Chapter 5 - The Rumour

Asher’s POV

The morning air was cool against my skin. Mist still clung to the edges of the forest surrounding our territory, and the first rays of sunlight were beginning to spill across the open field.

The familiar sounds of training reached me before I even stepped onto the grounds. I could hear grunts, footsteps, sharp impact of fists against flesh and warriors calling out instructions to one another.

It's been two days since I found out about Melody's pregnancy and I haven't spoken to her since then.

I had gone to Dr. Ashton's office later that day to confirm if there was any possibility of the fertility-binding losing its effect on its own but he told me that the only way I can father a child is if the procedure is undone.

I walked out of that hospital feeling more betrayed than when I first confronted Melody.

She cheated on me and was bold enough to look me in the eyes and swear she has never been with another man.

Was she really that desperate for a child?

Had three years of waiting broken her so badly that she had gone looking for another man to give her what I couldn't?

The thought made my wolf furious, he has barely been calm since that day.

I could hear his growl in the back of my mind telling me to find the man that our mate cheated with.

I clenched my fists in anger.

For the past two nights, I've slept in one of the spare rooms in the Alpha's quarters. I couldn't bring myself to sleep in our bedroom, I didn't want to see her and be reminded of what she has done.

I stood at the edge of the field as I watched two young warriors spar. They were both strong and fast. One lunged at his opponent but he ducked under his arm and swept his leg out from the ground. The first warrior hit the ground, rolled quickly, and was back on his feet before his opponent could hit.

I found myself nodding.

“Good.”

They both looked at me and bowed in submission. I motioned for them to continue.

They exchanged a glance before lunging at each other again. This time, the fight lasted longer. Their movements were quick and precise.

When they were done, both were breathing heavily.

I walked towards them.

“How long have you two been training together?”

The taller one straightened.

“Almost two years, Alpha.”

“It shows,” I said, giving him an impressed nod.

His eyes brightened.

“Thank you, Alpha.”

I looked between them.

“You have good speed. Don't sacrifice control for it.”

“Yes, Alpha.”

“And you,” I pointed to the other warrior.

“Your strength is impressive, but you telegraph your attacks.”

He nodded.

“I'll work on it.”

“Do that,” I said, lightly tapping his shoulder.

They bowed their heads.

“Yes, Alpha.”

I gave them a final nod before walking away. I sighted the commander and walked towards him.

“Alpha.” Commander Marcus greeted, standing straight.

He’s an experienced warrior, broad-shouldered and disciplined, with a scar running from his left temple to his jaw.

“How are the northern patrols?” I asked.

“Stable,” he replied. “But we've had some unusual movement near the eastern boundary.”

I frowned.

“What kind of movement?”

“Tracks.”

“Wolf?” I asked.

He shook his head.

“Too inconsistent to be certain.”

I folded my arms.

“Double the patrols there.”

“Yes, Alpha.”

“And I want the border checked again tonight,” I added.

“Understood.”

We continued discussing the security concerns when I smelled a familiar scent.

I turned toward the path leading from the main pack house and a moment later, I saw Veronica. She was walking towards us with a folder tucked beneath one arm.

When she saw me, her face brightened with a smile.

“Alpha,” she greeted when she reached us.

“Veronica,” I acknowledged.

Her smile widened.

“I've been looking everywhere for you.”

Commander Marcus glanced between us before giving a respectful nod.

“I'll check the eastern patrol reports again, Alpha.”

“Do that,” I said.

Marcus left, leaving Veronica and me standing alone.

She held up the folder.

“I have some good news concerning the partnership.”

I raised an eyebrow.

“Good news?”

“Yes.” Her eyes sparkled with excitement. “But I'd rather explain everything in your office. There are a few details I don't want discussed out here.”

I studied her for a moment before nodding.

“Fine. Let's go.”

*****

“The Stone Group has secured two additional investors willing to come into the partnership,” Veronica said.

I looked through the documents.

“That wasn't part of the original agreement,” I said.

“I know.” She smiled. “That's why I wanted to tell you personally.”

I continued reading the documents. The numbers were impressive. More investment meant faster expansion, greater access to international markets, and a significant increase in projected revenue for both companies.

“This is good,” I said.

“Very good,” she replied.

I looked up at her.

She was smiling at me.

There was something different about the way she looked at me now.

She moved around the desk and stopped beside my chair.

“This could change everything for Blackwood Corporation,” she said softly.

“It could,” I nodded.

She leaned slightly closer, pointing at a figure on the document.

“If we structure this correctly, we could have the first phase completed within six months.”

I nodded.

“That would be excellent.”

Her fingers brushed against my arm and I stiffened but she didn't move away. Instead, her hand remained there for a moment before she gently ran her fingers along my sleeve.

I looked at her hand then at her.

She withdrew it slowly.

“Sorry.”

But there was a small smile on her lips.

I frowned and returned my attention to the documents. Yet, concentrating somehow became hard. Her scent surrounded me; sweet and floral. It slipped into my senses with every breath, stirring memories I had buried years ago.

I forced myself to focus on the numbers.

“So the investors are prepared to sign?”

“Yes,” she nodded.

“When?”

“By the end of the week,” she replied.

“That works.”

She smiled.

“I knew you'd like it.”

I looked up again. She was standing really close.

“You've done well,” I said.

Her expression softened.

“I wanted to make you proud.”

Before I could respond, the door suddenly opened.

“Asher!”

I looked up to see Alexander standing in the doorway. His eyes immediately landed on Veronica and his expression turned to surprise.

“Veronica?”

“Alexander!” She said with a bright smile.

Alexander walked into the room with a broad smile.

“I didn't know you were back.”

“I am, for now.” Veronica said.

He laughed and pulled her into a brief hug.

“I've been away for a week but it looks like I've missed quite a lot.”

“You definitely have,” Veronica replied.

Alexander chuckled before turning toward me.

The smile slowly disappeared from his face and his expression became serious.

“Asher, there's something I need to ask you.”

I leaned back in my chair.

“What is it?”

He hesitated for a moment before he spoke.

“Why are there rumors all over the pack that you can't father a child but your mate is pregnant?”

My entire body went still.

“What?!”