Elena's voice was hesitant. “You were… avoiding me?” Asher exhaled slowly, running a hand through his dark hair. “Not avoiding,” he corrected. “Giving you space.” Elena frowned. “Why?” His jaw tightened for a moment before he sighed, eyes locking onto hers. “Because my wolf—Leo—was restless. He wanted you close. Needed you close.” Her breath hitched. “But I didn’t want to overwhelm you,” Asher continued, his voice quieter now. “I thought… after everything, you might need time to adjust.” Elena’s mind reeled. He had stayed away—not because he didn’t want her—but because he cared enough to give her space? “The frustration you saw,” Asher went on, “it wasn’t anger. It was… pain.” His fingers curled slightly at his sides. “Pain of being too far from you.” A warmth bloomed in Elena’s chest, unfamiliar and terrifying all at once. She had spent years believing she was unwanted, a burden no one cared to carry. Elena swallowed hard, forcing herself to meet his gaze. “You—”
Elena felt safe. It was a foreign sensation—one she hadn’t allowed herself to experience in years. The rhythmic motion of Asher’s fingers stroking her hair, the steady rise and fall of his chest beneath her, the warmth of his arms wrapped around her—it all lulled her into a sense of peace she never knew she needed. Her eyelids grew heavy, her body melting into his embrace. For the first time in what felt like forever, she allowed herself to relax. Then— A loud growl broke the silence. Not from Asher. From her stomach. Elena froze. Her eyes flew open in horror as heat flooded her face. Asher stilled beneath her before a deep chuckle rumbled from his chest. “Well,” he murmured, amusement lacing his tone. “That was unexpected.” Elena wanted to disappear. She tried to move away, but Asher tightened his hold, his grip firm yet gentle. Then, before she could protest, he tilted her chin up with his fingers, forcing her to meet his gaze. His amber eyes burned i
Elena barely had time to process what was happening before Asher grabbed her hand, his firm grip steadying yet possessive. He didn’t say a word as he pulled her toward the door, but she could feel the silent determination radiating from him. Her heart thudded painfully against her ribs as they stepped out of his office, and the moment they entered the hallway, it felt like all eyes turned toward them. Whispers. Stares. Elena’s breath hitched. She knew what they were thinking. Knew what the pack saw when they looked at her. A runt. A nobody. The weakest link standing beside the most powerful alpha they had ever known. The weight of their judgment crushed her, suffocating in a way she hadn’t expected. Her fingers instinctively twitched, and she tried to pull her hand free, but Asher tightened his grip. “Don’t,” he murmured, his tone firm yet soothing. Her stomach knotted as she looked up at him, but he wasn’t looking at her. His gaze was trained on the pack
An Unsettling Encounter in the Kitchen: When they finally reached the pack’s kitchen, Elena could still feel her nerves lingering. She kept close to Asher, not wanting to draw attention to herself, but she knew that was impossible now. Everyone had seen them. And they wouldn’t stop talking about it. She inhaled deeply, trying to shake the unease when— “Asher, darling, it’s been a while.” Elena’s stomach twisted at the voice. She didn’t even need to look to know who it was. Tessa. One of Vivian’s friends. One of the girls who used to stand back and laugh while Elena was tormented. Elena stiffened, instinctively stepping closer to Asher. Tessa was beautiful, with perfect blonde curls and sharp green eyes that always seemed to hold a hidden agenda. Her smile was too wide, her voice too sweet—everything about her screamed fake. And she was looking at Asher like she owned him. “Tessa.” Asher acknowledged her with a cold nod, his hand tightening around Elena’s
"Oh, poor little Elena, still lurking in the shadows?" Vivian’s voice was dripping with mockery, loud enough for the entire room to hear. Elena froze mid-step, her fingers tightening around the fabric of her sleeves. She hadn’t meant to stop. She should have kept walking. She should have ignored them. But it was too late. The conversation had already snared her like a trap. Vivian and Tessa were seated on the plush couches in the pack’s spacious living room, their laughter ringing through the space like a chorus of cruelty. They weren’t alone. A handful of other pack members lounged around, watching the exchange with thinly veiled interest. Some even smirked, eager to see a show. Elena forced herself to breathe, willing her feet to move forward. If she could just make it to the door, maybe— "Going somewhere?" Tessa’s voice was sickly sweet, her eyes glinting with amusement. Elena’s heart pounded. She tried to step around them, but Vivian stretched o
Elena was still frozen in place, Asher’s touch lingering on her cheek like a brand. The weight of what had just happened—Vivian’s humiliation, Asher’s silent declaration—hung in the air. Then, the moment shattered. A slow clap echoed through the room. The sound was mocking, filled with bored amusement. Elena’s stomach dropped. She knew that voice. Knew what it meant. Connor. A high-ranking male, second only to Asher in strength but twice as ruthless. He strode in like he owned the place, his broad frame casting a shadow over the room. His dark, calculating eyes swept over the scene, lingering on Vivian’s retreating form before settling on Elena. A smirk curled on his lips. "Well, well," he drawled. "What do we have here?" Elena fought the urge to shrink back. Connor was dangerous. He didn’t just enjoy the pack’s hierarchy—he enforced it. And right now? She had just been the cause of a disruption. His least favorite thing. Tessa, always eager to shif
Tessa’s mouth opened and closed, but no sound came out. Her usual sharp tongue had failed her. For the first time, she had nothing to say. The power in Asher’s voice had shaken her. Had humiliated her. The pack was still watching, still processing what had just happened. Elena remained frozen in Asher’s arms, her mind struggling to catch up. The weight of the moment pressed down on her chest—the shock, the relief, the disbelief that someone had finally stood up for her. That someone had claimed her in front of everyone. The tension in the room was suffocating, but Asher’s touch was grounding. Warm. Strong. Unyielding. And without thinking—without hesitating— Elena clutched his hand. Tightly. As if he were the only thing keeping her upright. As if letting go would mean losing the only sense of safety she had ever known. His fingers curled around hers instantly, as though he had been waiting for it. His thumb traced slow, calming circles over her knuckl
"Sit," Asher’s deep voice commanded. Elena hesitated, hovering near the doorway of his home. Her eyes flickered over the elegant black couches, the wooden table, the fireplace flickering with golden embers. The place was beautiful. It suited him. Dark. Refined. Commanding. But she—she didn’t belong in a place like this. Still, Asher was watching her, waiting. Slowly, she moved forward and sank into a seat at the kitchen island, her fingers gripping the cool marble counter. Asher walked past her, opening the fridge. The sound of the door creaking open, the soft clink of glass against metal—it all felt too normal. Too mundane, given the chaos of earlier. Elena swallowed hard. The tension in her shoulders refused to ease, even as Asher casually pulled out a plate of food. His presence was the only thing grounding her—the warmth of his body as he moved past her, the occasional brush of his fingers against her skin. The firm, steady weight of his hand resting
The world outside their little cocoon faded into nothing but heartbeats and whispered breaths.Asher's fingers brushed slow, teasing circles along Elena’s bare hip, drawing a soft gasp from her lips. His touch grew bolder, more deliberate, tracing the sensitive line of her waist, then venturing lower, making her body arch into him instinctively."Asher..." she whispered, breathless, her nails digging lightly into his shoulders.He chuckled against her skin, low and teasing. "What is it, beautiful?" he murmured, nipping playfully at the curve of her neck."You’re... you're teasing me," she said, half-laughing, half-whimpering, the sound laced with undeniable need.He lifted his head, eyes dark and full of wicked affection. "Maybe I am," he said, his voice rough with desire. "You drive me crazy... it’s only fair."Elena whined softly, bucking her hips up to him. "Please," she whispered, her voice cracking with longing.The simple word made Asher growl low in his throat, his restraint cr
A Love That Feels Like Home:"Asher, stop squirming," Elena giggled, trying to peel his shirt over his head as he wrestled with it like it was some wild animal."I'm trying!" he laughed, arms trapped above his head. "This thing’s possessed, I swear."She tugged harder, finally yanking it off with a victorious huff. His hair was a mess, cheeks flushed, eyes crinkling at the corners from laughter. Elena burst out laughing, dropping the shirt to the floor."You look ridiculous," she teased, running her fingers through his tousled hair, smoothing it down."You love it," he said, grinning crookedly, catching her wrists and pulling her closer."Maybe," she whispered, just as he ducked his head to kiss her neck. His lips brushed her mark tenderly, sending a shiver racing down her spine."You definitely do," he murmured against her skin, his voice low and teasing.Elena hummed, threading her fingers into his hair again, tugging playfully as he trailed slow kisses up her jawline. The air betwe
The door creaked open again.Elena turned, expecting Genevieve or maybe Dawn—but it wasn’t either.It was Asher.And he froze in the doorway.Time, breath, and sound—all of it stilled.He didn’t move.Didn’t speak.Just… stared.His eyes drank her in from head to toe. The white dress that floated around her like morning mist. The soft fall of her hair. The quiet strength in her posture. The way her lips curved just barely, nervous but glowing.“Elena,” he finally whispered, voice low and awestruck.Her heart stuttered.He stepped in slowly, reverently, like approaching something sacred. His gaze never left her face, as though he was afraid she’d vanish if he blinked.“Say something,” she breathed, voice barely above a whisper.“I would,” he said, his throat tight, “if I could remember how to speak.”That made her laugh, soft and breathy.He reached her then, his hands lifting but not yet touching—as if still trying to believe she was real. “You look like a dream I’ve had my whole life
Elena stood in front of the mirror, still and breathless. The ceremony was just hours away, but her stomach churned like she’d swallowed a storm.The room was quiet now. Genevieve had left to help with final touches. Dawn had skipped off with her flower crown. Even the hum of chatter downstairs felt far away.It was just her and the mirror.And fear.Her fingers trembled as she traced the edge of the white dress—soft chiffon with intricate embroidery along the neckline. The fabric hugged her lightly, flowing around her like mist. She should have felt like a vision.Instead, all she could see were memories pressing through the glass.The echoes of bruises that had once marred her skin. The hollow eyes she used to avoid in her reflection. The voice in her head that still whispered: You’re not enough. You never were.Her breath hitched.What if they see the truth beneath the silk? What if they see the scared girl still hiding under the skin of a Luna?She turned from the mirror, pressing
Elena stirred the next morning to the soft chirping of birds and the golden warmth pouring through the trees. Asher had wrapped himself around her during the night, their bodies curled together beneath a blanket of moss and dappled sunlight. For the first time in her life, she didn’t wake up flinching.Instead, she smiled.“Morning, Luna,” Asher whispered against her shoulder, his voice still thick with sleep.Her heart flipped. That title… it used to scare her. Now it sounded like a crown placed gently on her head, not one she had to earn by pain—but by love.Asher kissed her cheek before pulling himself up. “We should head back soon. Your ceremony's tonight.”Her breath caught. Nerves fluttered in her chest. Ceremony. People. Attention. Things she’d never felt comfortable with.And yet—she wanted it. For herself. For them.By the time they returned to the house, the buzz had already begun. Pack members moved in and out, carrying decorations, trays of food, and fabric-draped poles fo
"I think this is my favorite kind of silence," Elena whispered, her voice barely louder than the breeze.Asher turned his head slowly, his eyes glowing amber in the waning light. “The kind where we don’t have to say anything… but everything’s already understood?”She smiled faintly, eyes fixed on the sunset bleeding across the sky. “Exactly that.”The horizon was a watercolor of gold and soft lavender, bleeding into a dusky crimson that painted the clouds with fire. The lake mirrored it all—still, soft, endless. A hush had fallen over the world, as if nature itself paused to breathe beside them.“I used to hate sunsets,” Elena confessed, her fingers playing with a blade of grass. “They reminded me the day was over, and it meant going back into a night I couldn’t escape.”Asher’s brows furrowed, but he didn’t interrupt.“But now,” she continued, “I love them. Because I know what the night holds. You.”He reached for her hand gently, threading his fingers between hers. “The night belong
The forest began to thin, the trees spreading wider apart as the scent of water drifted to him—fresh, clear, kissed by wind. Asher slowed his stride, dark paws sinking into moss and damp soil as he followed the trail of delicate pawprints that shimmered faintly in the sunlight.Then he saw it.The lake.Still. Silent. Sacred.The water lay like glass, mirroring the golden sky overhead. Morning mist curled above its surface like a soft veil, and tall reeds swayed at the edges where dragonflies danced between blades.It hit him like a memory. One he hadn’t thought about in years.This lake—this exact lake—was where his father used to take him as a pup. Before the war. Before the loss. They would lie beneath the oaks and count the stars. His father had called it the heart of the forest, a place where the world stood still, where the bond between wolf and nature hummed the loudest.Now it whispered something else.Peace.And at its center—was her.Elena.She stood at the water’s edge, one
Elena clung to him, her hands sliding through his hair, and her lips parting with soft gasps as Asher kissed her deeper, rougher—no longer gentle. Something was shifting.And it wasn't just the hunger in their kisses.“I feel… different,” Elena whispered breathlessly against his lips, her nails curling against his shoulders.“I know,” Asher murmured, panting as his forehead pressed to hers. “It’s the bond.”“No… not just the bond.” Her pupils flared golden, and her voice came out lower—more layered, like two voices overlapping. “It’s her. She’s waking up.”A growl curled in Asher’s chest. Deep. Possessive. “Leo’s awake too.”As if summoned, their wolves surged forward—raw, primal instincts crashing through their consciousness like a tidal wave. A heat swept over them, curling in their bellies, wild and unrelenting.Lena growled through Elena’s lips. The sound was soft but primal. Her golden eyes narrowed, and she gripped Asher’s jaw, kissing him with such fire he nearly buckled.Their
Elena finished the last bite of her eggs in silence, her fingers idly circling the edge of the plate while her thoughts lingered somewhere far beyond the small kitchen. Asher watched her, his hand resting lightly over hers, thumb rubbing soft, steady circles along her knuckles.“Do you think…” she started, hesitating, “that Genevieve ever regretted helping me?”He frowned, scooting his stool closer until their knees brushed. “No. Not for a second.”“She lost everything, Asher.”“And gained something far more valuable,” he said firmly. “Self-respect. Integrity. You.”Elena looked up, her eyes shining with quiet pain. “But I didn’t protect her.”“You were a kid,” he said gently. “You didn’t have the power to protect anyone—not even yourself. That’s not on you.”Her lip trembled. “But if she hadn’t stepped in... I don’t know who I would’ve become. Or if I would’ve made it at all.”“Then she changed your life. And I promise you, Elena, she knows that. People like her? They don’t act out o