Alethea
I do my best to avoid Asher every chance I get. And strangely, it feels like the universe is working with me on this. He’s been busy-too busy. Word around the pack is that the Redwood Pack is throwing a ball, and everyone seems excited, talking non-stop about it.
But not me.
I feel out of place. Like I don’t belong here anymore.
I spoke to Selena about leaving and told her I was ready to go. But she asked me to wait at least until after the ball. She said, “Who knows? You might meet a charming man who’ll sweep you off your feet.”
I had laughed nervously, my face heating up with a deep blush. “What makes you think I’m ready for anyone? I’ve got too much baggage, and I’m not about to dump that on some poor man, Mum.”
She had smiled and replied, “Whatever makes you sleep well at night.”
To keep me from thinking too much or running into Asher, I spend most of my time at the daycare center. It’s peaceful there, and I don’t have to pretend. Declan’s been adjusting so well, and I love watching him bond with the other kids.
There’s this little girl named Carla who clearly likes him. She’s always trying to get his attention, sitting next to him, sharing her toys. But Declan? He acts like she’s invisible.
Then there’s another girl.
Lily doesn’t seem to care about Declan at all. She plays on her own, quiet and independent. And yet, that’s the one Declan follows around like a lost puppy.
“What in the goddess’s name is this?” I whisper to Kayla, nudging her with my elbow as we watch from the side.
We both laugh as Declan runs after Lily, calling her name. She ignores him, picking up her blocks like he’s not even there.
Meanwhile, poor Carla is practically performing a song and dance for him. He doesn’t spare her a single glance.
Kayla chuckles, “Looks like a love triangle is already brewing.”
I shake my head, a soft smile tugging at my lips. “Moon help us all… even the little ones aren’t safe from it.”
“So, how are you preparing for the ball, Ally?” Kayla asks with a grin.
I roll my eyes. “Like hell, I want to be part of it.”
She gives me a playful look, wiggling her eyebrows. “Well, you still need a dress, right?”
“Of course, I’ll get one,” I mutter. “But I’m not putting my heart into it. I’m just counting down the days until I leave Redwood Pack.”
Selena’s voice echoes in my head advice clearly: *Leave without Declan.* She promised she’d stay in Redwood and care for him while I start over somewhere far away. It hurts, but I know deep down she’s right. If I want a fresh start, I can’t take everything with me-not even my son.
Today, I’ve stayed later than usual at the daycare. Many of the pups’ parents are running late, probably caught up in ball preparations. I don’t mind. It gives me an excuse to stay away from the pack house.
Declan is already asleep, his small body curled against my chest as I cradle him gently. The rest of the kids are sitting in front of the TV, watching nursery rhymes, the soft music filling the quiet room.
Then I hear the receptionist’s voice from the front. “Welcome, Alpha.”
My ears perk up. *Asher.*
My heart skips a beat.
I take a slow, deep breath, trying to steady myself. I don’t know why he’s here, but I can guess. There’s been talk about redesigning the daycare. Different paint samples have come in, and discussions have been floating around. I stayed out of it. Maybe that’s why he’s come to finalize something. But why now, at the end of the day?
Xena begins pacing inside me, wild and excited.
And just then, his scent drifts into the room-woodsy, warm, familiar. My breath catches in my throat. He’s close.
My hands grow clammy, my heartbeat thunders in my chest. I fumble for my phone, pretending to be fascinated with a game just to distract myself.
*Thump. Thump. Thump.*
His footsteps echo down the hall, each one louder than the last. My pulse races. He’s coming closer.
Then… silence.
He knows I’m here.
After five long days of successfully avoiding him, he’s finally caught up.
I see the doorknob twist slowly. The door creaks open.
I rise to my feet, heart pounding, Declan still asleep in my arms. Behind him, a couple of daycare staff follow, their steps hesitant.
I bow slightly. “Good day, Alpha,” I say softly.
The children rise, bowing as well. Asher gives them a small wave, his eyes scanning the room until they land on me.
And then he doesn’t look away.
His piercing gaze locks onto mine, studying me like he’s trying to read every thought, every emotion. I squirm under his stare, suddenly very aware of the way I look, the weight of Declan in my arms, the sound of my heartbeat in my ears.
I feel small. Exposed.
And I hate it.
“Good day, Alethea. You work here now?” Asher asks, his voice steady but laced with curiosity.
Before I can even open my mouth, Madame Kate responds cheerfully, “She volunteered to help, Alpha. And thank you, Ms. Weaver. It’s a rare opportunity to have someone like you here.”
I catch the briefest flicker of something in Asher’s expression. Brows furrow for just a second, like a flash of anger or frustration, quickly replaced by that familiar alpha mask.
“Thank you, Alethea. It means a lot to me,” he says, his eyes boring into mine like he’s trying to say something more but can’t.
“You’re welcome, Alpha,” I reply quietly, holding his gaze for a beat too long.
Then he steps back and walks away with the officials trailing behind him.
It’s only then I realize I’d been holding my breath. I exhale slowly, and Xena purrs softly within me as I settle back into my seat.
But just as I do, the door creaks open again. My head jerks, and there he is.
Asher stands in the doorway, his stride purposeful as he walks straight toward me. My heart hammers, but I force myself to stay composed.
Without a word, he bends down and gently lifts Declan from my arms, resting our son’s head against his broad shoulder. Then he stretches out his free hand to me.
“Take his hand, Ms. Weaver. He’s your prince charming!” one of the little girls comes from behind me, her innocent voice ringing out in the quiet room.
A smile tugs at my lips despite everything, and I catch a glimpse of amusement in Asher’s eyes as he turns toward the girl who spoke. She quickly hides behind her friend, cheeks red.
“Yes, I’m her prince charming,” he says with a smirk, and the children giggle.
“I can’t leave yet,” I say, glancing around. “The kids’ parents haven’t picked them up.”
“You’ve been relieved for today… isn’t that right, Madame Kate?” Asher asks, and I suddenly realize she’s standing nearby.
The older woman smiles knowingly. “Of course, she is, Alpha.”
“See?” he says, his hand still waiting. “Come on. Let’s go.”
I hesitate… then finally slip my hand into his. Sparks dance across my skin, tingling all the way up my arm. I stiffen from the jolt of it, from how easily my body remembers him.
He pauses, studying my reaction, his eyes locking with mine. I nearly get lost in them again.
But I shake my head gently. I shouldn’t feel this. Not anymore.
We walk in sync, his stride smooth and calm, as if he doesn’t notice the emotional storm raging inside me. Declan rests quietly in his arms, and everything feels too natural… too right.
When we’re finally out of earshot from the daycare, the words rush out of me before I can stop them.
“I’m leaving Redwood.”