Alethea
Xena begins pacing in my head, purring at his presence, but I refuse to acknowledge it.
I nearly rolled my eyes. He doesn’t get to just show up, act like some macho Alpha, and expect me to melt at the sight of him.
“Hi,” I mutter, keeping my voice indifferent as I walk over to the dresser. I start taking off my earrings, focusing on the simple task instead of giving him even a glance.
The air in the room shifts, heavy with his presence. I know he’s fuming, the tension rolling off him in waves is enough to suffocate me. But I don’t care.
Let him be mad.
I feel his gaze burning into my back, drilling holes into me, but I pretend not to notice. That is, until he moves.
In a swift second, he’s right behind me, his hand pressing firmly onto my shoulder.
The warmth of his skin against mine sends an electric jolt through me, and those stupid, familiar sparks explode across my skin like wildfire.
Damn it.
Xena practically purrs at the proximity of our mate, but I keep my expression neutral, refusing to show any reaction.
Through the mirror, I see his reflection, his intense stare locked on mine. Slowly, I lift my gaze to meet his, taking in every detail.
He looks exhausted.
Dark circles shadow his eyes, his face drawn looks weary. His usually strong, commanding presence seems strained.
A sharp ache blooms in my chest at the sight.
But I refuse to take pity on him so soon.
Asher suddenly leans in, his nose brushing against the sensitive skin of my neck as he inhales deeply.
Then he freezes.
His grip on my shoulder tightens slightly before he pulls back just enough to meet my eyes through the mirror.
His eyes flash between his usual green and a glowing gold, his wolf struggling for control.
I watch him carefully, sensing the tension coiling within him.
“What is it?” I ask, my voice steady despite the unease curling in my stomach.
His gaze darkens. “Why do you smell like another man?” His tone is eerily calm, but I don’t miss the way his fists clench at his sides. “I know this scent… It’s familiar, but I can’t quite place it.”
A calm Asher?
That’s strange.
I expected rage, possessiveness, and maybe even his demanding answers. He wasn’t this restrained when he saw me with Liam or Harvey. Back then, his temper flared instantly.
But now?
It’s like he’s holding himself together by sheer force of will, his wolf clawing at the edges of his restraint.
Curious to see how long he can keep up this act, I tilt my head slightly and push just a little further.
“Yes, I was with someone,” I say, my tone nonchalant. “Any problem with that?”
Silence.
His jaw tightens, his nostrils flare, and for a brief moment, I see his fingers twitch like he’s about to reach for me again or punch something.
Then, abruptly, he steps back, releasing his hold on me. His fists ball at his sides, and he exhales sharply through his nose, clearly struggling to keep his temper in check.
“I understand that you need fresh air,” he says, his voice lower now, controlled. “But for now, it’s not safe.”
I let out a bitter laugh and finally turned to face him, arms crossed. “Not safe?” I echo, arching a brow. “I wish you had told me that two weeks ago when I suddenly became invisible to you.”
His eyes snap to mine, and I see a flash of guilt.
“But don’t worry,” I say coolly. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
Then I turn away from the mirror, I refuse to let him see how much this moment is getting to me.
As I make my way to the bed, Asher’s voice cuts through the silence.
“Who is he?”
I pause, turning slightly. “Who?” I ask, feigning innocence.
His jaw tightens, and he runs a hand through his hair in frustration. “Who the fuck were you with?” he grits out.
“Language, Asher,” I warn, crossing my arms. “And I won’t appreciate you asking me that question. Do you understand me?” I say with a firm voice.
“Who he is should be the least of your concerns. Last I checked, we were never an item. I’m just the mother of your child, nothing more. So don’t get it twisted just because I came here with you, it has nothing to do with wanting us to be together.” I finish, pointing between us for emphasis.
Asher’s expression darkens, but I see something else in his eyes-hurt.
“Ally,” he says, his tone softer this time, almost pleading. “Please stop pushing me. This… this isn’t helping. We’re just running in circles, and it’s getting us nowhere.”
I let out a heavy sigh. “Okay, Asher. Will that be all? I’d like to rest.”
“Okay, let’s rest,” he says, and before I can process what he means, he walks over to the bed and lays down.
I blink, stunned. “What the hell are you doing?” My eyes widen as I watch him get comfortable.
“What does it look like?” He stretches out, his muscular frame taking up a ridiculous amount of space.
I don’t know how to respond. Part of me wants to shove him off the bed, but another part, a weaker, traitorous part, is painfully aware of how good he looks even when he’s exhausted.
He exhales deeply and stretches out a hand toward me. “Come here.”
I hesitate. I shouldn’t.
“Asher…”
“Please, Ally,” he murmurs. “I just want you close.”
I arch a brow. “Are you sure about that? I’m still reeking of another man’s scent, remember?” I challenge him half-expecting him to get up and leave.
His response is instant. “As long as you didn’t fuck him, I trust you.” He says it so casually like he’s commenting on the damn weather.
I shudder slightly, my body reacting to his words in a way I hate. How the hell does he always know the things that get under my skin?
“Come here,” he repeats, his voice softer now. “I’ve missed you. I just want to hold you.”
I should say no.
I should remind him that things between us are messy, complicated, and unsolved.
But instead, I whisper, “Let me change first. I’ll be right back.” I quickly turn toward the bathroom before my resolve weakens any further.
But before I can step inside, his voice stops me.
“Change here.”
I freeze.
I slowly turn my head to look at him, catching the faintest smirk on his lips.
“I want to see you,” he adds, unapologetic.
I scoff. “Oh, shut up, Asher. I should be the last person you want to see naked.”
His smirk grows. “That’s not even remotely true.”
I rolled my eyes and made my way towards the bathroom, slamming the door behind me before he could say anything else.
My heart is pounding.
What the hell am I doing?
As soon as I step into the bathroom, I press my back against the door, my chest rising and falling as I try to steady my racing heart. Damn it. How am I supposed to keep my cool when he’s so close when his scent stays in the air, wraps around me like a dangerous temptation?
I shake my head and focus. I need to get a grip.
Taking a deep breath, I change into something more comfortable-a loose T-shirt and a pair of shorts. I stare at my reflection in the mirror, trying to compose myself.
“You can do this, Ally,” I whisper to myself.
Xena, my wolf, hums impatiently in my head, urging me to go back to him.
Traitor.
I mutter the word under my breath as I run my fingers through my hair, making sure I look as unaffected as possible. Then, with one final breath, I push the door open and step into the room.
But the sight before me makes my blood run cold.
My hand flies to my mouth in horror.
“Asher!” My voice comes out as a desperate plea.