Chapter 2

Asher's POV

It was still a bit dark when I opened my eyes, blinking away the last remnants of sleep. I turned my head, my gaze landing on Cassie's sleeping form beside me.

 For a moment, I found myself captivated by her peaceful expression, her chest rising and falling in a gentle rhythm.

My heart raced, an unfamiliar feeling washing over me as I watched her. 

Why was I so drawn to this woman? 

Why did the sight of her stir something deep within me, awakening emotions I had long since buried?

With a final glance, I forced myself to look away, quietly slipping out of the room. 

As soon as I was out of sight, I allowed the transformation to take hold, my body shifting seamlessly into my werewolf form.

The cool earth beneath my paws and the wind rustling through my fur brought a sense of calm to my troubled mind.

 I needed to clear my head, to make sense of the chaos that had become my life since returning to the pack.

Bound by duty and fueled by vengeance, I had one goal: to uncover the truth about my mother's death and bring those responsible to justice.

 But as I sprinted through the dense forest, Cassie's face lingered in my thoughts, a constant reminder of the unexpected connection that had formed between us.

I knew I couldn't afford to let my emotions cloud my judgment, not when so much was at stake.

 But as I ran, I couldn't shake the feeling that Cassie gave me.

The trees gave way to a large clearing, the familiar sights and sounds of my pack's training ground filling my senses. 

My eyes swept across the scene, taking in the sight of Mark and the other warrior wolves engaged in combat training.

As I made my way toward them, the warriors ceased their training, bowing in reverence as they acknowledged my presence.

"Alpha," they echoed in unison, their voices ringing with respect and admiration.

I nodded in response, my gaze locking with Mark's as he approached, a sheen of sweat glistening on his brow. 

"Asher," he greeted, his tone warm and welcoming.

 "We weren't expecting you back so soon."

I surveyed the gathered warriors, my expression hardening as I addressed them. 

"There's no time to waste," I announced, my voice carrying across the training ground.

 "We must be prepared for the challenges that lie ahead. Our enemies grow bolder with each passing day, and we cannot afford to be caught unawares."

Mark nodded, his expression grim as he turned to face the other warriors. 

"You heard your Alpha," he called out. 

"Train as if your lives depend on it, because they do."

As the warriors resumed their training with renewed fervor, I couldn't shake the sense of unease that had settled over me.

 Danger lurked in the shadows, and I knew that it would take everything we had to face the threats that loomed on the horizon.

As the training continued, a familiar figure emerged from the side of the field, a pitcher of water in her hands.

 My face softened, and a rare smile graced my lips as I recognized the woman who had been a beacon of warmth and love in my life.

"Madam Lisa," I greeted, my voice filled with affection as I strode toward her.

Her face lit up with joy, her eyes crinkling at the corners as she smiled. 

"Asher, my dear," she exclaimed, setting the pitcher down and pulling me into a warm embrace. 

"It's so good to have you back."

I hugged her tightly, feeling the weight of my responsibilities momentarily lift as I allowed myself to bask in the comfort of her presence.

"I've missed you Madam Lisa," I confessed, my voice thick with emotion.

She pulled away, her hands cupping my face as she looked me over with a motherly concern. 

"You've been working too hard, my dear," she chided gently. 

"You must take care of yourself."

As if on cue, other maids approached with platters of food, the enticing aromas filling the air.

Madam Lisa tutted, taking a cloth from her apron and dabbing at the sweat on my brow.

 I chuckled, allowing myself to be fussed over as I relished the brief moment of respite from the harsh realities of my life.

"You'll always be my little Asher," she said, her eyes shining with love and pride. 

"No matter how big and strong you grow."

I nodded, swallowing the lump in my throat as I was overcome with gratitude for the woman who had taken me in all those years ago, providing me with the love and support I had craved as a child.

Madam Lisa's gentle kiss on my forehead brought a smile to my face.

 "Take care of yourself my dear," she whispered, her voice filled with concern.

I nodded, giving her hand a final squeeze before urging her to return inside and rest. 

She threw me a series of playful kisses before reluctantly turning to leave, her presence a soothing balm to my troubled soul.

With a deep breath, I turned my focus back to the training, watching as the warriors pushed themselves to their limits in their determination to protect our pack.

 After a few moments, I caught Mark's eye, beckoning him to join me.

As we moved to a secluded area, I lowered my voice, sharing my latest discovery with him.

 "I found an underground area in the pack house," I revealed, my gaze intent on his face. 

"It seems no one else is aware of its existence, and I believe it warrants further investigation."

Mark's brow furrowed as he absorbed the information.

 "Do you suspect foul play?" he asked, his voice tinged with concern.

I nodded, my jaw tightening as I considered the potential implications.

 "It's possible," I admitted.

 "Our enemies could be closer than we think."

Mark's gaze hardened with determination. 

"I'll begin the investigation immediately, Alpha," he promised.

 "We'll get to the bottom of this."

As we parted ways, I couldn't shake the feeling that we were standing on the precipice of something far more sinister than I had initially anticipated.