Alethea
I hear the unmistakable sound of Xavier’s voice as he questions the doctor about Asher’s condition. Dr. Josh sticks to our plan, repeating exactly what we agreed on.
I hold my breath, counting on Asher to recover, because if he doesn’t, we’re all in serious trouble.
Then, Xavier inhales sharply. “I smell something familiar,” he murmurs, sniffing the air.
My heart slams against my ribs. No. No. He can’t sense me.
I squeeze my eyes shut, silently praying that my scent is masked well enough.
A beat of silence.
“It’s gone now,” he mutters.
I exhale softly, relief washing over me-but I know this is only temporary. Xavier will figure it out eventually.
He’s too dangerous, too power-hungry to ignore any loose ends. But not now. Not while Asher is fighting for his life.
Xavier exchanges a few more words with the doctor about making sure Asher receives the “best care.”
It’s a weak attempt at sympathy, and I don’t believe it for a second.
Finally, I hear his footsteps fade away. I wait a few extra seconds, my ears straining for any lingering sounds. When I’m sure he’s gone, I push open the bathroom door and step out.
“Give me some sleeping pills,” I whisper to the doctor. “I need to make sure the guards won’t be a problem.”
Dr. Josh hesitates for only a moment before handing me the pills. I quickly crush them and mix them into a set of energy drinks.
With the drinks in hand, I approach the guards standing outside Asher’s room.
“Thank you for protecting your Alpha,” I say, forcing a small smile. “I know you must be exhausted, so I brought these energy drinks to keep you going.”
Their eyes light up in gratitude, smiles tugging at their lips as they eagerly accept the drinks. “Thank you, Luna.”
Luna. The word stings, knowing I have yet to claim that title officially. But now isn’t the time to dwell on that.
“You’re welcome,” I murmur before slipping away to a secluded spot.
I watch carefully.
Then-one by one-they drink.
Perfect. I smirk as I step out of hiding.
I notice the guards are already dozing off.
The extra dose of sleeping pills worked-it had to. Werewolves have stronger resistance to drugs, so I couldn’t take any chances.
Wasting no time, I rush inside and call Liam. “The coast is clear.”
Together, we carefully wheel Asher out of his VIP hospital room and into his private sanctuary. Dr. Josh has already prepared everything we need for his treatment-IV fluids, painkillers, and medical supplies to keep him stable.
Two days pass.
Asher’s recovery is painfully slow. Every breath he takes feels like a battle.
Dr. Josh has taught me how to change his bandages and monitor his condition. It’s exhausting, both physically and emotionally, but I refuse to leave his side.
Liam is the only other person who knows where Asher is. He’s been a huge help, handling the outside world while I focus on keeping Asher alive.
I feel guilty about keeping this from Kayla. She’s my closest friend, and I know she can sense that I’m lying. Every time she looks at me, there’s a flicker of doubt in her eyes-like she wants to call me out but chooses to trust me instead.
Deep down, she knows that whatever I’m doing, it’s for Asher’s safety. That’s why she stays quiet.
I keep my distance from Xavier as much as possible.
The most terrifying part? People are already starting to forget Asher.
They move on like he never existed like the Alpha who bled for them is nothing more than a memory.
But I see the ones who still care-the ones who haven’t let go. The loyal few.
Liam has stationed his most trusted guards at Asher’s door, making sure no one gets close. As far as the rest of the pack is concerned, their Alpha is dead.
And that truth-or rather, that lie-sits heavy in my chest.
But Asher is not dead.
And when he wakes up when he’s strong enough…
He’s going to remind them exactly who he is.
Shirley has been out of sight for days, and I can’t help but wonder-are she and Liam related? They are complete opposites, like night and day. Sometimes, I’m tempted to ask him outright, but right now, there are more pressing matters at hand.
Xena, my wolf, has gone completely silent. No matter how much I try to reach her, she refuses to respond. It’s frustrating because deep down, I know she could help me find a way to heal Asher. There has to be a way.
I glance at Asher and notice his face burning up again. His fever is getting worse. My heart clenches as I push myself to my feet, my legs weak and unsteady from exhaustion.
I make my way to the bathroom, fill a small bowl with cold water, and grab a clean towel. Returning to the bedside, I dip the towel into the water, wring it out, and gently press it against Asher’s burning skin.
I start with his face, carefully wiping away the sweat beading on his forehead. Then, I moved to his arms and chest, being extra cautious not to touch the bandaged wound where he was stabbed.
My hands tremble as I move lower, wiping his stomach, my heart aching at the sight of him in such a vulnerable state.
Tears blur my vision as I lean in close, my lips near his ear. “Come back to me, please,” I whisper, with emotion.
I squeeze my eyes shut, as my chest rises and falls with quiet sobs. “I need you, Asher. Please.”
Still, Xena remains silent.
“Xena, help our mate. Don’t leave me in the dark,” I plead internally, desperate for even the smallest response. But she doesn’t make a sound.
A knock at the door pulls me from my despair. I quickly wipe my tears and head to answer it. One of the guards stands there, holding a tray of food.
“Here,” he says, shoving it toward me.
“Thanks,” I mumble, taking it from him before shutting the door.
Liam has been making sure I have food, sending meals whenever he can.
When Dr. Josh isn’t too busy, he checks in on Asher, making sure his condition doesn’t worsen.
It’s draining-physically and emotionally-but I know this is for a good cause.
I just pray it’s enough.
I force myself to eat, not because I’m hungry, but because I need to stay alive-for Asher. But every bite feels tasteless, like chewing on air.
Then, suddenly, a strange uneasiness washes over me. It’s like someone familiar is close by-someone who knows me too well.
My heart pounds, erratic and wild. This feeling is foreign yet oddly comforting, sending shivers down my spine.
The door creaks open.
A scent I recognize instantly fills the room, wrapping around me like a warm embrace. It’s calming and soothing, a presence that makes my heart leap in relief.
She’s here.
Before I can think, my feet move on their own. I rush toward her, and she catches me effortlessly. A sob breaks free from my throat, and I cling to her as if she’s the only solid thing in my world.
Her hands rub gentle circles on my back, her touch filled with reassurance.
“Everything will be okay,” her actions seem to say, though no words are needed.
“I know,” I manage between hiccups, resting my head against her chest.
She slowly lifts my face, looking deep into my eyes. Her lips move, speaking words I don’t fully grasp at first. But something shifts inside me.
Xena stirs in my mind.
I watch Selena’s mouth, trying to absorb everything she’s saying. And then-her final words hit me like a bolt of lightning.
I gasp, as my eyes widen in shock and realization.
Oh no. Why didn’t I think of this before?
I spin around and rush toward Asher, my heart pounding with new urgency.
Selena watches me with a knowing smile.
She’s here. And that’s all that matters.