Thank you, Syl. I know this isn't how some of you wanted this to go. But this is the direction the story took. I love Syl, and her character will always be special to me. Thank you for reading! -JNS <3
Saph POV I assist the medical team as much as I can. I’m not a surgeon, but I refuse to leave Syl. She’s exquisite in her final moments. I keep my eyes trained on the doctor’s hands. I block out Brickland’s sobs as he loses his closest friend; a beautiful, young woman that loves…loved…him so dearly. If I turn my head to the right, I’ll see Asher. I can sense his pain as the final cut is made, ending Syl’s life, sending her soul back to the Moon Goddess. I want to be next to him, to give him my hand to squeeze, lend my strength to him, but I won’t leave Syl. Her sacrifice today proves that she is the embodiment of pure heartedness- a heart of gold. The doctor places Syl’s heart in a basin and we rush it to Artemis’ room, where Archie and Yaya are helping him. The three of them become quiet as I walk into the room first, holding the basin. Asher and Brickland follow behind me silently. “I- I have the other ingredients pre
Asher POV Holy fucking shit! Artemis’ antidote worked! Ruby is going to be okay! Her incessant giggling forces me back from Saph’s perfectly soft lips. Fuck, I need to keep kissing this woman. “Papa, is Saph your girlfriend?” Ruby boldly asks, squeezing herself between me and Saph. Saph doesn’t mind; she makes more space for Ruby. “Well, Cupcake. I do like Saph a lot,” I begin. “Do you like my Papa, Saph?” Ruby turns to Saph, her little arms crossed in front of her body. I love how fearless my little girl is. Saph’s eyes widen as she’s put on the spot. “I…” Saph clears her throat. Her cheeks turn red as she looks up at me, our eyes locking. “I think your daddy is an incredible man. He’s so caring and selfless; and he’s funny. I see how much he loves you and that he would do anything for you, Ruby. So, yea, I do like him,” Saph says, never breaking eye contact with me. I grab her hand, and our fingers interlock.
Saph POV I feel strong hands touching me, running up and down my legs, squeezing my ass. I bite my lip to contain my moans. Am I dreaming again? I grip the small pillow underneath my head, twisting my hips, trying to get closer to his amazing tongue. “That’s it, Bunny. Ride my face.” My eyes snap open and I gasp, looking down to see Asher between my legs. Oh, Goddess, he has a blessed tongue. I look around to find we are still in his small office in the hospital. We must have slept here all night. Does this man never tire? I moan when his tongue dives into my pussy and he grinds his nose into my clit. “Oh, fuck! Ash!” I bite my hand, trying to keep my volume down. We are in the hospital; anyone can walk by and hear us. Did anyone hear us last night? I dig the heels of my feet into his upper back. This man is a beast and I’m his prey. A quick slap is delivered to my clit, making me yelp and sit up on my elbows. “I told you last night, Bu
Asher POV I’m trying not to take Saph’s mood swings personally. One moment, she is riding my face, screaming my name, her body begging me for more; the next, she is distant, torn between me and her former mate. Fuck, I was so hard from tasting her and feeling her juices cover my face. My cock was throbbing to the point that I practically fucked the space between the couch cushions to get some form of relief. I know our situation is confusing to her. I’m confused too. Sure, it’s only been a month, and we both have been through a lot. But, fuck, I just want Saph to decide what she wants- who she wants. How much longer can I compete with a ghost for her love? I push my thoughts aside, clearing my mind as I walk into Ruby’s room in the hospital. She is bouncing on the bed, playing with Archie. “Papa! Where have you been? You missed breakfast,” Ruby stands on her bed, hands on her hips, her lips looking pouty. “I’m sorry, Cupcake. I didn’t
Asher POV Walking into the hospital, I instinctively scan the lobby area for any sign of Saph. After my talk with Daya, I feel like I need to better understand why Saph is hesitant. I have no intention of pressuring her to decide what she wants, or who she wants, but I do plan to show her that she is my choice. First things first- I have to speak with Artemis. “Hey, Ash,” Toby says from across the lobby. I’m always surprised by how much he looks like Thor. I’m going to buy him a giant hammer for the holidays. Before I can reply to Toby, his blue eyes quickly switch to black. “He meant to say, ‘hello Alpha Asher’,” Aurelian bellows in his deep, gravelly voice. “Chill out, Aury. No need for formalities at this point. We’re all friends. And can you two please stop with the Jekyll and Hyde thing? It’s weird!” I scoff, feigning a creeped out shiver. “Sorry about him, Ash. You know how he can be,” Toby apologizes, rolling his blue eyes at
Saph POV Asher’s office is quiet as a large group of us digest everything that’s been discussed. The bright and colorful decor is contrasted by the stern faces of everyone in here. Grizz, and other remaining members of The Underground, are going to attack Red Mountain Pack, but we don’t know when. They will probably use potions that Artemis created to help them conceal themselves, making it harder to detect them. They have been kidnapping werewolves from packs all over the region, giving them some serum that disables their wolves. Then, those helpless individuals are sold to the highest bidder. Probably forgotten and untraceable. Grizz gives new meaning to the word monster. “Security is most important. I won’t risk any of my pack members being taken. All patrollers will work in groups of three for extra protection. If they are using some kind of concealment magic of yours, Artemis, what does that mean?” Asher booms, all eyes
Asher POV As soon as the meetings and strategizing were finished, I hurried back to the packhouse. I relieved Pearl from her babysitting duties and spent time with Ruby. I did my best to explain to her about me and Saph being fated mates and that tonight would be an important night for us. “Does that mean Saph is going to be my Mama now?” Ruby asked me, tears welling in her eyes. “No, Cupcake. Your Mama will always be your Mama. Nobody will ever replace her. But if you like Saph, I know she would love to be in your life,” I explained to her, cradling her in my arms. “Do you love her, Papa?” she asks sweetly, clutching her favorite pink teddy bear. “I think so, Cupcake. I care about her a lot,” I say as I continue to rock her in my arms as we sit in her big, pink bed. “Then you need to have a romantic picnic with her!” she shrieks as she jumps to her feet. So that’s what I did. I gathered a bunch of warm b
Saph POV This is nothing like when Nathan and I marked each other. We loved each other, there is no doubt. When I marked Nathan, I felt a surge of energy run through me. But there were never sparks, never this primal need to be with him, protect him, or have him deep inside of me. And fuck, does Asher get deep. I’m going to be bruised on the inside, and that very idea makes me even hotter for him. Marking Asher, I can feel his soul enmeshing with mine. My eyes shut tight, and I am pulled into some kind of movie reel. A fast-forwarding of Asher’s life. I see memories of him with his parents back in Australia, him and Archie taking over the pack when they were just teenagers. I watch him meet his first love, Portia. She was gorgeous, vibrant. I see him hold Ruby for the first time and say goodbye to Portia in the same instant. I feel his anger, his defeat, and bewilderment. I’m encumbered with guilt that I couldn’t be there for him, that I hadn’t met him sooner.
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