Chapter 13

Six years later*

The boardroom was filled with the murmur of voices. Asher leant back in his chair, his gaze distant as the discussion swirled around him. For the past five years, he had thrown himself into work, chOlivialling his energy into building his pack's treasury, securing alliances, and expanding their power. It was a distraction, one that kept him from dwelling too much on the past and the girl that still haunted his dreams.

"The numbers look solid," one of the executives was saying, pointing to a series of charts displayed on the screen. "We expect the mine to start yielding profits within the next quarter."

Asher nodded. He had built a reputation as a shrewd and calculating leader, someone who could make hard decisions without flinching. His father had stepped back from his duties years ago, leaving the day-to-day running of the pack in the capable hands of Luna Camilla and the business empire to Asher. Asher ensured that their accounts remained full. It was a delicate balance, one that had kept the pack stable and powerful.

His Beta, Carlisle, leant over and whispered, "Don't forget you have that meeting with your mother this evening."

Asher sighed, the sound barely audible but heavy with resignation. He knew exactly what that meeting would entail. "Thanks for the reminder," he muttered, rubbing his temple. The headache that had been building all day was now pounding behind his eyes.

Carlisle, ever loyal and perceptive, hesitated before speaking again. "Asher, you know she's not going to let this go. Maybe it's time to—"

"I know what she wants," Asher interrupted, his voice sharper than intended. He softened it with a quick glance at Carlisle. "She wants me to announce the dates for the mating ceremony."

Carlisle didn't need to ask how Asher felt about that. He had been by his side through every painful moment of the past few years, through every reminder of that "unfortunate incident," as his mother had once called it. Crescent Moon Pack had once been a sore spot for Luna Camilla. But recently, her attitude had changed, and with it, a sudden fondness for Thelia.

"You can't keep putting her off," Carlisle said quietly, knowing that Asher had been using every excuse in the book to delay the inevitable. But they both knew time was running out. As Alpha Prince, Asher needed an heir. And with every passing year, the pressure mounted. Wolf population was declining; only true mates could produce strong offspring. But in case some wolves never found their mates, they took a chosen mate. Though there was no guarantee that they would produce babies.

Asher sighed again, the sound weighted with more than just resignation. "I'll deal with it," he said, his voice flat.

He was no longer thinking about the mine or the wealth it would bring to the pack. Instead, his mind was on the evening ahead. His mother would press him about Thelia, about the future, and about his responsibilities as Alpha Prince. And what could he say? That he was still haunted by a girl from five years ago? That the image of blonde hair and green eyes still tormented him, even now? That he couldn't bring himself to commit to anyone else because something inside him was still searching for answers?

***

Asher stepped into the back garden of the Alpha mansion; the scent of roses and freshly cut grass filled the air. The sun was beginning its descent, casting long shadows over the meticulously maintained grounds. His grandfather had built it for his mate.

He spotted his mother, Luna Camilla, sitting elegantly on a wrought iron bench. Besides her was Alpha Cassius. Next to him, Thelia sat quietly, her hands folded in her lap, the very picture of demure obedience. Her long, dark hair was perfectly styled, and her dress was simple but elegant, designed to highlight her beauty. Everything was picture perfect.

Asher's expression was perfectly neutral as he approached them. "Mother, Alpha Cassius, Thelia," he greeted, nodding to each in turn. He placed a respectful kiss on his mother's cheek, a gesture that was more habit than affection. Luna Camilla smiled, a hint of satisfaction in her eyes, as he took his place besides them.

The omegas moved silently around them, serving coffee and an array of delicate refreshments. Asher accepted a cup of coffee with a nod of thanks but made no move to touch it. He was mostly silent as the conversation drifted around him, focusing on the latest news in pack politics. Luna Camilla and Alpha Cassius discussed recent alliances, territorial disputes, and the ever-present threat of rogues. It was all routine, the same topics they always covered.

Finally, his mother turned the conversation to the subject Asher had been dreading. "Asher," she began, her tone light but with a sharp edge beneath it, "we were just discussing the future. Specifically, when you plan to have the mating ceremony with Thelia."

Thelia's smile was small and shy, her eyes flicking up to meet Asher's for a brief moment before lowering again. She played her role well, the perfect candidate for Luna. Asher took a breath. He had known this was coming. He had delayed it as long as he could, but his mother's patience had its limits.

Finally, he relented. "You can decide the date once I return from my business trip," he said, his voice steady despite the turmoil within. "I'll marry Thelia."

Luna Camilla's eyes gleamed with triumph, though she kept her expression composed. "And where are you going this time?" she asked, her tone almost conversational, as if they were discussing the weather.

"Alaska," Asher replied, setting his untouched coffee cup down on the table. "For the mine acquisition."

"Alaska," his mother repeated thoughtfully, her gaze searching his face. "I see. Well, don't stay away too long, Asher. We have much to prepare for."

Asher nodded.

"Of course, Mother," he said, rising from his seat. "I won't be long."

He forced a smile, a small, polite curve of his lips, and then excused himself from the garden. As he walked back towards the mansion.

"Asher."

He stopped, recognising the voice immediately. Turning around, he saw Thelia standing a few steps behind, her expression a mix of uncertainty and determination. Her long, dark hair casKyliand down her shoulders, and her eyes shimmered in the fading light. Asher raised an eyebrow, curious about what she wanted.

"Thelia," he acknowledged, his tone polite but guarded. "What is it?"

She hesitated, her fingers playing nervously with the delicate chain around her neck. "I was wondering... would it be alright if I joined you on your business trip to Alaska?"

Asher studied her for a moment, considering her request. He knew why she was asking—his mother had undoubtedly influenced her to get closer to him, to solidify their bond before the mating ceremony.

"I appreciate the offer," he began, choosing his words carefully, "but the mine acquisition requires my full attention; I won't be able to give you time."

Thelia's face fell slightly, but she quickly masked her disappointment with a smile. "I understand," she replied, her voice steady. "I just thought... well, it doesn't matter. I hope the trip goes well."

Asher nodded, sensing the underlying hurt in her words but not knowing how to ease it. "Thank you. I'll be back soon, and then we can discuss the ceremony in more detail."

Thelia gave a small nod, her smile not quite reaching her eyes. "Of course. Safe travels, Asher.”