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
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,
“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
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
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
“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 reac
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
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
Elena sat quietly at the small kitchen table, her fingers curled around the warm mug Genevieve had set in front of her. Steam rose gently from the tea—chamomile, sweetened with honey—and in the living room, Dawn hummed softly to herself as she arranged her stuffed animals into a circle on the rug.Genevieve moved about the kitchen in practiced silence, her motions fluid but a little tense, like she was trying not to disturb something delicate. Maybe it was the past. Maybe it was Elena.After a while, Genevieve slid into the chair across from her and clasped her hands together, elbows on the table. Her expression shifted, softening, though her eyes were watchful.“You’ve grown into a strong woman, Elena.”The sound of her name spoken with such warmth made something twist in Elena’s chest.She nodded once. “And you’ve become a mother.”Genevieve smiled at that, a real one that touched her eyes. “Best thing I’ve ever done.” She glanced toward the living room. “She’s everything to me. But
“Dawn, where were you? I told you not to wander off—” Genevieve’s voice cut off the second she opened the door. Her breath hitched, her eyes locked on Elena like she was seeing a ghost. “You,” she whispered, her hand flying to her chest. “No… it can’t be.” Elena didn’t speak. She stood frozen on the porch, Dawn clinging tightly to her side, one little arm wrapped around Elena’s thigh. “Mommy,” Dawn said, voice small, “I fell. She helped me.” Genevieve took a step forward, blinking as if trying to wake up from a dream. “Elena?” Elena gave a shaky nod. “Hi.” Genevieve’s knees nearly buckled. She caught herself on the doorframe, breath heaving. “I—” she laughed softly, disbelieving. “I used to wonder if I made you up.” “You didn’t,” Elena said. Her voice came out quieter than she expected, rough around the edges. “I remember you.” Genevieve’s gaze flicked to Dawn, then back to Elena, emotion flooding her features. “You’re real. And you’re here.” Elena swallowed. “She
A flutter of wings and distant laughter blended into the rustling trees. Elena had almost reached the edge of the old pack trail again when she heard it.A soft, broken sob.Faint… but unmistakable.Her brows furrowed. She paused, scanning the grove ahead.Another sniffle.Then a sharp, hiccupped cry.Without a second thought, Elena turned toward the sound, her steps quickening. The trail curved off the main path into a clearing she hadn’t walked in years—long grass, uneven ground, patches of sunlight filtering through the leafy canopy.And there, half-hidden behind a wild rose bush, sat a little girl.She couldn’t have been more than five.Her small frame was curled inward, arms hugging her knee, which was scraped and bloodied. Tears streaked her dusty cheeks. Her hair was a mess of caramel-brown curls tangled with petals and leaves. A tiny yellow sundress clung to her as she rocked back and forth, trying to muffle her sobs.Elena froze.Not in fear—but something else. Something that
“You’re really out here.”The voice halted Elena mid-step.She turned slowly.Vivian.Of all people, she hadn’t expected—hadn’t *wanted*—to see her. Not here. Not now.Vivian looked nothing like the smug, glossy girl from their past. Her honey-blonde hair hung limp around her shoulders. Her eyes, once sharp with mockery, were red-rimmed and swollen. Even her posture—slouched, hands trembling—betrayed a vulnerability that didn’t belong to the girl who used to throw cruel words like knives.“Elena…” Vivian's voice cracked. “Please. I—just let me talk.”Elena stared, uncertain. Her heart had started thudding in a strange, unfamiliar rhythm—not fear, not quite anger… but something heavier. Something older.Vivian took a tentative step closer. “I know I don’t deserve your time. But I had to see you. I *needed* to say something.”Elena didn’t respond. She couldn’t. Her throat had closed up the moment Vivian’s name had burst into her world again.Vivian bit her lip and swallowed hard. “Conno
"You don’t have to do this today, Elena," Lena said softly, her voice barely above a whisper as she rested her hand on Elena’s back. "No one’s forcing you.""That’s just it," Elena murmured, her eyes fixed on the doorknob as if it were a weapon. "No one is. And maybe that’s what makes it worse.""Worse?""Because if someone told me I had to do it, I could fight back. I could rebel. But this… this is my choice." Her fingers twitched, almost reaching for the knob before retreating. "And I don’t know if I’m strong enough to make it."Lena stepped in front of her, crouching just enough to meet Elena’s eyes. "You’re strong enough. You survived everything they did. You’re here. That door? It’s just wood. What’s behind it isn’t bigger than you."Elena gave a shaky laugh. "You make it sound so easy.""It’s not," Lena said, serious now. "But it’s not impossible."The silence stretched between them, interrupted only by the wind brushing gently against the windows. Elena stared down at her bare
“I’ve missed three council sessions, delayed the joint patrol drills, and put off signing the land expansion request forms for two weeks.”Grayson raised an eyebrow. “Should I keep going?”“No.” Asher met his eyes. “I know. I’ve been off my game.”Grayson softened. “You’ve been in love.”The admission settled between them like a dropped stone in still water.Asher didn’t deny it.“I wasn’t expecting it to hit this hard,” he admitted, voice low. “It’s like... I breathe easier around her. Everything feels sharper when she’s near—and dull when she’s not.”Grayson’s expression was unreadable for a moment, then he sighed and set the map down. “Look, I get it. The bond’s intense. I felt it when I met my mate, too. You want to spend every moment with her. You should. But you’re still Alpha.”“I know.” The words were heavy. “I know, Gray.”Grayson folded his arms. “We’ve got more than just treaties to worry about. There’s something else.”Asher’s attention snapped up.“The Crest Moon Pack.”A
God, he wanted to say yes. Yes, so she’d be beside him. Yes, so she could sit in that hall and make the men who doubted her presence shut their mouths the moment she raised her head.But he couldn’t. Not yet.He turned to her, grinning despite the ache in his chest. “Absolutely not.”Her eyebrows arched. “Why not?”“Because you’d distract me.” He nipped playfully at her bottom lip. “Every time I look at you, I forget what I’m saying. I’ll end up calling an elder by your name or proposing legislation about how everyone should smell like strawberries.”She burst into laughter, swatting him lightly. “You’re ridiculous.”“And you’re irresistible,” he said, before catching her lips in a kiss.It was supposed to be brief—a tease, a laugh—but the moment their mouths touched, the atmosphere shifted. Like a match dropped in dry grass. His hand slid behind her neck, angling her closer. Her fingers curled into his hair. The air thickened.Her body melted into his. His lips pressed more urgently.
Morning Serenity:“Are you awake?”Asher's voice was a low murmur, barely audible over the soft rustle of sheets.Elena stirred slightly, her eyes fluttering open to meet his gaze.“Mmm... I am now,” she replied, a sleepy smile playing on her lips.He chuckled softly, brushing a strand of hair from her face.“Good morning,” he whispered, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead.“Morning,” she replied, her voice husky with sleep.They lay in comfortable silence, the morning light filtering through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the room.Asher tightened his arms around her, savoring the feeling of her body pressed against his.He inhaled deeply, letting her scent fill his senses.The events of the previous night replayed in his mind, each moment etched into his memory.His inner wolf, Leo, stirred within him, a contented rumble echoing in his mind.She is ours, Leo murmured. Ours to protect, to cherish.Asher smiled, his fingers tracing lazy circles on Elena's back.“I could get
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