Alethea
I keep walking, fully aware that she’s following behind me. I know the game she played yesterday, and I refuse to give her the satisfaction of thinking she’s gotten under my skin.
“Who are you to Asher?” she demands, her voice laced with anger.
Now, that catches my attention. A giggle escapes me as I stop and slowly turn around, my gaze locking onto hers.
I take a step forward, and she instinctively takes a step back. I keep advancing until her back is pressed against the wall.
Then I look into her eyes, really look. And there it is.
She talked to Ryder. She knows he’s coming, and she expected me to be covered in his scent.
She wanted Asher to find out and lose his mind. That was her plan. But now, seeing that it didn’t work, she’s pissed.
“Do I intimidate you?” I finally respond, my voice calm but sharp. “Is that why you’re so desperate to know who I am?”
Her lips press into a thin line, but she doesn’t answer.
“I guess you’ve asked around,” I continue, “and no one gave you the answer you wanted. But don’t worry, I’ll tell you exactly who I am.” I lean in, my voice dropping to a deadly whisper.
“I’m the little monster that will haunt your dreams and tear you apart in real life.”
She swallows hard, her breath hitching.
“I have no interest in you,” I say coldly, “so I suggest you stay the hell out of my way. Because next time you try that stupid stunt you pulled yesterday, I won’t hold back. I’ll damn the consequences and rip that hair right off your head. Am I clear?”
My anger burns hot, my hands itching to smash her skull against the wall, but I won’t.
She didn’t reply, she only nodded stiffly, her face pale.
“Good,” I say before turning around and walking away, leaving her exactly where she belongs.
Shirley scoffs. “The Alpha doesn’t deserve you. You’re just as radical as you look.”
I smirk, crossing my arms.
“Oh, I’m glad you know Asher and I are an item.” I tilt my head, pretending to be deep in thought.
“But tell me, who exactly are you to decide who deserves me?” My smirk deepens.
“Oh… now I get it. That’s why you’re so pissed.”
Her eyes narrow sharply.
“He saw through your lies,” I continued, my voice smooth yet cutting. “He’s back where he belongs, with me. And now, suddenly, you’re the one left in the cold.”
Her jaw tightens, but before she can open her mouth to spew more nonsense, I sigh dramatically.
“Come on, let’s go for breakfast. All this talking has made me hungry.”
Then I lean in, my voice lowering to a chilling whisper. “And let me warn you, try pulling any stunt with me again, and I don’t care who you are. I will pluck your teeth out, one by one, and feed them to the dogs. Do you understand me?”
I didn’t wait for an answer. Instead, I grab her wrist, feeling her stiffen in shock, and tug her along toward the dining area.
The moment we step inside, the room falls silent. Every pair of eyes turns toward us, some in curiosity, others in disbelief. But the only reaction I care about is Asher’s.
His expression flashes from confusion to something unreadable as his gaze darts between me and Shirley. But I smile at him through our bond. Calm your nerves, my Alpha. Everything is fine.
That’s all the confirmation he needs. A broad, satisfied smile spreads across his face as he stands.
Without hesitation, he stretches his hand toward me, an unmistakable gesture of possession.
I glance at Shirley and whisper, “Be nice,” before walking toward Asher, my steps slow and deliberate.
As soon as I take his hand, he pulls me into an embrace, his warmth surrounding me.
I feel everyone’s stares, but I don’t care. He’s my mate, and I’ll bask in his attention for as long as it lasts.
His lips press gently against my forehead before he pulls away just enough to look at me.
Then, like the perfect gentleman, he pulls out a chair for me. I sit, and he follows, his presence commanding even in the simple act of having breakfast.
The servers begin bringing in the food, but all I can think about is Asher’s gaze on me. It’s possessive and intense. And I know, without a doubt, this is only the beginning.
Now that I’m seated, I take my time to look around. Familiar faces come into focus.
Liam, Ryder, Kayla, and several others I recognize from when I was here as Zoe.
Kayla gives me a goofy look, making me smirk. When I glance at Ryder, he flashes me a toothy grin, and Liam offers a curt nod. I smile at each of them in return, warmth stirring in my chest.
But then, I feel it, an intense gaze burning into me, like daggers piercing my skin.
Shirley.
I turn to meet her stare and give her the sweetest fake smile I can manage. She immediately rolls her eyes, making my smirk widen.
That girl has something up her sleeve, I can feel it. And I’m more than ready to uncover whatever it is, piece by piece.
The rest of breakfast passes in a blur. The soft clinking of silverware fills the air as I focus on eating enough to get me through the long meeting ahead. Who knows how long it’ll last?
Once we’re finished, I wave goodbye to Kayla and the others. Asher places a firm hand on the small of my back, guiding me toward his office.
The moment we step inside.
Asher corners me against the wall, his intense gaze locking onto mine before he crashes his lips against mine in a deep, passionate kiss.
I gasp, caught off guard, but a giggle escapes me as I kiss him back, my lips parting on their own.
His touch ignites something deep inside me, making my heart race.
“The things you do to me, Ally,” he murmurs against my lips, slightly breathless.
“I’ve been wanting to do this since you walked into the dining area. Damn, Ally, you look hot.”
Heat rushes to my face, and I know I must be blushing crimson.
Taking a moment to catch my breath, I finally look at him properly. He’s effortlessly handsome in a sky-blue dress shirt, paired with his signature gray pants.
The fabric stretches across his broad chest, making it impossible to ignore how well-built he is. My fingers itch to trace every inch of him.
His chiseled jawline, the sharp angles of his face, everything about him is dangerously irresistible. And best of all, he’s mine.
Xena, my wolf, purrs in satisfaction, a pleased giggle echoing in my mind.
But then, a wave of worry washes over me. “I’m worried,” I admit softly.
Asher tilts his head. “About what?”
“Maya’s father,” I say, biting my lip. “I hope he isn’t one of the elders coming today. You know we have history back in the Blood Moon Pack… and let’s just say I’m not his favorite person.”
Asher sighs, his thumb brushing gently against my cheek. “Calm down, Ally. You worry too much.”
I exhale slowly, nodding, though the uneasy feeling lingers in my chest.
Just then, Asher’s expression shifts as he receives a mind link. His jaw tightens.
“They’re here,” he says.
“Ally, come on, let’s go,” Asher says, adjusting his cuffs.
I step forward, smoothing out his tie before helping him put on his suit. He looks effortlessly powerful, strong, composed, and every bit the Alpha he is.
“Let’s go,” he repeats, his voice firm yet gentle.
We walk out of his office, heading toward the conference room. As we move through the halls, I take in every detail: the polished floors, the dim lighting, and the heavy air of authority that lingers in this part of the packhouse.
But just as we reach the door, something shifts.
Xena stirs in my mind, restless. Her unease crashes into me like a wave, making my pulse quicken.
Something’s wrong.
My palms grow sweaty, and my breathing turns shallow. A sudden wave of anxiety grips me, and I hesitate.
A thought creeps in, unwelcome and unnerving-Was it a mistake to come to this meeting with Asher?