Alethea
They all stare at Asher like he has lost his mind as if the words coming from his mouth make no sense. But I understand now. I finally see why he has been distant, why he has buried himself in pack matters.
For weeks, he has been tightening security, making sure every warrior is trained to their limit. He knew this was coming. And yet, despite everything, they still hesitate.
“As allies, we made a vow to protect each other,” Asher reminds them, his voice steady but filled with fire. “We promised to stand together, to fight for one another. And I will die before I let harm come to my pack.”
I can see the fear in their eyes. They don’t want to get involved. They don’t want to fight.
I clench my jaw, biting my cheek to stop myself from standing up and calling them what they are-cowards.
Asher’s patience snaps. “So, what’s it going to be? Are you going to stand and fight, or will you sit here debating Maya’s death while the real enemy prepares to take everything from us?”
The silence is unbearable, stretching longer than it should.
Then-
BANG!
A loud, piercing alarm bell rings out, cutting through the heavy silence.
Shouts and screams echo from outside, and the unmistakable sound of chaos erupts. My heart pounds as every Alpha in the room stiffens, their eyes widen in realization.
We don’t need any more words.
We are under attack.
“We are under attack!” Liam’s voice booms from outside.
Asher reacts instantly, standing in one swift movement. His sharp eyes lock on mine. “Stay here, Alethea. Keep the elders in your sight. Do not let them out of your reach. You got me?”
I nod slowly, even though the thought of being trapped in a room with these pathetic men makes my skin crawl.
Cowards, even after Asher warned them, even after he told them their packs were at risk, they still sat here, frozen in fear.
Before I can say anything, Asher sprints toward the window and, in one powerful leap, jumps out.
Midair, the sound of bones snapping fills the air as he shifts seamlessly into his wolf. His massive form lands on the ground below, ready for battle.
A sick feeling creeps into my gut. Why now? Attacking while the Alphas are in our pack? This isn’t just a random attack-this is a message.
A calculated strike meant to cause chaos. If even one of these Alphas dies here, the blame will fall on Redwood Pack, and Asher will be in even more danger.
My fingers curl into fists. I won’t let that happen.
My heart pounds so loudly in my chest that I can hear it in my ears. Xena paced in my head, restless and furious, her growls vibrating through me. Go after him! she urges. Protect our mate!
My palms turn clammy, my head throbs as I rack my brain for what to do. Stay and protect the elders, or go to Asher?
The sounds of battle outside grow louder and screams, and growls fill the air. I don’t have much time.
I need to decide. Now.
I ignore Xena’s desperate plea to go after Asher. As much as every fiber of my being aches to be by his side, I have to do what he asked-protect the elders.
Taking a deep breath, I begin to stack chairs together, creating a makeshift barricade. The Alphas stare at me, frozen in shock, their so-called dominance is nowhere to be found.
“Help me!” I call out, forcing panic into my voice.
Finally, as if waking from a daze, they scramble to their feet and start assisting me.
It’s pathetic, these are the same men who boast about their strength and power, yet here they are, hiding behind a pile of chairs instead of fighting beside Asher.
“They sit in their high seats, making policies, but when it comes to a real battle, they’re useless,” Xena growls in my head; her frustration mirrors mine. “They should be out there fighting, not cowering like pups.”
I clench my jaw, forcing my emotions down. I know I should be worried, but I’ve seen Asher in battle. I know what he’s capable of. The way he moves-ruthless, precise, unstoppable. They won’t know what hit them.
But the battle outside grows fiercer. The sound of snapping jaws, slashing claws, and agonized cries. The growls echo down the hallway, growing closer.
The Alphas press themselves against the walls, fear clear in their wide eyes.
Cowards.
My heart pounds. My mind races. If they break through that door, I won’t be able to stop them alone. I need to act-fast.
I turn to face the Alphas, forcing steel into my voice.
“Listen to me! If we don’t fight back, we die. If they breach this room, they won’t spare us just because you’re Alphas. You either stand with me and protect yourselves, or you sit here and wait to be slaughtered. Choose.”
I let my gaze sweep across the room, meeting the eyes of each Alpha.
“Think about it, why today? Why attack when they knew leaders from the four kingdoms would be gathered here? This isn’t just about the Redwood Pack. If they’re bold enough to strike now, do you think your packs are safe? They’ve already sent threats. They’ve already made their move. This war isn’t just ours-it’s yours too.”
A few of them exchange uneasy glances. I can see doubt in their eyes, but also something else, realization.
“All I ask is for fair judgment. Instead of wasting time blaming Asher, focus on the real enemy-those trying to destroy our packs, our peace.” My voice rises with conviction, strength I didn’t even know I had.
Just as I see some of them starting to waver, loud THUD slams against the door.
I freeze.
Another CRACK. The sound of splintered wood fills the air.
They’re breaking in.
My pulse skyrockets as I turn to the Alphas, hoping that one of them has a plan, a weapon, anything.
Nothing. Just pale faces and wide, fearful eyes.
Useless.
I spin back toward the barricade of chairs and push against them as if my strength alone could stop what’s coming.
I know it’s a weak attempt. But right now, that’s all I’ve got.
I’m not thinking anymore. I’m moving purely on instinct. I grab the stack of chairs and push with every ounce of strength I have.
The banging at the door grows louder, relentless, but finally, the Alphas stand up, rushing to help.
Their hands push against the chairs, but it still doesn’t feel like enough. The door shakes as the pound continues like whoever’s out there won’t stop until they break through.
Then, suddenly, I hear it. A growl-deep, primal, full of power. It shakes the hallway, making the walls vibrate. I don’t even have to think. I know it’s Asher.
Xena paces in my mind, furiously, urging me to go to him. Save him. He’s fighting, and he needs you.
The growls continue, and I can hear shouts and screams from outside. I imagine Asher, fiercely holding them off, trying to protect the pack. A part of me is relieved-it means he’s still out there, still fighting.
But then-
My heart stops.
A weak mind link comes through, faint and distorted. It’s Asher’s voice, but it’s strained. But I hear the desperation in his tone, and my chest tightens with fear.
“Asher, why is he weak? Is he hurt?”
Without another second to think, I push the stack of chairs away with every ounce of my remaining energy.
My body aches, but I can’t stop now. I climb over the scattered chairs, pushing them out of my way as quickly as I can.
I yank open the door, and my heart plummets to the floor.
The sight before me stops me in my tracks.
“No. Asher, no!” I scream, my voice raw, desperate.