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
"You mean a lot to me too," she admitted, her voice soft, uncertain. He let out a shaky breath, relief flashing in his eyes. "Then tell me how to fix this. Tell me how to make it up to you." She wanted to tell him that he had already done enough—that just hearing him say these things was more than she ever thought she’d get. But she also knew that words weren’t always enough. She needed actions. She needed proof that he wouldn’t walk away again. "Stay," she said finally. "Just... stay." His hands trailed down to hers, fingers intertwining. "I’m not going anywhere." For the first time in what felt like forever, she felt seen. She wasn’t just some useless, fragile girl. He truly cared—about her, about how she felt. And that alone made her heart ache. Why did he care so much? Why did it matter to him?The thought of it was overwhelming. "Elena," he pressed, his voice lower, rougher now. "Did someone hurt you while I was gone?" A growl rumbled from deep within his chest as h
Asher’s Past "Asher, come here." Kade’s deep voice echoed down the hallway. Something about his tone seemed off. Was he angry? Curious, Asher moved toward him. "Yes, Kad—" The words stuck in his throat. His feet stopped mid-step. Confusion clouded his mind. Kade, his cousin, who was ten years older than Asher’s eight-year-old self, stood there with his fist raised high. On the floor, a small girl trembled. One of her eyes was swollen, dark purple bruising the delicate skin. It looked painful, unbearably so. She whimpered softly, and Asher felt a heavy weight settle in his chest. Maybe they had been playing, and she fell? Maybe Kade wanted him to help her up? Asher took a step forward, reaching out—but before he could, Kade’s fist came down, striking the girl’s face. A sharp, piercing scream shattered the air. Asher froze, his eyes widening in horror. Blood trickled from the girl's lip, bright red against her pale skin. Footsteps suddenly echoed behind him, and just like tha
Killing them would bring satisfaction. But torture? That would be far more rewarding.“Alpha?” A guard stepped forward, his voice uncertain. “Do you need something?”Asher didn’t stop. He didn’t even look at him. “Open the cells.”The guard hesitated. “Alpha, are you sure? The prisoners—”“I didn’t ask for your opinion. Open the damn cells.”The guard swallowed hard but nodded. He hurried ahead, unlocking the heavy iron doors. The moment they creaked open, the stench of sweat and blood filled Asher’s lungs. It only fueled his rage.Inside, Connor and his men sat slumped against the cold walls, wrists bound, faces bruised and swollen from earlier beatings. Connor looked up, his split lip curling into a smirk.“Well, well. The mighty Alpha finally decided to visit.” His voice was hoarse, but laced with arrogance. “Did your little mate cry to you?”Asher moved so fast, Connor didn’t even have time to flinch. His hand wrapped around the bastard’s throat, lifting him effortlessly.“You thi
She blinked, her throat thick. “It’s just… hard. Knowing I wasn’t your first.”“You were,” he said, lifting her chin. “In every way that counts. You were the first time I ever made love. Not just sex. Love. The first time I ever looked at someone and thought, ‘I’d do anything to make you feel safe.’”Her eyes welled with tears.He wiped one away with his thumb. “You’re the first person I’ve ever wanted to remember every second with. Every sound you made, every look, every touch—it’s burned into me.”She turned into his chest, heart thudding.“And you’re the first,” he continued, voice cracking slightly, “who made me believe I deserved to be loved back.”Her arms tightened around him.“I hate that I wasn’t your only,” she whispered. “But I’m trying not to let that poison what we have.”He kissed the top of her head. “You don’t have to pretend it doesn’t bother you. I get it. But I need you to know—Elena, I need you to believe—that what I had before was nothing. You… you are my first. T
Her throat tightened, heart clenching.How could he say things like that? How could he look at her like she was made of starlight and not scar tissue?She turned into his chest, hiding her face. “You’re too good to be real.”He chuckled softly, wrapping her in his arms. “I was just thinking the same thing about you.”They lay in silence for a while. Her head rested over his heartbeat, steady and grounding. His fingers traced patterns along her back, the rhythm soothing.“You surprised me,” she said finally, voice muffled against his skin.“How so?”“You… you were so gentle. So patient. And... you knew exactly what to do.” She tilted her head up, studying his face. “Have you… done this before?”He paused. “Yes. I won’t lie to you.”That made her chest ache a little—but only for a second.“Then why did this feel so… different?”He cupped her cheek, tilting her face up to his. “Because you’re not just anyone. You’re the one I love. The one I want to spend the rest of my life with. I wasn
Her body still trembled with the aftershocks of their union, skin slick with sweat, heart pounding beneath Asher’s hand as it rested lightly over her chest.She wasn’t ready for what came next.Not because she didn’t want it—but because it was the kind of worship she’d never known, the kind that stripped her bare in ways that had nothing to do with skin.“Elena,” Asher whispered, voice low, reverent. He was still hovering above her, their breaths mingling in the quiet space between them. “I’m not done loving you.”She blinked, flushed already from what they’d shared, but his words sent a new wave of warmth crashing through her. “Y-you don’t have to—”“I want to.” His lips ghosted along her collarbone, tracing a line downward. “This is for you. Just you.”Her stomach flipped as his mouth moved lower, trailing heat down her torso, over her navel. Each kiss was deliberate, slow, and full of purpose—as though every part of her deserved to be cherished. Worshipped.He paused just below her
“You keep looking at me like that,” Asher growled against her ear, voice ragged, breath warm. “You’re going to make me lose control.”“I’m not doing anything,” Elena whispered back, wide-eyed, cheeks flushed.“You know exactly what you’re doing.” His eyes darkened, gaze roaming her face like he was memorizing every inch. “And I’ve been holding back for far too long.”“Asher…”That was all it took.In one fluid movement, his arms scooped beneath her thighs and back, lifting her off the ground. She gasped, clutching his shoulders, heart thudding in her chest.“You don’t play fair,” he murmured, lips grazing her temple. “And I can’t pretend anymore.”The hallway blurred around them, lit only by the soft gold hue of the lamps. With each step, anticipation coiled tighter inside her. She wasn’t sure what was going to happen. Her mind buzzed with nerves, her chest tight with the unknown. But even in that whirlwind of emotion, one thing grounded her.She trusted him.Completely.When they rea
His eyes snapped open, dark and wide. “What?”She swallowed hard, nerves and courage colliding in her chest like a storm. “Don’t hold back.”His entire body froze. He searched her face as though waiting for her to pull the words back, but she didn’t. Instead, she leaned forward and kissed him, softly—no urgency, no pressure. Just trust.“I’m not afraid,” she breathed against his lips. “Not with you.”Asher exhaled sharply, a broken sound that almost resembled a sob. “Elena, I need you to be sure. I need to hear you say it.”“I want you,” she said, voice shaking but sincere. “Because I love you, Asher.”That was all it took.He surged forward, capturing her mouth in a kiss that sent a thrill down her spine. His arms wrapped around her waist, lifting her slightly as their bodies aligned in the cascading water. He cradled her like something sacred, reverent yet starved.His hands explored her body with a patient hunger—never demanding, always asking without words. And when she gasped sof
She wanted to look away. Her instincts screamed for it.But she didn’t.She held his gaze.And in that moment, it wasn’t about naked skin or physical closeness.It was about truth.About letting herself be loved as she was.She leaned up and kissed him—soft, slow, full of everything she didn’t yet know how to say aloud.When they pulled apart, Asher tucked a damp strand of hair behind her ear and asked, “May I wash your hair?”Her eyes widened slightly at the question. It was so… gentle.So caring.She nodded.He reached for the bottle, poured a small amount into his hands, and lathered it between his palms before delicately working his fingers into her scalp.Elena shivered.Not because she was cold.But because the intimacy of the moment overwhelmed her in the most beautiful way.Asher’s fingers were magic—skimming through her hair with deliberate slowness, massaging her scalp as if worshipping every inch of her.Her eyes fluttered shut.“Still with me?” he asked softly.“Mmm,” she
“Tell me I’m safe again,” she whispered.“You’re safe,” he said instantly. “You’re safe with me, always.”He leaned down then, tilting her chin up. Their lips met—slow, deep, and filled with a thousand unsaid things.There was no rush. No pressure.Just warmth.Just them.Elena’s arms moved around him, cautiously at first, then with more certainty. His skin was slick beneath her fingers, heat radiating through every point of contact.Asher deepened the kiss, but even then, it wasn’t about passion.It was about presence.About healing.Elena opened her eyes—not all at once, but slowly, lifting her gaze to his. The fog had softened the world around them, but his face was clear.He was watching her like she held the stars.“You’re beautiful,” he murmured against her lips. “So damn beautiful.”Elena didn’t look away.This time, she believed him.He guided her gently under the spray, water wrapping them in a shared silence. Asher reached for the soap, but paused.“May I?”Elena nodded, che
His fingers trailed lower, over her shoulders, down her arms, reverent and slow. He traced the long scar across her abdomen—not with pity, but with awe.“You survived everything,” he murmured. “And you’re still here. Still standing. That makes you the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.”Tears welled in her eyes, mingling with the water streaming down her face. She stepped closer, resting her head against his chest, letting his warmth shield her from the last shreds of doubt.Asher’s arms came around her, firm and grounding. They stood like that for a while, letting the steam cocoon them in silence.Then he reached for the soap.“May I?” he asked.Elena nodded.He started with her shoulders, massaging gently, every touch laced with care. Her body began to relax under his hands, tension melting away with the suds.When he reached her back, Elena felt herself sigh audibly.Asher leaned down, lips grazing the shell of her ear. “You’re safe with me,” he whispered.“I know,” she replied,
They stood there a little longer, letting the water cleanse not just their bodies, but the pain they both carried. Eventually, Asher reached for a towel and wrapped it around her with gentle care.As they stepped out, Elena caught their reflections in the fogged mirror. She didn’t see the broken girl anymore. She saw a woman standing beside a man who loved her—completely.Back in the bedroom, Asher helped her into one of his shirts, the oversized fabric brushing against her thighs. He kissed her knuckles one by one before helping her sit on the edge of the bed.“Let’s rest,” he said, crawling in beside her and pulling her close.Elena sighed, curling into his warmth. “You make me feel safe.”“You are safe,” he said firmly, his lips brushing her ear.She smiled and let her eyes close, exhaustion tugging at her—but not from pain. This time, it was peace.Asher’s fingers threaded through hers. “We’ll face everything together.”Elena didn’t answer. She didn’t need to. Her heart spoke for