Ashraf hummed his response, implying that he certainly caught all of the fish himself. He gave a small, proud smile and, picking at a piece of fruit, met his mate's gaze. “Ah, it's nothing much. Had the Goddess of Luck on my side catching anything this big this time of year.”<br/><br/>In truth, he'd spent his hours fishing wondering about the wedding. Usually calm and confident, he wasn't used to feeling unease or worry. There was a strange anxiety within him that he couldn't quite understand. Ever since it'd been confirmed that he and Kelen were to be married, he'd felt this strange mixture of joy and worry. He picked at his food, trying to play it cool. Maybe it was because Kelen was such a fiery omega. They'd made it this far as friends turned to lovers, but he was uneasy about their future. Would things change after the wedding? He wished he knew the source of his worries so that he could quell them. Maybe he felt inadequate because he wasn't a reverse alpha like his father. He possessed no extraordinary abilities, no phenomena with which he could command an element of nature. He figured he had no need to “Go blue”; while he was not docile or even submissive, he already possessed a calm and quiet personality. He nibbled at his food, appetite weak and head swirling with thoughts.<br/><br/>“Sure won't miss these alphas sniffing around you.” He grinned, jostling Kelen lightly with his elbow. “Allow me to scent you better—it'd keep those silly pups away.” It wasn't like children were pursuing Kelen, rather Ashraf often referred to all of the alphas much weaker and smaller than him as pups. He wasn't aggressive but knew he could take them down just as easily as if they were no more puppies—they were no competition to him, no threat, just annoying. Like harmless pests. But he knew they agitated Kelen and how much it bothered Kelen how they catcalled and taunted him just to get a rise out of him. It always made Ashraf laugh, not that they were harassing his mate (he knew Kelen was more than enough capable of handling himself in most situations) but that they wouldn't be able to handle him if they did ever get their hands on him. He had too much of a fire, was too dangerously pretty, too sharp and intelligent behind that wickedly alluring body.<br/><br/>“If you go through your next heat before the wedding, we'll just have to handle it then.” He popped a piece of fruit into his mouth and shot Kelen a wicked little grin. “You know it'll be no problem.” His face broke into a silly little lop-sided grin. “Ah. You know I can't play sexy—not like these other alphas,” he laughed. He'd never had to try hard to seduce any omega, they naturally followed after him, no doubt enthralled by his confidence, his build, his powerful scent.<br/><br/>Ashraf shrugged. “My father is still taking his role as a magi seriously. Still hoping I'll present as one.” His father's life was packed with training and he was ever eager to see to what extent he could develop his powers and hone his skills. He also instructed other budding young reverses—teaching them the ins and outs of controlling their powers without harming others or themselves.<br/><br/>Ashraf finished his meal, rising and placing his palms on the table to support himself. “How about you close up early and let's enjoy some time together, yeah? I know your work is important but...do you really want to stand there in the heat for the rest of the afternoon?” He rounded the table and reached out a hand for Kelen to take. “Come on, there are infinitely more interesting things to do.”