is in two days. I want you two to sort out whatever this is and be a genuine couple by Saturday." 1

Alpha Caleb continued .A genuine couple with Ash, that seems too good to be true.

"Now might also be the best time to tell you from now on you will be living with Ash" Jade said in a slow manner as to make sure I got all the information in my shocked state. And it worked.

I looked at Ash and he was just sitting on the couch leaning back. It was as if this was not a big deal.

"I don't think that's a good idea. I'll just stay at my parents for now." I said, trying to make them realize I was uncomfortable with this idea.

"Scarlett, I understand everything is moving fast but you have to know of Asher's ... reputation." She said whilst glaring at him once again. "If my son could've been so kind and keep his hands to himself and not lead so many she wolves on it would've been a different story. But for your own safety, it would be best to stay with him. Especially taking into consideration, one of them was your Sister. You know how she-wolves can be."

She was right. Ash had a reputation. Now I'm just scared I might contract an STD by being too close to him.

I just nodded my head and everyone relaxed after talking for a while and getting to know one another better, we ended up leaving and going to Asher's place.

We said goodbye to Ash's parents and left. They were very nice to me but they kind of seemed to be a bit harsh on Ash. Then again he had started this whole thing.

Alpha Caleb:

The elevator doors closed and a smile crept up onto my face. "I guess you jinxed it" I said to my mate and saw her head turn to me in confusion. "What do you mean?" She asked curiously.

"The night I took her to Rylan you said maybe she's Ashes mate" I reminded her.

Her face was in a thinking expression for a while before she realized what I meant. She then giggled for a while

""Maybe I can see the future".

She made me chuckle at her response "You can't even see when you cross a line" Her giggles came to a holt. "Maybe I just don't want to see those lines and like getting on your nerves" I giggled at her response.

I liked her getting on my nerves too. "She looks good, I must be honest. I think she will be a great Luna someday. I just pity her still. Being left like that at the gates is sad. She doesn't even know."

My thoughts went back to the day I found her at the gate. I pitied her too, but we can't let her find that out now. That choice should be between her and her parents.