3. Alethea

Alethea

"Pack your things; we're leaving for a conference in the neighboring city tonight," he says with unmistakable authority.

I feel uneasy as I exit his offer. There's more to Alpha Asher's offer than meets the eye.

Just as I'm finishing up, my phone buzzes with a text from an unknown number:

"Don't trust Asher. He's not who he seems."

My heart racing, I glance around the room, wondering who could be watching me.

I hurriedly made my way home to pack my bags, but my mind raced with thoughts of Alpha Asher and the sudden turn of events. And the text message I got.

Just as I finish packing, Selene appears at my doorstep with a warm smile.

"Alethea!" she exclaims. "I heard about the job. Congratulations, child! You deserve it."

"Thank you, Selene," but a knot of worry forms in my stomach.

"I'm a bit concerned," I admit. "Alpha Asher wants me to travel with him to a conference in the neighboring city."

Selene's expression changes slightly, with concern before she quickly masks it.

"What's wrong?" sensing her unease.

Selene hesitates before speaking.

"Alpha Asher is a powerful leader, and his intentions may not be entirely clear. But remember, you have me. If you ever feel threatened or uncomfortable, don't hesitate to reach out."

My mind reels as I process Selene's words, coupled with the mysterious message I received earlier. I push aside my doubts and wrap my arms around her, pulling her into a warm hug.

"How did I ever get so lucky to find a sweet soul like you?" I whisper, not telling her that Alpha Asher is my mate.

She smiles warmly and gently smooths my hair. "You're welcome, child. Hurry, your colleagues are waiting outside."

I grab my bag and head out. Guards assist me in loading my belongings into the car before I climb in.

I settle into the vehicle, and I glance around, hoping to catch a glimpse of Alpha Asher. But he's nowhere to be found. A knot of anxiety twists in my stomach.

We arrived at Northville, a city in the north.

This city is dominated by humans, werewolves, and other supernaturals, and rumor has it that they are involved in shady dealings.

"Stay close to me, Miss Weaver," a voice cuts through my thoughts, making me jump in panic.

I place my hands on my chest, trying to calm my racing heart. "Goddess, you scared me!" I exclaim.

I turn to face him, my eyes locking onto his piercing green gaze. A lump forms in my throat as I swallow hard.

Alpha Asher's expression softens, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I didn't mean to startle you.”

My heart skips a beat and flutters in my chest as our eyes lock.

I've seen many handsome men in my life, but there's something about Alpha Asher - his rugged demeanor and chiseled physique - that exudes a potent sex appeal.

He leans in closer, his mouth near my ear, and his warm breath fans across my cheek.

I clench my thigh, feeling a warmth spread through me. My pulse quickens as his proximity awakens a flutter in my chest.

Why does he have such an effect on me?

"Northville isn't to be trusted," he whispers.

He pulls back slightly, his gaze roaming from my lips to my neck and finally to my heaving chest. Heat floods my belly, and I feel my face flush.

I nod, trying to focus on his words, but my heartbeat quickens. I swallow hard, attempting to ease the uneasiness in my throat.

***

The conference flies by in a blur. I do my best to stay close to Alpha Asher, taking notes to prove I'm fit for the job.

We finally sealed a deal with Northville's textile company, and everyone is in high spirits.

To celebrate the victory, we headed to a club. The atmosphere is electric, and I feel elated about how my first assignment with Asher is turning out. I want to loosen up and let go.

The ear-piercing music drowns out my thoughts as I reach for a glass of drink and down it in one swift motion.

The liquid burns my throat, but it also gives me a rush.

With glass in hand, I stand up and sway to the rhythm of the music, letting the beat take over.

A chill runs down the back of my neck as if someone is watching my every move. But I'm too drunk to care.

I notice my vision starting to blur and my hands trembling. The music throbs through my veins, making me giggle uncontrollably.

Everything feels like it's happening in slow motion, and the world begins to spin around me.

"Alethea," someone says, and a pair of hands grasp my shoulders. I hear the unmistakable voice in my head: "Mate."

My nerves spark to life as electric currents course through my body, making me shudder. I lift my head, shaking off the drowsiness.

The loud music and flashing lights of the club fade into the background as I meet a pair of piercing green eyes. Alpha Asher's lips curve into a smirk.

"Alpha Asher," I whisper, my voice barely audible.

"Yes," he responds with a deep, teasing voice, sending another wave of warmth through me.

I gulp down the uneasiness rising in my throat as my stomach tightens into a knot. Why does he look so irresistible, like a devil incarnate?

My gaze drifts to the vein protruding from his arm, and I wonder what it would feel like to have his strength inside me.

Since I lay my eyes on him, my every thought revolves around how he'll make me feel, how he'll claim my body until I'm lost in ecstasy.

I shake my head, to clear my mind. But my thoughts remain consumed by Alpha Asher.

As if sensing me, his finger traces the curve of my ear, teasingly exploring the shell. Shivers run down my spine.

I clench my hand into a fist, losing my will to resist the growing desire.

"I want you to make me feel so good tonight," the words slip out before I can stop them.

My face flushes with heat. He's my boss; I shouldn't be feeling this way. Yet, I'm powerless against the irresistible pull.

Alpha Asher's brows furrowed in confusion as if he didn't expect me to be so bold. But around him, I've lost all sense of self-control.

"Are you sure about this?" his eyes pierced my soul.

I notice their color shifting, as if he's fighting the demon.

"Yes, and even more," the words tumbling out before I can fully process them.

I know I'm crossing a line, but the thrill of the moment makes me forget my doubts.

Asher's gaze intensifies, his eyes burning with desire and caution. He takes a step closer, his voice low and husky. "Alethea, once we cross this line, there's no going back.”