Chapter 4 Scent Of Destiny

• Ashton Rivers -
• "These parties are dumb," I said as I tied my tie. "What is the point in getting so dressed up when we're all going to take off our clothes?"
• "Are you referring to the time of our shift or to the woman you intend to bang?"
• Chris sat on my bed, flipping through a book.
• "Both." I shrugged. "I didn't want to come here at all. Alpha Jacob is a bastard, and everyone knows it."
• "Yeah, going to the other packs sucks, but we don't have a choice. Council's order. Besides, you are the only alpha without a mate."
• Chris is my beta as well as my best friend.
• "I know, I know," I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "But that doesn't mean I have to like it."
• "You can always have a chosen mate; there are many alpha 'princesses' vying for your attention." He winked at me.
• I rolled my eyes at Chris's attempt to lighten the mood. "Yeah, I'm sure they're just dying to suck my dick," I said sarcastically.
• With a final look at the mirror, I turned to leave the room.
• "Have fun at the little party. Who knows, maybe you will meet your mate, and then at the next one of these, you can hang back with Meloni and me."
• I snorted.
• Chris was older than me by a few years, and he did plenty of screwing around before he found Meloni.
• "How do I look?" I asked.
• "Like a ken doll," he replied. "Go find a Barbie."
• I laughed as I walked down to the party.
• "Thank you for joining us, Alpha Ashton," Alpha Jacob said to me. "It's an honour to have you with us."
• I smiled and nodded in response, feeling bored already. I sniffed the air around me. Various scents assulted my senses, some both pleasant and unpleasant, but nothing stoked my interest. My wolf remained indifferent.
• Jacob was introducing me to his daughter.
• She was a beautiful young woman with a warm smile and all the curves at the right places, which were displayed amply in her tight, short dress. but I couldn't shake the feeling of disinterest. As we exchanged pleasantries, I couldn't help but wonder if this would be another failed attempt at finding a mate.
• "Alpha Ashton, I am Gemma. I hope we can get to know each other better," she said with a twinkle in her eye. She was good enough to bang, though. If not a mate, at least I could get a good night out.
• "Miss Gemma, would you like to join me for a dance?" I asked, hoping to make the most of the evening. Her smile widened as she accepted my invitation.
• The party buzzed with energy as werewolves mingled under the moonlit sky, their laughter mingling with the occasional cry of delight as mates found each other and disappeared into the night.
• With a mischievous glint in her eye, Gemma sidled up to me, her smile teasing. "Don't you think it's a bit hot in here?"
• I chuckled, returning her smile. "Of course," I replied, matching her playful tone. "But I have to admit, the sight of mates disappearing into the forest is making me feel a bit... left out."
• "Don't worry," she reassured me, her hand resting lightly on my arm. "Your time will come. But for now, how about I show you something interesting?"
• "Oh? And what might that be?" I asked, playing along with her game.
• Gemma's smile widened, her eyes dancing with mischief. "Our greenhouse," she suggested, her voice laced with an unmistakable invitation. "It's quite unique."
• I couldn't help but grin at her transparent attempt to whisk me away from the party. "Ah, the greenhouse," I echoed, feigning innocence. "How could I resist such an offer?"
• With a playful wink, Gemma took my hand and led me away from the throng of partygoers.
• I followed Gemma through a labyrinth of manicured shrubs and meticulously trimmed gardens, the moon casting eerie shadows across the landscape. Finally, we reached a colossal glass structure towering—a greenhouse. The night air was heavy with the intoxicating scent of flowers, but amidst the floral symphony, another aroma caught my attention.
• It was subtle yet unmistakable—a tantalising blend of roses and vanilla that set my wolf on edge, stirring an inexplicable restlessness within me. Ignoring Gemma's chatter, I scanned the surroundings, and my senses honed in on the elusive scent.
• "Hey, where are you going?" Gemma's voice broke through my reverie, her tone tinged with confusion as she hurried to catch up with me. "That's a storeroom; the greenhouse is over there."
• I barely registered her words as I continued forward, the scent growing stronger with each step. It was as if the world had shrunk, and my entire being was consumed by the desire to find the source of that intoxicating fragrance.Gemma's protests faded into the background as I pushed open the door to the storeroom, my heart pounding with anticipation.
• It had become stronger, but there were other scents along with it—a pugent scent of fear and lust. As I stepped inside, my eyes scanned through the rows of boxes and shelves, searching for the origin of the mysterious scents.
• "NO!!! Let me go !" A scream pierced the quietness of the storeroom.
• "Thats her ! Our mate !" My wolf growled in excitement, confirming what my instincts had already told me. With a renewed sense of purpose, I followed the sound of the desperate voice.
• My eyes could see easily in the dark, so I followed the sound of struggles, and then suddenly someone bumped into me. I reached out to grab them, only to find a young woman with fear-stricken eyes staring back at me.
• "Please, you have to help me," she pleaded, her voice trembling. My wolf growled in response, ready to protect our mate at all costs. Her clothes were torn, revealing creamy skin.
• But I was transfixed, staring dumbfoundedly into those green depths. A flicker of recognition crossed her face as she realised our connection.
• " I am here to help you," I assured her, feeling a surge of protectiveness towards her.
• "Hey ! Stop running away, bitch !" A man emerged from the shadows, his voice filled with anger. I stepped in front of her, shielding her from harm.
• "Who are you ? Get the hell out of here !" He said this while stepping towards us.
• I recognised him now; he was Rory Lane. Alpha's Jacob's son. I was aware of his reputation. He was as depiccable as his father.
• "Stay away from her, Rory." I warned.
• He blinked, as if processing the warning, before smirking and taking a step back.
• "Alpha Ashton, don't bother. She's not worth it. I was just having a little fun." He said with a sneer,Would you like to join ?"
• I couldn't hold my anger anymore and lunged towards him, my fists slammed into his face and body repeatedly. I could feel the adrenaline coursing through my veins as I unleashed my fury on him. The satisfaction of seeing him cower under my blows was overwhelming.
• I heard screams and the sounds of running footsteps. In the next few minutes, we were being dragged apart by other pack members, who were trying to calm us down and prevent any further violence.
• "Ashton, calm down. What happened ?" Chris asked, trying to diffuse the situation. I took a deep breath and tried to compose myself before explaining.
• "He was harassing my mate."
• I pointed to the girl standing nearby, tears streaming down her face.
• Chris's eyes widened in shock…."Your mate ?"
• I nodded, my fists still clenched in anger.
• "Yeah, I found her; she is my mate."