Chapter Ten
“When were you going to tell the pack, your family, me, that you’re mated to the freaking alpha?”
Ashley grabbed hold of Daniel, shoved him to the ground, and covered his mouth. She lifted her head, hoping none of the other builders had heard anything. No one turned in their direction.
“Do not speak,” Ashley said.
Daniel glared at her.
She released her hand and then grabbed Daniel’s shirt, lifting him up and dragging him back toward the garden. She was proud of how she’d worked the land. It looked more beautiful and well kept. Together, with Daniel, they were helping to build a garden of dreams, even though she knew Phoenix was jealous of him. She kept her distance so no trouble began.
“Okay, so we’re far enough away from prying ears, but seriously, Ashley, what the fuck?” Daniel asked.
“Will you please keep your voice down?” She kept hers low.
Phoenix wasn’t happy with keeping their relationship a secret either. After their impromptu rendezvous last night, he’d not spoken to her. She wasn’t trying to be cruel, just protecting herself and her heart. She wanted nothing more than to accept his words and believe that was it, they were now mated and nothing was going to come between them, but she knew he felt free on the bike.
Not anymore.
You’ve got to learn to listen to him.
He no longer feels free.
He wants you.
She truly wanted to believe her own inner thoughts, but she couldn’t help doubting them.
“My voice is down. Well?”
“You can’t tell anyone.”
“What the fuck, Ashley?”
“Please, you cannot tell a soul.”
Daniel shook his head. “How long has this been going on?”
“I don’t think that’s any of your business.”
“Ashley, I’ve been your friend for a damn lifetime. I saw you and Phoenix and I knew sparks were flying, so cut the shit and just be honest with me.”
She nibbled her lip and sighed. “Okay, technically, I’ve known that he was my mate for five years.”
“Five years!”
She pressed her palm flat against his mouth. “Shut up. Nothing happened. Okay. Phoenix wasn’t … happy.”
“What?”
“You know he’s never been part of a pack before, right?”
“Er, I think so.”
“Well, I was eighteen and he was like forty years old.”
“So.”
“He grew up with people and I’m guessing age means something.”