It was on the tip of her tongue to tell her mother exactly what was going on, but she couldn’t find the right words to say. It felt impossible to her.
“It’s nothing.”
Leah didn’t look convinced.
“I better head to his place to help out. I kind of get why John and some of the pack had to rip out most of the upstairs.”
Leah chuckled. “Make it a mess before fixing it up. I like it.”
“The place is a mess.”
“I can imagine so. I’m surprised it’s still standing. After he failed us, a few of the pack went to destroy the place. I’m guessing they only started on the inside. They pulled out all his belongings and had a huge fire in the main part of town.”
“I had no idea.”
“You were there. I think you thought it was a celebration or something.”
She grabbed the two lunch boxes she’d made, moved to her mother, and kissed her on the cheek. “I’ll see you soon, bye, love you.”
“Ashley,” Leah said, calling out to her as she stepped out of the kitchen.
“Yeah, Mom?”
“There’s a lot a mate can do that can be forgiven. You’ll feel it here, in your heart. Living without each other, that’s the real nightmare. You’ll learn to adapt—like living with each other for the first time. Your father and I had to learn.”
Ashley nodded. “So, it’s not a magical fairy tale.”
“You don’t want it to be, trust me. There is a lot of excitement and enjoyment to be had from being with your mate.” Leah waved her off. “Go, enjoy your work day.”
Ashley left her home and headed in the direction of the alpha’s house. She couldn’t remember the exact fire her mother spoke of. There had been a lot over the years. As a child, she hadn’t really paid attention.
She passed several of the workers on her way to the site. They greeted her, and then she came to the house. It was a revelation to her about her mother’s anger. It must have been hard for her that day. Gripping the back of her neck, she looked up at the house. She had only known her parents to agree, never to have a falling out. They had a perfect life. They still had a perfect life, but it also came with a few anomalies.
“You’ve arrived,” Phoenix said.
She gasped, placing a hand over her heart. “Yes, I’ve arrived. You scared me.”
“Sorry. I didn’t mean to.”
“Have you cleaned the outside?” she asked. “It looks a little different.”
“I’ve gone over the windows with a brush and some water while I was waiting for the electrical verdict.”
“Does it need a complete rewiring?” Ashley asked.
“Yes. Not only is it outdated, but the whole house is shot.”
She winced. “My mom was telling me this morning that the pack, after … you know … they came here to destroy the house.”
“Ah, yes, I remember the alpha burning.”
“What?” Ashley asked. “They burned the alpha? Alive?”
Phoenix chuckled. “No, no, of course not. The alpha was already dead. He’d offered up the pack for his own life.” He growled the last part. “That’s why some of the men were dead and the women were … you know.”
Ashley wrapped her arms around herself. “So what happened to the alpha?”
She looked at him and Phoenix stared right back at her. “Do you really want to know the answer to that question?”