Chapter 11

Asher

I stormed into my room feeling the urge to hit something.

I tried to forget it. I swore I tried to. But even that night, when I closed my eyes, the memory of the absolute terror in her face as the purple bruises on her wrist kept me awake.

I berated myself for coming to conclusions do rashly, yet felt even worse inside. The rush of self loathing was overwhelming.

That morning, I woke up unnecessarily early, deciding whether I should go  and follow my instincts.

I went to the pack doctor expecting to have heard from the visit only to find out that she hadn't gone there. A rush of anger and something else came onto me and I didn't even know who it was directed towards.

For the first time real concern took over me. The urge to protect her from whatever haunted her came and she couldn't fight it anymore. With a purpose in mind, I followed her.

The flinch she gave poured into even more guilt. The dress she wore covered the bruises I made, yet I was still aware of it.

My guilt morphed into anger as demanded for answers only for ger to give none, pushing me away.

“The only problem you can fix is breaking our unfortunate bond.”

I saw red.

I threw the nearest object I saw at the wall, feeling a sick sense of satisfaction at watching it crack. I wasn't one for violence, despite my reputation and now I was busy breaking things because of her.

Even for a moment, I saw the brief flashes if fear and pain, but now that I was trying to help somehow, she pushed me away.

How dare she act so coldly, so heartless?

Moment I realized what I was thinking and growled in frustration.

This stupid mate bond was making me this way. Since I became Alpha, I had never lost my cool, always maintaining a cold attitude to everything. The rumours nor Serena's needling affected me.

So why was I struggling to control myself over her, while she remained collected?

The harsh sound of my door opening and shutting harshly brought me out of my reverie. I turned to see Sierra billowing in with a deep green dress that stood out against the mahogany decorations.

I quickly turned away again, shutting my eyes in frustration.

Why was she here? Especially at this time?

The only times Sierra ever came was to complain about something or someone or to start asking for my attention. It was overbearing and for the first time I couldn't find it in myself to humour her.

I fought the urge to sigh in frustration as I turned to her.

“What do you want, Serena?” I asked tiredly.

To my surprise she didn't break up into her long rant or try to embrace me. She looked at me, face drawn into a serious expression.

“I want you to tell me what's going on with you and that woman.”

I tensed, looking up at her in surprise.

“I saw you talking to her today, and now you're looking upset and pushing me away because of her?

Just what is going on between the two of you?”

I knew that there was no hiding it anymore.

Serena was .. possessive was far too tame a word. Knowing of the attention I got even while being engaged to her, she got jealous easily. It was a flaw, but it wasn't something I was sure would leave as soon as we got married.

But if I revealed the truth to her about finding my mate, I had no doubt that she would go crazy. I didn't know what that would spell for me or Ariziel. What it would spell for our alliance and my pack.

I could lie, but I couldn't have thought of any excuse that would satisfy her. Even if I brushed it off, she was going to hold it over me and probably use others as a scapegoat, likely Ariziel.

I ignored the growl my wolf within me, my only reaction being my hands curling into fists. I couldn't deny that found the idea of her doing that extremely unpleasant.

I sighed. She was my fiance. Of course she had the right to know.

I shut my eyes tightly, bracing myself for Serena's reaction.

“She's my mate.” I let out finally.

I turned to see shock written all over her face.

I may not have loved Serena, but I cared for her, especially as she was going to be my mate and future wife. It wasn't easy for her to hear.

So quickly I filled in all the details, telling her when I found out and if talking to the priestess about the bond.

After that I waited in silence for her reaction. My hopes fell as I knew that this was the end. There was no chance for-

“Its okay.” she said.

My thoughts stalled. When I looked up at her, I saw that she showed no hints of anger.

“The high priestess is trying to break the bond right?” she asked.

I nodded in response, astounded as she relaxed further, giving a smile.

“Well then nothing's wrong then. We can continue with the engagement as normal.” she said

Before I could say a word she cane closer, slipping her arms through mine and hugging me.

Her reaction was completely unexpected, but it was a better result than screaming, so just for this time, I let her embrace me, forcing myself to relax and to not push her away.

“Thank you for telling me Asher. I know it was out of your control. It must have been so jarring for you as well.” she spoke against me.

I let out a breath, every single word she said hitting me in agreement.

“It happened out of nowhere. But when i talked to her later, she also agreed that the bond should be broken. There's nothing to worry about.” I said to further appease her. I stifled the image I had of Ariziel glowing in the room then, in contrast with the terror in her eyes in my room.

Thankfully Serena didn't notice.

“So long as both of you are interested in breaking the bond everything is alright. if that happened...”

Perhaps if I looked, I would have seen how the smile on her face widened, turning chilly.

“I don't know what I might do.”