Defy The Alpha(s)

Chapter 248: Return Of A King

In their wolf forms, the members of West House prowled the perimeter, their ears pricked and senses on high alert. Hence, at the sight of a lone figure approaching from the darkness, they bared their teeth and braced themselves to attack if need be until they caught the scent.

Recognizing who it belonged to, the wolves immediately relaxed, the growls vanishing into silence. One by one, they lowered their heads in submission, and moments later, a certain alpha appeared, bag slung over his shoulder.

Asher Nightshade had returned.

Asher moved like the king he was, stopping before them, his mere presence tensing the air. The wolves shifted into their human forms, kneeling with their faces full of surprise. They had not expected him tonight. But then, their Alpha Asher has always been known for his surprises.

"Alpha, you’re back," Nigel said, straightening to attention. He was Jeremiah’s gamma and Asher’s third in command.

"Where’s Jeremiah?" Asher asked, surveying the group.

There was a subtle pause, followed by a quick, uneasy glance that passed between Nigel and the others, an action that did not go unnoticed by Asher.

"He’s upstairs," Nigel replied, carefully. "We’re the ones on patrol tonight."

"Alright," Asher said.

He could sense they were withholding something, but said nothing. Whatever it was, he would find out anyway.

Without another word, Asher turned and made his way toward the West House. The front doors opened easily for him, as though the very building had missed him.

Once inside, the house prefect, Benjamin Holden, noticed him immediately. "Welcome back, Alpha Asher," he said respectfully.

Asher acknowledged him with a single nod, not breaking his stride. Although his boots made no sound against the polished floorboards, his domineering presence reverberated through every corner of the hall.

ascended the stairs, and paused briefly on the floor where his purple flower had once lived. If only she was still around, he would have paid her a visit. Nevertheless, he was not

floor. He didn’t even

quick as ever despite his condition, bolted upright, only to flinch and falter,

Alpha," he rasped, lowering his

turned on the light, the glow

front of him. Jeremiah kept his head bowed until Asher reached forward and lifted his chin with a single finger, forcing their eyes

to explain, the bruises said it all. Even with a werewolf’s quick healing, it was

sorry I failed you," Jeremiah said,

but his tone was

silence before Jeremiah answered. "All of

Asher nodded in understanding.

voice trembled. "I swear, I didn’t tell them anything. But

Asher hushed him gently, placing a hand on the side of

to his. It was not an act

shut his eyes for a moment, breathing in the smell of

them again, those slit-pupil eyes

for your

and pride swelling in him at

and

Alphas couldn’t trace him. But now, he wanted news, specifically about his "little human." So it was not surprising his next question

is safe and well?" he asked, a trace of anticipation slipping into his

face went pale. He gulped audibly. "About

*********

having the best sleep of her life when something about the air felt wrong. Groggy and half-aware, she pried her eyes open, only