Alethea
Asher’s touch sets my entire body on fire, my core pulsing with need as I arch my back, pressing myself into him.
He takes my nipple into his mouth, sucking and nibbling in a way that sends a shock wave straight to my brain.
“Asher,” I moan breathlessly, my fingers tangling in his hair as his hand moves lower, slipping between my thighs. His fingers circle my clit in slow, teasing strokes, sending unbearable pleasure through me.
“Asher…” My voice trembles as he deepens his touch, his fingers slipping through my wet folds, drawing tight, dizzying spirals that leave me gasping.
I throw my head back, drowning in the sensation. He moves to my other breast, giving it the same attention, his tongue flicking and rolling as his fingers continue their tormenting rhythm.
Desperate for more, I reach for his sweatpants, tugging them downward. My hand brushes against his hard length, and
I grip him lightly, tracing the tip with my fingers. He groans, his deep, guttural sound vibrating against my skin, sending another wave of pleasure through me.
But then-
The door bursts open.
Asher reacts instantly. In a blur of movement, he flips me around, shielding me with his body.
His arms wrapped protectively around me, his chest pressing against my bare back as he positioned himself between me and whoever just barged in.
I barely have time to process what’s happening before I realize his sweatpants are back in place, drawn up like I hadn’t just tugged them down moments ago.
My heart pounds wildly in my chest as I clutch onto him, my breath ragged.
Then, I finally managed to look up
And I freeze, dread pooling in my stomach as I see who’s standing in the doorway.
Kayla’s eyes widen for a split second before she smirks. “I-I’m sorry to interrupt, Alpha. I was never here.”
She rushes the words out, her tone laced with amusement. I know, without a doubt, she’ll tease me about this for weeks.
Asher and I had been so consumed by our lust that we hadn’t even heard her footsteps approaching. My face burns with embarrassment.
“Just get out, Kayla,” Asher commands, his voice sharp, brimming with the voice of an Alpha. I stare at him, trying to reconcile the man who had just been whispering sweet words into my skin with the one now exuding such raw dominance.
Kayla bites back a laugh. “Yes, Alpha,” she says before striding out and shutting the door behind her.
The moment she’s gone, Asher releases a breath and rests some of his weight on me, his body pressing into mine.
His arms tighten around me, his grip firm yet careful.
Then, his voice drops into something darker, something possessive. “No one dares see you like this because you are mine.”
The way he says “mine” sends a shiver down my spine. It isn’t just Asher speaking, it’s his wolf, claiming me with an intensity that makes my heart race.
He kisses my forehead gently, but his grip remains firm as if he’s anchoring himself to me.
Then, reluctantly, he steps back, grabbing his T-shirt and slipping it over his head without taking his eyes off me.
His gaze alone makes my body respond. I clench my thighs together, trying to suppress the damp ache between them.
But I know better. He can sense my arousal and feel my need through our bond.
“Freshen up and get dressed,” he instructs, his voice calmer now, but still thick with desire.
“Come down for breakfast. The council elders from the four neighboring packs will be arriving soon.”
I blink, trying to process his words, but my body is still buzzing from everything that just happened.
“Oh,” is all I manage to say as I reach for my T-shirt.
Before I can slip it over my head, he steps forward and catches my wrist. “Don’t,” he murmurs.
I frown, confused. “What?”
“Please,” he breathes, dragging the word out as his eyes roam my bare chest.
Something in the way he looks at me like I’m the most precious thing he’s ever seen, makes my breath hitch.
Slowly, hesitantly, I drop the T-shirt. His gaze darkens with restraint, his hands clenching at his sides as though he’s holding himself back.
Then, in one smooth motion, he steps closer, tilts my chin up, and kisses me.
It’s slow, unhurried, but filled with so much emotion that my knees go weak. I melt into him, surrendering to his touch, to the fire that threatens to consume us both.
At this moment, nothing else matters. Not the council meeting, not Kayla’s teasing, not the time we lost.
Right now, there’s only us.
Asher lets out a low growl, his jaw tightening as if restraining himself. Then, without another word, he steps back and strides toward the door.
I watch him go, my heart twisting with longing. The second the door clicks shut behind him, I let out a shaky breath, pressing my hand against my chest.
My heart is pounding so hard it feels like it might break free from my ribs.
What is Asher doing to me?
I should be angry. I should be holding on to the resentment, the pain of the past. But all it takes is one look from him, one kiss, and I felt like I never stood a chance.
I press my fingers against my lips, remembering the way his mouth felt against mine, how slow, how intense, how utterly consuming.
“I want more,” Xena purrs in my head.
I squeeze my eyes shut. “I know,” I whisper. “I want more too.”
Asher is like an addiction I can’t break free from, no matter how much I try. Even when I should push him away, I only end up craving him more.
Shaking my head, I force myself toward the bathroom. A cold shower should help clear my head. Or at least, that’s what I tell myself.
As I step under the warm spray, I lather soap over my body, my thoughts drifting back to the way Asher spoke to Kayla.
The raw possessiveness in his voice, the way he claimed me so fiercely, like he wasn’t just saying the words, but feeling them down to his very core.
What would it feel like when he finally marks me?
The thought sends a shiver down my spine, and I quickly push it away.
“One step at a time,” I remind myself, rinsing off the soap and wrapping a towel around me.
With another towel in hand, I step out of the bathroom, ready to face whatever the day and Asher have in store for me.
Standing in my closet, I take a deep breath, my fingers grazing over the rows of outfits Asher has stocked for me.
He’s always been generous, making sure I have something for every occasion. But today, I need to look both classy and professional since I’ll be working closely with him.
My eyes land on a red fitted dress, elegant and bold. I’ve never worn it before and never thought I’d need it, but today feels like the perfect time.
Slipping it on, I turn to the mirror, and a wide smile spreads across my face.
“I look hot,” I squeal under my breath, feeling a spark of confidence I haven’t felt in a while.
I run a brush through my hair, deciding to let it fall freely over my shoulders instead of tying it up.
A little makeup, a light touch of foundation, a swipe of mascara, a hint of blush, and then I finish with some lip gloss.
Finally, I spritz on a subtle perfume, not too strong, just enough to leave a lingering trace.
With one last approving glance at my reflection, I step out of my room, ready to start the day.
But the moment I close the door behind me, I jump slightly, startled to see someone standing there, watching me.
I quickly shut my expression, refusing to let her see that she’s caught me off guard. Squaring my shoulders, I lift my chin and greet her with a calm, steady voice.
“Hi,” I say simply, before turning away and making my way toward the dining area, refusing to let her presence rattle me.