Chapter 23
Dawson
It’s Friday afternoon and every one is done for the day. I know Ashlynn and her Mom went into town, so I think this is a good time for me to speak with the Alpha. I make my way to the main house and his mate Jenna lets me in. “He’s in his office Dawson, go on in.” I thank her and make my way down the hall to the Alpha’s office, my palms sweating. I don’t think I have ever been so nervous in my life.
When I knock on the door, the Alpha calls me in and directs me to sit. “What can I do for you Dawson, He asks, looking up from his paperwork.
I fidget a little bit and then decide, to heck with it. Rip off the bandaid. I look him in the eye, “Alpha, sir, I’d like to take your niece out to dinner. Tomorrow night. I don’t want to do anything that you would find out of line, so I am asking if you would be ok with that?”
Alpha Gabe drops his pen on the desk and leans back in his chair, his fingers making a steeple in front of him as he assesses me. “Hmmm, he doesn’t seem like he’s mad, but I am still sweating bullets and I am sure he can sense my nerves.
The Alpha lets out a sigh. “I knew it was just a matter of time. I have to say though, I’m glad it’s you Dawson. You can take my niece out, as long as she wants to go out with you. Technically, I have no say. I’m not her father and she’s almost 25 years old.”
I’m sure I look like an idiot as my eyes open wide, shocked at his response. “Sir, thank you.”
“But,” he begins. “You hurt her and you’re not going to like the consequences.” He’s all business now.
I gulp, then stand and extend my hand to him. “You have my word Alpha. She’s probably more likely to break my heart anyway. She’s an amazing woman and I sure don’t deserve her. I can assure you, I will be respectful.”
The Alpha shakes my hand, then looks down at the paperwork he had been going over. “Alright then, I’ve got work to do.” I assume that’s his dismissal of me. As I make my way out of his office and out the front door, I can’t help but have a spring in my step. I more than excited that the Alpha didn’t want to kill me. Now I can date Ashlynn without any fear of reprisal from the Alpha. I can’t wait to tell her.
I’m pacing in my apartment, waiting for Ashlynn to get back from town. I don’t think I’ve ever had so much amped up energy since my wolf was young. I’m not sure if I should go for a run or take á cold shower. My heart is racing with anticipation and my wolf is pacing in my head, just like I’m pacing in my living room. I tell myself that maybe I should hop in my truck and head to town to find her. I shake that off, thinking how that will make me look like a stalker. Time seems to be passing super slow.
In a sigh of exasperation, I decide to go tend to the horses. I told the ranch hands they could have the rest of the day off. I throw on my boots and a flannel over my black t–shirt and make my way out to where the horses are turned out. I toss some hay bales over each fence and come back to check all the troughs, dragging the garden hose back and forth around the yard. I’m finishing up filling the troughs, when I catch the scent of something. Or someone. The scent is familiar to me but I’m not sure why. I glance around the pastures and look behind me towards the stables. Nothing. I just shake my head wondering if I imagined it.
1/2
Mating Moon
