Alethea
It has been two weeks, and honestly, they haven’t been my best. I miss Selena. I miss my boy so damn much.
Every moment with him, seeing his smile, holding him close, staring into his innocent eyes, I long for it.
Kayla has been my rock, my saving grace. Sometimes, I wonder if she is more than just a friend, maybe she’s my guardian angel.
She sees right through me, sensing my emotions before I even voice them, and she always tries to lift my spirits.
But Shirley… Shirley has been a thorn in my flesh. She has made my stay here unbearable, and there are moments when I regret coming at all.
Yet, every time that regret creeps in, I remind myself why I came.
I think about Asher, about the strong conviction that led me here. He is my mate, the father of my child. I can’t just walk away, not when there’s still so much unresolved between us.
Though we haven’t defined where we stand in our relationship, I know there is still something there.
But Asher has been so busy. His days are filled with endless meetings with the elders, dealing with the fallout from the Maya situation.
The pack hasn’t made things any easier either. The gossip spreads like wildfire, whispering doubts into every corner of the Redwood Pack.
Just when we think we’ve managed to contain the rumors, another one sparks up, as if someone is intentionally fanning the flames.
Kayla’s voice pulls me from my thoughts. “I don’t get it. It feels like no matter what we do, someone is out there making sure the fire keeps burning.”
I sigh, rubbing my forehead as a dull ache sets in. “It’s exhausting. Every time I think about it, I end up with a migraine.”
Kayla frowns. “I’m sorry, Ally. You need to rest.” She stands up and walks over to a nearby cabinet, grabbing a bottle of Advil and a bottle of water. “Here, take this. It should help.”
I took the medicine from her, grateful for her support. But deep down, I know that a pill won’t fix everything. There’s something bigger going on, and I need to find out who is behind it.
I can’t ignore the look Kayla is giving me right now. It’s a mix of concern and something else I can’t quite place.
“What is it, Kayla?” I ask, capping the bottle of water and leaning back against the couch.
She sighs, shifting slightly. “My brother and you… how often do you see each other? It seems like you two are growing apart. How do you plan to make things work between you and him?”
I stare at her for a moment, knowing she means well. But I can’t keep throwing myself at Asher every chance I get when he isn’t making an effort. His excuse is always the same, pack responsibilities.
“Kay, thanks for your concern, but I think I’ll pass,” I say with a small smile. “Your brother has a lot on his plate, and I think we should all respect that.”
Kayla didn’t look convinced, but she let it go.
“I need to clear my head. Maybe a walk will help with the headache.”
“Okay, take your time,” she says. “I’ll just be here working on the daycare theme for the month.”
I pause, considering. “Oh… maybe I’ll join you later. I feel so useless here.”
She beams. “I’d love that!”
I nod before heading out. My plan is simple, just a short walk down the hallway to the big balcony overlooking the pack territory.
The fresh air might help me think.
But as I make my way through the hallway, Xena suddenly starts pacing in my mind.
What’s wrong? I ask her.
Before she can answer, I feel it. His scent.
I inhale deeply, my wolf instantly reacting. Asher.
I hadn’t even thought about how close his office was, but now his presence is impossible to ignore. The familiar warmth spreads through me, the pull toward him growing stronger.
But then, another scent is in the air.
He’s not alone.
My steps are slow as I move closer to his office. Xena purrs in my head, urging me to open the door. My hand hovers over the handle, my heart pounding.
But I hesitate.
But I don’t think twice. I lift my hand, ready to knock.
But before I can, the door swings open.
Shirley steps out, and everything happens too fast.
She collides with me, stumbling backward. In a heartbeat, she’s on the floor, clutching her stomach like she’s in unbearable pain.
My eyes widened in shock. What just happened?
For a moment, I just stood there, caught between confusion and disbelief. I didn’t even touch her!
Then, Shirley’s scream pierces the hallway.
“Oh my goddess! It hurts so bad!” She wails, her voice echoing through the walls.
Before I can react, Asher rushes out of his office. His eyes land on Shirley first, not me, and my heart clenches painfully at the sight.
He didn’t even spare me a glance before crouching beside her.
“Shirley?” His voice is full of concern as she sobs uncontrollably.
“Alpha, it hurts so much!” she cries, her body trembling. “I don’t know why she hates me! She just-she just hit me!”
My breath catches. “What?!”
I didn’t touch her!
Asher’s head snaps up, and when his eyes meet mine, my stomach drops.
The look he gives me…
I step back instinctively, my heart racing. Does he believe her?
Shirley lets out another choked sob, then suddenly gasps loudly.
My gaze shifts back to her, following the panic in her eyes.
And then I see it.
Blood.
A deep red stain spreads across her thigh, and my breath catches in my throat.
I slap a hand over my mouth in horror. Oh, my goddess.
This isn’t just an act anymore. This is serious.
And now, it looks like I did this.
My pulse pounds in my ears as I stare at the blood soaking through Shirley’s dress.
A sick feeling coils in my stomach. How? How did this happen?
Shirley whimpers, curling into herself, her hand pressing against the wound. “I… I don’t know what I did wrong,” she sobs. “I was just leaving, and then she attacked me!”
I take a step forward, shaking my head. “No. That’s not what happened!” My voice wavers, but I force myself to hold Asher’s gaze. “I never touched her!”
Shirley clings to Asher’s shirt, her fingers curling into the fabric like she belongs there. Her soft cries fill the hallway.
Asher looks down at her. Then, with a tenderness that makes my stomach twist, he reaches out and brushes a strand of hair from her face.
My heart clenches.
Shirley’s crying grows louder, her body trembling like she’s expecting to be carried.
And then, Asher does it.
Without hesitation, he scoops her into his arms, cradling her against his chest. Right in front of me.
I can’t breathe.
He walks past me without a glance, as if I’m nothing. As if I don’t exist.
I stare after him, my vision blurring. How did it come to this?
My chest tightens, and my throat burns, but I refuse to break down here. Not now. Not in front of her.
I watch Asher disappear down the hallway, Shirley still curled up against him. I already know where he’s going. The pack doctor.
Shirley’s head turns slightly, just enough for her tear-streaked face to be visible.
And then for a split second, her teary, pained expression shifts.
The corner of her lips tilts up, just barely.
A look of triumph flashes in her eyes.
And then it’s gone.
My breath catches in my throat.
She… she planned this.
I shake my head, forcing myself to push away the sting of what just happened.
I turn and continue my walk.
Then, I hear a small voice behind me.
I freeze.
Slowly, I turn around-and my mouth falls open on its own accord.
Standing there, looking right at me, is a gorgeous man.
My heart stutters, my breath catches, and for a moment, everything else fades away.