Alethea (Zoe)
‘Oh my goddess, this can’t be true.’ My mind races as I try to process the sight of Xavier, standing there, directing the attack on Redwood Pack.
What kind of deep hatred does he have for this pack? For Asher? And to think that someone might have helped him gain access to the pack-it makes my stomach turn, the disgust threatening to make me vomit.
‘I have to warn Asher.’ He can’t die. He just can’t. He’s the father of my child, and he doesn’t even know it.
The thought of him never knowing about Declan makes my chest tighten with a pain I can’t explain. I can’t let him die before he even gets the chance to understand the connection we have, to know about our son.
Just a few minutes ago, I was so determined not to let Asher know he had a son. I told myself it was for the best, that keeping it from him was the right thing to do-for Declan, for me, for everyone. But now, standing here, everything feels so wrong.
How could I have thought it was a good idea to keep such a huge secret? How could I have justified hiding the truth from him, knowing what’s at stake? Asher deserves to know, especially now, with danger looming over him. And Declan… My sweet boy deserves to have his father in his life, no matter how complicated things between Asher and I might be.
“Make sure he’s stabbed with the silver blade laced with wolfsbane,” Xavier’s voice drips with malice. The cruelty in his words is undeniable, and it only solidifies my fear.
It’s clear now-Xavier is behind this attack. But why such deep hatred for Asher? What’s his motive? It feels like there’s more to this than just personal animosity. He must have someone inside the pack helping him.
But right now, I can’t waste time thinking about his motives or his plans. I don’t care about anything else. My only focus is getting to Asher and warning him before it’s too late. He has to survive.
One of the rogues steps away from Xavier, moving toward the chaos to carry out his orders. I take off running, my legs carrying me as fast as I can. The sound of growls, claws clashing, and wolves howling fills the air around me.
I see wolves fighting with brutal force, claws slashing, teeth sinking into flesh. The stench of blood is thick, and injured wolves struggle to stay on their feet, fighting to survive.
My heart aches for them, and I push myself forward, dodging the frantic movements of the battle.
How am I managing to avoid the attacks? I don’t even know, but something inside me is guiding me, keeping me safe in all this chaos.
I scan the field, desperate to find Asher, but I’m not sure how to recognize him. I’ve never trained with wolves before, and I’ve always been kept at a distance from their world. How am I supposed to pick out the alpha’s wolf when I don’t even know what to look for?
Then I spotted him.
A massive black wolf, his fur gleaming in the chaos, moves with incredible speed and power. His movements are so fierce, so controlled, that it’s almost as if he’s a god in battle.
He snaps at the rogues with deadly precision, each strike cutting down his opponents before they can even react.
The way he fights, ruthless and fearless, makes the other rogues hesitate, cowering in fear as they realize they’re up against something far stronger than they ever imagined.
I’m speechless, caught in the battle. I can’t look away, mesmerized by the power and grace of this wolf. And then, just when I think I’ve seen enough, I catch his eyes.
He sees me.
Suddenly, a presence looms over me, a heavyweight that sends a shiver down my spine. I look up and my breath catches in my throat as a massive black wolf towers over me. He’s enormous, his body casting a shadow that seems to engulf me.
I crane my neck, instinctively drawn to him. There’s a pull, familiar and powerful like I’ve known him forever.
The wolf lowers his head, his eyes locked onto mine, and he lets out a soft purr-a sound that stirs something deep within me, making my heart flutter.
I reach out slowly, my hand brushing against his thick, sleek fur. The moment my fingers make contact, he purrs louder, a deep rumble that vibrates through me, before throwing his head back in a triumphant howl, filling the air with the strength of his presence.
Then, I look into his eyes. They’re green, vibrant, and full of life. I get lost in them, overwhelmed by the undeniable truth that this is ‘Alpha Asher’s’ wolf.
My heart races, but I know there’s something I need to tell him.
I need to warn him that Xavier’s plan is in motion, that Asher is about to be struck with wolfsbane, and Xavier is on a mission to take him down. But how do I communicate this to a wolf?
I press my hand deeper into his fur, rubbing it gently. He whimpers in pleasure, his body relaxing under my touch, and I close my eyes, trying to focus on what I need to do.
Just as I’m about to speak, though I don’t even know how there’s a loud cracking sound, bone twisting and shifting.
I gasp as I watch Asher’s massive form collapse in on itself, his fur receding, his body morphing as he shifts back into his human form before my eyes.
He’s standing before me, naked and breathless, his body taut and strong, but it’s his gaze-intense, searching-that leaves me momentarily breathless.
I gasp in disbelief. “What the hell?” I shout, quickly covering my eyes with my hand, but despite my efforts, my gaze still drifts over his sculpted body. The sight makes my pulse quicken, a wave of heat rushing through me.
“What the hell are you doing here?” His voice is sharp, furious, as he grabs my arm. The force of his grip stings, not in a way I can easily explain.
How can I even speak with any semblance of sanity when the Alpha is standing right in front of me, completely naked?
“I’m here to warn you,” I start, trying to focus, but just as I’m about to finish my sentence, I notice Asher freezing. His grip on my hand tightens.
I slowly turn my head and see the rogue drawing closer. One of them holds a silver blade, and my stomach drops.
Horror floods me as I realize what I’ve just done is reckless and stupid.