Alpha

Asher's POV

“She was on the first line to turn rogue just a few years back…Bloody runaway,” Caleb scoffed, his voice laced with derision. His arms were crossed tightly, his expression set in hard lines. “And we are supposed to believe she ‘fixed’ the Alpha? For all we know, she must have just left him worse off. And let’s not forget the blatant disrespect…”

“Watch your mouth, Caleb,” I growled, already stepping towards him, my patience wearing very thin this time. My wolf bristled at his tone, and I could feel the heat of my anger simmering beneath my skin.

But before I could say anything more…

“That is enough, Caleb.”

My mother’s voice cut through the room.

Caleb snapped his mouth shut, his eyes widening slightly as he turned to her. He had been expecting me to put him in his place, but not her.

“Mother?” he asked, almost cautiously.

She leveled him with a sharp gaze, her usual softness buried beneath an expression of sheer command. “Have you forgotten who is Alpha here?” She gestured toward me, her tone leaving no room for argument. “Asher made a decision, and that decision saved your father’s life. Whether you agree with it or not is irrelevant.”

I was not sure who was more shocked…Caleb or me.

“You forget yourself,” she continued, her voice cold and steady. “Always remember…Asher is your Alpha. His decisions are to be alway respected. And as for Arabella…”

She glanced at me, then at Bella, who stood quietly by my side. “If she says she has healed him, then we will trust her…until proven otherwise.”

Caleb’s jaw tightened, but he did not argue. He knew better than to challenge the Luna, especially when she used that tone.Well, yes. My mother still insisted on carrying the Luna title, even though my father had passed down his crown to me.

My mother turned to the old healer, her expression softening only slightly. “Examine my husband,” she ordered. “ And tell us the truth.”

The healer nodded, stepping forward once more. He placed his hands on my father’s chest, his eyes closing as he focused.

The room fell silent. The tension was so thick it was almost suffocating. I could feel Bella stifling beside me.She seemed steady and calm, but I could also sense the weight of her anxiety.

She had done everything she could, but this was the moment that would determine whether her efforts were enough.

“The Alpha’s condition is indeed stable. His energy is already regenerating. He will wake up soon,” The old healer finally opened his eyes and muttered.

I let out a slow breath, and I could not help the small, victorious smile that tugged at my lips.

My eyes flickered to Bella. She was standing still, her shoulders squared, her chin high. There was a glimmer of exhaustion in her gaze, but also something fierce…something defiant.

Without thinking, I reached for her hand. It was only for a moment…just the briefest squeeze of her fingers against mine.

No one noticed, and I made sure of it.

She glanced up, her eyes widening slightly in surprise, but she did not pull away.Pride swelled in my chest. She had done this…but the warmth of her skin against mine…it sent something wild and electric through me.

The room quickly emptied as the omegas and the healer filed out without a word. I reluctantly let go of Bella’s hand.

Caleb shot me one last glare before turning on his heel and storming out. Bella gave me a small, reassuring smile and began to follow the others, when my mother’s voice stopped her in her tracks.

“Asher,” her eyes were on Bella but she was talking to me. “Stay. I need to speak with you.”

Bella hesitated, glancing at me with a flicker of uncertainty. I gave her a nod, silently assuring her that everything would be fine.That I would soon come after her…I would find her. But those words were never told.

She smiled again, though it did not quite reach her eyes

“Sit,” my mother called me, gesturing to the chair beside my father’s bed.

I obeyed, though my nerves were on edge. “What is it, Mother?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

She did not answer right away. Instead, she reached out and brushed a strand of hair from my father’s forehead.

“You seem a little changed, Asher,” she muttered. “And I am not sure if it is for the better.”

I frowned, confusion and frustration bubbling up inside me. “What do you mean?” I knew this was not about how I held her back but I knew I needed to apologize.

“ Well… I am sorry about earlier. I did not mean to. But it was a delicate situation and I did not want you to distract Bel… Arabella. ” After a pause I added. “ Father's life was on the line. ”

She turned to look at me, her eyes piercing. “You know I don't hold petty grudges.Its not about that girl. It is about you. You have always been strong, but now… now you seem reckless. You are letting your emotions cloud your judgment. That girl… Arabella…”

I opened my mouth to argue, but the words caught in my throat. She was right, and we both knew it. But that did not change the fact that Bella had proven herself today, in ways no one else could have. She was literally a life saver. .

“Mother,” I began, my voice firm. “I know what I am doing. And I won’t apologize for trusting her.”

She studied me for a long moment, her expression unreadable. Finally, she sighed and looked back at my father. “Just be careful, Asher. The pack comes first. Always.Never forget that.”