How could he forget about Stephen? His parents would be furious. They arranged this dinner over a month ago and it took so long for them to convince Ash to finally agree. He still didn’t want to go, but the constant berating of his parents telling him how interested Stephen was in becoming his mate and how he will never get another opportunity like this eventually wore Ash down. It’s not that he despised Stephen, they had spent years growing up together, rather that he got the wrong vibes from him. As if he was putting on an act so no one knew what his true intentions were. According to his parents, Stephen had been interested in Ash for years and was waiting for him to come home from school before he proposed to be his mate. Ash didn’t buy it. Stephen was a handsome, successful alpha - why would anyone like that wait around for a nobody like Ash? It didn’t make sense. However, he did agree to meet with Stephen to at least discuss the possibility and he knew if he blew it his parents would be livid. 

After realizing how late it was, Ash had quickly turned around to walk back to the cabin, but he was stopped. A warm hand gently grasped his palm and Ash swore the shivers he felt were stronger than lightning. The sweet scent of smoldering wood surrounded him, and he closed his eyes to inhale deeply the scent that brought him so much calm. Jaxon. How could he leave Jaxon? This sweet, endearing, statuesque man who had not only saved his life, but granted him a sense of peace he hadn’t had in years. Ash didn’t want to go, but he knew if he skipped out then his family would only become more persistent to marry him off. He sighed trying to think how best to explain this predicament aloud, when a firm squeeze on his hand reminded him that Jaxon was there and that he would understand. Taking a steadying breath, Ash turned to look at Jaxon. “I have to go home to meet someone,” he began. Jaxon continued to watch him intently allowing him to finish before making any remarks. “I don’t want to mate with him. My parents arranged this dinner months ago and if I don’t make it, they will just keep trying to force us together.” Jaxon nodded solumbly, knowing how frustrating it is to be forced inside a box one doesn’t choose. Ash continued, “He and I grew up together and he knows I’m not interested in him. I think this is just some formality to get our families to realize it will never work.” Another pause and deep breath - Ash locked eyes with Jaxon now intent on making this last point crystal clear. “I don’t love him,” he said sternly, giving Jaxon’s hand a firm squeeze. A look of relief washed over Jaxon’s face and his brows finally relaxed. Ash waited with nervous anticipation to see how Jaxon would respond. Rather than say anything verbally, Jaxon rushed the omega into his arms and gave him the gentlest yet tightest bear hug he could muster. The tiny omega was engulfed both by Jaxon’s arms and by his scent, the ash coiling and relaxing his anxious mind. Ash didn’t realize he had been holding his breath until he finally exhaled. He wasn’t quite sure why it was so important that Jaxon knew he didn’t love Stephen, but he could feel the importance in his chest like an anchor. It was an undeniable truth that may one day manifest into something more.  

The two reluctantly pulled apart after a few moments and Jaxon silently held Ash’s hand and began guiding him back towards the cabin. Although the two woke up around sunrise they had been so engrossed walking around the woods that it was nearly evening now. Ash had stopped to look at every plant, flower, bud, and insect there was to find in Jaxon’s yard and Jaxon was in no rush as he watched the omega explore. Jaxon discovered that Ash was a very tactile person, often running his hands over the petals and touching the tree bark as they passed by. Each time Ash would stop to look at something, Jaxon stopped too because he wanted to determine what caught the omega’s eyes and also because he would not let go of Ash’s hand. It was a little awkward at first because he hadn’t held hands with anyone in a very long time, but holding Ash felt so natural it was as if their hands were puzzle pieces. Ash’s small palms and long delicate fingers fit into Jaxon’s much larger calloused grip and neither complained that they had been attached for the better part of a few hours at this point. At one point, Asj heard Jaxon’s stomach rumbling and giggled lightly before suggesting they stop by the house for lunch. Jaxon nodded affirmatively, thinking the omega was probably hungry as well and that it was about time for another cup of tea. They had a small lunch of sandwiches, and while Jaxon ate four Ash struggled to finish just one. Jaxon made another mental note to keep track of how much Ash ate to ensure he didn’t get any smaller. A few more dishes and they were back outside exploring. After they had seen all of the nearby woods and the yard, Jaxon began to steer Ash towards his greenhouse, knowing that he would love it just as much as him. 

After hurriedly returning to the cabin, Ash frantically worried he was going to be late and be forced on another “date” with Stephen. They had been acquantianes for years now, but Ash still got an uncomfortable vibe wherever the two of them were alone. Sometimes he caught Stephen staring at him with what looked like disdain, but that was quickly replaced by his signature smile and easy-going charm. Since Ash didn’t have much on him that night, he was functionally ready to leave once he retrieved his phone. The only problem now was he didn’t know where he was or how to even get home. He was about to ask Jaxon where they were, but before he could get the question out he was engulfed from behind. 

Jaxon pulled Ash close to his chest, his head resting in Ash’s hair and his arms wrapped firmly around his slim waist and shoulders. He rubbed his cheek on Ash’s hair softly, scenting him, and although he didn’t mean to, he could feel the bulge in his pants begin to grow. Ash’s luscious ass was right on him and he knew Ash could feel him, but rather than pull away Ash leaned back into his touch. Jaxon grunted slightly in approval, moving his nose down from Ash’s hair to the nape of his neck. He could feel goosebumps and could scent just the slightest arousal, so Jaxon contented himself by giving Ash the softest of kisses on his neck. The first almost felt like a butterfly’s ghost and it sent tingles down Ash’s spine while at the same time his heart rate spiked. His stomach tightened slightly, and he unconsciously arched his ass further back into Jaxon’s body. Another grunt as Jaxon kissed his back again, this time more harshly licking and sucking his flesh. Ash knew what he was doing. He was marking his territory. Jaxon knew Ash had to leave, but he wanted to ensure no one would touch him in his absence. This mark, though temporary, was a warning for others to steer clear of Ash unless they wanted a fight. As Jaxon continued his ministrations, Ash couldn’t help the small gasping moan that escaped his lips. Jaxon nibbled on his earlobe now, his heady breath driving Ash crazy as those strong arms held him tightly to his chest. Ash knew Jaxon could smell his slick, but he didn’t care. Since Jaxon kissed him the first time he hardly cared at all what was happening around them. The only thing that mattered right now was this beautiful man holding him and taking his breath away. Not wanting to be too forward, Jaxon slowly stopped nibbling along Ash’s neck and he dragged his nose back to his hair. In the huskiest voice Ash had ever heard, Jaxon whispered, “come back soon.” Ash’s face lit up like fireworks, but he quickly whispered, “I will,” before leaning even further into Jaxon’s embrace. The two revealed in the silence and the peaceful understanding that here, in this cabin, they could be themselves. After a few more minutes, Jaxon slowly let go of Ash and went to open the door. “I’ll drive you home,” he said before opening the door and indicating towards his truck. Ash grinned, “okay,” he said before following Jaxon just as the sun was slipping behind the trees.