LISA’S POVAs the day slipped by, Asher, with his warm smile and twinkling eyes, kept introducing me to new activities around the pack. Each one was more adventurous than the last, ranging from sightseeing to visiting the villages within the pack.The memory of my last horse ride with Sarah, a disastrous affair that ended with me nearly falling off, was still fresh in my mind, preventing me from going on a solo ride.Noticing my hesitation to ride alone the next day he took me to the stable, Asher made sure to keep me close, allowing me to ride with him on Zion, his majestic steed, for which I was grateful for.As we rode out of the stable and towards a new adventure, I caught a glimpse of Sarah, the mare. Her eyes, filled with longing, followed me, as though wishing for me to mount her as well. The temptation was there, but the fear of another accident held me back each time I tried to take a step forward.I couldn’t dare go out of my way to try it, not with the fear of falling, hold
LISA’S POVThe room was silent, save for the soft rustling of the curtains as a gentle breeze found its way through the slightly ajar window. I sat on the edge of the bed, my hands clasped tightly together, the weight of my thoughts pressing down on me like a physical burden.The events of the afternoon replayed in my mind, each memory punctuated by the same, unshakable feeling: Asher knew. He knew the chaos he stirred within me, the way his presence stirred something deep and ancient in my soul.I could sense his gaze on me, even now, as if he were present in the room, observing, anticipating. It felt as if he expected me to accept his challenge, to adopt the identity he was so convinced was mine: Kiara, his missing mate.The notion that I should master archery in a mere day, to strike the bullseye with unerring accuracy, seemed ridiculous to me. Yet, it was a challenge he had set before me with unwavering confidence.His constant watch over me has become a source of frustration for
LISA’S POVThe female wolf, Scarlett, was seething mad at this point. Her eyes, typically a gentle hazel brown, now glinted with a fiery intensity, casting an unspoken challenge across the room. I could feel the heat of her gaze boring into me, but I chose to disregard it, savoring the last drops of my milk.The creamy liquid slid down my throat, providing fulfillment unlike the crazy red hair staring daggers at me. I could sense Scarlett’s impatience growing with each passing second I ignore her. However, I took my time still, rinsing the cup under the flowing tap. Her voice broke through the silence, a low growl barely contained when she couldn’t take it anymore. "You think you’re so clever, don’t you?" she accused. "Flaunting yourself in front of Alpha Asher, thinking he’d ever choose you over me just because you bear the face of his mate, Kiara."I rinsed the cup, allowing the water to cascade over my fingers. “Cleverness has nothing to do with it,” I retorted, my voice unwaverin
Lisa POV I gasped awake and found that I was lying in Asher’s room, comfortably tucked into his warm blanket. I also realized the gnawing pain that had threatened to tear me apart had now faded away. It was as if Asher’s touch, his unique scent that was a heady mix of pine and musk, had some magical healing properties. I looked around and found Asher beside me, his face was a picture of concern, his brows furrowed in worry as he hovered around me, his hands gentle as he placed a cool, wet towel on my forehead.His eyes, typically brimming with laughter, were now clouded with worry. Seeing that I had regained some strength, he asked in a hushed tone, “Hey, Lisa. Are you okay?” I nodded, propping myself up into a sitting position, comforted by his warm presence. Turning to him, I searched his eyes. “What happened back there?”Asher said nothing as he retrieved the towel and squeezed out the water and tried to place it back but I pushed away. “Aren’t you going to ask about the incide
ASHER’S POVThe morning light seeped through the curtains, casting a warm, golden glow over the room. Stirring from my slumber, I opened my eyes to the comforting weight of Lisa’s body nestled against mine. Her breaths, soft and rhythmic, echoed in the quiet room. The rise and fall of her chest was in perfect harmony with my own.As I gently unwrapped my arm from around her waist, I couldn't help but marvel at how perfectly she fit against me, like two pieces of a puzzle locked in an eternal embrace.I gazed down at her, absorbing the serenity etched on her face. The memory of last night’s altercation flashed in my mind, causing my gaze to harden at the sight of the fading bruise on her arm—a silent reminder of Scarlett’s fury.The uproar from the kitchen was impossible to ignore. The clashing sounds of anger and scream lured me away from the comfort of my office. The scene that unfolded before me was one of turmoil—Lisa and Scarlett were locked in a heated confrontation.Hesitation c
LISA’S POVMy heart pounded in my chest as I threaded my fingers through Asher’s thick, coarse fur. His formidable size was intimidating, yet the gentleness in his eyes instilled a sense of calm within me.He nuzzled against my palm, his warm breath tickling my skin, eliciting a soft giggle from me. It felt surreal to be this close to a creature radiating such raw power and primal energy, yet I felt incredibly safe and protected.Back in my village, tales of wild and ferocious werewolves, especially those of the Alpha statue, were commonplace. Yet, here I was, standing with Asher in his beast form, feeling nothing but trust and an odd sense of connection.Even if I were to tell them, my brothers would likely never believe this. Jax, in particular, would probably be the most skeptical. Honestly, I shouldn’t believe it myself, but Asher kept proving that it was indeed real as he continuously lick my hands.With a gentle nudge from his snout, Asher signaled for me to climb onto his back.
LISA’S POVThe air was thick with the scent of damp earth as I lay sprawled on the ground, my skin slick with sweat. Each of my breaths came in ragged gasps, echoing loudly in the stillness.Despite my situation, Asher’s smile didn’t waver. His words were a calming balm to my frayed nerves. “You did well, Lisa,” he said, his voice a soothing rumble. “ continue to breathe, Don’t let fear cloud your victory.”His words hung in the air between us, a mystery I couldn’t quite decipher. “But I didn’t shift,” I protested, my voice a mere whisper against the rustling leaves. “Why are you still proud?”Asher’s nod was slow and thoughtful. “True, you didn’t shift. But you grazed the edge of your other self and experienced its power. That in itself is a victory.” His unwavering certainty enveloped my shivering thoughts like a warm blanket. “Under the full moon, you will shift. I am certain of it.”"When is the next full moon?" I asked, a knot of worry tightening in my stomach."In two nights," h
ASHER’S POV“Yes, Lisa. You finally did it,” I responded, happiness bursting within my chest.As the night deepened, I watched Lisa shift under the full moon. Her body responded to her inner wolf’s call, and her eyes changed from a familiar blue to a vibrant, glowing green. The same color I had dreamt and longed for all these months she was gone.No longer did fear or self-doubt swim in her gaze, but a fierce determination as her fingers stretched into sharp claws, her bones cracking and reshaping in odd places.My wolf stirred with pride as we watched our mate’s full transformation. I knew it was going to happen—all I needed was for her to believe she could for it to manifest and she did.As the moon’s glow dimmed, she completed her first transformation. I approached her, treading lightly. However, she recoiled, her eyes wide with alarm, freezing me in place.“Whoa, Lisa,” I whispered, my voice a gentle hum piercing the quiet night. “Don’t be scared. Listen to me, focus on my words.”
Kiara’s POVA Year LaterA year has gone by so quickly, and a lot has changed around the pack. Most of the changes were good ones, especially with the arrival of our son, Leon.Asher decided to name our son Leon after his late father, the former Alpha. Leon is a cute little boy; he has Asher's blue eyes and cheeks but my smile.I didn't think I would be capable of loving anyone more than I already loved Asher, but Leon came after nine months of growing within me and stole all my love. Asher doesn't mind that he has because he has his love as well.I gazed lovingly at my little family, feeling my heart swell with pride and happiness. Asher, my mate, was playing with our son Leon, tickling his belly and making him giggle uncontrollably.Leon was still a baby, only four months old, and couldn't speak yet, but he could convey so much joy and excitement with his coos and babbles."Ga ga ga!" Leon squealed, reaching up to grab Asher's hair.Asher chuckled, gently untangling his hair from Le
Kiara’s POVThe Hunting Festival was finally here. Asher and I, dressed in our hunting attire, walked side by side to the village square. The full moon cast a silver glow over the village, and the air was electric with excitement.We had been preparing for this night for weeks, and I could feel the anticipation building inside me. As we reached the square, Asher raised his hands, and the chatter of the pack members died down.“Friends, family, and fellow pack members," he began, his voice clear and strong. "Tonight, we gather for the ancient tradition of the Hunting Festival. Remember, the rules are simple: no cheating, no harming fellow pack members, and respect for the prey."He paused, surveying the crowd with a stern expression. "We hunt for food, for survival, and for the thrill of the chase. Let us honor our ancestors and the land we call home."With a nod, Asher declared, "The Hunting Festival is now open! May the best hunters win, and may the spirits of the land guide us."The
Kiara's POVThree months had passed since the darkness that had haunted our pack for so long was finally vanquished. The memory of Jonas' death still lingered, but Asher had come to terms with his actions, and the pack was once again at peace. The night crawlers, those terrifying creatures that had terrorized us for so long, had disappeared as suddenly as they had appeared—a clear sign that Tacha's evil influence was truly gone.As I walked through the pack's village, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and hope. Our pack was thriving once more, and Asher's leadership was stronger than ever. As for me, I had never been happier. Asher and I were building a life together, and the future looked brighter than ever.But amidst all this joy, I couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness. My brothers, Jax and Max, were preparing to leave the village, returning to their family farm to start a new chapter in their lives. No matter how much I tried to convince them to stay, they just couldn’
Asher’s POVThe days in the clinic passed slowly, each one a blur of pain, healing, and the constant presence of Kiara. Her unwavering support was a balm to my soul, but there was a darkness within me that even she couldn’t fully reach.I could see the worry in her eyes, the way she watched me as if afraid I’d slip away—not just physically, but emotionally.But I kept up a strong front. I was the Alpha, after all. My pack needed me to be strong, to lead them without showing any form of weakness. Yet, every time I closed my eyes, I saw Jonas’s lifeless face, felt the weight of the decision I’d made.One evening, after everyone had left and the clinic was quiet, Kiara curled up beside me on the bed, her head resting on my chest. I could feel the steady rise and fall of her breathing, the warmth of her body against mine. It was comforting, a reminder that I wasn’t alone, even if it felt that way sometimes.“Asher,” she whispered into the darkness, her voice barely above a breath. “You kn
**Asher’s POV**The world around me was a blur of pain and shadows. I drifted in and out of consciousness, my body heavy and unresponsive. Every breath was a struggle, each one reminding me of the fight I’d just endured, of the choices I’d made—choices that would haunt me forever.But through the haze, one thing remained constant: Kiara. Her presence was an anchor, keeping me grounded in the world of the living. I could feel her hand in mine, warm and steady, as if she were pouring her strength into me, willing me to stay with her. I fought to open my eyes, to see her, to reassure her that I was still here. When I finally managed to crack them open, the first thing I saw was her face, close to mine, her expression a mixture of exhaustion and fierce determination. Even in her weariness, she was beautiful—more beautiful than I could have ever imagined."Kiara," I whispered, my voice barely audible, but she heard me. She always did. Her eyes softened, and she leaned closer, her touch g
Kiara’s POVJax and Max stopped their antics, grinning at each other in triumph. "That was awesome!" Max exclaimed.But I just growled, my eyes fixed on Tacha. "You're not controlling me anymore," I snarled. "It's time to put an end to this."Tacha sneered, but I could see the fear lurking in her eyes. She knew she was beaten.I charged forward, my wolf form propelling me toward Tacha with lightning speed. My claws extended, ready to strike, and my teeth bared, prepared to sink into her flesh.Tacha tried to defend herself, but I was too fast. I pinned her to the ground, my claws digging deep into her shoulders, and my teeth sank into her arm.She screamed in pain, trying to struggle free, but I held tight. I could feel her dark magic coursing through her veins, trying to break free, but I was determined to stop her.With a fierce growl, I bit down harder, my teeth sinking deeper into her flesh and tearing off both her arms. Tacha's eyes widened in agony, and she let out a deafening s
Kiara’s POVAs I stood there, the dagger still clutched in my hand, a wave of horror washed over me. What had I done? Asher, my love, my mate, lay motionless on the ground, a victim of my own hand. Tacha’s cackling laughter echoed in my mind, and I knew I was still under her control. But a spark within me refused to be extinguished. I remembered Asher’s words, his love, his trust in me. With a surge of adrenaline, I fought back against Tacha’s control. It was like trying to break free from chains, but I gritted my teeth and focused on Asher’s face. Slowly, agonizingly slowly, I felt Tacha’s grip on my mind loosen. I took a step back, the dagger slipping from my fingers. “Asher,” I whispered, my voice shaking. I dropped to my knees beside him, cradling his head in my lap. His eyes flickered open again, and he gazed up at me, pain and confusion etched on his face. “Kiara?” he whispered. I nodded, tears streaming down my face. “I’m so sorry, Asher. I couldn’t stop her.” A
Asher’s POV"Alright, let's go over the whole plan one more time," I said, scanning the room, locking eyes with each person present."Jax and Max, you two will create a diversion at the front entrance. Jonas, you're with me. We'll sneak in through the back and grab her. Kiara, you're our ace in the hole. Once we've got her, you'll take care of the rest."I turned to Jonas, who stood with his arms crossed, his face completely expressionless. His demeanor was suspicious, and I clenched my hands into fists."Jonas, I mean it," I warned. "I don't want to see even a hint of betrayal. You're with us, or you're against us. And if you're against us, I won't hesitate to end you."Jonas didn’t flinch; his expression remained bland and relaxed, almost as if he was bored."I'm with you, Asher," he said flatly. "Don't worry about me."I narrowed my eyes, trying to read him. But there was nothing to read. He was a blank slate, making it even more irritating to look at him."Good," I said finally. "
Asher’s POVKiara's voice was a mixture of disbelief and anger. "You let him out? Asher, he’s dangerous! He’s the reason we’re in this mess in the first place.""I know," I said, my voice steady. "But he has information we need. If we’re going to stop Tacha, we need to know everything he knows. I’ll make sure he doesn’t cause any more harm."Kiara shook her head, frustration evident in her eyes. "I can’t believe you trusted him. What if he’s doing all this just to lead us into another trap?""I don’t trust him," I clarified. "But I need him. We need him. And I’ll be watching him closely."Kiara sighed, her expression softening slightly. "Alright, Asher. I trust you. But please, be careful.""I will," I promised, squeezing her hand. "We’ll get through this together."Kiara nodded, though worry still lingered in her eyes. "What’s the plan?""I’m going to meet with Jonas again," I said. "Get more details about the ritual and the spell. In the meantime, I need you to stay safe. Stay here