Alethea
“I wouldn’t have believed something like this existed,” Amelia says, her voice filled with disbelief.
“What is it?” I ask, my curiosity piqued.
“They made your father believe he killed someone. But in reality, it was just a dead rogue wolf. It was all staged when a threat was made against my mom’s life,” she explains.
“She had a rare power-the ability to heal others. But every time she healed someone, she took on their injuries. It drained her, Ally. She was getting weaker, and she needed a way out. When the opportunity came, they used it.”
My mind spins as I take it all in. “So, you’re saying… There were layers to this? So many things happening behind the scenes?”
“Exactly,” Amelia confirms.
A single tear slipped down my cheek, and I hadn’t even realized I was crying. All these years… they made me suffer. They made my father believe he was a murderer. They humiliated me, and I bore the weight of a crime that never even happened.
But I don’t want to dwell on that pain, not now. I quickly steer the conversation elsewhere.
“How’s work at Techspark?” I ask, forcing my voice to sound casual.
“Going great! I’m part of the second team working on the database now,” she says excitedly. “Oh my goodness, Ally, you need to see the Alpha!”
I roll my eyes, already knowing what’s coming next.
“That man is drop-dead gorgeous,” she gushes. “His blond hair, those green eyes… they remind me of someone, but I just can’t put my finger on it.”
My heart skips a beat.
Oh, my Goddess. She’s about to connect the dots.
Panicking, I quickly changed the subject. “Anyway… anything interesting happening there?”
“Not really,” she muses. “But you know what’s strange? A handsome Alpha like that… without a Luna?”
Everything goes silent. My breath catches in my throat.
“What do you mean?” I ask cautiously.
“The last time I was there, he had a Luna,” I reminded her. “Maya. Didn’t you see her?”
“Nope. None that I’m aware of,” Amelia replies, completely unaware of the storm brewing inside me. Then she laughs. “But don’t worry, Ally. I’ll get to the bottom of this. And if it turns out he doesn’t have a mate or a Luna…” she pauses dramatically. “I wouldn’t mind seducing him. Even if it’s just for one night.”
My grip on the phone tightens as a low growl escapes my lips-so low, yet powerful enough to startle even me. My heart pounds wildly, a sharp pressure squeezing my chest as if it’s about to be ripped apart. I try to speak, but the words get stuck in my throat.
I don’t want Amelia to have even the slightest clue about my connection to Asher. Not about him. Not about my son.
“Ally? Are you okay?” Her voice snaps me out of the haze, breaking through whatever dark force had taken hold of me.
I close my eyes and take a deep breath, steadying myself.
“Ally?” she calls again, her tone now laced with concern.
I need to calm her down. I can’t let her suspect anything.
“I’m fine, Ammy,” I say, forcing my voice to sound normal. “I think I’m coming down with a headache, that’s all.”
“Oh, I’m so sorry,” she says, sympathy evident in her tone. “I can’t wait to see Declan again. But wait… why don’t you and Declan come to visit me at Redwood Pack?”
No. Not.
Panic grips me as I rush to answer, my voice a little too quick. “No, no, that wouldn’t be a good idea.”
I know she’ll wonder why, but I can’t afford to explain.
Thankfully, she doesn’t press the issue. We exchange goodbyes, and as soon as I hang up, a deep sigh of relief escapes me.
Asher doesn’t have a Luna anymore.
What does that mean?
Memories flood my mind-his voice, raw with emotion, telling me how much he wanted me. How it hurt him to stay away. The way he had held me during my heat, whispering promises I so desperately wanted to believe.
And then… he had turned his back on me.
He had ordered me out of the Redwood Pack as if I meant nothing.
I shake my head, trying to banish the thoughts. I had promised myself I wouldn’t think about him. I had spent so long pushing him from my mind.
But now… now he’s creeping back in.
“Shit,” I mutter, jolting awake and scrambling out of bed.
I can’t believe I slept this long. Selena didn’t even bother to wake me.
Rushing to the bathroom, I quickly freshen up. Last night, my mind was completely consumed by Alpha Asher. I tossed and turned for hours, thinking about him until my chest felt unbearably heavy. I don’t know if it was just the weight of my thoughts or if something else-something I don’t understand-was happening.
Stepping out of the bathroom, I glance at my suitcase. I still haven’t had the time to unpack properly. There’s no luxury of time for that now, but maybe by the weekend, I’ll get the chance.
I grab the first outfit I can find-a sleek, long-sleeved black bodycon dress with a slight slit on the side. It’s comfortable enough to wear while moving around, yet stylish enough to make an impression.
Pulling my dark hair into a simple ponytail, I apply a light touch of makeup to enhance my features.
I take one last look in the mirror.
I look good. Maybe even hot.
With a small smile, I grab my things and head out, hoping to make just as many tips as yesterday.
I was already running late, so checking the kitchen for breakfast wasn’t an option. I’d have to grab something at work.
Luckily, I spot a cab and quickly hail it, giving the driver my destination. In no time, I arrived at the restaurant.
As I step out of the cab, a strange feeling washes over me-an uneasy sensation creeping up my spine. I pause, glancing around, but nothing seems out of place. Shaking off the feeling, I hurry inside. At least I’ll be safe there.
Just as I enter, I see Harvey strolling toward me. His usual friendly demeanor is gone, replaced by a tight, unreadable expression.
“You’re late. Get to work,” he says in a clipped tone before walking away.
I glance around. The atmosphere is tense. Everyone is busy, moving quickly, focused on their tasks. I spot Juliet, who barely manages a quick wave before diving back into her work.
Sighing, I clock in and realize I’m a whole hour late. Great.
I turn to grab my apron, but that uneasy feeling returns-stronger this time. My eyes darted around, searching for the blonde guy from yesterday, but he was nowhere to be seen.
Just as I step out of the locker area, a deep voice cuts through the air, making my heart leap into my throat.
“You’re late. Get to work immediately.”