The Flavor of Us (Beta Accepted)

32. TATI

Chapter thirty-two

TATI

We fall into an easy rhythm over the next few weeks, Ashton and Ryder consuming our every waking moment but I’m not complaining. Neither me nor Carleen can get enough of them. The trial is long over but no one has made anything official and I’m starting to get antsy. Carleen has picked up a few easy catering gigs, both of us taking time to visit Ellie around our busy lives but I just don’t know what I’m supposed to make of the new pack we built.

Is there a forever or is this all I have to look forward to?

Ashton asked me out this morning to a little coffee date and I caved, mostly because time with him is better than sleeping the day away before my shift. I’m also tempted to ask him where he sees this going. Selfish? Tactless? Maybe. But I’m just… confused.

The air smells like freshly roasted coffee and a faint hint of caramel as I sip from my cup, warmth spreading through my chest. Ashton sits across from me, his long fingers wrapped around a mug that looks almost too small in his hands. He’s got that easy smile on his face, the one that makes me feel like the center of the damn universe, and it’s messing with my head.

“How’s the mocha thing you got?”

He knows the answer to that so I just shrug, mulling with my feelings. It’s the same thing I get every time and the first few times, I was ecstatic as he ordered it for me. Now, it feels weird.

We finish our drinks, and before I know it, Ashton’s grabbing my hand, lacing his fingers through mine like it’s the most natural thing in the world. It feels like home, his hand solid and warm, confusing me even further.

We wander through the little shops lining the street, poking around in a tiny boutique with overpriced candles and a record store that smells like nostalgia. Ashton keeps his hand in mine the whole time, occasionally brushing his thumb over my knuckles, and I swear it’s the most romantic thing that’s ever happened to me.

Finally, I can’t help but try to push the issue. “This,” I say softly as we step out into the evening air, “this is what I’ve always wanted. A pack of my own, someone to hold my hand and just exist with me.”

He stops walking, tugging me gently until I turn to face him. His expression is serious now, those brown eyes softer than I’ve ever seen them. “Tati,” he says, his voice low, almost hesitant. “Can I be your Alpha?”

Holy fuck, I thought he would never ask. Some part of me thought I was looking for an actual bondmark or something to officially be his but this is priceless. So priceless that I almost forget to answer.

“Yes,” I finally manage, and then louder, more sure of myself, “Yes! Of course, yes!” I launch myself at him, my arms wrapping around his neck as he catches me effortlessly, laughing into my hair. “I thought you weren’t going to ask, Ashton.” I’m about to keep celebrating when I remember that there’s another half to this quad. “But what about Ryder? I mean, you guys are kind of a package deal. And I come with Carleen. What—”

Ashton smirks, his hand sliding up to cup my cheek. “Ryder’s handling the hard part. He’s asking Carleen.”

I blink at him, stunned. “Ryder? Asking Carleen? Are you trying to give me a heart attack?”

Ashton shrugs, his grin turning wicked. “He’s got a better shot than I do. Besides, Ryder’s good at reading people. He’ll know how to handle her.”

I shake my head, biting back a laugh. “He’s got his work cut out for him, but I know he’ll win her over. He’s stubborn like that.”

“Like someone else I know,” Ashton teases, leaning in close.

Before I can argue, he kisses me, soft and slow, like we’ve got all the time in the world. My heart pounds against my ribs, and for once, I don’t try to push it away. I kiss him back with everything I’ve got, pouring every bit of hope and want and love into it because this, right here, feels like the start of something bigger than me.

“You’re really mine? Like really, really?”

Ashton laughs, setting me back on my feet as he tucks a few stray strands behind my ear. “We wanted to ask much earlier but we both had a few commitments we had to clean up. I didn’t want to ask and then immediately run, Tati. But yeah, I’m really yours. Yours and Carleen’s and Ryder’s.”

“I accept. Now, how long do you think it’s going to take for Carleen to say yes?”

“Not long. He’s been wearing her down the past couple weeks. You should have seen them a few days ago, cuddling on the couch—”

“Wait, what? And you didn’t immediately come get me?” I can’t believe I missed that. Ryder and Carleen together are always special moments.

“You were fucked unconscious, little doe. The perfect smile was plastered on your face and I was not ruining that.”