Alethea
I don’t know if I’ll ever get used to these overwhelming emotions every time Asher kisses me in public.
A part of me feels shy, but another part of me enjoys it every second. I haven’t been lucky with such affection before, and now that I have it, I don’t want to let go.
I giggle into the kiss, I can feel Kayla and Amelia’s amused gazes on us. When Asher finally pulls away, he rests his forehead against mine, his breath warm against my skin.
“Goddess, I’ve been waiting to do this all morning. I missed you so damn much,” he murmurs.
My heart swells, and I rest my head against his chest, avoiding his gaze. I know my face is probably burning red, and I don’t want him to see just how much he affects me. But Asher knows me too well.
“Hey, what’s wrong?” he asks gently, tilting my chin up so I have no choice but to meet his piercing eyes as he searches my face.
I swallow, I’m flustered. “Nothing, Asher… It’s just that-” I pause, struggling to find the words. “You’re going to make my heart burst with all these emotions.”
His lips curve into a slow, knowing smile. “Mmm, I love that.” He tightens his arms around me. “And you make my heart burst too, especially with what you said after that wild night.”
I stiffen slightly. “Oh, Asher-can you please just tell me what I said in my sleep?” I whine, tugging on his shirt. “I don’t know why you keep teasing me about it, and I don’t even remember!”
He chuckles, as his deep voice sends shivers down my spine. “It was only meant for my ears,” he says, “and I’m glad you feel that way.”
I pout, ready to argue, but before I can say another word, he leans in and presses a kiss on my lips, as he silences me in the best way possible.
“Glad you could make it, Ms. Amelia,” Asher says, extending his hand in greeting as he suddenly switches into a professional tone.
Amelia, ever the professional, immediately straightens her posture and switches too. “Likewise, Alpha Asher. I’m ready to fix the issues with the app.”
Asher nods, “You know Ms. Weaver, right? I’m glad she can assist if needed, but let me be clear-I won’t be lenient with TechSparks if this database issue happens again.”
Amelia bows slightly. “Understood, Alpha. I’m here to do my best, and I appreciate the opportunity.”
Asher keeps his hand on the small of my back, it’s a subtle but possessive gesture.
Then, his focus shifts abruptly.
“Kayla, are you okay?”
Kayla tenses beside me, her wide eyes moving toward me for reassurance. I frown slightly-what did Asher notice?
“Umm… umm, I’m fine, Alpha,” she stammers, clearly caught off guard.
But Asher isn’t convinced. His sharp gaze stays on her for a moment before he steps away from me and takes Kayla’s hand.
Then, to my surprise, he lifts it gently and presses a soft kiss to the back of it.
I step aside, as I don’t want to intrude, but Amelia rushes to my side, barely containing her excitement.
“You’ll help, right?” she asks, with mischief.
I sigh but smile. “Of course, Amelia. Anything to help boost your career.” I stick out my tongue at her playfully, making her laugh.
I take a quick glance at Asher, as I notice how deep in conversation he is. I don’t want to interrupt, so I stay back.
But then, a familiar excited scream fills the air, making my heart skip a beat.
“Daddy!”
I turn just in time to see Declan rushing toward Asher at full speed.
Asher senses him too, so he spins around just in time to catch him. He lifts Declan effortlessly into his arms, holding him tight.
Then he places a kiss on his cheek, his grip secure yet gentle.
“Oh, my world! Deck, when did you get here?” Asher asks, pulling back slightly to look at him properly.
Declan grins. “Today! Aunt Amelia brought me!”
Asher’s eyebrows rise. “Aunt Amelia, huh? And I’d love to meet this Aunt Amelia who brought you back to me.” He wiggles his fingers playfully before tickling Declan, making him burst into laughter.
Through his giggles, Declan points toward Amelia. “That’s her! She knows you! She told me so many good things about you-like how you’re brave, strong, and a great leader!”
Asher’s expression softens as he glances at Amelia. “Aww, Amelia, you’re going to make my heart burst. You told my son all that about me?”
Amelia flashes a bright smile. “He wouldn’t stop talking about you! He asked if I knew you, so of course, I told him everything I’ve learned about Alpha Asher in the short time I’ve known you.”
Asher turns to her fully, sincerity in his gaze. “Thank you so much for taking care of my boy. That means more to me than you know.”
Amelia waves it off playfully. “Oh, don’t mention it, Alpha. The deck is my gee. Right, Deck?”
She sticks out her knuckles, and Declan eagerly bumps his tiny fist against hers. I laugh at the interaction, warmth filling my chest as I watch the people I love so deeply bonding right in front of me.
“Come on, let’s go,” Asher says
I hold Declan’s small hand in mine while Asher takes the other. My heart feels like it’s about to burst from the sheer rush of emotions flooding me.
This moment-just the three of us, together against the world-feels surreal. I can’t imagine anything better.
Asher leads us to a small lake, its surface shimmers from the soft glow of the sun. We settle down, with the peaceful sound of rippling water filling the air. Declan curls up against Asher, completely at ease, and I can’t help but smile at how safe and loved he looks.
For a while, we sit in silence, each lost in our thoughts. I steal a glance at Asher, as I want to reach out to him.
“How’s it going with the rogues?” I finally ask. “Has the council promised to help?”
“Yes,” he says simply, still staring at the water.
Something in his tone makes me uneasy; like there’s more, he isn’t saying. But do I really want to push him? I decided against it. When the time is right, the truth will come out.
Suddenly I feel dizzy, and I grip his hand tighter to steady myself. I don’t want him to worry, so I rest my head on his shoulder, as I take in a deep breath.
Something has been weighing on my mind for a while now. After reading several books and doing some research, I finally understand what’s been causing my lightheadedness-Asher hasn’t marked me yet. It’s long overdue, and my body is feeling the effects.
But I don’t want to rush him. I want it to happen on our terms when we’re both ready.
Still, I know we need to talk about it. Gathering my courage, I finally say, “Asher?”
“Hmm?” he hums, still watching the lake.
“I… I don’t know how to say this.” I stutter, struggling to find the right words. “The Blue Moon is in one month.”
The moment the words leave my lips, I see the shift in his expressions. His whole body tenses, and a heavy silence settles between us.
My heart sinks. I pull away slightly, trying to mask my disappointment. I shouldn’t have gotten my hopes up.