Ohhh...sparks are flying! More updates after the weekend! Thank you for reading! -JNS <3
Asher POV What the fuck has my life become over the last twenty-four hours? Last night I discovered my fated mate was none other than Sapphire Stone. Too bad she was too wasted to even acknowledge our mate bond. Which was confirmed this morning when I called her in for an emergency meeting to punish her for bringing banned substances onto my pack territory. She never flinched, or paused, or so much as sniffed the air, thinking I could be her mate. My wolf was whimpering in my head the entire time she was in my office, hoping she would recognize us, but no dice. She was oblivious. The only thing that was clear was how much she dislikes me, and how pissed she is about having to stay on my territory for the next month. I could see the hurt in her eyes when Daya, Darius, nor Tobias didn’t fight my decision. If only Saph understood that her family and friends just want what is best for her. If only the madness ended there, but nothing can be that easy
Saph POV A soft knock rouses me from my sleep. I lift my head up looking in the direction of the door. Who could it be? I flop my head back down after a few seconds of silence and assume it must have been a mistake. Good. I’m exhausted from waking up throughout the night. I kept having that weird dream about the sexy clown from the other night. Only in this dream, the clown looked somewhat like Alpha Asher. I guess since the clown had bright, pink hair, my brain must have made that association. I woke up feeling grossed out that Alpha Asher had wormed his way into my dreams somehow. I swear, this guy is like a virus. Another knock, slightly firmer than the first, rattles my door again. “Who is it?!” I shout, frustrated that anyone would be so barbaric to wake me up before the sun is up. “Sorry to wake you, Miss Stone. I was instructed to collect you for your morning duties,” a delicate voice calls from the other side of the do
Asher POV Syl has been giving me regular reports on how Saph has been doing the last couple of days. I had a feeling they would get along well. Syl is just about the nicest person on the planet. You’d have to be pure evil and lack any sense of social intelligence to not get along with her. I also had a hunch that Saph would enjoy working in our pack garden. Yea, I was a dick on her first day and made her weed the entire pack. I can’t be a total pushover and not give her a real punishment. It makes me happy to know that Saph is secretly enjoying herself here, even if it’s not with me. I want her to smile and have fun. I want her to know that she can allow herself to be happy after losing Nathan. It took me a long time to figure that out for myself after losing Portia. It took Archie beating the shit out of me and stepping in as Alpha for a year before I finally got my act together. I know it doesn’t seem like Archie can be the take-charge type of person; on a typical day, he’s not. Ho
Saph POV My first day under this punishment was by far the most difficult. Since then, working in the pack gardens, smelling fresh herbs daily, and getting to work with Syl, has been fun. If this is what the rest of the month will be like, I can handle it. And the best part is that I haven’t caught a glimpse of that stupid pink-haired asshole. I’m finishing packing up our booth at the farmer’s market when a tall, broad, man, with perfectly messy, fiery hair approaches. “Oi, is Syl around?” Australian accents are starting to grow on me. I wipe my hands on my pair of borrowed jeans. Syl and I made plans to go to the shops this weekend to get me clothes. I considered ringing my sisters to send me some, but I broke my phone. I’m still hurt that they would just abandon me here. Surprisingly, or maybe I shouldn’t be surprised, they haven’t tried to get in touch with me either- not even Pearl. This just proves that they are happier without me. “She is
Asher POV I smell her the moment I open the doors to U-GET. Ruby and I come here every Friday to spend time with the pack. Plus, the food is awesome. I can sense her disinterest as soon as I sit down. Brickland and Syl are quick to make conversation. “We missed you at the farmer’s market today, Alpha,” Syl says as she takes a sip of her water. “Speak for yourself,” Saph mutters quietly under her breath. Come on, Bunny, did you forget I’m a werewolf? I don’t say anything in response; I’ll give her that one. “Yea, sorry. I went to the hospital to check on a couple of the patrollers. They weren’t feeling well after their morning shift. They came in with fevers, apparently,” I explain, trying to hide my concern. Werewolves don’t get sick unless we ingest some type of poison. “What other symptoms are they showing?” Saph asks, sounding genuinely curious. She looks over at me, her light brown eyes looking so gorgeous. “Not
Saph POV Daya told me that coming to Red Mountain Pack would be good for me. She said it would help me clear my head. I hate admitting that she was right. I was certain that being forced to stay here for a month would be the end of me. It has not even been a week and I already feel like a different person. Syl has been keeping me busy with helping in the pack garden. I have rediscovered the joy of working with my hands and being around plants. I have so many ideas for how I want to rearrange my garden back home. I was truly starting to enjoy myself until he invaded my space. I want to hate him. I do hate him. However, each interaction I have with the smart-mouthed, pink-haired Alpha, makes me question my judgment. He’s a father; the kindest, and gentlest father. I can see the love he has for his daughter, Ruby, whenever he speaks about her. For some reason, I’m starting to want to know more about him. And then I hate myself for even thinking this way.
Saph POV My head rolls to the side, sliding off the oversized fold-out chair in Kent’s room, but I’m able to catch myself before I completely fall off the chair onto the white, linoleum floor. I rub my eyes, blinking the sleep away. I must have fallen asleep in Kent’s room. I look outside and see the sun isn’t up yet and Kent is still sleeping. The rash on his neck has been spreading. I’ve tried different mixtures of herbs, which seems to have soothed the pain, but he’s getting worse- all the patrollers are getting worse. Ten others were brought in over the last week. I apply a fresh layer of the herb mixture to Kent’s rash, trying my best not to wake him. A soft knock startles me, making me snap my attention to the door. “Sorry. Didn’t mean to scare ya, Bunny. Just wanted to check on him,” Asher- he insists I only call him Asher now- whispers from behind the half-open door. I scrunch my face at the stupid nickname he has given me. His brown eyes and pink
Asher POV I almost kissed her. She almost kissed me. I don’t think she would have stopped it. I was millimeters away from pressing my lips to hers. When Archie hollered at me through the mindlink. Fucking Archie. I’m going to kick his ass later for interrupting that moment between me and Saph. I watch her walk back toward the hospital, her hips swaying in red hospital scrubs. I force myself to look away before I grab her and confess everything to her- that she’s my mate, that I haven’t been able to stop thinking about her since the full moon last week. ‘Ash, now or never to talk to Yaya. I have to run patrols and continue a search party for Grizz.’ Archie grumbles through the link again. He’s been so on edge the last few days. I can’t blame him. I’ve been enraged since we realized Grizz managed to help Artemis escape. I believe in my gut that those two are the reason why my pack members are sick. I reluctantly walk away from Saph and toward the cells where Yaya is. ‘On my way, Ar
Saph POV One Month Later “I’m just sayin’, bro, Archie is a very good name for a boy,” Archie jests as we make our way through the common area of the pack. Winter is in full force and the ground is covered in beautiful, white snow. Today is a mild day, without too much windchill. I wanted to take advantage of that and go for a walk. I’ve been getting stir crazy staying indoors. “Blame me, Archie. I vetoed that name on day one,” I toss back to my new brother-in-law. Archie fakes being offended, holding a hand to his chest and sucking in a gasp. “Oh stop. It’s her babies. She can name them whatever she wants. And let’s face it, the world can’t handle two Archibold Sorrens,” Yaya says as she swats her hand at Archie’s arm. He simply smiles at her and pulls her in close. “Bright Eyes, I don’t know what you’re suggestin’, but if we have a son, he’s gettin’ my name. That’s a done deal,” he retorts. It’s so hard to tell if he’s joking or not.
Chapter 70 Asher POV Fuck, my mate is sexy as fuck. Watching Saph ride my speaker- which is not a euphemism- was the hottest thing she’s done. Watching her shake and rattle from every note I played for her almost had me coming in my pants. I love how uninhibited she is around me and that we can be ourselves around each other. “Fuck me, Daddy,” she demands of me. I was already planning on doing just that. After her performance, my dick refuses to go to sleep until I combust inside of her. My impatient mate continues dominating my mouth with her tongue while undoing my pants. I appreciate the help. She grabs my cock and slowly lowers down on it. “Fuck, Bunny! I’m gonna blow from just havin’ the tip in. Your pussy is fuckin’ heaven!” I throw my head back, maintaining a firm grip on her ass. Saph continues lowering herself, sliding each inch of me into her pussy at a torturous pace. My dick is thumping, demanding I impale her and
Saph POV It’s twilight. Ruby’s birthday was perfect. Pearl did an amazing job helping me to plan it, down to the last detail. I didn’t miss how Asher spoke with her, and her spirit immediately shifted. He has not only helped me, but now he’s helped my sister too. I’ll forever be grateful for him, and how he fought for us before I even knew there was an us. “Sleep tight, Cupcake,” Asher whispers as I pull Ruby’s comforter up to her chin, making her cozy within her oversized bed. She yawns, hugging a pink teddy bear close to her body. “Goodnight, Papa. Goodnight, Saph.” Her words fade as she drifts off to sleep. I place a gentle kiss on the crown of her head. The pack house is quiet. Archie and Yaya are temporarily staying in the guest wing until their new home is built. It will be a few months until that’s finished. I slowly close Ruby’s door, holding my breath, careful not to make a sound, hoping she stays asleep. I slowly rel
Asher POV “Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday, Princess Ruby! Happy birthday to you! Hip, hip! Hooray!” The entire pack sings out to my daughter in the dining room of UGET. Sam and Cam wanted to host this special occasion and made all the food for tonight. Everyone is dressed for the occasion. It truly looks like an elegant ball. Saph and her sisters, well, mostly Pearl, took the lead on planning this party and the décor. Everyone takes to the middle of the dining room, which has been cleared out to become a giant dance floor. Temporary black and white, faux marble floors have been placed over the rustic hardwood. String LED lights hang down from the ceiling, looking like we are in a blue cavern. The floor has snowflake-shaped spotlights spinning around, highlighting the dancing pack members. The buffet tables are adorned with white tablecloths and mini-ice sculptures. It looks like a dreamy, Winter Wonderland. I walk up
Asher POV “I’m so glad that Daya and I have a son. There’s no way Calson will want a party like this. He’ll be perfectly content with a funny movie and microwave popcorn. Isn’t that right, little man?” Dare tickles baby Calson’s tummy, causing the plump pup to erupt into a fit of giggles. Fuck, I love the sound of a baby laughing. Dare is looking dapper in a black, velvet tuxedo jacket. The kicker is that he got to dress his baby. And, yup, the poor baby is also in a velvet suit. It wouldn’t be my fashion choice, but Calson does look adorable. “For fuck’s sake, Dare! Did you put him in a velvet diaper too?” Archie clucks, sipping his club soda. “Fuck you, Arch! What is it that your mate calls you? Mop Top? How about you keep your opinions to yourself. My son is the most handsome looking guy in this room. Not that he has much competition between you fucks,” Dare snaps, rocking his son, who is gnawing on one of his tiny fists, and drooling all over
Saph POV 1 Month Later “I can’t believe I’m wearing this. This is ridiculous,” Daya huffs, looking at herself in a full-length mirror in mine and Asher’s bedroom. I fully moved into the packhouse with him and Ruby. Not long after moving my things here, and officially joining Red Mountain Pack as their Luna, Ruby insisted that I help her plan ‘the best princess birthday party ever!’ She is too cute to say no to. And, given everything this pack- our pack- has been through, a large celebration is needed. With the theme of a princess party, Ruby demands that everyone be dressed as a prince or princess- tiaras, crowns, and all. Again, nobody has the heart, or the gall, to say no to her. Even Daya, who hates her frilly dress, is all too happy to appease my little princess. “I think you look adorable,” Pearl says sweetly, strutting ever-so-comfortably in her own gown. A beautiful champagne, sleeveless gown, with a fitted bodice and a ruffled A-line skirt. Her
Amy POV I feel bad interrupting Saph’s and Tatty Daddy’s tryst, but we are driving back to Running River Pack this afternoon. I want to talk with them about some things. “Come back later!” Asher shouts, clearly frustrated that I’m disturbing their sexy time. Oh well. I’m sure he and Saph will be happy once they are clued into the information I have. “Can’t do that brother-in-law,” I say cheerfully. “Amy?!” Saph squeals. My cheeks are aching from the stupid grin that I’m sporting. I’m not a fan of cock-blocking, or box-blocking, but this is important. “Yea, sis. Just wanted to have a quick chat with you two before I head back home,” I maintain my overly sweet tone while twisting my torso as if I’m a little kid asking for permission. I mean, I’m the same size as one, so might as well lean into the role, right? “Remind me to pummel your sister after this,” Asher mutters, but not lowly enough for my werewolf he
Saph POV We should be working. There is so much paperwork and reorganizing that we need to do, but how can I think of anything besides Asher’s body on top of mine right now? This man brings out a freaky side of me that I love exploring with him. Watching him throw his computer and supplies off his desk makes me drip with need. “Asher! You’re crazy!” I laugh as I watch the formerly neat stack of papers litter the office floor. “Crazy for you and your pussy, Bunny,” he growls into the shell of my ear, sucking my lobe between his teeth. I moan, arching my back into his chest, feeling his long, smooth cock press between my ass. How this man is hard and ready to go again is a medical mystery to me. I know werewolves rebound fast, but this is impressive. “You want it, Bunny? You want me to bend you over this desk, shove myself deep inside you and fuck you until you can’t walk?” He thrusts his hips into me, grinding himself against my backside, our bodi
Asher POV Humans have an interesting way of thinking about trauma. I see all of these inspirational quotes, usually accompanied with kittens hanging on a tree branch; they all send the same message. Bounce back. It’s all going to be okay in the end. Some would argue that I bounced back after Portia’s death. And I did, to an extent. But I didn’t bounce back to where I was. Maybe this is the scientist in me, seeing things too literally, but I didn’t really bounce back. That would require that day to have never happened. I bounced forward, after rolling in the darkest, and thickest mud. It took Archie beating the shit out of me and reminding me that just because Portia’s life ended, mine didn’t. It took me realizing that Ruby still had one parent, and I was doing a shitty job at being even a decent father. A couple of months ago, my life was bippity bopping along, and then Saph crashed into me. I saw her and I knew her pain better than anyone else. She was s