Chapter 3

Asher’s pov

“What are you thinking about, Asher? You were gone for a minute?” My mom asked.

She was painting in the gallery and had asked me to help her move some paintings. Mom was the Luna of this pack, but she was also a talented artist. So naturally, dad bought her a whole gallery to paint in when she first got here.

"Yeah, that's Alpha Osiris. Big on the romantic gestures." Logan my wolf said.

I thinks she just wanted me to keep her company. She knew this day was hard for me.

I could tell her the truth. That I was thinking back to how dad had killed that hunter in front of me. How he had torn his arms off and beaten the guy’s face in until there was no face left, only pieces of bone and brain on the ground. How I was covered in blood and had puked. Dad didn’t realize I was there until I started to throw up.

Dad was so angry and upset when his best friend died and I wanted to help. So I followed him. Or I just didn’t want to be alone with the dead body of my uncle Riker.

I hadn’t seen many dead bodies. Our pack had been thriving. We were doing so well, back then and everyone was welcome. Our pack was getting bigger, more mixed couples and half blood werewolves were joining. But also just regular werewolves that were happy with our modern take on a pack. We were a family and dad was the best alpha. He was respected and loved by all.

He would joke around with Cyrus and uncle Riker. He would take me and Sierra with him on runs and when I was little, I held onto Santos, dad’s wolf, while uncle Riker took Sierra on her back. It was just the four of us.

But then uncle Riker was shot and things changed. My dad killed the hunter that shot his friend, but he was worried more would come. He was angry and he would go out at night and patrol the border. He would come back covered in blood and his eyes were different. They had this bloodlust in them.

Thankfully with the help of mom and Cyrus he calmed down. Beta Damian helped too, by taking over some of the Beta duties, even before he got the official title.

“I am fine, mom.” I replied, trying to clear my mind of the memories of that day.

“Ashie, even though you’re eighteen. Doesn’t mean you can’t still talk to me. I am always here.” My mom said.

“Ashie? Mom I am too old for that name.” I laughed. “Besides, it sounds like something you call your elbow when it’s dry.”

Mom rolled her eyes, “fine. Asher. Or Ash. I just don’t want you to get into a fight again.”

O, so that’s why she asked me to join her. To talk about my fighting.

“Well, you have been fighting a lot.” Logan laughed.

I had been fighting more since turning eighteen. Part of it was Logan, he loved a challenge. But it was also me. I had always tried to fight when I saw injustice. When kids were bullied, I would beat up the bully. But now, I had Logan and I was stronger. So I could patrol and hunt and fight people who disrespected me or my family or the pack.

“They deserved it.” I simply said.

Mom sighed, “Asher, you know we have a system for that. You’re not judge, jury and executioner. You’re the next Alpha in line, you’re supposed to lead by example.”

“Mom? Do we need to do this today?” I asked, really not in the mood to argue.

“Fine. But don’t think you’re off the hook. Or I’ll let dad talk to you.” Mom threatened.

I shook my head, “what is he going to say? Talk about leading by example.”

As soon as the words left my mouth, I knew it was the wrong thing to say.

“Asher Amal Omari! Don’t you dare. Your dad worked hard on himself over the last few years. You know it wasn’t easy for him losing Riker.”

“It wasn’t easy for me too! I was the one who saw him kill that man. Or more like butchered.” I replied.

“You know he didn’t realize you were there.” Mom said sounding sad, her eyes were getting teary.

“Please don’t cry mom. I know. Once dad knew I was there he hugged me and tried to shield me from the body. I know. Please don’t cry.”

Mom wiped the tears away, “I’m sorry. It’s harder for me now.” She rubbed her belly.

“I can’t believe you’re going to have another baby mom. I’m almost the same age you were when you had me.”

Mom laughed, “I am thirty seven, I am not an old lady. Most humans don’t start their family until they’re thirty. It’s actually easier this time around, because I know what to expect and I am not under attack.” She sighed, “your sister’s and your birth were under a lot of stress. I want this baby to be born in a time of peace.”

“Let’s hope she gets her wish,” Logan said and I agreed.

“Let’s just get back to the packhouse and get ready for dinner. Ela and Ariel are bringing desert.”

I laughed loudly, “mom! Is that the only thing you can think about?”

My mom shook her head, “we all have our coping mechanisms for this day. Mine happens to be desert. A lot less dangerous than fighting, don’t you think?”

“Fine! Fine, mom. I’ll try to fight less, okay.” I said, not wanting to go back to that topic again.

On the drive home, mom stared at me for a second.

“So, Asher. Have you noticed anything different around any women? Smell their scent more clearly or feel something when you touch them? Maybe with Sierra?”

I laughed, “mom. So subtle. But no, I haven’t met my mate yet and I am in no hurry for something serious. I am enjoying myself in the mean time with whoever wants to take me for a spin.”

Mom made gagging noises, “gross. Just don’t hurt their feelings and please use protection.”

“I do. And I am always clear on my intentions.” I said calmly.

“I am happy you’re comfortable enough around me to share this, but I also secretly wish you weren’t,” mom joked.

“I won’t go into details mom. It’s not like you or dad need any pointers. I’m still scarred by that time I walked into you two, -“

“Please don’t finish that sentence Ashie. My poor innocent boy thinks he is a damn Casanova.” Mom said, looking up at the sky as if she was asking the Moon Goddess for help.

“You started this conversation,” I said with a wink.