Chapter 241 - We're Engaged

The rest of the night, Ashton didn't have any more nightmares, or recollection to be precise. Engulfed by his mate… I mean, his fiancé's hug, he had a pretty decent sleep. The next morning, once both of them woke up they decided to head home.

On their way they discussed many ideas on how to announce it to people. Caleb wanted to throw a party, but Ashton wanted a more subtle expression of this recent development. When they saw their 'engagement reveal' conversation going nowhere in particular, they decided to talk about the wedding instead.

"Don't tell me you want a small wedding as well"! Caleb groaned. 

"Marrying the beloved son of one of the strongest packs known to wolves? Yeah that can't be a small wedding" Ashton snorted. "Besides, I want everyone to know that you're not just my mate, you're my husband".

Caleb tried his best to not smile as the word 'husband' tugged at his heartstrings. They were still betrothed, but to be soon husband of the man he loved so much was another kind of excitement. 

"Good, cause…"Caleb cleared his throat, "I am gonna show off the awesome mate I have".

"You do realise most people don't like me" Ashton reminded. 

"They are just scared of you," Caleb shrugged. 

"Yeah that's what I meant" Ashton shook his head.

"I know you don't like being feared, but trust me… it comes in handy in situations. I for one would love to intimidate people" Caleb sighed. "Besides it's a good thing they're scared of you right, no one will hit on me". Caleb teased.

"Wait, when I was gone… did something hit on you"? Ashton's eyes widened as he asked.

"Not the wolves, they knew I was mated" Caleb shrugged. 

"But the humans"? Ashton asked hesitantly. Caleb knew how easily Ashton got jealous and it was so fun to tease him, which made it equally hard for him to suppress his smile. "Who hit on you"? Ashton's voice raised a bit. 

"Relax, would you? It was back in college. I don't even remember their names" Caleb sighed. 

"Their names?" Ashton's voice got louder. "How many people hit on you"?

"I dunno, never counted," Caleb shrugged. "But, can you blame them… I mean, look at me." Caleb gloated.

Ashton shot his mate a glare before looking away. After a few seconds he mumbled, "This is why you shouldn't have good looking mates".

Caleb, who happened to hear that, ended up laughing, "Ash, does it matter? No matter who has their eyes on me, I'll always have eyes on you. Even when you're away" Caleb mumbled which finally made Ashton look at him with a much softer expression. 

"I don't wanna be away anymore" Ashton mumbled. "I wanna be with you… for the rest of my life".

Caleb blinked before sparing a glance at Ashton. "You gotta start to warn me before you say stuff like that".

Ashton had an urge to kiss his mate, but since Caleb was driving he refrained himself from doing so… for like a minute until he stole a kiss from his cheek.

They reached the pack house soon enough. Before Ashton could reach the main gate of their house he was engulfed in a giant hug, "Oh thank god, you're okay".

"Ava"? Ashton was surprised by the sudden hug. 

"I was gone for one day! One, and you start a war"! Ava scolded Ashton while hitting her brother on the arm repeatedly. "It's like, I shouldn't go back to college at all".

"Lucky our midterms are still away" Ariel, who appeared next to her, mumbled. 

"It's fine you know, the war lasted like a day" Caleb brushed it off.

"Yeah, and yet you managed to end up in hospital" Ava snapped with snark.

"I mean…" Caleb cleared his throat to defend himself, but that was of no use. As he struggled to find a proper comeback.

"Wait, is it okay for you to be back"? Ashton asked them.

"Yeah, it's the weekend. Plus it's college. What's the point of going to one if you can't bunk a few classes. 

"Wow" Ashton nodded, bewildered.

"Dad"! Suddenly, Connor appeared, accompanied with his uncle, Christian, who was more than happy to see him. "How are you"? He asked.

"I am fine," Caleb replied with a smile as he hugged his son. "Want to go and buy some costumes"? Caleb asked. "For halloween"?

"Today"? Connor was excited as soon as he heard it. Caleb gave him a nod of affirmation so Connor nodded vigorously, "Yess"!! Caleb chuckled to see his son excited about it. "What is that"? Connor asked as he noticed something unfamiliar on Caleb's finger.

"This…" Caleb tried to say without letting the smile bother him. However before he could finish the girls happened to notice it as well.

"Wait, wait, wait… is that what I think it is"? Ava's eyes widened. Caleb glanced at Ashton before nodding slightly, "ha"! Ava let out a squeal of excitement. "Yay! I can't believe you're engaged"! This time Ava engulfed both of them in a hug. Ariel didn't fail to join as well. "This is so exciting. I gotta do so much. I'll help you organise, but I also need to buy a dress…. This is gonna be so much fun" Ava rambled on.

"Congratulations… it's about time" Ariel smirked. Ashton and Caleb simply smiled at the excitement of their sister. 

"Congratulations," Christian added. 

"What's going on here? I heard a noise"! Caleb's mom appeared from the house as she witnessed the commotion just outside her house. "Is everything alright?" Given the recent war, it was plausible as to why she would be worried, however her worry ceased once she noticed the excitement and happiness on everyone's face.

"Mom" Caleb called, "We're engaged" Intertwining his finger's with Ashton's he declared.

Mrs. Wrisberg went still for a moment before a smile appeared on her face as well. "About time" She approached them and gave them a giant hug. "Oh my God, I can't believe finally one of my son's is getting married. I hope you go all along the way" She sighed, stealing a quick glance at Christian, who just happened to be another son to recently called off his wedding.

Christian however didn't let it bother himself that much, recalling the wonderful night he spent the night before.