Chapter 10

Cirilla's point of view

I woke up in the morning and headed out to school. I was almost there when my phone beeped loudly.

A message. From Niko. He still wasn't back in town from his trip to his family house in Nevada. I released a small smile, reading through his message.

'Won't be back till tomorrow. Take care Ciri. Please be safe!'

A warm feeling enveloped my heart. It was nice to know that someone cared for me. I kept walking to school and a few more minutes later I was there. I headed straight to class. My eyes silently scanned the hallways for Lyra and the guys.

I honestly couldn't believe how well we all clicked. It's a sheer wonder to me. I never had so many friends before. Back then I just didn't care. Mum and I were always on the move anyway. No point in establishing any sort of relationship. But now things had changed. I had friends, to begin with, and there was Mason.

I jerked alarmed when someone grabbed my shoulder out of the blue. I swerved instinctively, my balled fists almost kissing the guts when I realized who it was. Dorian. Too bad my fist was already in motion and I couldn't take it back. My punch landed on his hard rock stomach.

Fuck! I groaned at the light pain that bathed my knuckles. What the fuck was he made of?

I glanced at him worriedly. "What the hell Dorian! Don't ever creep up on me like that." I half-yelled to his face. His cheekbones stretched with a smile. He looked fine. I guess I was the only one feeling the pain from my blow.

"Sorry moonpie! Didn't mean to scare you" His eyes twinkled. We kept moving to biology class, even though Dorian didn't take it. It was usually Lyra, Stefan, and I.

I look around for Lyra. Before I could ask, he nodded knowingly. "She's probably in an empty class with Stefan doing only the goddess knows" He winked, smilingly.

I bid him goodbye as we reached my class. In short seconds, Lyra marched in as well, without Stefan. Her eyes sparkled with an uncontrollable euphoria.

"Cirilla!" I couldn't help but smile at her over-enthusiastic demeanor. That is not me in the slightest, but I can appreciate it in others. "I have amazing news"

She fell on the seat next to mine. Her face was on the verge of exploding from immense excitement.

I looked at her eagerly, expectantly waiting for whatever she had to tell me.

Her chocolate brown eyes were on me. She clasped her hands together. "My brother is back in town" She squeaked excitedly. I pulled up my brows, nodding. Not what I was expecting. But it seems like it meant a lot to her, having her brother back in town.

"That's... Uhm...Great news!" I tried to march her elation but failed.

"Yeah, I know. And he's staying for real this time" She beamed. "I'll introduce you to him later at lunch. Believe me, you'll love him"

I smiled at her, nodding. Just in time, the teacher walked in and classes commenced. I got through a few classes with Dorian and Lyra. It was lunchtime already.

We grabbed our lunch, roving to our usual table. Stefan and Lyra led the way, while Dorian walked right in front of me.

"Cirilla, this is my brother Asher" I took a couple more steps, Dorian's huge muscular body clearing out of my view. My icy blue eyes instantly fell on him.

All of a sudden, I felt a shift in the air around me. My whole body tensed as the air prickled with anticipation. The hairs on my body stood to attention. Shivering chilled gasps whooshed out of my lungs. I felt my whole body go numb as his intense gaze fell on me. It was as if the whole world had stopped. I couldn't move.

My breathing suddenly became labored. Staring into those emerald green eyes that bored me and the whole world melted away. I felt a rush of several emotions sweeping through my body. My eyes refused to leave him. No matter how hard I tried, I just couldn't. It felt like something in him was calling out to me. Something inside of me recognized him somehow. It sounded crazy, but it was the truth.

His eyes were fixed on me, encroaching on my soul. I noticed the look of surprise and shock in them and I watched as his lips parted slightly and his breath hitched.

"Asher this is my friend, Cirilla" Lyra's voice yanked me back to reality. I glanced at Lyra, composing myself. My eyes fell back on him, and slowly I was aware of the presence leaning against him.

There was an instant rush of fierce rage pumping in my blood. I felt an insane rage. My nails dug into the silver tray that held my lunch. I couldn't control the immense vibrations within me. It was like a storm was brewing in me and was at the edge of unleashing.

'KILL HER! KILL HER NOW!' An infuriated voice echoed in my head. It was sharp and wanted to rip apart the little mutt placing kisses on him. A cold chill stalked my blood. Like a sleeping demon had awoken within me. And this demon wanted blood. Julia's blood for touching what was mine. 'LET ME OUT! KILL THAT BITCH NOW!'

I gasped at the overwhelming energy fighting for dominance within me. My knees weakened. And for a second I couldn't breathe. I heard faint voices around but I couldn't make out what they were saying. Lyra marched closer to me in fear. Almost quickly, Dorian and Stefan were up on their feet, and so was him. The cause of my present predicament.

I gasped again, my hands losing their strength. My grip on the tray loosened and it slipped out from my hands. The air was choking me. I had to get away from here...from him. I didn't know how I managed to get out of the cafeteria. Hurtling quickly into the restroom. I leaned on the sink, taking ample breaths to calm the raging storm within me. The door opened and Lyra's worrisome chocolate eyes fell on me. She gripped me tightly, turning on the faucet. Cold chill waters splashed on my face and I felt an instant wave of calmness.

"Breathe Ciri. Breathe" Lyra's petite figure covered me. Her hands rubbed my back in small circles. "Just follow the sound of my voice. You'll be fine" She was right. I did feel calm. Her voice was doing wondrous magic to my body. In a few calming seconds, I was back to myself. I had control over my own body.

I pulled from her warm embrace. Pulling out some tissues to dry my face. My blue eyes fell on Lyra's.

"Are you okay?" She asked.

I nodded to her. I didn't even have the strength to speak.

Lyra released a sigh. "Thank the goddess. I was fucking worried. What happened to you?"

I leaned against the wall. "I don't know" It was the truth. I had no idea what happened to me. None of these made sense to me. I had never felt this way before. I didn't even recognize myself.

Lyra gave me a sympathetic look. "I'm just glad you're feeling better. You frightened me. All of us were worried"

Bloody hell! I forgot I had just made a huge scene in front of everyone. I shut my eyes. Thinking of how embarrassing it was. I felt my cheeks burn.

Lyra's chuckle made me pull my eyes open. "You are all good now. Don't worry too much. They were all just worried. We all were"

I nodded at her, forcing a fake smile.

"Shall we head back now?" She queried, smilingly.

I shook my head. "I don't have any appetite for lunch now."

She smiled. "Yeah me too."

We left the female restroom and I was shocked to see Stefan and Dorian waiting just outside the restroom. Even Wren was there. My chest tightened when I observed there was no sight of Asher. There was a violent thud at the back of my head just at the thought that Asher could still be with Julia. I felt enraged again.

What the hell was happening to me?

"Moonpie! How are you feeling?" Dorian's sweet voice sounded. It was laced with worry. I smiled. I had made really good friends who cared a big deal about me.

"I'm a good guy!" I tried assuring them. Though I couldn't believe so myself. I wasn't good. I was far from okay.

Something in me had awoken. I can feel the sickening presence at the back of my head. The only time I felt this way was when I lost it and attacked Mum. And today, I wanted someone dead. Fuck! This wasn't me at the least.

*****

Asher's point of view

"Oh yes….Fuck yea….Oh, Goddess….Yes, Asher!" Julia screamed into the pillow as I slammed into her repeatedly from behind. I was rampant, fucking her like there was no tomorrow, chasing my climax. I could feel the pressure building and was almost there.

As I picked up pace. Julia yelled, "Don't fucking cum yet!" She reached between her legs to bring her closer to her orgasm.

“Urgh!" I growled and came to a halt. Then did a final thrust into her.

"Asher!!" Julia cried in frustration.

"I'm sorry Julia. I couldn't help it" Was all I could say as I pulled out of her swiftly and walked into the bathroom to dispose of the condom.

I turned on the shower. Foaming and rinsing my body. Julia joined me and her hands skillfully helped me shower while arousing me sensually. I knew exactly what she was doing.

"One more round?" She cooed into my ears. Her bare chest against mine and her hips grinding against mine.

I moaned at her actions. Rubbing my hands on her body. The lower half of my body responded to her stimulation. But my mind was fighting against it.

He didn't say anything. My wolf, Ryker. But I felt his disapproving howls. Ryker had always been one to talk less. He paid no attention to my escapades even when we were at the Crescent Moon Pack.

Now all of a sudden he gets furious and aggressive whenever I try to have someone in my bed. His sudden mood swings started ever since I came back to my Pack. To Beaverton. He's always on the edge. Always alert. As if expecting to find something and that has been giving me headaches.

Julia's lips invaded mine. I pulled my focus on her. About giving in to her needs when Ryker's stern voice boomed in my head.

'ENOUGH HUMAN!' It was warningly.

'Stay out Ryker' I commanded. His thundering growls erupted in my head as he fought for control.

I shut my eyes, having serious headaches. I pushed Julia off me. "Leave!" I told her, gritting my teeth.

"But Asher we…." Before she could finish. My eyes flashed red at her and she knew too well it was better she escaped.

Ryker returned to his silence. I finished my shower, donning a towel around my waist. My tattooed bare chest was on display as I roved to the closest, picking out a white tee shirt and black jeans.

I grabbed a black leather jacket to pair with it. Lyra's voice echoed in my head through the mindlink. She and the guys were already on their way to school. I rolled my eyes at that. Remembering my present predicament. I told them to go ahead. I'll join them at school.

I left my room, stopping at the Alpha's bedroom which was at the extreme side of the hallway. My hands rested on the doorknob. I contemplated going in before heading to school or not. I couldn't deny it. Coming back home was nice. Something in me had been lifted.

The resentment that grew up with me as a child, was being abandoned by my father. I had thought he hated me. Even though he should. But the thought broke me. I never really understood his reasons. But I guess I should have tried. He had lost his fated mate. My mother. Any wolf wouldn't be able to survive that. And being an Alpha, the pain would have felt far much worse for him. Making it one of the reasons I hope to never find whomever the moon goddess had cursed to be destined to me.

It would be much better to have a chosen mate. I was only sparing her from the misfortune of having a demon wolf as a mate. I was about to turn away when the door creaked open. Revealing Dad's pale face.

"Asher?" His voice sounded delightful.

I exposed a small smile. He looked different and better. Yesterday, I helped him out, giving him what Lyra would call 'a makeover'. The scattered beards growing on him were no more. It had been properly shaved, and his hair well-trimmed. He looked more like the man I once remembered.

"Good morning Dad. You are up early" I said, folding my arms over my chest. My lips held with a little smile. We had a deal. Even though Lyra was in denial, hoping everything would be okay. But the insane truth was Dad won't last long.

The Pack's doctor had briefed me of his present state. Sadly, he has barely a month. So I struck a deal. Even though for a short while, he should become the Alpha the Black Blood Pack once had. Mum would have wanted it. And I still had a lot to learn from him.

The Pack still looked the same, but one could tell a lot had changed. Not in a good way. Our defenses are not as strong as they used to be. Hendrick tried his best to ensure the Pack remained as it was during the Alpha's absence. And he did a good job. Even though our defenses had weakened over the years, this wasn't known to our enemies otherwise, they would have tried claiming our territory.

The Black Blood Pack had the largest territorial lands and was enormous in size as well. And I planned to ensure it remained that way. Dad agreed to resume some of his Alpha duties while I helped out in other aspects, and the cost was attending the town's high school. Beaverton high.

He smiled at me. The wrinkles around his cheekbones stretched out lazily. "A deal is a deal. An Alpha must always keep his promise"

Yeah. That was accurate. Even though I detested wasting my precious time. "Well, then I guess I should head to school"

I ambled out of the mansion. Down to the garage where my power bike was stationed. I got on it and placed the helmet over my head. The bike roared alive and I went through the gargantuan gate and soon I was out on the main road.

I arrived at school and parked my bike in the parking lot. I removed the helmet and combed through my hair with my fingers. A habit of mine. The parking lot was empty and there was not even a single soul in the hallways. I guess I was late then. I mindlinked Stefan. He was in class.

I followed his scent and arrived at a class. I walked in and several gasps echoed at once. The female teacher in front of the class paused and scanned me meticulously like I had missed my way or something. Well, that cannot be farther from the truth. I was here solely because of the deal I made with Dad. And I was starting to regret it.

"A-And how can I help you?" She fixed the medicated glasses on her face. Her scent informed me she was human.

"Asher Cohen…" Before I could say further a teacher walked in. He stopped dead in his tracks when his eyes met mine. I sniffed. He was a wolf and had the scent of my Pack. He tilted his head lightly, almost unnoticeable.

He cleared his throat. "Miss Dina. He's a new student" He spoke, dismissing further questions from the female teacher. Without further questions, I walked to the empty seat at the back where Stefan, Dorian, and Wren were seated.

A smile played across Dorian's lips. 'What an entrance dude!'

He spoke through the mind-link. I simply threw him a fierce stare, sinking into the seat.

I look around. 'And Lyra?' I asked my beta, and future brother-in-law through the mind-link.

'Biology class with Cirilla' Stefan replied through the mindlink.

'Cirilla?' The name was not familiar. Was she a member of our Pack?

'Her friend. She told you about her,' Stefan said. Cirilla. It doesn't ring a bell no matter how hard I tried to remember Lyra speaking to me about her. Lyra was way more talkative than Amy. Sometimes, I listen to only half of the conversation. I guess this Cirilla girl was the other half I failed to listen to.

'You'll meet her. She's cool. And Dorian thinks she's pretty!'

I raised a brow at that remark. Dorian is a fucking douchebag. He thinks everyone wearing a skirt is pretty.

'Is she?' I don't know why, but I was suddenly curious. Even Ryker leaned closer, eagerly awaiting his response.

'She is actually'

I nodded at his words. Brutally honest.

The classes went by slowly. I burned at the hellish torture. It was lunchtime already. Wren, Julia, and I moved into the cafeteria. While Stefan went to fetch his mate, Lyra and Dorian accompanied him. He was really into the new girl.

The cafeteria was packed with many students. Almost a quarter were from our Pack and few from neighboring Packs while a greater proportion were humans. I slid into a chair and Julia plopped herself onto my lap. Her lips crashed on mine. Julia was also a pack member and a good warrior. Also incredibly good in bed as well. My hands rubbed up and down her curves, as her lips invaded mine. I was slowly pulled into the sensation.

Instantly it was like I was smacked out of it. Suddenly the sweetest scent I've ever smelled invaded my nostrils. It was warm and appealing. It was a mixture of baking cookies and warm vanilla, combined with the delicate scent of cool fresh roses. It was mind-blowing.

I could feel Ryker stretch with excitement in my head. My wolf sense was heightened. My ears picked up the jam of several heartbeats, but one caught my attention during the traffic. Suddenly, my emerald green eyes met those of her delicate blue. The most beautiful pair of eyes I had ever seen.

Its uniqueness was appealing. Something within her recognized me as well. Like something within her wanted me as badly as I did. Before I could dive deeper into this foreign, yet beautiful feeling. Ryker's next words caused a commotion within me.

'MATE!' I froze. A flicker of shock and panic laced my green irises. My eyes never leave hers. Even my body became numb from Julia's touches. I could feel a similar commotion within her. Like she was struggling as much as I did. It made me wonder if she knew I was her fated mate. But that was impossible. Her scent screamed human.

"Asher this is my friend, Cirilla" Lyra's voice managed to seep into my senses.

“Cirilla” I found myself unconsciously saying her name in my head. The name was perfect for her. Beautiful and unique as she was. Involuntary, my eyes wandered on her body. Her long blonde hair cascaded behind her, stopping midway through her back. Her skin was flawless and smooth. Fucking gorgeous curves.

I couldn't help but imagine how wonderful it would be to be running my hands on her. I gulped. Her lips were full, and plum. Demanding all my attention and kisses. I didn't realize I had reached rock bottom. Ryker's and I had aligned. Our eyes held lust and want. It took me all my strength not to jump over to her and take her on the table.

Abruptly, her eyes moved from me. I hated it. I wanted her full attention. Her once-perfect electric blue eyes instantly turned a shade of rage and intense hate.

Thankfully, It wasn't directed at me. It was on Julia whose focus was on me. Her lips placed kisses on my skin. Jealousy. Anger. And the desire to kill was registered in her eyes. It turned me on quickly. Almost as if her entire being was as heightened as mine.

Suddenly, she took a few steps backward. Something was wrong with her. I sensed the unsettledness within her. It caused me to worry. It caused everyone to worry. Fear rose in her. She released the silver tray in her grasp.

Luckily, before it landed on the cafeteria floors, Dorian caught it and she sprinted off. Lyra chased after her quickly, and so did Stefan and Dorian. Even Wren who barely gets along with anyone rushed after her. But I was rooted, fixed on my spot. Before I could comprehend anything, a devilish snicker echoed at the back of my head. I felt a cold chill the instant I recognized it. Azalea. My Demon counterpart.

'MINE' His voice spiked with amusement and a dark glee.

I gasped as a battle in me commenced. He was fighting for control. He wanted control.