Alethea (Zoe)
This wasn’t a dream. Asher was here.
It’s unsettling because I can still feel his touch on my skin, and the dampness in my panties is a reminder of how my body responded to him. It all feels too real.
He called me ‘Ally.’ Does he know the facade I’ve been keeping up?
‘Maya is waiting for me. You are mine, Ally. The earlier you accept it, the better. I’ll show you the world you deserve.’
These are his exact words, raising more questions than answers. What does he mean? He wants Maya, yet he claims I’m his.
Before I can spiral deeper into the whirlwind of confusion, a loud banging on the door jolts me back to the present. My heart leaps, and I hurriedly try to make myself presentable, pushing aside the chaos in my mind
The room is reeking of Asher’s scent. It fills the air in a way that makes me nervous. If anyone comes in, they might notice. I quickly grab an air freshener, spraying it around the room in the hopes that it will at least dull his scent.
A knock sounds at the door again, louder this time.
“I’m coming,” I say softly, taking a deep breath before walking over.
When I open the door, a young woman stands there, with a polite smile.
“Good morning, ma’am,” she greets me with a slight bow.
“Good morning. How can I help you?” I ask, keeping my tone direct.
“I’m Tana, I’ve been asked to inform you that the Alpha requests your presence for breakfast.”
Her words catch me off guard, and my heart pounds loudly in my chest. For a moment, I fear she can hear it.
Why would he want me at his table after everything that happened? I quickly push the thoughts aside and mask my emotions.
“Oh,” I say, trying to sound casual. This wasn’t something I expected. An invitation from the Alpha isn’t something anyone can decline, even if they want to.
“Alright,” I add. “Let me freshen up, and I’ll be there shortly.”
Tana nodded shyly but didn’t move. She stands by the door, her gaze downcast, as if waiting for something more.
I blink, caught off guard by her lingering presence. Why isn’t she leaving?
“Is there… anything else?” I ask as I look at her closely.
She hesitates for a moment, then lifts her head slightly. “I was told to wait and escort you to the Alpha.”
“Oh, that’s thoughtful of you,” trying to sound polite. “But I’m not dressed yet, and I haven’t taken a bath. Can you come back in thirty minutes?”
She pauses, clearly thinking it over, then nods slowly. “Okay, ma’am. I’ll be back.” With a small smile, she bounces off down the hallway.
I sigh in relief, my mind already spiraling with questions. Why would Alpha Asher want me at his table? Out of everyone in the pack, I should be the least of his concerns.
Kayla’s words from yesterday creep into my thoughts, fueling my unease. And now Asher wants me at breakfast? Does that mean Maya will be there too? The very idea makes my stomach twist.
I shake my head, trying to push the doubts aside, and head to the bathroom to freshen up. As I undress, my skin tingles at the memory of Asher’s touch. It felt so real. Could it have been more than a dream?
The warm water does little to calm my nerves, my mind replaying every detail.
‘I need to stay focused. I need to hurry up, complete the app, and get out of this pack before everything falls apart.’
I can’t let my cover slip. Not when things feel like they’re on the verge of exploding. Asher is already suspicious. Liam looks at me like he knows something I don’t. And Kayla showing up in my room, dropping hints-it’s too much.
When I step out of the shower, I wrap a towel around myself and glance at the mirror. My reflection stares back at me. I barely recognize myself.
My skin is darker than it used to be, and my features are sharper and more defined.
I shake my head, forcing the thoughts away. There’s no time for self-reflection now. Asher’s waiting, and I can’t afford to keep him waiting any longer.
I chose a loose floral blouse and a pair of fitted blue jeans. I put on a delicate chain with a cross pendant that rests just above my cleavage.
Applying light makeup, I opt for a soft, nude lipstick. My short, auburn hair is styled neatly, and I spritz on just a hint of perfume to feel fresh
I stand in front of the mirror and take a moment to observe myself. A small smile tugs at my lips. I’ve gained weight since having my child, a noticeable difference from the slim figure I used to have.
“Breakfast with the Alpha,” I murmur, with both amusement and unease. Smiling faintly at my reflection, I grab my things, since I’ll need to meet up with my team later to start the day’s work.
As I open the door, I nearly jump in surprise. Tana is standing there, waiting patiently.
“Oh, you’re still here,” trying to mask my surprise.
“Yes, ma’am,” she replies with a small bow. “I’m here to lead the way.”
I nod and step out, falling into step behind her. The hallways are quiet, save for the soft shuffle of our footsteps. Omegas we pass bow slightly in greeting. I acknowledge them with a curt nod, trying to keep a calm demeanor.
As we approach the grand dining hall, the air feels heavier.
Tana stops just before the doors and steps aside, gesturing for me to go ahead. My heart quickens as I take a steadying breath.
‘Whatever happens, stay calm,’ I tell myself.
I push open the heavy doors, the creak of the hinges echoing in the silence. The dining hall is grand, and it stretches out before me; the long polished table is set with precise care. The soft glow of sunlight filters in through large windows, casting a warm, inviting light across the room. But despite the beauty of the setting, a tight knot forms in my stomach.
My heart hitches in my throat when I take in the sight before me. Suddenly, I felt a pain that I wasn’t expecting to feel.
I should have thought about this before accepting to come, but I know I can’t say no to the Alpha’s request.