Alpha Asher by Jane

‘You're telling me that not even twenty-four hours after I left, you're driving to some creepy guy’s camper in the middle of the forest because Cassidy made the mistake of hanging out with him after you warned her not to?’ Breyona deadpanned. The dry tone of her voice through the mind-link made me clench my hands tighter around the steering wheel. |

‘Yep.’ I replied, popping the ‘p’ for emphasis. ‘ Even though that’s not why I mind-linked you.’

‘I know, you mind-linked me to ask if my parents could find anything on Alpha’s that the world doesn’t already know, which is unlikely but yeah I'll ask them.’ She replied with a small huff. ‘Now back to what you're currently doing, which is driving into certain doom without telling your Alpha of a mate what’s going on.’

‘I'm not driving into certain doom.’ ! rolled my eyes, ‘...but yes, that’s what I’m doing and no, Asher does not know about it. If he did, he’d turn right around and demand he come with me.’

‘Well, since there’s no talking you out of it and Cassidy needs help, you need to take someone with you.’ She insisted, nght as always even though I was currently low on available werewolves.

‘Who said they have to be a werewolf?’ Maya mused.

Without needing further clarification, I let out a long sigh and adjusted my route to a certain vampire’s house.

When I strolled through the front door, taking a mental note that it was unlocked, and popped my head into the dimly lit kitchen, it wasn't Tristan’s lean form I saw standing at the stove, but Holly. It had been so long since I'd seen her that I didn’t even notice the charred grilled cheese sitting on the plate she cradled in her hands. Her pin straight hair was the same silken ebony as mine, though she often wore hers in a long braid that fell over her shoulder.

“Oh. Hello, Lola.” She said softly, in a voice much higher than my own. Her eyes rested on my face and were unblinking in a way most people found unsettling, but I knew she was simply giving me her undivided attention. There was a wispy quality to her voice that reminded me of wind chimes swaying in a gentle summer breeze. She blinked once and tilted her head. “ Something’s wrong, isn't it? Tristan will be back shortly. He left to get me more cheese. I’ve been trying to cook, but I’m afraid this stove works too well.”

She gestured to the stovetop, which was set on high heat until the burner glowed a bright shade of red. I glanced down at the square shaped charcoal on her plate and reached over the stovetop to turn the dial down to medium heat.

“Try it again, that should help. Tristan didn’t teach you how to control the heat?” I questioned, watching as she tossed the charred sandwich in the trash and grabbed two more slices of white bead. “As for what's wrong, a friend is in trouble, but Tristan should be able to help.”

it, but I’m afraid I wasn't paying much attention. He was in one of his moods, you know. Didn't quite understand why I wanted to learn to cook to begin with, especially since he can make me anything I want.” She half shrugged, the serene expression on her face unfaltering. “I’m sure he’ll help, but only if it’s you or I who asks.” 2 “Is he ever not in one of his moods?” I joked but found myself wondering what she meant with that comment. Holly let out a quiet chuckle and began smearing butter along the slices of bread. “I didn’t know you didn't know how to cook, but I

turned to meet my stare. Her nails drummed across the countertop softly. “There’s something you want to do, but you're feeling guilty about it. I can’t tell anything else, other than

up and formulate a reply, but nothing came out. Surprise unfurled across

you see this in

now.” She explained, swiping away the strands of ebony hair that spilled over her slender shoulders. “Ever since beginning therapy, which I should thank you for considering the therapist you chose is quite lovely, it’s been easier to use my magic. The less nightmares

help, you know. You tried to be close to me once, and I pushed you away. I wasn’t ready for a sister then, but I am now. If it helps,

into my voice, along

at me, but I'd risk everything—right down to our bond if it meant keeping him and this pack

to me, Lola.” She reassured me with a small half-smile, but it was her knowing tone that struck me as odd. “Now, what kind of magic do you need help

a protection spell on Asher.”

seemed normal to some people, I

for you? I need the day to gather the supplies and study the spell book I have.”

group he’d assembled would make it to the borders of the deserted pack by tomorrow night, but only if Alpha Bran and the Vampire's lurking about didn’t slow

Tristan—” I began but was cut off by the front door swinging open,

They had lingered on the marks on my neck fora fraction of a second, and I ignored the slight pull I

a girl's night tomorrow, isn't that wonderful Tristan?” Holly said in her sing-song voice, closing her eyes as she smiled at the

his sandy eyebrows gnashing together as dread filled the depths of his

sour, it’s not that bad.” I snorted on impulse, rolling my eyes at the grim expression on his face. The Vamp had brooding down to an artform and was even better than Asher

it was almost playful how she laughed and tugged the package of cheese out of his hands. “We'll be fine, I promise. You're more than welcome to

was going with this, but before I could play along I had to swallow the nervousness I felt when realizing how well my

popcorn, and the best romantic comedies of our time. Oh, and don’t forget the pillow fights.” I grinned cheekily, directing