Chapter 2 - Asher's POV

The compound came into view in a haze of dust and engine growls, the kind of familiar chaos that usually steadied my head.

My men followed me in a scattered line, chatting, laughing, grumbling about the heat. The typical clamor of a group convinced that everything was fine. I maintained an expression as I decelerated my bike since the last thing I wanted was, for someone to sense the kind of morning I had already endured.

My phone vibrated just before my boots touched the floor. Jasper’s name appeared on the screen. Ideal timing. I picked up. Began heading to the repair bay speaking quietly. "Please say you’ve got something ”

“You’re saying besides the Shadow Syndicate being three moves of us " Jasper replied, tone keen. "Sure I’ve got plenty.”

I ran a hand across my face. "Keep it down. I’m here, in the yard.”

“That is why I am raising my voice " he responded. "It’s important that everyone understands our area is being prowled by maniacs bent, on destruction.”

“Jasper " I whispered, dropping my voice as a pair of trainees strolled by. "We covered this already. Stay calm. When we verify their intended approach do we react. If I begin shouting about assaults and defending positions half the facility will start packing.”

“They must be aware " he stated. "We ought to be getting ready.”

"And we are. Quietly.”

He emitted a sound that shattered through the speaker. "Asher this isn’t a bakery crisis. This is a syndicate that eliminates first and inquires afterward. Quit sweetening the truth.”

“I am not softening the truth. I am ensuring kids don’t begin sobbing into carburetors.”

Jasper laughed through his nose. I imagined the eye roll. "You can’t even begin to grasp how absurd you sound.”

I continued moving slipping through piles of crates and partially fixed bicycles. A few of the men greeted me with waves. I raised my hand in acknowledgment. Didn’t pause. My mind was already overwhelmed to bother with conversation. The Shadow Syndicate had encroached on our territory for weeks deliberately leaving clues as if daring to be discovered. It was a battle of endurance and force. I despised every moment of it.

I was halfway across the yard when the air shifted, subtle but sharp, like a spark catching the edge of dry cloth. I knew the scent before my head even turned.

Enid.

She was standing near Nina, arms crossed, sunlight catching in her hair.

She looked annoyed. Or amused.

Or both.

With her it was invariably both. I ought to have averted my gaze. I ought to have ended my phone call.. I stared straight at her and got hooked.

The pull hit me like someone had swung a wrench into my chest. Heavy. Immediate.

Incorrect in every aspect that demanded attention. Enid twinkled her eyes her mouth opening a fraction and an inner force, within me tensed as if it had been confined for an excessive time.

My wolf sprang forward.

“Mate.”

The term crashed into my mind so forcefully I nearly stumbled. I clenched my phone firmly heart racing. Not at this moment. Not her. Not, in this way.

Jasper continued speaking. "Asher? Are you paying attention. Has the world at last rendered you unconscious?”

I gulped, pushing air back, into my lungs. "I’ll ring you later.”

“Did anything occur?”

“Talk to you later " I mumbled, already hanging up.

My wolf surged more, restless and fierce yet I subdued him with a command that felt like iron.

Quiet.

He did not remain silent. Not entirely. However he stopped enough for me to catch my breath.

Enid continued to gaze at me.

I was completely clueless, about what to do afterward.

I stood there like an idiot, trying to convince myself I had hallucinated the entire thing.

Enid. My friend. The cosmos seemed to play tricks. Poor ones. The sort you hear at a memorial where everyone’s unsure if they should chuckle or weep.

My pocket vibrated, breaking me from the daze. I retrieved my phone anticipating another call from Jasper ranting, about shadow syndicates. Instead it was a text.

Don’t forget Enid’s birthday. If you slip up more it will become a fundamental part of her trauma…and I believe you’ve caused her enough pain already.

I stared at the screen.

Birthday.

Eighteenth. Of course.

The connection ignited as she had reached the age. The age when the mate call begins. The age when her wolf stirs to life.

I glanced back at her. Truly observed her now.

Enid was laughing at something Nina said, head tilted, eyes bright, a streak of stubbornness in her posture that I had never taken the time to study before.

She had grown into herself while I looked away. She was confident, sharp and annoyingly attractive. I could feel the bond humming between us like a thread pulled too tight.

Each noise she produced burrowed beneath my skin. Every change, in her face seemed like a wind that wouldn't overlook me.

This was bad. This was very, very bad.

My wolf continued murmuring words I denied hearing. Mate he growled more gentler this time urging. Claim. Guard.

I mostly paid him no mind. My eyes however had plans.

Jasper had once joked that Enid would outgrow her shyness and become a menace. I had laughed. Loudly. I was not laughing now.

She wasn’t the girl who once concealed herself behind Jasper every time I entered a room. She carried herself as if she fit everywhere including the areas I had never let her come close, to.

The impulse to approach her and utter something anything all weighed heavily on my chest. My wolf urged me strongly. Speak to her. Get nearer. Determine if she senses it well.

I retreated instead.

The more I watched her, the more awareness crawled into me, warm and heavy. My chest betrayed me with that sharp tug again.

I felt attracted to her. I despised it.

She was fixing the bike that I rode during, off-road adventures.

I ought to have gone to request a progress update. Now that option is no longer available.

I was unable to take the chance.

If she felt the pull, she might not understand it. Young wolves did not always manage mate instincts well on their first day.

She could turn toward me. She could pose inquiries. She could gaze at me with those eyes like she did before when she needed something repaired.

I couldn’t fake not experiencing it as well.

No. I required space.

I directed my focus toward a mechanic. He glanced up puzzled when I summoned him. "Bring my bike from Enid " I instructed, attempting to maintain my Alpha demeanor.

My voice wavered when I said her name.

The mechanic raised his eyebrows a bit.

I cleared my throat. Averted my gaze.

I was unable to pay for this.

Not today.

Not ever.

Not Jasper’s kid sister that I had once decided to take as my own.