Chapter 13: The Family Talk

Harper’s POV



Asher thought it would be a great idea to invite the members of the pack to a backyard barbecue. Despite coming out of summer, the weather has been warm and inviting. Getting the pack together for a feast is a good way to check in with everyone and make sure there are no conflicts between members.

Amaris is helping me set the tables with silverware and glasses, while Asher and his friend Jack are cooking on the barbeque.

“Do you think Jack is cute?” Amaris comes up beside me, trying to be discreet about looking over at Asher and Jack.

Jack’s not bad looking. Blonde guys aren’t my type, but I see why Amaris would think he’s attractive.

I shrug, “He’s alright. I’m sure you two would be a cute couple, though.”

Amaris smacks my arm, and giggles, “Stop, he might hear you.”

I laugh, moving the table, “I doubt it, they’re so far away. Besides, have you spoken to him before?”

Asher and Jack laugh together, one of them must’ve told a funny joke. I look back at Amaris, who is biting her lip.

She shakes her head, “Not directly. I’ve been in a group conversation with him before, but we’ve never hung out one on one.”

“I can set one up for you if you like?” I offer, “I’ve spoken to him before and he’s super nice. I think you two would really hit it off.”

She shakes her head, “I don’t know if I can.”

I grab Amaris by her shoulders and look her dead in the eyes, “Amaris, you’re amazing. Any guy would be lucky to have even a moment of your attention.”

She is always putting herself down when it comes to how she looks. She’s a beautiful girl; she needs to be treated as such.

Amaris is hesitant when she smiles, “What would I ever do without you?”

I smile and continue to set the table, “I don’t know what I would do without you either.”

It isn’t long before the members begin to arrive and take their seats. The atmosphere is energetic, everyone seems happy and excited.

Asher announces the food is ready, so everyone heads over to fill their plates up. I wait until everyone has got what they need before I head over. Asher is filling the last of the members’ plates with an abundance of meat.

He smiles as I approach him, “I saved a plate for you.”

I take the full plate from him, “You didn’t have to do that. I was happy to wait until the end and take the scraps.”

Asher shakes his head, “The Luna can’t be seen eating the scraps.”

I nod my head, “That makes sense. But, still, I don’t mind.”

Asher laughs and nudges me towards our seats, “Please, go eat. I’ll be over in a minute.”

I take my food and sit at the head of one of the many tables, reserved for Asher and me. Everyone around me is digging into their food and I follow suit. I didn’t realize how hungry I was before I smelt the delicious food. Asher takes the seat beside me and we eat in silence.

The conversations pick up quick once everyone has finished eating. I’m still getting to know the members of the pack, so I’m always happy to answer any questions they may have about me or my past.

An older man and his wife have been talking to Asher and me for a while now. They’ve been telling me about how they met and how happy they are to have Asher as their Alpha.

The man grabs both Asher and I’s hands and grips them tight.

“When will we be seeing children running around the compound?” The man asks, a sweet smile on his face.

I almost laugh in his face but stop myself, “Not any time soon, unfortunately.” I look to Asher for help.

He stumbles over his words, “Yeah, that’s correct. We’re waiting for the right time.”

“I look forward to seeing them,” The older woman says.

The older couple offers us a hug before they leave, one of their grandchildren calling for their help.

I let out a sigh of relief, “Well, that was awkward.”

Asher slumps in his chair, “They mean well.”

“I hadn’t thought about the pack wanting to see children,” I didn’t agree to do any of that, so they better forget about it.

Asher nods his head, “Me neither, I’m sure no one will notice if we haven’t had any children after a year. I’m sure we can make up excuses if people get curious.”

“That’s a good idea.” I turn to Asher, remembering my conversation with Amaris, “Do you know if Jack is seeing anyone?”

He raises an eyebrow at me, “Why? Do you want to date him when the agreement is up?”

I playfully punch his shoulder, “Shut up. I’m not asking for myself, I want to know for Amaris.”

Asher sits up straight in his seat, “Is she interested in him?”

I mime locking my lips in secret and throwing away the key.

He laughs, “Okay, no, he’s not seeing anyone.”

I unlock my lips and smile, “Perfect, that’s all I needed to know.”

Asher narrows his eyes at me, “I don’t like where this is going.”

“Stress less, I know what I’m doing,” I stand from my seat and stretch out my legs, I’ve been sitting down for too long, “I’m going for a run, do you want to come?”

He shakes his head, “Not today, I better stay back and clean up.”

I smile, “Suit yourself. I’ll see you later.”

This morning I dressed in leggings because I knew I would want to go for a run after lunch. I need to get back into it if I want to keep up with the pack.

The sun is beginning to set low behind the mountains. I decide to run along the cement road outside the compound, for a change of scenery. I’m used to running through the forest, but I should mix it up sometimes.
My breathing becomes jagged the further I get into the run. You would think I have asthma or something with the way I breathe, so I am always pushing myself to go faster, to go further.

I turn around on the road when I notice how dark it’s getting. I don’t want to be out here for too long. I promised Amaris I would watch a movie with her tonight. She hates when I’m late to things like that.

A set of headlights in the distance comes barreling towards me. I move to the side of the road to let the car pass. The sound of my feet hitting the road is almost deafening, until the sound of screeching tires brings me to a complete stop.

The car is heading straight towards me. The headlights are getting closer and closer, brighter, and brighter. I’m literally a deer caught in headlights. But, without thinking, I dive into the bushes beside me, seconds away from being hit by the car.

The car skids away and I’m left in the darkness, covered in leaves and branches. I’m at a loss for words, and my breathing is hard to control. The moon beams down on me, lighting the area around me. I sit, dazed for a moment, before I get to my feet and walk to the middle of the road.

I stare into the pitch-black darkness the car disappeared down, and say out loud, “Was I just almost murdered?”