Asher“Bowling alley?” I grimaced as my brothers pulled outside our usual place. We had VIP access here so we didn’t need to wait in line.“Let’s get some heat off you,” Logan smirked, striding inside.“Yeah you seem to be burning,” Noah chuckled, nudging me with his elbow. I scowled, but regardless, followed my brothers.“Mr. Gray, welcome,” the young woman at the reception smiled. She fluttered her lashes, giving all three of us doe-eyed looks and making me roll my eyes inwardly. All three of us were committed…well, kind of. Immediately, the memories of those uncanny blue eyes erupted through my mind, and I scowled harder. I wished she would fail to complete the task so I could punish her more.“Are you sure?” Mac prompted. “Not even a teeny bit worried?” “No,” I snapped, trailing behind Logan and Noah as a young guy ushered us to the private alley.“Enjoy your time,” the guy smiled, even though I could sense he was
AsherWhat did she just say?“What?” I questioned. Ivy took another step towards me, but it wasn’t like last night. She maintained a distance even if she was standing close.“I will marry you, Alpha,” she replied. “I agree to your proposal.”“And why this change of heart? May I know?” I narrowed my eyes at her.“Because I wanted to…to make up for last night. That was wrong and I am sorry. I…I can’t explain what happened because, frankly, I don’t know, but I did realize that I have insulted you and what happened shouldn’t have. Apart from that, your brothers have given me shelter and care when I needed it the most. Showed me immense respect and kindness. Take this as a
AsherAfter the second condition, I should have seen this one coming. Yet the shock I felt kind of surprised me too. Mac let out a growl, more pissed than shocked, and I understood his point because marking Ivy was his right as her Alpha, and denying him that would be…cruel. The mate mark is the source of communication between the wolves of both mates. And if Ivy doesn’t let me mark her, then Mac won’t ever have any form of communication to her wolf. The mate mark was also a symbol of an Alpha’s protection and possession, letting other male wolves know this one was taken.“You aren’t saying anything?” Ivy mumbled when I continued to stare at
IvyMy body relaxed the moment his lips touched mine. The warmth of his body made me want to crawl into them and never come out. Because in that moment, none of the darkness that had me fighting for air, none of the pain that made me want to scream. It felt so safe that it was almost daunting. I barely even knew this man.Then how could he feel so much like home?“Get some sleep, Ivyanka,” Asher murmured, taking a step back. “I will pick you up before breakfast tomorrow. Trust me, you will need your strength so sleep well,” All I could do was nod, and before I could do something stupid again, I turned on my heels and almost ran towards the Delta House.I rushed towards my shared room with Naya, and somehow it didn’t occur to me to knock. The door was unlocked too and the moment I rushed in, my eyes fell on the tangled bodies on the bed. Startled, I almost let out a scream before quickly turning away.Fuck.“Sorry,
Ivy“Don’t be nervous,” “Are you talking to me or yourself?” “Both, if I am being honest,” Asher shrugged. “Never imagined ever needing to announce my marriage.” He made a dirty face as if marriage was some disgusting word. “So…you never wanted to get married?” I asked, out of sheer curiosity. “No,” “Why?” “Not my thing. Come on, let’s deal with the drama first,” He held out his hand for me and I gave him a look. “No physical touch.” “I had no idea I affected you that bad, Ivyanka,” Asher said drily, retrieving his hand and shoving it in his pockets. “At least try to act as if this was a mutual decision and not some kind of scheming. That we are actually willing to try.” “And how do I do that?” “Wipe that scowl,” His comment made me scowl harder and he grinned, shaking his head. Turning a bit, he leaned down so our faces were merely a breath away and brushed a loose tendril from my face. I blinked, my h
“This should be fun,” Silver snickered.“Come on Ash, what’s a kiss for you?” Logan probed. “Are you being coy, baby brother?” Asher shot him a murderous look but then turned to me, looking helpless.“Just one kiss, Ivy…we won’t ask for more,” Cora nudged me. I don’t even know at what point they all caved in on us. I gazed up at Asher and he gave me a very subtle shrug. We were efficiently trapped.“O…okay,” I mumbled, trying to sound enthusiastic and failing.Kiss, just a kiss…nothing more. It’s just a role we are playing..nothing more…nothing more…“Fool,” Silver grimaced and then, mimicking my tone, added, “It’s just a role we are playing..nothing more…nothing more…IDIOT!” I would have strangled Silver if I knew how to for being such a pain in the ass. Finally, Asher turned to me and managed a tight smile. Something told me he was equally nervous even if he seemed perfectly calm and his usual I-don’t-give-a-shit-about-anything self.“You guys want to see me kiss so badly, pervs,”
What the fuck?It wasn’t as clear as Silver’s voice in my head. But I heard it, somewhere deep in my consciousness, muffled yet clear enough for every hair in my body to stand to attention with the dread I felt. It wasn’t a voice that could be mistaken.“Ivy?” Ash probed.“Don’t say I didn’t warn you, little wolf…”Was I hallucinating?“What is that?” Silver hissed.“Ivy…” Asher’s dark eyes studied my face intently. “What’s going on? Fuck, you are so cold. What is wrong?” I was practically shaking, my mouth going dry.“Alpha,” we both turned around and Elder Silas stood behind us, his face blank but eyes fixated on me. “Everyone’s waiting,”“Yeah, be right there,” Asher nodded. Silas gave him a nod, shot me another look before heading over to where everyone stood by the raised platform at the front.“Ivy, what is it? Is this something really urgent? Can we do it later?”“I am…scared,” I whispered, my voice shaking. Asher blinked, looking surprised, and then pulled me closer. The dread
Ivy“Why does she need to move to my room?” Asher demanded, looking appalled at the idea. I was sure my expression exactly mirrored his.“What is that supposed to mean?” Cora narrowed her eyes at him. “You two are getting married soon. Where else would she stay? This is the time for you to get used to each other, know each other better. Unless it is not what it is…” She threw Asher a knowing look, as if she knew we were up to something.“I believe Ivy would prefer her privacy, won’t you, sweetheart?” He nudged me lightly, and I nodded like a robot.“Yeah…yeah…I mean, you guys know us. It would be a mess if we had to live together,” I mumbled, realizing what a lame excuse that was.“Isn’t that exactly why you two should? So you two can warm up to each other?” Logan raised a brow, appearing from nowhere. He narrowed his eyes at his brother, who shot him a scowl.“Yeah but…”“I think you two need to do a lot of work before getting married. This should be a good way to go,” Logan said. “Pl