Chapter 279 - Our Home

"So, what did I miss"? Caleb who had finally arrived at the doorstep, stinking from a long day's work whilst wearing a uniform with a sweater (as it's cold for the 'humans'). It didn't take the feisty omega to detect some sort of tension going on, especially when he could sense how uncomfortable his mate was. Caleb didn't need to ask why, because he already knew how social situations made Caleb uncomfortable. 

"We were just chatting about you and Ashton. I assume we will gather here soon for your wedding"? His aunt, Rosette suggested. "It's nice to see you back". With a hint of sarcasm she added.

Caleb gulped before shrugging vaguely. "Likewise. I will go take a quick  shower, I will be right back" Caleb smiled awkwardly and left. Ashton's gaze followed his sweaty mate before their grandpa caught his attention.

"So, tell us, what do you plan for your future?" Their grandpa asked.

"How far along"? Ashton asked awkwardly after a minute of careful thinking.

"After marriage you bone head. Now, I am aware that you don't need to support my grandson, he is perfectly capable of taking care of himself. But you did disappear for a really long time. I swear, if you ever pull a stunt like that, I will personally hunt you down and beat your ass. I might look old, but I have what it takes to take down jerks like you"! His grandpa threatened. 

Ashton was pretty sure that despite the serious tone, Ashton could definitely take this man. His pureblooded, or rather his half Valestine heritage gave him the advantage. Not to mention, their respective ages.

But, hearing those words from Grandpa did feel justified. In a way Ashton could have avoided everything, and yet somehow he abandoned his mate. No amount of guilt could ever change that. And no amount of time can release him from this guilt. "Currently I am working at a local garage. I might change jobs after a while, but I'm not leaving Crescent Point" Ashton declared. 

"You better not"! Grandpa threatened. Thankfully, at that moment Christian and Sebastian walked in, looking a bit more cozy with each other than before. While Ashton was curious what was happening, he was just glad for the time being that the duo showed up when they did. The attention shifted to them and soon they were joined by a freshly out of shower Caleb. 

The rest of the night was a bit tense (even tense would be understating it), but luckily it was over not long before midnight. Somehow Caleb managed to keep their attention off Ashton and Sebastian pretended to agree with them a lot to avoid conflicts. 

When they were all finally tired from the journey they had along with the heavy meal topping it off, they finally called it a day and headed off. 

Caleb decided to go ahead and check on his son, whom Ashton put to bed before this family interrogation began. He stared at the sleeping peacefully face of Connor, planted a soft kiss on his forehead and tucked him in once more, properly before he headed out. Instead of going for his room, he headed upstairs to check on his mate. 

These past few days he had been engrossed in work, so much so that even he had started to miss his family. He knocked on Ashton's room, and soon Caleb was let in. He was about to apologize for the third degree with his grandpa back there, but he froze before he could utter a word. What surprised him was that there were packed bags in his room. "Wait, what's going on? Are you leaving me"? Caleb asked, half joking half-concerned. "What about your promise to grandpa?"

"You heard that"? Ashton chuckled. "Of course, I am not leaving you. I've been meaning to tell you this but since you have been so busy I didn't get to bring it up before..."

"What's going on"? Caleb's face paled.

"Remember what I said about moving out. After spending time with your family, I am even more sure of it now. At the edge of this pack I found a decent apartment…" Ashton dug out his phone and showed a few pictures of it to Caleb. "It's not much, especially with no furniture around, but I think I can make it work."

"So, you're gonna leave the pack house..." Caleb couldn't help but sound a bit heartbroken. Ashton caught the hint, and tried his best to hide his smirk.

"I was hoping you would join me for the same". Ashton suggested. "I shouldn't ask you to leave your home, but I gotta ask. I signed the lease in both of our names. It has enough space for all of us… if you are up for it". Ashton shrugged.

"Wow" Caleb whispered out after a second of staring at Ashton. "Our first house." Ashton chuckled at that. 

"Should I have shown you this before I got it"? Ashton asked.

"I mean, I would have helped you out. But… " Caleb let out a giant smile. "I love this surprise". Brimming with happiness, he pulled his mate into not only a huge but also a tender kiss. Ashton hugged him midway and tried to convey all the love he had for his mate via that kiss.

"I am glad you do." He shrugged. "I only have a bed and a closet there, but I can really use your help in making the place… more homey." Ashton declared awkwardly. "Can you help? Whenever you have time"?

"Of course. It is our home." Caleb chuckled. 

"It will be, once it's done grooming up," Ashton smiled.

Caleb shook his head, "It doesn't matter. You, Ashton, you are my home. Wherever you are". Caleb smiled.

Ashton simply stared at his mate longingly. Their tranquil exchange of stares were interrupted by a knock on the door. Thanks to their sniffing abilities, they knew it was none other than Caleb's mother, Mrs Rachel Wrisberg.. They looked at each other, wondering what was going on, before deciding to open the door for her.