Alethea
Everything I’ve ever wished for is finally happening. I have my mate right here, right where he belongs. Asher and I have agreed to see Dr. Gregory together, and during that session, I finally let go of the fears I’ve been carrying. And to my surprise, Asher opens up too.
That’s when I realize something that breaks my heart a little-Asher has never really had anyone. He’s been taking care of himself and leading the pack from such a young age.
The responsibility has shaped him and made him strong… but also lonely. The love and respect his pack gives him is deep.
He never wanted to fail them, especially not because of his bond with me. But now, I can see he’s trying to find balance. He’s learning that he doesn’t have to choose between them and me. He can be both a good Alpha and a good mate.
The fear he once had that marking me would drive him feral was nothing more than a lie, a myth passed down to scare Alphas into being cautious with the mate bond. It’s strange how something so small and untrue could plant such deep fear.
But now, things feel lighter.
Declan is happier than I’ve ever seen him. He laughs more, plays more-he glows in a way that fills my heart.
The Blue Moon is approaching fast, and Asher has chosen that night for my Luna ceremony. I wonder what’s going through his mind- doesn’t he know how intense the heat between us gets? And what if it’s too much to handle in front of the pack?
Still, the celebration has already begun in Redwood. Invitations have been sent to a few neighboring packs. Asher doesn’t want a big crowd-especially with the rogue situation not completely dealt with yet. He’s careful, always thinking ten steps ahead.
I’ve chosen a deep green dress for that night. The color reminds me of his eyes-those beautiful, piercing eyes that see through every wall I put up. He’s been nothing but sweet to me. Kind. Protective. Loving.
“Oh, Asher-your libido is way too high,” I groan, as I feel him press against me from behind, hard and ready.
“This is what you do to me, Ally,” he murmurs, his voice deep and low as he keeps teasing me with gentle thrusts against my back.
“Remember,” I remind him with a soft laugh, “tomorrow I’ll be completely out of sight. It’s tradition for the future Luna to stay hidden twenty-four hours before the ceremony.”
He lets out a dramatic sigh. “Oh, Goddess, who made that ridiculous rule? How am I supposed to function without seeing you all day tomorrow?” he whines, and I turn to face him, just to see that adorable pout of his.
Every time he does that, he looks exactly like Declan. Our son. Our everything.
I lift my hand to his face, and he leans into it, pressing a kiss to my palm. His hair is still tousled from our wild night, and he looks absolutely breathtaking-messy, flushed, and mine.
I lean in and kiss him gently. He doesn’t hesitate. His mouth moves over mine with hunger, his tongue dancing with mine, nibbling softly. I pull away with a smile.
“You’ll survive, Asher.”
I rise to my feet slowly, my sheer nightie clinging to every curve of my body. It leaves nothing to the imagination and I know exactly what it does to him. But I don’t care. I want to tease him. Own him a little.
His gaze darkens as he watches me as if he’s searching my soul or maybe just holding on to this moment. Whatever it is, I feel safe with him. Wanted.
I tug the fabric down over my hips and walk toward the bathroom, my steps quickening when I hear him following close behind.
As I slip into the bathroom, I turn and there he is. Naked. Beautiful. His body was all hard muscle and raw heat, his cock standing thick and proud, throbbing with need.
My mouth goes dry. Then it waters.
I don’t think. I leap.
He catches me easily like he’s done it a hundred times, and my back hits the cold tile wall. But his body is hot-blazing against mine. The contrast makes me gasp.
Without a word, he thrusts inside me in one powerful motion.
A choked moan escapes my lips as my head falls back, my eyes fluttering shut from the overwhelming pleasure. He doesn’t hold back. Rhythm is wild, claiming me, consuming me. My breasts bounce with every movement, and his eyes stay locked on mine, filled with fierce desire and something even deeper.
I wrap my arms around him, clinging to him as my heart races, my body melting around his. The sounds we make echo off the bathroom walls-moans, gasps, the sharp slap of skin on skin.
His grip tightens on my hips, grounding me, making sure I feel every inch of him.
There’s nothing soft about the way he takes me, and I don’t want it to be. I want him like this-hungry, desperate, needing.
My climax builds like a wave, fast and unstoppable. I arch against him, gasping his name.
“Goddess-Asher-I’m… I’m-”
My words vanish as pleasure explodes through me. My whole body trembles as I feel his release, hot and deep, filling me. Some of it spills down my thighs, but I don’t care.
I cling to him, breathless, still joined with him. His forehead rests against mine, his hands stroking my back softly now.
I don’t want to move. I just want to feel him like this inside me, around me, holding me like I’m the only thing that matters.
Because to him… I am.
He guides me to the tub and gently helps me sit while his eyes stay fixed on me. Asher always has this way of making me feel loved-completely, deeply-and that alone brings warmth to my chest.
With so much care, he begins to wash me using his own bath products. His hands are slow and steady, almost worshipful. I giggle softly. “Now I’m going to smell like you. No one will dare come near me.”
A satisfied smile spreads across his face, his eyes darkening with pride. “I can’t wait to claim you,” he says, voices low and full of need. “So everyone knows you’re mine.” The way he says mine, full of possession, sends a shiver down my spine.
He leans closer, his finger gently touching the side of my neck. “My mark will settle right here,” he murmurs.
I shudder, heart racing in my chest. The thought alone is enough to make my body heat up. I know I should stop using that potion Gaita gave me. Only a few more days until Asher marks me, and I want everything to be real between us.
As if he can read my thoughts, he adds, “Everyone already knows who you are. No one would dare try to touch what belongs to their Alpha-not in any unholy way. You’re going to be their Luna.”
I blush hard, my cheeks turning a deep crimson as I look into his eyes. His words always seem to steal my breath.
Suddenly, a sharp knock echoes from the living room. We both freeze and turn toward the sound, startled.
Who could that be? I ask him through the bond link.
I don’t know, he replies, tense now. The knocking grows louder.