Steven’s POV
“Marry me, Ashley Green,” I declared, watching as her expression turned from confusion to disbelief.
“Marry you?” she stammered, clearly taken aback. “Umm… Are you okay, Mr. Steven? Are you sure you’re at the right place? Something must be wrong because this can’t be happening.”
“The wedding will be held in four days,” I continued, my voice steady.
“Wait a minute. Why do you think I’ll marry you?”
“Because I’m telling you to,” I insisted, the conviction in my voice unwavering. “I made you a promise fifteen years ago. I promised to marry you.”
“What? The first time I met you, you fired me for no reason at all! So when exactly did you make this supposed promise?”
I could see the wheels turning in her head, the memories struggling to resurface. “I guess you don’t remember me,” I replied, my tone softening. “That kid and I are almost like two different people now. I’ve changed a lot.”
“Can you please tell me what’s going on? I’m in the dark here.” Her eyes searched mine, desperate for clarity.
“I’m Leon,” I said, letting the weight of my words settle between us.
“Leon, Leon who?”
“The nameless boy by the side of the lake. You named me Leon.”
Her eyes widened, disbelief etched across her face. “Leon? You… you are Leon?!”
“I know this is all a surprise, but I hope you find your feet soon because we will be getting married in four days. We’ll meet again soon,” I added, turning on my heel and walking away, feeling the heaviness of her gaze on my back.
“I never accepted to marry you!” I heard her voice rise behind me as I made my way toward the car.
I drove back to the mansion, a whirlwind of thoughts racing through my mind. As I parked, Liam approached me with a curious expression.
“What did she say? Were you able to convince her?” he asked, eyes bright with anticipation.
“Prepare for the ceremony; it will be as planned,” I replied, the finality in my voice leaving little room for doubt.
“So she agreed?”
“She has no choice,” I stated flatly. “Where’s Williams?”
“He should be around somewhere,” Liam replied.
“Call him to my room,” I ordered, ascending the stairs to my quarters.
“You requested my presence, Alpha,” Williams said as he entered, his demeanor respectful yet curious.
“You became a werewolf a few days ago. You were once human, and though you may not have memories of that life, the instincts still linger within you. I need you to go out there as a human and do something for me.”
“What do you need, Alpha?” Williams asked, straightening.
“I need you to dig up some information about someone.”
“Who?” he inquired.
“My supposed mate, Ashley Green,” I answered. He nodded, determination in his eyes.
“I’ll do that right away.”
“How’s Roy doing?” I asked, concerned for my friend.
“He’s recovering slowly at the infirmary,” Williams replied.
“You may go then. Make sure you report back to me tonight,” I instructed, dismissing him with a wave.
As I walked toward the infirmary, I reflected on the looming marriage and what it meant for both Ashley and me.
“Alpha,” Roy said, attempting to rise as I entered, but I urged him back down.
“You can salute and bow to me after you’ve fully recovered,” I stressed.
“I’m sorry, Alpha. I’m sorry we failed the mission you entrusted to us. Everything was fine until that killer surfaced. I’m sorry we weren’t able to defeat him,” Andre said, his voice filled with regret.
“You don’t know how happy I am that you are back alive, Roy. As your Alpha, I promise you I’ll find the killer, and when I do, I’ll rip out his heart,” I vowed.
“I’ve been hearing some things here. Is it true that you’re getting married in four days?” he asked, surprise evident in his tone.
“Yes,” I replied, my voice firm.
“And to a human girl?” He raised an eyebrow, clearly unsettled.
“But… you know what happens when an Alpha mates with a human. They…”
“I know,” I interrupted, cutting him off. “But I’m left with no choice. This marriage is part of the plan, Andre-the plan to catch the killer. I promise you I will catch him. Now rest, dear friend,” I said as I stood. “I have work to do.”
*******
Ashley’s POV
“Leon!” I ran to sit beside him by the lakeside, my heart brimming with joy.
“Ashley,” he called, excitement lighting up his face. “You came late today! I’ve been waiting for you.”
“Sorry, Leon. I went to town with Mom, and we ended up at the movie theater,” I explained, pulling out a container of food. “Here, Mom cooked.”
He muttered a thank you, eagerly digging into the meal. “How long will you keep waiting for your mom? You should just move in with me and my mom permanently. I’m sure she’d be happy about that,” I suggested, hoping to ease his loneliness.
“My mom will come. I know she will be here for me one day, so I’ll continue waiting until that day arrives,” he replied, his voice filled with unwavering hope.
“What’s a movie theater?” he asked, genuinely curious.
“Oh, Leon,” I laughed, shaking my head. “You’ve got so much to learn! A movie theater is a place where you go to watch movies.”
“Really? What’s a movie like?” he asked, eyes sparkling with intrigue.
“It was about some people getting married. That’s all. I prefer cartoons, but Mom wanted to watch it,” I admitted, glancing away shyly.
“I think the movie might be interesting. Tell me more!” His eagerness was contagious.
“I wasn’t really paying attention,” I confessed. “But I love cartoons! My favorite is Tom and Jerry.”
“You’ve told me before. What happened in the latest episode?” he pressed.
I smiled and began recounting the latest antics of Tom and Jerry, and as I spoke, his gaze turned intense.
“You are staring at me,” I said, catching him lost in thought.
“Ashley,” he said softly, “remember the movie you watched with your mom about people getting married?”
I nodded, curious about where this was going.
“What age do you want to get married?” he asked.
“I don’t know. The lady in the movie was 25 when she got married,” I said, shrugging. “Why do you ask?”
“If you’re still single by 25, I’ll marry you. I promise,” he said, sincerity in his eyes.
I laughed, but a warm feeling blossomed in my chest. “Okay, Leon. I’ll hold you to that,” I replied, my heart lighter than it had been in ages.