Alethea
I can see the joy radiating from Alpha Asher, lighting up the room. I know I shouldn’t dampen his happiness, but the fear gnaws at me, it is relentless and consuming. It’s the fear of the unknown.
As soon as he steps out of the room, I sink against the wall, my back pressing into its solid surface.
My hand flies to my chest, trying to calm the wild thudding of my heart, but it feels like it’s about to burst free from my ribs.
I know I shouldn’t feel this way about Alpha Asher, but the pull between us is undeniable, it’s like a magnetic force I can’t resist or explain.
It’s as if an invisible thread ties us together, drawing me closer to him with each moment.
Yet, I have these ominous feelings within me. My gut clenches, warning me that something is about to happen, something that will turn my life upside down.
But what is it? I have no clue, and that uncertainty makes my fear swell even more.
As my thoughts spiral, I let my voice break through the silence. “Please, don’t let them take me away,” I whisper, feeling exposed and vulnerable.
There’s still so much unfinished business, like the score I need to settle with Maya.
“You have my word, Ally,” Asher says, his voice strong and full of conviction. “I will protect you.” His words are like a promise wrapping me like a shield against the storm brewing in my heart.
My heart clenches painfully, and my body starts to tremble in a way I can’t explain.
The truth is, I don’t seem to trust Asher’s words. As doubt creeps in over his promise.
Slowly, I make my way back to the bed and grab the remote, flipping through the TV channels in search of something to distract me.
Nothing catches my interest until I stumble upon a fashion show. I settle for it, hoping the bright colors and upbeat music will calm my nerves.
But then, I hear a soft rustle from outside the door. I Panic in fear, and I quickly turn down the TV volume, straining to listen.
The door creaks open, and Kayla walks in, carrying a tray full of food and a bag slung over her shoulder. She stares at me for a while and my breath hitch in my throat when I notice she shoots me a cold glare.
I freeze, taken aback, as I desperately search her expression for any sign of a joke.
But my heart slumps when I notice there’s nothing but just a chilling seriousness that makes my heart race faster.
Fear surges through me, making my hands clammy. I rub them against my lap, trying to steady myself, unsure of what to expect.
Kayla places the tray on the dining table across the room, then slowly makes her way toward me.
My pulse quickens as I instinctively step back, my fear increasing with each of her steps.
Just as I’m about to break the silence by asking her what is wrong she bursts into a fit of laughter.
“Oh, Goddess,” I exhale, feeling a rush of relief mixed with irritation. “Would it be a crime if I strangled you for making me panic like that?” I released the breath I didn’t realize I was holding, my heart still pounding in my chest.
She holds onto her stomach, continuing to laugh uncontrollably. “Oh, Ally, you should have seen your face!”
“Can you blame me?” I retort, slowly making my way toward her. I try to playfully swat her side for deceiving me, but she effortlessly dodges it, her laughter filling the room.
Judging by Kayla’s youthful look, she seems to be about two years older than me, though it’s just a guess.
I’ve never taken the time to ask her age. Despite being one of the alpha heirs, she never uses her position to make me feel less than her. Instead, she treats me like an equal, making me feel special and like we’re a united front.
“So…” she trails off, as she giggles her eyes sparkling mischievously without saying another word.
I feel the heat rising to my cheeks, my face surely tainted with a deep blush.
My mind wanders to the naughty things Alpha Asher and I shared, making me flustered.
“What?” I ask, trying to compose myself, even though the memories make my heart race.
“You tell me. You know what I’m talking about,” Kayla says with a firm voice, but you can tell that she is waiting for my response.
I take a deep breath, feeling cornered by her unwavering gaze. “Thank you for last night,” I say, hoping to steer the conversation away from my obvious embarrassment.
“I don’t know what I would have done without you.” My words are sincere, but I know Kayla won’t let me dodge the elephant in the room for long.
Kayla raises her pointer finger, waving it in the air with a smirk. “Hell no, Ally. I know what you’re doing, and you, of all people, should know it won’t work with me.”
I slump into the couch with a sigh. “Kayla, the truth is, I don’t know what to feel right now. But I know I need to take it one step at a time.” I get up and move toward the dining table, my eyes scanning the pile of food she brought. Everything looks delicious.
Kayla’s gaze didn’t waver. She watches me intently. “I just want what’s best for you, Ally. Asher might not be great at showing his emotions, but I know he’s conflicted too. I pray to the Moon Goddess that he makes a decision that won’t hurt you.”
“Thanks so much, Kayla,” I say, offering her a small smile. “But I’ll just take each day as it comes. I don’t want to worry myself, especially now that I have a so-” I catch myself just in time, nearly slipping. I quickly bring a glass of juice to my mouth, hoping to mask my near mistake.
The tension in the room thickens, and I can feel Kayla’s sharp and curious eyes on me. She doesn’t miss a thing, and I know she’s waiting for me to explain.
“What did you say, Ally? That you have a son?” Kayla asks, as her eyes narrow with a questioning look, determined not to back down until she gets the answer she desires.
“Umm, what I meant is… I have a…,” I stammered, struggling to find a way out of the situation. My mind races, but “I can’t remember what I was about to say.” I grab a piece of bacon, bringing it to my lips and munching on it, my gaze darting everywhere except at Kayla.
She senses my discomfort, and she slowly rises to her feet. One hand rests on her hip, while the other points directly at me, her tone growing more intense.
“Oh, don’t you dare give me that bullshit, Ally? I know what I heard. I don’t know if you’re taking me for a fool, but I’m going to ask you right now, and I expect the truth.”
Her eyes bore into mine as she asked, “Do you have a son? And is it Asher’s?”