Alethea
He didn’t kiss me as expected, even though I was ready for him. I turned my face to the side, but with bruising force, he moved his hand to my cunt and rubbed it smoothly, despite the fact that I was clothed.
His strong grip held me captive, making my breath hitch in my throat. The dampness pooling in my belly burst forth, dripping as if it had been waiting for his touch for a long time.
“S… st…” I wanted to say stop, but the word felt foreign on my lips.
“What did you say, Ally?”
“I w… an… t y… o… u to p… leas… e s… top,” I stuttered, the words coming out between ragged breaths.
He moved my gown up, and I couldn’t help but gasp at the way his rough hand grazed my skin.
“Do you want me to stop?”
By now, his bare hand was on my wet clit, and as he pushed one of his fingers inside, a shameful thought crossed my mind, I’m officially a slut.
I didn’t know where the thought came from, but for fuck’s sake, I should hate this man. Yet, he was making me shiver in pleasure, something I hadn’t felt in a long time. And the last time was with him.
Shamelessly, I ground my hips against his hand as he fucked me with his fingers. With my hand on his chest, I slowly tried to push him away, but I knew it wouldn’t be easy. So instead, I gathered what strength I had and shoved him. He stumbled slightly, but his hand remained on my clit.
He smirked as if confirming something, and I quickly straightened my rumpled gown.
His grip tightens, his breath steady, but I can feel the storm raging inside him. I can see it in his eyes-the dark hunger, the frustration, the battle between pride and desire.
“You don’t sound sure, Ally,” he murmurs, challenging me.
I swallow hard, forcing myself to meet his gaze. “I am sure.” My voice was stronger this time, but he didn’t step away.
Instead, he leans in closer, his presence overwhelming, surrounding me. “Liar.”
The word is a whisper, but it cuts through me like a blade.
I hate him. I hate the way he makes my pulse race, the way my body reacts before my mind can protest. I hate that even now, standing in his office, I feel like I’m drowning in him.
But I won’t let him win.
I straighten my spine, lifting my chin in defiance. “Believe what you want, Alpha. It doesn’t change anything.”
His jaw tightens. His hands drop from me as if burned, and for a second, I see something flash in his eyes-something raw, something vulnerable. But just as quickly, it’s gone, replaced by the cold, ruthless man I know too well.
He takes a slow step back. “Get out.”
I hesitate, waiting for something-an argument, another cruel remark, anything. But he just turns away, running a hand through his hair, exhaling sharply.
I don’t know why, but my chest tightens.
I did this to get under his skin. I wanted to frustrate him. So why does it feel like I just lost something instead?
Pushing the thought aside, I shake my head and bolt out the door, my legs feel weak as I hurry down the hallway. I need to get out of here away from him.
Just as I round the corner toward my locker to grab my things, I hear the door to his office swing open. My heart pounds. I know he’s near, but I refuse to turn around. I won’t give him the satisfaction of knowing how much he affects me.
“Thank goodness you’re here,” Juliet’s voice pulls me back to reality. She rushes toward me, with a worried expression on her face. “Your phone has been ringing non-stop. It’s Selena.”
My stomach drops. Selena never calls unless it’s serious.
“What? Selena?” I repeat, with a shaky voice. Panic creeps in as I grab her arm. “Did you answer?”
“No, but she also called the office line.”
My breath catches. The office line? Only someone determined would go that far, and when it comes to me and Declan, Selena never leaves anything to chance.
“What did she say?” I demand, dread curling in my stomach.
Juliet hesitates, watching me carefully. “She said you need to come home right away. Declan is running a high fever… and he’s calling for you.”
The world tilts.
For a moment, I can’t breathe. Is he having those nightmares again? The ones that leave him drenched in sweat, trembling, burning up as his little body fights against the torment inside his mind?
“Okay. Thanks, Juliet-I have to go.” My voice is barely a whisper as I push past her, my only focus on getting to my son.
But before I can take another step, I feel it.
That intense, suffocating presence.
I look up and meet Alpha Asher’s gaze.
But this time, it isn’t lust darkening his eyes.
It’s fury.
Pure. Unfiltered. Fury.
His hands are shoved deep into his pockets, his body rigid with tension. His gaze burns into me like he’s trying to piece together the conversation he just overheard.
My heart slams against my ribs. How much did he hear?
And more importantly…
What is he going to do now?
Asher steps closer, his towering presence suffocating, his voice razor-sharp with restrained fury.
“I’m going to ask you a question, Ally.” His tone is low and dangerous. “And I need an honest answer. Goddess help you if you lie to me-because if you do, I will never believe another word that comes out of that sultry mouth of yours.”
His words sting, but I keep my expression neutral, refusing to let him see how much they affect me. I can feel his wolf clawing beneath the surface, barely contained, ready to explode at the slightest provocation. I have to tread carefully.
Then, he drops the bomb.
“Ally, tell me the truth.” His voice is raw, demanding. “Do we have a son together?”
The air is sucked out of my lungs.
Of all the questions, this is the one I never expected him to ask.
My pulse hammers as my mind races. He heard me talking to Juliet. That means he knows something… but how much?
Panic grips me.
Am I ready to tell him the truth? No.
Do I want him to take my son away from me? No.
Do I want Declan anywhere near Redwood Pack? Not.
Do I want to expose him to more danger-especially if Maya is still in the picture? Never.
Do I want my son to become Maya’s stepchild, to suffer under her wrath, to live a life of misery because of me? Hell no.
“Asher…” My voice is barely above a whisper as I look up at him, my heart pounding.
His piercing gaze burns into mine, demanding an answer.
After weighing everything-the risks, the consequences-I make my choice.
And the words that leave my mouth shock even me.
Without waiting for his reaction, I spin on my heels and walk straight out the door.
My son needs me.