Chapter 304
Chapter 304: New at Work
With Melanie’s help, Ashton managed to call for the press conference late in the evening and Ashton learned a few other official stuff from Melanie as well. While Ashton was a bit awkward around her at first, she helped him regardless, causing him to ease into it. After a while Ashton even started to enjoy the process.
“Thanks for helping me out. I am really clueless about everything.” Ashton chuckled as he sorted out some files.
“You’ll get used to it. Give it time.” She smiled. “Christian will clear out his old office for you to work there, but for the time being you can work from here.” Melanie declared, showing around her office.
“Thanks for everything.” Ashton nodded.
It was around late afternoon when Melanie excused herself. “Sorry, I need to step out for a while. You’ll be alright?”
“Yeah, if I need anything I’ll link you?” Ashton asked.
“Sure.” Melanie shrugged.
.....
“Everything okay?” Ashton asked.
“Yeah... My mate is here.” She shrugged. “I’ll see you later.” and with that she signed off. Ashton was halfway done with his organizing when Ashton received a text from Caleb. [Call me when you are available]
Ashton, since he was by himself, decided to do it now and after just one ring his mate picked up. “Hi,” Ashton began.
“We found some animal hair at the site that’s been regarded as a wolf’s...” Caleb began.
“That’s obvious isn’t it? I was there.” Ashton shrugged.
“Yeah...” Caleb sighed. “That’s not my main concern, but we also found some human DNA.” He added with concern evident in voice. “Two, to be precise.”
“One is the body himself...” Ashton trailed off. “And one is my own,” he sighed.
“Yeah...” Caleb sighed. “Don’t worry, right now you are not in our database, with no criminal record whatsoever. I just need to update the database with some false data so that it never matches yours.” he declared.
“Whoa, you can do that”? Ashton was amazed.
“Not me, specifically.” Caleb clarified. “But someone who is good with tech.”
“I doubt anyone who is not a pack member is willing do pull off this kind of stupid shit.” Ashton scoffed.
“There is someone in our pack who is good with softwares. I am not sure if he can do it or not... but it may be worth a shot to ask him?” Caleb suggested.
“Okay, lemme know if this person can.” Ashton sighed.
“Wait, I can’t ask him.” Caleb declared. “We have not been on good terms for over two decades now, and even if I went ahead and asked him, he would shut me down. You gotta ask him yourself. You actually might be able to.”
“I am not that good with people. I can’t just go up to random person and ask them to aid in hiding my murderous spree.” Ashton rolled his eyes.
“It’s not random. It’s George. Melanie’s mate. You can reach him via her.” Caleb declared.
“Yeah, he is still a stranger. What if he hates me because I am your mate?” Ashton asked.
“He won’t hate you.” Caleb snorted. “He is not a stranger. Didn’t you use to be in his music group in high school?”
Ashton thought for a moment. “Oh... it’s him.” his pitch increased as he recalled. “Yeah, I know him. But, we were not close or anything.” he fumbled. “Although I don’t think he would get mad at me, I once helped his sister.” Ashton recalled.
“There you go, just talk to him. You have better chances of convincing him than I do.” Caleb sighed and hung up. Ashton went still for a moment considering what should his next step be, only to be startled back to reality when there was a tap on his shoulder.
“Dear God, you scared me!” Ashton huffed at Melanie.
“Me? Aren’t you a pureblooded Alpha?” She smirked.
“Yeah, but I still have as good reflexes as anybody.” Ashton shook his head. He considered whether or not he should bring it up with her.
“What’s wrong with you”? Melanie asked.
“I wanted to ask a favor from you.” Ashton mumbled.
“Sure, anything.” Melanie shrugged. It took a while, but Ashton managed to explain his situation to Melanie after several attempts. “So, you want George to tamper with evidence?” she asked after Ashton was done.
“If he can... I mean I no I don’t deserve this-” Ashton began.
“No, I get it. You were not yourself. You shouldn’t be convicted for a crime you didn’t do.” Melanie agreed. “But I think you should talk to George about this directly.”
“Yeah... that’s what I am afraid of.” Ashton sighed.
“Come on, it won’t be so bad. How about, as your coworker, I invite you and your kids to our house for a dinner? You can ask him then.” Melanie smiled.
“No Caleb”? Ashton smirked.
“You know that’s not a good idea.” Melanie sighed.
“Why would he help me? I am Caleb’s mate.” Ashton pursed his lips.
“He married me.” Melanie smirked. “I am one of Caleb’s best friends so clearly his boundaries are gray.”
“Right.” Ashton ended up laughing lightly. “Can I ask something?” he was encouraged by a light ‘hm’ from Melanie. “What happened between Caleb and George?”
“Well, it was mostly between Matt and George. I think Matt said something offensive about omegas and since George’s sister is one, he took it to heart.” Melanie explained. “With Caleb, he was just trying to resolve the fight by trying to calm them down.”
“And that’s got George mad?” Ashton wondered.
“Well, Caleb said something along the lines of ‘You are overreacting’. George took it as taking Matt’s side so...” Melanie sighed.
“That was... uncalled for. No matter what, anything offensive is not okay.” Ashton mumbled. “But, no matter what Caleb would never be against any omega! Trust me.”
“I know that.” Melanie nodded. “And I also know why. But I can’t tell it to George because it’s not my secret to tell.” she shrugged as well.
“Wait... what secret”? Ashton paled. Was Melanie aware of Caleb’s omega heritage? Something that even his best friend Matt wasn’t aware of.
“I am not an idiot like Matt.” Melanie said, as if she had read Ashton’s mind. “I figured it out.”
“He knows that you know?” Ashton asked.
“Yeah, I have talked about this with Caleb.” Melanie shrugged. “He asked me not to tell George about it, so, yeah.” she nodded.
“Wow...” Ashton nodded. “I am glad he told someone else.” There was a moment of silence in between them, after which Ashton asked, “Wait, this reminds me? Where is Matt? I haven’t seen him in forever.”