Chapter 14
Ashlynn
The week had been long, but we had finally finished with the cattle breeding and sorting. At least for the time being. It was Friday, and we all finished our day by eleven in the morning. I gave my vet techs the rest of the day off. I had made an appointment in town to finally get my hair cut. Mom was going with me, a little girls afternoon. We planned to grab some lunch, then go to the salon and maybe shopping. I honestly could not even remember the last time my mother and I had a day like this. I was looking forward to it.
I walked up to the main house, and before I got to the door, Mom came bounding out, a spring in her step I hadn't seen in a while. "Ready honey?" she asked me, a smile on her face. She looked radiant. She had a glow about her. She looked happy.
"Hi Mom, you look great. I'm so ready for our day today. I've missed you," I gave her a squeeze.
My Mother laughed, "You missed me? We literally live a hundred yards away from each other."
"Even so, when was the last time we had a day like today? I sure can't remember. Besides, we may live close but I barely see you, with work. And the cattle breeding doesn't count. It's not quality time." I put my arm around my Mom and we walked to my truck.
"I suppose your right. I'm definitely looking forward to this outing. Your Uncle mentioned a cute little cafe on a side street off of main. He said they have the best food and that the deserts are to die for." Mom was excited, and it showed.
"Ok, that sounds great. We better get into town before lunch is actually over," I say as we climb into my truck. "I'm starved. All I had this morning was coffee and a banana. Hardly enough food for the work we've been doing around here."
Our drive into town is filled with easy conversation. My Mom was more my best friend at this point in our lives. We had been through a lot together, and all I wanted was to see her happy. She seemed like she was. I decided it might be a good time to bring up both Dawson and Cody. "So umm, Mom I want to talk to you about something." I looked at her through my peripheral vision, as I turned onto the road leading away from the ranch.
"You know you can talk to me about anything,"Mom reached over and patted my knee.
"Ok," I sighed. "It's about Dawson. We have a date tomorrow night."
Mom chuckled, "I thought there was something going on there. He's a nice man, hard working. I can tell he really likes you. He only has eyes for you. Are you worried about something?"
"Hmmm, sort of. I'm wondering how Uncle Gabe will feel. I don't want Dawson to get into any trouble with him. He's been his Delta and Ranch Foreman for over ten years, and this is his home. I can't take any of that away from him." I told her, while biting the inside of my cheek. "Do you think I should talk to the Alpha?" I asked.
I hear my mom sigh and look over at her. "You know Ash, everyone is so afraid of your Uncles. Both of them. But really they are big teddy bears. They only want you to be happy. I don't think you need to say anything. I'm sure that Dawson will talk to Gabe when the time is right. He seems like he's an upstanding guy. Am I wrong about that?" she turns, searching my face. "Or is there something you're not telling me?"
I shake my head. "No nothing like that. He's been a gentleman. Nothing has gone beyond kissing. He initially didn't even want to start anything with me since I'm the Alpha's niece." I glanced over at my Mom, she was just watching me intently. "I really like him Mom, I mean there's something more there. Like electricity. I've never felt this before."
I heard her gasp and looked over at her face. She looked surprised. "Electricity? As in tingles or sparks when you touch?"
"MMM Hmmm," I say, one eyebrow raised at her in curiosity.
Her hand goes to her mouth,"Oh my. That's amazing Ashlynn. Truly. You're lucky. Do you know what that means?"
I shrug. I have an idea but I want her to tell me without any prompting.
"He's likely your fated mate. Not many find that anymore, with packs so spread out and most keeping to themselves." She's smiling.
"Ok. So how will I know for sure?" I ask.
"The next full moon. You need to run together. If you are mates, at the peak of the moon, you will feel it. The Moon Goddess will pull you together. Your wolves will tell you." She's giddy next to me.
"Why don't they tell us this growing up?" I ask. "It shouldn't be a secret. Shouldn't we all want to find our fated mate?"
"Well I suppose, yes. It doesn't always work out. Look at your father and I. There's more to it than that though. There were many generations where the Alpha's didn't find their fated mates, and they waited to the point they would start going a little crazy, becoming meaner, having a hard time controlling themselves. The council advised they stop waiting for fated mates. They typically wait till the age of 25 and if they haven't found their fated mate, they take a chosen one. It keeps the pack strong and most of the time, it will form an alliance with another pack." Mom tells this story I vaguely remember from childhood.
"What about Uncle Gabe and Uncle Tobias?" I ask. "Do they have chosen mates?"
"Tobias, yes. Gabe, no. Tobias never found his, but make no mistake, he loves Marianna as if she was his fated mate. They knew each other since they were children, always the best of friends. Gabe met his at the Alpha ball when he was just 21. He was about to take over this pack from your great grandfather. He was very lucky. And they are a match made for each other." Mom seemed very happy for them. Considering her own mate had been such a disappointment, I was glad it hadn't tainted her heart against love.
"Wow," I say. "Sounds like two wonderful love stories."
We turn into town, and head down main street looking for the little cafe. Mom points to a street sign, "there." I turn down the street and there it is. It looks cute, like a little cottage, pretty flower boxes line the front. There are tables out front so you can sit outside if you want. We quickly find parking and make our way inside. It's busy, but they manage to seat us right away at a table for two near the window. It's a beautiful day and the whole area seems alive with activity. As we take our seats, I look around. I notice a lot of eyes looking our way. Obviously we haven't been into town, except for the night we went to the Rusty Spur. I'm sure people are curious. It does feel odd to have so much attention, but I shrug it off and pick up the menu.
The waitress came up to the table, her little notepad in her hand. "Hi, I'm Bonnie. I will be your waitress. Do you know what you'd like?" I notice she's starting at me intently, chewing on her pen like she's thinking about something. I just brush it off.
Bonnie leans over my shoulder, "I can recommend something if you want. Seems like you're new in town. Or maybe passing through?" It's a question. Darn these small towns and the nosy people in them.
I put down my menu. "We are new I suppose. We live out at the Lone Wolf Stables. I'm the veterinarian, and this is my Mother." I motion to my Mom.
"Oh how nice," Bonnie says, she seems sort of irritated. "Lot's of cute cowboys out there." She shifts her feet a little. "So what will it be?"
We order and hand her our menus. I just give my mom a look and roll my eyes. We both laugh a little, shaking our heads. "Did I detect something there?" I asked my Mom.
"I suppose she seemed annoyed about us being at the ranch," Mom says and shrugs her shoulders. "Can't understand why, unless she's got something for one of the cowboys out there."
"Well whatever, it's kind of weird. I'm going to have to ask Dawson if he knows who she is. Maybe he knows why she has an attitude." I wave it off and we carry on with our conversation.
When we finish eating, Bonnie comes to clear the table and collect for the check. I tell her no change and we stand up to leave. Bonnie says to me quietly, with a smirk on her face,"Tell Dawson I said hello." She walks off, leaving me starting at her. Ok, that was strange.
I decide I'm not going to let her odd behavior affect our day. We head to the salon so I can get my hair cut. I don't have time for drama.