“Elena! Where are you hiding?”Her mother’s playful voice rang through the house, filled with warmth and laughter.Elena stifled a giggle, pressing herself further into the small space between the couch and the wall. She was five years old, her heart racing with excitement as she peeked through the tiny gap, watching her mother’s feet move closer.“Hmm… maybe she’s in the kitchen,” her mother mused dramatically. “Or maybe…”Elena squealed as hands suddenly reached around, pulling her out of her hiding spot. Laughter bubbled up from her chest as her mother tackled her onto the soft carpet, fingers dancing against her sides in a merciless tickle attack.“No! No! I surrender!” Elena shrieked between gasps of laughter.Her mother grinned, finally relenting, and brushed a few strands of hair from Elena’s face. “Gotcha.”Elena beamed up at her, chest heaving. “You always find me.”Her mother’s expression softened, her hand cradling Elena’s cheek. “Of course I do, my love. I’ll always find y
Asher’s arms around her were strong, steady—so unlike anything she’d known. His warmth surrounded her, grounding her in the present. Not in the past, not in the fear, just here. Just him. Elena should have pulled away. She should have put space between them before she did something reckless—before she allowed herself to believe this moment was real. But her body refused to move. She exhaled shakily, pressing her forehead against his chest. He smelled like the woods after rain, fresh and calming, and she hated how much she wanted to stay wrapped in his scent. She hadn’t been held like this in years. Maybe ever. Asher’s hand moved slowly, carefully, until his fingers brushed against her wrist. The simple touch sent a spark racing up her arm, and she flinched instinctively. His entire body went still. She felt it the moment his muscles tensed, the second his breathing changed. He pulled back just enough to look down at her, his dark eyes scanning her face with something unr
The kitchen smelled like burnt toast and old grease, the fluorescent lights buzzing faintly overhead. Elena stood by the doorway, her stomach twisting as she looked toward the group gathered near the counter. Connor leaned against it, arms crossed, a smirk pulling at his lips. Nathan was beside him, laughing about something, his voice loud and obnoxious. She didn’t want to be here. She wanted to turn around, to leave, to pretend she hadn’t heard Connor call her name. But she didn’t. Because ignoring him would only make things worse. Taking a steadying breath, she stepped forward. “You needed something?” Her voice was even, though her pulse pounded in her ears. Connor barely spared her a glance. “Grab me a drink.” She clenched her jaw. Not ‘please.’ Not ‘can you.’ Just an order. Still, she moved toward the fridge. She never saw Nathan’s foot extend. One second she was walking, the next— Pain shot up her knees as she hit the floor, her hands slamming against the
Elena’s Pain Agony—just one word captured the overwhelming feelings that had consumed Elena ever since her parents abandoned her in this place. No one showed her kindness, and it seemed as if no one ever wanted to. But what hurt the most wasn’t just the isolation—it was the painful realization of being unwanted, insignificant. A voice echoed in her ears, calling her name over and over. Yet, all she could see was Connor approaching, causing her breath to hitch in terror. Panic surged through her, and she instinctively clapped her hands over her ears, desperate to block out his voice. Tears spilled down her cheeks, burning her skin as they fell. The world around her blurred into nothingness, leaving only Connor and the suffocating weight of fear. Trapped in a spiral of panic, she found herself lost in a realm she knew too well—a place where terror ruled, and escape felt impossible. Suddenly, warmth pressed against her skin, snapping her back to reality. Asher’s hands cradled her
She swallowed, trying to steady herself. "Asher..." she murmured, voice barely above a whisper. His jaw clenched. He was staring straight ahead, but his grip on her tightened as if anchoring himself. "I should kill him." "Asher—" "I should rip him apart," he seethed. "Every single time he touched you, every time he hurt you—he should have known it wouldn't last forever. That one day, you'd be free. That one day, he'd have to answer for it." Elena's breath hitched. She knew he meant every word. The promise in his voice sent a shiver down her spine—not of fear, but of something else. Something dangerously close to relief. To hope. "Asher, listen to me," she urged, pressing a hand against his chest. "You can't—" "Don't tell me I can't," he growled. "After everything he's done to you? After—" He exhaled sharply, cutting himself off, fists clenched. "You shouldn't have had to go through that. I would’ve stopped it. I should’ve stopped it." Guilt bled into his fury, twisting h
Next2 Blood dripped from her split lip, trickling down her chin. Dizziness clouded her vision, making it hard to focus. Her eyes swelled from the relentless assault. Lena... Elena clung to the presence of her wolf, but the pain was overwhelming, drowning out everything else. "You really thought you could get away with it?" Emerson's voice was low, filled with amusement. "Pathetic," Harris muttered, standing over her. "She’s not even fighting back." "She knows she can’t win," Connor added, a smirk playing on his lips. "Please," Elena gasped, her voice barely a whisper. She wasn’t even sure what she was begging for. Mercy? A chance to explain? Harris laughed. "Hear that? She’s already begging." "Should’ve thought of that before sneaking food like some starving stray," Emerson said coldly. "That’s exactly what she is," Connor sneered. "A worthless, starving stray." Another kick. Another sharp jolt of pain. "Elena, don’t cry," Lena urged. "Don’t show weakness. They wa
"You do realize that bubbles are meant for little kids, right?" Her mother’s voice carried a hint of disapproval as she watched the entire bottle of shampoo empty into the bathtub. "But I am a little kid," she mumbled softly. There was something different about her mother today. She seemed... sad. A faint, forced smile appeared on her mother’s face before she moved closer, kneeling by the bathtub. Gentle fingers threaded through her hair, massaging the shampoo into her scalp. "One day, little girls have to grow up," her mother murmured. "And when that day comes, they have to learn to do things by themselves." She absorbed every word, holding onto them, puzzled by the way her mother had said her full name. "Especially if something ever happens to their parents." That made her turn abruptly, eyes locking onto her mother’s face. A deep sigh escaped her mother’s lips, yet she didn’t meet her gaze. "Don’t be silly, Mom. You and Dad are going to be here forever." A laugh bubb
But the worst part? Asher had left. He had heard her past, listened to everything she had been through… and walked away. A sudden pounding on her door shattered the quiet. "Elena, for fuck’s sake—if you don’t answer me, I’m coming in," Asher’s voice growled through the barrier between them. The doorknob rattled. Her heart lurched. The shower shut off with a quick twist of her fingers. "S-sorry, I—I didn’t hear you." She scrambled out, wrapping a towel around herself. Through the door, she heard him exhale, the sound heavy with relief. "Alright. Just… come out when you're done. We need to talk." This was it. She had dreaded this moment for two days, knowing exactly what was coming. He was going to reject her. She just knew it. Muttering a quiet acknowledgment, she hurried to dress. Undergarments first, then her black tights, and finally the oversized gray hoodie—her father’s hoodie. The familiar fabric wrapped around her like a memory, and her chest ached. Get a gri
Elena watched Asher disappear down the stairs, the warmth of his body still lingering on her skin. But something gnawed at her chest—a flicker of unease. The moment he’d sat up, she’d seen it in his face. That storm behind his eyes. And now, alone in the quiet room, that image refused to leave her.She sat up slowly, wrapping the blanket around herself tighter. Her fingers brushed the mark on her shoulder, still tingling faintly from his touch, but her thoughts were no longer anchored in the bliss of their morning.___________ Elena’s Concern“Asher?” she had murmured earlier, when his expression had shifted—when the relaxed man she woke up with suddenly seemed a thousand miles away.“I’m fine,” he’d said too quickly. Too flatly.She’d reached for his hand then, but he’d gently pulled away, avoiding her gaze.“I’ll go make breakfast,” he’d mumbled, already halfway off the bed before she could press further.Elena wasn’t naive. Something had rattled him. And she hated the distance it
Awakening in Love:“Asher,” Elena whispered groggily, her voice a soft rasp in the quiet morning air. “Are you staring at me again?”Asher smirked, brushing a strand of hair away from her cheek. “Guilty. You make it hard not to.”She peeked one eye open, still nestled against his chest. “That’s creepy, you know.”“Is it creepy if I’m admiring the woman I love?” he murmured, pressing a light kiss to her forehead.Elena’s eyes fluttered open fully this time. She smiled—lazy, content. “You’re lucky I love you back.”“I know,” he said, grinning. His hand slid down to trace the outline of her mark, his thumb moving gently over the sensitive skin. “I’m really damn lucky.”She sighed and nuzzled into his chest. “It’s cold.”Without hesitation, Asher tugged her even closer, wrapping his arms around her bare body. “Better?”“Mmm,” she hummed, her eyes closing again.He chuckled softly, the vibrations rumbling through his chest. "You always do this."Elena peeked up at him, brow arched. "Do wh
Without a word, he turned, grabbed his discarded shirt from the riverbank, and draped it over her shoulders. The fabric was still warm from his body, carrying his scent. “Mine,” he murmured, voice deep and possessive. Elena shivered, though not from the cool night air. A flicker of amusement danced in her eyes as she looked up at him. “Possessive, aren’t you?” Asher smirked but didn’t deny it. Instead, he ran his fingers along the edge of the shirt, adjusting it so it covered more of her. “Damn right,” he said, voice husky. “And you love it.” Elena flushed, but she couldn’t deny the way her heart raced at his words. He reached down, grabbing her pants from where she had left them on the rock. Before she could protest, he crouched slightly and helped her step into them, his fingers grazing her thighs as he pulled them up.The simple act sent a thrill through her—not from lust, but from the intimacy of it.Once she was dressed, Asher cupped her face, running his thumb alon
Then, suddenly, he lowered her onto a smooth, flat rock near the water’s edge. Elena barely had a second to process before Asher leaned over her, his hazel eyes dark with something unreadable. “I’ve never wanted anything the way I want you,” he murmured, his hand brushing along her jaw. Her breath caught. “Asher…” His lips hovered over hers, their breaths mingling. “Tell me to stop,” he whispered, his voice hoarse. “And I will.” But Elena didn’t want him to stop. Instead, she reached up, her fingers tracing the sharp lines of his jaw. “Don’t stop.” That was all he needed. Asher kissed her again, slow and deep, his hands roaming her body with reverence. Elena knew she was lost. But for once, she didn’t want to be found. For once, she wanted to let herself drown in him.Elena gasped as Asher’s lips trailed down her neck, his warm breath sending shivers through her. His kisses slowed, lingering on the sensitive spot where his mark should one day be. Her body tense
A Love Confession Under MoonlightThe Confession“Elena.”She heard her name through the soft ripples of water, but she wasn’t sure if she had imagined it. The moonlight shimmered on the river’s surface, casting a glow over Asher’s face, highlighting the intensity in his hazel eyes.“What?” she breathed, her heart hammering against her ribs.“I love you.” His voice was steady, unwavering.Elena froze. The words hit her like a tidal wave, knocking the air from her lungs. She stared at him, sure she had misheard, blaming the gentle rush of water distorting his words.“You… what?” she whispered, her pulse roaring in her ears.Asher didn’t hesitate. He cupped her face, his wet fingers grazing her cheeks. “I love you, Elena. I’ve loved you for longer than I even realized. And I don’t want to wait anymore.”Her breath hitched. This was unreal—impossible. No one had ever said those words to her. No one had ever meant them.“Asher…” she started, but she had no idea what to say. She could only
Elena splashed water at him, and he let out a dramatic gasp before retaliating, sending droplets flying around them. Their laughter echoed through the quiet woods, blending with the gentle ripple of the river. When they finally stilled, Asher cupped her face, his thumbs brushing over her cheekbones. "Elena," he murmured, his voice lower, more serious. "Hm?" "You’re everything," he whispered, his forehead pressing against hers. "Everything I didn’t know I needed." Elena swallowed the lump in her throat, overwhelmed by the sheer intensity of his gaze. For once, she didn’t shy away. Instead, she smiled, letting the warmth of his words settle deep inside her. Maybe—just maybe—she could let herself believe it.Asher smirked, brushing a stray droplet of water from Elena’s cheek. “You’re staring.” Elena blinked, feeling heat rise to her already flushed face. “I am not.” He raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. “Oh? So you weren’t just admiring me?” Elena scoffed, trying to fig
"Asher, I don’t have anything to wear," Elena said, crossing her arms over her chest. Asher smirked, the mischief in his eyes undeniable. "You’re wearing something now, aren’t you?" He gestured to her shorts and tank top. Elena’s lips pressed together, contemplating. The river was beautiful, its cyan surface shimmering under the afternoon sun, but the idea of undressing, even partially, made her hesitate. Asher noticed her apprehension and took a step closer, brushing a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "You trust me, don’t you?" His voice was soft, patient. "Of course, I do," she said without hesitation. "Then come in," he said simply. Elena bit her lip, the internal war raging inside her. She was tired of letting her past dictate her present. She had come so far. This was just another step. Asher, seeing her uncertainty, reached for the hem of his shirt and pulled it over his head in one smooth motion, tossing it onto the riverbank. Elena’s breath hitched as she to
Chapter: A Moment of Vulnerability and IntimacyA Sudden Surprise:“Elena.”Her name barely left Asher’s lips before he closed the distance between them, his hands framing her face as his lips met hers. The kiss was slow, deliberate—filled with an unspoken emotion that sent a shiver down her spine. It wasn’t rushed, nor desperate. It was something deeper. Something she wasn’t sure she could put into words.She sighed into the kiss, letting herself melt into his embrace. His warmth, his presence, it was intoxicating. But just as she was beginning to steady herself, he pulled away.Her lips parted slightly, confused by the sudden loss of contact. “Asher?”And then, to her complete shock, he reached down and pulled off his shirt in one fluid motion.Elena’s breath caught in her throat.She wasn’t sure what she expected, but seeing him like this—shirtless, the golden glow of the setting sun casting shadows over his well-defined torso—made her pulse quicken. She could see every ridge of mu
Elena tightened her grip on Asher’s hand, her thumb tracing small circles against his skin.“Your father… he sounds like an incredible man.”Asher’s gaze softened as he studied her, his hazel eyes reflecting something warm, something deep. “He would’ve loved you.”Elena’s breath hitched at his words. “You think so?”He nodded, brushing a stray curl from her face. “He always said strength wasn’t about how hard you could hit or how many battles you won. It was about how much you could endure.” He paused, his fingers ghosting along her jaw. “And, Elena, you’ve endured more than anyone I know.”Her throat tightened, emotion swelling inside her. She had spent so much of her life feeling weak, feeling like she was constantly struggling to stay afloat. But Asher—he saw her differently. Not as broken, not as fragile, but as someone strong. Someone resilient.Her eyes burned, tears threatening to spill. “Asher…” She swallowed, shaking her head. “I don’t even know what to say.”A gentle smile t