The next day was a day of cleaning for the staff of the estate. Amelia was far too busy delegating duties to drive over to the next town. She even told Ash it could wait until later as she had better things to do than preoccupy her time with stupid quests. She may be a supportive friend in the mansion, but that didn’t mean she would be there for him whenever he needed her. She had her own life to lead, as he discovered from another omega that Amelia had a family with small children she sent her paychecks. Ash didn’t have kids and wasn’t sure he wanted them, but he did think it would be sad not being able to see them,

Having no one else to drive the car over to the next town, Ash spent the earlier morning reading in the library. It helped that Beau slept until noon or so. This meant he didn’t have anyone to bother him for a couple of hours. When the familiar alpha did find him in the library, he sighed and walked over to Ash.

“You won’t find love in there,” Beau commented as he pulled out a chair and sat down at the same table.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Ash was confused enough these days, why add more confusion into the mix?

“I know why you read all those romance novels. Life isn’t found in a book, Ash.”

This statement felt accusatory. Ash wasn’t sure how well he liked the implication of living in a fantasy world. He understood perfectly that life wasn’t in these books. It was why he was working so hard to get out of his arrangement. If this were a book, he’d have a solution already and it wouldn’t have to make complete sense as it would be fiction.

“I know that. But it seems idyllic to escape when my future looks so forcefully bleak.” He admitted with a small sigh. Ash glanced over to Beau and saw the frown deepen on his expression. Had he said something wrong?

“You know you don’t need to marry him. Just because you made a deal to be someone’s debt tool, it doesn’t mean you have to. I could totally object for you!” 

Ash laughed and shook his head playfully. 

“Thank you, but there’s more to the story than you know. And I’m not sure putting off the marriage for no reason is a good idea.” His tone was shy and quiet. Ash wasn’t going to tell Beau all the secrets he knew about Tristan’s personal history. Just letting his best friend know that there was more to it should have been enough.

“It isn't a bad reason. And you’d rather keep that guy’s secret than tell your best friend?” This question made Ash feel guilty. He knew he shouldn’t. It was incredibly rude to gossip about the deceased and Tristan’s awful love life track record. All he could do was hope that nothing would happen to him. If Tristan really were cursed, it would be good to discuss with the alpha options to keep Ash safe. He didn’t doubt the authenticity of the history as he didn’t believe Tristan had anything to gain by lying to him. He didn’t think that Tristan was the lying type either. Everything they’d talked about sounded real. Even if their combined tempers did aggravate the situation at times.

“It isn’t an either-or kind of situation, Beau. I don’t think you need to know his secrets. It’s not like they can help me get my freedom back.” Ash felt this was an adequate explanation as to why he wouldn’t tell the other. Beau, on the other hand, didn’t think so.

"I don't think you're taking this seriously. Once you're mated, the only way out is to kill the guy. And I don't think I want to be the one to get my hands dirty because you'd be a lovesick, mated omega."

The open-mouthed shock on Ash's face made Beau turn away with a gruff grunt. Did Beau really suggest killing Tristan in cold blood? If he did marry and mate the alpha, it would kill Ash too. To lose a mate would be the end of his life essentially. Even if they weren't mated for long, it was a strong process of emotions to share with a mate. And Ash knew of omegas who withered away after losing their alpha. For Beau to suggest such a thing was cruel to everyone.

"I can't believe you'd suggest murder. I don't think I want to talk to you about this right now." Ash said while chewing up his bottom lip. As his teeth dug into the skin of his bottom lip, he could only feel Beau's irritation ebbing from him.

"Fine. But whatever it takes, you will be free," he growled. Beau left out the part about being free to choose him. But it wasn't the right time to propose they be mated after Tristan is gone. He would pick his battles properly. Beau pushed off from the table, giving Ash a once-over before he shoved his hands into his pockets and angrily sauntered off.

There were lines one should never cross. To Ash, murder was a line he would never cross and would never consider. Yes, he wanted out of this arrangement, but not enough to kill Tristan. He knew he could never do it and didn't want anyone to do it either. Life was too precious to throw someone else's life away over a disagreement. Ash wasn't comfortable with the new knowledge that Beau would do anything to get his freedom back. How could such topics be discussed? And should he tell Tristan? Ash may not want to marry the alpha, but he didn't want Tristan to be in danger either. And it was his decision for Beau to stay on the property. Had he made a mistake by requesting his best friend to stay?

***

The rest of the day felt uneasy. Ash thought he knew Beau and that the alpha had his best interests in mind. However, now that his intentions had been voiced and he admitted nothing was off the table when it came to freeing him, Ash wasn't sure what to think.

As dinner rolled around and it was time to eat, Ash sat on the opposite side of Beau but still beside Tristan. Beau let out a short-sounding scoff as he shook his head. To Beau, he didn't understand how Ash could be so against his plans. It was for him!

Tristan cast a side eye to Beau and then over to Ash who looked almost guilty as they caught each other’s gaze. Sighing, he picked up his fork and started to eat. If it was important, he was certain they would bring it up. Instead, he turned his attention to a different topic of conversation,

“I hear you’ve been reading in the library lately. Have you found the collection to your liking?” Tristan asked Ash with a delighted sound. Beau scoffed again.

“I wouldn’t encourage him. Ash would get lost in fantasy worlds all day if you do,” Beau said as he picked up his spoon to start eating his soup. He didn’t bat an eye as he ate, even with Ash glaring at him.

“I have found your collection to be a vast comfort in my spare time. I’m fond of your collection of romance novels.”

“You’d rather live in one if given the chance,” Beau commented.

Ash didn’t know what his problem was tonight. So what if he liked to read and enjoyed doing so? It wasn’t a crime, unlike what the alpha had suggested earlier this afternoon.

“Are you two okay? I thought you were friends,” Tristan asked with an eyebrow raised. He looked over at Ash with a concerned look when Beau piped in.

“Oh, we’re great. Just had a difference in opinion, right Ash?” Beau’s voice was challenging him and Ash glared harder at the alpha. It wasn’t as though he could voice their disagreement at the table. He was certain Tristan would have Beau arrested if he knew of his murderous words. And while Ash didn’t want to consider the murder option, maybe it wasn’t such a bad idea if Beau were behind bars. At least Tristan and himself would be safer that way.

“How was your day, Tristan?” Ash asked while changing the subject.

“Just full of meetings and business in town. Nothing exciting. Although it did help my search for a proper tailor for the wedding. The local tailor passed away a year ago and we have yet to find a new one. However, there is a younger tailor opening a shop here soon.” He replied slowly. Tristan knew that Ash wasn’t thrilled about the idea of marrying him, but if they did end up getting married, they would need to prepare for that moment.

“That’s good… I’m still pursuing some leads but if it comes to pass, then we should be prepared,” Ash commented with a careful pace. He chose his words carefully so as to not suggest he was completely accepting of this arranged fate. However, Beau chimed in once again.

“I don’t see why you needed to be sneaky here, Tristan. You’re a man of upstanding social value. Why marry Ash at all?”

“Are you implying Ash is beneath my standing?”

“Yes. It’s obvious from his humble lineage that he wouldn’t survive in your world.” Beau spoke matter-of-factly. It hurt Ash to hear Beau’s words. His eyes fell on his bowl of soup and his hands clenched in his lap. How could Beau think so little of him? It was true that Ash had asked the same questions of Tristan, of why he didn’t want an omega with better societal standing. But that didn’t mean his best friend had to belittle his standing in the process.

“May I be excused for the evening? I’m suddenly not very hungry,” Ash asked. His gaze remained lowered as Tristan nodded his head.

“I apologize for the rude conversation we had. You may be excused, Ash.” Tristan’s eyes were soft on him but Ash was too upset to appreciate the tender gaze. Beau watched him push out from the table and leave the room. He shook his head but was resigned to the fact that he wasn’t going to win Ash over as easily as he thought he would. Maybe it was time for some underhanded methods…

Ash wandered slowly toward his room, stalling with his hand on the door as he considered what had been said. How could Beau be acting like this? It wasn't like his best friend at all and Ash wanted to figure out what had changed to bring out this new attitude. He didn't think Beau had had a mean bone in his body before today. So what was the difference? Had something changed in the alpha to make him act so completely different?

Ash walked into his room and shut the door behind him with a soft click. He wasn't concerned about Tristan's well-being right now as he was certain the alpha could handle himself. He was worried about other things though. Was he really able to break Tristan's curse? Did he want someone else to break it on his behalf? Or was the alpha starting to grow on him? The thought that Tristan was becoming someone he actively worried about made Ash feel weird inside. He was trying to get out of this arranged marriage and yet he was wondering about things he shouldn’t. Why should he care if the curse was broken after he found a replacement?