Dominic's POV
I left Ashen standing there, his expression caught between frustration and something else something he wasn't ready to admit yet.
I didn't push further. Not now.
But he was moving in with me. Whether he liked it or not, it was the safest option.
"Pack a few things before four," I told him before walking off. "I'll come pick you up."
I half-expected him to argue again, but he didn't. He just stood there, arms crossed tight, jaw clenched, watching me go.
I exhaled, running a hand through my hair as I made my way toward the training grounds. Ryker was waiting there, arms folded, looking entirely too amused when I approached.
"You finally claimed him yet?" he asked, smirking.
I shot him a glare. "No. And don't start."
Ryker lifted his hands in surrender but kept grinning. "So what's got you looking all broody, then?"
I sighed. "Ashen's moving in with me."
Ryker blinked. Then his smirk widened into something downright wicked. "Oh, this is too good."
"Ryker," I warned.
He ignored me completely. "I can't wait to tease him. The look on his face when I make some innocent little comments—"
"No." I cut him off, narrowing my eyes. "Don't push him."
Ryker raised an eyebrow. "You serious?"
"He's already on edge about this," I admitted, rolling my shoulders. "I'm still trying to get him to accept it fully. If you start embarrassing him, he might back off completely."
Ryker studied me for a second before sighing. "Alright, alright. I'll be nice."
I didn't trust the look in his eyes one bit.
But for now, I'd take what I could get.
By the time I returned to Ashen's place, it was almost four. I expected some resistance maybe even him slamming the door in my face.
What I didn't expect was to find him actually packed and ready.
He stood by the doorway with a small duffel bag slung over his shoulder, his posture stiff, expression unreadable. If I hadn't known better, I would've thought he wasn't affected by this at all.
But I did know better.
His fingers clutched the strap of his bag a little too tightly. His jaw was set, shoulders tense.
He was nervous.
I leaned casually against the doorframe, crossing my arms. "Well, well. You actually listened."
Ashen scowled. "Shut up."
I smirked. "Touchy."
He shoved past me, tossing his bag into the car with more force than necessary before sliding into the passenger seat.
I took my time following him, mostly because I enjoyed watching him squirm.
"You're making a face," I noted as I started the engine.
"I'm not."
"You are."
"Just drive, Dominic."
I chuckled but didn't push further. At least not yet.
The ride back to my house was mostly quiet, save for the occasional sigh from Ashen as he stared out the window like I was driving him to his execution.
I stole a glance at him. "You gonna pout the whole time, or do I get some actual conversation?"
He didn't even look at me. "I'm thinking."
"About?"
"What people will say."
I let out a slow breath, gripping the steering wheel. "People will say whatever they want. Let them."
Ashen scoffed. "Easy for you to say. You don't have to live with the whispers. The looks."
I frowned. "You think I don't get judged? That people don't question why their Alpha hasn't officially got his mate?"
His fingers twitched in his lap, but he stayed silent.
I sighed, softening my tone. "Listen, I get it. You're not ready for that yet. But you are my mate, Ashen. And whether or not you want to admit it, your body knows it too. That's why your heats keep coming back stronger."
His jaw tightened.
I reached over and brushed my fingers lightly against his wrist. Just enough to feel the way his pulse jumped.
"You're not alone in this," I murmured. "You don't have to be."
Ashen swallowed hard but still didn't look at me.
But he didn't pull away either.
For now, that was enough.
By the time we pulled up to my house, Ashen still hadn't said a word.
He got out before I even shut off the engine, grabbing his bag and marching toward the door like he was heading into battle.
I watched him for a moment, shaking my head. Stubborn as ever.
I caught up easily, unlocking the door and pushing it open. "Welcome home," I said, smirking.
Ashen shot me a glare before stepping inside.
His gaze swept over the space minimalist, clean, and nothing like the warrior housing he'd been living in. My house wasn't extravagant, but it was mine. And now, at least for the foreseeable future, it was his too.
He lingered near the entrance, fingers tightening around the strap of his bag.
I sighed. "You can breathe, you know. I don't bite." I paused, lips twitching. "Unless you ask nicely."
His glare deepened. "Where's my room?"
"Upstairs." I gestured toward the hallway. "Last door on the left. It's close to mine in case"
"In case I suddenly go into heat and need you to fuck me?" he snapped.
I raised a brow. "I was going to say in case you need help, but if that's where your mind went…"
Ashen's ears burned red. "Screw you."
I chuckled. "Not yet, sweetheart."
His hands clenched at his sides, and for a second, I thought he might throw his bag at me. Instead, he huffed, stomped up the stairs, and disappeared into his room, slamming the door behind him.
I exhaled, running a hand through my hair.
This was going to be fun.