Chapter 39

Asher's Point Of View

The last twenty-four hours had been beyond exhausting. I stood in front of the mirror in my room, watching my reflection for a few minutes, losing myself in my thoughts.

Earlier today the pack had laid the once-great Luca Cohen to rest. I deeply hoped now he was at peace, in the arms of his mate, and he found the happiness he spoke of. I didn't believe in stuff like this, but I hoped for Dad's sake, he was happy even in death.

I shut my eyes, fighting the tears that attempted to surface from the pain rooted in my chest. I was like that for minutes and only pulled my eyes open when I inhaled the delicate sweetness of baking cookies and fresh roses.

Cirilla. I exhaled, instantly feeling the peace that washed over me.

Cirilla came behind me and I saw her beautiful reflection in the mirror.

"Do you need any help?" She asked, picking up the black button-down shirt from the couch.

I smiled, nodding and she was in front of me, helping me to put it on.

Tonight was my inauguration as the new Alpha of the Black Blood Pack. I should feel a little more excited but I wasn't.

Tonight wasn't a celebration. We were still in mourning.

"Are you alright?" She asked gently, working on the button, before peering up through her perfect long lashes to look at me.

My smile deepened, pulling her into my embrace. "I will be," I breathed in her scent. It was the very air I needed right now. Only she could make the pain go away and give me the reason I needed to be stronger. For her. For Lyra and the entire pack.

Her hands wrapped around me, and I heard her sigh. "I am sorry Asher," I heard her say in my chest. "I mean it,"

But I only held her tighter to me. I knew what she meant, but she shouldn't be sorry about anything.

Last night, at the meeting with the pack elders, they had wanted Cirilla to be crowned as well as my Luna tonight since she was my mate. With the new change of power, it would make the pack stronger, make me stronger, having her marked and officially the Luna of the pack.

I understood their concerns, and they were right to think that. I would be lying if I said I didn't wish we were both going to be inaugurated tonight. But I knew Cirilla wasn't ready to be my Luna yet.

I knew she loved me but she still had a lot to figure out about herself and I didn't want to pressure her. Having her next time like this was like heaven already. So I would just have to be patient and wait till she was ready to be all mine.

I kissed her slowly on the lips, caressing her cheek. "Don't feel bad princess, remember you are my life, and having you here with me is far more than enough," I kissed her lips, pulling away briefly.

I turned to the dressing table, pulling out the first drawer. I took out a small red box, moseying back to Cirilla.

She leaned on the table, having one of those breathtaking smiles, playing on her lips as she eyed the box in my hand. "What's that?"

"A little present," I replied with a small smirk.

Slowly, I pulled open the box, and took out the ruby necklace in it, dropping the box on the table.

"Do you like it?" I asked, unable to hide my grin as her fingers trailed the ruby stones and onto the small moon in between.

"It's beautiful," She stopped as her eyes twinkled, meeting mine. "—and I can feel some kind of energy from it,"

I smiled. "It's enchanted," Her eyes widened. "It's an old superstition but stones are rumored to have it's protective abilities, and I want you to have it,"

Cirilla released a beautiful chuckle, peering up at me through her long black lashes. "You could just tell me you were thinking of me,"

She smiled cheekily, spinning around, and pulling her hair up, giving me access to her neck.

I placed the necklace around her, and it looked just as good as I knew it would on her.

She leaned closer and kissed me. I deepened the kiss, and she responded, kissing me back.

It was as if she was channeling all her emotions in her kiss, speaking to me, letting me know just how much she cared, just how much she loved me. She was letting me know in her own way words she couldn't just say to me.

We pulled apart reluctantly for air. She was panting hard, and so I was. Our eyes darkened with lust. I was an Alpha blood, but Cirilla's emotions had always been as intense as mine. Like she was just like me. Maybe her father was an alpha, just maybe. That would explain it all, including the Luna's power she unknowingly exerted on Miles the other night, or maybe her father was a hybrid, which would explain her witch's side. Well, those were all maybes. I wasn't sure yet, not until she turned eighteen and got her wolf.

"It's time," I whispered, slowly kissing her again. This was something I could never tire of. Each time the feeling was different, the sparks were more alive and I felt myself falling deeper for her.

"I will always be here for you, Ash, always. I'm not going anywhere," The words left her lips and they made their way to the core of my chest, causing a beautiful sensation in my soul. I couldn't hold back, I pulled her closer, kissing her like crazy with so much purpose. So much love and dominance, and she was able to match it all.

Goddess, I was a second away from ripping her clothes off and taking her right now but it was all ruined.

We forcibly pulled apart when the door jerked open, and it was Lyra. Her eyes moved from me to Cirilla before grinning.

"I thought something was wrong, but you both are obviously doing great," She plopped on the bed. "Continue," She smiled.

Frankly, I was worried more about her. Dad's death affected her the more. I knew she was trying her hardest to hide her pain.

"Don't you have somewhere else to be, Lyra?"

"In case you didn't notice, but it's time already Alpha," Lyra said.

Cirilla smiled, placing a kiss on my lips. More like a peck. "We should go,"

"No, we shouldn't. But Lyra should leave and everyone outside can wait for all I care. Let's just finish what we had started," I wanted to say, but she was already outside the door.

I sighed, trying to calm the need wrecking my body. After I got myself together, I went outside the mansion, stepping into the darkness.

*****

Cirilla's Point Of View

There was a large crowd gathered around in front of the Packhouse. I stood beside Lyra, slightly feeling ridiculous in the mid-length flowery dress Lyra made me wear.

Although it was better than her first and second choice of outfit for me, still, this wasn't my style. I hadn't even realized she had secretly added these to the clothes we bought some days ago when we went shopping.

I glanced around at the large crowd that was around. I never knew this many people were living in the pack, and villages at the North borders of the pack.

My gaze focused on Asher in the darkness standing at a distance in front of the crowd. Beside him was his Beta, Stefan, and on the other side was Wren. They were surrounded by the pack's elders as the ceremony started.

Even under the moonlight sky, I could feel his burning gaze on me throughout the ceremony. At every word he said, every vow he made to the pack, his gaze never left me.

And right now, more than ever, I wished I was standing right next to him, also taking this big step with him. I knew deep down he wanted it too.

I jolted from my thoughts a little while later when I felt the release of power. I couldn't describe it, but it was strong and immensely intimidating. It was coming from Asher. Everyone felt it, and their heads dropped down, bowing to Asher who was standing up ahead. Even the elders lowered their heads to him.

Asher released a powerful growl that rippled through the trees, echoed throughout into the moonlit sky, and made the earth rumble.

The wolves whimpered, getting on their knees and baring their heads in submission as everyone chorused. "Long live the Alpha,"

I glanced around, and to my surprise, I was the only one still standing. I was never one to follow the crowd, but I wasn't familiar with the pack's rules and customs yet, I didn't want to be seen as disrespectful, or rude.

I was about to drop down on one knee when I felt Asher's burning gaze return to me. I lifted my eyes to him and furrowed my eyebrows as he shook his head, telling me not to.

I straightened my back, nodding.

After the ceremony was concluded, Asher shifted into his big furry black wolf, dashing into the woods. Every wolf also shifted into their forms, racing behind him. It was some kind of norm where the new Alpha led its pack through the woods for a run. I still had a lot to know about this stuff.

I was around with Wren and some members that were demons too until the wolves returned from their run and the after-party started.

It was already midnight, and the pack was still celebrating. Asher and the elders and older pack members had gone up to his office while I was with the large crowd, seated around the fire, mingling with other pack members. I felt uncomfortable and this dress was topping the list of my misery. I decided to go change.

I sneaked my way into the mansion, hurrying up the stairs. I was beyond exhausted, and I badly wanted this dress off me.

I couldn't find Asher in our room. He was still in the office with the elders, Stefan, Wren, and a few older pack members.

I went to the window and stepped out onto the balcony. The air up here was refreshing. My gaze shifted to the dark sky and half moon hanging on it.

Involuntarily, my hand went up to the ruby necklace on my neck. My fingers slowly trail the small moon amidst the gemstones, and I smile, closing my eyes.

"Is someone thinking of me?" I was engulfed by Asher's sweet masculine scent. He always smelled better.

His large arms wrapped around me, burying his face in the crook of my neck, inhaling.

"Don't let your head get big, I was just wondering how much money I'd get if I sold this," I joked.

Asher snuggled deeper, with a smile assaulting his lips. "Trust me, you'll get a lot,"

I smiled, turning in his arms to see his beautiful face. I had missed him badly.

"I missed you so much more," He kissed the tip of my nose. I guessed it had been in my face.

I wanted to tell him I missed him more, but I just decided to lean into his embrace. It always made me feel warm, loved, and protected. He made me feel safe.

"Is it just me, or did you suddenly get more of this?" I caressed the tight muscles on his arms and chest, guiding my hands to his to-die-for abs.

Maybe it's just me, but every time I saw the guy he just got hotter than the last time. If that's even possible.

"I think that's just you," He released one of his sexy chuckles that sent butterflies in my stomach.

"Nope. I think it's true," I couldn't take my eyes off him. If obsession was a person then it would be me. I was getting obsessed with him, and it was unhealthy. "What?" I asked him as he grew silent, just staring at me.

His large fingers ran down my face, trailing my jawline and his thumb pinched my chin. "You look…" He breathed out. His breath was hot, minty, and tickling. "...so… beautiful… so… perfect," His voice was strained, and dangerously low.

My body was burning with heat and tingles.

My body was firm in his arms and I could feel him. His trembling bones, his tensed muscles, even the bulging hardness in his jeans that pressed against me. He was fucking hard.

One of his arms looped around my waist, his fingers digging into the dip of my back as he pulled me closer.

Tingles raged on my skin and fire boiled in my veins.

I can't help but moan at the pleasure.

He growled, eyes flashing with streaks of golden as his hands found themselves under my bottom and he grabbed my mounds, pulling his lower half closer where I could feel the unmistakable swell of him.

I gasped, and he took the opportunity to dip his tongue into my mouth, pleasuring every corner of my tongue.

He tasted like honey.

His kisses were so hot and addictive.

As if like a switch my body ignited in flames instantly. I was already hot, reaching my bones and setting my soul on fire. I was burning for the man before me, and I don't think I could ever quench this flame.

"Asher," I pushed out his name with great difficulty, slowly moving my body in his arms.

Asher groaned, his bright green eyes getting darker. I pinned my waist against him, grinding my waist to his.

A growl rumbled from his chest as his hands gripped both sides of my waist, digging me deeper into him. He leaned closer, his nose skimming the nape of my neck down my shoulder blade.

He groaned again, and I kept grinding into him. Asher's dark eyes came up to mine, his lips a breath away.

My body was shaky with need. And so was Asher, and we both knew the only way we could quench this need. I wanted him and he wanted me just as much. So what was the problem? Why was he always hesitating?

"Ash," I was already panting and he hadn't even kissed me nor touched me yet. I felt myself already wet. Why couldn't he just put me out of my misery?

I brushed my lips against his. I did it again and again, still grinding myself against the bulge in his pants.

Asher's hands moved painfully slowly from my hips, caressing his way up to my hair. One hand was lost in my hair and the other one in my face, and his lips captured mine in one hungry kiss.

It was rough, and I liked it. I kissed him back, wrapping my hands around his neck.

He hoisted me up and my legs wound around his waist. Asher's hands stroked my thighs, pushing them up until my pussy was rubbing against the swell of him.

He growled. It was loud. I bet the entire pack heard it and didn't care. It was possessive and powerful as if letting me know I was his. His beast was almost at the surface.

I felt my back against the wall and our lips never broke apart. It was wild and consuming. I could feel the air in my lungs vanishing but I almost didn't care, I just didn't want his lips gone from mine.

But he pulled away, panting hard, and he slowly shook his head. I didn't understand what he meant by that, but all I knew was that my body was itching for him and I would die right now if he pulled out of this huge mess he created. I would kill him.

"What's wrong?" I asked, seeing the golden streak that was sparking in his eyes.

"No, Ci, we can't,"

"What?" My body temperature had begun to rise. I didn't know what was fucking wrong with my body. "Why?" I bit out, feeling the growing pain in my body. "Why the fuck not?" A loud growl sounded within the walls of my mind as I pressed my body hard into Asher's.

My body began to burn, like really burn and all I could think of was Asher fucking me. I was prepared to beg if the need be. I don't fucking care, all I wanted was Asher.

Asher's gaze on me became serious as he was studying me. Gosh, this wasn't the time for that.

Abruptly, his eyes widened. "Shit! No fucking way," I don't know what he was thinking, but that can wait, I needed him now.

"Asher please," I groaned with pain coursing my body.

Quickly, Asher carried me in his arms, hurrying to the bathroom. He turned on the cold shower, soaking me.

What the hell was he doing? I desperately wanted to ask but the pain silenced me.

"I feel so much pain, Asher. What the hell is wrong with me?" I confessed, molding in his arms.

"I think you are in heat," He voiced, sounding so sure.

But I had no idea what that meant.