Aurora's POV Last night, I could barely get a wink of sleep as Asher’s words kept hunting me non stop.To save myself from another sleepless night, I decided to come out clean during breakfast that morning and so with this in mind, I got ready to face him. Stepping out of my room, there was an undeniable strange atmosphere. The usual sounds of movement of guards and maids on duty, side talks were absent. Titling my head, I tried to get a grasp of the situation but I was quick to shove it aside. By the time I got to the dining room, my curiosity about the unusual happenings became even more pronounced as I was frantically searching for someone to tell me what the issue was. And as if that was not enough, Asher and Silva were not at the table.No matter how many times I tried to beat them at the dining table, they always arrived before me but today it was different.Darting my eyes around, I was waiting for them to pop out of the numerous doors but they didn't step out. “My lady,
Aurora's POV While Miller went on and on, trying to convince me on why I should run away before the palace guards came for me, I was pacing about with my heart inside my mouth.Palmer.What is he up to this time around? It wasn't up to twenty four hours when he handed over the file to me that contained the progress of the faction, only for him to set me up in the most unimaginable way. What was I thinking? I should have left or more still don't do anything as Elder Garrick had insisted but I had refused to be cornered. Now, see where my stubbornness had landed me in.Pressing my lips into a thin line, I tried not to dwell on Palmer’s betrayal but on how to pull myself out of this mess. Crossing my hands on my chest, I began to pace about, racking my head at the same time to come up with the perfect plan but it was to no avail. The evidence presented was solid, mere words wouldn't be enough to prove my innocence. I have to do something. “Aurora, you have to leave now." Miller s
Aurora’s POVHonestly, it was unbelievable that Asher found my current condition amusing. I wanted to yell at him and express how I felt but I couldn't do that. I was handicapped and the best I could do at this point was to maintain calm. Slowly, I raised my head only to bury it almost immediately.At the moment, he was not just smiling, he had metamorphosed into giggling which made me even more livid but there was nothing I could do.I had been accused of treason and the least I could do was to walk on the tip of my toes with my head bent so I wouldn't annoy him. Recalling his earlier words about me failing either ways, my heart constricted against my chest as my mind raced with different thoughts.Asher was bold with his declaration of presenting my heart to the council. As if that was not enough, he went ahead to affirm his words with a pledge. If care wasn't taken, Asher wouldn't mind killing me even before the end of two weeks. The amusement in his eyes and silent calculatio
Asher’s POVEverything that had happened, a few minutes was all I needed to make everything return to normalcy but I didn't raise a finger.It wouldn't be completely wrong to say it was a perfect trap.One to corner Aurora, make her vulnerable and desperate. In that way, she wouldn't hesitate to reveal her identity she had sworn to hold onto. Who knows if she still wouldn't speak. Aurora was stubborn and strong headed, wanting to do everything on her own without getting assistance from anyone. Well, if she still decides to hold on to her identity, no issue but this ploy was worth the trial.Whoever it was that had set Aurora up had done the most perfect job I had seen in a while.The evidence was so neat and perfectly orchestrated that even a careful analysis might not bring the accurate result. Palmer posing to be the orchestrator was laughable. He was a force to reckon with but I doubt if he would be able to pull something of this sort.Someone was definitely behind him A stron
Aurora's POVThe moment Asher left the council hall, I slid through the wall to the floor, my heart slamming against my chest non stop. Pulling my legs to my chin, I was staring hard at the mahogany table, my heart clenching against my chest as a million and one questions spiraled through my head. “Two weeks, he gave his words." I mumbled, biting my lower lips as I darted my eyes all over the place. Two weeks looked like a long time but it wasn't. Not when I have no idea how I was going to vindicate myself from the allegations. “My lady, you should…” A guard approached me but I didn't wait for him to finish speaking before I pulled myself from the floor and with heavy footsteps, I made my way out of the hall.Getting to my room, I saw Miller standing by the door, her face masked with worry as she paced about.She was yet to see me else she would have scooted to my side long ago.Pushing my hand into my hair, I let out a low sigh and with calculated footsteps, I made my way toward
Aurora’s POV The silence in the room was deafening. Apart from the sound of the ticking clock on the wall, there was no other sound. I could barely breathe and with each passing second, I felt life seeping out of me. Palmer sat across me with his legs crossed and an unreadable expression. He didn't make any move to speak or move his body; he just sat there like a statue. What does he want from me?When he came in earlier ordering Elder Garrick to leave, I was frightened. I wanted to leave too but I held myself from doing so. Biting the corner of my lips, I grasped the edge of the table, my gaze fixated on him just in case he tried anything stupid. Just yesterday, he was victorious that he had placed me in a tight spot and now he was here in my office, acting like nothing happened. Pushing his hand into his hair, he cast me a quick glance causing a shiver to run through my spine but I forced myself to sit straighter.I wouldn't show cowardice, not in my territory and not before
Reader’s POV Palmer kicked his chair backwards only to start pacing about in circles while Aurora on the other hand maintained her initial posture.She didn't trust him even though he was offering her a helping hand. "Who do you think you are up against?” Palmer suddenly snarled, slamming his fist against the table in anger.Nodding at his reddened fist, Aurora said, "You're going to end up hurting yourself if you don't stop.” "This isn't some kind of game you can wriggle yourself from. Take my hand now while I'm still offering to help you rather than…” “You’re up to no good." She huffed, drumming her fingers against the table.Plopping on his seat, Palmer buried his head in his hands and the next time he raised it, his features had softened but Aurora still had her doubts. “Why don't you tell me why you are doing this?" With a shrug, she added, “If you do, I might consider your request and form an alliance with you." She mouthed, watching Palmer’s gaze darkened but it quickly re
Asher's POVIt was already ten minutes into dinner, yet, Aurora wasn’t at the table and her maid also was nowhere to be found.Picking my food, I kept staring at the door, hoping she would walk in the next second but she didn’t, making me apprehensive. When I couldn't bear it anymore, I pushed my chair backwards but before I could rise, she walked in with a long face.“I will serve myself." She said to the chef who stepped aside so she could have her way.“Why? Aren't you hungry?" I asked, nodding at her almost empty plate.“I had a late lunch." She replied with disinterest, sending back the rest of my words but not my gaze.I sat across from her so I had a full view of her face, and I didn't allow my eyes to wander from her as she played with her meal.There was no point asking since I already knew the reason why she was downcast. It was already three days, making it eleven days more for her to clear her name. I wished I could help ease her worries but she wouldn't let me. The few
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
Aurora’s POVWhile I chatted with Gavin earlier, I felt gazes piercing through my skin. They were curious glances since this was my first appearance but still it was too much. I was just like them and not the alien they were trying to make me be with their stares that bored holes in my skin. Among all the people staring, there was Jake, swirling the content of his glass, his eyes not leaving me even for a second. Thanks to the guests all over and the distance between us, I couldn't tell him off like I wanted. Asher was not coming back anytime soon and I was losing my head so I decided to step away from the table pending when he would return. But to my horror, Jake came after me, halting right next to me with a lazy smile dancing on his lips. There was also Scarlet lurking around in the corner. My instincts screamed at me as my fingers curled tightly around the stem of my glass.Running off was the perfect response to this but I didn’t want to cause a scene. This wasn’t the time