Chapter 205 - What's Different

"If you don't mind, I would like to discuss something with you. Can you stay back?" That was the sentence that ran chills through all of their spines who were present at the room at that given moment, But the one who was most scared was Caleb. Once the hall was entirely empty, including Riley who was gone, Alpha Miller took some steps towards the trio. 

With each step he took, their heart rates increased by a beat. At this point all they hoped that they shouldn't come off as too suspicious, no matter what Miller has to say. "Mr. Wrisberg, I know that you came here solely for the wolf. I am sorry things took such an ugly turn. But if it's okay with you, I would like your help regarding it's search." He conveyed.

A wave of relief washed over all of them. Christian nodded at Alpha Miller in approval of the suggested plan, "I would be happy to help."  And with that even they were allowed to leave. Once all of them were all alone, they looked at each other contemplating the current situation. "It's late. Go to sleep. We will talk tomorrow" He ordered.

Nodding, Caleb took Ashton to the room he was assigned to. Having had no time to unpack, it looked kinda dull. Ashton simply looked around the room before his gaze settled on his mate. The features on Caleb had changed over the past few years. Even if Caleb looked much thicker in general, he somehow seemed… a little shabby. 

As far as Ashton was aware, Caleb loved to take care of himself. Caleb l not only always tried to look his best, but he also tried to stay as fit as possible. Years of separation had taken a surprising toll on his health, which may not be noticeable for everyone, but it was noticeable for Ashton.

Caleb was in the middle of packing when suddenly he felt a pair of arms around his waist. It was accompanied by the warm chest on his back and a chin on his shoulder. "What are you doing?'' He asked, carefully.

"Savouring the moment" Ashton mumbled without moving around much. 

"I should be the one saying that. I waited for you eight years" Caleb let out a cheeky smile. 

"I am sorry" Ashton mumbled after a few seconds.

"Don't be sorry. I am just glad to have you back" Caleb declared before finally turning over. He put both of his hands on Ashton's face and brought it closer to his own. "Just don't ever… ever leave me again" he demanded.

"Never"! Ashton agreed. Ashton engulfed his mate in a hug and stayed like that. Ashton didn't have his pheromones emanating from him and it was the same for Caleb. There was no smell altogether, and yet, the hug soothed both of them.

After a whole minute, Caleb finally spoke, "I should unpack," he tried to let go but Ashton held on and only tightened his hold, "Ashton?"

"Can we stay like this… for a little longer" Ashton whispered which happened to be right next to Caleb's ears. Caleb, who had withdrawn his hand, put it back on Ashton's back. They stayed like that for quite a while. Neither of them said anything and yet a lot of emotions were conveyed. The yearning, the longing for each other and most importantly the love they had for each other.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, Caleb and Ashton let go of each other. "I have a lot to catch up on, don't I?" Ashton asked.

"I guess you do" Caleb chuckled. "Let me finish unpacking, then we can talk." Caleb suggested. He didn't unpack completely though. He was expecting a quick departure. He simply arranged the ones which he might be needing the very next morning. It was a miracle that Alpja Miller didn't suspect them. He wanted to escape before that notion changed.

Once he was done he sat down on the bed next to Ashton and asked, "What do you want to know?"

After a careful thinking he asked, "How are you?"

Caleb chuckled, "I am exactly how I look like". He replied.

"What do you do now? You lead the pack?" Ashton asked.

"Sometimes. To keep a link with the humans I took a job and now I am the sheriff of the town." Caleb shrugged. 

"That's awesome"! Ashton exclaimed.

"Yeah...not really" Caleb snorted. "It's a good distraction". Ashton pursed his lips but didn't dare say anything.

"Wait, if it's been eight years, then I guess you are… twenty nine year old?" Ashton asked. Caleb nodded at him. "Then the twins, they must be older too right?"

"Hmm" Caleb nodded. "After you disappeared, my Dad convinced them to be a part of the pack. He said that with you being my mate, they were a part of the family. I guess he thought three omegas by themselves would not be safe." Caleb sighed. "But, they are officially our pack members now." He explained. 

"That's comforting to hear" Ashton asked. "How about my mom? how is she doing"?

"Just like me, I guess. Losing you took a toll on her too. She… shows that she is strong but we know deep down she is struggling a lot." Caleb admitted. "I am sure she would be very delighted to see you" Caleb smiled.

Ashton remained quiet for a while. "I have disappointed a lot of people, didn't I"? He asked in a whisper.

"I guess" Caleb shrugged. "So, it's up to you now to change that about you". He insisted. 

"How?" Ashton asked. "No matter how much I apologize, I can never make up for the lost time. I promised my Dad that I will take care of mom and the twins for as long as they need me. Look at me now," Ashton scoffed. "I abandoned my mother for eight years. I… I missed the twins growing up. They are adults now right?" He asked to which Caleb simply nodded. "I missed a lot of important things".

"Yeah, but that's the thing about life" Caleb smiled. "There is always going to something or the other which is important. You might have missed a few but make sure you don't miss the upcoming ones" Caleb took Ashton's hand and rubbed on calluses on his hand. "What happened to you, what happened to us is unfortunate. But eventually, we need to move on". He mumbled. 

Ashton stared at his mate's face as Caleb seemed to be lost in his own thoughts. Taking a leap, Ashton put his lips on his mate's and kissed him passionately. He had a lot to make up for, maybe now is a good time to start after all.