Finding Her True Alpha

Memories

Ashlyn

Walking into my room felt like stepping into a fairy tale. Everything was white except for the floors and furniture, which were dark gray, almost black. The room had a man’s touch but was simple and warm.

I didn’t see my things, so someone must still have brought the two suitcases I had. I only had a lot since my aunt kept shopping. I would never have this much usually. With my purse and duffle bag, I packed light to run away and find a new path.

I put my purse on the bed and walked over to the first door next to the bed. I found it was the closet, and someone had already put away my things. Everything had a place. I was thankful I didn’t have to unpack, but dreading having to pack again once I left.

I closed the door and opened the next one, which was a little further from the closet door. I walked past a dresser, and a TV hung on the wall above it. The door opened into a grand bathroom. It had a soaker tub, a shower with glass doors, and a rain shower head. Everything was in white and gray marble. It was beautiful. I found they had already put all my toiletries in their places.

There was a long curtain beside my bed, which I opened to find a sliding door to a balcony. The view was beautiful, and the sun was setting behind the mountain range. This place was more perfect than I could have imagined.

“Even Prince Mason,” Tundra purred.

“Yes, Mason is a very handsome man,” I exhaled. “ Tundra, why do I feel weird when I’m around him? I felt tingles when our skin touched, but that can’t be right. Ian hasn’t accepted, and why would the goddess bless me with a second chance, mate? A prince no less.” I flopped down on the edge of the bed. “I don’t think I’m ready for anything with anyone. Ian broke me.”

She whimpered, “I don’t know, Ashlyn. I need him, but I’m not sure why, either. He is important to us in some way, but I’m just not sure how yet.”

Just then, there was a knock at my door.

“Come in.”

Mason opened the door, not stepping into my room.

“How is everything?” He crossed his arms and leaned against the frame.

“Everything is perfect, thank you.” I smiled. “But….” I rolled my bottom lip with my teeth.

“But what?” He furrowed his eyebrows.

“I think this is all too much. If you are so determined that I stay, I need to repay you and your father.”

“Come, let’s talk in the living room.” He motioned me forward. I stood up from my spot on the bed and walked towards him. Everything about him was perfect, I thought as I studied him. I fought the urge to shiver when he placed his hand on my lower back and led me out to the common area.

“Have a seat. Would you like something to drink?” He asked, walking into the kitchen.

“A water, please,” I answered, sitting on one couch. I thanked him when he returned and handed me the water bottle.” Where are Brandon and Liam?” He sat on the other couch, and our knees touched. I fought the urge to reach out my hand to touch his thigh and focused on my water instead.

“They went to get dinner.”

“Oh, that was nice. I could have done that.” I told him.

“It’s okay, Ashlyn. I wanted to speak with you.” I put my bottle on the side table and studied him.

“Of course, Mason. What’s up?”

He exhaled, “I remember you from the BBQ.”

“You do?”

“Yeah, you were wearing a sparkly pink bathing suit.” He chuckled.

“One sec,” I told him, holding up my index finger. I went to find the shoebox that had all the stuff my aunt gave me, finding it on a shelf in the closet. I pulled out the photo and walked back to the living room. I handed it to Mason before retaking my seat. He studied the photo before laughing.

“Man, I was tiny.”

“What? Let me see.” I expected him to give me the photo, but he moved to sit beside me and held up the picture for both of us to see.

“Oh my goodness, you were adorable. Little heartbreaker.” I giggled. “But look at my cheeks. I looked like a chipmunk,” I exclaimed, causing him to laugh. I blew out my cheeks, and he laughed harder, causing me to laugh.

“You were adorable, even if you could have shoved a couple hundred marshmallows in your mouth.” I punched him in the bicep.

“Ow!” He rubbed over the spot.

“That was not very nice, you jerk!” I crossed my arms across my chest. I slumped on the couch and pouted. He leaned back with me, and we sat shoulder to shoulder.

He nudged my shoulder with his, “You puff out your cheeks when you pout.” I pressed my lips in a line and looked over at him. Staring into his gold eyes, I watched the different shades swirl together. I glanced at his lips, wanting to feel them against mine. My heart pounded in my chest as everything faded away around us.

The elevator ding interrupted the moment, causing Mason to sit up. He rested his elbows on his knees, clearing his throat. The elevator doors opened, and Liam and Brandon walked out with a few take-away bags.

“Hungry?” Brandon asked.

“Starving.” I breathed out.

“Movie night.” Liam sang as he followed Brandon into the kitchen.

“We got teriyaki shrimp and chicken with rice and veggies,” Brandon called from the kitchen.

“Sounds amazing,” I said, still looking at Mason, and he was looking at me over his shoulder. His scent of evergreens and rain was calming, and I wanted to live in his scent.

Liam entered the room and placed some soda cans on the coffee table. I took the opportunity to get changed. I excused myself and went to my room. I found some lounge shorts and a long-sleeve swoop-neck tee. When I was done, I returned to the living room. The guys already had plates in their hands, and they placed mine on the coffee table. It smelt amazing.

I sat beside Mason again. I crossed my legs and got comfy. When I was ready, Mason passed me my plate, and I thanked him. He was sitting close enough to where my knee rested against his thigh. Brandon and Liam sat on the other couch. But they gave each other more room than Mason gave me, even though I wasn’t complaining. Liam put his plate down to grab the remote on the coffee table.

“Movie?”

“Sure, nothing scary,” I answered.

“Baby.” Liam teased.

“Fine, but you are not coming into my bed when the ‘ghosts’ come to get you, I scuffed, rolling my eyes. Brandon and Mason snickered, and Liam gasped.

“You would let the ghosts get me. I thought we were friends.”

“Awe.” I pushed my lips out. “But you’re still not sleeping in my bed. I’m sure Mason or Brandon would love to be your little spoon.” I smirked.

“What?!” they both yelled.

“Why are we the little spoon?” Brandon demanded.

Mason raised an eyebrow at me.

“I have a feeling you both like to snuggle,” I shrugged.

“And what gives you that idea?” Mason asked.

I shrugged again, “Just a feeling. Now, are we going to watch something?”

Liam chuckled, “I have a feeling you don’t hear the word no very often, do you beautiful?”

“Wouldn’t you like to know?”

Liam put on some Haunted house serial killer movie, which was more interesting than scary. When we were all done eating, Liam and Brandon cleaned up.

I didn’t realize I had fallen asleep, curled up with my head resting on the armrest. Something shifted me awake, and big muscular arms picked me up. I could smell evergreens and rain and knew it was Mason. Without thinking, I snuggled into his chest. His hands held my bare skin, sending tingles through me. But I was so tired, I couldn’t open my eyes. I remember being placed on something soft and then in a blissful sleep.