The sounds of his approaching steps and his scent had given Christof away but the hand clapping down Ashraf's shoulder had mildly startled him. The alpha turned with a questioning expression and matched a familiar face to an equally familiar scent. “We are doing well,” he replied just as Kelen released a sigh. He turned to his mate curiously, wondering to what extent the interruption truly irritated him. Ashraf was pleased with how enthusiastic Christof seemed about their wedding—it was almost like extra affirmation that he and Kelen had made the right decision.<br/><br/>Ashraf didn't move, only watched as the beta closed his eyes and shifted into a fighting stance. Regularly, most betas and omegas were no match for an alpha in a fair physical fight. With no persuasion or charms in use, an average beta or omega was no match for an alpha's strength and speed. Power omegas were a different story. Luckily, Christof was neither a power omega nor a reverse alpha and was therefore no threat to Ashraf. If Ashraf was a more aggressive alpha he would've been offended by the challenge and done the beta serious harm.<br/><br/>As a pure-blooded alpha, Ashraf's father had been more than a little disappointed that he'd picked an omega as his mate. Both of his parents were alphas just as his grandparents and their grandparents were. He came from a long line of alphas who'd mated and produced even more. Ashraf's parents had shunned him for weeks after the announcement of his and Kelen's marriage plans. Ashraf's father had refused to send him letters—their only form of communication as Ashraf's father lived and worked in the capital—for weeks. Thankfully, time had soothed over those wounds and his family were in the process of dealing with his decision. However, there were still times Ashraf's mother asked him if he was sure about this. Of course he had his unsure moments, but that didn't mean that he had to confess to having them.<br/><br/>In the end, Kelen tripped Christof and his antics came to an end. For the time being. Ashraf smiled while observing the two, content to listening to their banter. However, his smile faded as he recalled how Tai's father had tried to sell him off to a much older man. The thought made his insides twist—it would have been such an awful fate. To most everyone's relief, Tai had presented as a power omega and was thus allowed to begin his magi training in the capital—home of specialized schools and training grounds where reverse alphas and power omegas could hone their skills and newly developing powers. Ashraf's father taught at one of these schools, being a reverse alpha.<br/><br/>Ashraf was not too versed in the sciences, concluding that if Kelen said electricity was in most living beings, he must be correct. “I imagine it'd be incredibly useful...and dangerous...to have such an ability,” he mused aloud. “Kelen, let's pick out a good gift to send them today.” The alpha made to continue walking. “Christof, I do not mind if you join us, but it is ultimately Kelen's decision,” he laughed, half joking.