Alpha Asher’s pov

Maya was my mate!

This was the only thought that ran through my mind, even as I went through this hell of a meeting. Cypher has been a constant bug, running through the thin thread of my sanity, leaving me in an uncontrollable frenzy.

It was weird sitting around a conference table with people whose focus was solely on the matter at hand while my thoughts ran in a circle, skirting on likely methods to tame the wild redhead in the packhouse. Of course, I’d give the suggestions of Daniel a trial. I only hope it yields satisfactory results because right now, my patience has started to wear off; like petals of a rose flower, I was losing my resolve at a faster pace than thread by thread.

The meeting ended, and I was out as light; I needed to be somewhere other than that building. Maybe, just maybe, one peek at her lovely face would do the magic.

“Where is she?” I asked Edna as soon as I stepped foot into the packhouse.

“Define her,” Edna retorted, looking pissed as hell. Her mouth was pressed into a firm hard-line, and her eyes held a glimmer of venom that wasn’t there before.

“Maya… where is she?” I questioned again.

“Oh, Maya... She should be in her room, I guess,” she replied nonchalantly.

“The fuck you’re talking about, Edna? I left someone in your care, and you dare guess her whereabouts?” I barked, but Edna didn't flinch. “Just pray nothing happens to her and that she is still within the confines of the pack,'' I howled before storming away aggressively in search of my mate. I got to her supposed room, and to my utter disbelief, she wasn't there. I searched the corners and her bathroom, but she wasn’t inside still. My panic level skyrocketed, and if Cypher was roaring before, he was definitely thundering as I felt the echoes of his groans in my head.

At a much faster pace than before, I hurried to the rooms nearby, but she still wasn’t inside. I mind-linked Daniel and the rest of the guards, informing them to go in search of her while I joined them. To make matters worse, I couldn’t smell her. The more I walked, the more Maya’s scent faded. I groaned internally but continued down the staircase to the living room. At that exact moment, Daniel rushed in.

“Where is Maya?” I asked, rushing to his side like a wife whose husband had just returned from the military after five years.

“Not anywhere outside the guards across the borders had reported not to have seen her.”

“Argh,” I groaned loudly as I felt his words cut through my heart, and pain exploded like a bomb of fire in my head. I ran my hand through my hair while my stomach churned in restlessness. I’d never thrown up before, but I imagined this was the feeling you get before it happened. I took a shaky, calm breath, trying to put myself together before facing everyone.

Vomit be damned, I fucking felt like I would cry. I felt prickling behind my eyes, warning me that I was on the verge of tears. This was the first time I wished I wasn’t the alpha because being alpha meant I couldn’t cry in front of people

“Hey, calm down,” Daniel cooed, patting me on my left shoulder. “It’s all going to be fine. I think she is within. Let’s have a look inside.”

“ I already did, but….” I stopped talking when I caught sight of red curtails at the back of one of the couches.

“But what?” Daniel inquired, but I shunned his question and continued to walk towards the figure. Daniel trailed behind me skeptically.

I felt the air in my windpipe gush out as I took in the view before me. Behind the couch was Maya, curled into a ball, her red hair framed her face. Faint whimpers left her mouth, and her body shook even in her sleep. I again swore by the moon goddess to avenge whoever made her so fragile. I moved closer to her statue and picked her up. Her whimpering got louder, but she didn't open her eyes, and I also didn’t drop her. Daniel made way for us to pass, and I did it gently, carefully so that our movement didn't wake her up.

I took her up to her room, seething like a mad dog. I didn’t want to wake her up, but I couldn’t bear seeing her like that. She somehow stirred on my arms and used her hands to wrap around my neck. She nuzzled her head in the crook of my neck, which somehow slurped every bit of anger I felt. I pulled her closer to me like a second skin. The gesture made her eyes flutter open.

"No, you cannot take me up. I will be punished gravely if they find me upstairs. I'll be forced to walk on burning coal. Drop me," she whimpered and kicked while trying to break away from my hold.

"No one is going to punish you. You are here with me," I said and held her still.

“Asher? Her sweet tiny caramel voice chirped weakly. Her ocean-blue doe eyes opened wider as she took me in.

“Yes, Maya,” I replied.

“Please don’t let them catch me. I don’t want to go back there. They will hurt me.”

“I promise, I won't let them hurt you, baby. Trust me. You are safe with me. They will have to pass through me to get to you."

I got stuck between carrying her to the bed and holding her in my arms. Sure, I have no issue holding her up. She weighs less than a feather, but I needed her to be comfortable. I looked at her again, and she was already fast asleep again. Her neck was slightly bent to fit into my neck, and since I didn't want her waking up with muscular pain, I decided to drop her on the bed.

I couldn't fucking believe she was made to walk on burning coal. I felt rage pulsated through my veins at the mere thought of her walking on burning coals for reasons as trivial as sleeping on a bed. On impulse, I checked her feet, and true to her words, scars from burnt were indeed under her feet

"Goddammit," I groaned between clenched teeth.

I forced myself to take calm breaths, and with no other idea to help myself remain calm, I climbed onto the bed with her and stroked her hair. Once again, she nuzzled into me why I flung my arm around her and pulled her closer to me, allowing her scent and warmth to overshadow my anger. I must have laid there for several hours before finally drifting off into a restless sleep.

When I woke, the realization that Maya wasn't in bed hit me harder than it normally should.

Did she have a bad dream of someone punishing her in bed, and that's why she left?

My mind wandered like that for a bit before I stormed outside and saw her sitting in the living room—opposite Daniel and Edna.

Edna looked serious, almost bored, while Daniel looked like Daniel—flustered and cheerful.

I heaved a sigh

"Hey, Maya," I called sweetly, but she glared at me.

Awe. I felt the love

"What?" She snapped at me, and my wolf sighed, content in hearing our mate's voice.

Where did all the cuteness and body-touching of the early hours of today go?

Bro, it is pathetic, but according to Daniel, if I must yield good results in our relationship, I must learn to travail in patience and tolerance.

I sighed too, and Edna chuckled.

______________

Everything in me was telling me to run after her. To chase her down, make her see my reasons, but I knew that wouldn't work with her. Forcing Maya to do anything would only further push her far away for the opposite reason.

She had been telling me from the beginning that she needed space, so I planned on giving it to her.

First day, second day, and now the third day.

It felt like dying a slow death, but we both needed it—her to think and me to get my shits together.

I walked into the packhouse because I wanted to see her and not because I wanted to talk to my beta and zeta like I claimed—that was my silly excuse to see her one more time for the night.

"You called us," Daniel started when we were all seated on the three-seater couch in the packhouse living room.

"Yeah, I did," I answered bemusedly.

"Why?" Edna flared. For reasons unknown to me, she's been acting weird lately. Always on the tip of her tolerance if you ask me.

I opened my mouth to speak, but my words disappeared in my throat when Maya suddenly appeared out of nowhere, looking fresh and clean. Her thin flawless legs were left on display, and so also was her belly button. She was wearing a sporty nude color with green striped Nike shorts and a matching crop tank top.

The urge to run my tongue across her belly button was overwhelming. I became speechless as I watched her form. I swallowed and swallowed until there was no more saliva in my mouth. I wanted to hold her in my arms, but I refrained from touching her. Hell, my look was subtle because I didn't want to be caught or to come off as too strong. I struggled to keep my face neutral, but that didn't stop her from eyeing me curiously. Or maybe the rising dough in-between my legs was what made her hesitant.

"When you're down gawking at her and ready to talk, you can call me. I'm off," said Edna irritably, stood up, and began to walk her quarters.

I cleared my throat, and that made her stop. "I was about to send for Maya because what I have to say concerns her, but since she's here, I'll go ahead " my words captured Maya's attention, and she turned to look at me.

"What did I do this time?" She snarled.

"I think the right question is what am I about to do this time," I said, emphasizing the last eight words of my sentence.

"I don't understand," Maya replied, looking at me as though she was searching for something in my eyes.

"Neither do I," Daniel chirped in, looking truly confused for the first time since I had known him.

There's always a first time for everything

"I'm allowing Maya to leave," I said, and everywhere turned serene. Not even the sound of our heartbeat was heard.

"You might have to say that again. I don't think I heard you clearly the first time," Daniel said and shifted on his seat as though something suddenly stung him in his butts.

"Since Maya came into the royal pack, her greatest wish hadn't wavered—her desire to leave had been so strong. And now, I'm granting her wish. " I turned to Maya and said, "you can let me know when you want to leave or not, but I want you to be safe, so I'd appreciate it if you let me know when you'd leave. And if it doesn't seem like crowding your space, I spoke to some of our allied packs, and they agreed to let you come live with them. I want you to be safe—they are allies, so you should be safe" I finished my spiel, and they all looked astonished, especially Maya. Litany of other emotions danced across her face, but I couldn't quite decipher what it was.

"Asher!" Daniel's voice cut through in anger making everyone but myself and Edna flinch. "This wasn't what we agreed on," he further seethed.

"I know. But anything else, I want Maya to be happy. I'll be a dick of an Alpha and a mate if I make her wither instead of making her glow and grow," I said, and a snicker from Edna greeted us all.

"Oops, sorry. It's just funny. Since when did you become a poet? WTF, Ash?" Another snicker erupted from Edna's mouth, but she did quick work to end it.

"Can you guys please leave us alone?" Maya's little voice suddenly sounded heavy with authority and need? "Can we talk, please?" She asked quietly after Edna and Daniel left.

Alpha Asher's pov

Maya didn't look as happy as I expected her to be. Right from the first day she stepped foot into our pack as a rogue, her only greatest desire that she had made known to us repeatedly; even until It became her walking siren, like a reminder to us all and most especially to me, was the fact that she hated being my mate and wanted to "explore the world while belonging to no one" as she put it, living the way she wants. I thought taking Daniel's idea would help build a relationship with Maya, no matter how long it takes but she had this wall so strong around her and I feared not even I could bring it down or gain her trust. So I decided to do what I believed was right, I believed it was best to let her go and let her live her life to the fullest, she insisted she wanted it instead of letting me keep her in my pack. If I forced her, it would make it seem like I was caging her since she didn't want to stay... The other best option was to let her go.

Funny thing was that I still understood her, even though I had known her for quite a short time. I understood her to want to belong to no one, her desire to go wherever she wanted because growing up in a monastery made me understand and gave me the ability to relate to half of what she had gone through; the pain, the torture, the hatred for the moon goddess and her parents that abandoned her for no reason only to make her suffer. So I was going to let her go if that's what she so much wants for herself because I wouldn't want to be a part of the people she hates forever. Even though deep down, I wanted to feel that feeling called love and be loved by someone too.

Once Edna and Daniel left, I met her eyes with my gaze and I was surprised to see the fear and plea in hers. She was silently begging me not to let her leave because her pride wouldn't let her speak, "I'm not ready to leave" she said with an empty voice, trying to sound tough but I still caught her eyes before she got rid of any sign of emotion that was there. I sighed and ran my hand through my hair, this was a hard nut to crack; a tough case to solve. "You said you want to be free so that's what I'm doing for you Maya, letting you go" I replied and she looked at me angrily but her eyes were shaky like she was panicking.

"So you'll just let me go? After saving me? After making me believe that there may be kind people in this life?" She yelled with her voice sounding like she was close to tears.

"That's not why I'm letting you go, Maya…" I tried explaining to her but then she interrupted, her voice filled with anger "fuck you, Asher if no one's ever told you I'm going to say it to your stupid face! You are a shitty Alpha, Alphas don't run from problems, they don't shift responsibilities. Instead, they tackle it themselves but look at you, you want to let me go because I refuse to be your mate. After all, I refuse to belong to you. Well, news flash Alpha fucking Asher, that's what happens to someone who's been traumatized and tortured her whole life, I face reality and see things for what they are because life has never been a bed of roses for me so don't expect me to open up to you at once like you're some knight in shiny armor. Anyone can be a villain" she stopped and took a long breath but I was even too stunned to speak, I just sat there staring at this woman that had just put me in my place. People hardly put me in my place in this pack because not to brag but most times I'm right so not even Edna or Daniel put me in my place except they believed it was necessary and that hadn't happened in a long time now.

Then I understood why the moon goddess chose her for me, I thought Edna was something else but Maya was more than that… she was was feisty and I could see the fire in her eyes from her burning rage… she feared no one "you see this" she added gesturing between the two of us "it can't work, we can't work so I guess rejecting you had bruised your ego and now you want to let me back out there into those dens you call packs" she finished and slowly stood up, her eyes still on mine till she was now standing above me "it was nice meeting you Alpha Asher, I'll leave your pack now. You should pay me for those clues I gave you too" she spat every word at me with venom and stormed out heading towards her room.

I didn't know what to do, I just sat there looking dumbfounded after Maya had just given me the lecture of my life. I was even more confused and didn't understand it all. Was I meant to keep on trying with her until she opened up to me? Was telling her she had a choice to leave for another better pack a mistake on my part? That was what she wanted though. I groaned and threw my head back to ease the incoming headache but it wasn't helping. This was serious, far more than I thought it was. Maya was strong-willed, stubborn, and held her pride dear to herself; even after all she had gone through in her former pack. So I knew nothing else would make her waver, this was little compared to what she had experienced all her life. Suddenly Cypher started getting agitated in my head and I

I got the message immediately.

What Maya needed was someone that would try and place him or herself in her situation and see eye to eye with her… understand why suddenly changing packs was making her lose her temper. She needed someone to calm her down and probably change her mind about leaving. I only brought the option for her to leave but considering where she was coming from, she took it like I was asking her to leave and I realized I shouldn't have done that. Cypher nudged me on to quickly do something, I sighed before standing up to find Maya wherever she went to.

I searched everywhere I suspected she would be but didn't find her but I wasn't going to give up though, I stopped for a while to think then it occurred to me that I didn't check her room. I quickly raced there and knocked on her door before stepping in. Everything was everywhere… in disarray and she was packing the things we bought for her during her stay into a bag aggressively, it was obvious that she was still furious. "Go away," she said in a low voice and sniffed before she quickly wiped her eyes. I was behind her but I saw it, I couldn't help but feel sorry for her.

I shrugged and stepped forward while she still shoved clothes into the bag "I can't, not while you're still mad at me" I replied and she froze before she turned and faced me. Streaks of tears were evident on her face and her eyes were puffy already "I said… go away!" She repeated more firmly this time "you don't have to go, Maya, I won't force you to leave, this place is also your home too" I said and she grabbed a pillow then flung it at me "leave me alone Asher, just get out" she screamed this time and threw the other pillows on the bed at me one after the other. I quickly went closer to her and held her hands gently to calm her down but she struggled with every strength and lord knew she was really strong, even for me the king Alpha. I pulled her closer and hugged her hoping this would help calm her down then I caught a wisp of her scent and I couldn't help but drag it in… It was intoxicating and calming. She felt tiny and rather fragile in my arms even though she was still trying to fight me off her.

I realized I was enjoying this because it was better than the awkward way she always caught me gawking or staring at her whenever I got distracted or entranced by her. It was better than the times she just stared at me blankly and never gave any reaction to whatever I said to her… it always made me feel like a fool, being the one she chose to always ignore. I felt I'd rather squabble with her all the time than have no relationship with her, seeing her angry was also a display of emotion and it was better than nothing. I smiled and nuzzled my face in between her neck and shoulder "you don't have to leave if you don't want to" I whispered trying to soothe her. Instead, she shoved me off her with a hard push and it sent me only a few feet back "don't you dare touch me again" she warned and grabbed her bag filled with her things then flung it at me. I quickly caught it and growled before pushing her against the wall.

If she didn't want it the gentle way then I was going to go rough her. It was Cypher that was controlling me now, my wolf eyes now showing and staring hard at her with an intensity that she shivered and looked away from my eyes "so you think you've got the temper?" I roared but she didn't reply. I grabbed her face by the chin then forced her to look up at me. At that moment, the air shifted between us. The room wasn't hot but I felt hot, Maya's eyes were wide and my gaze moved to her lips… they were apart too and she was breathing hard just like I was. I suddenly felt the urge to kiss her, to mark her and make her mine. "Maya" I growled as my gaze remained on her lips, I was trying to control myself but her scent and wet lips were messing with my head.

"Someone is losing himself uh?" She teased and smirked and that almost broke the last straw for Cypher but I quickly held him back, "don't tempt me, Maya, cause you don't wanna know what I'm thinking and all the things I could do you right now, right here" I snarled, our faces now few inches away from each other and I heard the tiny gasp that escaped her mouth. It was my turn to smirk because I knew she could feel it too… this tension between us, in this proximity "now who is losing herself?" I teased back and she scowled at me. I couldn't help but laugh as I released my hold on her and stepped back, that was the cutest I had ever seen her and it was something I wouldn't mind seeing every day.

I knew she was expecting something to happen between us but I wasn't going to do that. She deserved more and I believed in falling in love and getting to know someone before getting intimate, so I was going to gain Maya's trust and love before we did anything. I read her report after she was scanned at the hospital when she got to our pack and knew she was raped and I was aware of how traumatizing it would be for her mentally. I still wanted her and I was going to make her realize she was worth more than that, I was going to give her the life and love she deserved.

Jason’s POV

I lay on the shards of glass in disbelief. That little brat had pushed me down and made her escape. I wanted to burst into a scream, calling the guards to alert them but the shame overpowered me and I stayed silent.

What would they think of me! What would father say! Melissa wouldn't let me hear the end of this story!

All these thoughts ran through my head. It made me angrier. Angrier that I couldn’t do what I wanted how I wanted and all because my wolf needed more training cause it was born weak!

I just lay in the shards thinking of how my whole life would be better if I wasn’t weak and how perfect it would have been.

The thought turned to anger. Anger towards myself; for being born weak. Anger towards Melissa; for being so strong and the perfect child and a threat to my position as alpha.

Anger towards Maya for doing this to me!

The angrier I got, the more I needed to crush something and get all the pain out. So I clawed at the shards beside me and rolling my hands into fists, crushing the shards to tiny pieces, drawing blood from my palms.

It didn’t hurt like it was supposed to. It just felt right and gave me the satisfaction I needed. The anger slowly dissipated and I began to wonder where Melissa was.

She would normally have barged into the room, brooding or screaming cause father would let out his anger on her. She hadn't come yet.

I looked at my wall clock and it had been an hour since she had called me.

“ I’ll just give her five more minutes.” I said to myself. Still sitting on the shards.

Melissa pulled my door off its hinges as she walked in, stopping just a few paces from the doorway with a pissed glare on her face.

She had obviously been cautioned by father and now, it was time for us to argue.

“Did you or did you not understand when I said father requests your presence in the training room ? and that you could tend to your little omega later! I’ve been screamed at and threatened to be killed! Why do you do these things to me Jason?”

Melissa said with her death glare. She had the most beautiful looks in our pack but her eyes were full of death and rage. She was simply a psychopath.

Melissa stood in the doorway, glaring around the room, obviously looking for me when her death glare turned to a confused stare.

“Where is the bitch?” Melissa asked, referring to Maya. “ And why are you on the floor?”

“Maya isn’t in the room. She made for the borders, if you send the guards to get her, they can still catch up.” I pushed myself off the shards, while avoiding eye contact with Melissa.

“So you let the omega escape?” Melissa tilted her head at a disturbing angle as she glared at me.

“ I didn’t let her escape, she just managed to slip past me.” I growled at Melissa as I pulled the shards of glass from my hands and clothes.

“ I love you brother but this baffles even me. How in heaven’s name did a little omega get past you! She’s just an omega!” Melissa raised her tone from her usual proud low tone.

“ I don’t know Mel! She took me by surprise! So please, if you’re done, get the guards and let them go after her!” I barked at Melissa but she didn’t flinch.

She just rolled her eyes and gave me her signature death look and returned to her deadly low tone.

“ I love you Jason and I would do anything for you but, this is your mess. You fix it.” Melissa smiled at me. She was enjoying this.

“Get out of my room Melissa.” I growled , my head bent, trying to control my anger and not start a fight.

“ You’re gonna have to speak louder than that dear brother. I can’t hear you if you’re busy sulking with your head bent. “ Melissa said in a chirpy, nice voice like a princess fairy.

“Get out! Melissa!” I barked even louder. The smile on Melissa’s face vanished and she had her death glare on.

“Father still demands your presence in the training room.” Melissa said before she turned on her heels and walked away. Leaving me to my silence and frustration.

“ I would kill Maya, even if it's the last thing I do.” I said under my breath and headed to the training room.

Melissa’s POV

Jason was angry, I could tell by the way he bent his head and folded his fists till he drew more blood from his hands.

I wasn’t in the mood for a fight and father was awaiting my return with productive answers.

I walked out of Jason’s room to avoid another fight but I waited in the halls. If I didn’t return with Jason, I would be returned to the moon goddess.

Jason seemed to be taking his sweet, sweet time.

“Any time this century would be good brother.” I said in the halls. Jason looked up at me and his eyes were angry. I raised a brow, asking if he wanted to go here and now.

Jason just looked away and went to the training room. Jason walked past me and I could feel the anger sway past as he walked past. He was literally emitting anger.

I followed behind him with my proud look that everyone seemed to notice.

We got to the doors of the training room and Jason took a deep breath and exhaled. He shook his hands and stood in front of the doors, still getting ready to open them.

“Any time you’re ready.” My sarcasm dripped from my voice.

“Shut up Mel.” Jason said calmly.

“Father is the one at the other side of this door, he’s not your mate so no need to look perfect. Plus he ‘s really pissed so just get on with it.” I pushed the doors open from behind Jason and walked in.

“That took you a while Melissa.” Father’s deep voice boomed through the room.

“I’m sorry father. I’ll do better next time.” I gave father a low bow and stood by his side while Jason stood in front of father.

“Hello father.” Jason had his two hands at his back and acted like he wasn’t the guilty one here.

“Melissa was sent to get you twice. Did you not get her message the first time?” Father asked, his voice slightly louder as his veins popped. Father was mad.

“ I did get the message the first time father. Something happened and I couldn’t come on time . I’m sorry.” Jason looked calm and collected as he stood there but we both knew that he was begging the moon goddess for this to go well.

“ Some whatever is more important than your training?” More veins bulge on father’s arm. He was getting angrier.

“Do you know why we have your training sessions Jason?” Father asked Jason in a calmer tone.

“Yes father.”

“And you decided to deal with whatever you were dealing with at the expense of your training. Why?

Father's voice rose and the walls of the training room shook.

“Alpha! Control yourself!”Jason’s trainer held father’s shoulder and spoke with a firm voice and father’s wolf eyes disappeared and his human eyes were back.

“ What was this so-called emergency you needed to attend to that demanded that you keep your training on hold for an hour plus?” Father looked down at Jason with a disgusted look.

“ One of the omega’s escaped and I wanted the guards to get her before she slipped past the borders?’’ Father looked at Jason’s fist, noticing the blood there.

“And was the omega captured?” Father asked with obvious disinterest in what Jason had to say.

“I didn’t. She should be gone past the borders by this time.” Jason kept his head down as he tried to explain himself to father.

“So in the end, you didn’t get the omega back and practically delayed me and your training for no tangible reason.”

Father was using his low tone. He was getting ready to pounce and Jason kept his distance.

The trainer looked at father and noticed his anger.

“ I don’t mind the child trying to sort out his issues. Even though he failed, it’s part of his training.” Jason’s trainer said.

He was the same person that trained father and all our warriors. The only difference is that he didn’t need to train them to grow their wolves or strength.

He just needed to teach them how to grow the power that was already bestowed in them by the moon goddess.

Father looked from Jason to the trainer. He knew it was no use trying to take his anger out on Jason. That would only make matters worse.

“ If you insist Tyler. But we need to make sure that that omega is found and brought back. Which omega was that Jason?”

“It was Maya.” Father’s glare seemed to glare more, if that was possible.

“Training is on hold for today. Let the guards search the boundary and make sure that the omega is found. If she hasn’t reached the borders.” Father instructed.

“If that’s what you want done alpha then there’s no problem with that. I’ll get some guards to search the borders.”

Tyler said as he took his weapon and put it back into it’s case. His weapon was a three feet long blade that had no particular shape. It just wasn’t normal.

It looked sharp enough to split through stone and even bone.

Tyler took his sword and walked out the training room.

“We’re going to be waiting in the throne room for the report.” Father said and lead the way to the throne room.

I always loved the throne room. It reminded me of all the power and authority I had in the land as the alpha’s daughter. I loved the power.

It gave me something to lord over these annoying omegas. They might have just been play toys but they were my subjects none the least.

It was necessary to lord my authority over my subjects. No matter what other people thought.

We all sat in the throne room in silence for almost an hour before one of the guards walked in. I was more than relieved to see him. I was getting tired of waiting and the silence was deadly and weird.

“We have a report from the search party sir.”