Second Thoughts After Divorce

Chapter 83

Ashton’s POV

As the first light of dawn filters through the curtains, casting a soft glow over the bedroom, I stir from my restless sleep, my mind already buzzing with the weight of the day ahead.

I had played over the event from yesterday in my mind since the party, plecing together the general attitude and behaviour of many of the males across the pack after seeing how Lydia was treated in her last relationship and bow my own pregnant mate was treated,

It pissed me off, and I planned to do something about it.

Rolling over, I find Rose nestled beside me, her features softened in the gentle light, a peaceful expression gracing her delicate features.

Luckily, the baby was unharmed after Doctor Carter checked it over as soon as we got back… but if it would have been the opposite result then I would have went on a fully blown rampage.

With a sigh, I reach out to brush a strand of hair from her forehead, my touch light and tender as I marvel at the sight of her sleeping form. Despite the events of yesterday, she looks serene, her breaths steady and even as she drifts in the realm of dreams.

But even as I watch her, a sense of unease grows at my gut, a lingering reminder of all of the what its surrounding my pack.

__

Today is not just any ordinary day it’s a day fraught with significance, a day that will shape the course of our pack’s future.

With a determined set to my jaw, 1 rise from the bed, the weight of responsibility heavy on my shoulders as I head off to shower and dress before waking Rose.

There is no time for hesitation today, no room for doubt. The fate of our pack hangs in the balance, and it falls to me to lead us through the trials that lie ahead – ensuring

ng that every female is protected and valued here.

Washing myself off, I brush my teeth and dry myself before changing. As I dress in the predawn light, the events of yesterday replay in my mind- the confrontation in the bathroom, the tension of the altercation, the swell of relief as Rose emerged unscathed, luckily

But even as I push aside the memories, a sense of urgency drives me forward, a relentless determination to ensure the safety and security of those under my care.

“Rose? Wake up…” I encourage her, shaking her shoulder lightly and watching her stir.

Taking Rose’s hand in mine, I watch her pretty eyes flutter open as she scrunches her nose and yawns stretching out across the bed.

“What’s going on, Ashton?” She murmurs, her voice soft with sleep as she clings to my hand and blinks the sleep away.

I offer her a reassuring smile, though my own heart races with anticipation. “I’ve called for a meeting of all the male members of the pack,” I explain, my tone grave. “It’s important, Rose, Very Important.”

Her brow furrows in concern, her eyes searching mine for answers. “But why? What’s happening?” she asks, her voice tinged with uncertainty and panic.

“Let me handle it… but I want you to come with me, so get dressed.” I tell her my plan, standing back up to my full height as she pushes herself up to sitting position.

Rose nods, her expression reflecting a mix of curiosity and apprehension as she begins to gather herself from the bed. I step back, giving her space to prepare while i make my way to the closet to retrieve my shoes.

As Rose washes quickly before dressing, I can sense her tension mounting, her movements slightly hurried as she tries to process the fact that I had called a meeting that I wanted her to be at.

Once were both ready, I offer Rose a reassuring smile, though I know it does little to case her nerves. It’ll be alright, Rose. Trust me, I just need to sort some shit out.” I say, my voice firm and steady despite the turmoil brewing inside me.

With Rose by my side, we make our way downstairs, the air thick with anticipation as we head out to the car. I help her in, climbing in to the drivers side myself before starting the engine and heading to the designated meeting area the pack house that wasn’t far and had a big enough grand hall to hold everyone in.

“Is everything ok? Has something bad happened…” Rose trails out, as we pull in to the parking lot and I find a bay.

1/3

Chapter 83

“I just need to set some basic ground rules for the men in the pack, don’t worry too much about it.” I nod, knowing she would understand soon enough why I had brought her along with me.

Exiting the car, I take her small hand in mine and lead us inside and towards the grand hall. Entering the room, I’m greeted by the sight of the masses of male members in the pack who have gathered in tense silence, their expressions a mix of curiosity and apprehension as their murmurs die the second that we enter.

my side.

I nod around in acknowledgment as I walk through the seated crowd and take my place at the head of the room, an anxious Rose by my

Clearing my throat, I address the assembled group, my voice steady and commanding. “Brothers,” I begin, my gaze sweeping over each of them in turn, Tve called this meeting because there are issues within our pack that quite clearly need to be addressed.”

A whispered agreement ripples through the room, the tension palpable as the males exchange uneasy glances and debate quietly what they think it could entail.

I continue, my words measured and deliberate as I outline the incidents that have occurred and my concerns for the safety and well–being of our pack members.

“Do you all see this female?!” I yell out to the room, with Hunt and Sawyer stood nearby to observe the reactions of the men and to offer their support.

The men stay quiet, which infuriates me, as I feel my temper snap-

*I SAID, DO YOU ALL SEE THIS FEMALE BESIDE ME?” I bellow out, with Rose flinching slightly from beside me at the outburst.

“YES ALPHA!” The choir of males recite back to me, not wanting to upset me further

“This female here is my mate, and your Luna- who is also pregnant with my future child!” I state to the crowd, my tone crisp and irritated.

“YES ALPHA!” The males respond again, in fear of staying quiet another time when I address them.

*Now can any of you tell me why, my pregnant mute right here, was assaulted at the garden party yesterday?!” | shout at them, furious at no one in particular but annoyed at their attitudes in general.

It was unacceptable, and with my statement, gasps and disappointed faces are seen as they eye one another accusingly in wonder of who had

committed such an act.

As I speak, I can sense the shift in the room, the realisation dawning on the males as they come to understand the gravity of the situation. It’s clear that changes need to be made, and I’m determined to see them through, no matter the cost

“I WANT YOU TO ALL TAKE A LONG, HARD LOOK AT MY MATE STOOD HERE BESIDE ME… AND I DON’T WANT TO HEAR THAT ANY SINGLE ONE OF YOU HAVE EVEN LOOKED AT HER IN THE WRONG WAY MOVING FORWARD – DO I MAKE MYSELF CLEAR?!” All fury is let loose as I state my demands, causing every single male in the room to straighten up on my words.

Rose feels uncomfortable and moves to hide behind me slightly, as I step aside and allow for her to be seen. I didn’t mean to expose her like this, but I needed them to know and value her as my mate to avoid any other incidents from occurring.

“YES ALPHA!” The men chime back, with nods amongst them as I nod stiffly in return.

“Good. Now I want to make one thing clear, if any man in this pack puts their hands on another female in the wrong way again, the punishment will be death! The way our men have been acting lately has left me disgusted and ashamed to be the Alpha to this fucking pack! I WANT YOU ALL TO SORT IT OUT!” I continue to scold the group, as every man sits with their heads forward in shume,

“YES ALPHA!” It comes again, showing their obedience for me as they continue to listen.

Finishing my address, I turn to Rose, her presence a calming influence amidst the rising tension–despite the fact that she looked like she had seen a ghost, “Rose and I will be overseeing these changes, I announce, my voice leaving no room for argument. Together, we will ensure that our pack is a place of safety and respect for all – especially our females.” I demand, as Rose’s eyes widen up at me at her involvement.

With that, the meeting draws to a final close, the males dispersing with a newfound sense of purpose. I turn to Rose, offering her a reassuring smile.

“Sorry for putting you on the spot sweetheart, but it had to be done!” I lean down to kiss her head, watching the last of the men file out of the hall as

“I understand… thank you Ashton She whispers, causing in

me to smile.

I would sleep better at night now knowing that I had addressed the matter properly… it had to be done!