5. Alethea

Alethea 

I slowly open my eyes, adjusting to the sunlight streaming through the window. Panic sets in as I sit up, realizing I'm not in my room. The bed feels soft beneath me, and the sheer drapes hanging above me gently caress my skin.

As I lift the sheet, I mutter, "Holy fuck," my face burning with the memory of the previous night. 

I was with Alpha Asher, and the connection between us is undeniable. 

I don't have a wolf, but the moment I laid eyes on him, I heard the unmistakable voice in my head: "Mate."

I'm still trying to wrap my head around the mate bond. I had no idea it was this strong. As I recall Asher's touch, I feel myself losing control all over again.

I can still feel Asher's scent all over me, and I hum a gentle tune as my heart swells with joy. I've found my mate. But where is he now? He should be here, holding me close.

Instead, I'm alone. I try to shake off the feeling, reminding myself that he's the Alpha of the Redwood Pack - and my boss.

My thoughts are interrupted by the sound of footsteps outside the room. My heart skips a beat as I imagine Asher's face, hoping to see a warm smile.

But when he enters, his eyes flash with irritation. "Asher, what's wrong?" I ask, trying to keep a steady voice.

His gaze sweeps over me, and for a moment, I think I see a flicker of emotion. But it's quickly replaced by a mask of indifference.

"You dare to call me by my name? You low-life rejects from BloodMoon pack,” he says with disgust.

I feel like I've been punched in the gut. How can he say such cruel things after what we shared?

Memories of my past come flooding back. Growing up in BloodMoon pack was a nightmare. I'm constantly bullied and beaten. 

Asher takes a step closer, his gaze piercing and menacing. I feel stunned, clutching the sheet to my body as if it could shield me from his venom.

"Are... you okay?" I stutter, bewildered by the contrast between his tender words last night and the contempt etched on his face now. His eyes are cold like they could send me to the abyss. His expression is twisted in disdain.

"So, you think that because we made love last night, you dare to call me by my name?" he sneers. "Have you no fear of me, you low-life omega?”

My heart clenches in despair as I hear Asher's words. His tone shreds my self-esteem, leaving me feeling raw and vulnerable. Tears well up in my eyes, stinging like razor-sharp claws.

"But... I'm your mate," I choke out, my voice trembling with disbelief.

Alpha Asher sneers, his expression twisted in contempt. "Mate? What makes you think I'll claim you as my Luna? You have no class, no family, no wolf... and worst of all, you're beneath me."

My heart twists in my chest, feeling like it's going to rip apart. I struggle to process Asher's words, wondering if he's serious.

"You can't be serious, Alpha," I say slowly, trying to keep my emotions in check. "Mates are sacred, paired by the moon goddess."

"And the moon goddess must have made a big mistake pairing me with someone as despicable as you.” Asher interrupts me, his voice dripping with contempt.

"Me?" I mutter, taken aback by Asher's venomous words 

"Yes, you... Al... or what the hell is your name?" He stands tall, exuding an air of authority that makes him look fearless. Asher responds with disdain, his voice dripping with contempt.

"But we made love last night." I remind him of our intimate encounter, hoping to jog his memory.

"Like I give a damn about that. It was probably just my wolf losing control at the sight of you and taking charge. I would never stoop so low and have it with you." Asher's expression twists in disgust.

Tears prick at the corners of my eyes as Asher's cruel words cut deep. How can he say such hurtful things to me? Doesn't he feel the same connection that I do?

I swiftly throw off the covers and get out of bed, the sheet falling away and leaving me completely naked. 

Asher's eyes roam over my body, but he quickly masks his gaze with a cold expression. He turns around, giving me privacy.

I roll my eyes, thinking, "Like he hadn't seen everything last night." I hastily gather my scattered clothes and begin to dress, my hands shaking as I try to put them on.

Asher turns to face me, his eyes a shade darker. "No one must know that we are mates, whatever happens between us must not be heard by anyone, understood?" 

His hand moves to his head as if he's struggling to control his wolf.

My throat feels tight, making it hard to breathe. It's like I'm suffocating. I try to push aside the overwhelming emotions, focusing on getting dressed and leaving his sight.

I turn to face Asher, my voice shaking as I ask, "Are you going to pretend like nothing happened between us?" I'm still reeling from the sudden change in his attitude.

Asher takes a step closer, his movements eerily silent. I manage to meet his gaze despite the tears streaming down my face. His piercing green eyes, which had once made me feel weak in the knees, now seem cold and devoid of emotion.

For a moment, I think I see a flicker of desire in his eyes as he looks at me. But it's quickly replaced by something else.

My heart pounds in my chest like it's going to burst as I stand before Alpha Asher. He looks at me with disdain, his eyes piercing through me like a dagger.

"You and I can never be, I should have done this since last night, but I think I'll have to go through with it right now," he says.

Asher takes a deep breath, his chest rising and falling. Then, he says the words that shatter my heart. "I, Asher Knight, Alpha of the Redwood Pack, hereby reject you, Alethea Weaver of the BloodMoon Pack, as my mate.”