My Alpha Mate's Christmas Gift novel Chapter 88

　　She watched her daughter once more as she laughed with her new friend Rita. They looked so happy which made Melissa's face crack open a smile. She was grateful to see Roxanne look so full of life and joy.

　　“Ah, dear… I truly wish you were here to see this” Melissa smiled.

　　Her mind drifted back to when Roxanne fainted and Asher appeared.

　　“I-It’s you… Why are you here?” She let out with shock and suspicion.

　　“That doesn’t matter now. Hmmm, it looks like exhaustion. She'll need some rest and warmth. This blanket won't do…" He muttered as he glanced over to Roxanne.

　　He carried her in his arms and placed her close to his chest. Melissa raised her hands and stretched them toward Roxanne in protest, however, a single gaze from Asher made her freeze in her movement.

　　“Don’t even think about it,” He said.

　　However, his voice lacked the threatening tone he exhibited when that first met. It felt more distant, like he was distracted by something. Melissa decided to just give up and let him hold onto Roxanne as she asked up. She did so hurriedly, and the both of them descended from the hill together, heading back to the village.

　　They walked for some time and Melissa could feel the level of awkwardness eating at her. To say she was uncomfortable would be an understatement. Perhaps she could break the ice one way or the other. Despite how she felt about the man, fate had chosen him to be with Roxanne, she could not go against it. She didn’t even have the right to, after all, she knew more than anyone the way fate worked harder to bring two mates together the more resistance they made.

　　“I should probably start with a simple conversation…” She thought to herself.

　　She calmed her tense muscles and took a deep breath. Her lips trenched, but she wasn’t afraid. Somehow, she felt like she could talk to him now, if not at any other time. However, before she could speak, he took the initiative and brought out words first.

　　“Do you hate me… Miss Melissa?” Asher asked out of the blue.

　　“Um, well… “ Melissa shuttered, lost for words.

　　She didn’t know how to react to the question he asked. He didn’t seem kike the type to care about her feelings, yet he was asking such a thing? What was she even supposed to say?

　　“It's fine if you don’t answer, you can just listen…” He said in his calm and deep voice.

　　His time sounded genuine and lonely, she could tell that he was being sincere. Realising this, she decided to give him her full, undivided attention. He deserved it, besides it wasn’t like she had much of a choice.

　　“…”

　　“… I like Roxanne, your daughter. I realise this might sound odd coming from me, but it is the truth. My behaviour may be influenced by our connection as mates, a bond that has even strengthened more thanks to her Awakening… However, I speak for myself when I say I actually like her." He stated.

　　“Wow… That was unexpected…” Melissa mumbled, her voice barely audible under her breath. Of course, such a volume posed no problem for Asher's ears.

　　“Unexpected? Heh, I guess you have a point there…” He chuckled.

　　“I don’t have any intention of explaining why I took Roxanne from the cottage I found her in, or justify any of my past actions, but… The way Roxanne views me… I want it to change. She’s being stubborn about the whole thing though, so it seems virtually impossible.” He added

　　“Well, that’s Roxanne all right, stubborn to the core” Melissa smiled.

　　“D-Does she… Does Roxanne have someone else she likes?” Asher spoke hesitantly.

　　Melissa's eyes widened as she looked at Asher with an unbelieving look. He had a blank expression on his face, but that was just a front. He was actually quite nervous about the question, and Melissa could tell from his heartbeat.

　　“Who would have foreseen this?” Melissa thought to herself.

　　“Ehem…” Asher let out a slight cough to emphasise more in his question.

　　It seemed she would have to answer.

　　“None that I know of…" Melissa said with a look of uncertainty. It wasn't as though Roxanne and she were very close, to begin with so she wasn't really going to be of much help.

　　She saw a smile creep upon his usually blank or serious face. He looked satisfied with her answer, pleased with the lack of competition. However, Melissa wasn’t about to let him have his way, especially when it concerned her daughter.

　　“Roxanne and I haven’t really had the best of relationships for a while, that’s why she was at her grandmother's place, to begin with. So relying on information from me is pointless, ``she quickly added.

　　“Tch”

　　He was disappointed by the revelation Melissa made. However, this only made Melissa more confident of actually getting through to him.

　　“You know… If you really want to know someone, it's best to ask them yourself"

　　“What are you trying to say?" After suspiciously narrowing his eyes on her.

　　“It’s pretty simple… Just talk with her. I’m sure she’ll….”

　　“I already tried that. She didn’t give me a chance to get my words in. She didn’t give me a proper chance to have a decent conversation with her.” Asher cut in.

　　“Well, I can see why… I mean, you did abduct her and all. And there’s also your attitude…” Melissa wanted to say, but she decided to just keep quiet instead.

　　“It's unfortunate, but… I think Roxanne might hate me." Asher stated.

　　“No kidding” Melissa rolled her eyes.