(Asher)
The business dealing off the island had left me tired and in a bad mood. Fucking humans always trying to double-cross anyone and everyone. But they didn't understand that I could see right through them.
Pouring myself some scotch, I tried to relax in my study chair. My head rested on its back as I closed my eyes and tried to find some semblance of peace.
The door to my study knocked and I knew it would be Eden, my butler and my beta. Only he was stupid enough to disturb me when I enjoyed sitting in solitude.
"Enter," I ordered and the doorknob twisted. The door opened revealing Eden's happy face. He strolled inside and perched himself on the seat opposite me.
"You are back, how did the meeting go?" he asked, grabbing himself a glass and pouring some scotch from the decanter.
"The usual, humans thought they could double cross me and I put them right in their place," I answered, taking a slow sip of the scotch as it burned its way down my throat.
"Well, to lighten your mood. I have brought good news." Joy danced in his words as he tilted his head slightly.
"What?"
"One of the she-wolves is pregnant with your child. The embryo survived, you are going to become a father soon," he announced leaning closer, the enthusiasm evident.
For a normal werewolf or person, this would have been joyous news. But I was far from being normal, after what happened with my family and my mate.
All this business with surrogacy and she-wolves was Eden's idea. I had no interest in women, not after what my fated mate did to me. Even if I did, I was incompatible to mate with any she-wolf who wasn't my mate. The immense power of my wolf was something they couldn't contain and would end up dying.
But a child was a necessity to further my lineage and to take over the family business. I was already 29 with no male heir to my name or a woman in my life.
At a point, I might have celebrated the idea of having a family but that part of me was dead now, gone dark. My light had been lost. I didn't wish to even touch a woman or let anyone get closer to me, hence the surrogacy option. Also it was safer for the she-wolves. This was only a means to an end for me though.
"See to it that she is comfortable and all her needs are met. So the baby is born healthy."
Eden grinned, thinking I cared.
"She requests a meeting…" his words were hardly out of his mouth and my anger surged. I knew how women operated. They would dig their nails into you and act as if they owned you, only to betray you in the end.
"Absolutely not. You know how I feel about the topic of meeting women. She stays where she is and whatever she needs just fulfil it without bringing it to me," I told him sternly, trying to put an end to this conversation.
"But, no one has ever been able to achieve what she has. Maybe she could be your….I mean just meet her, she deserves this much." Eden changed his words midway when I sent a seething glare his way.
"I am not meeting her, ever. And that's final. After she gives birth, send her on her way with whatever she demands. Money, jewels, clothes. That's what women mostly want these days. I am sure she wants to ask me for money."
Eden leaned back in his chair and placed the glass down at my words. Disappointment was written in bold letters on his forehead. He had always held out hope for me which I had lost a long time ago.
"Asher!" He began.
"This conversation is over, let me get some rest. I am tired," I told him in a dismissive tone, raking my midnight-black hair with my fingers. He sighed heavily, before getting up and leaving, closing the door behind him.
I emptied the scotch glass in my throat and banged it on the mahogany side table. It rattled from the force I applied.
'We are going to have a pup with some unknown woman?' Blaze stirred in my head. I could feel the surge of his power, it was quite a task to keep him contained.
'Seems like it,' I answered, still trying to digest the news. A child was a big responsibility and so much would change with his arrival.
Then there was a chance of that woman trying to stay in the picture. That's something I didn't want. So I made up my mind and knew what the right course of action would be at the required time.
Maybe my decision was wrong but I needed to safeguard my heart. Women brought destruction, they were cunning and most importantly gold-diggers. No way I was letting this one wriggle her way into my life.
***
Over the past few months, I constantly received the news about this pregnant she-wolf. I didn't even ask her name, knowing it would make her seem more real. This way she was just anonymous. Eden badgered me from time to time to meet her at least once but I refused.
Her pregnancy had turned out to be difficult as Eden informed me, she could hardly keep food down and struggled to eat or sleep.
After six months, finally, the news of the baby to be soon born was brought to me. Since It was a complicated pregnancy they were going to perform a C-section. It was time to give my final decision so I called Eden. He could deliver my message to the doctors in the lab.
Once he picked up the phone I said in a monotone voice while keeping all my emotions in check.
"Once the baby is delivered he should be brought to me and tell her that she gave birth to a stillborn pup. No way is she going to be part of our lives."
(Anna)The king's refusal to meet or summon me squashed all my hopes. I blamed myself though for keeping high expectations from someone who let innocent people get tortured. I was nothing but an incubator for his child."I am sorry, Sara. He has been quite busy lately. I am sure once he gets some time, he will summon you." Eden made excuses for his king but I could understand that he was not going to give me the time of the day.I decided to find my own way and follow my own destiny. I wasn't going to rely on anyone, anymore."It's alright." I felt dejected as I decided not to request to see him anymore."Don't worry, you will be handsomely compensated for all your troubles. Whatever you need just let me know and I will ensure that it's provided," he informed me as if it wasn't my child I was supposed to give them but a mere commodity.Although I knew I would have to give up the child, it didn't hurt any less.With special permission, I was allowed to take walks in the small garden ou
(Anna)"Hello!" I said in a low voice, not having the strength to even speak.A deep voice, rough at the edges and yet smooth as chocolate answered from the other end."Hello! I am sorry about the baby.""Me too," I answered, trying to hold my tears at bay. This man didn't even bother to come see me after everything I had been put through. The world surely was filled with callous men and they all seemed to have been thrown in my lap."I understand how you must be feeling right now. Eden told me how problematic and difficult your pregnancy was. To compensate for that, I would grant you a wish. You can ask me for anything and I will provide. Money, jewels, property. Whatever." He spoke like a typical man who thought women only desired materialistic things.When in reality women wanted love, protection and loyalty.I didn't correct him though. I was done depending on people and putting up with their crap."I just want to leave this place. Once I am healed enough to travel, can you please
(Anna)The next day I set out on my mission. The black leather pants and jacket tightly hugged my body. My auburn hair were neatly tied in a ponytail and my hands were in black glovelettes. The nail of my index finger never grew back because of the damage caused to the nail bed. The two others had grown. A constant reminder of how I had been treated in the past but never again.Placing my shuriken knives, ninja stars and two Glock 22 pistols in the hidden places of my costume and black combat boots, I set out.The AH-64 Apache helicopter was a black beast and my favourite among the aircraft. Its sleek body and fitted missiles gave it a unique look. I grazed its metal body with my fingers and did a quick inspection."Standing tall, boy." I patted its side as if it were my pet.Climbing inside the helicopter I strapped up.Turning on the power I did quick pre-start checks and then fired up the engines. It roared to life.Claude had sent me the coordinates, I fed them into my FMS (comput
(Anna)The men had brought their lifeboat closer to the ship and were now climbing onboard. Once Oliver had been taken to safety, I took cover behind a thick pole and extracted my shuriken knives and ninja stars first and stood erect.I left them so they could live but it seemed like these men were too eager to die. I will give them exactly what they desired for they dared open fire when a child was standing with me. The rage engulfed me as I poked my head and saw two of the burly ones creeping into my direction with their backs low and claws out. Their clothes were drenched.I twirled the knife in my hand and angled it, aiming for the chest of the left one. It sailed through the air and hit him exactly where I had planned. He crumpled to the ground in a heap within a second.His shocked companion glanced here and there and took out his gun, seeing I was doing long range attack."Come out, you bitch and I will show you. How dare you blow up our ship," he growled in an empty threat. Th
(Anna)We stepped outside to see who had arrived. All my senses were hyper aware and my free hand rested on my hidden gun in case it was the enemy again.Little Ollie was clinging to me like a monkey infant and was shivering.I felt him and his strong aura before I even set my eyes on the man. The force was something I had never experienced as I came face to face with him.Crystal clear blue eyes just like the vast sea behind him stared back at me like angered pits. The contours of his extremely handsome face were rugged and masculine. A sharp nose and pointed chin, just like a supermodel.I gulped and my eyes dipped to his overly muscled torso, his navy blue Ralph Lauren dress shirt was stretched along it, buttoned just to leave the upper two open revealing his corded chest.His sleeves were unbuttoned and rolled up enough to reveal his veiny forearms, his left hand was shoved deep into the pocket of his black slacks which covered his infinitely long and muscular legs.Woah! He was t
(Anna)The ship dropped me on the port of Crescent Island, that's where the headquarters of The Shadow had been built underground. The name was given because the island was shaped like a crescent moon and legend had it, it bristled with supernatural powers under the full moon.I made my way through the rocky topography of the island and finally arrived at the secret passageway that led inside the headquarters. I was drenched in sweat and my legs ached. Being human was not easy.Punching the codes I stepped inside as the metal door whirred making way for me. Claude must have seen me through the cameras for he came running like an over-excited child and welcomed me with open arms."You are back, how was the mission?" He hugged me while leading me inside the compound and into his lavishly decorated office with modern tech and comfortable leather sofas.He handed me my phone, I left it with him before heading out on this mission. The small hidden dash cam I had in my Apache sent the feed
(Anna)I took my time, investigating. Secretly heard people's conversations to learn where they stood on Noah and Ruby's tenure as Alpha and Luna.It wasn't difficult to conclude that most of the pack members weren't happy with how both of them were conducting pack business.To this date, the news that I had colluded with a rogue king to kill my father and his comrades was not confirmed because no one had found him.Also, the invitations which should have been extended to all the Alphas of Howler City were never sent out. This task had been given to Noah by my father. That's exactly the reason no one showed up when I came down for my party 6 years ago.It was showtime now as I had learnt that Alpha Lancelot, who was a former alpha of one of our neighbouring packs, Dark Moon Pack was having a birthday banquet. Alpha Lancelot was a close friend of my father's and had a standing in the Werewolf council.Noah and Ruby were attending to represent their packs and so was the mysterious Alpha
(Anna)I was perplexed and surprised at the same time to see that people who had known me since childhood were unable to recognise me but this kid who had only met me once was able to.Then I remembered how he had told his father my scent was unique to him.This must have been it."Ollie! You are here," I lovingly patted his head and he beamed back at me, still holding my leg and throwing me curious glances. Wondering why I was wearing a wig and lenses.Everyone around was stunned into silence watching the little guy being so affectionate. Someone murmured."Oliver doesn't even let anyone touch him and here he is holding her leg and calling her his wife. She must be close to the king.""Is she with the Alpha King?" Another whispered as all eyes were set on us.Ruby and Noah watched us sheepishly too. When one of the Alphas said, turning to Ruby."You should be ashamed of how you treated the King's guest.""You better apologise to the Alpha King," Alpha Lancelot asked Ruby in a stern v
(Author's POV)The whole castle had been decorated with red roses and white tulips. The stage had been arranged in the garden for Asher and Anna's Marking Ceremony. Everyone was busy to ensure that all arrangements were in place.Eden was in charge of all the activities and his anxiety was touching the roof.He could be seen shouting and throwing curses if anyone was found slacking.Not many guests had been invited as they wished to keep the moment private. But Alphas and Lunas of the packs they had an alliance with had been extended the invitations. Former Alpha Lancelot was also present.Asher had donned a white pent coat with a red tie, he wished to match the colour with his mate's hair.Ellie was dressed up in a flared princess frock with all the glitters, ribbon and frills. She held a beautiful white basket with a red ribbon tied as a bow tie and petals in it. The flower girl was all set.Little Ollie was all suited up in his black and white three-piece with two velvet boxes whic
After our victory against the demon, a lot of changes took place. Shadow Howl Pack was in desperate need of a new Alpha because either Kyle was dead or hiding somewhere, we had no means to know for sure.Asher appointed a new Alpha and, as the Alpha King, took Shadow Howl Pack under his supervision so they could stabilise. Many of their warriors had died or were injured due to the battle Kyle had forcefully thrust them in.My pack, Shadow Howl and Asher's Pack formed a new alliance, hence strengthening the trust between the three packs. This was the beginning of the new future.The media covered the whole story of how we both saved the werewolf kind from a huge natural calamity. Both me and Asher were invited to a TV interview which we were to attend before returning to Whispering Bay Island for our Marking Ceremony."Are you ready?" Asher asked, pulling up the zipper of my red dress and turning me to face him."Always!" I adjusted his silver tie, he looked dapper in his three-piece e
(Anna)We were still rejoicing from the battle won when I felt the demon's aura fading. I turned to Asher and he had the same confused look glazing his eyes."Something is happening, we should go check it out," I voiced out, my confusion evident in my words.The Luna stone around my neck began to glow, emitting a pale blue light which let us see the residual energy left behind by the demon."There. Let's go find him and Kyle too." Asher took my hand and we followed the residues of energy scattered along.It led us inside the base which seemed deserted now. There was a time when this place was packed with people going in and out, returning from missions, training, and joking around, and today, it was just empty.It saddened me; this palace had been my home for five years when I had nowhere to go; I found shelter here, companions too. They were either dead or locked up now.The residual energy led us directly towards Kyle's office. We became vigilant. Asher glanced at me and an understa
(Kyle)I watched the battle unfold through the hidden cameras while sitting on my desk in my office. Anna now had healing powers and Asher's strength was unmatched. He was a beast in the literal sense. The way he tore apart wolves and men was beyond comprehension for he possessed the power of five moonstones within him.And Anna, with that curvaceous milky body of hers, she made me hard just looking at her. How I had restrained myself last time while seeing her naked was beyond me. My eyes were glued on her and once all my plans fell into motion, I would have her as my personal sex slave. She would look beautiful moaning my name, and those plump lips of hers belonged around my cock.I was still fantasising about Anna when the demon returned to my side.His darkness affected me, but I was becoming stronger, and the plan I was concocting was essential for my own survival.He drifted like a wraith and hovered over my expensive desk. His dark beady eyes focused on me."Anna and Asher have
(Anna)The veil of heaviness the demon had caused over everyone's heart slowly lifted as it melted away into the thin air. I knew it must have returned to Kyle. Ella's lifeless body lay on the ground,Asher let out a frustrated growl, he was still half-transformed. Stepping closer to Asher, I placed my hand on his hairy back and reassured him."We will get him, don't worry.""He is getting stronger, we need to move and find Kyle. This needs to end today," Asher professed as the dawn began to break on the horizon.We began to advance towards the direction of the base, but suddenly, we were surrounded from all sides by the assassins and warriors of Shadow Howl Pack. They came out of the shadows and blocked our way.Their faces contorted into sinister grins, while some were just blank-faced as if they didn't wish to be there. Most of them carried advanced weapons like long silver-nozzled guns which I was sure contained silver bullets. Others carried swords and daggers, a few had already
(Anna)The next few days were spent in planning and training. The Luna stone had given me the power to heal my wolves. That boosted their morals and I knew it would be easier to claim victory with such a power.Once the training was completed, we decided to head towards Crescent Island with our warriors. Oliver and Ellie were to remain under Eden's supervision. I gathered them into a hug and murmured."Be good, both of you. Listen to your uncle Eden and don't make mischief. Ollie, take care of your sister."Oliver placed a kiss on my cheek with his arms around my neck, he said."I promise Mom, I will take care of Ellie. Please! return soon.""Be careful, Mom. I will miss you." Ellie threw her small arms around me as well and whispered."I will." I kissed them both.They tightly hugged Asher, too, before we left them with Eden.Finally we left and boarded several small boats. We wanted to reach the island without getting detected, hence using Asher's ship was not an option.We went thr
(Anna)A simple shake of theirheads and bobbing of their Adam's apple was all I got in return. Asher let out a hearty chuckle."That's my mate," he proudly said and meandered over to my side, wrapping his arm around me. I melted into his touch."I proved my worth to all of you. It's time all of you do it, and then I will hand-pick my team. Each one of you will duel with me, the longer you keep standing on your feet, the more chance you have of finding yourself on my team. Let's do this."Asher let me form my rules to choose among his warriors. No one lasted more than two minutes. I selected the ones who did while trying to think out of the box as they tackled me instead of blindly charging towards me like mindless hulks.They say to fight smart, not hard. They say it right. It's all about using your mind and muscles in sync.We picked up our teams and training began. Not only physically but mentally and emotionally as well. The demon could manipulate, it was important to have individ
(Anna)"It really is," I answered, gently squeezing my daughter's hand.It was cold there, a shiver ran down my spine as the chilly wind swept past us. I hid my free hand in my pocket and was glad that I had chosen warm clothes for the kids."Mom, does dad really live in a castle?" Ellie expectantly asked. She still couldn't believe it."Yes, Ellie. Look." I pointed in the distance where the spiked towers of the castle could be seen.She watched with starry eyes as the looming structure came into view. Her hands were on both sides of her cheeks."Wow! This is such an elegant castle and place, mom," she exclaimed in excitement and I couldn't agree more.I had loved the unique flora and fauna of this place, the last time I was here.Oliver had climbed down from Eden's lap and rushed back to join us."Do you like it, Ellie?" He questioned with a knowing grin."Yes! It looks right out of a fairytale," she answered gleefully. The guards bowed to us as we entered the place.Ellie began to f
(Anna)"I see," Claude finally said defeatedly. The disbelief was so blatantly visible in his eyes."We will soon have a Marking Ceremony, and then I can let you go on condition that you will stay away from us. You have done a lot for me; just let us end on a positive note," I pleaded with him, and he watched me with teary eyes.Asher and the old guardian descended the stairs. He brought the lock. I stepped away as he locked Claude up and gave the keys to the Altar Guardian for safekeeping."Don't worry, I will keep him here as long as you want. Go save the Werewolf kind," Altar Guardian gave us blessings once again as we finally left the place with me throwing one last look at Claude. He sat with his head in his hands.I was exhausted so Asher carried me all the way back to the hotel. I fell asleep in his arms.The next day, we were to head back, and this time, our destination was Whispering Bay Island, the home of Night Riders Pack; Asher's Pack. The place I had given birth to Olive