CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE
ASTRID’S POV
Right now, I don’t know if I should describe training today with Rowan as epic or excruciating.
Yes, I did learn a few fighting skills, like how to throw a punch or duck when something is thrown at you and other interesting skills but right now, my entire body aches like I have been beaten mercilessly by an angry mob for stealing. My joints hurt really bad and I know it’s because I’ve not really been into physical exercise for a long time. Even so, I love it and I will keep training till I’m an expert.
Alpha Asher caught up with me while I was returning to the castle from training and he has invited me to join them for dinner at seven pm in the royal dining. I tried to protest, but he wouldn’t give me room to do so, so I had no choice but to just nod, indicating that I will be there. He even made matters worst by letting me know that he will come take me from my bedroom so we can walk down together.
Right now, the time is quarter to seven pm and I’m a nervous wreck. I’m all set for dinner, dressed in my usual sweatpants and tee, with a pair of oversized leader slippers I found in the bedroom. I’m panting about, playing with my sweating fingers and wondering how that dinner is going to end.
Freya is going to be infuriated when she sees me on the table and I know she is going to throw a fit. She will resort to making my life miserable in the pack if I dare go down there.
When Alpha Asher comes, I will try to convince him to let me stay in here.
Soon, there is a gentle knock on the door and I suppose it is Alpha Asher. I crosscheck my body properly to make sure everything is in check and try to wipe my sweaty palms on my butt as I stride to the door. When I open the it, gentle wind that is filled with his intoxicating scent fills my nostrils and my breath hitches when he smiles at me.
Why does he always smell so nice?
I stand there, glued to the spot, looking straight into his beautiful brown eyes and wondering how one human can be so sinfully attractive.
His thick black hair is ruffled and wet, proving he just showered and is fresh. The pair of shorts and tee he has on doesn’t fail to print out his muscular build and when I look up at his biceps and triceps, I swallow dryly.
Damn! Freya is so lucky!
“You done staring?” He asks with a cocky smirk and I immediately dart my eyes away from him.
“I wasn’t staring” I mumble under my breath as I make way for him to get in, but he doesn’t bulge on his spot.
“My clothes look cool on you” The moment that statement leaves his mouth and reaches my ears, I swiftly raise my head up in shock and look at him. He is smiling from molar to molar and I can’t understand what’s going on.
Do these clothes really belong to him?
“What?” I ask in horror.
“Fascinating how you can look all hot one minute and extremely cute the next. You are indeed a rare gem”
“You still haven’t answered my question!”
“An Alpha is not to be questioned, sweetheart. Now come on let’s get down for dinner. The others must be waiting for us”
“Others?” I ask aghast and he nods his head.
“Yeah, Rowan, Arya and Freya”
“Can I please not go? Freya is going to cause a scene if she sees me down there”
“I don’t care what she is going to do, all I want is for you to have dinner with us. Now, come with me” He instructs as he turns on his heels and start walking away. That leaves me with no choice but to swallow my complains and follow him.
When we both go into the dining to meet the others, my heart keeps skipping beats and I swear I’m going to faint soon.
The dinner that has been served on the table before my eyes is grand. Everything from casserole to sausages. At the center of the table, sits an extra large jug of cranberry juice and immediately, my mouth starts watering. Rowan and Arya are both engaged in what I can tell is an argument about who has better table manners and Freya is typing away on her cell phone. I stop on my tracks by the door, but Alpha Asker gently nudges me with his elbow to keep going.
As we both walk further into the dining, the trio stop what they are doing and look up at us. Both Rowan and Arya’s gazes widen in excitement, but Freya frowns the moment she sees me.
“What is she doing here?” Freya asks rising up from her seat and I immediately halt on my tracks and entwine my fingers in nervousness.
I knew this wasn’t a good idea.
“Duh! She’s here to have dinner like each one of us” Astrid replies carelessly, rolling her eyes and Freya ignores her response and turns to face me.
“You are not supposed to dine among royals, you slave!” Freya fires at me and a mocking laughter escapes from Arya’s lips.
“It’s hilarious to think that you consider yourself as royalty. Freya are you really royalty?” Arya asks and Freya casts her a deadly glare.
“I’m warning you Arya, stay out of this”
“Else what? You are going to report to daddy dearest so he can have me eliminated!”
“My father has a reputation”
“Like I care”
“Now will you both stop all this childishness and sit down for dinner?” Alpha Asher intervenes.
“I don’t want her here” Freya speaks out firmly.
“She’s staying, now sit down and stop trying to cause a scene.
“Astrid, I said go away!” She scolds in anger as she starts walking towards me. I immediately turn on my heels and start scurrying away from the dining, but Alpha Asher holds my right arm and keeps me in position. I shoot him a weak glance with my eyes begging him to let me go, but he doesn’t.
As Freya quickly approaches, he pushes me behind his body, blocking Freya from reaching me.
“Stop right there, Freya. That is an order”
“No I won’t, I need to teach this bitch a lesson. She has to know that she is not supposed to mingle with people who are not her class!
“I said stop right there!” Alpha Asher roars and the entire castle goes silent. Rowan and Arya stop chattering, Freya stops whining and I start trembling.
That was one hell of an Alpha voice.
“If you are not okay with Astrid sharing a table with you, you go have breakfast in your bedroom, because she is going nowhere!” He concludes and I see a glimpse of defeat in Freya’s eyes as she storms away from the dinning.
Alpha Asher turns to face me and I bow my head down and play with my fingers.
ASHER’S POV
“Look at me” I instruct, but with a calm tone and she carefully lifts her head up and looks at me.
I hate the fact that she always just let’s Freya trample all over her. I mean she(Astrid) is superior over Freya, but one would hardly believe that.
“Astrid” I call softly as I look into her beautiful ocean blue eyes that’s filled with sadness.
“Yes, Alpha Asher”
“Do you know why I asked you to start training?”
“So I can become powerful”
“Not just that, so you can defend yourself against bullies like Freya” I add and her gaze widens in surprise. “Yes Astrid, I want you to learn to defend yourself against Freya, don’t let her treat you like trash anymore”
“But… she is your fiancé and the future Luna of this pack, I have to serve her, not challenge her” She explains and exhale heavily in utter frustration.
How do I start explaining everything to her right now?
I don’t think that will be necessary, she will get to figure it out by herself as the days go by.
I step closer to her to close the wide gap between us. Both Arya and Rowan start conversing in whispers and giggling, but I choose to ignore them.
“Freya is not your superior and right now, I am giving you the right to defend yourself against her anytime, anyhow you want. I wouldn’t want to see you bowing down to her or doing as she commands ever again. Is that clear?” I ask firmly and she swallows dryly, nervously as she nods her head.
I take up my hand and gently stroke her beautiful hair and smile down at her.
She has no idea how much she means to me. How I hate to see her sad.
I’m going to make her strong enough to be able to stand up to her bullies, that I swear!