[Asher’s POV]I kept my gaze firmly fixed on Leah as she studied me carefully. What in the world was she thinking behind those guarded eyes?"I’ll find her something of Tatiana’s." Ian responded, drawing my attention back to him. "For the time being, she can clean your wounds. They’re starting to heal and if any debris is left, we will have to reopen the skin. ""Got it." Leah responded, stepping forward and reaching into the bin.Satisfied that she could handle things from here, Ian headed out of the room, so it was now just the two of us. Leah’s hand that gently cleaned my wounds shook ever so slightly. It was easy to tell that she was nervous about being so close to me, especially after how harsh I had been with her recently."Why did those tengus attack you?" She asked, taking me by surprise. "And don’t say it isn’t any of my business."I fought back the amused smirk that wanted to form on my lips at her defiance and kept my expression neutral."They owed a friend money."My word

[Asher’s POV]I sat on the porch watching the street for Thia’s car. Despite telling myself everything would be okay, I was nervous. I was nervous about facing Thia after hurting her sister and about facing my daughter properly for the first time. It all left me a bundle of nerves, and when Thia finally pulled up with Haidan in tow, I was damn near ready to bolt right then and there."Asher?" Haidan called, popping her head out of the window. "How are you feeling?""I’m fine." I assured as I kept my eyes on Thia.With each step she took towards the backseat of her car, I felt my heart rate increase. This was it. I was actually going to be able to hold my daughter for the first time. I was both excited and terrified."Thia, why don’t you let Asher get Arabia out?" Haidan suggested, instantly catching onto my train of thought."Sure." Thia responded, though she didn’t sound happy about it.Nodding, I got up from the step I sat on and made my way across the yard. All the while, Thia’s n

[Leah’s POV]The night passed at snail speed as my mind came up with scenario after scenario of where Asher was and what he could possibly be doing. Though he had promised me that he would return once he finished with what he had to do, I still couldn’t shake the bad feeling that was slowly taking over.When the sun finally rose the next morning, I couldn’t sit around and wait any longer. I threw on a sweatshirt and leggings, made my way outside, and began to extend my senses. I began to focus on the familiar essence that was Asher. Maybe I was being a bit too extreme, but I couldn’t stop the feeling that he needed me. Something was off, that was certain, and I just couldn’t leave well enough alone."Leah?"His deep voice that always melted my heart like butter drifted through the air as his essence suddenly appeared all around me. Snapping my eyes open, I turned and watched as he slowly limped his way towards me."What happened to you?" I gasped, taking in the torn shirt that hung f

[Asher’s POV]Pained faces surrounded me, letting out cries of despair as their boney fingers clawed at my skin and clothes. Despite my attempts to back away, I found myself stuck entirely, unable to move, only able to endure what was happening to me."Help us.""Do something!""It hurts!"Their cries continued to echo, becoming damn near deafening."Asher…"What was that? That voice wasn’t like the others. It was so gentle and something about it calmed my heart."Hey, Asher..."Gasping, my eyes flew open as I sat up in bed and stared at a bare wall that was barely illuminated by a dim light. Just a dream... Another fucking dream of the damned. The same dream that haunted me ever since the darkness began to claw at me and try to escape.I let out a long breath and slowly sat up, letting the cover that was beginning to wrap around me fall to my waist."Hey," Leah’s soft voice murmured as a warm hand touched my chest. "Are you okay? Your heart's beating a mile a minute. ""Mmm."Was I o

[Leah’s POV]"Get your fucking hands off me!" I snarled.Whirling around I found that I was once again alone and let out a growl of frustration. I had to admit, this Kelvin character was really starting to get on my last nerve. All this warning me to stay away from Asher. What exactly was the relationship between them?"I need answers." I sighed, making my way to the car and hopping in.By the time I reached the kitsune siblings' house, Thia’s car and even Haidan’s were out front, and I could feel strong magic pressing against my skin. What the hell was going on in there that required so much?As this thought hits, my heart lurches, and I quickly make my way inside and up the stairs towards where I can hear all the commotion."Leah?" Thia gasped as I reached the room where Asher was in. "Stay back.""Why?" I demanded. However, Thia didn’t need to respond as a low, agonized growl escaped the room. "What’s wrong with him?"I didn’t need to ask who was making the noise. I would recognize