Aurora's POVThe world paused for a moment.The air was thick with the scent of blood which kept seeping from the deep gash Asher had withdrawn his dagger from. Since arrival at the pack, I had seen a lot of things, but nothing had prepared me for this. It came as a rude awakening I was still trying to understand . Asher had his back on me, his broad shoulders were squared, and the dagger which was still dripping with the man’s blood was dangling in the air. “I was going to apologize publicly." The dying man spoke with difficulty only to spit out blood the next second. Grabbing his bleeding side with both hands, he slid through the wall to the floor, choking on his last breath with his eyes widened with disbelief. He is dead. — The realization hit me, causing my breath to hitch against my throat. Slowly, I took my eyes from the man, shifting my gaze to Asher who was still staring at the corpse at his feet.This wasn't the same Asher I had grown accustomed to, he wasn't the one w
Asher’s POV For more than five minutes, we remained in the same position. All I could see in Aurora's eyes was fright. I understand her fully. This was the first time she was seeing me act this way so her reaction was not out of the blue. Letting go of her chin slowly, I said, “You will be seeing more of this until they all accept you as their queen." I turned my back on her and was already heading towards the table when she grabbed my hand. With a voice barely above a whisper, she said, “I'm not questioning your leadership, but… isn't there another punishment… apart from… killing?” She stuttered, blinking her eyes rapidly. Patting her head, I pulled her to myself, placing her head on my broad chest. Her heartbeat was tripling the normal beats. . "You don't have to worry about anything.” I whispered. "Leave everything to me, I will handle them.” I added, combing through her hair. Looking out of the window, I discovered the cloud was pitch dark, “You need to get some rest." I w
015Reader's POV“You may leave." Alpha Simone waved the head of the military off. "Yes, my lord.” After a court bow, he closed the door gently behind him, leaving Alpha Simone to himself.Pacing around in circles, he had his hands crossed on his chest. His mind was processing different thoughts at once which made his head hurt. “Aurora, where are you?" He asked, his voice barely above a whisper. It had been two months since he saw Aurora and this got him on the edge.During his birthday party, Emma had promised to tell him everything that had ensued at the end of the party, assuring him everything was fine. Days went by and when he still didn't hear about Aurora or find her whereabouts, he began to make enquiries, only then he was informed she had been kidnapped. Alpha Simone was lost in deep thoughts that he had no idea when Emma and Scarlet walked into this office until his attention was drawn. With sullen eyes, he turned towards them. “You're here." He said, lowering himsel
Reader's POV Parting her lips, Scarlet tried to speak but she could only wince as she stared at her father in unbelief. With Aurora gone, she had been living her best life with her mother only for her father to suddenly declare his intentions of bringing her back to the palace. “Father… you should rethink your decision.” She said when she finally found her tongue. "Aurora ran off with her lover. Instead of trying to bring her back, cut her off from the family completely. She is nothing but a disgrace.” She pressed on, her eyes stinging with unshed tears. "My decision is final. Aurora will have to return to the palace, this is where she belongs.” He said, slamming his fist against the arm of the couch to show his seriousness. Seeing no matter what they say to Alpha Simone he wasn't going to change his mind, Emma and Scarlet left his study in anger. Sitting at the edge of the bed in her room, Scarlet was clenching and unclenching her fists in anger while her mother had her gaze o
Asher’s POVLeaning back on my chair, I couldn't help but ponder on Aurora’s real identity. Since the first day she stepped into the pack, I had always suspected her to be an alpha female but she kept insisting she was an Omega. Drumming my fingers against the polished wooden table in front of me, I alternated my gaze between the elders seated on both sides of the table.They were talking about the progress of the south faction with merry voices. Aurora had proved herself within a few weeks of leading the faction and I must confess this was the first time in a long while I found myself being intrigued by a woman. She had exceeded my expectations.With her leadership skills, she had handled the affairs of the south faction so efficiently; something that some seasoned council members wouldn't be able to do in years. At first, I thought I was going to hide behind her to bring regularity to the division but she did that without my help making it look like she had been born for this r
Aurora’s POVSeated behind my desk, I carefully reviewed the documents that were littered all over my desk.After the death of Fred, I was received by the officials which was against their wish but somehow, I had managed to ease the tension between us.We might not be on good terms but our cooperation was top notch and that was all I needed to function properly. Across the table was Miller.Our first meeting was tension filled. The glare she had sent my way the first day I saw her was neatly stamped in my memory and it was going to take a while before I forgot about it. For the last few weeks, she has proved her worth.Asher was not bluffing when he said she would make a good friend and confidant. Another thing that endeared me to her was she was intelligent and sharp witted.“You’re too focused.” Miller chuckled. Though it was a quick glance, the amusement dancing in her eyes couldn't be missed. “You barely blink when you read, it's terrifying.”“And you’re too observant, that’s
Aurora's POVThe blade of the knife poked my back and all I could see and imagine was the body of Fred that crashed on the floor a few weeks ago.Pressing my lips into a thin line, my breath hitched against my throat as my heart rammed against my chest in a quick succession. I was terrified but somehow, I was able to hold myself back from passing out in fright. “Come on honey, you’re keeping me in suspense and I don't like it." He cooed, his soft lips brushing against the lobes of my ear. No Aurora, you can't do that. — I countered Gem’s voice in my head. She was bugging me to come out clean but I couldn't bring myself to do it as I was terrified of the aftermath of the revelation. Alpha Gavin had rejected me because of my rank as an omega, same as Jake but Asher accepted me regardless. It could only mean one thing. — He was content with the fact that I was an omega since I wouldn't be challenging his authority. He has his hands wrapped around me and could bend me to his whims
Asher's POV “Why are you impatient?" Silva snarled at me, plopping on the chair, tossing a file in my direction which I caught before it slipped off the table. Drumming his fingers against the table, he mouthed, “I haven’t witnessed someone like Aurora in a while now." “Even in the face of death, she doesn't mind holding on to her identity like it was going to be stolen from her." He huffed, rolling his eyes. "It made me admire her even more.” I chuckled but Silva didn't react, instead he leaned back on the chair and then began to swirl around, leaving me to go through the content of the file.Before now, I already knew getting Aurora to speak was not going to be futile. She has shown me several times that little things weren't enough to shake her. Or should I say it was resilience?Smacking my lips, I plopped on the chair and one after the other, I began to flip through the documents one after the other. “Alpha Simone's daughter?" I asked, eliciting a nod from Silva who snappe
Aurora's POVIt was awkward as this was the first time Scarlet was offering to take a walk with me.Unsure of how to react, I kept staring at both of them until Scarlet walked up to me and then intertwined her hand with mine.“Come on, let's get going." She chirped. “The chef will be able to prepare her favorite food, right?" She asked Emma who nodded. "Grilled chicken and French fries, right?” She asked but I shook my head in the negative, she got it wrong. She never knew my best food as I haven't said it to her and Jake wouldn't be so bored to tell her the little things he knew about me. “Steak and mashed potatoes." I muttered and almost immediately, Emma disappeared through the door, leaving me with Scarlet. Tugging my arm, she kept pulling me towards the door. We walked through the long corridor in silence.I was uncomfortable and wanted to wriggle away but I felt she was going to misinterpret my intentions, that which I don't want. When we got to the library which was my hid
073Aurora’s POVFixing my last piece of jewelry on my neck, I took one last look at my reflection in the mirror before shifting my gaze to Asher who had been staring. “How do I look?" I asked, a bright smile plastered on my lips. “Beautiful, as always." He commented, pulling me to himself with a hand and caressing my cheek with the other. “I want you to keep looking this way every single day." He added, eliciting a little laugh from me. Leaning in, he planted a soft kiss on my forehead and the next minute, a low knock came through.“I think my new Beta is here." He announced, pulling away from me. “New Beta?" I was surprised as it was barely twenty four hours since Miller was appointed. “Uhm… I can't put up with Miller, so I have to make a random choice.” He shrugged. "You know Talen, right?” "Yeah.” I nodded, straightening the edges of my gown. "He is my new Beta.” Nodding, a little smile spread across my lips. I was glad that Miller wouldn't be anywhere near him. He must h
Reader’s POVTossing her cutlery on the table, Scarlet leaned backwards, chewing on her beef angrily.She had just received the most heartbreaking news from one of the maids when she asked why her father hadn't joined them on the table.The maid had informed her that Alpha Simone was expecting Aurora in the pack house that day and so she was livid.Tossing another beef in her mouth, she began to chew on it again, biting her tongue in the process.In anger, she tossed her plate across the table only to start pacing about while Jake and Emma looked on.The moment Jake was informed he had to be somewhere else, he didn't wait to finish his breakfast, he rushed out.Dramas from Scarlet were always draining and so he tried all he could to avoid them.While Scarlet paced the length o
Aurora’s POVStanding behind Asher's study door, I was fiddling with my finger, trying to come up with the perfect words to say to him.Just this morning, a message had come through Mira, informing me my father had requested for my presence.It sounded urgent that I wanted to go see him right away but I couldn't. I didn't want to do anything without speaking to Asher first.Taking a deep breath, I connected my fist to the door. “Come in.” Asher said, his voice deep and commanding as ever.Once again, I exhaled and then pushed open the door, stepping inside and immediately I froze.Miller was there and as if that was not enough, she was standing a little too close to Asher and he wasn't pushing her away either. A strange, sharp feeling stabbed into my chest as a wave of emotion hit me.Jealousy, insecurity? I had no idea. I didn't move further into the room, I just stood there, my heart twisting painfully as I tried to act neutral. "Am I interrupting?" I asked lightly, unable to hi
Aurora’s POVClosing the door gently behind him, he made his way into my room, halting right next to the window, his gaze on me but he said no words. Pulling my legs together, I sat stiffly on the edge of my bed, arms folded across my chest as I stared at the wall like it had offended me. “Aurora.” He called, startling me a bit but I didn't show. “Talk to me.” He pressed on.Instead of responding, I began to sulk, refusing to meet his gaze.Closing the distance between us, he said, “Ignoring me won’t fix whatever’s brewing in that head of yours.”I clenched my jaw at his words, still refusing to meet his eyes.Now crouching in front of me, he lowered himself until he locked eyes with me.“What happened?” He asked, his tone softer than before. “Is it about Miller?”Against my wish, I let out a shaky breath.I hated that he could read me so easily, I hated how exposed it made me feel. It was like he could peel away every layer I tried to wrap around myself.“I’m sorry.” He muttered ,
Reader’s POVIn excitement, Stefan forgot about the purpose of his meeting with Asher so he returned home, beaming with excitement.Suspicious, Miller couldn't help but ask the reason for his mood and when he did tell her, she was all over the moon with excitement. She could barely sit still as her father's words replayed in her ears. “The moon goddess is definitely on our side. Just when it seems I wouldn't be able to have Asher to myself, another opportunity pops up." Miller exclaimed while her father looked on, beaming with a smile. “You can say that again but still… I'm a bit skeptical.” He muttered, hands crossed on his chest. Pulling close to her father, Miller leaned forward, her hands grabbing the edge of her seat. "Why? Did he say something else?” She asked, her gaze fixated on him."Not really but… he acted like the idea didn't sit well with him. Soon, he is going to find a replacement for you, I could see it in his eyes and the way he acted."For a moment, Miller didn'
Asher’s POVThe meeting with three Alphas from the Western area was taking more time than intended. According to plan, it was supposed to wrap up after two hours but it seemed that wasn't going to happen. Drumming my fingers against the table, I tried to be present in the meeting but my mind kept drifting off.I had a pile of papers on my table waiting for my attention so the delay was getting me on the edge. We were discussing on opening a center which was going to be a neutral ground that would welcome all packs, and rogues who needed shelter. From my point of view, it wasn't a bad idea in theory. But theory and reality were two different things and I knew how swift good intentions could turn into a political crisis.Despite knowing this, I allowed the conversation to keep going. Nodding only when it's appropriate and chirping in only a few words. Finally, the meeting came to an end and I was relieved. “Thanks for your time." I shook hands with each Alpha one after the other b
Reader’s POVShaking her legs with her hands crossed on her chest, Scarlet was staring at the wall like something only she could read was written on it. Since the previous night, she hasn't been herself after seeing the bond between Asher and Aurora. On the other hand was Emma who was trying to comfort her while Jake was leaning against the door, staring boringly at her. “Are you still brooding over what happened last night? I mean, you should let it slide… You're the one having a hard time here, Aurora is probably having a good time with her mate who dotes on her.” Jake sang like a canary. He did nothing but to fuel the anger which she felt but he didn't care a bit."Jake is right.” Emma said, pressing her hand lightly. “Mom, are you taking sides with Jake now?” She shrieked. "He was with me, he saw how she humiliated me without saying a word.” She yelled while Jake tossed his head backwards in pure frustration. He wanted to yell at her but that was only going to worsen the sit
Asher’s POVThe atmosphere in the hall was saturated with low music, soft laughter, and the clinking of glasses which rented the air. The regional gathering was everything the meeting of Alphas should be. It was formal, respectful and polished but my focus wasn’t on the conversation around me. Instead, it was on her, Aurora. Since I left the table to meet up with Cain, I couldn't stop looking over my shoulder to take a quick glance at her. I was acting like a teenager in love which gave me thrills. It had been a while since I was this free and relieved so I welcomed it wholeheartedly. The moment Gavin took over my seat I had been occupying, I saw the way her shoulders stiffned, the way her hand curled around her glass of cocktail. As if Gavin’s presence was not enough, Jake walked up to her and then Scarlet. They were too close and the discomfort in her eyes and demeanour couldn't be missed. Several times, I had been tempted to step in, especially when Scarlet joined with a man