Chapter 1048 Damon's approval (1)
Ashton and Violet finished tidying up after an umpteenth mind-blowing carnal session and Violet thought they will eat something or go at it again, but then he got all serious and told her to dress up. He prepared a backpack with a change of clothes for both of them.
"Where are we going?" Violet asked while trudging after Ashton through the forest that was getting denser with every next step.
Ashton didn't rush. He was observing, silently measuring, obviously on alert.
Violet used winds to sense their surroundings, but she didn't find anything unusual. However, Ashton was tense and that got her worried.
"Ash? Talk to me. What's going on? Is it rogues? Are our packs in danger?"
Ashton glanced at her before narrowing his eyes to the distance. "It's your dad."
Violet had the urge to flee. Damon Blake was the most awesome dad in the world, but also overprotective and when it came to the topic of Violet's suitors, Damon treated Violet like she was five years old.
From the moment she realized that Ashton was her mate, Violet was completely focused on him and their bond, and she forgot about everything else. She had no idea what to expect from her father once he finds out she was with her mate, but she knew it won't be good. Damon coming here was worse than rogues!
Violet wanted to tell Ashton that her father was nowhere near them, but he was oddly confident.
"Dad is here? Are you sure?"
Ashton took her hand into his and gave her a squeeze. "Don't worry about it, Vi. I will handle him."
"How? Don't do anything reckless. Let me talk to him."
Ashton turned to her and cupped her cheeks, making her focus on him. "Vi, I need to do this. I need to prove to you and to your dad that I'm worthy of you, that I'm worthy of you wearing my mark."
Violet's insides tightened. Was that why he didn't mark her so far? There was nothing he needed to prove to her, as for her dad... "What are you going to do?" Seeing his determined expression, blood drained from her face. "Don't tell me you will fight him?"
"I will do whatever is necessary to get his approval."
"You don't need his approval. I approve of you and that's enough."
Ashton smiled. "You care about your family, Vi. I don't want to put you in a position where you need to choose."
"I would choose you."
"You will, but you won't be happy. I want you to have all, Vi. If your dad doesn't approve of me, of us, it will taint what we have. Trust me, Vi. Trust in your mate. Can you do that?"
Violet hugged him tightly and buried her face in his neck, his scent of carnations had the power to excite her and calm her down, but this time it had limited effect.
"I trust you," she said, but she didn't trust her father. Damon always said that if anyone puts a finger on Violet, Damon will rip the offending finger off. What if Damon decides to rip every part of Ashton he put on her... every part he put IN her? She waited for Ashton forever and if Damon rips Ashton's parts that make him a male, their future will be ruined!
Violet's hold on Ashton tightened.
"I don't want to lose you, Ash."
Ashton pressed a chaste kiss on her forehead. "You won't lose me, Vi. I am yours from the moment you were born. But we need to go now, and you will watch as I secure a blessing from your father. Can you do that for me? I need your support."
Violet snapped to look at him. "You need me?"
"Of course, I do. Thanks to you, I survived the last five years. Now that I got to taste you, I'm hungry for more, much more, and I'm not going anywhere. Having you by my side, cheering me on, will fuel my determination to not give up while facing the most powerful Alpha in existence."
Violet wanted to say that her mother was the most-most powerful Alpha, but she kept that to herself because her father was a close second.
Ashton's hand disappeared into Violet's hair and he held her in place as he kissed her slowly and tenderly, letting her feel all the emotions he had for her, and it was wonderful.
...
"Are you sure Violet is here?" Damon asked Talia. She teleported them to this clearing and said that Violet was on her way, but he couldn't reach Violet through the mind link or sense her presence.
"Just a minute," Talia assured him.
Damon snorted and continued looking around, searching for signs of Violet, but there was nothing. If this was anyone other than Talia, Damon would blow a fuse and demand an explanation.
Rustling from the right got Damon's attention and his head whipped that way to see two figures emerging from the bushes.
Damon's heart fell into place when he saw Violet. She was alive and appeared unharmed.
Damon's heart tightened when he realized that Violet and a male were holding hands and his stomach churned when he recognized the boy. THAT was Violet's mate!?
Damon felt like pulling his hair out and shouting profanities at the Moon Goddess. Was that her idea of a joke? The snotty boy who always clung to Talia was now clinging to his only daughter!
He will never get rid of that annoying shrimp!
Ashton glanced at Talia and then focused on Damon because Damon's hostility was tangible.
Violet broke the awkward silence. "Mom, dad, Ashton is my mate."
Talia smiled and gave them an encouraging nod and Damon didn't move a muscle.
Ashton lowered his head. "It is my honor to have Violet for my mate."
"Since when?" Damon asked stiffly.
"Since my eighteenth birthday," Ashton responded.
"That's why Ash left, dad. I was young and he wanted me to come of age before I find out and..." Violet's voice trailed when Damon shot her a glare.
"This is a talk between me and Ashton. You will speak when I address you."
Violet pursed her lips defiantly and she wanted to talk back, but Talia was quick to step in.
"Come with me, Vi. Ash and your father have some things to discuss."
"I'm not leaving him!" Violet protested.
"It will be OK, Vi," Ashton assured her.
Damon gritted his teeth and released some of his Alpha aura.
"Are you talking like I am a bad guy?" Damon asked. "Is that your idea, or did he plant it in your mind?"
Violet lowered her head. No one planted anything in her mind, but it was obvious that she was taking Ashton's side and she knew Damon was disappointed. There were days when she wondered if she could fight off her father's pressure, but even attempting it would be a sign of disrespect.
"No, dad," Violet said. "No one thinks badly of you. However, Ash recently healed his grave injuries and I fear he is still not at his best. Don't hurt him."
Damon didn't respond and Talia waved at Violet to come with her to the side.
Violet was too distracted to notice that two more people joined them, and she was startled when she saw them standing only two steps away from her. "Uncle Cristian, Aunt Michelle!" Violet called. Why were Ashton's parents there?
"Is it true?" Michelle asked Talia. "Our Ash found his mate?"
Talia smiled mysteriously. "Watch and see."
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