Anna’s P.O.VI felt a nervous flutter in my chest as Asher’s eyes narrowed, his emerald depth;s piercing through me like a dagger. I knew I had to explain, to make him understand. Because honestly, I could tell how awkward this seemed and how it was easy to come to a wrong conclusion.“Asher, uhm I didn’t expect to see you here,” I started awkwardly and almost bit my tongue. Goddess, that was exactly what a guilty person said. “Tony was in an accident, and instead of going to the hospital, he came over because he was in the area. I was once a nurse…after I left your pack…”Trailing off, I twisted the hem of the huge shirt I had on, feeling oddly naked. The only parts of my body that were exposed were my legs from under the basketball shorts I had on! But from how every hair on my body stood on end, I could as well be without clothes.Tony was lounging lazily on the couch, humor alight in his eyes as he watched me falter in my unnecessary explanation to Asher. Oh goddess, this was horr
Asher’s P.O.VI stormed out of the apartment, my rage boiling over like a pot left unattended. Reaching my car in a matter of seconds, I roughly twisted the doorknob, but the damn thing didn’t give. Frustration bubbled in my gut and I was about to kick the fender when the door gently clicked open from the inside.Surprised and pissed, I slid into the car, ready to unleash my fury on the nearest target.But my anger deflated like a punctured tire when I saw my Beta sitting in the driver’s seat. “What the hell are you doing here?” I growled, my frown deepening. Did he hide in the fucking bonnet while I started the car in the garage?Sen gave me a weird look, his eyes squinting slightly. “You don’t remember, do you, Asher?”I scowled, too pissed for whatever shit Sen was about to give me. “Remember what?”“I drove you here,” He said calmly. “You asked me to fetch the car keys and I brought you to Anna’s apartment.”Huh? That wasn’t how I fucking remembered it.At his words, a terrible po
Asher’s P.O.V“You’re drunk.” Anna whispered, propping her palms on my chest. Through my blurred gaze, I could barely see her face…but one thing bit at me. Her hair. It had the blonde and red strands Black Rose’s always had, but I couldn’t be sure when I was so fucking drunk like this.Slowly, she slid away from me and I struggled to my own feet. Anna also seemed taller…what the hell was going on?A slight pounding started in my head and I reached for the lights switch to provide some light to the house when Anna’s fingers wrapped around mine. “You should go to bed…” She whispered sultrily and pressed a kiss to my lips.I felt my heart slam hard against my ribcage and my initial thoughts escaped by brain. All I could focus on was the feel of her lips moving her mine. she tasted sweet and I wanted more.When she pulled away from me, I dazedly brought my hand to my lips, my stomach fluttering like I was a teenage girl.“Come,” She whispered, her face unclear in the dark. “Let me help yo
Asher's P O.Vtwo hours later.I closed my eyes for a moment as my mind became foggy. The only thing I could think about was her arm that was still wrapped around my waist, and it burned. So, without much thought, I muttered a silent curse and slammed our lips together, my feet stumbling and her arm tightening around my shirt.“A-Asher,” she muttered between kisses, and a shiver ran down my spine.“You’re still drunk, I—“ “I want you,” I cut her off, finding her eyes in the darkness. My hand came to cup her cheeks.“I want to feel myself buried inside of you again, Anna,” I choked out, and my thumb slipped into her parted lips. I brought it out and rubbed it on her lips, coating them with her saliva.Anna wrapped her hands around my neck, her fingers fisting into my dark locks. Our lips moved in sync, and our teeth clashed against each other.With my left hand, I pushed the door wider, and we stumbled into the dark room. We found our way to the bed without our lips leaving each other
Asher's p.o.v:.I suddenly snapped up, my mind foggy and my head pounding. I tried to remember the events of the previous night, but my drunken brain was a jumbled mess. One thing was certain, though - I had slept with Black Rose. Or so I thought. The memories were hazy, but I could swear I remembered her perfect curves, her sultry voice, and her intoxicating scent.But as I turned around, my hand instinctively reaching out to pat the bed beside me, my heart sank. It wasn't Black Rose lying there, naked and serene. It was Anna. My mind raced with confusion and panic. What had I done? Had I really cheated on Anna with Black Rose? The memories were too fuzzy to trust, but the guilt was already eating away at me.I rubbed my temples, trying to ease the migraine that threatened to split my skull open. Think, think, think. What had happened last night? I remembered going to the restaurant, having a more than a few drinks with Vira and then... nothing. Just fragments of images and sensation
I slumped back in my chair, my eyes fixed on Sen as he stood before my desk, his expression grim. "So, how's the investigation going?" I asked, my voice low and urgent. "Have you uncovered what happened between Anna and my stepmother five years ago?"Sen sighed, his shoulders sagging. "Asher, there's something fishy going on. I can feel it. Whatever happened five years ago, it's like someone's gone to great lengths to cover it up."My grip on my pen tightened. "What do you mean? You're telling me someone's hiding something?"Sen nodded. "I'm telling you, Asher, it's like a brick wall. I can't find any leads, any evidence. It's as if someone's erased all traces of what really happened."My mind raced as a whirlwind of thoughts ran amok in my brain. "Keep digging, Sen. Question everyone who was involved. Especially my mother's head maid. She was always tight-lipped, but I'm sure she knows more than she's letting on."Sen nodded, his eyes determined. "I'll get to the bottom of it, Asher.
Asher’s P.O.V"I need you to book the most available premium first-class flight to Angeles-Dark Moon pack," I barked into the phone, my patience wearing thin like the threads of a frayed rope. I had to go back home for whatever reason my step-mother needed me or I might risk her discovering Anna and the kids. Whilst I didn’t have proof concerning what happened five years, I knew how intense my step-mother could be, especially with how she wanted me to marry Vira at all costs.Sen's confusion was palpable, even over the phone. "Asher, what's going on? Why are we heading back to the pack?" His voice was laced with concern, like a gentle prod to my already frazzled nerves.I snapped, my temper flaring like a wildfire. "Just do it, Sen. Don't question me." My words were sharp as a whip, lashing out at the one person who dared to challenge me.Less than ten minutes later, Sen called back, his voice hesitant, like a child tiptoeing around a sleeping bear. "Asher, there's a problem. There ar
Anna’s P.O.VAsher had been gone since that morning when I told him I was in an open relationship with Tony. I was trying to persuade Evan to eat his breakfast when Sen informed me that Asher had been called away to deal with an urgent company matter. I absorbed the news silently and held myself back from pointing out that it was very strange and almost impossible that Asher would hold a business meeting on a Sunday. It really was none of my business. I spent the rest of the day in a weird numbed state and forced a smile when Ivan and Evan tried to play with me.I was just…I think I missed him and the thought that I was the one who had run him off made my throat tight.Sunday dragged off into Monday and there was still no word from him. On Tuesday, dozens of red roses were delivered to the mansion. And yeah, there was no note accompanying it, only a black card with his name scrawled across it with gold ink. Why had he sent the roses? I wondered as tears filled my eyes, burying my face
ASHER'S POV~“Let me go! Let me go, you stupid disgusting things! I'm going to ruin you! You're going to regret putting your disgusting hands on me!" The guards dragged Vira towards me as I say quietly in the dark room, my cold eyes on her. Her struggle against their hold was ferocious. Snarls ripped from her throat, her body writhing and twisting, her muscles tensed and coiled like a feral beast. But the guards were impassive, their faces stoic as they held her securely in their grasp.“Here you are. I've being wanting to meet you… step mother.” My lips curved upward, the corners of my mouth stretching into a sadistic grin. I watched as the guards hauled Vira towards me, a low, guttural chuckle rumbling in my chest.She gasped in shock before faking a broken expression. “Asher… what's the meaning of this? You asked these cruel assholes to hurl me like a criminal just for us to talk? Couldn't you send a text or something?” Her voice quivered. What a cunning bitch! Her eyes kept dar
ASHER'S POV~Finally, the day had arrived. Yet again, I didn't seem to sleep a wink. I kept turning on the bed, sending several messages to Anna who in turn returned all of them. She was anxious like I was. She was my perfect fit. I watched how the sun slowly began to rise in the sky and for the first time in my life, this was the first time I acknowledged the sun was indeed beautiful. It helped to light up my day.It didn't take me up to an hour to get dressed. I already gave an earlier instruction to Anna's stylists to dress her up quickly, I wouldn't want anything to delay my bride from coming on time. I was fucking dying to see her. I made sure every single thing in the venue was the best. Made from the very best.I wouldn't mind taking a drive to the hotel where she's been dressed up but Sen kicked against it and mentioned it to be a taboo for a groom to see a bride before their wedding day.Finally, I arrived at the venue. Sen made sure to scatter the guards at every station, m
ASHER'S POV~Last night I couldn't bring myself to sleep a wink. Tossing and turning in the bed, I fought against the grip of sleep. Anger, disappointment, and confusion mingled within me, keeping me wide awake.I couldn't think straight. No, I just couldn't. I thought about the several possibilities of me not appearing on time, what could have happened? Anna would have said yes, wouldn't she? My heart instantly clenched, I groaned while I pulled some strands of my hair in anger. Last night, I couldn't face Anna, not now, not while I was still struggling to make sense of it all. So I avoided sleeping in the same room as her. Someone suddenly knocked on the door. My eyes that were shadowed with dark circles lazily made their way to the door before I began to rise. My movements were sluggish and unfocused. “You look like shit, to be honest." I heard Sen mutter the very moment I let the door open for him. I rumbled under my breath, “So you came to taunt me about that?” I raised a br
ANNA'S POV~“For fuck's sake, Anna you're going to get me killed!" Tony groaned, pulling his hair as he turned around and refused to stare at me. I grinned, my cheeks widening and I went ahead to poke Tony's back which faced me but he softly slapped my hands away. “Heavens bear me a witness that I'm clearly the one chasing you away, Anna." The thought of seeing Asher storm into this place like a bull, his face set in a fierce scowl, his brows furrowed, his nostrils flaring, and his steps heavy to come ruin this playdate made adrenaline to curse through my veins. It made me so excited and I was looking forward to it. “Come on… Asher doesn't bite!” I brushed past him, only coming to stand right in front of him and I saw him turn around again from me, giving me his back and I barked out a laugh. “Jeez, Anna, go away. Asher would think you're dressed sexily for me when in reality this is just a prank. Go away! I don't want to lose a tooth.” He whined and I giggled more. I intentional
A year laterASHER'S POV~My mind was a swirl of thoughts, each one circling back to Anna. No matter how much I tried to make it stop, try to even focus, my thoughts kept drifting back to her—especially when she declared she was going for a vacation which was absolutely weird. I hated how suspicious it made me feel. I didn't sleep a wink last night and had spent the entire late hours of the day to search on several search engines on their search bars on ‘WHY WOULD A WOMAN SUDDENLY DECIDE TO GO ON A VACATION ALONE WITHOUT HER PARTNER.’My heart kept pounding in my chest as I waited for the results to load. As page after page revealed the same terrifying possibility, my face had gone pale and my fingers trembled. The realization that she might be losing interest in me, that she might have someone else, had filled me with dread and despair.The silence of our room was deafening, every tick of the clock in our room was a cruel reminder that my girl was about not to return to me anymore.
(Anna’s Pov) Darkness. Stifling, all-encompassing darkness. My lungs burned, a primal panic clawing at my throat. I was trapped. A metal cube, cold and unforgiving, held me prisoner, stealing my air bit by agonizing bit. This was it. This was how I'd die. They locked me in this cube that didn't have oxygen in it.As I tried to give up, my fist suddenly tightened around the object in my hand and I froze..A crazy idea, born of desperation, took root. My breath hitched, but not from lack of air. This time, it was anticipation.With trembling fingers, I flicked the lighter and the gas ignited in a blinding explosion, fire and debris hurling me through the air.Pain exploded in my limbs as I hit the ground and the force of the blast turned the room into a chaotic inferno, flames licking the walls.But I forced myself to move, crawling through the debris, my lungs burning with each gasps of smoke filled air. The acrid scent of burning metal and plastic filled my nostrils. Suddenly, a b
Asher’s P.O.VThe crisp white tux felt suffocating as I fumbled with the buttons, my reflection in the mirror absolutely mocking me. Was this really happening? Was I about to marrying a monster? How none-the wiser everyone would be, blind to the truth unfolding beneath their champagne flutes.Just then, a knock on the door startled me. “Alpha.” Came the voice through the heavy wood.“Come in, Sen.” I called in a rough voice.The door creaked open, revealing my Beta’s stoic face. He scanned the room, his gaze landing on the hidden remote nestled right under my sleeve. A flicker of understanding pasted between us and he gave me a curt nod.“Everything is in place, Alpha.” he reported. “The projector and screen are set up in the main hall, discreetly hidden behind the floral arrangements.”I nodded curtly and my stomach tightened in worry. This was the only way to do this. The door cracked open without an introduction this time and Vira appeared at the doorway. In a white silk lace dres
Anna’s P.O.VDrip, Drip, Drip.That’s the mix of sweat and blood running down my spine from where I was hung. Trying to move sent pain like a million darts ripping into my skin. So with gritted teeth, I stood on tiptoes, tears burning behind my lids.Vira was a crazy psychopath, no doubt, but what if her words had some truth to them? After all the million ways her team of doctors had tortured me to activate my phantom powers, I was starting to believe it.But why? Why won’t the so called fucking powers manifest so this torture could end? All my fucking life, I’d felt useless, hating myself for not having a wolf when my peers got theirs. I only had a useless shapeshifting ability. Now I was told I had such great powers at the tip of my fingers and I still couldn’t save myself, my babies and the others.The tear I’d been holding since I was locked in a tube without oxygen poured down my eyes and choked sobs seeped out of me. Goddess, please save my babies. I cried to myself as my sh
Asher’s P.O.V: My knuckles were white-hot around the steering wheel, the leather cool and slick beneath my clammy palms. Every muscle in my body felt coiled tight, a knot of churning anxiety that had taken root in my gut and refused to loosen it grip. It had been days since Anna’s kidnap, days that had stretched into an agoninzing eternity. To make matters worse, the wedding loomed ahead on my calender, a fucking deadline that mocked my helplessness. Marrying Vira. The very thought made my stomach churn. The woman was a viper, a fucking sicko and the last person I’d consider spending the rest of my life with. But what choice did I have? It was the only leverage I had, the only flimsy thread keeeping Anna and the kids alive. Tony had mentioned a possible lead but said I had to come to a hidden location to speak to him. It was a long shot, but fuck, it was all i had. The city soon gave way to sprawling surburbs as I droce, then slowly dissolved into a desolate landscape that h