《Sold to the Cold Lycan King (Gemini and Asher)》


 Chapter 1

    Gemini''s POV


    The headlines of the news left me frozen-


    A female reporter in formal attire stood, a mic to her mouth. "It has been confirmed that the CEO of Wilson''s Corporation and Alpha of Moonrock Pack, Alpha Harvey Wilson has passed away due toplications from a tragic car ident."


    After his ident a week ago¡ª"


    The rest of her words blurred the more I tried to listen. All I could think of was Pierre Wilson, Alpha Harvey''s only son, my childhood bestie and crush.


    The news must have reached him too. Oh poor Pierre, he was his father''s favourite.


    I picked up my phone and quickly dialled my twin brother''s number. I had thought to dial Pierre first, but I doubt he''d be reachable at this time. He was always one to shut everyone out when things weren''t going too well with him.


    The phone rang for a long while before he finally answered. "Hey, Gem!"


    Gavin, I saw the news... Why did no one tell me that our Alpha is dead?" I queried.


    I could hear him sigh heavily before replying, "I''m sorry, but Mom asked to keep it from you till you''re done with your papers."


    I let out a heavy sigh, still trying to process the news.


    "Alpha Harvey was like a father to me, Gavin. He always checked on me, offered advice, and believed in me. He''s the reason I''m where I am today." My voice cracked.


    Gavin''s tone softened. "I know, sis. He was special. But you have to focus on your exam today. It''s yourst paper, remember? Alpha Harvey would want you to ace that paper."


    I nodded, even though he couldn''t see me. "I''m so devastated, but I would try... I will try my best."


    "Stay well okay?" His voice sounded dismissive as if the call wasing to an end.


    "Gavin wait! Has anyone heard from Pierre?"


    There was a pause before Gavin responded. "Not yet. He returned three days ago, but hasn''t spoken to anyone ever since."


    I squeezed my eyes briefly, trying to remain calm despite my inner turmoil.


    Gavin and I exchanged a few more words before ending the call.


    As soon as we hung up, I quickly booked the next avable flight to Northern California.


    My mind raced with memories of Alpha Harvey - his warm smile, encouraging words, and guidance. Alpha Harvey was the father I never had.


    I couldn''t imagine Pierre''s pain.


    Determined to be there for my childhood friend, I gathered my belongings and headed to the examination hall.


    My exam was a blur, but I pushed through, knowing I had to get to Pierre.


    As soon as I finished, I rushed out of the hall and made my way to the airport. To add to the tension growing inside of me, my flight was dyed by two hours.


    During the wait, I sent Pierre a text: "Pierre, I''m so sorry about your loss. I''m on my way to Northern California, Can''t wait to see you."


    Boarding announcements echoed through the airport speakers.


    I stood, grabbed my bag, and joined the line.


    The flight attendants weed me with a gentle smile.


    As the ne took off, I stared out the window, thoughts consumed by Pierre and


    the memories we shared with Alpha Harvey.


    Landing in Northern California felt like an eternity.


    PM


    I hailed a taxi and headed straight to the Wilson estate also known as Moonrock Pack (to the werewolves).


    The familiar driveway brought back memories ofughter andte-night conversations with Pierre.


    My heart ached, thinking of the pain he must be going through.


    The taxi stopped in front of the grand entrance.


    I paid the fare, took a deep breath, and stepped out.


    I steeled myself and walked toward the gigantic structure of the Alpha''s Lair,


    situated in the middle of the Estate.


    The door swung open before I could knock.


    Mrs Wilson, Pierre''s mother was escorted out by two maidens.


    "Gemini," she whispered, embracing me tightly.


    I hugged her back, trying to offerfort.


    "Pierre?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.


    Mrs Wilson''s expression turned sombre.


    "He''s..not doing well. I think you should let him be for the meantime."


    My heart sank.


    I nodded, "It''s fine, I totally understand his pain. I would be back in the evening to check up on him."


    Darkness took its time, but I was here for Pierre, so I waited patiently.


    I spent the day checking my phone for Pierre''s reply, but he didn''t even see the


    message, talk less of replying to it.


    As evening approached, I made my way back to the Alpha''s Lair.


    A familiar scent hit my nose, "Lavender tea?" I asked.


    "Yes ma''am, the young master asked for it." The maid headed upstairs with the


    silver tray in her hands.


    "Erhm... Can I take that to him instead?"


    She paused for a second before answering, "Sure!"


    I was in the middle of the hallways when a sweet fragrance hit me. It smelled


    better than anything I had ever perceived in my life.


    "Hmm..." Elsie, my wolf moaned.


    "You smell it too?" Elsie responded with a tail wag.


    Elsie''s voice echoed in my mind, "Gemini, that''s our mate."


    My heart skipped a beat. "What? No, Elsie, it can''t be."


    Elsie insisted, "I''m certain, Gemini. That scent is unmistakable,"


    I pushed aside the thought, focusing on seeing Pierre.


    As I approached his door, the sweet fragrance intensified.


    My pulse quickened.


    Elsie purred, ¡°See, Gemini? Our mate is nearby."


    I knocked twice, but there was no response.


    Concerned, I pushed open the door.


    The scene before me made my world crash, and so did the tray in my hands.


    7


    aff


    758 PM


    There were about three empty bottles of whiskey on the floor,


    Male and female clothing scattered around the floor, and then the highlight, Pierre


    lying shirtless in bed, with another woman. Not just any woman Dora- my nemesis.


    My heart shattered into a million pieces.


    Elsie growled, "That''s not right, Gemini. He''s our mate. Why is he with her?"


    I felt a wave of nausea wash over me.


    Dora''s eyes locked onto mine, a triumphant smile spreading across her face.


    "Pierre," I whispered, my voice trembling.


    For a moment, our gazes met. Then, his expression turned cold.


    "Gemini,¡± he said, his voice detached. "What are you doing here?"


    I stood frozen, my whole body trembling.


    ¡°Pierre, what is going on?" I whispered, my voice as weak as I felt. My heart was


    literally tearing apart.


    How could Pierre do this?


    Didn''t our friendship mean anything?


    "Come backter sweetie, we''re busy," Dora said with a devilish smirk.


    Pierre''s eyes narrowed. "Look how you messed the floor up... Just leave already."


    That was it?


    No exnation.


    No sorry.


    No Hi.


    Tears streamed down my face as I turned to leave. But I couldn''t bear the pain.


    ''Pierre, can we just talk about this when you are sober-" I whispered, but my voice was cut off.


    There''s nothing to talk about," He said inly, mming the door in my face.


    I stood in the hallway, shattered.


    The sound of Dora''sughter and Pierre''s low growl echoed through the door.


    My heart crumbled.


    How could he do this?


    Four years apart, and this was the reunion?


    I thought we shared something special.


    But apparently, I was just a childhood friend.


    Nothing more.


    "I''m sorry Gem, but I''ve never envisioned you and Pierre together." Mrs Wilson, showed up out of nowhere. "Don''t get me wrong, you are a good friend, but


    you''re not just good enough to be her (his mate)¡°.


    I took a deep breath and wiped my tears.


    "Is that really what you think?"


    She scoffed, ¡°Although Harvey covered up for you for years, because your


    mother is his Beta. But those that know you, know you are one of the weakest in


    the pack" Chapter 1


    Of course, she was right. I guess it''s time to face the reality that I have been running from all my life.


    "Now that Harvey is gone, Pierre has to take over the mantle. And for that, he needs a strong andpetent woman as Luna. This is not just about you and Pierre, it''s about the pack and the next generations toe."


    Mrs Wilson''s words cut deep, but I knew she spoke the truth.


    I wasn''t strong enough to be Pierre''s Luna.


    I wasn''t worthy.


    Tears streamed down my face as I turned to leave.


    But Mrs Wilson''s next words stopped me cold.


    "And Gemini, don''t think for a second that Pierre doesn''t know about your feelings


    and the little mate shit."


    My heart skipped a beat.


    "What do you mean?" I whispered.


    Mrs Wilson''s expression turned cold.


    "Pierre found out that you were his


    mate,


    Ven before you two parted


    He''s just been too kind to hurt you.


    So


    on''t feel that telling him you''re


    his mate would change anything."


    At this point, hurt was an understatement. I felt shattered, betrayed and somewhat


    embarrassed.


    I nodded, wiping my face with the back of my palm. "Point taken, I would leave


    now."


    As I turned to leave, I couldn''t help but think, how many weak wolves have been


    left hanging by their mates just because they are weak?


    Do the weak not deserve to be happy too?


    I never believed that rejection would be my fate.


    It makes me wonder what else fate hasid down for me...


    AD

 Chapter 2

    Pierre''s POV


    I put on my shorts and headed towards the door, "Where are you going?" Dora


    questioned and I turned to her with disgust.


    "I''m giving you privacy to dress up and leave."


    "I don''t think I need privacy, I mean, after what we just did."


    "I might have been drunk, but I''m not stupid."


    "And as for your pay, see my mom. After all, it was her idea to do this." With that, I mmed the door and headed for the balcony.


    From there, I could oversee almost everything going on in the pack. My eyes fixed on the Beta''s chamber, Gemini''s house.


    I let out a heavy sigh as scenes from that moment flooded back into my mind. I had known Gemini right from when she was a baby and I can attest to the fact that this was the most hurt I had ever seen her.


    Gemini was like one of my father''s daughters and I loved their rtionship so much that I decided to be a part of it.


    But I guess today marks the end of all of that, Cause I doubt that after what happened, I would be able to look Gemini in the eyes again.


    I could feel her pain from the matebond and it was unbearable. I should have just exined things to her instead of breaking her heart like that.


    "You''re here, I''ve been looking for you everywhere." Greta, my elder sister said as she pulled up behind me.


    "Wo... Wo... Wo... Wait! Is that tears?"


    I quickly wiped my eyes with the back of my palm, heading back inside to avoid a conversation with Greta.


    "Dad or Gemini? Who are the tears for?"


    "What do you want?" I went straight to the point.


    "Pierre don''t tell me you still haven''t gotten over that Gemini girl?"


    "I''m not discussing Gemini with you, Greta," I warned, my tone firm.


    But Greta wouldn''t back down.


    "Herre, you''re the future Alpha. You can''t afford to be sentimental. Mother exined everything to me. The arrangement with Dora is crucial for the pack''s alliance."


    I clenched my fists, trying to contain my frustration.


    "Mother has no right to meddle in my personal life." So stupid of me to have let her trick me into doing this shit.


    Greta''s expression turned cold.


    "Mother only wants what''s best for this pack, Pierre. And Gemini isn''t it? She''s weak, and she doesn''t even have a wolf. Dora, on the other hand, has a powerful bloodline and connections."


    My anger boiled over.


    "You don''t understand anything, Greta. Gemini may not be the strongest, but she has a good heart. And she deserves better than this."


    Greta''s eyes narrowed.


    "You''re still stuck on her, aren''t you? Pierre, snap out of it! Gemini is just a childhood friend. You need to think about the pack''s future."


    I took a deep breath, trying to calm down.


    "Leave me alone, Greta. I need time to think."


    Greta''s gaze lingered on me before she turned to leave.


    "Pierre, don''t make a mistake that will cost us everything."


    BBB


    As she walked away, I felt the weight of my responsibilities crushing me.


    The mate bond with Gemini still pulsed a constant reminder of my betrayal.


    I wondered if I could ever make things right between us.


    Or if it was already toote.


    Just then, my phone buzzed with an iing text from my mother.


    "Pierre, we need to discuss the arrangements with Alpha Elvis (Dora''s father). Meet me in the study."


    My stomach churned with dread.


    The fate of the pack, and my own heart, hung in the bnce.


    What would be the cost of my duty?


    In the Moonrock pack, it was a tradition to appoint a new Alpha one month after the previous Alpha died. Prior to that, the five elders and the Luna would be the ones in charge of the decision-making.


    But before I''m crowned, I have to reject my actual mate (Gemini) and mark my chosen mate (Dora) just as the elders and I had discussed.


    It was evening the next day, and the town crier''s haunting howl echoed through the pack''s territory, summoning everyone to gather at the central


    square.


    People dropped their daily activities, rushing to join the growing crowd. An air of anticipation and curiosity hung heavy.


    Elder Thompson, a wise and aged member of the pack, stepped forward.


    "Brothers and sisters, we gather here today to witness a solemn event," he announced, his voice grave.


    "A bond severing." He continued, causing the crowd to begin murmuring.


    Elder Thompson raised his hands, and the murmurs ceased.


    "Pierre Wilson, son of Late Alpha Harvey, step forward."


    I emerged from the shadows, my heart heavy with the weight of my decision.


    "Gemini Coleman, daughter of Beta Amelia, step forward.".


    Deep down, I wished Gemini wouldn''t obey the call, so I don''t have to reject her. But just then Gemini appeared, her eyes a little swollen.


    ! could see the disappointment and fury on Gavin''s face as he watched us. Gemini was the apple of his eye and he hated watching her cry. I knew that if not for my position in the pack, he would have beaten me to a pulp.


    Elder Thompson''s gaze locked onto mine.


    "Say the words, son."


    My voice cracked as I spoke.


    "I, Pierre Wilson of Moonrock Pack reject you, Gemini Coleman of Moonrock Pack as my mate."


    Gemini struggled to keep it in, but she couldn''t stop the tears from falling onto her face. She gently damped her hanky on her cheeks before staring directly into my eyes like she had a n to see through my soul.


    She was in so much pain which automatically cost me pain too. I just couldn''t wait to get back to my room and drown myself in several bottles of whiskey.


    The crowd held its collective breath.


    Elder Thompson turned to Gemini, urging her to speak too.


    "I, Gemini Coleman of Moonrock Pack..."


    The words seemed to weigh heavily on her tongue. And for a second, she


    closed her eyes, took a deep breath and let down a stray tear before


    staring back into my eyes.


    The pain in her eyes made me realise how much I hated what I was doing.


    "Go on," Elder Thompson pressed.


    "I ept your rejection."


    Of course, the bond did not just die by saying those words. I just lost that sense of


    ownership and the right to be possessive of her.


    Elder Thompson gave the


    concluding remark "On this day, we


    witness the separation of Pierre Wilson, and Gemini Coleman. They would no longer be seen or addressed as mates, they would have a separate fate and the right to take up a chosen mate if it pleases either party.¡±


    Next morning


    I woke up to a throbbing headache, thanks to how many bottles of whiskey I downed. I couldn''t stop thinking about how fast things between Gemini and I changed.


    I looked at myself in my broken washroom mirror and then down at my bandaged


    hand. That wasn''t enough painpared to what I did to Gemini.


    I freshened up, ready to start a life void of Gemini.


    I wasn''t hungry so I skipped breakfast and headed towards my father''s office.


    But before I could get in, I began to hear some familiar voices around the entrance of the Alpha''s Lair. Intrigued, I went to find out what the issue


    was.


    Beta Amelia Coleman, Gemini''s mother, stood at the entrance of the Lair, nked by Gavin and two guards.


    "Good morning, Your Majesty." Beta Amelia greeted, a worried expression on her


    face.


    "What''s going on here?"


    "Gemini is missing," Gavin announced furiously.


    "What?" I blurted out in disbelief.


    "We thought that maybe she returned to Canada for her graduation which would


    be holding in three days time, but her phone and luggage are in


    er room. She couldn''t have left without them. We''ve searched everywhere we


    could think of, but she isn''t in any of those ces." Beta Amelia added, her voice


    My heart skipped a beat.


    "Gemini wouldn''t just leave without a word,¡± I said, a growing sense of unease creeping over me.


    This is all my fault, I don''t think I can forgive myself if anything happens to her.


    "I don''t mean to bother you, all I need is permission to take the search team." Beta Amelia pleaded.


    "Anything concerning Gemini can never be a bother," I blurted out. "Things might not be going well between the two of us, but she is still a part of this pack."


    1 felt a sharp pain in my head which almost made me curse out loud. My face


    contorted into a pained expression.


    "What''s the matter, your majesty?"


    I knew it was the mate bond, but I wasn''t going to add to their worry.


    "Direct the search team on what to do, I will be with you shortly."


    I closed my eyes, trying to reach Gemini through the mind link. But the connection


    was very weak, the pain persisted and the connection grew weaker. I became even more anxious.


    Soon I lost connectionpletely, "Fuck!" I yelled as I stormed out of the house. "Gemini please stay with me!" I cried, running towards the border like a madman.

 Chapter 2`1

    Gemini''s POV


    "The exnation alone is so scary, I can''t imagine being there. And for seven days..."


    "Without food or water," I added, the feeling fresh in the back of my mind.


    "I wouldn''t do that even to my enemy, talk less of my mate." Gavin expressed his disgust at King Asher''s behaviour.


    "All of this makes me wonder if he paid that much just to make me suffer even after apologising for puking on him. I wish I could rewind time, I would have avoided meeting him at all cost." I admitted, my heart heavy.


    Gavin pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed, "It pains my heart so much whenever someone hurts you like this and I can''t do anything about


    it."


    We spoke for a little longer and I used the moment to let out all my frustration. I also made him make me a promise.


    "Everything I''ve said here is between you and me, Promise me that Mom won''t find out about any of these."


    He held up his pinky finger, his other hand on his chest. "I promise."


    "And you, promise me to stay alive..." He said, his voice filled with emotions.


    A stray tear fell from my eyes and I nodded hopefully, "I promise,"


    The emotional moment was soon cut short by the soft knock on my room''s door.


    "Young miss?" The voice behind the door called.


    "Hold on," I said to Gavin before hurrying to the door.


    I popped my head out of the small opening. And there I found a maid with a


    garment bag in her hand. ¡°Ma¡¯am, his majesty asked me to deliver this to you,"


    I frowned slightly before collecting it from her. As soon as I shut the door, I opened the bag and found a stunning blue dress covered in glitter.


    "Wow, what is that beauty?" Gavin eximed.


    "From his majesty," I bowed sarcastically.


    "13 that his way of apologizing?" The irritation in Gavin''s voice was almost too obvious.


    The ring sound of my ringtone sted in the room. I immediately picked it up to check the caller, "It''s him," I whispered, answering the call and cing it on loudspeaker.


    "I believe you''ve received the dress," he started.


    "Why? What is it for?"


    "Meet me at the grand hall by 7 pm, you will find out."


    I couldn''t stop thinking of what he was about to do or what he wanted from me. Several ideas kept dancing in my mind but all of them seemed impossible judging from the kind of person King Asher was.


    I gazed at my reflection in the mirror and let out a heavy breath. If I could


    endure that dungeon, I can certainly endure any other thing.


    I rubbed my palm on my dress, let out a heavy sigh and marched out. A maid was already waiting for me outside to escort me to the grand hall.


    On getting to the hall, it was filled with a good number of Lycans present. It wasparable to the gathering of five werewolf packs, but I wouldn''t be surprised if this was their Kingdom alone.


    I waspletely disoriented as I tried to understand what they were celebrating. The maid that had been directing me suddenly disappeared into the crowd. I stood at the back of the crowd, totally lost.


    I felt a cold hand mp onto my shoulder, prompting me to turn around. "Over there, ma''am. The King requests your presence."


    Following n''s outstretched finger, I caught a glimpse of King Asher seated on arge chair carved in form of a howling Lycan. His seat was located by the side of the stage and all eyes were fixed on him. His dominant stature radiated authority, his chilled blue eyes scanning the room


    8:01 PM .


    before they locked onto mine. I felt a spine-tingling sensation, but I quicklyposed myself and moved forward, carefully making my way through the crowd.


    The murmurs in the room grew louder as I approached the stage, their expressions showcased curiosity and confusion. As I got closer, King Asher''s lips curved into a faint, unreadable smile.


    "I knew it would look good on you," he remarked as I stopped in front of him. His voice was smooth, but it carried an undertone that made my stomach twist.


    "Why am I here?" I asked bluntly, ignoring hisment and the jealous eyes trying to burn my image to ashes. My heart was pounding, but I refused to let him see any weakness.


    King Asher chuckled softly, leaning back in his chair. "Always so direct, aren''t you? Patience, Gemini. You''ll see soon enough.¡±


    I bit the inside of my cheek to keep from replying to him. A tall Lycan with greying


    hair stepped onto the stage, his presence silencing the crowd/


    "Tonight, we gather to honour our King in his tenth year on the throne," the elder tycan announced, his deep voice booming across the room. "But to crown this celebration, we wee a new bond that strengthens our kingdom a union that will bring stability and power to our kind."


    nov


    My eyes widened, and I froze. A union? My gaze darted back to King Asher, who


    was now watching me intently.


    "What is he talking about?" I demanded, my voice barely above a whisper.


    King Asher rose from his chair, his towering frame casting a shadow over me. "Tonight," he began, addressing the crowd but keeping his eyes on me, "we celebrate the announcement of my second chance mate."


    The room erupted into gasps and murmurs, but all I could hear was the deafening roar in my head.


    "Fuck, Elsie! I''m already in a bad condition" Iined as I massaged my head.


    "Join me as we wee Gemini Coleman-" King Asher said, his eyes urging me to get my ass up.


    He presented all the presentable-


    A Diamond ring.


    A rare gem royal ne.


    A car registered in my name, but the most vital part of the bond remained missing, His MARK.


    Of course, he wasn''t going to mark me, After all, he never counted me as worthy.


    The cool water cascaded down my head as I reyed the whole scenario. I felt so stupid at that moment as I watched Ba''s jealous gaze turn into mockery


    when King Asher handed me the ring box instead of putting it on for me.


    I wrapped myself in a towel, water dripping from my hair as I stepped out of the washroom. The cool air kissed my skin, sending shivers down my spine. Suddenly, my eyesnded on a figure sitting on my couch, his piercing gaze fixed on me. King Asher.


    His unexpected presence caused me shock and as a result, I slipped and was heading for the floor. But before I could hit the ground, King Asher was there, his arms wrapping around me with lightning speed. He pulled me close, his chest pressing against mine as he held me upright.


    For a moment, we just stood there, our bodies touching, our hearts beating in unison and our gaze locked on each other. I felt the urge to do something crazy, something I had been craving since we first met.


    For someone who so much hated my guts, he held me longer than expected. Arising billions of questions in my head.


    The moment felt dreamy, but I couldn''t let myself get lost in this feeling. I pushed away from him, my eyes avoiding his as I tried topose myself. "I was just about toe see you," I said, my voice steady, as if nothing had just happened.


    King Asher''s expression was intrigued, but he didn''t say a word. Instead, he watched me with an intensity that made my skin prickle. I walked over to the drawer, pulled out the ring box, the ne, and the car keys, and handed them back to him.


    "I don''t want these," I said, my voice firm.


    He seemed taken aback by my actions but he didn''t let his surprise linger for so long. I took his hand and ced the items in it before heading into my walk-in wardrobe to get dressed.


    "You don''t get to reject my gifts," he said to my retreating figure.


    He was still there when I stepped out, a thick frown on his face. "I can''t have it,


    I''m not in for pretence, your majesty."


    ¥Õ¥í¥ó


    8:01 PM dd.


    "I''m not the type of woman you want. You made that clear thest time we spoke."


    "I''m not here for this drama," he said setting the things back on my bed. "Take it or leave it, they belong to you."


    I frowned. "Drama you say? If I had not survived that horrible dungeon you put me in, you would have given these gifts to another woman, and yet you call this drama." I became emotional as I remembered what I passed through those days and how I watched my life fade slowly.


    His expression remained as unreadable as ever, though there was a slight flicker of something in his eyes-something almost human. He crossed his arms, his figure towering over me.


    "But you survived," he said simply, his tone devoid of the warmth I desperately wanted to hear.


    My jaw tightened. ¡°That''s all you have to say after what you did? I could have died, Asher!"


    "You left me there for seven days! Without food, without water. Even the strongest man''s armour would break after such punishment, talkless of an ulcer patient."


    Asher''s jaw clenched, the cold mask slipping slightly to reveal a hint of frustration and perhaps something deeper. "You think I don''t know what I''ve done?" he growled, his voice low and dangerous. "Do you think I don''t feet the bond as you do? Every moment you suffered, I felt it too."


    I blinked, startled by his admission.


    He took a step closer, his tone softening but still tinged with his usual authority. "I


    made a mistake. One I cannot undo. But don''t expect me to apologize for testing your strength. You''re alive because you''re stronger than you think-and because you''re mine."


    I shook my head, "I would never be yours. The fact that you bought me doesn''t mean that I would be everything you want." I said, my voice firm despite the crack in it. "If you''re tired of me, then get rid of me once and for all. Let''s put an end to


    this suffering."

 Chapter 3

    Gemini''s POV


    "Ouch! My head hurts." I whispered, holding my head as I forced myself back to reality.


    "What did you expect after having that much drink?" An unfamiliar voice said right beside me. That''s not mom, neither is it Gavin


    Where the fuck am I And who did I spend the night with?


    My eyes still felt heavy but I forced them open.


    As my eyes adjusted to the dim light. I took in my surroundings. I was in a small, cosy room with unfamiliar furniture. A gentle breeze rustled the curtains, carrying the scent of wildflowers.


    The stranger''s voice came from beside me. "Easy Have this- for your bead" He said handing me some pills


    I turned to face him, and my heart skipped a beat


    A handsome, rugged-looking man with piercing blue eyes and chiselled features gazed back at me.


    Yes, he was handsome, but he didn''t look friendly at all and I couldn''t help but get scared. Please, Goddess, tell me he didn''t touch me.


    I looked underneath the nket to confirm if he had truly vited me.


    "Don''t tter yourself- If I had fucked you, you would still feel the heat between your legs


    True.


    Absolutely true.


    I mean, look how big he is. He''s like six feet five inches, so you can imagine what he''d be like down there.


    I shook my head as if shaking off the stupid thoughts ying at the back of my head.


    Looking down at him suspiciously, I asked. "So how did I get into a robe? Did you.."


    "I had the room service give you a bath and dress you in a robe. Your clothes are over there, dress up and leave."


    "If I may ask.... who are you and why did you bring me here if you weren''t interested in sleeping with me?" I stammered, trying to recall the events of the previous night.


    The man who saved your life." He replied, his tone icy.


    "Excuse me?"


    "You were drunk, you ran into my car, I saved you you spilt your gut out on me and tried seducing me to fuck you."


    Now that I know the details, I feel so embarrassed.


    I clenched the nket harder, my cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "I''m. I''m


    really sorry sir. I. I was going through an emotional breakdown."


    "I promise to make it up to you," I said, attempting to apologize.


    The man''s expression remained unyielding, his eyes cold.


    "I don''t think anything you do can make up for this," he said tly. "Just freshen up and leave."


    I felt kind of stupid for how he just rejected my offer, but there again, he saved me. What would have happened if he hadn''t taken mest night?


    "I''m sorry okay, I puked on you and that''s really disgusting. But you don''t have to continue with the cold demeanour." I pleaded.


    "We can talk this out. I just don''t want to be seen as ungrateful. Saving me and bringing me with you was more than enough trouble and I won''t take it for granted."


    My hand instinctively reached out to touch his shoulder.


    "Trying to seduce me again!" he snapped, shrugging off my touch.


    7.59 PM &


    His icy tone made me recoil.


    "No, I just...I''m sorry," I stammered.


    He stood up, towering over me.


    "Your family must be worried about you. Get dressed and leave right away."


    I hastily gathered my clothes and dressed.


    As I reached the door, I turned back to look at him again.


    "Once again, Sorry and Thank you."


    "Ahh fuck!" I moaned, throwing my head backwards as he fondled my nipple.


    "Are you ready to take the craziest ride of your life?" He whispered, seductively biting down on my earlobe.


    I nodded severally like a kindergarten child.


    Use your words, Gem!" Hepelled me, his strong aura causing me to shiver.


    I swallowed hard, trying to find my voice.


    "Fuck me!" I growled.


    "What the fuck Gem?" Gavin''s voice rang in my head, forcing me back to reality.


    Gavin shook his head at me, disappointment on his face. "I don''t even know what to say to you."


    My face flushed with embarrassment as I watched him leave. "You shouldn''t have seen that,"


    "Actually, I wouldn''t have if you had answered the door while I was busy banging. You got me scared, I thought you died of fever."


    "I''m fine! Can you leave now?"


    He continued out and I copsed on my bed, "Shit!"


    For the past few weeks, this guy has been hunting my sleep. I just couldn''t stop dreaming about the tall, handsome and cold prince who saved me that night.


    He had be my fantasy..


    "Good morning Mom," I greeted before taking a seat at the dinner.


    Breakfast happened in a blur and soon, Mom was out, fulfilling her Beta duties. Gavin who had been quiet throughout breakfast copsed by my side as I prepared to watch some Netflix series.


    I could feel his stare heavy on me and it was making me really nervous. He usually did this shit when he was trying to get me to talk about something.


    And just as I expected, he popped a question. "So who is the lucky guy?"


    I rolled my eyes at him, trying to y dumb. "I don''t know what you are talking about."


    "Don''t act fool with me."


    I was really bad at hiding secrets from him, same goes for him,


    "Spill it Gem, Gavin pressed, his eyes locked onto mine.


    I sighed, knowing I coul sound convincing.


    ade him. "There''s no one," I lied, attempting to


    Gavin raised an eyebrow. "Don''t lie to me, sis. I''ve seen the way you''ve been


    spacing outtely. And that... that moaning earlier?"


    My face flushed with embarrassment.


    4


    "Shut up. Gavin!"


    He chuckled. "Seriously, Gem, who is he? Someone from the pack? Do I know


    him?"


    I shook my head, trying to deflect. "No one, Gavin. Just...just my imagination, okay?"


    Gavin''s expression turned sceptical.


    "Imagination, huh? With a guy who makes you moan like that?¡±


    I red at him.


    "Drop it, Gavin."


    He held up his hands.


    "Fine, fine. But know this: I''ll find out eventually."


    I smiled, trying to lighten the mood. "I''m so scared."


    Gavin grinned. "You should be."


    As we bantered, my mind drifted back to him- It''s so unfortunate that I don''t even know the name of the man that''s intruding my thoughts.


    ??


    Gavin''s expression soon turned emotional, "Well, no matter who he is, I''m just


    d he was able to take your mind off Pierre." He said, squeezing my arm lightly.


    ...I just hope he wants you as much as you want him," Gavin said, his eyes filled with concern.


    I looked away, trying to mask my longing.


    "Maybe he''s just a fantasy," I whispered.


    Gavin''s grip on my arm tightened.


    "Or maybe he''s the one who''ll make you forget Pierre for good."


    "I guess we would never know..."


    Or would we?

 Chapter 4

    Pierre''s POV


    It''s been exactly one month since my dad died, which automatically makes it the day I Mark Dora Elvis as my mate and then be the Alpha of Moonrock Pack.


    I let out a heavy sigh as I watched my reflection in the mirror.


    In the past month, my life has not been the best. And it''s so sad that I might have to get used to it, cause once I be Alpha, that would be my normal life.


    As I entered the grand hall, the murmur of conversations ceased, and all eyes turned to me. I scanned the room, acknowledging the familiar faces of pack members, dignitaries, and neighbouring pack leaders.


    "Even the smallest smile would do," my mom whispered as she adjusted my suit. I forced a smile and she nodded in approval, "Congrattions in advance son." The ceremony began, and Elder Thompson''s voice boomed through the hall.


    Today, we gather to witness the mating of Pierre Wilson and Dora Elvis. A union that will strengthen our pack''s alliances and secure our future."


    I nced at Dora, her eyes shining with excitement.


    But my thoughts drifted to Gemini.


    The memory of her tears, her pain, still lingered.


    What had she been up to?


    Had she moved on?


    I couldn''t help but think back to the day she went missing and then returned home bathed in another man''s scent.


    The elder''s words snapped me back to reality.


    "Pierre Wilson, do you ept Dora Elvis as your mate, promising to protect and cherish her?"


    I took a deep breath.


    "I do."


    Dora''s smile faltered for a moment, but she recovered quickly.


    "Dora Elvis, do you ept Pierre Wilson as your mate, promising to stand by his side as Alpha?"


    "I do," she replied, her voice steady.


    The elder pronounced us mated, and the hall erupted in apuse.


    As I turned to Dora, our lips met in a perfunctory kiss.


    Moving on to the next thing on the list, it was time to be crowned Alpha,


    I was just a few seconds from being the Alpha of Moonrock Pack.


    But at what cost?


    Gemini''s POV


    I stood at the back of the hall, observing the ceremony with a mix of emotions.


    Gavin''s whisperedment caught my attention.


    "I don''t know if I''m the only one who sees this, but Pierre doesn''t look happy at


    all." His thoughts surprisingly resonated with mine.


    I nodded silently, sharing his sentiment


    Pierre''s expression seemed forced, his smilecking its usual warmth


    As the elder pronounced Pierre and Dora mated, I felt a pang in my chest.


    Why did it still hurt?


    I thought I''d moved on


    The hall erupted into apuse, and I joined in, trying to blend in.


    Just as the noise subsided, a hush fell over the hall.


    Conversations ceased.


    Breathing slowed.


    The air thickened with anticipation.


    The doors swung open, and a towering figure strode in. I couldn''t see his face because of where stood, but I could swear that the aura in the room was familiar.


    Could we have met before?


    Every head bowed, including mine.


    The silence was oppressive, heavy with reverence.


    No one dared breathe.


    In the silence of the moment, I could hear King Asher''s pounding foot against the hard tiles.


    I thought he was heading to the front until a pair ofrge boots halted in front of


    me.


    Finally, King Asher spoke. "Rise."


    Just like everyone else, I rose up, but what I saw made my heart skip.


    The man who haunted my dreams. The stranger who saved me that fateful night.


    The man I puked on, stood in front of my eyes.


    Our eyes met, and I felt a jolt of electricity.


    "You.. You are the Lycan King?" I stuttered, and that was thest thing I remembered before I passed out.


    "Gemini! Gemini!"


    The distant voices in my head continued to grow louder until I finally woke up.


    Gavin embraced me tight, "Why did you faint like that?"


    My eyes went from Gavin to my mom several times, how was I supposed to tell them that I puked on the Lycan King and that he was probably here to punish me?


    Up until today, I thought I wanted to see him again. But now that I''ve seen him, now that I know who he really is, I find myself regretting ever knowing him. Gavin''s concerned expression made me force a smile.


    "I''m fine, just a little overwhelmed," I lied.


    Mom''s eyes narrowed.


    "Are you sure the Lycan King didn''t do anything to you? Cause I''ve heard about


    his ruthlessness and how he treats people. Maybe he~~~


    I shook my head.


    "It''s nothing. Mom. He didn''t do anything to me. You both should head back to the party, I would be fine."


    759 PM.


    "Nah! I''m not leaving you here, all alone. What if hees out of nowhere and


    tries to hurt you again." Gavin replied, worried.


    I giggled. "He won''t."


    Mom returned to the party cause of


    her Beta duties, but then Gavin


    refused to move an inch from


    1.n


    He even went as far asying his


    baseball bat by his side, just in case.


    After about two hours, Mom returned with an unreadable expression on her face.


    "What''s wrong, mom?" I asked curiously.


    "King Asher is with the board of Elders, the ex Luna and the new Alpha."


    "And?" I asked, knowing she still had more to say.


    "He wants to see you..."

 Chapter 5

    Gemini''s POV


    I almost had a heart attack. Why does he want to see me? What is he going to do with me? 1 took a deep breat before cing west on the door of the boardroom.


    "Enter" King Asher''s deep voicemanded.


    I pushed open the door, my heart racing. The room fell silent as 1 greeted everyone on board, my voice trembling


    "Sint" King Asher ordered, tapping the chair next to him.


    I shifted the chair further away from him before sitting, trying to create distance. But I was shocked when my chat began to move on jes on, sliding closer to King Asher.


    1 gasped, my heart pounding in my chest.


    "Kx, Gemini. King Asher said, his voice low and menacing,


    But how could I rx when his piercing blue eyes seemed to bore into my sonit?


    The board members exchanged uneasy nces, their faces pale,


    "Your Majesty, perhaps we should begin the meeting?" Elder Drake suggested,


    his voiceced with fear.


    King, Asher nodded curtly.


    "Very well. Gemini, I''ve summoned you here for a reason?


    My palms grew sweaty as I sped my hands together.


    "What reason?" I asked, trying to sound brave.


    King Asher leaned back in his chair, his eyes glinting with calction,


    So your Alpha and I were just talking about how much you''re worth


    I nced at Pierre, who avoided my eyes, and back at King Asher.


    "I''m sorry, I don''t understand," I stammered


    He leaned forward, his face inches from mine,


    "I want to own you. What does it take for me to own you?" King Asher finished, his


    eyes burning with interity.


    My heart stopped for a bit.


    "Own the?" I repeated, my voice barely audible.


    King Asher''s gaze never wavered.


    "Yes, Gemini, State your price, and I''ll make the arrangements"


    My heart clenched as I tried to process his words.


    "You can''t put a price on a person," I protested.


    King Asher''s smile grew wider, his eyes cold.


    "Well said, bast 1 feet the need to


    Has normal cold and expressionless face had disappeared, reced by the look of a stomater calcting its moves.


    "After all, I condo have done anything to you that night. Mark you, make you mine, and no one would dare question me. But here I am, trying t negotiate


    I shok my head knowingly. "This is not a negotiation, f''m well aware of that


    Because whether or not I agree in go with you, you would still sakr me either way"


    7:59 PM & d.


    King Asher''s expression turned cial. "You''re not wrong, though...


    My mom shifted ufortably. "Your Majesty, please, isn''t there anything else


    you are interested in?"


    "Unfortunately, no?"


    His gaze intensified, his voice dripping with malice. "I''ll give you a choice, Gemini.¡±


    My heart pounded. "What choice?" I whispered.


    Asher leaned back in his chair. "Either you ept my offer and be mine."


    He paused, his eyes glinting. "Or your pack suffers the consequences."


    The room fell silent.


    Pierre''s eyes snapped to mine, filled with rm.


    "What consequences?" I whispered.


    Asher''s expression turned cold. "War. Destruction. Annihtion."


    My breath caught.


    He couldn''t have meant it. Could he?


    I trembled, my mind racing.


    "What makes you think I''m worth this?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.


    King Asher''s expression turned cial. "I decide who is worth my money and who is not."


    Pierre''s face darkened. "Your Majesty, there are other beautiful girls in our pack, why Gemini?"


    King Asher''s gaze snapped to Pierre. "Why does it worry you, do you both have something we don''t know about?"


    The board members exchanged fearful nces.


    Mom''s voice trembled. "Your Majesty, please reconsider-


    "No." Asher interrupted.


    His eyes locked onto mine. "You have 48 hours to decide."


    The room seemed to shrink, suffocating me. "Choose wisely, Gemini," Asher warned.


    "Refuse, and your pack burns."


    No emotion, no empathy.


    Just cold, hard steel.


    I felt trapped, and helpless.


    "What guarantee do I have?" I whispered.


    Asher''s smile twisted. "My word. And that''s all you''ll get."


    The silence was oppressive.


    Pierre''s eyes pleaded with me.


    Mom''s face was etched with worry.


    I knew what I had to do.


    But fuck it! I wasn''t ready for that sh?t.


    I''d leave you all to ponder how much you are willing to let her go for. I know


    you''re in a lot of debt, so consider this a prayer answering moment."


    7:59 PM dd.


    He stood, fixed his suit and exited the room, followed closed by his subordinates. Everyone''s eyes fell on me, filled with a mix of concern, fear, and expectation. "Fuck this shit!"


    I dashed out of the room, running after King Asher.


    "Why are you doing this?" I yelled as soon as I got close enough.


    He didn''t even bother to spare me a nce and this made me even more anxious.


    "I asked to make it up to you, but you refused. So why are you doing this now?


    One of his guards stepped forward as if to stop me from further approaching him, but King Asher stopped him in his tracks.


    King Asher stepped forward, closing the space between us. As a girl of five foot five. I had to lift my face to see him properly. This kind of made the moment seem intimate.


    My heart was beating faster than it


    usually


    ould. I looked away, unable


    to continue the stare-down. Ite


    almost felt like I was having another


    episode of my sex dream.


    If I were you, I''d be saying my goodbyes and not trying to negotiate a fate that has


    already been decided." He said finally before continuing his walk.


    I was left filled with a sense of longing and desperation.


    I stood frozen, watching King Asher disappear into the distance.


    His words echoed in my mind.


    "A fate that has already been decided."


    Was I truly destined to be his?

 Chapter 6

    Gemini''s POV


    "Fuck!" I yelled, flipping over the side table with the vase on it.


    Gavin pulled up behind me and held me in ce to stop me from breaking any more stuff. "You really need to calm down, sist


    "Breaking all these things won''t change anything,"


    His words inly portrayed the truth and I felt the worst of myself for being in this situation.


    I can''t believe I prayed to meet this ogre again, Fuck!


    I slid down the wall, my hands in my already messed-up hair.


    "Why does fate always find it cool to mess with me?" My words were followed by intense sobs.


    I was broken, angry and confused. My fate had been sealed, yet I hoped there was a way out of this shit. I could run away, but I could also consider myself a rogue from there on, cause he promised to do all those miserable things to my pack if I refused to be his property,


    JEverything is going to be fine, trust me! It can''t always be as bad as it seems." Gavin tried to cheer me up, but I wasn''t just having it


    "Yeah, of course. But it could be worse!" Tears streamed down my face. "I just hate myself so much! If I wasn''t such a weakling, my mate wouldn''t have rejected me and I wouldn''t have to spend the rest of my life with a demon."


    Gavin pulled me closer, his jaw in my head as he squeezed me in his embrace. "After Mom, you are the strongest woman I know, Gem. You always find a way to make the best out of the bitter experiences life throws at you."


    "I admire you a lot, Gem. And I love you even more."


    "If I have toe along as a bonus package, I would. But please don''t me yourself for any of this, it''s not your fault and will never be."


    He kissed my forehead gently and I melted in his embrace.


    The creek of the door tore us apart.


    "Mom!" We both called and a familiar figure emerged out of the shadows.


    My brows arched as I hoped to hear good news, but rather she shook her head in resignation.


    "The Elders already decided, they would take the money."


    Fresh tears burst out of my eyes at the sound of her words. I knew this was it, but deep down I wished I could juste out of this nightmare.


    Morn pulled us both into a nice and warm embrace which seemed to calm me more than I expected.


    We spent the rest of the time reliving old memories, the same ones I wished to remember whenever I got bored or lonely at the Lycan''s Kingdom This was it, the second to thest night I would be spending with my family.


    I really wished Gavin coulde with me, but I wasn''t going to let him sabotage his future alongside me, so I discouraged him froming along.


    This was my FATE and I was ready to face it head-on.


    The night ran by in a sleepless blur. Iy in bed, staring at the ceiling as tears silently streamed down my face. Tomorrow was the day my forty eight hour grace would be over, also the day I would leave everything behind my family, my friends, my freedom.


    A faint knock on my room window broke the silence. "Gem, can Ie in?" His voice was soft yet demanding


    *Piene?"


    I slowly got out of bed, my heart heavy with emotions. I approached the window, and Pietre''s pleading eyes met mine. "Gem, please let me in I need to talk to you." His voice wasced with desperation, but I didn''t care.


    I was still reeling from the pain he had caused me. "Go away, Pierre," I whispered,


    trying to keep my emotions in check as I slid my curtains to shut


    his face out.


    But he didn''t leave.


    7:50 PM.


    He kept knocking on the window, his desperate pleas to let him in.


    I was tired of his persistence, tired of the pain he had caused me. I turned away from the window and walked back to my bed. I grabbed a pillow and covered my head, trying to block out the sound of his knocking.


    But he didn''t stop.


    He kept knocking, his knocks growing louder and more insistent. I felt a surge of anger and frustration. Why wouldn''t he just leave me alone?


    I threw off the pillow and stalked back to the window. I flung it open, and Pierre''s eyes met mine. "What do you want, Pierre?" I spat my anger and hurt boiling over.


    Pierre''s face was etched with pain and regret. "Gemini," He called softly.


    But I didn''t want to hear him out. I didn''t want to have anything to do with him. "Just leave me alone, Pierre," I whispered, my voice cracking with


    emotion.


    But Pierre didn''t leave. Instead, he climbed into my room, his eyes never leaving mine.


    "What the heck are you doing?" I shouted.


    The moment hisst leg flew in, he steadied his hands on my waist and without warning, he kissed me.


    His lips crashed down on mine, sending a jolt of electricity through my body. I tried to push him away, but he held me tight, his arms wrapping around me like a vice. His kiss was intense, passionate, and all-consuming. It was like he was trying to pour all his emotions into me, to make up for the pain he had caused.


    But I didn''t want his kiss. I didn''t want his apologies or his regrets. I just wanted him to leave me alone. I tried to push him away again, but he held me tight, his lips still locked on mine. It was like he was trying to brand me, to mark me as his. And I hated it. I hated him.


    But despite my hatred, anger, and hurt, I couldn''t help but feel a spark of attraction-a spark that I quickly extinguished, reminding myself of all the pain Pierre had caused me. I finally managed to push him away, gasping for air.


    I sent his face in the opposite direction with a resounding p I had prepared for him for a while now.


    ¡°Get out,¡± I spat, my eyes zing with anger. Pierre''s face was etched with pain and regret, but he didn''t leave.


    Instead, he took a step closer to me, his eyes burning with intensity. "I''m not going anywhere, Gem. I just want to spend the night with you, to say my goodbye."


    My door fell open at that heated moment and an imposing figure stood in front of my room door.


    "Shit!" I cursed at the unexpected sight.

 Chapter 7

    Gemini''s POV


    My door fell open to an angry vin-


    "How dare youe close to my sister after the humiliation you caused her?" Gavin''s enraged voice threw me off bnce.


    His eyes burned with an intensity I had only witnessed once in my life. The day I was embarrassed and bullied by one of those rich seniors at school.


    Despite knowing that Tony had people of authority ready to side with him, Gavin fought him to thest, making sure to teach him a good lesson before having to go for a non-negotiable one month suspension,


    He did that all for me, and without regrets,


    And here he was again, his fist clenched as he faced Pierre,


    Gavin had been harbouring this intention ever since he learned about how unreasonable Pierre had been the day I caught him in bed with Dora.


    Gavin''s eyes zed with anger as he charged at Pierre. "You think you can just hurt my sister and get away with it?" he growled, his fists flying.


    I tried to intervene, but Gavin was too far gone, "Gavin, stop! Please!" I begged, grabbing at his arm.


    And of course, he shook me off, his focus solely on Pierre. Pierre tried to defend himself, but Gavin was relentless. He punched and kicked making sure to pour out his anger and frustration.


    I was terrified, Gavin could get in serious trouble for this. He could be banned from the pack. But he didn''t seem to care.


    Just when it seemed like Gavin was going to kill Pierre, I remembered my mom. She was the only one who could stop Gavin when I couldn''t. She had gone for night duties where she supervised the guards at the border and I doubted she would pick up my calls. But either way, I pulled out my phone and dialled her number.


    I heard the piercing sound of her cellphone which brought me to the realisation that she had left her phone at home,


    "Shit!"


    Due to how weak my wolf was, I couldn''t use a mindlink either. This was one of the moments where I cursed my wolf''s disability.


    I ran back to my room where Pierre was about to get devoured. I expected him to fight back but he wasn''t. He only protected his face from getting harmed by Gavin''s merciless fist.


    Gavin delivers a vicious kick to Pierre''s stomach, causing him to stagger backwards.


    "Gavin please that''s enough, you don''t want the whole pack to gather here and witness this."


    Gavin''s eyes sted with rage as he kept on walloping Pierre. I tried to intervene again, grabbing at his arm and pleading with him to stop. "Gavin, please! That''s enough! You''re going to get in trouble!"


    But Gavin was beyond reasonable. He shook me off again, his focus solely on Pierre. I stumbled backwards, losing my bnce. I fell hard on the floor, my elbow cracking against the hardwood.


    Gavin''s rage-filled eyes shed towards me, "Shit?" He cursed.


    His eyes locked onto mine, and I saw the rage clear from his expression. He rushed over to me, his face etched with concern. "Gem, oh my god. I''m so sorry I didn''t mean to hurt you."


    He gently lifted me into his arms, cradling me like a child. I winced in pain, my elbow throbbing. Gavin''s eyes filled with tears as he apologized again and again The window fell shut and I figured that Pierre had used the opportunity to escape. My gaze turned back to Gavin who was still pleading with me, his eyes filled with regret. "I''m so sorry, Gem. I was just so angry. I couldn''t control myself"


    I reached up and touched his face, trying tofort him. "It''s okay, Gavin, I also wanted Pierre to suffer, but not at the expense of your freedom. You know you could get banned from the pack for this, right?"


    vin''s gaze remained firm. "I don''t care, Gem. I would do anything I can to protect you. Anything. No matter the consequences"


    1


    7.59 PM


    Sleepless and heart-aching were the sequence the rest of the night took. I only found sleep a few minutes to dawn. But as fast as it came, it disappeared, thanks to the chocking aura that had enveloped my room.


    I rubbed my eyes severally with the back of my palm, stretching my limbs. I let out


    a massive, jaw-cracking yawn, and... identally let out a loud fart. I was mortified. The sound was embarrassing, even for me.


    I opened my eyes to the white ceiling and then proceeded to sit up. And in that moment, I realized that I wasn''t alone in the room. Seated on the chair across from me, with a neutral expression on his face, was Asher - the Lycan King.


    My heart sank, and my face burned with embarrassment. I quickly scrambled out of bed, trying topose myself. "Your majesty, what are you doing here?" I stuttered.


    His expression remained neutral, only that he wasn''t looking me in the eyes. His gaze was fixed on my chest.


    I pulled my nket over the free white top I was wearing, covering my pointed nipples. Only then did his gaze return to me.


    "Get dressed, we leave in ten-"


    I nodded hastily, still feeling embarrassed and self-conscious about my morning


    tulence. "Y-yes, Your Majesty. I''ll get dressed right away."


    "Don''t bete!" he ordered, his voice low and even, devoid of any emotion.


    With that, he turned and walked out of my room, leaving me feeling even more uneasy and intimidated.


    I scrambled out of bed, freshened up and began to get dressed.


    As I finished getting dressed, I took a deep breath and steeled myself for what was toe. I had no idea what King Asher had nned, but I was determined to face it head-on.


    I walked out of my room and found King Asher waiting for me in the hallway. He didn''t even look at me, just turned and began walking away.


    "Take her bags!" He ordered his minions.


    Sadness loomed over my mom and Gavin and they just stood by the side, watching us leave.


    I walked slowly behind as I tried to catch a final glimpse of my family.


    King Asher seemed to have noticed and this made him halt, "I gave you enough time for goodbyes," he snarled, his voice cutting through the air like a de. His icy gaze swept over everyone, daring them to defy him.


    I winced at his pull, my elbow still hurting fromst night.


    I wanted to run back to Gavin, to bury myself in my mother''s arms and never leave. But the weight of King Asher''smand locked me in ce, paralysed by hismanding presence. I could feel his grip tightening around my arm-a silent reminder of the price my pack would have to pay if I dared to disobey, "I''m so sorry, Your Majesty, but Gemini isn''t going anywhere."


    The voice was calm but unyielding. It sliced through the tension like a de. All heads turned to the doorway, where a lone figure stood, fearless and resolute.


    My heart stopped. No one defied the Lycan King-and lived.

 Chapter 8

    Gemini''s POV


    King Asher''s eyes went from those beautiful blue gems to ava red and back again in a split second.


    At the threshold of our Beta''s chamber stood a face no one thought they would be seeing anytime soon- Elder Amarok, the eldest member of the pack, a reputable


    seer.


    "Move!" King Asher ordered effortlessly, but his aura alone was capable of strangling the life out of Elder Amarok.


    I shuddered on the elder''s behalf, this could be the end of him if someone doesn''t intervene.


    "Your majesty¡ª" Elder Amarok called, his words bubbling in him, ready to be let out. "I bet you don''t want to do this," his words sound like he had sensed a great danger, but the biggest danger was in front of his eyes.


    I caught a glimpse of Pierre watching by the corner of the entrance. Could he have had a hand in this?


    A guard stepped forward as if to get a hold of the oldie, but I got in between them as fast as I could. "Elder, please... Now is not the time, please keep your silly visions to yourself. After all, it ain''t even that urate."


    Let''s go, Your Majesty." I ced my hand on his wrist as I tried to pull him with


    me.


    Deep down, I prayed he would overlook everything and just move with me, but instead, he did just what I had thought he would.


    He stood unshaken, his eyes boring into Elder Amarok''s. "As an elder, I expected you to be well aware of the consequences of going against my orders."


    Elder Amarok nodded yet he didn''t waver. "Yes your majesty, but I also know that your decision to take Gemini could be one of the worst mistakes you would make in your lifetime."


    King Asher''s expression didn''t change, and his eyes were still boring into Elder Amarok''s. ¡°Yourst warning!" he said, his voice cold and detached.


    Elder Amarok''s face remained calm, but I could sense a hint of desperation in his eyes. "Your Majesty, please¡ª"


    King Asher raised his hand, cutting off the elder''s words. "Enough," he said, his voice dripping with disdain. "Guards, take the him away."


    The guards moved forward, but I quickly spread my hands as if trying to shield Elder Amarok. "Wait, please don''t hurt him!" I pleaded.


    King Asher''s eyes shed with annoyance, "Gemini!"


    "Your Majesty, please, do this for me."


    King Asher''s expression remained icy. "Some crimes can never go unpunished," he said, his voice cold and detached.


    He turned to the guards. "Take the old hag away. And as for you, Gemini... you''reing with me."


    He reached out and grabbed my arm, pulling me away from Elder Amarok. I struggled against his grip, but he was too strong. I was dragged away, helpless to stop King Asher''s cruel intentions.


    Silence enveloped the car and I watched the road in horror, thinking of what my life was likely to be like after getting to the Lycan''s.


    Feeling suffocated, I pulled out a gum from my handbag and began chewing away to calm my.nerves.


    It was something I did when I needed to talk but couldn''t- I wanted to talk, to know his reason for paying fifty million dors just to have me.


    King Asher''s eyes flicked towards me, and I felt a shiver run down my spine. He turned to face me, his expressionless face making my heart beat faster than ever before.


    He leaned in close, his face inches from mine. I could feel his war?n breath on my skin, and it sent shivers down my spine. My heart was racing, and I couldn''t help but wonder what he was going to do next.


    The air was thick with tension, and I could feel the electricity between us. It was like the whole world hade to a standstill, and all that mattered was the two of


    us.


    Suddenly, King Asher''s hand reached out and pressed hard against my cheek. My mouth opened in response, and he took advantage of the opportunity. He reached into my mouth and pulled out the gum, his fingers brushing against my lips.


    I felt a jolt of electricity at the touch, and my heart skipped a beat. King Asher''s


    eyes locked onto mine, and I saw a flicker of something there.


    7:59 PM.


    something that looked almost like desire.


    "You''re no longer a little girl, Gemini," he said, his voice low and husky. "It''s time you started acting like it."


    1 froze, my body hardening under his little touches, the thumping of my heart


    grew even heavier when I noticed his gaze wasn''t leaving mine, neither was he pulling away.


    What the heck does he want?

 Chapter 9

    Asher POV


    Frozen at that moment, I couldn''t get myself to look away from her lips. They were not so sexy at the moment but they all managed to que me Looking up at her face, 1 caught a pale and horrified expression posted on it. Not forgetting the hot red colour on her cheeks.


    Staring at her, all I could see was a vulnerable girl. And for a moment, 1 felt something, A flutter in my chew, a skip in my hearthed. It was irregr, and so not me I didn''t like it


    1 pulled away immediately, maintaining an expressionless face, "There''s a lot you have to learn if you want to be found worthy to be the Lycan King''spanion I said, my voice cold and detached


    Gemini looked at me, her eyes shing with defiance. And in her heart, I heard her way, ''But I never said I wanted to be the Lycan King''spanion.


    I smiled to myself, a stoic and calcted smile. "I told you, Gemini, I said, my voice dripping, with malice, "You don''t have a choice?


    The car came to a halt, and the door opened to a train of bowed heads, "Wee back, Your Majesty? They chanted in unison.


    I stepped out of the car, Gemini following closely behind me. I could feel her eyes on me, sense her fear and her resistance.


    We walked in on the weing faces of the maids who quickly assisted in carrying Gemini''s luggage and leading her to one of the guests rooms.


    I met up with my Beta, n at the office -we still had a lot of unfinished projects, and my days at Moonrock Pack had shortened the time we had to work on them.


    I sat down behind my desk, gesturing for n to take a seat. "We need to discuss the current projects, I said, my eyes scanning the documents in front of me. "The new trade agreement with the Nightshade Pack is pending, and we need to finalize the details as soon as we can!


    n nodded, taking notes as 1 briefed him on the various projects, "We also need to review the security protocols for the uing full moon," I added. "And I want


    you to personally oversee the construction of the new pack lodges?


    As I finished my briefing, I noticed a document that caught my eye, "Ah, yes. The human scientists. We have a meeting with them next week to discuss the terms of our deal?


    n raised an eyebrow. "You''re still considering their proposal, Your Majesty?"


    I nodded. "Yes, 1 am. Their research could be beneficial to our pack, and I''m willing to take the risk


    "And yes, there''s actually nothing to worry about, because if they try anything funny, we can always tear them apart in one snap." I joked, my usual deadly jokes.


    "Thats that for now. I would be expecting feedback from you by Friday,test. Meaning you have three days to oversee all of this and make sure there''s an evident progress on every single one of them."


    As the sun began to set, casting a warm orange glow over the office, I realized that I had worked till evening. I stood up, stretching my muscles. "I''ll review the rest of the documentster, n You''re dismissed."


    n bowed and left the room, leaving me to make my way back to the dining hall. As I entered, I was surprised to see Gemini already seated, her chair next to the head of the table where I usually sat


    She looked up as I approached, her eyes meeting inine in a very brief nce before she turned back to her food and acted like she hadn''t seen me at all


    I raised an eyebrow, intrigued by her boldness. Who did she think she was, taking a seat close to mine?


    Other than standing there and killing me with your eyes, you might as well tell me what I did wrong"


    Our eyes met once again and I couldn''t tell if she was doing this on purpose to get me angry or if she was really curious.


    "What did I do wrong? Her gaze held mine and this time it wasn''t returning to her food.


    I was sincerely ready to st the maids for not telling her where she was supposed to sit but there came her next statement. "Do you really expect me to sit down there she pointed, making me look across the table, at the other end of the table, while mypanion- the did an air quote while she said the wordpanion, seats ten empty chairs away?


    My hrows furrowed at her question how dare the question my authority?


    8:00 PM


    1 mmed my hand on the table right in front of her, causing her to flinch, and then my other hand at the back of her chair, squeezing desperately as I held back the urge to pull her out of that chair and


    teach her some respect. But I


    aline


    restrained myself, my grip on the chair tightening, as 1 struggled to maintain control.


    "You will do as you''re told, Gemini," I growled, my voice low and menacing. "You


    will not question my authority, and you will not defy me


    Gemini''s eyes shed with defiance, but she wisely kept her mouth shut. I could smell her fear, but she refused to show it


    I leaned in closer, my face inches from hers. "Do I make myself clear?" I asked, my voice dripping with malice,


    Gemini nodded, her eyes never leaving mine as she picked up her te and made her way to the other end of the table. Despite the space between us, the tension remained heavy with unspoken words.


    I straightened up, my eyes never leaving hers. "Good," I said as I watched her


    pick up her fork angrily. "-let''s proceed with dinner.


    I intended to eat much more than I did, being that I skipped breakfast at Moonrock pack and then I didn''t¨¨ have lunch either. But then watching her y around with her food without putting any in her mouth made my food sour.


    ¡°Can you stop acting like a child and just eat your-"


    "I lost my appetite," her words cut through my unfinished ones. And without


    warning, she set down her fork and walked out of the dining room.


    felt a sting in my chest.


    My ego was hurt-


    The air thickened, and I clenched my fists as I watched her retreating figure. For


    the first time in years, I couldn''tmand the situation. And I hated it.


    It felt so strange and unlike me-


    I need to do something about this, I can''t let this continue...

 Chapter 10

    Gemini''s POV


    "Has he introduced you to his kingdom yet?" Gavin''s question seemed to divert from our original conversation and it caused me to feel a little bit of difort.


    He seemed to noticed that and immediately apologized, "I''m sorry, I didn''t mean to switch topics like that... I was just curious."


    "Well no! If that helps. He hasn''t."


    Gavin''s eyes grew wider, hinting at his surprise. "No?" He said as if trying to make me repeat my words, but when I rolled my eyes sadly in response, he knew I was dead serious.


    "But wait, isn''t it over a week already?"


    I sighed in confirmation of his words, "I just don''t get it-" I set my phone on the headboard, taking a morefortable position. "Sometimes, I sit back and wonder why he paid such a huge amount to take me..."


    Another sigh escaped my lips as I ran my fingers through my hair, trying to make sense of my thoughts. ¡°I mean, he hasn''t even made any advances," I blurted out, the words tumbling from my lips before I could stop them.


    There was silence on Gavin''s end of the line, and the moment it hit me what I had just said, my face heated up. "Wait! No, that''s not what I meant," I said quickly, sitting upright.


    But it was toote. Gavin''sugh was already echoing through the speaker, full of mischief. "Oh, Gemini," he teased, dragging my name out in that yful tone of his. "Are you actuallyining about the Lycan King not making a move? Craving his touch already, are we?"


    "What?!" I sputtered, my face turning an even deeper shade of red. "No, absolutely not! That''s not what I meant, and you know it, Gavin!"


    Heughed even harder, clearly enjoying my flustered state. "Sure, sure. You''re totally not wondering why a tall, brooding, super-rich Lycan King hasn''t swept you off your feet yet."


    I groaned and flopped back onto the bed, pulling a pillow over my face to muffle my frustration. "Can you stop being such an idiot for once? I was just saying it''s weird, that''s all. He pays fifty million for me, buys me fancy dresses and then... nothing. No exnation, no reason why I''m here. It''s like I''m just... existing in his house."


    ¡°Uh-huh," Gavin replied, and I could practically hear the grin in his voice. "Existing and secretly wishing he''de knocking on your door in the middle of the night.


    "Of course not!" I snapped, though the heat in my cheeks betrayed me.


    "Really?" Gavin tilted his head, pretending to examine me. "Then why do you look like a tomato whenever it''s being mentioned? Hmm? Could there be another exnation for that?"


    I rolled my eyes at him, knowing fully well that I had no way out of this except- "You know what? Goodbye, I''ve heard enough of your shenanigan for one day. I said before hurriedly disconnecting the call.


    "Ma''am," I heard almost immediately after I dropped the call. "Dinner is served!"


    I sighed, knowing fully well what awaited me. "Can I have it in my room instead?"


    There was a brief silence on the other end before she spoke again, "I''m sorry ma''amn, but the King requests your presence.


    I stabled my thoughts, letting out a deep sigh as I prepared for tonight''s drama. But never did I think that I was going to be the director of it-


    I stared intently at him as he devoured his food, wishing he would do the same with me.


    A strand of hair hung over his face and I watched him blow it away in the sexiest way I had ever seen. He licked his bottom lip, causing me to swallow hard at the thought of our lips on each other. The thought alone filled me with goosebumps and I wondered what I would be like if it happened for real.


    "What do you care for, My Lady? Orange juice or wine? A voice asked beside me.


    But once again, my reply breezed out before I could process it in my mind. "His majesty!"

 Chapter 11

    Asher''s POV


    Despite the fact that I could hear what was going on in her mind, I was still very shocked when I heard her say it out loud.


    "That''s not what I meant," she stuttered, trying to exin herself to the maid. "I was going to say that I would have whatever his majesty was having."


    "Alright ma''am," the maid said with a nod before pouring her a ss of wine.


    As soon as the maid left, she looked up at me. Her throat bobbed as she swallowed a heavy lump. "That''s not what I meant you know... I didn''t mean for it toe out like that."


    "Hmm" I sighed knowingly.


    "I should probably keep quiet," she said, turning her gaze to her food,


    I chuckled as I watched her stuff food in her mouth just to avoid any more conversations or even eye contact,


    Gemini can be really clumsy at times, but instead of finding it irritating, I found it funny. But then I made a mental note to work on that, cause no


    natter what her role here was, she still represents me.


    Speaking of representation, "Gemini!" I called her name sharply, my voice cutting through the clinking of cutlery against tes. She froze mid- bite, her wide eyes flicking up to meet inine.


    "Y-yes, Your Majesty?" she stammered, her cheeks puffed slightly with the food she was yet to swallow,


    I allowed the silence to linger, watching her curiosity grow. Outwardly, I maintained the mask I had worn for years-confined, frosty- however deep down, I couldn''t resist noticing her vulnerability, She looked fragile, yet there was a stubborn determination beneath her fear.


    "My parents would make an arrival at the Kingdom tomorrow," I said, letting the weight of my words sink in before thinking to continue. "And I expect you to represent me well when they do."


    She blinked at me, her fork slipping from her hand and ttering against her te, "Your... your parents? Tomorrow?"


    "You heard me," I said curtly.


    She nodded uncertainly. "They will want to meet you and most definitely, evaluate you." I continued.


    "Evaluate me?" she echoed, her voice barely audible.


    I leaned forward slightly. "You are under my authority, Gemini, and as such, your every action would have to reflect mine."


    "My parents expect perfection in terms of manners,posure, everything. Do not embarrass me."


    "I may be able to handle your shit, but they won''t..."


    Her throat bobbed as she swallowed hard. "They seem to be in search of a perfectionist, and I... I don''t think I am-"


    "You don''t have the luxury of doubt," I interrupted, my voice cutting through her words like ice. "You will do everything right, because Imand 31."


    She hesitated, her hands twisting in herp. Not like I could see it, you know... because of the distance. But i could sense her every move.


    Barely above a whisper, she said, ¡°It feels like you''re asking me to be someone I''m not."


    "Gemini!" I called with an intention to silence her. "I''m not asking you to be someone else, I just want you to be a ssic version of yourself. That''s all"


    Her lips parted as if she wanted to argue, but no words came. Instead, she nodded, her gaze dropping back to her te.


    "Good," I said, sitting back. "We ll review the formalities in the morning. For now,pose yourself. And do try to avoid mistakes from tomorrow


    Her head snapped up, a flicker of rebellion in her eyes, but she said nothing. Instead, she speared a piece of meat with more force than necessary as she muttered under her breath


    I didn''t bother asking what she said. It didn''t matter What mattered was that she would be ready. She had to be.


    8:00 PM & &.


    n and 1 stood eyes closed in a hidden cavern deep underground. This cavern stayed lit by the moonlight by night and sunlight by day. The brightness of both lights sipping in from a small crack at the western side of the temple, giving it an ethereal glow.


    The square felt ancient and untouched by time, with ancient stone walls covered in runes or symbols. The sound of dripping water and distant echoes added a sense of mystery and age. The Cavern radiated with an otherworldly energy, making it an ideabce for the Sage to perform rituals or to


    connect with spiritual forces.


    It was no ordinary Cavern, it was the Lycan Sage''s temple-


    "Have you confirmed again if she was truly thedy you met the other night?" The voice of a one-thousand-year-plus Lycan echoed through the


    Despite his age, the wrinkles on his face could be counted and he could be


    I nodded, my eyes still shut. "She is the one." I said, my reply firm


    "And the mark?"


    I felt a sudden constriction in my throat, "I haven''t checked the mark recently. It''s


    on the lower part of her chest and she isn''t one to expose her body I exined.


    You mean you paid fifty million dors without confirming if she really had the mark?"


    The sage''s question seemed to anger me, causing my eyes to pop open before hemanded it. "I know what I saw! I don''t need to confirm it any further


    "Hmm


    The Lycan Sage let out a heavy breath, the ancient cavern echoing the sound like a distant rumble of thunder. His aged eyes, sharp despite the years, locked onto mine. I could feel his judgment, though his wrinkled face remained stoic. His hands, worn by time, moved slowly as he traced the symbols on the stone walls, lost in thought. I couldn''t me him for questioning me, though it irked me more than I cared to admit. My carelessness had put me in this position, but I wasn''t going to show it.


    Silence hung between us for a moment and the sage studied me as though he were reading my very soul, as if he could see through the walls I had carefully built. Finally, he sighed.


    "You may go the sage said, dismissing us with a wave of his hand.


    n walked behind me as we took a step towards the entrance. But Just as we reached the cavern''s entrance, the sage''s voice called out again, stopping me in my tracks,


    "Asher," he intoned, his voice grave. "Onest thing.


    I turned slowly, annoyed but willing to hear him out.


    "Make sure you don''t have an affair with her before the full moon," the sage warned, his gaze locking onto mine with unnerving intensity. "If you do, this entire arrangement-everything you''ve set in motion-could be rendered useless "You should also know that being second-chance mates makes it even harder to abstain from her, but don''t let the mate bond trick you."


    I didn''t say anything, but my heart raced. The weight of his words hit me harder than I was willing to admit. I had always known that the bond with Germani would not be simple, being that I didn''t want any other mates. But there again, she had a vital role to y in my destiny and fucking it up because of the mate bond can never be a great idea....


    But even as 1 thought those words, my mind betrayed me. I couldn''t help but think of her-her eyes, her uncoordinated words, her lips, her transparency.


    "Dor


    Arper th


    But t

 Chapter 12

    Gemini''s POV


    "Oh my... this is so tiring," I whined, copsing on the bed like I had no hope at


    all.


    I had been pacing back and forth in my walk-in wardrobe for more than an hour now,


    all


    ts to find a nice andfortable dress, unsessful.


    He said we would go through the formalities today, and yet he was nowhere to be seen, neither did he send anyone to help me pick out a dress that would appeal to his so-called perfectionist parents.


    I sighed and rolled my eyes inwardly- not like I had ns to please them anyway.


    I just want to get the fuck out of this house, this Kingdom and this life that the Lycan King had forced me into. I just want to go home- I pped my leg on the bed like a grumbling child.


    I picked up my phone, my fingers sliding through the screen like a practised move. "I can''t find anything I like, I need help !!!" The exmation mark seemed ordering, also making it sound like I was screaming at him.


    I can''t send that to him... I could get in trouble for that.


    exchanged the exmation with a full stop and for the next thirty minutes, I kept staring into my phone, hoping to receive his reply.


    The message had already ticked twice, which meant he was online, but probably too busy to be dealing with me.


    My eyes soon became weak from staring, and they slowly began to close.


    About forty-five minutester, I woke up to the faint sound of my ringtone. "Hello," I said into the phone, my tone dreamy.


    "I would send someone to give you my ck card. Buy anything you find


    appealing." Before I could even say my reply, his voice vanished into the thin air.


    I scoffed as I threw my phone recklessly on the bed.


    In less than ten minutes, the card was delivered to me.


    My phone vibrated on the bed, followed by the sound of iny ringtone. "I''ve gotten


    the card, thanks." I said immediately I answered the call.


    "Go get your dress immediately, they will be here soon." He said inly.


    "Got it!" I replied but my reply was caught up with the beep that indicated the end of the call.


    Jerk: You could have texted me instead.


    He said to be a ssic version of myself... I recalled with a wide grin as I stood in front of a fancy store with expensive-looking designer hoodies on disy. The shop''s ss windows showcased rows of luxurious outfits meant for those who belonged here-not someone like me. But I was gonna go in anyway.


    "You''re not about to wear a hoodie and pants to meet his perfectionist parents are you?" Elsie, my wolf, was in as much disbelief as anyone else


    would be.


    §ª


    8:00 PM

 Chapter 13

    Gemini''s POV


    The two guards that King Asher assigned to me stood by me as I made my way towards the entrance. I wasn''t used to all of those and it made me kind of ufortable.


    "I would be fine by myself," I said, dismissing them.


    The moment I walked in, the scent of polished leather, expensive perfume, and fresh fabric enveloped me. I wasn''t used to luxury, but I''d be lying if I said it didn''t intrigue me. My sneakers squeaked faintly on the marble floor as I moved deeper into the boutique.


    "Wee, Miss," came a smooth voice.


    I turned to see a well-dressed woman in her mid-thirties. Her perfectly coiled hair didn''t have a strand out of ce, and her crimson lipstick seemed carved onto her lips. Her smile was the epitome of customer service-polite but impersonal.


    "Can I help you find something?"


    "I need something... ssic. But veryfy," I said, crossing my arms as I tried to push aside the awkwardness of being here.


    The woman''s smile faltered for just a split second as her nose twitched subtly. She sniffed the air, her eyes narrowing slightly before a faint look of disdain flickered across her face.


    "Werewolf?" she muttered under her breath.


    My jaw clenched. I wasn''t sure if she meant for me to hear it, but she wasn''t exactly being discreet.


    "Excuse me?" I said, my tone sharp.


    "Oh, nothing," she said, waving her hand dismissively. Her smile became strained as she looked at me over again, her eyes darting over to the door. "You know, there''s a thrift store just down the street. Perhaps you''d find something more... fitting there."


    I blinked, stunned. Did she seriously just say that?


    "I don''t remember asking you for directions to a thrift store," I said sharply.


    Herposure cracked for a moment before she sighed, clearly exasperated. "Fine," she said, gesturingzily toward the back of the store. "Follow


    me."


    I watched her steps slow down and her posture stiffen. It was as if she didn''t want to be anywhere near me. Still, I followed, my anger forming beneath the surface.


    She stopped in front of a rack filled with elegant and extravagant gowns- each one a statement of wealth and status.


    "These are our most popr collections," she said, her voice dripping with feigned politeness.


    I looked at the gowns and then back at her, "I''m not looking for dresses."


    polueness


    Her smile tightened. "I thought as much," I felt pure disgust at herment. "You can keep looking, but make sure you don''t touch anything. They''re really expensive..."


    My arms settled over my chest. "I wouldn''t be here if I didn''t have the money..." I said, maintaining a stern expression suitable enough to return the energy she was giving.


    The woman''s smile tightened, and she let out a faint huff before walking away. But instead of attending to me, she veered off to another customer who had just walked in-a fellow Lyc¨¢n, judging by hismanding aura and the way she immediately shifted into full charm mode.


    I stood there, watching as sheughed at his jokes and fawned over him,pletely ignoring me. My hands balled into fists.


    "Hello miss," I said, raising my voice slightly, but she didn''t even look at me.


    Minutes passed, and she continued to flit around the store, helping others¡ª everyone except me.


    My patience snapped.


    "Are you going to help me or what?" I demanded, my voice ringing loud enough to catch the attention of nearby shoppers.


    The woman turned slowly, her smile gone now, reced with a look of thinly veiled irritation.


    8:00 PM


    "Miss, I think you should stop overreacting," she said in a tone that only made my


    blood boil further. "I will attend to you when I''m done, okay"


    I could hear the murmurs of other customers around me, the snickers and whispers. ¡°She''s a werewolf. What does she expect?" one of them said, loud enough for me to hear.


    I gritted my teeth, ignoring the urge tosh out. Instead, I stormed to a section that caught my eye- a fully clothed mannequin adorned in a sleek designer hoodie, wide-leg pants, and pristine white sneakers. Without looking at the price tags, I called out, ¡°Miss, I need you to scan this fit for me."


    "A little more patience would do," she said, hardly hiding her irritation.


    With or without King Asher, I wasn''t going to let anyone insult me and go away with it. So I thought I would show her a little bit of drama. I flipped the mannequin over, stripping it of all it had on.


    "What the heck do you think you are doing?" She yelled, heading towards me. The other customers pulled out their phones, ready to capture the drama, but who the fuck cares? Definitely not this girl....


    "I thought to help myself, since you are too busy attending to people I came


    before." I said grabbing them all as I marched back to the counter.


    I mmed them down on the counter with more force than necessary. "Now would


    you scan these, or do I have to do it myself?" I said coldly.


    The woman raised an eyebrow, a mocking smirk curling on her lips. "Do you even know how much these cost?"


    Don''t waste any more of my time," I said, checking the time on my phone.


    I swear I''d had enough, but I had already wasted so much time here just to return empty. And who knows if I wouldn''t be treated worse elsewhere.


    Her loud and exaggeratedugh echoed in the silent atmosphere, "A little wolf like you couldn''t possibly afford these."


    I pulled out the ck card Asher had sent me, holding it up like a trophy. Her


    "Where did you get that?" she demanded, her voice rising.


    "Well guess what. Mypanion, your king gave it to me. Now can you just scan


    the damn clothes!" I said, my tone icy.


    She sneered. "There''s no way. You must have stolen it." She gestured to the security guards stationed near the entrance. "Check her. Now."


    Before they could take a step. I pulled out my pitone, dialing my guards. Within moments, the doors swung open, and they both entered the store, their towering presence silencing the entire room.


    "Is there a problem, Miss Gemini?" one of them asked, his voice calm but urgent.


    The colour drained from the woman''s face. She stammered, "N-No, of course not! I-I just¡ª"


    "Good. Then finish the transaction," I snapped, ring at her.


    Her hands shook as she scanned the items, the previous arrogance wiped clean from her face.


    I took the opportunity to address her stupidity, "I''m no one''s victim okay? If you want to discriminate, don''t fucking try it with me."


    When the transaction wasplete, I grabbed the bag and walked out without another word, the bodyguards trailing behind me like shadows.


    Back at the mansion, I mmed the shopping bag onto my bed, pacing the room as my anger simmered.


    Who did she think she was? Who did any of them think they were? Lycans acted like they were gods while treating wolves like dirt. I clenched my fists, the memory


    of theughter and whispers gnawing at me,


    I wanted to scream, to hit something, but instead, I threw myself onto the bed, staring up at the ceiling. I was furious-not just at them but at myself for letting them get under my skin.


    "I hate this ce," I muttered, pulling the hoodie out of the bag and slipping it on. The soft fabric should haveforted me, but all I felt was the weight of the day pressing down on me,


    For once, I wished I could just disappear, leave this kingdom behind, and never look back. But deep down, I knew that wasn''t an option.


    I took onest nce at myself, adjusting the hoodie as I grabbed my phone and walked toward the door I could hear the chatter downstairs-the arrival of King Asher''s parents, no doubt. The heavy, nervous air that had been hanging around the mansion had intensified. My stomach fluttered with something I didn''t want to name. Was I nervous! No, I couldn''t be


    I inhaled deeply, adjusting my hoodie onest time


    8:00 PM


    Who the...?


    But just as I was about to reach the stairs, a sudden tug at my wrist pulled me


    back, the force so unexpected that I stumbled backwards, crashing into a hard


    chest.


    É«

 Chapter 14

    Gemini''s POV


    I spun around my heart racing, only to find none other than Asher standing there. His blue eyes, usually icy stared wide and wild, a mixture of disbelief and disappointment.


    "Where do you think you''re going?" he asked, his voice low and slightly strained, almost as if he wasn''t sure if he should be angry or not.


    I blinked, my mind racing to catch up. "I was going downstairs.... To wee your parents." I pointed vaguely in the direction of the stairs, avoiding his gaze.


    He squeezed the space in between his eyebrows.


    "Downstairs?" I nodded unreasonably. "Dressed like that?" He growled lowly, trying to contain his anger.


    "Do you think this is a joke?" He queried, but before I could defend myself, he was already dragging me back into my room.


    I didn''t know what to address him as, "Your majesty... King Asher... Asher..."


    "Hands up!" He ordered and I stared confused at him. "Now!" He urged. Though still confused, I did as he had ordered.


    "What the fuck, Asher?" I roared as soon as I felt my hoodie leave my body, exposing my undersized bralette.


    I immediately hugged myself with the intent to hide my exposed cleavage. But he wasn''t done, my pants went down as well, leaving me with a thong that barely covered my nakedness.


    "Oh fuck!" My once dormant member, Elsie, yelled in my head.


    The cold air hit me hard, I picked back my hoodie, cing it in front of my chest, trying to cover my exposed skin as I red at Asher. "What the hell is wrong with you?" I demanded, my voice shaking with anger and embarrassment.


    "You''re not appearing in front of my parents dressed like a street musician."


    My heart thudded in my chest as the air around me seemed to grow heavier. My body burned with a mixture of anger and embarrassment, but I refused to show him just how much I had been affected by his actions.


    But as ! stood there, exposed and vulnerable, a sh of something passed through Asher''s eyes. It was brief, almost imperceptible, but I saw it. Desire? No, that couldn''t be it. I thought to myself, judging from the fact that he looked away too quickly as if I were not attractive enough to seduce him.


    "You said I should be me, right? That''s me.... And any other thing I would be projecting is a Perfectionist wanna-be." I said, trying to ease the tension.


    He sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose as if trying to hold back his anger. "Are you doing this on purpose to get on my nerves?"


    I tried to hold his gaze but couldn''t and so I was looking everywhere- except his face.


    I walked over to where he had flung my pants, picking them up as I tried them back on.


    Like a sh of lightning, he picked me up and mmed my back against the wall, his body pressing down on me,


    The proximity was way too much and I found myself shivering at the feel of his hand on my waist. His other hand pressed against the wall beside


    1. me.


    His grip on me softened for just a split second, his gaze lingering on me before he quickly masked it with an impassive mask of indifference. He wasn''t going to let me see what I just saw.


    Asher stood so close I could feel the heat radiating from his body, like the sun, burning me even when I tried to avoid it. His breath grazed my ear as he spoke, his voice oddly soft for the situation, like he was fighting something inside himself.


    "Nor today," he warned. "I don''t know what has gotten into you, but I would advise you not to disy it. Except you want me to make your days here a misery..."


    My heart was racing, his proximity was making it difficult for me to focus. My chest was tightening with every breath.


    "Get dressed ande down as soon as possible. And no more games," a low growl apanied his warning


    #:00 PM & $.


    Despite the turmoil, I nodded gently, acknowledging hismand.


    Onest nce at me, and off he went.


    1 let out a breath that I didn''t know I had been holding back. The tension escapes slowly.


    I got dressed and finally made my way downstairs. But just as I got to the door


    post of the diner, I caught a sight that triggered every ounce of jealousy within me


    "Who the fuck is she?" Elsie growled inside of me.

 Chapter 15

    Asher''s POV


    0


    0


    Judging from what happened a few minutes ago, I doubt I would have any sleep tonight. My wolf was whining in my head, and it took every ounce


    of self-control to keep myposure intact.


    What the fuck was I thinking when I stripped her of her clothes?


    The memory of Gemini standing there, exposed yet unyielding, had seared itself into my mind like a brand. It wasn''t the first time my thoughts betrayed me. Weeks ago, after saving her, I''d told myself I''d moved on. That I was better than this. Yet even though I hadn''t been the one to change her clothes back then, I couldn''t stop the mental images. Her perfect form kept haunting me, and now, with her so close, it was a battle I was losing all over again.


    "Is she usually thiste?" My dad''sment threw me out of my racing thoughts.


    I nced at the empty seat where Gemini was supposed to be. She wasn''tte- just making an entrance, I was sure.


    "Well, guess who is neverte," my mother chimed in with her usual enthusiasm. Her voice rose an octave as she called out, "Ba!"


    My head turned sharply toward the entrance just as a familiar figure stepped gracefully into the dining hall.


    Ba Martell.


    She moved with the confidence of someone who knew the room was hers. Dressed in an all-ck outfit that entuated every curve of her body, she radiated a beauty that had only grown more polished over the years. Her figure was thick in all the right ces, hips and thighs sculpted to perfection, though I knew most of it was the work of skilled surgeons. She was unapologetically crafted, and it worked in her favour.


    Ba''s long hair cascaded down her back in soft waves, and her full lips curled into a knowing smile as she greeted my parents.


    "Mr ckwood, Mrs ckwood," she said warmly, her voice oozing with charm. She stepped closer to them, her heels clicking softly against the marble floor. "You both look amazing, as always."


    My mother beamed, taking her hands. "Ba, you''re too sweet. Look at you! Absolutely stunning."


    My father nodded in agreement, his sharp eyes softening slightly.


    I, on the other hand, was frozen in ce. Ba was my college crush, a memory I thought had been buried underyers of time and indifference. Yet here she was, standing in my home as if she''d never left my life.


    "How did you even- I began, my words cut short by my mother.


    "We invited her," she said proudly, her gaze flicking between Ba and me as if she had just presented the ultimate surprise gift.


    Invited her?


    I nced at Cain, my half-brother, seated at the far end of the table, close to where Gemini usually sat. As always, he looked utterly uninterested, swirling the wine in his ss with the air of someone who had seen it all and cared for none of it.


    Ba turned toward me, her smile widening as she stepped closer. Every move she made seemed practised-perfect.


    "Asher," she said her voice like honey. "It''s been too long."


    And then, before I could react, she leaned in and pressed a light peck to my cheek. Her lips barely brushed my skin, but it was enough to intensify


    the moment.


    My wolf growled low in my mind, though I wasn''t sure if it was from excitement or irritation.


    I cleared my throat, pulling back slightly, "Ba. I didn''t expect to see you here,"


    I maintained indifference, unwilling to break character not even for her.


    "I like surprises," she replied coyly.


    The room grew still, but then I felt it¡ªa sharp, cold presence at the doorway.


    I turned my head just in time to see Gemini standing there, her eyes locked on us.


    Her gaze flicked between me and Ba,nding on the spot where she had kissed me. The hurt and anger in her eyes were unmistakable, but it was the jealousy that burned the brightest. She didn''t move, didn''t say a word, but the tension she radiated was enough to send my wolf into a frenzy.


    00 PM d


    Damn it


    My mind was already racing, my focus entirely on Cemini. Whatever had just happened between Beees and the it didn''t matter Recanes the book on Gemini''s face was enough to teave me feeling gunited.


    Somehow, I found myself wondering what her next reaction would be

 Chapter 16

    Gemini''s POV


    I froze at the doorway, my heart sinking as I took in the scene before me. A stunning woman, dressed like she belonged on the cover of a magazine, leaned close to Asher, her lips brushing his cheek. He didn''t push her away, didn''t even flinch. Instead, he stood there, stiff but allowing it to happen.


    My chest tightened, an unfamiliar bitterness surged through me. Jealousy? No, that couldn''t be it. I barely knew him, and whatever connection we had, was not one that gave me the right to question his life or even feel jealous.


    On second thought, I felt that I might just be overreacting. She could be his family member as well...


    I shook my head, forcing the thought away. Whatever they were to each other was none of my business.


    Summoning the littleposure I had left, I straightened my back and stepped into the room, pretending I hadn''t just walked in on a moment that made me feel entirely out of ce.


    Their eyes weighed heavily on me as I stopped in front of King Asher. And with a bow, I said, "Your Majesty, do you mind introducing me to everyone?"


    King Asher straightened in his seat, clearing his throat as his gaze shifted from his parents to me. ¡°Mum, Dad.... This is Gemini, my second-chance


    mate."


    Mate?


    The word echoed in my mind like a bell tolling in a quiet school hall. My heart clenched, and the world seemed to spin for a second. Of all the possibilities in the universe, this was the one I was least prepared for. Asher... my mate? The thought was absurd, iprehensible even, and yet it felt like a missing puzzle piece snapping into ce.


    My fingers curled into fists at my sides as a wave of emotions surged through me-confusion, disbelief, fear, and something dangerously close to hope.


    The air in the room shifted instantly. And I noticed the sassydy go pale almost immediately. Not just her, but his parents too, the disbelief and displeasure on their faces was enough to make it clear-I was about to endure the most ufortable family dinner of my life.


    *And Gemini, these are my parents." King Asher continued.


    I steadied myself amidst the jumbled emotions followed by King Asher''s revtion. "Good day, your majesties." I greeted, my voice steady despite the awkward tension in the room.


    But there was no reply. Instead, I was met with a cold, appraising stare from his parents.


    The queen''s face contorted into an expression I''m sure I had seen before. "How did a werewolf be your second-chance mate?"


    "Mom!" Asher called as if cautioning her.


    The elegant woman-whoever she was-didn''t bother to hide her disdain. Her perfect brows arched in disbelief as she looked me over, as though I were some piece of trash.


    My throat tightened, but I forced myself to stand tall. This wasn''t the first time I''d been looked down upon, and it likely won''t be thest.


    King Asher''s gaze flew over to the end of the table, where a young man sat, looking totally unconcerned about whatever was going on at this side of


    the table.


    "Over there-? King Asher started, pointing to the carefree prince."-is Cain, my half-brother."


    And finally, to the one I had been waiting to hear. "And over here is Ba Martell- his gaze flickered back to the elegant miss. "My old-time friend."


    I scoffed, clearly unconvinced


    Old-time friend you say isn''t that a coded name for a bitch that''s obsessed with you.


    The silence was oppressive, heavy with unspoken disapproval. I stood tall, trying to appear unaffected by the cold reception. Ignoring them all, I made my way to the far end of the table.


    Sliding into an empty seat, I tried to make myself invisible. But then my gazended on the man seated beside me, Asher''s half-brother.


    7


    8:00 PM dd.


    His eyes met mine for a split second, but instead of meeting a cold gaze, I was met with a warm and inviting look. Cain was very simr to Asher but there were still some obvious differences. But what caught me off guard was the colour of his eyes, they were turquoise green just like mine.


    Intriguing right?


    I filled my te with my favourite dishes and began eating like I was not just in an awkward situation. I was serious when I said I wasn''t going to be anyone''s victim, and that included the royal family. I could feel Mrs ckwood''s gaze judging my every movement but I turned a blind eye to it.


    "So Gemini, what pack are you from?" Mr ckwood asked, I don''t know if his question was targeted at easing the tension or adding to it.


    I lifted my eyes confidently to meet his gaze. "Moonrock Pack,"


    "Moonrock?" He repeated, his eyebrows slightly raised.


    "Isn''t that one of the poorest werewolf packs in the region?" Mrs ckwood chimed in, finding justification for her disgust.


    "That was about ten years ago," I defended, politely. "Moonrock pack has climbed into the top ten best werewolf packs in the region thanks to ourte Alpha, Alpha Harvey. We have also been able to pay a great amount of the debts which our four fathers owed. And I believe that if the New Alpha continues from where his father stopped, our pack would make it to the top five richest packs in the next five years and all our debts would be cleared."


    As I finished speaking, Mrs ckwood''s expression changed drastically, she felt insulted and she was really furious about it. Mr ckwood on the other hand, leaned back in his chair, his eyes narrowing slightly as he studied me.


    "I didn''t mean to sound disrespectful," I added hastily. "I''m just stating facts."


    "You speak just like her," Mr ckwood blurted out.


    "Sorry, who?"


    Mr ckwood snapped back into focus, "Nothing, just an old friend."


    King Asher''s eyes locked onto mine, a questioning glint in them. I shook my head slightly, unsure of what Mr ckwood was getting at.


    The room went silent once again, I focused on my te, trying to finish up as fast as I could and get the hell out of there. The clinking of silverware against tes filled the room, but the air remained tension-thick.


    "I was wondering, how did you two meet?" Ba asked mockingly, breaking the silence.


    My eyes flicked to Asher who was looking like the question made his food sour. Of course, it was the worst meeting I had ever experienced, and it made my


    heart ache every time I had a shback to that moment.


    That was probably the reason he hated me-


    I doubt he would want to share such a silly story with anyone.


    "How we met doesn''t matter, what matters is that fate brought us together," his words were so simr to what I thought he would say.


    "An. So cute," Ba feigned sweetness. "But I have to say, nothing beats BEC-ASH first meeting."


    What the fuck is Becash?


    I scoffed, rolling my eyes subconsciously at herment, Ba''s gaze was trained on me as she spoke, it was obvious she wanted to get me upset. "Really?¡± I replied and she looked at me, clearly surprised.


    But she immediately masked her surprise with another fake smile. "Yes, we went to the same college. The same college that has been the best for over thirty years. Asher was the hottest guy in college then and I was the hottest girl, so it made sense that we had something to do with each other."


    I stood, my movements deliberate as I wiped my mouth with a napkin, ny mind already half on the door. The air in the room was zapping my energy, leaving me breathless. I was done ying the part of the meek guest.


    "Cool story so sad that it''s all in the past now..." I shot Ba a devilish smirk, feeling a sense of triumph as her expression faltered. "I think I''m done here. If you would excuse me.


    I turned on my heel, ready to escape this awkward dinner, but before I could take another step, Asher''s voice thundered through the room.


    "Geminit"


    The low, guttural growl of hismand sent a chill down my spine, freezing me


    in ce. My heart skipped a beat. The sudden shift in his tone was


    8:00 PM


    unmistakable.


    I slowly turned back toward him, his eyes burning with a fury I hadn''t seen before.


    Whatever wasing next, I knew it wasn''t going to be pretty.


    AD

 Chapter 17

    Gemini''s POV


    "How dare you walk out of a dinner with the royal family?" King Asher''s voice echoed through the room, his tone sharp enough to cut through an ice cube. His furious gaze bore into me, and I could feel the weight of everyone''s stares pressing against my back.


    "It''s so mannerless of her not to know that walking out on royalties is a big p on the face," Ba muttered, loud enough for everyone to hear.


    I turned slowly, keeping my expression neutral, though inside, my nerves were radiating with anger. Ba''s smug littlement was nothingpared to the storm brewing in King Asher''s eyes, but it didn''t matter. I knew exactly what I was doing. I wasn''t some clueless werewolf stumbling into a royal mess. Thanks to thete Alpha Harvey''s extensive library, I read countless books on royal customs, traditions, and etiquette. I knew every rule and every expectation.


    And I was breaking them on purpose.


    "Gemini," King Asher growled, his voice low now. "You have two options. Leave this room and face the consequences, or sit back down and wait until this dinner is over."


    I arched a brow, meeting his re with a calm expression, despite the weakness I felt in my knees. I mean this was the fucking Lycan King... He could literally call me dead if I got him pissed. But here I was, deliberately pushing his buttons.


    I let out a soft sigh, knowing that I had done enough for the day and that this was probably the wrong time to push further. I spun around, my hair swirling like that of a model as I made my way back to my seat.


    Copsing into my chair, I leaned back and crossed my legs, deliberately ignoring every smugment thrown at me. I began picking arthy nails like an uninterested teenager. I could feel King Asher''s eyes burning into me, but I refused to acknowledge him.


    The sound of a soft gasp broke the heavy silence.


    I looked up to see Ba staring intently at her phone, her lips curling into a


    malicious smile. The energy in the room shifted as curiosity and unease tugged at


    me.


    "Ba, you know the rules," Asher''s voice was curt, almost dismissive, but his irritation was clear. "No phones at the table."


    She nced up, feigning innocence. "I''m sorry, Your Majesty, but I think you all need to see this."


    Her words made my stomach twist, an uneasy feeling creeping up my spine. Everyone''s attention turned to her as she stood and walked toward Asher, her phone held out for him to take.


    "Isn''t that your little wolf mate?" she said, her toneced with mockery.


    I stiffened at her words, What now?


    King Asher''s expression darkened as his gaze flicked to the screen. He grabbed the phone, his jaw tightening as he watched whatever was ying. His parents leaned over to look, their faces morphing from confusion to restrained anger.


    My curiosity burned as I tried toprehend what had caused such a reaction. Before I could ask, Ba''s voice cut through the tension like a knife.


    "Your mate is using the royal power to make people bow at her feet,¡± she said. "Throwing tantrums everywhere just to get people to obey her."


    My blood ran cold. Boutique chaos. She had to be talking about the boutique incident. My mind shed back to that moment, the anger I had felt, and the embarrassment that pushed me to stand up for myself. Now, thinking of it, maybe I had gone too far.


    I wanted to demand to see what they were watching, but I couldn''t move. Ba''s smirk grew as her eyes darted between me and Asher, clearly relishing the growing tension.


    The king''s expression was unreadable as he turned the phone to me. "Care to exin this, Gemini?" His voice was low and restrained, but it carried the weight of an unspoken threat


    I swallowed hard, my heart racing as I finally got a glimpse of the video. There I was, standing in the middle of the boutique stripping the mannequin off its clothes. Of course, the video didn''t capture how it all started, so defending myself was definitely going to be a hard one.


    The whole video had been so twisted that if I hadn''t been the one to experience it, I wouldn''t have believed me either.


    I kinda saw thising......


    "It''s not what it seems like," 1 started with the normal line everyone was


    expecting to hear, my voice steadier than I expected.


    BE


    8:00 PM dd.


    "Oh, really? Ba chimed in, her tone dripping with fake sympathy "Because it looks like your mate thinks she''s already queen." She turned to King Asher like a O


    venomous snake.


    "At first look, I knew she didn''t belong here..." Mrs ckwood added.


    I felt the heat of embarrassment rising to my cheeks, but I refused to let it


    consume me. Lifting my chin, I met King Asher''s intense gaze.


    "I was only standing up for myself," I said firmly. ¡°I couldn''t just stay back and let her insult me."


    King Asher''s eyes grew darker by the second, "Dinner is over," he dered, his eyes never leaving me. "And you, you''reing with me."


    As soon as we got to a dark corner of the house, he mmed my back against


    the wall, his eyes shed red for a split second.


    I trembled under his livid gaze, my heart hammering against my chest. The Lycan King had always intimidated me, but I managed to cover it with a hard girl act- but all of


    that faded into the thin air in this


    very moment.


    "I warned you to behave yourself, didn''t I?" He let out a heavy growl, scaring the hell out of me.


    I was scared to my bones, it felt like my heart was about to jump out of my mouth.


    He mmed his hands against the wall behind me, causing me to flinch.


    I wanted to defend myself, I wanted to tell him that I didn''t mean for things to escte the way they did, but all I ended up muttering was, "I''m sorry..."


    "This is why I never introduced you to my Kingdom, ''cause you don''t have what it takes to be my mate."


    My breath seized at his words despite knowing fully well that I never even had it in mind to be his mate or even Queen of the Lycan Kingdom.


    "Gemini, you have contradicted mymands times and times again. And do you know what happens to offenders-"


    "No one defiles me and goes unpunished. You can ask that old wolf from your pack who tried to go against me."


    My mind shed back to the scene Elder Amarok caused which led the King to


    take him hostage. What had King Asher done to him?


    "Except you want to be another one of my victims-" He grunted.


    I shook my head in the negative, fear taking its toll on me.


    King Asher closed his eyes momentarily, letting a deep sigh escape his lips. "You would be on punishment for the next seven days. And if your attitude remains the same, your days will be extended..."


    I watched his retreating figure as I copsed to the floor, my body still shaking from the outburst.


    King Asher stopped by the guards who stood watch over the premises, his tone sharp. "Escort her to the dungeon."

 Chapter 18

    Asher''s POV


    "Is everything alright with your little wolf mate?" Ba asked, her tone dripping with fake concern. "She wasn''t at breakfast or lunch, and now dinner. Did something happen?"


    I clenched my jaw, refusing to acknowledge her words. But before I could dismiss her question, my mother chimed in, her voice filled with curiosity.


    "Yes, Asher. Did she finally realize she didn''t belong here? Or did you decide to reject her atst?"


    I sliced through my meat with more force than necessary, exacting my frustration onto the poor beef. I could feel my restraint thinning with every word. Their questions were hanging in the air, causing a choking atmosphere.


    I wasn''t going to tell them that I locked my mate up, neither could I have told them that I didn''t have ns to reject her- at least not yet. I just tried my best to act deaf.


    "You know," Mrs ckwood continued, her tone airy but purposeful, "I''ve always wondered what made you keep her around for so long. It''s unlike you. Usually, we only hear of your mates when you''re ready to reject them. I was almost scared that you had fallen in love with a werewolf."


    I gripped my fork tighter, willing myself to stay calm.


    "Honestly, I''m d you''ve finallye to your senses," Ba added smugly, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction. "She never had what it took to fit in here anyways."


    Her words ignited a spark in me that threatened to be an inferno. My grip on the cutlery tightened as my ws threatened to surface. But before I could snap, a deep growl erupted from the other end of the room.


    "Enough!" Cain''s voice thundered, cutting through the vtile atmosphere.


    All eyes turned to him as he mmed his hands against the table, his gaze searing into Ba.


    "Can we, for once, have a quiet, drama-free dinner?" he snarled, his voice vibrating with restrained fury.


    Ba''s smug expression faltered for a moment before she masked it with a forced smile. Her difort was palpable as she shifted in her seat, throwing a venomous re at Cain, who met it head-on, unflinching.


    Even my mother, who rarely let anyone challenge her, nced at Cain in shock, knowing that he almost never reacted to any situation. But she didn''t do anything to defend herself. Rather she sinked further into her seat as she turned her gaze to her food.


    Mr ckwood remained quiet throughout the dinner, but I could tell that he had a lot to say and that he was just waiting for the right time.


    Since they had brought up the topic, I couldn''t help but think of her now. I kept on exining to my subconscious self that the punishment was all for her good, but my wolf wouldn''t stop whining. I just couldn''t stop myself from getting restless.


    The image of Gemini''s trembling figure fromst night shed before me, all images of defiance gone as fear enveloped her entire being. She was a mess, an enigma I couldn''t figure out.


    "Have you gone to check up on her?" n asked, noticing the worry on my face.


    "Who? What are you talking about?" I tried to sound clueless, but then my voice betrayed me.


    n raised an eyebrow, his expression knowing. "Your majesty, you''ve been staring at a nk paper for the past ten minutes without saying a word. You''re obviously worried about the young miss."


    I scoffed, leaning back in my chair. "Stop talking trash, I know she is fine, I already ordered the maids to cater for her needs even while in the dungeon."


    "Your majesty, I still think you should check up on her. The dungeon isn''t what you knew, having someone you care about stay there doesn''t seem like a good idea."


    I huffed at his reply, feigning annoyance. "Care? Who said I cared?"


    "It''s probably just the mate bond." I defended, trying to sound as convincing as I could. "You of all people should know how that shit works."


    "Whatever you say, your majesty." n bowed before taking his leave, allowing me to ponder on my thoughts.


    That was the third day-


    8:00 PM


    ¾Å


    Fourth day


    The fifth day came and I grew even more restless. It felt like I was the one under the punishment and not her.


    The sixth day.


    And then the seventh.


    I woke up at 5 am, freshened up and hurried out of my room. There were a lot of pending jobs, but the only thing on my mind was getting Gemini out of that hell of a ce.


    "Unlock the doors!" I ordered the guards in front.


    The dungeon''s heavy doors creaked open, revealing a thick ck hall. I switched on my phone''s torch, making my way to thest cell in the dungeon. The air inside reeked of dampness, an irritating odour that lingered in the back of my senses.


    As I stepped further, the sound of scurrying rodents echoed through the corridors. The prisoners were on alert, each one holding their cell their eyes pleading for mercy.


    Truly, It had been a very long while since I was here-


    The smell of decay and rot hung heavy, a constant reminder of the suffering that had taken ce within these walls.


    gate,


    I couldn''t help but wonder how


    Gemini had endured this unforgiving environment for so long. The


    thought sent a feeling of guilt through my chest, and I quickened my pace, my heart pounding with anticipation and worry.


    On getting to her cell, my heart twisted painfully at the sight before me. Geminiy crumpled on the floor, her usually stubborn and vibrant presence now eerily still and silent.


    And for the first time in a long time, I felt it-fear.


    *Gemini!" I called, my voice cracking in a way I hadn''t heard in years. But she didn''t move. Not even a twitch.


    The guard fumbled with the keys, his hands trembling as he unlocked the cell door. "Hurry up!" I barked, the sound of my growl reverberating through the stone walls.


    As soon as the door creaked open, I rushed in, kneeling beside her. My hands hovered over her for a moment, unsure where to touch. Her body felt extremely cold and pale, a sight that heightened my worry.


    "Gemini," I whispered, shaking her gently. Still nothing.


    I pressed two fingers to her neck, desperate to find a pulse, any sign of life.


    Still nothing.


    And in that moment, reality dawned on me.


    "Get the pack healer!" I roared.

 Chapter 19

    Asher''s POV


    I stared worriedly at her pale face and then at the pack''s healer. "She''s not responding to any of the treatments," the pack healer exined, worryced in his expression. "I doubt it''s poison. It''s better we take her to the hospital for a full check."


    Poison, that was our first guess and that was what he had been trying to confirm. I thought that maybe she had been bitten by a poisonous insect, but with the response I got from the pack healer, I didn''t know what else to think.


    I lifted her like a child, hurriedly fitting her into the backseat of the car, urging the driver to drive at his highest speed. Soon we were at the hospital, received by a group of nurses.


    Gemini was ced on a stretcher and rushed to the emergency room. I was asked to wait outside where I was almost dying of guilt.


    This was one of the reasons I rejected my actual mates while searching for a chosen mate, I never wanted to be too attached to a person, to the point where I can''t control my emotions. But then the goddess always had her way of outsmarting us all.


    My phone buzzed in my pocket but I ignored it, knowing I wasn''t in the right state of mind to speak to anyone. To avoid any other calls, I switched off my phone.


    sat worried in the waiting area after having paced back and forth for about thirty minutes. The weight of my actions weighed down on me and I couldn''t bring myself to think what would happen if I lost Gemini.


    Forget about the prophecy-Gemini was my mate. Losing a mate was one of the most painful things one could evere to terms with.


    A cold hand grasped my shoulder, causing me to look up- n.


    "Your majesty," He called in a soft tone.


    I knew that if he wasn''t my subordinate, he would have rubbed it in my face. If only I had listened to him then, Gemini might not have suffered as much as she did.


    I sighed in misery, "This mate stuff is the worst feeling ever," I admitted. "I can''t even get myself to calm down."


    His eyes mirrored pity, the one thing I hated the most- being pitied. n didn''t bother saying another word, but I could tell that he was shocked at my reaction. I had always yed cold, but here I am, being humbled by the mate bond.


    The emergency door creaked open, revealing a bald man in white. "Doctor!" I called eager to hear the news he had brought. The doctor''s expression was neutral so I couldn''t read the meaning to it.


    *Your majesty," he called in a not-too-urgent tone.


    It seemed like he was trying to stay as calm as he could so as to not get me even more worried than I already was. But instead of keeping calm, my worry heightened.


    "How is she?" I asked eagerly.


    "The young miss is fighting to be better," he started, looking around before concluding. "We should probably discuss this in my office."


    I nodded, following him closely behind.


    Once inside the office, he shot the door and led me to the seat.


    n stood by the door while I sat opposite the doctor. I couldn''t even bring


    myself to rx into the chair, my curiosity tugging at me.


    "Gemini has just suffered from severe starvation," He started, causing my eyes to widen.


    "Starvation?" I repeated, looking back at n as if to confirm if he had heard the same thing.


    "Yes, your majesty, the doctor confirmed.


    "How is that even possible?"


    I remembered instructing the maids to bring her breakfast,unch and dinner every single day, so howe she starved?


    Could she have refused the food? Or did they never give them to her?


    "She could have been able to endure it, but after running a thorough test, we realised that she must have had Ulcer, prior to this incident. We''re not


    3:00 PM dd.


    certain as we haven''t heard from her herself, but that''s the only meaningful exnation."


    "Gemini has just suffered a life-threatening situation and it''s advisable that she stays admitted here in the hospital, till we begin to see improvement in her condition."


    I ran my hands through my hair, letting out a heavy sigh. A feeling of dread settled


    at the pit of my stomach, the news left me weak and I copsed into the chair in disbelief.


    I never wished for any of these to happen, how could I have been this careless with someone this important?


    "Your majesty, if you would excuse me, I would be on my way." The doctor said with a bow, excusing himself.


    I face-palmed myself, thinking of the possibilities. I need to get to the bottom of this.


    No matter how hard I tried to convince myself that I did my part and that none of this was my fault, that intense feeling down in my gut wouldn''t just leave.


    "Gather all the dungeon guards and all the maids that were on duty for the past seven days. I need to know what transpired." n bowed before leaving hurriedly to go carry out my orders.


    Gemini got transferred from the emergency room to a ward which meant I could go and see her now. My normal carefree mature wouldn''t have been too bothered


    about any of these, but my whining wolf was going haywire.


    I couldn''t go so close to the bed, so I watched her from a distance. Her colour was already returning and she looked much better than before. She truly fought to stay alive, I thought.


    Seeing hery still and motionless made me realise how much I enjoyed seeing her lively. It''s so sad that I almost lost her before I realised how much I appreciated her personality.


    Slowly, the door fell open, drawing my attention. The scent I had perceived behind those thick wooden doors was a scent I didn''t think I would smell around here, and it only made me more curious to see if I had guessed right.


    "What the fuck are you doing here?"

 Chapter 20

    Gemini''s POV


    The scary images of the dark cell reyed in my mind. My stomach clenched and my breath seized, I was more than traumatised. My heart was pounding heavily, my eyes shut... I tried opening them but it was almost impossible, I fought hard to get myself out of this nightmare but my eyes just wouldn''t bulge.


    "I''ve missed these lips so much," A voice cooed not too far from my hearing.


    Running from the nightmare that had enveloped me, my eyes finally fell open- open to a scene I had never imagined to see, at least not this soon.


    Another nightmare- or would I rather call it a DAYMARE?


    Ba''s arms wrapped around King Asher as she stood on her tippy toes and pressed a kiss onto his lips.


    I couldn''t exin how fast my heart was beating, but the heart monitor exined


    it on my behalf. I hadn''t even realised I was in the hospital, until


    that moment.


    "This day can''t get any worse, can it?" Elsie whimpered.


    don''t even know which was more heartbreaking, the dark cell or this-


    Curse the mate bond, how could it click at this point? How could I not have felt it until this moment where I''m already dying of jealousy?


    King Asher''s eyes met mine and he immediately threw her hands from off him. "Gemini," he muttered, looking somewhat panicked.


    I tried to steady my heartbeat but I was failing miserably. "Doctor!" King Asher barked as he stepped out of the wardroom.


    Ba on the other hand stood at the corner of the room where King Asher had pushed her to, a satisfied look glimmering in her eyes.


    All I could read from the smile on her face was, "In your face!"


    After proper examination and medication, I was able to rx. I pleaded with the doctor not to let anyone into my wardroom. I didn''t want to see any of their mocking faces, and neither did I want to argue with anyone in this state.


    ¨ª remained in the hospital for another week and during that time, I tried my best to avoid seeing or talking to him even if I had to pretend I was asleep every time he came around.


    It was soon time to be discharged, thankfully King Asher couldn''t make it and so I rode back home with n.


    A soon as I stepped out of the car, a wave of dizziness hit me. I tried to hold the car for support but my hand slipped and I was heading for the floor.


    "Ma''am!" n called as he hurried to me,


    He grabbed me by the waist and pulled me close to himself our eyes met in that awkward moment and I felt a weird chill run down my spine.


    When he was sure I was standing properly, he let go. "I''m so sorry your majesty, I didn''t mean to touch you inappropriately." He apologised. I actually didn''t take it as anything because he acted on his first instinct.


    "It''s fine," I said, brushing him off. "Can you please take me to my room now?"


    He hesitated, "I think it would be better if the maids took you, I don''t want to get into any problems with King Asher." He exined.


    My brows arched in confusion, "Trust me, I know what I''m saying." He added, making me even more curious.


    What the heck was he insinuating?


    I was assisted back to my room by the maids whose usual mocking looks were now reced with caution. As we walked, I couldn''t help but notice the subtle nces they exchanged, their whispers and nods. It was as if they had been warned or even threatened to treat me with a certain level of respect they had never orded me before.


    One of them handed me a ss of water and a small basket of fruit. Her hands trembled slightly as she ced the items on my bedside table.


    "Is there anything else we can get for you, ma''am?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.


    I shook my head as a feeling of exhaustion washed over me. "No, thank you Just just leave me alone for now."


    8:01 PM dd.


    1 buried myself in a book from that time till I got bored and that was around the time of sunset, I made my way to the balcony where I sometimes go to watch the beach. It was tranquil over there, and the air was fresh. It almost felt like I was outside of the choking atmosphere that King Asher and his family brought me.


    "Hi," a deep voice resounded behind me.


    I spun around to see a ring green eyes staring intensely at me- Cain.


    "If you''re here to make fun of me, I suggest you just move along. I''m really not in the mood today."


    He didn''t move, instead, he continued to look down at me. He was almost as tall


    as King Asher and so it was normal for him to view me as little.


    "What do you want?" I asked, my voice stern.


    .n


    His eyes brightened in amusement, a yful grin ying across his face. "Actually, there''s a lot I want. He started, his words filled with sarcasm. "I want an armour suitable to withstand any battle, I also want a shield that can protect me from every kind of attack and even curse so that I don''t end up like Asher."


    My eyes widened with curiosity, I was still trying to grapple with the bombshell he


    had just dropped, but he wasn''t done talking.


    "And most importantly, I want a blonde girl with piercing blue eyes. I would also love it if she was slender, yet curvy, just like you."


    I rolled my eyes at hisment, "I didn''t mean you..." He defended. "Your hair isn''t blonde, and your eyes-" he said, pausing for a bit to study my eye''s colour.


    "They''re just like mine," his tone hinted at his surprise.


    "Wow, this is crazy..." He muttered under his breath.


    I was just as surprised as he was when I found out too, that turquoise green was


    a very rare eye colour around this region, and most people who had it, inherited it from one of their parents. Just like I did with my mother-


    Neither of Cain''s parents has that colour of eyes, and since he is Asher''s stepbrother, that means there''s another parent who we know nought of.


    For a split second, I found myself thinking if I and Cain rted to each other in a way. But I immediately dismissed the thought, knowing how impossible it sounded.


    Back to our conversation, "Nice to officially meet you, Gemini." He said with his arm stretched out,


    "Back at the table, I didn''t think you were this talkative,¡± I said, totally ignoring his outstretched hand.


    He chuckled lightly, "Only a few people get to see this version of me." "Hmm..." I sighed, "You still haven''t answered my question though."


    "But I did. didn''t I?"


    -r sc


    I sighed in resignation, making an attempt to leave. His cold hands captured my wrist. "I''m so sorry for pulling your legs, I actually came to check up on you. I heard about everything that happened..."


    I red at him in disbelief, was this some kind of plot or trick? "I mean no harm,


    trust me." He said, patting me on the shoulder before leaving.


    I was still trying to understand what had just happened when I suddenly remembered that I forgot to ask him what he meant when he said he didn''t want


    to be cursed like Asher...


    The word ''cursed'' echoed in my mind as his retreating figure disappeared into the dim hallways, leaving me behind with more questions than


    answers

 Chapter 22

    Ba''s POV


    Asher frowned slightly, "Does Ba really have to be here?"


    I swallowed hard, my eyes searching for who would defend me. "Of course," Mrs ckwood chimed in, saving the day as usual. "Ba is family


    too."


    It didn''t seem to sit well with Asher, but he continued either way. "I called this meeting for a purpose, and that is to clear everyone''s questions on what my deal with Gemini is."


    Deal you say? Interesting!


    My cheek lifted into a smirk, I knew it was all too good to be true. Asher had rejected several Lycan mates, so I was really worried as to why he amodated a Werewolf.


    I crossed my leg above the other, bncing into my seat as I readied myself for what he was about to say. I quickly put on my phone recorder. You know, just in


    case.


    Seated with me in the room was Andrew, Ang and Cain ckwood. That''s Asher''s parents and his annoying step brother.


    "I owe no one an exnation, cause this is my life and my problem to deal with. But I have gathered you all today because I want to warn everyone carefully." His stern gaze dropped on me.


    "From today on, let no soul speak ill of Gemini or even try to do any silly pranks with her, she is mine and my problem to deal with. Understood!"


    Andrew ckwood didn''t seem too happy about Asher''s words and decided to voice out his concerns, "Asher, that''s no way to address your family, most especially not me. I handed over to you because I knew my sickness won''t let me be as efficient as I should, but you still owe me a proper feedback and exnation of all you do here.".


    Asher''s stern expression didn''t falter, even for a bit. "You are the same man that taught me that Lycan Kings don''t have to answer to anyone. I''m only living by your rule."


    That statement alone silenced Mr ckwood for a long time.


    *Five years ago, I lost my ability to reproduce with any woman, thanks to a curse by The Resplendent Sorceress of Edenville." Asher revealed.


    Everyone gasped except for Cain, who showed no surprise at the news. I knew that beneath Cain''s careless yboy attitude was a smart young man, but that young man was my archenemy.


    "Asher, why are you just telling us this?" Ang queried, her tone unstable.


    Totally ignoring her question, Asher continued, "To redeem the curse, I need a born warrior wolf,"


    "Born Warrior wolf?" I asked, "And how do you know them?"


    "I wasing to that- Asher said dismissively. "ording to research, there was only one left, Gemini''s mother. But then, when she gave birth to Gemini, she realised that Gemini also had the moon tattoo on her from birth, and that simply means that Gemini is also A Born Warrior wolf."


    Mr ckwood seemed intrigued by the topic, Almost like he had something to do with it.


    "So the tattoo is an indication of their powers?" He pondered.


    Asher looked at him but didn''t respond. Instead, he continued with what he had been exining. "Gemini would be the mother of my heir and as long as she is here, I want everyone to treat her right."


    Cain lifted his head finally, "So basically you''re just using her?" He asked, clearly not impressed. "Does she know about it?"


    Asher''s gaze lingered on him for a moment, "We''re done here, there''s nothing more to discuss." Asher dismissed.


    "Typical Asher, Cain muttered under his breath.


    "Hold on, Asher. Does that mean that after she has delivered your heir, you can then pick another woman as your chosen mate?" Ang asked enthusiastically.


    "That''s left for me to decide." Asher cut her off almost immediately.


    I smiled at the news, that meant one thing. I still have a chance in Asher''s life, I just have to y my cards right.


    8:01 PM


    First things first, I have to make sure he marks me on the day of the full moon...


    AD

 Chapter 23

    Gemini''s POV


    "I just can''t wait for the full moon," I overheard a maid say.


    "Chill, it''s just less than ten days left..." Another added.


    The maid''s eyes were all dreamy as she responded, "I just can''t wait to wear the sexiest dress ever. That way Prince Cain wouldn''t be able to resist me anymore."


    In the ancient lore of the Lycans and werewolves, the full moon is said to hold an otherworldly power that stirs the primal instincts of these shape-shifters. It is epted that the full moon stirs a deep-seated hunger within them, a yearning that can''t be satisfied by simple food or drink.


    This hunger is said to manifest as an intense, almost feral desire for their mates. The full moon''s influence is rumoured to heighten the Lycans'' and werewolves'' senses, making them more attuned to the scent, sound, and sight of their


    intended partners.


    Whenever the full moon shows up, the Lycans and werewolves are said to be increasingly aggressive and passionate, their instincts driving them to im their mates with a ferocity that cannot be contained, this primal urge is said to be almost irresistible, and many have fallen prey to its power.


    One could not only mark their actual mate on this day, but it''s also a day where you can pick someone who is not your mate to be your chosen


    mate.


    On this day, many female wolves tried their best to impress their crush by wearing the sexiest outfits just to entice them into a bond. It was a tricky thing to do, but it worked for many and is still working for others.


    Of course, there were disadvantages too, but we all still looked forward to that day.


    Many tales have been told of couples who found each other under the light of the full moon, their bonds was always proven to be one of the strongest.


    I always wished that Pierre and I would be joined under the full moon, but it never happened and I doubt if I would ever get paired with anyone.


    The whisperingdies adjusted themselves immediately when they noticed me, "Ma''am you''re here!"


    "What can we help you with?" The other chimed in.


    I waved my hands in the air, dismissing them. "It''s fine, you can continue with your chat, I was just going to fetch myself a ss of orange juice."


    They smiled awkwardly, still feeling embarrassed. I grabbed my juice and left them to continue.


    I made my way to the pool area. Considering the hot weather, I decided to go there. The pool area was always cool thanks to the water. I didn''t think i would see anyone there being that it was afternoon and everyone was probably busy going about their businesses.


    The sshing water drew my attention and I found myself straining to see who it was in the pool.


    He swam to the edge of the pool, his head popping out of the water. I sighed as I finally registered the face.


    "Hey, Gem!" He waved.


    "You don''t get to call me that," I said, taking a sip of my orange juice as I backed away.


    Cain chuckled, water dripping down his face as he leaned casually against the edge of the pool. ¡°What then should I call you?" he said, running a hand through his wet hair.


    I stopped mid-step and turned back, crossing my arms. "Nothing. Just stay away from me."


    "Rx, you don''t always have to be on the edge. I''m nothing like Asher, okay." "Why do you keep doing this?" I replied, my tone sharp.


    Illis brows furrowed, "What are you talking about?"


    "Why do you always try to seem better than King Asher?"


    In one smooth motion, he pulled himself out of the pool. Water streamed down his toned body, but I refused to let my eyes linger.


    "That''s not what it is, I just don''t want you to be hostile with me because of the trauma you''ve had with Asher," he said, grabbing a towel and


    801 PM .


    draping it around his shoulders like some kind of royal cape.


    I seriously don''t understand why I''m having this conversation with him, but we''re having it anyway.


    I rolled my eyes at him, "It''s not just Asher, it''s the ckwood family and even the whole Lycan Kingdom."


    "If it would bring you to a calm, I would be d to inform you that my mom was a werewolf. Which makes me half werewolf."


    He took my ss and sipped out of it before handing it back to me. I frowned, his words and actions throwing me off guard.


    "Really? So where''s your mom now?" I blurted out and regretted it almost immediately.


    His smirk faltered for a moment at my question. "I''m so sorry, I didn''t mean to¡ª¡°


    "It''s fine, I never got to meet her." He shrugged.


    "I''m so sorry about that..." I muttered.


    "There''s nothing to be sorry about, it''s not your fault." He said, picking up his footwear as he readied himself to head out.


    "Bye Gem, I hope we won''t have to fight about your insecurities next time?"


    I chuckled, feeling a little more at ease. "You still don''t get to call me that!" I said to his retreating figure.


    As Cain disappeared around the corner, a strange stillness descended over the ce. The air felt heavy and intense, it wasn''t just the heat of the day.


    Myughter from moments slowly faded into difort. Something about the atmosphere had shifted. I felt it before I saw him.


    I turned around, and there he was, leaning against a nearby pir, arms crossed over his chest, his piercing eyes fixed on me. His face was unreadable, but the intensity of his gaze spoke volumes.


    I swallowed hard, gripping my ss tightly to stop my fingers from trembling.


    Why the heck is he staring at me like that?


    "Since when did you be friends with Cain?" He said curtly, his tone low and dangerous. He moved away from the pir, taking long strides towards ine, his movements slow and deliberate, like a predator cornering its prey.


    I raised an eyebrow, "Cain and I are not friends, and even if we are, why does it bother you?"


    Asher''s jaw tightened, his hands balling into fists at his sides. "Your tone, youngdy," he said, his voice dropping an octave.


    Ignoring the seriousness in his demeanour, I stepped forward with a smirk. "Is it possible that the Lycan King is jealous?" I teased, tracing his abs with my free hand.


    He peeled my hand off him with one hand, the other hand wrapping around my waist as his lips dangerously neared mine. The moment escted faster than I expected, causing my heart to pound erratically.


    I set my head down, scared that our lips might touch any moment from now. But


    his cold hands brushed my jaw, gently lifting my chin. "You don''t have the right to flirt with other guys. You belong solely to me!"

 Chapter 24

    Gemini''s POV


    I woke up to a loud torturing sound, my head banging from the unexpected noise.


    I checked my phone to realise that it was just past five in the morning. "Fuck!" I cried, holding onto my head.


    The noise persisted, causing me to go from annoyed to scared. What if we were under an attack, my thoughts sent shivers down my barely clothed body?


    I immediately made my way to the window, eager to see what was going on.


    Poking my head slightly out of the window, I caught sight of over a hundred hefty men jugging across the King''s pce. The highlight was that they weren''t just hefty, they were without shirts or pants, just underwear.


    I swallowed hard at the interesting sight, almost unable to peel my eyes off them. I soon caught sight of King Asher, n and another face I wasn''t familiar with. They were the only clothed men amongst so many.


    As I stood there, mouth agape, my mind began to wander. Despite the fact that King Asher was cheating on me with Ba, I was unable to prevent myself from fantasizing about him. I imagined him standing amidst the sea of half-naked men, his perfectly moulded physique on full disy. My heart skipped a beat as I pictured him in nothing but his underwear, his piercing blue eyes seeming to bore into my soul.


    Just as I was getting lost in my fantasy, King Asher''s eyes suddenly snapped up, his gaze locking onto my window. I bent down quickly, my heart racing as I hid behind the windowsill. I held my breath, hoping that he hadn''t seen me.


    I peeked through the window, watching as King Asher''s eyes narrowed slightly. He seemed to be staring right at my window as if he knew I was hiding there. I felt a flush rise to my cheeks as I quickly ducked back down, my heart pounding in my chest.


    What


    was I doing? I was supposed to be angry with him, not fantasizing about him like some kind of lovesick fool. I took a deep breath, trying to shake it all off my mind.


    I couldn''t get myself to sleep from that time till it was time for breakfast. I freshened up and hurried to have dinner after which I made my way to the Library.


    I had been frequently here for some days digging my head into those big tech books I couldn''t find online,


    I looked back at the wallpaper of myptop, it was my graduation picture. Before


    I could know what was happening to me, tears filled my eyes as reflections of what my life was and where it was headed filled my mind.


    I had promised myself that I was going to be one of the biggest techdies in the whole of Northern California. It was a promise I made not just to myself, but also to Alpha Harvey, but here I was, living an unexpected life at an unexpected time.


    Sometimes I wish I never returned. I wouldn''t have been caught up in all this drama if I had remained in Canada.


    Despite my situation, I never stopped checking if thepanies I had applied for internships had replied to my mail. I honestly had no idea how I was going to do my internship whilst being trapped here, but I wasn''t giving up either.


    I switched on my other phone, the one that had everything concerning my school. It included my colleague''s numbers, my school groups and then all of my school memories. The phone had been shut since I returned from Canada, but it remained in myptop bag.


    I was reliving the moments with tears in my eyes when my phone chimed with a message. I immediately checked it, hoping it was a message from my counsellor, informing me that I had been shortlisted for an internship or probably an email from thepany directly. The same mail I had been refreshing for more than an hour on my system.


    But as soon as I picked up my phone. I froze, my hand over my mouth.


    Three hundred and twelve unread WhatsApp messages from Este-


    And even voicemails.....


    Oh my!


    I dialled her number ASAP.


    I held my breath as the phone rang, each second stretching into eternity. My palms grew muny, and my heart raced. Finally, a familiar voice filled the silence.


    "Gemini!" Este''s voice cracked, with relief which soon escted into anger. "Oh my God, is that really you? Do you have any idea how worried


    8:01 PM d


    I''ve been?"


    I winced at her tone but managed a weak, "Hey, Este. I''m sorry¡ª"


    "Sorry?" she interrupted, her voice rising. "I thought something horrible had happened to you! You just disappeared. No calls, no texts, nothing! I didn''t even know if you were alive!"


    Tears welled in my eyes again. "Este, I didn''t mean to scare you. Things just... got reallyplicated back here."


    "Complicated?!" she snapped, then softened. "What''s tooplicated that you can''t share with your favourite roomie, Gem?" Her voice broke, and I could hear her sniffle. ¡°I sent messages, voicemails, emails¡ªeverything! I went to the school for your mom''s number but the number wasn''t going through."


    Guilt filled me instantly, knowing that I had intentionally given the school the wrong number so they wouldn''t bother my mom with anything while I was in school.


    I bit down on my lip, "I''m really sorry, girl. I should''ve reached out."


    She breathed a heavy sigh before finally saying. ¡°I''m just d you are fine.¡±


    I wish I was fine for real, but I wasn''t going to bother her with my problems, After


    all, she wouldn''t understand any of it. Humans like herself would get lost trying to understand the shape-shifters and our dynamics.


    Unexpectedly, the lights in the Library began to twitch. Soon, it was aplete ckout. That was when I realised that it was already evening cause everywhere went dark instantly.


    The surprised and disappointed gasps of the students filled the atmosphere.


    "Este, I will call you backter," I said dismissing the call.


    I switched on my phone torch, heading forward to see what was going on.


    I made my way through the dimly lit hall, the narrow beam of my phone''s shlight cutting through the darkness. My pulse quickened, eerie sounds reached my ears-low growls and the sound of something heavy scraping against the floor. "What the hell is that?" I whispered to myself, clutching my phone tightly.


    Ahead, I spotted a group of students huddied in the middle of the hall. Their faces were pale, their whispers frantic. Some held onto each other, while others clutched makeshift weapons-heavy books, chair legs, anything they could grab in the chaos.


    Fear and a mix of curiosity propelled me forward. "Hey," I called out, trying to steady my voice. "What''s going on here?"


    A girl with wide, tear-filled eyes turned to me. "We don''t know," she stammered. "The lights went out, and then we started hearing.. things."


    "Things?" I pressed, my stomach twisting.


    The library doors burst open with a loud crash, and the Librarian stormed in, her face full of panic and her hands gripping a long, rusted sword that looked like it belonged in a museum.


    "Everyone, listen!" she shouted, her voicemanding and urgent. "We think


    the library is under attack. Protect yourselves-stay together and find something


    to defend yourselves with!"


    AD

 Chapter 25

    Asher''s POV


    "Your majesty, the Library is under attack!" The informant said, his voice carrying a sense of urgency.


    "How the fuck did they get in!" I growled furiously. "Let the warriors go and weigh the situation, I need feedback Asap." The informant ran off to go and pass my message.


    "What the heck are they after this time?" My father asked, his brow furrowed.


    "I presume this is a warning attack," I replied.


    Soon the informant reported back, his face carrying an expression that triggered worry in me. "What''s the situation like?"


    "The warriors had already gotten there before I reached, but three people are missing from the attendance at the Library."


    My chest tightened as the informant''s words sank in. "Three people missing?" I repeated, my voice a low growl.


    "Yes, Your Majesty," he replied, shifting nervously under my re. "We cross- checked the attendance records. One of them is..." His voice faltered, and his gaze dropped.


    "Spit it out!" I barked, my patience slipping.


    He hesitated for only a moment before continuing, "One of them is Miss Gemini, Your Majesty."


    A fiery wave of rage surged through me, and I mmed my fist onto the nearest table, the sound reverberating through the room. The warriors and advisors around me flinched. My father stepped forward, his hand resting on my shoulder in an attempt to steady me, but it did little to calm the storm brewing inside.


    "Gemini?" I snarled, my voice dangerously low. "How could this have happened under our watch?"


    The informant stammered, trying to find the perfect excuse to suit my anger. But I didn''t care about excuses. The thought of Gemini being in danger sent a cold, burning fury through my veins. Whoever dared to threaten her would pay with their lives.


    The storm swelling inside of me seemed too much to control. I could literally burn or tear down anything at this point. The thought of losing her once again frightened me to my bones.


    The moment we reached the library, the chaos seemed to have dissipated. The once frenzied atmosphere was now subdued, though a curious crowd lingered around the building. I scanned the scene, my senses heightened, ready to unleash my fury on whoever dared to harm what was mine.


    I strode forward, parting the crowd. "What''s going on here?" I barked, my voice echoing like thunder.


    A warrior rushed up to me, saluting nervously. "Your Majesty, the situation has been resolved."


    My eyes narrowed, "Resolved? How?"


    The warrior gulped, clearly aware of my boiling temper. "The young miss, Lady Gemini... she found the missing individuals. She went after them herself and alerted the guards to their location before the situation escted."


    1 froze, a mix of disbelief and relief washing over me. "She what?"


    Before he could respond, a familiar figure stepped out from the shadows of the library entrance, Gemini stood there, her expression a bit too calm for the situation, though a faint trace of exhaustion lingered in her expression.


    "Gemini," I called my voice sharper than I intended. I closed the distance between us in a few long strides. "What were you thinking?"


    She looked up at me, unflinching, "I was thinking someone had to act quickly. Two students were missing, and the guards weren''t moving fast enough. So, I handled it."


    My jaw tightened. Her audacity and bravery intriguing. "You could have been hurt," I growled. "Do you have any idea what I went through when I thought-


    "I wasn''t hurt," she interrupted, her tone firm. ¡°I used my instincts, tracked them down, and signalled the guards. They were just scared kids who got caught in the wrong ce at the wrong time.


    Her calm exnation only added fuel to the fire of my frustration. ¡°You should have let the warriors handle it!"


    801 PM dd.


    "With all due respect, Your Majesty," she said, her voice cool and collected, "the warriors were too busy following protocol. I didn''t have time to wait for them to sort themselves out."


    The crowd around us murmured, clearly impressed by her bravery. "Next time," I said, my voice low and dangerous, "you will not put yourself in harm''s way without informing me first. Do you understand?"


    She crossed her arms, raising a brow. "Understood, Your Majesty."


    Her sarcastic tone only made me


    hee


    grit my teeth. I wanted to lecture her further, but a small part of me the part I hated admitting existed was impressed. She had acted decisively, saved two lives, and prevented what could have been a far worse situation.


    I channelled my anger to the guards who had failed me in a time like this.


    I woke up to the blinding rays from the window, I must have forgotten to shut them properly thanks to how exhausted I was yesterday.


    As I swung my legs over the side of the bed, I noticed amotion outside my window. Curious, I put on my clothes and headed downstairs. There I noticed a middle-aged couple, standing outside the pce gates. They were holding a bouquet of flowers and speaking to one of the guards.


    I walked over to the guard and asked, "What''s going on here?"


    The guard saluted me before exining, "These are the parents of one of the students who went missing yesterday, Your Majesty. They brought flowers for Lady Gemini as a token of appreciation."


    A warmth spread through my chest as I watched the couple.


    "Let them in," I instructed the guard. "I want to meet them."


    As the couple was escorted into the pce, I couldn''t help but feel a sense of pride and admiration for Gemini. She had indeed proven herself to be brave, selfless, and kind despite the fact that she didn''t feel wee around here.


    The couple approached me, their eyes filled with gratitude. ¡°Thank you, Your Majesty," they said in unison, bowing their heads.


    I smiled, waving my hand in a gesture of dismissal. "Please, don''t thank me. Thank Lady Gemini. She''s the one who saved your daughter."


    The mother''s eyes welled up with tears as she handed me the bouquet of flowers. "We will never forget what she has done for us, Please, give these to Lady Gemini from us."


    Your Majesty.


    I took the flowers, feeling a sense of pride and ownership. These flowers were a symbol of Gemini''s bravery, and I would make sure she knew how much she was appreciated.


    "I will," I nodded and I watched them make their way out.


    "Do you still think she isn''t worthy to bear your mark?¡± Cain asked, pulling up


    behind me.

 Chapter 26

    Asher''s POV


    Five days to go...


    I let out a heavy sigh, my gaze locked on the ceiling. The white paint was peeling


    in ces, a reminder of how long it had been since anyone bothered to touch it


    up.


    +20)


    If I had made it this far, I could make it to the full moon without doing anything funny with Gemini. As much as my wolf wanted to be around her, I tried my best to keep my distance, giving myself as much space as needed. Without intimacy, I certainly wouldn''t do anything I''m not supposed to. I just had to keep my head in


    the game.


    After a quick shower, I filled my hands with water for thest time and sshed it on my face, shaking off the lingering fatigue. I stared at my reflection for a moment, adjusting my shirt and running a hand through my tousled hair. The cold expression I wore was like armor; I needed it for the day ahead.


    As I stepped out of my room, the air felt heavier than usual. The attack a few days back had kept everyone on the edge. It also opened my eyes to some loopholes in our security system, and I''d been working non-stop to fill those gaps. I couldn''t let anything slip through again, especially not during the full moon.


    Just as I was about to make my way out, my phone buzzed in my pocket. I pulled it out, ncing


    "The great King Asher!"


    at the screen.


    The lively voice belonged to Endrick, my only friend ever. A small smile crept onto my face despite the weight on my shoulders.


    "Hey, man! You''re still alive." I replied, trying to keep my tone light.


    "It''s been ages since I saw that stone cold face of yours." He joked, hisughter echoing through the phone.


    "Are youing over?" I asked knowingly. Endrick never called for anything other than to inform me that he wasing over or that he had already arrived at my pack.


    "I''m in your living room, man!"


    I pinched the bridge of my nose, groaning. "Of course you are."


    Before I could hang up, he added with a chuckle, ¡°Actually, I moved to the dining room. And, uh, there''s this beauty here... dressed in a hoodie. Who is she?"


    My heart skipped a beat, and I didn''t even need to ask who he was talking about. My wolf stirred immediately, growling possessively at the idea of Endrick so much as looking at her.


    "Don''t you dare!" I barked into the phone, my voice sharp andmanding. Endrickughed, clearly amused by my reaction. "Rx, man! I''m just curious.


    ho is she? She doesn''t exactly look like a servant."


    I didnt reply. Instead, I ended the call and sped down the hall, my strides long and purposeful.


    The dining room came into view, and there she was. She sat at the far end of the table, her mouth filled with more food than she could take,


    Sometimes she''s a goddess and sometimes she just decides to act like a weapon fashioned against me. The rest of the family seemed irritated by her actions but Endrick seemed to enjoy the show. I overlooked it, knowing that she was intentionally doing it to avoid speaking to anyone.


    *Aty man! It''s really been a while" Endrick started. "I see you''ve changed a lot." He continued, his eyes darting from Gemini to me,


    Focus on your food, or else you want to choke," I said settling into my seat as well.


    Somehow, i fosand myself admiring Gemini''s childish behaviour, my hands on my jaw as I stared intently at her.


    I didn''t segin to realise how lost I was until my fork dropped, alerting everyone at the table. I immediately feigned annoyance as I queried her to Cat Trapossidy.


    After I was done burying myself in work, I decided to unwind a bit. I stopped by a cosy bar downtown, the kind that had dim lighting and a jukebox ying ssic rock tunes. The smell of fried food and the sound ofughter filled the air. I spotted Endrick at the counter, nursing a beer and grinzung like he''d just won the loatery.


    Hey, man You made it is called out, waving me over. I stud onto the barstool next to him, the wood cool against my skin.


    10:21 AM M


    "Yeah, I just needed to escape the office for a bit," I replied, ordering a whiskey neat.


    "So, What''s new with you?" he asked. "Other than, you know who?"


    I filled him in on what was going on in my life, and so did he. We shared our


    stories over about three bottles of whiskey.


    "And Ba, what do you n to do with her?"


    I shook my head, "I never said I wanted anything to do with Ba, but she''s been


    tryingtely to get back into my life."


    "Hmm..." He sighed.


    Endrick, ever the one to get drunk first, began to speak tipsy.


    0


    He kept asking silly questions about Gemini, provoking me to the guts. Endrick was never one to care about the women I followed cause our types of women differed, but for the first time, he wouldn''t just stop talking about a woman he knew very well was mine. And fuck! It pissed me to know that my woman was lingering in the back of another man''s mind.


    I returned home, the familiar scent of our ce wrapping around me like a warm nket. After a long day, I was ready to head to my room, but something tugged at me. I paused outside Gemini''s door, hesitating for a moment.


    Taking a deep breath, I turned the knob and pushed the door open. As I stepped inside, I froze. There she was, curled up under the covers, but something was off.


    Her body shook slightly, and I realized she was sobbing in her sleep. My heart dropped. I rushed over to her side, my pulse quickening with worry. "Gemini," I whispered, gently shaking her shoulder. "Hey, wake up."


    She stirred, her eyes fluttering open, but the fear in her expression was unmistakable. Before I could say anything else, she shot up and wrapped her arms around me, burying her face in my shirt. "Please, don''t let them take me back," she sobbed, her voice muffled against my chest.


    "What''s going on? What happened?" I asked, my voice thick with concern. I held her tight, feeling her body tremble against mine.


    "I don''t want to go back to the dungeon! Please your majesty," Her words cut through me, my armour fading instantly.


    Whether I was ready to admit it or not, it hit me like a blow to my chest. I had caused her trauma, I had given her a reason to cry all night. I couldn''t help but think how many nights she''d had to cry herself to sleep.


    My eyes grew watery for the first time in ten years, for the first time


    after


    my first mate whom I lost to the rogues at the age of eighteen.


    I already felt bad for what I had done, but I felt the worst after seeing her cry so uncontrobly.


    I exited her room, not wanting her to wake up beside the cause of her nightmare.


    My eyes hurt from not being able to sleep, and the mate bond made me feel the worst about myself. The rey of her tears dancing in my head over and over again.


    1 skipped breakfast, clearly not in the mood to lift a spoon.


    It was soon noon, I promised myself to have a make up lunch with Gemini, hoping that it would help eradicate the restless feeling settling in the pit of my stomach


    "Go have lunch," I ordered.


    Alen looked a little surprised because that certainly was not our routine. "Is there


    a problem, your majesty?" He asked.


    "Nodizing is wrong, if you wish to have your food delivered here, fine. But I won''t be joining you today.


    He nodded and I stepped out, heading for the dining room.


    I hated at the wound of a low grow! I looked around trying to figure where it hade from.


    "If anyone finds parabout any of this, you all should count yourselves dead" An angry voice threatened.


    I read see the terror on the faces of the maids as they scurried out of the kitchen


    1 continued to the kitchen eager to know what was the cause of this death threat. "Mon!" I called and she quickly masked the fury on her face with a fake smile "What is going on?

 Chapter 27

    Gemini''s POV


    "Your majesty?" I called, my voice barely masking the shock that coursed through me. I blinked, trying to wrap my head around the sight before me. Why the heck was he in the kitchen?


    "Gemini!" Mrs ckwood chimed in, her voice bright and cheerful. "Would you like to have some orange juice?"


    I furrowed my brow, confusion washing over me. What in the world is going on here? First, King Asher was in the kitchen, and now Mrs ckwood was smiling at me like we were old friends. This was definitely not the usual vibe.


    I epted the drink from Mrs ckwood, still taken aback by her sudden sweetness. It felt almost like a trap. I certainly didn''t want to be the bad inw and reject the first thing she ever offered me. But that didn''t mean we were on friendly terms now.


    As I sipped the juice, but my thoughts were still racing. They must have been discussing something they don''t want me to hear. My mind raced through possibilities. What could it be?


    "Lunch will be served soon," Mrs. ckwood announced, her smile unwavering. "You two wait at the table..."


    I nearly dropped my ss.


    King Ashe


    is joining us for lunch today. That was strange!


    After what felt like an eternity, lunch finally came to an end. I dabbed my mouth


    with a napkin, ready to escape back to my room.


    "Gemini!" King Asher called, halting me in


    my tracks.


    "Uh, yes?" I turned back, trying to keep my expression neutral.


    "Have a drink with me tonight." He said it like it was an invitation, but every word from King Asher''s mouth always felt like an order.


    I hesitated, weighing my options. "Is this... an invite or you''re just ordering me as usual."


    He raised an eyebrow, "It''s an invite you can''t disregard."


    I rolled my eyes, unable to suppress a smile. "Fine, I guess. I''ll see you tonight, your majesty."


    I''d never gone on a date before, and honestly, the whole idea felt really awkward. It wasn''t like he outright said it was a date, but the moment he asked me to grab a drink, I could feel the butterflies swirling in my stomach. I mean, after everything we''d been through, it was unexpected.


    I slipped into a simple red strapless gown that hugged my curves just right. It felt a bit fancy for my usual style, but I wanted to make an effort. I nced in the mirror, adjusting my hair nervously. "What am I doing?" I muttered to myself, wishing I could just throw on myfy hoodie and jeans instead. But tonight was different, and maybe, just maybe, I could see a different side of him. After all, he preferred me in dress, so I granted him a free show tonight.


    As I arrived at the cozy little bar, the dim lights cast a warm glow, and the chatter of people filled the air. I spotted him and n at a VIP section of the bar.


    Is this supposed to be a threesome or something?


    I settled my thoughts and continued towards them. "Good evening your majesty!" I greeted with a two second smile. "n..." I called with the intention to acknowledge his presence.


    King Asher''s gaze lingered on me, his eyes scanning me like I was a piece of art in a gallery. I couldn''t quite read his expression-was he impressed, bemused, or just lost in thought?


    "Is there a problem, your majesty?" I asked, tilting my head slightly, trying to break the tension.


    He shook his head, a slight smirk forming on his lips. "Nothing, I''m just-"


    "Shit!" I interrupted, feeling a jolt as someone bumped into me. A cold sensation rushed from my chest downwards, and I stumbled slightly, trying to regain my bnce


    "Oh my goodness! I''m so sorry!" A woman eximed, her voice a mix of panic and


    concern.


    I looked up, and our eyes met. Recognition hit me like a wave. "Oh my, Gemini! It''s you. I almost didn''t recognize you!" Ba said, her eyes wide with surprise. "I''m so sorry for ruining your dress! I honestly didn''t mean to."


    I nced down at my outfit-a sleek, deep blue dress that now bore a smudge of something sticky. "It''s okay, Ba! It''s just a dress," I said, trying to brush it off. "But maybe next time, watch where you''re going?"


    10:21 AM


    Sheughed nervously, running a hand through her hair. "I was hurrying to meet a friend, I''m really... really sorry."


    "It''s fine..." I said dismissively before turning my attention back to King Asher. Before I could say another word, Ba chimed in, "Oh my! Asher, you''re here too."


    "Oh my! Please get the fuck out of here," Elsie imitated, almost making meugh. "I''m so d you''re trying to have a life outside the office and those cumbersome responsibilities." She said, settling by King Asher.


    "Didn''t you say you were about to meet a friend?" King Asher said dismissively. "n, you should escort her to see her friend."


    Ba rolled her eyes in disbelief, "It''s fine, she''s just over there." Ba said stumping her foot as she walked away.


    Impressive!


    But that wasn''t enough to erase what I saw at the hospital.


    "What drink would you prefer?" He asked.


    "Anything you are having is fine."


    n stood to his feet, "Your majesty, I would be around if you need me."


    He ordered three bottles of whiskey like he had a n to get me drunk on our first date.


    King Asher''s gaze was like aser, burning into me with an intensity that made me squirm in my seat. He didn''t even bother hiding dropped to the slightly exposed curve of my cleavage, lingering there far too long.


    1. it. His eyes


    I flushed, my cheeks heating up as I fidgeted with my dress, tugging it up in a futile attempt to cover myself. Why did I wear this stupid gown? My nerves were already on edge, and his piercing gaze wasn''t helping.


    "You''re quiet," he finally said, his voice calm.


    *I... uh, I''m just not sure what to say," I stammered, keeping my eyes fixed on the table. I couldn''t meet his gaze, not when it felt like he could see right through me.


    "Rx," he said, leaning back in his seat, his tone softer than usual. ¡°It''s just a drink."


    Easy for him to say-he wasn''t the one under scrutiny. I reached for my ss, eager to do something, anything, to distract myself.


    "Slow down," Asher warned, his voice carrying a hint of amusement. "That''s strong stuff."


    The silence between us felt heavy, and I didn''t trust myself to say anything without making a fool of myself.


    "Maybe this was a wrong idea," He muttered.


    "No... It''s fine, I''m actually enjoying myself." I said, trying to sound not nervous.


    There was another moment of silence before I asked, "So I was wondering, why


    did you decide to bring me here?"


    His brows furrowed, "To the bar?"


    "To the bar, to your Kingdom, into your life."


    "It would be best if you remained in the dark," he said inly, but his words stirred


    up a sort of confusion within me.


    "Okay. How about you tell me something about yourself that you never told anyone,


    "I''d rather not bore you with my story." He said.


    This conversation was certainly going nowhere, he wasn''t ready to open up. So why then did he ask me out? To see me get drunk?


    I drank as much as I could have, eager to put an end to this torture. He did have a


    few drinks too, but I had more. I soon began to spout trash and he knew it was


    time to go.


    "That''s enough for tonight," he said firmly, his fingers brushing against mine.


    I chuckled darkly. "Oh really. Are you scared that I might get out of control?" I said, cing any heels in between his legs.


    20


    10.21 AM

 Chapter 28

    Asher''s POV


    "Maybe this was a wrong idea," I thought aloud, shaking my head slightly as I leaned back against the bar.


    This situation was definitely not one I envisioned for myself. I had never asked ady to drink with me before, and now it felt painfully obvious that I waspletely lost. The bar''s dim lighting created a warm glow, but the awkwardness lingered.


    I watched as Gemini gulped down a full bottle of whiskey like it was some cheap orange juice. The way she handled it was both impressive and rming. It hinted at just how boring my presence must have been. She didn''t even flinch as the amber liquid slid down her throat.


    This moment was far from what I expected... All I wanted was for her to loosen up around me, for her to realise that I''m not exactly a threat. I wanted her to know that I didn''t find joy in her pain. But how was I supposed to exin any of that?


    I knew I was the reason she felt this way. And after watching her relive the dungeon nightmare, I realized just how much I had fucked up. She probably doesn''t feel safe around here, and I was to me for that. The little human side of me hasn''t been at peace since then.


    My phone beeped with a text, I checked it to realise it was a message from Endrick. "I''m so sorry for leaving the way I did, something urgent came up."


    set my phone down and turned back to Gemini who was now speaking out of ce. "That''s enough for tonight," I said, taking the ss from her.


    "Oh really? Are you scared that I might get out of control?" sheughed, her words slurred and a bit too loud. Her eyes sparkled with mischief, but I could see the underlying sadness there too.


    At that moment, I felt something shift between my legs, and that''s when I noticed her heels in between my legs. She leaned in closer, a yful grin on her face, and I shifted ufortably in my seat. What the heck did she think she was doing?


    1 set her foot down, trying to keep my voice steady. "This isn''t the time or ce for games."


    She once!"


    ed, her lips forming a perfect ''O. "You''re no fun, Asher! Just let loose for


    I took off my coat and draped it over her shoulders, trying to cover her up a bit. "We''re leaving," I said, my tone firm but gentle. "You''ve had enough."


    "Why?" she queried, looking genuinely confused as I lifted her, carrying her out like a bride. The warmth of her body against mine sent a jolt through me, but I pushed those thoughts aside.


    n followed closely behind, opening the car door as I ced her inside. As we drove off, Gemini continued to act out of ce, she removed my coat from her body, exposing her fresh, enticing skin once again. "You know, I could have handled it," she said, a teasing lilt in her voice. "I''m not a child."


    "I promise, you would be saying otherwise when you wake up to a throbbing headache tomorrow."


    "My head is spinning," she muttered, dropping her head on my shoulder.


    We soon arrived and 1 escorted her out of the car, my hands on her waist as I helped her get in. It was alreadyte and there weren''t many people walking around, just the security guards.


    "Asher," she murmured, her voice slurred and soft. "Do you want to swim?"


    I paused mid-step, ncing down at her. "Gemini, it''ste. You''ve had too much


    to drink. All you need is to have your bath and rest."


    She pouted, forcing herself out of my hold. "Nooo... I want to swim. I feel so hot inside."


    Before I could argue further, she reached for the hem of her dress, clearly intending to take it off. My pulse spiked, and I quickly grabbed her wrists, stopping her, "What the heck do you think you are doing?" My voice came out sharper than I intended.


    Tm preparing for take-off. She joked


    "No! You''re going to bed, end of discussion"


    Her lips shuddered as if to argue, but instead, she angrily staggered towards the stairs. Her steps were uncoordinated and I was sure that she would fall down the stairs if I didn''te to her rescue Saving her the stress, I carried her to her room, kicking the door open gently. Once inside, I put her down on the edge of the bath and turned on the tap, allowing warm water to fill the bowl


    She stared at the water, then up at me, her expression unreadable, "Are you angry with me?" she asked suddenly, her voice barely above a whisper


    0


    I crouched in front of her, my hand resting lightly on her knee. "I''m not!" I answered in a firm voice.


    "I ruined our first date," She stated inly, but her eyes soon filled with unshed tears. "You''re going to punish me, aren''t you? Like before..."


    Her words hit me like a blow to the chest. I closed my eyes for a moment, trying to steady the storm of emotions her statement stirred. "That was a mistake. One I won''t repeat." I said softly but firmly.


    She looked back at me, her expression searching for something- sincerity I guess. "You promise?"


    "I promise," I said, my voice thick with regret.


    She gave a small nod, her body rxing slightly. The tension in her face softened, and she leaned back against the cool tile. Her eyelids grew heavy, and before I knew it, she was asleep.


    "Gemini!" I called softly.


    The dress she was wearing had been drenched, "You still need to get changed-" I said.


    She seemed far gone and I honestly did not know what to do. Leaving her soaked in was certainly not an option.


    I steadied my breath and then lifted her soaked dress. My eyes involuntarily met her bare body and I stiffened in response. The only things she had on was the boob tape she used to cover her nipples and then a barely visible thong. I felt my control slipping-


    My gaze roamed over her body, taking in the smooth skin, the curves of her hips, her full ass and the gentle swell of her breasts. My desire got triggered, and my body responded instinctively. My fingers itched to touch her, to explore every inch of her skin.


    I tried to remind myself that Gemini was drunk, that she was vulnerable, and that I needed to respect her boundaries. But my body seemed to have


    a mind of its own.


    "Fuck!" Darryl growled in my head. He wanted his mate so bad, but I couldn''t afford to do no shit, not before the full moon.


    I tried hard to pull myself together, but I felt my control snap. My hands reached out, and I gently brushed the hair out of her face. My fingers trailed down her cheek, and I felt a spark as my skin touched hers.


    "Asher?" Gemini muttered in her sleep, her tone equivalent to a moan.


    I knew I needed to stop, but I couldn''t. My body was driving me forward, urging me to take what I wanted. I leaned in, my lips inches from hers...


    The piercing sound of my ringtone echoed in the once quiet room. "Your majesty," n called, his voice somewhat panicked. ¡°There''s something you need to see..

 Chapter 29

    Gemini''s POV


    "Holy crap!" I winced at the intense throbbing of my head.


    With both hands on my head, I threw my legs out of bed. Staggering as darkness momentarily clouded me.


    "What the fuck have I done to myself?"


    After much struggling, I poured myself a ss of water, sorting for aspirin in the drawer, but I failed to notice that it was just there, on the side table.


    20


    By the box of meds was a note which I picked up curiously. "Take these for the throbbing, and if you don''t feel too well, I will have the maids bring you breakfast."


    My brows arched involuntarily, what the fuck has gotten into King Asher? Maybe, just maybe he actually had a heart, a very little heart somewhere in that dark box he carries around in his chest.


    I made my way to the washroom to freshen up, my head feeling slightly better. As the soles of my feet moved over the threshold, memories ofst night began to sip in. It pained me that I didn''t remember much, most especially the expression on his face, I didn''t know if I was about to get into trouble.


    But the note, I smiled nervously to myself. He wouldn''t have cared to write a note if he was angry. Or could he? I can''t really tell cause King Asher can be one hell of an unpredictable person.


    The bathtub was still filled with water, a red dress floating in it. Red dress! My eyes widened as reality slowly but finally hit me.


    I was wearing a red dressst night, and I don''t remember changing into my pyjamas. Oh fuck, not again!


    My crazy mind began to wander around possibilities, possibilities that he might have touched or fucked with mest night.


    But I don''t feel fucked!


    Oh my, I don''t even know what it feels like to be fucked...


    I continued to the bathtub with the intentions of draining the water and getting my messy washroom in order, but just as I got close enough, I stepped on


    something that spiked my feet really hard.


    "Ouch!"


    I looked down to notice a gold watch on the floor of my washroom. The gold watch


    felt heavier than it should have as I turned it over in my hands.


    I didn? think of seeing King Asher any time soon, not after what happenedst night, after how I embarrassed myself, after all the things I said. But now, this watch could be a reason for him toe back here.


    I can''t let that happen... He can''te to me, I should definitely go to him before things escte, I should return the watch before he gets the wrong idea of me. Maybe if I acted casual, he wouldn''t bring up whatever nonsense I''d donest night. And of course, I needed to apologise early enough before he decided to hold it against me.


    I quickly freshened up and got dressed, my heart beating faster by the second. I picked up the note once again, ncing carefully at it as I reconsidered the tone for a moment. Could he have written it in anger, or irritation or did he truly care? Thest was certainly not an option because King Asher wasn''t exactly the kind to care about anyone''s well-being, let alone mine. If he wasn''t angry, he must''ve been irritated. And when King Asher was irritated, it was like sitting on a time bomb.


    The longer I stared at the note, the more my imagination ran wild. I''d been drunk, and vulnerable, and God knows what I might have done or said. Did 1 fart with him? Throw myself at him? Humiliate myself beyond repair?


    When I reached his office. I hesitated at the door. He''s probably busy with something important, I should drop this in his room instead, alongside an apology none since he preferred notes to texts.


    This was going to be my first time in King Asher''s room and I felt extremely nervous about being in there. As much as I wanted to give the watch to a maid to have it delivered for me, I was way too curious to know what his personal space looked like,


    Without thinking to knock, I pushed his room door open, my hands trembling slightly as I was greeted with his cologne.


    "Oh fuck" Elsie moaned as I stepped in


    The room was nothing like I expected.


    10:21 AM


    I had imagined darkness. Shadows curling around the corners, heavy ck curtains shutting out the light, and maybe even some intimidating relics to remind anyone who entered whose space this was. Instead, it was painfully simple.


    The walls were a soft grey, illuminated by natural light streaming through barely tinted windows. The obsessively cleaned, no unnecessary decoration. His bed, however, was enormous, the dark sheets neatly tucked in as though no one ever dared disturb them.


    But what stood out the most was the faint, intoxicating scent of his cologne, Stronger here than anywhere else in the pce. I closed my eyes for a moment, breathing it in astmelted into his scent. This room feels just like him, I thought. Clean, coordinated, and somehow overwhelming.


    My eyesnded on the massive frame hanging on the wall opposite the bed.


    it was a portrait of him seated on his throne, dressed in full royal attire. His ck hair was slicked back, his piercing eyes staring directly at me, as though he could see right into my soul even through the canvas.


    "I shouldn''t be here," I whispered to myself, though my feet had no intention of leaving.


    20


    The bed caught my attention next. The thought of him lying there sent my mind spiralling into ces it had no business going. Before I could stop myself, I took a cautious step forward and ced the watch on the bedside table.


    Lingering in the room for a little longer, I couldn''t resist taking a seat on his perfectly arranged bed.


    The mattress was firm but


    against my skin. Before I knew it, l had stretched out, staring up at the ceiling. The second my head hit the pillow, his fragrance engulfed me. It was everywhere, wrapping around me like an invisible hand


    What are you doing, Gemini?


    I closed my eyes, just for a moment, letting my imagination take over. I could picture him here, standing over me, his gazemanding. His hands pressed into the mattress on both sides of me, pinning me down with nothing but his presence.


    The image shifted, and now his lips were brushing against my ear, his voice low and taunting. "Do you have any idea how dangerous it is to be in my bed, little wolf?"


    My eyes snapped open, and I shot up as though the sheets had burned me.


    What the hell was I thinking? I pressed my palms to my flushed cheeks, mortified


    by my own thoughts. Get out, Gemini. Get out before he finds you here and adds this to the ever-growing list of your screw-ups.


    I quickly straightened the bed and hurried towards the door, but not before I knocked off a file from his desk.


    As I bent over to pick up the file, a single sheet slipped out of ce, catching my attention. My eyes widened slightly as I saw something that caught my attention. My name was boldly written in the paper which seemed to be an agreement.


    What the heck is this? I frowned, intrigued.


    Just as I was about to investigate further, I felt a presence behind me. I spun around to the daring figure of King Asher d in nothing but a towel, which was slung low around his hips. Water droplets rolled down his perfect body and his hair was damp as if he had just stepped out of the shower.


    My eyes locked onto his, and I felt like I was drowning in their depths. The air seemed to thicken, making it hard to breathe. I tried to step back, but my feet seemed rooted to the spot.


    "What the heck are you doing in my room?" King Asher said, his voice low and husky.

 Chapter 30

    Ba''s POV


    A strapless mini-dress was all I needed to get my day started. I freshened up, throwing on a white mini-dress that hugged my curves perfectly, my pointed nipples teasingly visible through the fabric,


    The countdown was already on, and I had been ying too soft on


    ft on my game.


    time to up my level.


    I stood in front of the mirror, running a quick mental checklist. A bold swipe of red lipstick entuated my full lips, and I slipped on a tight ne-an exact replica of the one Asher gifted me back when we were in college. The right amount of exposed cleavagepleted the look. and I added a seductive smile for good


    measure


    "I guess we''re good," I said, cutting an eye at my reflection. With a confident strut,


    I sashayed toward King Asher''s office, my heels clicking rhythmically on the polished floor, the dress hugging my curves in all the right ces.


    "I''m sorry, ma''am,


    his majesty is busy" said the guard stationed at the entrance of his office, his tone police but firm.


    "Not too busy to see me." I retorted, pushing the door open without hesitation. I knew they wouldn''t dare to stop me.


    Asher looked up from the papers strewn across his desk, surprise flickering across his face for just a moment. "Your majesty, we-" the guard began, but with a casual wave of his hand, he dismissed the guards, leaving just his Bets, n,


    and us,


    n''s eyes darted between us, seeking confirmation from Asher. With a nod from him, n quietly slipped out, leaving us alone.


    "What are you doing here?" Asher asked, his voice steady, but there was


    something unreadable in his expression.


    "What d


    I leaned forward, cing both my hands on his desk, my expression darkening "W


    ou miss me?


    do you mean, what am I doing here? Didn''t you


    His gaze lingered on my face for just a second before he returned to his papers, acting as if I wasn''t even there. He sure knew what I was there for. but feigned ignorance. He always avoided this topic, but today I wasn''t going to let him be.


    I crossed my arm


    y arms, a huff of annoyance escaping my lips.


    "Really, Asher? You''re going to ignore me like this? I challenged, trying to gauge his reaction.


    He seemed unfazed, his focus unwavering. "I''m busy, now is not the time," he said inly, still refusing to look up..


    ¡°Husy"" I echoed, frigning shock as I ced my hands dramatically on my chest. "So when do we get to talk about our future?"


    His eyes snapped up, locking onto mine with a displeased nce. "What future?" he shot back, his tone sharp.


    "Are you just going to act like nothing happened between us that day... at the hospital?" I pressed, taking a step closer, my heart racing


    Asher''s expression barely flickered as he leaned back in his chair. The slight arch of his brow was the only indication that he had even registered my


    "Ba," he began, his tone clipped, "Don''t make it seem like anything special happened that day. You kissed me and it was clear. Do not y silly


    My heart sank, but I refused to let it show. Instead, I leaned closer, letting the neckline of my dress dip ever so slightly. "Cares? Is that what you''re


    Ichallenged, my voice low,ced with both hurt and defiance.


    "Ba" Hu prowl came out low but threatening


    I straightened up, crossing my arms over my chest. "I don''t believe you." I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "You didn''t seem to think.


    Yes, Ader You dearly didn''t push me until you realised she was awake. That''s the only sign I needed to know that you still have something for me I said cing my hands in his chest.


    Whairser happened betwus is in the past A past that has no ce in my present, let alone may Tuture, lie saul firmly


    that''s it?" I demanded taking a steprioser "You''re just going to dismiss everything we had everything we could have-


    "There is bo wr, Ba" he interrupted, his your stra-ly but merciless. There was something once, a very long time ago, bad i caner Dral Nep Tryling to revive it.


    1 clenched my fists, feeling the sting of his words, but I wasn''t ready to let him have thest say. Not yet


    "Really, that''s how you feel?" I said, pouring myself a ss of water.


    Before he could respond, I tilted the ss, letting the water pour over my chest. The fabric of my white dress clung to my skin, turning transparent. my pointed nipples hardening at the cold sensation.


    "Asher." I said, my voice soft and sultry, "Look at me and tell me you don''t fantasize fucking me."


    His eyes flickered downward for the briefest moment before he turned his back to me, hisposure unshaken. Take a shirt from the wardrobe and leave," he ordered, his voice devoid of any warmth.


    I smirked to myself, sauntering toward the wardrobe. I pulled out one of his crisp white shirts, slipping it on slowly, leaving several buttons undone just to see if I could break through his icy facade.


    As I adjusted the shirt, I heard faint voices outside the door. My curiosity piqued, and I stepped out quietly, only to hear Gemini''s voice.


    When I turned theer, I found her standing there, her eyes darting between Asher and me. Her expression was a mix of confusion and hurt as she took in the scene-my half-buttoned shirt with spilling cleavage, Asher''s tense posture, and the lingering tension in the air.


    She swallowed hard, frozen in the moment like she just had her heart ripped out. ¡°I''m..... I''m sorry. I didn''t mean to interrupt,¡± Gemini said quickly. ber voice wavering as she took a step back


    Nice one Beck!


    AD

 Chapter 31

    Gemini''s POV


    I tossed restlessly in the bed, unable to find the slightest sleep. I threw my legs off the bed and headed out of the room. I needed something to drink, anything to get my mind off whatever was bothering me.


    The sting still felt fresh in my heart and I couldn''t help but curse at the mate bond for making me so possessive of King Asher.


    A bottle of whiskey should do. I said, weighing the bottle with my eyes.


    The moonlight shone across the surface of the pool, its silvery glow casting soft and beautiful shadows on the water. I floated on my back, staring up at the endless night sky. The cool water and burning sensation from the whiskey was the only thing grounding me, keeping my chaotic thoughts at bay.


    Ba''s smug smile and Asher''s ever-unexinable expression reyed in my mind. I wanted to believe it didn''t matter. That I didn''t care. But the sharp pain in my chest told me otherwise.


    I sshed water over my face, trying to drown the thoughts. "You don''t care, Gemini" I whispered to myself. "You''re not supposed to care!


    The soft sound of footsteps broke through my thoughts. My body stiffened, and I sank back into the water slowly and gently, letting it shield me


    "Gemini," his deep voice called out, low but unmistakable.


    I didn''t answer. I remained underneath the water for some more seconds, only letting my head out whenever I ran out of air.


    "Why are you not asleep yer?" His question fell on deaf ears as I continued to enjoy the tranquil moment like he didn''t exist in it.


    Nevertheless, I could still feel his heavy gaze on me and it felt like he was trying to drown me with his intense gaze. Finally, I shot my head our of the pool clearly disturbed by his monitoring eyes.


    I swam to the edge grabbing the railing and pulling myself up, letting the water cascade down my body. His eyes followed the movement, though his face betrayed nothing


    "You shouldn''t be out here alone." Asher said, his voice a little softer than what I was used to.


    I turned to him, grabbing a towel and wrapping it around my shoulders. "I couldn''t sleep. Not that it''s any of your business." 1 said, trying to sound


    unfazed


    His eyes remained on me for more than a minute as I strolled around, picking up the ss and half-drunk whiskey.


    "About earlier he started.


    1 held up a hand, curting him off ¡°Don''t. You don''t owe me an exnation, your majesty. You can do whatever you want with whoever you want." My voice sounded steady, but my heart clenched with every word.


    much as I was surprised by the fact that he was trying to exin to me, I didn''t want to hear it. I didn''t want to know how my mate was busy screwing some other girl while I remained unattended to. I didn''t want to be reminded of the fact that my mate found me unattractive.


    1 sighed before turning to leave. But his hand unexpectedly shot out, grabbing my wrist. "Gemini," he called his voice lower now, almost pleading.


    Why the heck was he feeling guilty now!


    1 nced down at where his fingers wrapped around my wrist. "Your majesty please,¡± I said, trying to sound respectful despite the anger and jealousy brewing inside of me.


    Before I could process his answer, he pulled me back, his lips crashing against mine as well as the bonde and ss against the floor. The kiss wasn''t gentle. It was raw, demanding, and full of an emotion I couldn''t quite exin.


    3 suffered, my brain trying to interpret what had just happened Finally, I got a hold


    of myself. I pushed away from him, trying to walk away as fast


    he stamoned me agatat the wall, his lips crashing onto mine once again. I struggled againsts chest, trying to break the kiss. "What are you doing?" I mumbled against his lips, sull feeling the sting of my earlier hurt.


    1


    But Auber didn''t let go. He wrapped his arrun around me, lifting me effortlessly as


    if I weighed nathing: "Nop irishing" he said, his voice tough as


    "Tur me down!" protested, my bats weakly pounding against his chest.


    10:21 AM


    He didn''t answer, his jaw clenched, his body tense as he carried me to his room. Once inside, he kicked the door shut and set me down gently on the edge of his bed.


    "Asher. I don''t need your paty," I said, my voice trembling. "I don''t expect loyalty f


    from


    you. I know-


    "Stay quiet," he growled. his body leaning over mine, his hands braced on either side of me. His eyes burned into mine, dark and full of desire


    Despite the fact that I was soaking his bed with my wet bikini, he didn''t show any sign of displeasure. Goosebumps filled my skin as he began to trace his hands all over my curves.


    "King Asher," 1 intended to call but moaned instead.


    Everything was happening so fast and I had little to no time to process any of it


    His proximity was intoxicating, my senses heightened as his body heat mingled with mine. He lifted my knee as he leaned further into the bed. making mey t in response.


    My mind was fighting against his every move, but my body gave in with ease. His hips shifted slightly, and I felt his arousal hard against my thigh.


    "Asher." I whispered once again, my craving for him on the increase.


    Lost in curiosity and desire, I found myself reaching for his pants to feel his erection even more


    The need for him inside of me intensified as I felt him. My hands instinctively reached for his belt, my fingers trembling as I tried to unbuckle it.


    He stood abruptly, releasing me and stepping back as if I had done something wrong.


    I looked up at him, confused. "What is the matter?" I asked softly.


    "Leave!" he said, his voice returning to its usual tone.


    I stared at him, my heart pounding as I tried to think of the possibilities. "Did I do something wrong?"


    "Tsaid leave, Gemini," he said, his eyes avoiding mine as he adjusted his pants. "Now."


    The weight of his words settled over me, and I felt the sting of rejection burn hot


    in my chest. Without another, word, I grabbed my towel and walked out, refusing


    to let him see the tears threatening to spill..


    As I stepped into the hallway, I could still feel the ghost of his touch, the heat of his kiss lingering on my lips. But his rejection had left an even deeper murk, one I wasn''t sure I could crate.


    AD

 Chapter 32

    Gemini''s POV


    The morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, and I groaned as I turned my face away from the intrusive rays. My eyes ached, swollen from the tears I''d cried all night. The sting of King Asher''s reaction was still fresh, like it just happened


    minutes ago.


    I sat up slowly, wincing as I caught sight of my reflection in the mirror. Puffy, red- rimmed eyes gazed back at me, a distinct sign of my weakness. With a sigh. I grabbed a pair of oversized dark shades and slid them on. No one needed to see the mess I''d be


    By the time I arrived at the dining hall for breakfast, everyone was already seated and diving into their meals, except for Asher, who remained absent from the table.


    Could he have skipped breakfast because of what happenedst night?


    I shook my head internally: he could never be that petry, or could he?


    1 hurriedly made my way to my seat, my eyes avoiding the questioning gaze of everyone seated. Cain''s sharp eyes immediately found me as I quietly slipped into a seat.


    "Gem1" he asked, his brow furrowing. "What''s with the shades?"


    I offered a weak smile, waving a hand dismissively. "Oh, just a sore eye. Didn''t want anyone to catch it.


    Cain raised an eyebrow, unsure whether to believe me or not, "Sore eyes? What does that even mean!"


    Before I could answer, Ba''s all-too-familiar voice cut through the air, sharp as ever. "Is it an eyesore," she paused, smirking, "or have you been crying all night"


    1 stiffened, my fingers tightening around my fork. My chest burned with both embarrassment and anger, but I kept my gaze down, refusing to let her see how much her words affected me


    "Ba," Mr ckwood''s firm voice interrupted, his tone brooking no argument, "enough. Everyone, focus on your food."


    Ba huffed but didn''t push further. I could feel Cain''s concerned gaze on me, but thankfully, he didn''t press,


    Asher''s seat remained empty from start to emotions threatening to surface. to finish. His


    is absence only added to the heaviness in my chest, but I forced myself to eat, biting back


    my back the


    After breakfast, as I made my way to leave, Mrs ckwood approached me, her expression unreadable, an expression that ran throughout the family.


    "Gemini," she began, her tone deceptively calm. "I need to speak with you"


    I nodded, following her out of the dining hall and into a part of the sitting room


    where there were no guards or maids eavesdropping on our


    convenuation


    moon, and it''s an important tradition in our


    ce on the e full moon a "There''s a mutual we need to prepare for,¡± she said, her eyes narrowing slightly. "It tak family. Aber has chosen you as his mate, so it''s necessary for you to undergo this ritual."


    1 frowned, suspicion prickling at the edges of my mind. "What kind of ritual?"


    Mrs ckwood''s sale was beginning to trouble my mind, the thought of what she


    was


    is trying to achievey unresolved in my mind. "It''s meant to strengthen the bond and make you more, suitable as Asher''s mate, It''s nothing to be scared about,"


    Her words sent a chall down any spine. I didn''t trust her, but the mention of the ritual piqued my curiosity. If it was tied to Asher and their family. I should most definitely perform it as well


    But why did Acher never mention anything of this might to me?


    I don''im


    be rude, but why are you bring nice to me?" I asked cautiously


    She dropped her fa?ade, raising my


    y chin to meet her eyes. "Is this what you prefer?"


    1 shook my ch¨¢n off her hold, a stare of defiance in my eyes. "Now this is the Mrs


    ckwood I know"


    The crossed her hands over her


    chest, a flicker of anger dancing in her guze ¡°You know, I never found you worthy of my Asher, not BQLE, BOL ever Werewolves have no business with tar Royal lycan family, they''re meant to be our


    1021 AM ?


    "So if I were you, I would hold onto this opportunity with all my might, ''cause this is the only way that the Lycans can recognize you as Asher''s mate. You may be weak, but I know you''re not stupid. So think about it, Gemini." She gave me a small back pat before turning to leave, her heels clicking against the polished floor.


    As 1 headed back to my room, my phone buzzed. My mom''s name shed across the screen, and Lanswered quickly.


    "Gemini," her voice was calm, yet I could sense the worry in it. "How are you doing?"


    "Tin fine, Mom"


    There was a pause on her own end. "Hello!" I called out to check if she was still with me.


    She sighed heavily as if burdened by something "Are you sure you are okay?"


    I hesitated, unsure of what to tell her. "Everything is fine, Mom. I''m fine"


    "I''ve been having this strange feeling that something is about to go wrong-


    "Come on, Mom" I interrupted, "Nothing will go wrong King Asher is here to protect me."


    She let out another sigh, clearly not convinced. But I didn''t wait for her to say another word; I grabbed the moment, shifting the topic. "Mom... found something strange in King Asher''s room the other day. A file. It looked really.. suspicious. Like it had something to do with me. But before I could see its content, he walked in. I really don''t know what to think"


    The silence on the other end was deafening.


    "Mom" 1 prompted, my heart pounding.


    When she finally spoke, her voice was strained. "Gemini, listen to me carefully. You need to


    "Wait." I cut her off, my mind racing. "Do you know why King Asher paid so much for me?"


    Her silence this time was telling. The seconds stretched, her hesitation feeling heavier with each passing


    "Mom!" I pressed, my voice shaking


    "Gemini, the elders and I thought it would be safer to keep you in the dark about


    it."


    "About what?" I demanded, my chest tightening


    moment.


    She sighed heavily, and I could almost picture her pinching the bridge of her nose as she always did whenever she was hiding something. "We''ll talk about this soon. Just be careful"


    "Mom!"


    The call ended abruptly, leaving me staring at the screen, my heart racing with brignswered questions.

 Chapter 33

    The weight of what transpired between Gemini and Ist night remained heavy on me. No matter how hard I tried to brush it from my memory, the images kepting back, over and over again. Every moment reyed in my head like a videotape the kiss, the way she shivered in anticipation as my hands ran over her body, and then the shattered look in her eyes when I told her to leave.


    Damn it.


    I ran a hand through my hair, tugging at the strands as if to pluck it off.


    Your majesty, is everything alright?" n asked, handing me a cup of coffee.


    I took the coffee but ignored his questions, "You look quite pale and lost..." he added.


    "How many days do we have till the full moon?" I asked, brushing off hisments


    Two days Your Majesty,


    The Lycan Sage''s words echoed in my mind: "If you do, this entire arrangement- everything you''ve set in motion-could be rendered useless."


    I had alreadye so close to achieving my goal, I couldn''t afford to ruin this, not for her, not for anyone.


    "I need to visit the sage Alone," I said inly but firmly, giving no room for the thousands of questions that were running through n''s mind.


    I found myself standing in the Sage''s temple once again. The cavern''s otherworldly energy pressed down on me, amplifying the unease I felt.


    The Sage was seated in the centre of the chamber, his eyes closed as he meditated. Without opening them, he spoke, his voice calm yetmanding "You''vee to confess, haven''t you?"


    I stiffened. "Nothing happened." I said quickly, though the words felt hollow Even to me.


    y thin


    The Sage''s eyes opened, his piercing gaze meeting mine. "But it almost did. Your restraint was thin, very


    I swallowed hard, my jaw tightening. "I stopped it before it went too far."


    The Sage''s gaze was fixed on me for a moment, his expression unreadable. Finally, he let out a slow sigh. "You didn''t ruin it, but you''vee dangerously close. The bond between you and your mate grows stronger every day. The full moon is fast approaching, you need to be more careful. The fate of your pack and its next generation depends on this."


    1 nodded, though the tension in my chest refuser to ease.


    The days slugsly went by, the restlessness in my heart intensifying by the second


    "Your majesty, everything is set, n reported with a bow. "All guards have been fortified for tonight''s event."


    A small smule tugged at the bottom of my lips as my mind drifted to what tonight was going to be like. The anticipation of our naked skin agains rach other caused goosebumps on me.


    I''d grown ustomed to being the object of desire, but never the one consumed by it. Not until 1 met Gemini


    I would always go back and forth, trying to convince myself tut Gemini wasis''t exactly my type of woman and that it was just the mate band at


    But deep down, the question lingered, Was it really JUST the mate bond?

 Chapter 34

    "Night of the full moon"


    1 stood in my room, my body stufening in anticipation,


    I had taken a little ime out of my day to pick on revealing.


    out the best lingerie, the one I thought was most suitable for her body type, and also the most


    the lingerie in a giftbox. Alongside it a message which read. "Let''s finish what we started"


    I stood before the mirror, covered in nothing but a ck silk robe loosely tied at the waist. Beneath it. I wore only my boxers, my mind shing with images of her in the lingerie I''d sent. I imagined her stepping into the room her cheeks flushed, her skin oiled to perfection


    The thought alone was enough to make my body react, but I forced myself to remainposed. I poured myself a ss of whiskey and sat on the edge of the bed, waiting


    I opened my drawer for a moment, sighting the pack of Viagra for a second. I was contemting whether or not to take it. I''d not been with a woman for a very long while and so it made me doubt if I wouldst long enough. After much thought, I took it, still awaiting her arrival.


    Minutes turned into an hour, and I frowned. Where was she?


    A soft knock at the door broke my thoughts. I straightened, my heart leaping with anticipation. "Enter" I called, my voice low and steady.


    The door creaked open, and my smirk faltered as my garended on the figure standing there.


    It wasn''t Gemini


    Il was Ba


    Dressed in ck lingerie, exactly the same as the one I had picked out for Gemini. She leaned casually against the doorframe, her red-painted lips curling into a seductive smule. Her long hair fell over her shoulders, and her eyes filled with mischief as they roamed over me.


    "Your Majesty!" she purred, stepping into the room and closing the door behind her.


    "ba" I called questionably


    She tied her head, feigning innocence. "I thought Fil keep youpany. It''s such a lonely night, isn''t it?".


    She smelt kind of familiar, not like the Ba i knew, but- Gemini. I''m not imagining things, am I?


    I set down the ss of whiskey and stood up. "Gemini?" The voice was definitely Ba''s but the smell was. The thick red light in the room only made things moreplicated.


    an my eyes through the figure like a human scanner, I was right earlier. "It truly is Beck,


    "A hat are you doing here 1 growled but it came out the weakest.


    I began to experience something really strange, my head was banging


    excessively, and my vision was very blurry


    What the fuck? I muttered


    one ss of whiskey couldn''t have put me in this condition.


    Becra stepped closer, her hips swaying with each step. She stopped in front of


    me, her fingers trailing along the edge of my robe "Come on. Asher," she


    whispered, her lips dangerously close to my car. "We both know I''m the one you truly want. So don''t deceive yourself with the miste slut ''cause


    shed beraude lifting


    "Nothing really" She smirked


    "Oh my gosbru, Aiber Is this


    as if to examine  content. "What did you do to me?"


    She looked down at my erection in amusement. "Cash, you''re so big. I wonder what it would be like when you


    her hands inductively nimming down my chest


    I grabbed her wrist, stopping her hand before it could go any further. My grip was fun, but I kept my anger in check. "Leave Now"


    10:22 AM ch&


    But Ba didn''t flinch. Instead, she leaned in closer, her body pressing against mine. Her breath was warn against my neck as she whispered. "Why waste your time on someone who doesn''t even want you? Someone who doesn''t understand what it means to be by your side?"


    I shoved Ba away, my patience snapping. "You don''t get to speak about her," I said, my voice cold and sharp.


    "You''re horny, I''m horny. It''s a full moon. What other exnation do we need?" Ba purred. her eyes gleaming with seduction. "We can satisfy each other''s needs, Asher. No strings attached. Not yet."


    I red at her, my mind racing with anger, "You''re ying with fire, Ba," I growled, trying to push her away. But she wouldn''t budge.


    "Oh. I know very well what I''m doing, and I''m sure you do too," she whispered, her lips brushing against my ear. "We can have each other, just for tonight. No one needs to know


    I felt a wave of dizziness wash over me, and my vision began to blur. What was happening to me?


    "Guards." I growled. My strength was failing big time and I knew that if I didn''t treat Ba''s attitude in time, I could end up falling into her trap The Viagra''s effect and whatever she had put in my drink were taking a drastic toll on me.


    Suddenly, Ba''s face morphed into Gemini''s, and I felt a jolt of desire. No, this wasn''t right. Gemini wouldn''t behave like this.


    thest strength in me, I pushed Ba away and stumbled towards the bathroom. I needed to clear my head.


    Leave before you regret it," I roared, mming the bathroom door shut behind


    me.


    "There''s nothing to regret baby, absolutely nothing. She whispered behind the door.


    leaned against the sink, my head spinning.


    As I sshed water on my face, my image stared back at me from the mirror. My eyes were wild, my pupils dted. I looked drugged.


    Fury spread through me. Ba was going to pay for this.


    I stormed out of the bathroom, ready to put an end to whatever shit Ba was trying to pull. She sat with legs spread on my bed, taking different positions that were meant to arouse my desire, but my buzzing phone caught my attention instead


    I stumbled over to the table where my phoney. n''s voice came through with urgency, "Your majesty, Lady Gemini has gone missing..."

 Chapter 35

    Asher''s POV


    do you mean Gemini is missing? 1shed out in fury.


    "she was in her room just some minutes a


    ago, the guards confirmed that, but no one knows how she got away"


    "Fuck!" I yelled, mming my phone against the wall


    Without thinking twice, I picked up my robe and stormed towards the door, my head still throbbing. At that point, I couldn''t care less about the fact that I was still on down there. All I wanted to do was to get to Gemini.


    Ba sped to the door with her Lycan speed, stopping me before I step out. "Where do you think you are going. Asher? You can''t just leave me Tanging like that, it''s not fair" She whined.


    Enough of bring the lenient ex, my wolf snapped to the front of my mind, taking total control. I wrapped my hands around her neck, a death- threatening growl escaping my lips. "If anything happens to Gemini, consider yourself dead,"


    The terror in her eyes was enough to make me know that she understood my threat. I set her down carelessly and stormed out of my room, almost walking into n in the hallways.


    "Your majesty He called, taking in my dishevelled look.


    "Send our the troupes now! She wouldn''t have gone too far.¡±


    The hallways were a lilur as I stormeil through them. My head pounded with every step, and my body was still betraying me, but I couldn''t stop. Not now Gemini was out there, and I had no idea where. The thought alone was enough to drown out the burning sensation coursing through me.


    Alin kept up with my pace, his expression a mix of concern and urgency. "Your Majesty, you''re not well. You need to-


    I said to send out the troops, n," I snapped, my voice harsher this time. "Every inch of this territory needs to be searched. Now,"


    n hesitated for a second before nodding, "Yes, Your Majesty," he replied, pulling out hismunicator to ry the orders.


    As he spoke to the guards, I gripped the nearest pir, steadying myself as the room spun around me. My body was on fire, the effects of the drug and the Viagra mixing into something that made my pulse race and my vision blur.


    n finished hismands and turned back to me, his sharp eyes scanning my face. "Your Majesty, you''re not in any condition to lead this search. Please, take a moment to


    "Don''t," I prowled, cutting him off. My voice was low but firm. "Don''t tell me


    rest when my only hope of having an heir is missing."


    n browned but didn''t argue further. Instead, he gestured to a maid standing


    nearby. "You, ferch a ss of chilled water. Quickly."


    The maid Lowed and disappeared, her footsteps falling in


    into the distance,


    saw her? What direction did she go?"


    straightened, forcing myself


    If in forms, "n," I said, my toe calmer ban no lessmanding


    1. ng. "Whost saw


    The guards outside her chambers reported no movement," n replied, his voice steady despite the chaos in the air. "It''s as if she vanished into


    He hesitated, his brow furrowing


    "But what?" i demanded, my patience fraying.


    "Thiere was a faint scent of wollshane near her dour," he admitted reluctantly -


    A cold fury settled over me. Wolfbane. Someone had orchestrated this. Someone had taken her from under my nose. I mmed my hands against the pir, my knuckles suffering from the unwise act.


    The maid returned with the ss of water, her hands trembling as she held it out to me. I took it without a word, downing at in one go h did little to ease the suffocating


    wneverne


    Tension, but I shoved the difort


    aside.  fort


    "10 kill whoever did thas," I muturred, more in myself than anyone else. My wolf growded in agreement, the raw instinct to protect our muste surging


    n stepped closer, his expression serious. "Your Majesty, we''ll had her. You take care of yourself and i will make sure things are sorted out there.


    I red at hun, the idea of sitting back and waiting grating against every biler of


    my being. "You mean I should sit back and watch you fools make another mistake Two doors in a run,


    been put in danger because of your infidelity"


    "I''m so sorry. Your Majesty, I would do my best to make things right and also make sure that such a b


    thing never happens


    I wanted to insist, I wanted to be out there to see everything through, cause I wasn''t sure I would be able to handle the tension of sitting back and waiting for their feedback. But the pounding in my head and the fire in my veins reminded me that I wasn''t at my best.


    "Fine," I bit out reluctantly. "But keep me updated every step of the way. If there''s


    even a whisper of her location. I want to know immediately"


    n nodded. "Understood, Your Majesty."


    He turned to leave, but I stopped him with a hand on his shoulder. "n," I said,


    my voice lower now. "Don''te back until


    n nodded and stepped out.


    you


    find her..


    I let out a heavy sigh as I watched his retreating figure. This can''t be happening


    to me now, I''ve sacrificed a whole lot for this, I can''t let all my hard work just go to


    a waste.


    My mind drifted to what ri had said earlier, Wolfsbane. Who could have tried


    to. My question got answered even before I could even finish thinking of it in my


    head.


    I hurried back to my room immediately, in search of Ba who happened to have


    been gone at the time I returned there


    "Where did she go?" I barked at the guards who stood by my room.


    "Looking for me, your majesty?" Ba said softly from within the room, d in a towel, her body dripping


    I sped towards her, smashing her into the wall. "Where is Geminit" I snarled,

 Chapter 36

    Cain''s POV


    I woke up with a pounding headache, my mouth dry and my body aching. As I slowly opened my eyes. I was greeted by two naked women lying beside me. The events of the previous night came flooding back the drinks, theughter, and the well, the other stuff.


    I rubbed my temples, trying to ward off the hangover. One of the maids stirred as


    I moved, her long, dark hair falling across her face. She blinked up at me with a sleepy smile.


    "Good morning. Prince Cain, she purred, her fingers lightly tracing circles on my bare chest.


    The other one yawned, stretching like a stressed cat, her handzily reaching under the sheets toward my lower half.


    I grabbed her wrist just before she reached her destination. "Not happening. I muttered, my voice still raspy from sleep. "We already ran through all the condomsst night".


    The red-haired maid pouted, her grey eyes sparkling with naughtiness. "I don''t mind," she teased. "You can cum inside me if you want


    I let o


    out a sharpugh, shaking my head. "Do you ever get enough?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.


    She grinned, unashamed. ¡°Not when ites to you."


    "Well, too bad." I said, pushing the sheets off and swinging my legs over the side of the bed. "Party''s over. Both of you, our


    They both began to do the sad puppy face, their eyes pleasing for me to screw them once again, even if it''s just one more time. "Now Ladies!" I


    velled


    They sighed in unison, but they didn''t argue. They knew the routine. They gathered their clothes, throwing on their skimpy uniforms with lingering nces at me, clearly hoping I''d change my mind.


    The red-haired one hurried back to me, her lips dangerously close to mine. I really wished you marked mest night, I want to be more than a servant for your pleasure" I smiled, knowing that would never happen. Not because of her status in the pce, but because she wasn''t necessarily my type, she just had a nice ass and a sizeable breast. Nothing really intrigued me about either one of them..


    "Don''t overthink things, sweetie," I whispered in her ears.


    I wood and stretched my stiff muscles as I watched them leave. When they were gone, I sighed and headed to the bathroom.


    The cold water flowed down my body slowly and I closed my eyes, rxing further into the moment, but it didn''t help much in soothing the thunderstorm in my head.


    Two tablets of Aspinn was all I needed to put my thoughts straight, get dressed and step out to go about my daily activities.


    Being here, I didn''t really luve much to do. Most of my engagements were at our own pack, the mother pack of Lava Moon Pack.


    Let me share with you a brief history


    sa Moon Pack was barthed from Home Rock Pack in New Mexico (where we reside). But then the pack grew too big and needed to be split. My father was the then Lycan King of both packs (one then), but his sickness didn''t let him do much and this led him to hand over to Asher. Long story shom. Andrew ckwood''s pride felt hurt as he watched Asher rule in his own way instead of being a pawn to him, and so he split the pack into five ces, two fifth for himself and three fifth for Asher. The park is basically run by the elders, but so long as he is addressed as the Lycan King for the


    Mexico region, he is okay


    where


    1 stepped into the dinning roo


    room, expecting breakfast to be in progress, but to my greatest surprise, no one was there. I cross checked the time to be sure that I wasn''t behind time, but it was actually just a few minutes after the start of breakfast on a normal day.


    Seems I wasn''t the only one who got hungover, I thought as I took in the unusually quiet atmosphere


    My stomach growled and I thought it was time to visit the kitchen myself. As I entered, the maids on duty froze, their eyes widening as t


    as they saw


    Why isn''t breakfast ready?" I demanded, crossing my arms. "At least those that are awake should get to eat something before the rest decide in wahr up":


    One of them, a petite brte, hesitated before speaking Tim sorry your Highness, but King Asher has undered that no one


    al Lady Gemini


    10:22 AM c d.


    Her words hut me hard, like a b


    bump into the wall. I straightened, my


    ty eyes narrowing "Gemini is missingr-


    The maid nodded, looking nervously at the floor.


    "Since when?" I asked sharply


    Last night, Your Highness. The guards said she was in her room, but now no one knows where she is."


    I swore under my breath, storming out of the kitchen and heading straight for Asher''s office where I hoped he would be, sitting carelew as usual.


    The closer I got to his office, the angrier became. By the time I barged in, I was a storm of fury.


    Asher was standing by the window, his arms crossed over his chest, his expression as usual. He didn''t turn as I entered, but I knew he was aware of my presence.


    "You let Gemini go missing?" I snapped, mming the door behind me.


    His eyes flicked toward me, cial and unreadable. "Watch your tone, Cain," he said coolly.


    "Don''t give me that," I shot back, stepping closer. "She''s


    - "She''s your mate. She was supposed to be with youst night"


    sher''s jaw tightened, and I could see the anger building beneath hisposed exterior. "And how does any


    ny of this affect you? Cause thest time I Thecked, whatever happens with Gemini is not your concern," he said, his voice like steel.


    "Not my


    concern?" Iughed bitterly. "She''s family, Asher. And you''re supposed to protect her. So I don''t fucking know how one would lose their mate on the day of the full moon, I mean, of all the days? And for a person as possessive as yourself, I need you to make me understand."


    I would say this one more time... It is none of your business. So keep your feigned care to yourself."


    My gaze on him tightened, "I don''t feign care, I let everyone know their ce. And don''t make this about me, when you are the problem. What was so important that you couldn''t spare her one night? One night, Asher Where were you and what the fuck were you doing?"


    When he didn''t answer, I chuckled in disbelief as a thought shed through my mind. "Or could it be that you were fucking Ba and that is why you couldn''t-


    Before I couldplete my sentence, Asher''s fistnded on my jaw, sending me stumbling back. The pain sent an electric jolt across my face, didn''t let it weigh me for too long. I straightened and swung back, my punchnding squarely on his cheek.


    "You don''t deserve her," I spat, my voice dripping with venom.


    Asher''s eyes burned with fury, but his expression remained impassive. "And you think you deserve her?" he asked, his voice low and dangerous. "With your habit of strewing anything in a dress?"


    "I don''t see her like that?" I thoured, my hands curling into fists. "But at least care about hert At least I wouldn''t treat her like something I paid


    ng I paid for!"


    Asher''s eyes darkened, his body going still as his wolf wed at the surface. "You have no idea what you''re talking about," he said, his voice a deadly whisper.


    I took a step closer, my anger boiling over. "You think? Fifty million dors, innit? That''s what she is worth to you, and that is why you treat her like


    ? possession and not a person"


    "One thing I know for sure is that one day, you will realise that you''ve made a big mistake. Hut by then, it would have been toote to make


    The room fell ulent and I watched Asher''s hands clenched at his sides, his icy demeanour cracking just enough for me to see the storm brewing beneath


    My e

 Chapter 37

    Asher''s POV


    Cain and his shenanigans were not even one of thest things on my mind at the moment. But despite the fact that I tried to act unfazed. I was deeply worried about his reaction. I had never seen Cain so worried about anyone in his entire life,


    Could there be something going on between him and Gemini?


    I threw the thoughts to the back of my mind as soon as Rex walked in. Rex was the head of the disciplinary section of the army.


    ¡°Has Ba said anything yet?" Lasked, hoping to get good news


    He shook his head dismissively. "Nothing yet, Your Majesty. She still insists that she has nothing to do with it."


    I shut my eyes momentarily, a small sigh escaping my lips. "Fucking liar, I cursed. This was no coincidence, she either did something to Gemini or had someone do it. I''ve known Ba to be very cunning and ambitious and it made it really hard to believe her. "Intensify the torture, make sure you milk out every single truth from her mouth"


    As soon as Rex left, I picked up my phone to call n. He and the other soldiers that had gone with him that night were still out. They had not returned home since the full moon and I didn''t care to know how long they stayed out, all I cared about was Gemini''s safe return.


    Unfortunately, even n had nothing to offer.


    The weight of everything pressed down on me, my mind extremely heavy. What made me the most restless was that Darryl couldn''t perceive or even feel her. I guess the wolfsbane was yet to fade from her system.


    The restlessness I felt was intensifying by the second. I wanted to go out there and search for her myself, to bring her back home unharmed, but I couldn''t just leave the pack, not when most of my soldiers had gone out in search of her.


    On second thought, I imagined. What if Gemini was working with an external force? As the thought crossed my mind, my eyes narrowed, and my grip on the phone rightened. What if Gemini wasn''t a victim, but a willing participant? The possibility sent a wave of anger and betrayal coursing through my veins.


    I quickly pushed the thought aside, refusing to believe it. Gemini wouldn''t do that to me, to us. She was my mate, my partner. We had our differences. but she knew how much I cared for her.


    Or did she?


    Could this be a payback for how badly I have treated her in the past?


    But how the fuck did she slip past a whole army! I really need to understand this The guards and maids have been facing back to backshing and punishments since she arrived, starting from the maids who refused to feed her even when I had ordered, to the guards who were at the borders the day she almost went missing with a student. All these incidents just kept pointing out the packs infidelities that I didn''t know existed


    Thousands of thoughts flowed though my mind, both positive and negative. I took a deep breath, trying to clear my mind and focus on the task at hand. I picked up my phone again and dialled n''s number.


    "n, I need you to do something for me," I said, my voice firm and


    andmanding


    "What is it. Your Majesty?" n replied, his tone alert and attentive.


    "I want you to send a team to Moonrock Pack." I instructed. "It''s not impossible for her to have returned there."


    There was a brief pause on the other end of the line "Alright, your majesty. On it!" I could sense his scepticism


    Even I didn''t think that she would return there after how much I had threatened her about refusing toe with me hot at this point, she could be anywhere.


    A thought sparked through my mind, I should check her mon, I thought. I should have thought of this earlier since that was herst location before she went missing I needed to check for any and every clur I could possibly find.


    I got to her door step, pushing the doors graily open. Me hadn''t lived here for too long, but the little time she had stayed was enough to get her cologne imprinted in the atmosphere. The atmosphere felt warm, as if untouched by time, and somehow, it felt like she was present there


    Subconsciously, I shut my eyes, rxing into her scent and realising how much I had missed this scent. Unfortunately, thest days before this event were spent ignoring her


    10:22 AM


    I walked further into the room as I continued to bask in her scent. But suddenly, an ungodly scent filtered into


    Wolfsbane


    my nose.


    My eyes flickered open immediately, my Lycan sense heightened as I continued to take in the sight before me, carefully observing everything around. From her bedside drawer to her disheveled bed, and then to her devices which were on a study table by theer of the room. My eyes continued to roam the ce until itnded on the wardrobe door.


    I walked in, my hands dancing across her collection of hoodies and then the dresses I got her. My eyes lingered on the red dress she had on for our first night out. The longer I stared, the more memories of that night sipped in. Her drunk self, when the tried flirting with me and then to the moment where I almost couldn''t resist screwing her.


    I proceeded from the dress section to her sneakers, heels and then jewelleries. But something seemed a little off, the ne and the ring I gifted her were not amongst them. Had she finally decided to put them on! The thought left a smirk on my once expressionless face.


    But as soon as it appeared, it disappeared when I found everything lying


    secluded in a corner of the wardrobe, including the car keys.


    I sighed as I turned to leave-


    A chime echoed through the room and I took out my phone, expecting a message from n, but my hopes went dry when I realised it had note from my


    phone.


    It couldn''t be Gemini''s phone either, cause I had been calling her line since she went missing, but it was switched off. I hurried out of the wardrobe and that was when I found her once sleeping system now woke.


    I frowned, stepping closer to the desk where the soft chime hade from. My eyesnded on the sleek silverptop resting there, its screen glowing faintly in the dimly lit room. The screen disyed an open email, and a sense of unease crept over me.


    Gemini''sptop!


    I hesitated for a moment before sitting down. The email was still open, "SUCCESSFUL APPLICATION. Read the headline. I clicked on it without a second thought


    My eyes darted through the information on the screen-


    Subject: Sessful Application


    Sender Brandon Tech Lid


    Dear Mi Goleman.


    We are pleased to inform you that your application for an internship at Brandon Tech Ltd has been sessful. After careful consideration of your qualifications and academic achievements and rmendations from your lecturers who believed you would be the perfect candidate for this position, we are thrilled to offer you a six-month internship opportunity with ourpany.


    As a first-ss graduate your exemry performance has positioned you for a direct transition to full-time employment with us upon sessfulpletion of the internship. We believe your skills and dedication will be a valuable addition to our team.


    Your internship is scheduled tomence immediately. Please find attached the details regarding your onboarding process,pany policies, and the documentation required before your start date.


    Should you have any questions or require further rification, feel free to contact our HR department at breadoutesh


    Once again, congrattions on this achievement. We look forward to weing you to the Brandon Tech fanuly.


    Beut regardi


    Rachel Matthews


    111 Manager


    Brandon Tech Lid


    Disbelief clouded my mind as 1


    through the email over and over, not knowing how to tract to it. I went further to check for previous messages


    that had led to this one, and that was when I realised that the exchange had been going on for a while.


    The whole revtion brought me to the realisation that I korw absolutely nothing mat Gemini. Her intelligence, her achievements, and her past.... All I ever cared about was the prophecy and the fact that my fate was in her hands.


    At that moment, Cain''s words seemed to re-echo in my head.


    10:22 AM


    As I sat there in front of theptop, the weight of the situation pressing down on


    me, a sudden knock on the door interrupted my thoughts.


    "Enter," Imanded, my voice steady.


    The door creaked open, and a soldier stepped in-


    "Your Majesty," the soldier began, bowing slightly, "we''ve received information


    about Lady Gemini''s whereabouts"


    AD

 Chapter 38

    Asher''s POV


    I snapped at the news, hurrying down to the border where she wasst found. But just before we got there, I got a


    guard at the borders. He informed me that he had taken her to the hospital.


    The driver turned the car immediately as we began to head for the hospital. My heart rate was over the fence as I thought of what condition she was. in that led her to be rushed to the hospital.


    1 met Kim at the waiting area where he sat quietly. "Your majesty!" He greeted me with a how the moment he saw me.


    -What did the doctor say?"


    cy room immediately when she got here, and


    He shook his head slightly. "Nothing yet. Your Majesty He replied. "She was


    rushed into the emergency room the doctor hasn''te out of there ever since."


    I nodded understandably, though my anxiousness was gradually building up. "Have you informed n and the rest that she has been found?"


    "Yes, Your Majesty" he said inly.


    The rest of the time was spent pacing as I waited for the doctors or a nurse to step out. I was losing my patience, but there was little to nothing I


    could do about the situation.


    Momentster, a man in a whiteb coat approached me, his expression giving nothing about Gemini''s condition. "Your majesty," he greeted. I didn''t reply, but with the look in my eyes, I prompted him to continue.


    "We couldn''t really ce a finger on everything that had gone wrong with her. But there we noticed poison in her system, probably caused by a sting from an insect as seen on her leg. So far so good, we''ve been able to take out the poison and stabilise her ragged breath, which means she is fine and will soon recover fully!"


    My eyes moved from the doctor''s face to the door of the emergency room. "Let me in, I need to see for mysel


    He nodded and escorted me in


    As I entered the hospital room, the sterile scent of antiseptic filled my nostrils, mingling with the faint, familiar aroma of Gentini. Shey on the bed, her face pale against the white sheets, an IV drip attached to her arm. My heart clenched at the sight of her so vulnerable.


    But as I approached her bedside, a foreign scent attacked my heightened senses ¡ªa masculine scent, unmistakably intertwined with hers. Darryl. my wolf, stirred within me, his agitation mirroring my own. Jealousy and anger surged through me.


    I-lenched my fists, struggling to maintain control. The implications were almost unbearable. I ad she been with another man! The thought of her in someone else''s arms ignited a rage I couldn''t contain.


    Unable to endure r tormenting thoughts shing through my mind, I tumed abruptly and stormed out of the room. The corridor offered linke sce as doubts gnawed at me. Could she have been unfaithful?


    Was this whole drona staged to prevent me from suspecting or even finding outt


    She wasn''t as damaged as the first time, and so it took only till evening before she was finally discharged. I had a lot of questions and a lot of things to say to her, but all of those had to wait


    The doctor i warning was strict "Your majesty. I know there''s a lot you want to know about her whereabouts and Hat Fox pleasing with you. please your majesty let them wait till morning when she feels better." He said cautiously ban I frowned at the thought of bring told what to do, "Please Your Majesty, it''s not like I''m giving you orders, it''s just that there are protocols to be followed and it''s all for the young Miss Cool"


    Before we got home from the hospital, Gemini was already sleeping, and so peacefully. Fcarried her up to her room,ying her gently there as I watched her sleep, looking like the cutest doll I had ever seen. Although the stressed look on her face remained.


    My eyes roamed all over her body onest time as I prepared to take my leave. Han suddenly they caught sight of something I seemed not to have


    been trying to control seemed to have been spiced up. I couldn''i wall to hear what the had to say, what be she ha


    "Triple the security, make sure she doesn''t leave," I said as I stepped our

 Chapter 39

    Gemini''s POV


    1 really don''t know what to think, but King Asher''s gaze on me has been really


    awkward, some "perfect time?


    I bet he was worried as to where I was and how I survived.


    seemed li


    like he had a lot to say but was keeping i


    g it for


    My gaze met that of Mrs ckwood who in turn acted like she hadn''t see dare to look me in the eye? After what she had done


    seen me, clearly unfazed about my gaze on her. Of course, why would she


    "Breakfast is over for you, Gemini" King Asher said suddenly, in the middle of breakfast. "I want you in my office now."


    I frowned but didn''t disobey.


    What could be the issue this time? I thought.


    I breathed a heavy sigh, steadying my thoughts before I moved out with him. His strides were long and they were happening faster than I could keep up with.


    Once inside his office. I mmed the door shut as I fearfully approached the seat. "Good morning, Your Majesty," I said trying to cut down on the uneasy tension between us despite having greeted him once before breakfast


    He strolled over from behind his desk and settled in front of me. His eyes narrowed as he bent to meet my gaze. Slowly his hands trailed down my face and stopped on my neck, causing my breath to heighten.


    "How did you enjoy his touch?" King Asher asked, his tone dripping with jealousy.


    I was totally confused and his seductive fingers weren''t helping at all. "I don''t understand, what are you talking about?" I managed to mutter, fighting the urge to melt into his touch.


    His mouth reached the down of my carlobes, my body stiffened in response. "Your majesty!" I whined


    "Did he screw you before leaving his mark on you?" Realisation immediately dawned on me and I quickly pulled away from him.


    "What the fuck. Asher-"The words blurted out of my mouth before I could stop them


    "Why Why are you surprised, did you think I wouldn''t find out?" King Asher pressed.


    I scoffed in disbelief. "I know what you are thinking and if it helps your curious mind, I didn''t cheat on you!" I exined, hurt and anger brewing on the inside of


    me


    "Really?" He said sarcastically. "So you expect me to think that the mating mark on your neck just appeared there by itself, after you went missing for two days!"


    The weight of his usations weighed heavy on me, "I swear, Your Majesty, I didn''t do anything with anyone. I was supposed to go for a ritual with your mom to fortify our bond, but then she stopped me somewhere in the dark and asked me to wait for her. I kept waiting but she didn''t return. And just when I was trying to find my way back, I realised that I had been ambushed." I exined.


    "I was drugged, Asher. Taken against my will. And then when I woke up from my slumber, I noticed my neck was burning and that was when I realised that a mating mark had been imprinted on me. I don''t know what else happencil, I can''t even tell if I was raped or not, all I could think of was to escape The words kept flowing and I almost forgot to breathe.


    n to stream down my face.


    "I promise you, Asher, I would never cheat on you. This was obviously a set-up" I didn''t realise when tears began to


    But then looking up at King Asher, the look on his face said it all. He wasn''t the least convinced.


    He wo?ed, bowing his head slightly as he struggled to control his anger, "Do you think I''m a fool? Do you think I haven''t investigated the matter)" He barked. "I have the footage of everyone''s movement that night."


    My heart sank at the usations that were beingid on me, my emotions betraying me. "You are getting the whole story wrong your majesty Your mother, she called me out, she is the reason I left my room in the first ce."


    He gripped my shoulder a little too tight, his eyes burning with fury "Look, enough of your ully little games. Do you know the implications of wha you are saying: Du you know the shame you would bring to the myal family if anyone were to hear you speak these words? How do you think the would picture you after the allegatiora you areying on toy modicet Isadeur shows that my mother w


    did


    you meet up with her.


    er mom all night Nowell


    Chapter an


    round and the sincerity only made


    cinis of dislochiet and lone. "What is the peril in exin anythi


    isione you aferarly have evidence against me. Why do


    "Viheat on me with Ba, times and times again. Hit the thon of me cheating on you seems so unbearable for you, even when you know


    "You kaune, if you wanted


    dow warning growl ou aped his lips,it I was far from deur


    Hone del Eget everyone inply with fur wideout Hvolving you? Hat no, you already made your lusions and


    se inutly, you would have asked spiestions like... how alied I get past the guards in the rotor Kingdoms:


    The Evvan King''s conclusion is focal I don''t mind goingg har k no the dungeon for something I didn''t di? at least that way I would learn to stops falling


    ost time since Thateverwitnessed, King Medier was speechless just how I wanted


    it. And without waiting for his dismissal, I stood up

 Chapter 40

    Ba''s POV


    Looking at my reflection in the mirror only made my blood boil. How dare Asher do


    this to me? And all because of that little skank


    I promise you. Gemini, This is far from over....


    1 zipped up my zers with the intent to hide the shameful marks of Asher''s wrath.


    After dinner, I decided to meet up with Ang, hoping that we could put in some more effort to get this little bitch out of the pce and far away from Asher''s life as soon as possible. I couldn''t stand the thought of Asher having an heir with someone else, most especially someone as unworthy


    as Gemini.


    "Why are you here thiste?" Ang asked as she peeked through her door.


    "We need to talk!" I said inly. She looked back into the room for a couple of seconds, watching Mr ckwood''s movement


    Her gaze flickered back to me and I understood what she meant, I waited for a couple more hours, checking the time over and over again as I hoped that Mr ckwood had finally slept off.


    was almost dosing off when I finally heard a faint sound on my door. I snapped up as I hurried towards the door.


    "Sorry for keeping you waiting, he almost refused to sleep. He kept on telling uninteresting stories from our past" She exined as she tried to ease the tension of keeping me waiting


    I ignored her reply, diving straight into the reason I wanted to speak to her. "We need toe up with another n, something better because yourst n was a big flop and now things are even moreplicated between me and Asher."


    up


    with something


    She hesitated before speaking. "I have nothing yet, but I will make sure to inform you once I cam


    "Really? That''s all you have to say!" I unzipped the zers I had on, showcasing all the scars from the torture I had undergone just a few days back


    Of course, the injuries healed up, but some scars refused to leave no matter how much make-up and skin care products I applied.


    "You came up with the n, but I was the one who suffered for it." I snarled, my frustration and Anger evident in my tone


    Ang scoffed, her expression


    showing no sympathy. "I yed my


    part, Ba. Don''t fucking make it look like it''s my fault that you got those. You were the one who couldn''t get a grip of your man


    I chuckled darkly in disbelief, the fact that she was ming me for her son''s infidelity only made my blood boil even more.


    "I thought we w


    we were supposed to have each other''s back, but this only made the realise that I''m on my own.


    "Don''t even dare!" Ang screamed, "Don''t fucking act like I haven''t helped you in any way. I''m the reason Asher epted you back into his life." She said, tapping on her chest with pride. Tim the reason he is letting your sorry as stay here in the pce with us. So don''t you dare im like I haven''t helped you when in reality, you are the one that hasn''t helped me- not even onde. She paused for a bit.


    "For your own good, know who your enemies are and know your friends. Else you would make an enemy out of the people that could actually help you" She


    concluded, mming my door as she left me speechless.


    I copsed onto my bed, my mind reying herst words


    10:22 AM ? ?

 Fake Husband 41

    Asher''s POV


    "Board of Elders meeting*


    "How dare you begin a meeting without your King?" I roared in anger at their audacity.


    My


    y entrance caused a temporary disorganisation amongst them, but they hastily put themselves in order, though fear lingered in the atmosphere.


    My eyesnded on my father and something within me stirred- could be anger or something more, I just couldn''t ssify il


    Andrew ckwood was fond of going behind my back to try and get things done in his own way, knowing that I would never conform to his onders, or run around as his puppet.


    This wasn''t the first, and I knew for sure that it won''t be thest, but one way or the other, I always get to find out. Sometimes I''m lucky enough to find out before it goes out of hand, and sometimes, I find out after the deed has been done, and this tends to makes me appear as ipetent in front of the whole Kingdom


    I scanned their fearful faces as if trying to read their minds, "Will you tell me what you all were discussing, or do I have to force it out of you."


    My father cleared his throat, attempting to speak, but I cut in immediately. "Were you making decisions in my pack, on my behalf, again?" 1 said, apanied by a low growl.


    Silence enveloped the ce as no one dared to speak, not even my father. I was burning with rage, to the point that the fire inside of me was breeding sweat


    "And to you all," I said pointing my fingers across the twelve elders of the pack. "Do you also think I''m not capable of ruling this Kingdom on my


    Elder Phillips, one of the youngest elders stood up in defence, "No, your majesty. Neither of us see you as ipetent, we are just here to help. To relieve you of the burdensome tasks you have on your shoulders."


    Elder John stood inpliance. "Yes your majesty. We respect you and your decisions, but it is also our duty to help in decision making"


    Despite the fact that I knew they were right, the anger of my father''s presence lingered.


    My fists clenched involuntarily, "And what is that decision that is too hectic for me to make for myself?"


    "Asher, do not misunderstand us. No one is saying you can''t make the decision for yourself, we are only making sure that the weight on you is not so much, and that is why we handle this little problems without having to bother you with it Andrew ckwood exined,


    "Look at that for instance," He continued, passing me an invitation card. "That''s an invitation to the biggest businessmen dinner in the country. Other regional Lycan King''s and Alpha''s would be avable, and many connections can surface as a result of attending this meeting."


    I took the invitation card from my father''s hand, my eyes scanning the formal lettering and the intricately designed logo. A business dinner invitation, how amusing. I looked up, my gaze locking onto my father''s, my voice low and menacing. "So, what does this have to do with you! What''s there to discuss?" "Look to the bottom right. He informed and my eyes strolled down the invite "You MUST atiend with a plus one." I read out loud.


    My father nodded. "Yes Asher, we were trying to pick out the most fitting Lycandy to represent the Kingdom alongside you, at the event.


    I frowned even more at his worth, "And who said I''m in need of a plus one?" I thundered.


    My question left them disoriented.


    Every man


    man looking to another for an exnation-


    "Whatever i you have put in ce, end it! I would be attending with my matr." I said dismissively


    My first thought wouldn''t have been to attend with Gemini, ipost especially now that our rtionships wasn''t the best. But for the fact that they taught they had thar right to choose who would be best for nie without my knowledge, Lcouldn''t let it happen and i wasn''t bothered


    about the


    "But your majesty - Elder Kasi called, choosing his words rightly before he spoke.


    "You said her purpose here was to give you an heir, nothing


    10:22 AM


    My gaze locked on my father instead as I replied to Elder Karl''sment. "A wise old man would have known that everything changed when I decided to introduce her to the pack."


    -Your


    majesty, but your wolf mate, she can''t represent us. She isn''t fit." Elder Phillips interjected and I could see others nodding in agreement.


    But before any other could verbally support the motion. I swayed my hand in Elder Phillips direction, sending him crashing against the rock hard walls. Gasps of unbelief escaped everyone''s mouth, but no one dared to murmur. I watched the now silent room in satisfaction. "Meeting dismissed," I ordered The elder''s rose in unison and with a bow they all said, "Yes, your majesty." No one dared to help Elder Phillips who was still reeling from the unforeseen attack. They knew better than to help an offender.


    I returned to my office where I had left n to sort out some documents. He sat across my chair as he organised the files ording to their order of importance. "Your majesty, he stood to his feet and bowed, acknowledging my presence. "How was the meeting?" He asked.


    I didn''t care to give him an answer, because even I needed answers. "When was this delivered?" I said, cing the invitation on the table.


    n scanned the paper for a while before shaking his head. "I''ve never seen this before."


    Not even once" I asked, making him scan the invite further.


    "I''m sure Your Majesty. I''m aware of every invite thates in and goes out of this pack, and I''m sure I''ve never seen this before." n reassured me. "Although I''m aware of this business dinner, we never got an invite. I found it strange, but I didn''t think it was something to be bothered


    about


    "Hmm." 1 sighed


    "How then did you get the invite!"


    I chuckled, despite the storm brewing within me "The Elders seem to have been going behind my back and joining forces with feeling a weight on betrayal rest


    over me.


    my father.


    I said.


    This incident made me wonder if there was something else I didn''t know,


    something else that they were nning behind my back.. something to frustrate my tenure.


    AD

 Fake Husband 42

    Gemini''s POV


    "Why can''t I go out, make me understand," I whined, trying to push my way past the guards in front of my door.


    Their faces remained stoic and unyielding. His Maje


    Majesty has ordered that you do not leave your room. You''re under a room arrest


    I scoiled, "What the fuck does that even mean! Lasked, trying to make sense of it


    "Isn''t it enough that he took my life away from me, now I can''t even be free around here," I said, angrily making my way back into my room.


    A crazy message popped into my mind, and I turned back to them with a sly grin. "Maybe you could help me pass a message back to him, tell him I said, "FUCK YOU" I said, showcasing my middle fingers.


    The crack in their demeanor didn''t go unnoticed even though they immediately transitioned back to their serious nature. They sure didn''t think they would ever find someone who could say such words to their ''Almighty King''


    Why send the guards when you can ry your message yourself?" His cold voice echoed in the hallways and I could feel the shiver that immediately ran down my spine, almost like I had been poured a bucket of cold water. it would be better to hear it from you directly."


    His big foot halted in front of me but I refused to raise my head, I refused to see that angry stare in his eyes. The door fell wider open as he pushed it, brushing past me as he made an entrance into my room


    "Did you really think your little emotional talk from the previous day was going to save you from punishment?" He said behind me, his hand dancing across my study table. His eyes seem to linger on myptop for a little longer than supposed.


    The image I had left on the screen got me hurrying in to shut theptop. It was that one time I went swimming with some friends back in college and I was dared to take sexy pictures in my white bikini and send them to my then crush, Pierre.


    His lustful eyes shut up to meet mine as I mmed theptop close. I still couldn''t hold his gaze, my eyes roaming around the room as they avoided his


    What


    I started my voice was really awkward. I cleared my


    my throat and tried again. "What do you want from a cheater like me?" I said sarcastically.


    "I''m d you have finally decided to be truthful to yourself" His gaze remained heavy on me like he was picturing me in the bikini all over.


    I shook my head at his cluelessness. And deep down, I knew that I was done trying to prove my innocence to him.


    His phone buzzed, diverting his attention from me. I had no idea what he was up


    to and I didn''t care to ask, all that bothered me was the reason he was staring down at me so intensely.


    "Good, you will be starting tomorrow" He said finally, before setting his phone side.


    are here or not?


    I packed my hair in a messy bun as I copsed into my bed. "So. Are you going to tell me why you are


    "That was your instructor on the phone," a scowl formed on my face as I stared puzzled at him.


    "Instructor, what for?" I question, throwing my hands open toy emphasis on my question.


    "We would be attending a businessmen dinner summit next


    nit next Friday as a couple," He stated inly, arising questions in my mind.


    to show up to events as a


    nts as a couple!"


    1 scoffed, rolling my


    y eyes. "Since when did we have to


    Asher''s expression remained serious, his eyes boring into mine. "We''re mates, a couple, it''s expected that we attend such meetings as one.


    "And you really think you can endure me for a whole night? I mean, considering our disastrous first time." I said firmly, a bit of hurt in my worl "Come on, everyone knows you hate me and I bet your pack members wouldn''t like to be represented by a weak wolf like myself. So why y pretend coupler


    of He ordered, his voice rising andve.


    I trembled at the aura that immediately filled die room, it''s intensitypelling me


    to sumb. But for the fact that i was his mate, his au kad


    "And before you do anything stupid, you should consider the fact that I''ve put in a lot of effort to clear my schedules for that day. I want everything to go smoothly, and dut is why I hired you an instructor. The instructor will teach you everything you need to know, from table manner a lo conveniation topics starting tomorrow, make sure you inoperate with her."


    10:27 AM ct c


    "And who knows, I might consider easing your restrictions if you behave yourself and make a good impression."


    I snorted, my tone sharp once again "Really! That''s all I get?" I said unimpressed, crossing my hands over my chest. "You know what, I think 1 prefer to remain in my room, so long as I don''t get to see you. Tas fine. And as for your event, you need someone who has this inborn, not someone who is trying to belong. And that is why I suggest you take Ba instead. You can give her the ne, the ring, the car even, for a perfect touch. I bet you two would make a perfect duo."


    King Asher''s expression never faltered, as though he had expected me to react goes on here!" He asked, his husky voice leaving me seething with rage.


    like that


    "Did I evr


    ever mention to you that you have a say in wh


    y in whatever


    "Be a good girl" He added, cing a cherry topping on the anger I already felt.


    He proceeded to exit my room, but just in time. I popped my question. "This wasn''t why you paid nifty million dors to have me, was it! I meant. ording to what the documents said, all you need from me is an heir. He froze at my words, probably stunned as to how I found out.


    AD

 Fake Husband 43

    Gemini''s POV


    Tears tugged at the corners of myshes as I spoke, my voice trembling with the weight of my emotions,


    Trust me, I felt even worse when I first found out the details of the agreement between King Asher and my Pack. Of course I expected something simr, cause he couldn''t have purchased me because he was obsessed with me, I would be delusional to think that. But it didn''t change the percentage of hurt I felt. Coupled with the fact that I was being mistreated by another mate of mine.


    Makes me wonder if he would reject me as well once he was done using me.


    Oh Fate''s cruel way of teaching me lessons I never wished to learn. The concept of fated mates is supposed to be a blessing, a bond unbreakable. Yet here I was feeling more like a pawn in some cosmic game.


    Asher''s cold voice pulled me from my thoughts. "What the heck are what I was talking about and I even had evidence.


    e you talkin


    talking about?" He queried, trying to sound clueless. But I knew exactly


    I pulled out the picture Gavin had sent me earlier-


    After the file I had found in his room that day, and mom''s weird reply to my question, I became even more curious to find out what my purpose here was. It all started with snooping around King Asher''s room, which of course he was smart enough to change the location of the file to somewhere I couldn''t think of. 1 tried asking his family, but that didn''t work either cause they basically hate me. Except Cain, but Cain wasn''t willing to snitch on his brother despite not being on good terms with him. Knowing I had no other hope. I had to seek help elsewhere.


    Gavin managed to find this after snooping around Pierre''s office. It wasn''t an easy one, but he did it anyway, for me


    After finding the document, his expression alone was enough to make me realise that I was about to get broken. "Are you sure you want to see this, Gem?" He said, tears forming in his eyes.


    I swallowed hard but replied with surety, "Yes, Gavin. Send it!"


    The contract clearly stated that I would give him an heir and have no rights whatsoever to the child. So basically, the money he paid was for full custody of the child and not actually to own me'' as he made it seem that night.


    The whole of yesterday was spent in my room and in tears. I stayed up, re-living what my life was before Asher, up until this afternoon. That exins the picture that was disyed on myptop earlier. I spent hours crying that I didn''t even realise I was under a ''room arrest"


    "How the fuck did you get that?" He asked, a hint of anger in his tone.


    My face had gonepletely red from trying to fight back my tears, but his reply caused the brewing storm inside of me to explode.


    "Did you really think I wouldn''t find out? Did you think I was that naive to think that you wanted me!


    "This is selfishness, Asher. Pure selfishness. I''ve never met someone as selfish and heartless as you. I wish I had never met you, I wish you had crushed me over with your car that day. I would have been better off dead than having to spend even a day with a monster like you."


    The tears began to weigh heavily on myshes, causing them to itch. I raised my head as if to suck the tears back in,


    My tone dropped slightly, a little softer than before. "You know, despite knowing that my whole life was about to change for the worse, I still fellt somewhat special knowing that the Lycan King was willing to pay any price just to have me. But I was only being delusional,"


    "Someone like you would never feel anything for someone like me. You hate me so much that even after paying fifty million dors, you can''t fuck me and get me pregnant." I let out a breath I didn''t realise I was holding.


    King Asher''s eyes narrowed, his patience visibly waning. "I don''t have time for your drama tonight, Grinini," he said, his tone icy and dismissive. He turned on his heel, making his way toward the door.


    "You don''t like my drama. I don''t like you or your Kingdom either. Why don''t we put an end to this torture once and for all,"


    Desperation wed at my chest, and I took a step forward, my voice breaking "Please, Asher, just for tonight even if you have to wear a mask. That way, you get your heir and I get my freedom back"


    "Or maybe since you struggle to get in bed with a weak wolf like myself, I could hod you a girl good enough to hear you an heir. And then about the manry. I would ask my pack to refund it. that should work too" I added, my heart beating extremely fast as I rushed my words, hoping he would totalder at least one of my options, hoping that my freedom was just a few months away. I just can''t wait to leave this bell and be out of his life for


    He paused for a moment, his hack still facing me.


    10:22 AM e


    "You faded to notice the part that says the terms are con


    Without a backward nce, he walked out, the door closing behind him with a finality that echoed through the empty room.


    The ulence thuat followed was odeafening, amplifying the ache in my heart. I sank to the floor, the weight of his indifference crushing my spirit. Traving me more miserable than I had ever been


    My vision blurred for the slightest second and before I could realise what was happening to me, I was already halfway close to the floor. I tried to bold onto something for support, but it was already toote.

 Fake Husband 44

    Asher''s POV


    out anyway, I just wanted


    It was all so unexpected and I couldn''t understand why her finding out made me feel this miserable. She was going to find o it to be on my own terms and in my own timing. That was the only way to guarantee that everything goes as nned Should I have kept it from her pack 100? Could that have been the solution?


    I''vee too far to get my ns ruined.


    What if she refuses to bear me a child so she can stay longer here and enjoy the luxury of being the King''s woman! Those were the initial thoughts that made me think of hiding them from her. And then probably just break the news to her when she was very close to her due date. I wasn''t ready to bemitted to anyone, not yet. I''m too busy handling the responsibilities on me, being the best version of what my father could ever be. I wars too busy trying to prove to him that I could do better on my own.


    A repeat of the words she had said came flooding back to my mind. Despite how cold and negligent I tried to act, a little part of me felt sore.


    The thought of her preferring death over being with me


    That was what I wanted, wasn''t it


    y cool in public for events sake, and then frustrate the hell out of her that she doesn''t have a choice but to leave once I propose it


    But why do I feel like I


    I shot myself in the chest?


    The mate bond just wouldn''t stop fucking with me...


    I just can''t wait for this phase of my life to be over, it''s ruining me in a billion different ways I can''t seem to understand. I can''t wait to go back to the times when I felt absolutely nothing for anyone, not even the slightest string of care.


    After losing Rose, my first love, my first mate, the woman of my teen, I became the most vulnerable Lycan that ever lived. It all happened when I was eighteen, after a little scandalous rtionship with Ba. I found out that the only werewolf girl in our school at that time was my mate. We never spoke to each other before, until her eighteenth birthday.


    I turned eighteen before her, and so I found our she was mine before she did. But after she got her wolf (on her birthday) I could no longer resist the urge to make her mine. We hooked up, and since then, I grew so obsessed with her and I literally became the most possessive and protective


    But suddenly, Rose went missing, and for days, she was nowhere to be found. I became so worried, most especially because Darryl kept telling me that something wasn''t right with our mate, just like he is doing now. A few dayster, news reached us that Rose was attacked by the Rogues on her way back to her pack. I couldn''t bear it. I literally fell into depression and tried to kill myself time and time again.


    And that, that was when I vowed never to fall in love again, it''s way too risky, most especially when there is the mate bond toplicate everything.


    Back in my office, I tried to focus on the stack of documents before me, but Darryl''¡¦iny wolf, was restless, pacing in my mind. He urged me to return to Gemini, his uneqse growing with each passing morment.


    I clenched my fists, attempting to ignore the persistent tugging. But memories of the past flooded back-thest time I dismissed Darryl''s instiners, tragedy struck. Not just Rose, Gemini almost lost her life once. I couldn''t risk repeating history. And to think of the fact that she chose death over living with me


    With every ounce of speed in me, I pushed back my chair, and hurried to Gemini''s room, hoping to stop her in time before she did anything


    As I entered, my heart skipped a beat. Shey unconscious on the floor, her breathing shallow, Without hesitation, I carried her up and gently ced her on the bed. Worry radiated over my very being as 1 called for the royal doctor, my voice betraying my worry.


    Minutes felt like hours before Dr Nathan arrived, his expression serious as he began examining her. Unable to stand the suffocating tension. I stepped into the hallway, running a hand through my hair as I tried to catch my breath.


    My mother who seemed to have been lurking around for a while, approached me, her eyes feigning concent


    "What''s going on, Asher?" dhe inquired, her tone a mix of curiosity and impatience. "Is she pregnant yet?"


    "Tregnant!" I repeated


    "You look so surprised. She stated, studying my expression. "Could it be possible that you two haven''t done it yer


    1


    0


    10.22 AM c &


    I stiffened, irritation ring. "Don''t ask me silly questions," I snapped, turning away from her probing gaze.


    Returning to the room, I overheard Dr Nathan advising Gemini, "You need to avoid stress and any strenuous activities, including sexual intercourse, for now, I already informed King Asher of this at the hospital, so you shouldn''t worry about him making any moves on you, not until you are fully recovered"


    "Trust me, he wouldn''t make a move even


    en if I was okay.." Gemini muttered, a feeling of hurt weighing heavily on her words.


    Guilt washed over me. And I couldn''t stop myself from thinking if I had taken this way too


    far.


    Dr Nathan finally stepped out, wearing a mixed expression. I didn''t even know what to think.


    "Everything is alright, right?" I spoke as if ordering everything to actually be alright. be peeking


    "Your Majesty,¡± he began, "Can we go somewhere else?¡± He asked, looking back at Gemini who seemed 10


    Once we got to my office, he shut the door and went straight to the point. "I''m afraid there''s more to Gemini''s condition than we initially thought.¡±


    A knot tightened in my stomach. "What do you mean?" I demanded. "Isn''t i


    n''t it just insect poison!"


    He sighed, shaking his head. "No, it''s not. The toxins in her system are moreplex. Given her symptoms and the resilience of her condition, suspect she has been exposed to wolfsbane, and it seems to be spreading gradually, causing weakness of organs which might eventually lead to Heath


    His words sent a chill down my spine. n had earlier mentioned wolfshane, and I had smelt it in her room the other day. But when she returned, no one seemed to notice wolfsbane on her, rather another man''s scent filled her, clouding our minds andplicating the whole situation even


    more.


    "We still need to


    confirm the possibilities with the help of a thorough scan? Dr Nathan continued, "Let''s just hope for the best."


    Comment

 Fake Husband 45

    Ba''s POV


    "You feel bad for Gemini, don''t you? But I bet you would feel worse if Pa was to get hurt." I threatened, a devilish grin stered across my face


    The Guard pleaded on his knees, his every being begging for mercy. "Please ma''am don''t hurt my wife. She is the only family I have."


    smirk spread across my face at his reply, this was the exact state I wanted him in. This way, I could easily manipte him into doing my bidding.


    "So do you still think you have to tell the King g what you saw today!" I further teased.


    He nodded his head severally in the negative. "No, ma''am. I promise to keep shut, but please don''t hurt Pa, I beg you!"


    "Leave!" Lordered


    "Ma!" He called out as if he had not heard me earlier.


    "I said leave!" I emphasized, my hand pointing towards the door.


    He hurried towards the door like a bird that had been set free. "But make sure to watch your back." I whispered with an evil smille as I watched him


    curry out.


    The face of an impressed Ang surfaced out of the shadows, "Well, well, well.. Look what we have here. She said, arms crossed over her chest.


    "I learnt from the best," I said sarcastically, referring to her


    I watched as Ang''s impressed expression turned into a calcting gaze. "So, let me guess," she said, her eyes narrowing, "-you''re behind the wolfsbane stuff.


    Hlet out a mockingugh, waving my hand dismissively. "Don''t tell me that you''re expecting me to sit down and fold my hands while you take your time to create another brilliant n?" I air-quoted thest two words, my tone dripping with


    sarcasm.


    Ang''s expression turned cold, her eyes shing with a hint of anger. "Ba, you''re ying with fire. Wolfsbane is a very serious matter and you are barely even covering your tracks."


    "Leave it to me, I don''t need your help to carry my cross," I said with confidence and a bit of defiance.


    "I hope you know what you''re doing, Ba, Ang said finally, her voice low and even. "Because if you''re caught, you would have to serve the consequences."


    risk," I said, my voice dripping with confidence. "After all, someone has to keep things interesting


    My grin never wavered. "I''m willing to take that ri around here


    "Just be careful, that''s all I have to say to you. I won''t be able to help you if you mess yourself up."


    Ang''sment got me rolling my eyes at her retreating figure.


    Once the door mmed, I returned to my drawer where I had carefully ced a purple mixture in a small jar.


    Just a drop of this in her water was enough to put her in her present condition, what then would happen if I put in all of this.. Undiluted''


    I erupted into a fit ofughter at the thought of my genius n. The sound echoed through the room, a cold, mirthless sound. But my amusement was short-lived, as a knock at the door interrupted me.


    I quickly hid the jar of purple mixture, shoving it back into the drawer and covering


    it with a pile of clothes. I smoothed out my dress,posed myself, and made my way to the door.


    I opened it to find a maid standing in the hallway. "Ma''am, King Ashier has called for a family meeting."


    cause thest time I checked, Asher


    ver didn''t cou


    rgunt inr as family


    "You''re requested to attend The maid added


    sty heart skipped a beat at the news. What could Asher want to discuss! And why so urgently?


    *T''ll be there!" I said before mming the door on her.


    I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath, and another. And another. I had no idea


    why I had be so nervous


    10:22 AM er er


    "You can do this Becks." I said taking in one more deep breath.


    Everyone else was present and seated, but Asher''s seat remained empty. I found


    a ce to fix myself, the room growing with unease as we all quietly awaited Asher''s entrance,


    Each person tried to busy himself or herself with something else while they waited. "Do you have an idea what Asher is up to this time?" Mr ckwood said, turning to his wife who usually imed to know everything


    She shook her head. "I have no idea."


    A sigh of disappointment escaped my lips as I pulled out my phone to keep myself busy.


    As I scrolled through my phone, I noticed Mr ckwood growing increasingly restless. He had been hissing and muttering words ofint for the past hour, clearly losing his patience.


    Finally, he stood up, his intent to leave clear. "I don''t have time for this," he grumbled.


    But before he could take a step. Asher''s imposing aura sipped in. His presence wasmanding as he stood tall in front of the door. Mr ckwood hesitated, hisint dying on his lips.


    Someone seems to have gotten impatient, Asher said, his voice low and even


    Mr ckwood found his voice again, "You kept us waiting for over an hour, Asher. What''s the meaning of this?"


    s to do, unlike some of you who left their pack for


    Asher''s expression remained calm, but a hint of annoyance crept into his voice. "I have things to do, weeks and have refused to return.


    The room fell silent, all eyes on Asher. I felt a shiver run down my spine at the subtle rebuke,


    "Our agreement was till full moon," Asher started the minute he settled in his chair.


    Mr ckwood''s face reddened, his eyes shing with annoyance, "What''s that supposed to mean, Asher?" he spat, his voice rising.


    finally lifted his face.


    Cain who had been focused on his phone since I walked in finally


    Asher''s expression remained calm, but his eyes narrowed slightly. "It means that your presence here is no longer necessary. You''ve overstayed your wee."


    Mrs ckwood''s anger boiled over. "Are you kicking us out of your pack?" she demanded.


    The thought of that sent panic through me. I suddenly felt ufortable in my chair, my mind racing.


    Asher leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers together. ¡°Take it however you wish, but you all have till Friday to leave."


    My eyes widened at his admission, the thought of how it would affect all myid- out ns.


    "Go back to your pack where your opinions are needed," Asher said finally, his eyes lixed on Mr ckwood,


    Gemin


    What must have prompted Asier to kick us all out? Not sparing even a single person. Could this have something to do with Gemini!


    That little brat is effortlessly getting on my nerves. I have to put my new n into


    motion as soon as possible.


    É«


    AD

 Fake Husband 46

    Gemini''s POV


    "Ohummy gossdness"" I said, rumming my hands through myptop. A mixture of joy and sashness in my tone as I stared at the heading of the mail


    Sessful Application


    For the past few days, had been sovan


    cha up with Asher and the drama thates with living with him that feedback from one of my appli ations.


    My hands trenddles with joy and anticipation as I scrolled down in click the application message open.


    hot hold sig


    Howe the mail has been opened before! Had I mistakenly opened it.


    The thought of thetter got me instantly worried, but I immediately brushed it to the corner of my mind, knowing that no one ever entried my poem, except the mails which was still very rare and maybe- Kingg Aslier.


    Oh goddess, Ashes!


    No, he couldn''t have. He never came in here whenever I wasn''t around. But how could I far is sur? After all, I wasn''t even in the pack when ih mail was stil


    I let us a deep sigh as I took one u


    one more nce at the screen. I should be happy about this news, and yes I am, bat I''m more worried mat that my cfort has all gone to waste.


    My first thought was to plead for themencement date in die pushed further by a month or two. But fiu still here, being held hostage, against my will and 1 have no hope of leaving even in the next one or two months. Before I can get out of this ce should be a year or event inore, Whichpany would want to reserve me a post for a whole year? Such things only happen when the applicant in question is the direct son or daught of the CEO and the chuld is being transeil with a motive to take over iliepany one y,


    My joy died at the implications-


    The unpleasant moment was graced by the unexpected entrance of King Ashrr. His mira was heavy in the room like he had just bathed in his Kingly glory


    Meanwhile, I was still dressed in my linen pyjamas.


    Thank goodness it wasn''t one of the days I decided in wear juist m


    underwear


    wear tibalers


    "Do you ever knock?" I asked angrily as I watched him stroll over in get settled on quy couch.


    "Do you ever use your locks?" He replied.


    I''m the one to me." I said, rolling my eyes at lum.


    I had nothing on


    the inside of my pyjamas and so his heavy gaze on the was very disturbing.


    He set one of his legs on the other as he further rxed into the chair. "Is that the


    first thing you do every morning? Are you expecting some kind


    1 about the


    Laptop


    "It''s nothing


    ng that concerns you,"


    e are runningte for


    There was silence for a couple of minutes, his eyes roaming around my body before they finally fell on my fare. "Tiet really, we are our appointinent " Hu eyes drifted to his gold watch and back


    "Ready for what?" I whined but suddenly remembered why he was in my rooin thest time. "You don''t expect me to do any rehearsals with my rumeni sopdition, da yan?!"


    doctor said I should avoid stress, and that''s what I''m going to du. I bet you


    wouldn''t want me talle after the million you


    King Kabarr''s face memained expression


    I scowled at hum, tat he diedni ludge. Huffed, taking my


    TUDO AM


    I wasn''t necessarily doing anything in there, but I made sure to waste as much time as I could just to piss him off.


    Ten minutes past. But he seemed to not have noticed what I was up to.


    Twenty minutes, thirty minutes and I began to hear his footsteps approaching the door. I leaned against the door, listening to Asher''s muffled voice.


    "Gemini,e out. We''re runningte."


    1 ignored him, taking my sweet time. I heard him try the door handle, but I had locked it. He knocked again, his voice growing impatient.


    "Gemini, open the door. This is not the time for jokes."


    But I refused to budge. After trying for a couple of minutes I began to hear his receding footsteps. All my mind was that I had won. But then I heard the sound of keys jingling outside the door. My heart sank as the door swung oper


    Asher stood in the doorway, his eyes fixed on me. I was still wrapped in my towel, with no sign of water on my body. He raised an eyebrow.


    "Still not ready?"


    I red at him, but he just turned on the faucet, the sound of running water filling the room


    Get in." he said, his voice firm.


    I shook my head, my eyes wide with defiance, "No"


    Asher''s expression


    dn''t change, but his voice took on a hint of amusement. "Do you want me to give you a wash tool


    I felt a surge of embarrassment and anger. "What the fuck Asher?" I seemed to be getting used to calling him by his name and he wasn''t saying anything about it either.


    "Or do you prefer the maids do it since you no longer know how to give yourself a bath?" Before I could even say a word in pulled out his phone. "Send two maids to Gemini''s room right away...


    I panicked, realizing my n had backfired. "No, wait! Don''t call them. I''ll get ready"


    Asher''s eyes


    glinted with amusement. "Good"


    I followed him towards the door as he exited, "Where do you think you are


    going?" He asked, looking over his shoulder.


    "The door." I said trying to close it back.


    ¡°No dear, this should remain open," he said, cing his hands on the door. That''s your punishment for ying games."


    my defence, Asher


    1 scoffed, how the heck was I supposed to take my bath knowing he could be peeking? The only times he had seen me naked was when I wasn''t in my right senses, when I was drunk. But the thought of him seeing me naked was the most embarrassing thing I had ever thought of


    The thought of him there was a great motivation to hurry up on my wash, and within fifden minutes, I was done.


    I finally emerged from the washroom and got dressed in a simple yet elegant outfit. Asher''s eyes scanned me briefly before he nodded and gestured for me to follow him


    We walked to the car in silence, the tension between us palpable. I couldn''t help but wonder what his ns were for me today.


    My curiosity piqued, and I turned to Asher, but he remained silent, his eyes fixed on the


    We eventually stopped in front of a familiar building the hospital.


    "Why didn''t you tell me it was the hospital?" I asked, my voiceced with frustration.


    Asher umply shrugged and stepped out of the car, opening the door for me to follow.


    At the captial the doctor greeted us warmly and led us to a private examination room. He checked my vitals and asked a few questions, but instead of giving me feedback, be turned to Asher and began discussing my condition in hushed tones.


    I felt a pang of annoyance, wondering why I was being kept in the dark. The same thing happened thest time I was being checked and the thought of being in the dark about my own health was the worst feeling ever


    As we left the hospital. I turned to Adler, expecting


    eting some exnation. But he remained quiet, his expression unreadable as


    ever.


    10:23 AM ? ?''.


    "What did the doctor say?" I questioned, not willing to remain quiet about the situation.


    "Asher?" I called, prompting him to speak up. "Can I at least know about my own health, what is really wrong with me?"


    I was still so bothered about what had been discussed about me in the hospital that I failed to realise that we weren''t going out the normal


    The scenery outside had suddenly changed from urban to rural. I grew increasingly anxious, realizing we were not heading back to the pack house. "Where are you taking me? 1 questioned, curiosity taking a toll on me.


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