Page 95 of Challenged Mate
From the corner of my eye, I saw Kayla stiffen. “I don’t think that’s—”
“Go, Kayla,” Asher commanded, this time out loud. “Blair and I need to talk.”
Chase moved to Kayla’s side, tilting his head, motioning for her to walk away with him.
Kayla pressed her lips together, watching me with concern. “Maybe you should give her space, Asher. Focus on the challenge first.”
“It’s fine,” I said, interrupting whatever Asher was about to say.
I glared at the male who simultaneously filled me with longing and heartache. “Let’s talk.”
Twenty-Nine
I expectedAsher to lead me somewhere private. Instead, he gestured for me to follow him as he moved between two buildings. The alleyway was clean and empty and covered in shadow. It was the last place I thought we would havethisconversation.
Back on the street, Chase and Kayla waited. The beta was unable to convince her to leave. I heard them muttering to one another, wondering how Asher should handle Stanley’s challenge before a barrier muffled the sound of their voices.
I turned my attention to Asher. My eyes trailed over him on instinct, noticing his expensive slacks and form-fitting dress shirt, and my heart clenched.
He’d dressed up for the mating luncheon—ourmating luncheon.
Pressure built in my chest as we remained staring at each other in silence.
Eventually, I couldn’t take it anymore.
“You’re the alpha.”
“I am.”
My throat tightened. Hurt sprung tears to my eyes. “You lied to me.”
“I never lied.”
I squeezed my eyelids closed. “But you never told the truth, either.”
Silence resumed.
“I didn’t want the other packs to know my identity.”
My eyelids parted, and I saw regret twisting Asher’s handsome features.
He continued, “You know our pack has been isolated from the rest of you. Chase and I had a target on our backs the moment we entered the Alpha Games, but it would have been ten times worse if they knew I was alpha.”
I got that. I really did.
“But why not tell me the truth after we bonded? Or when we arrived in Alaska?”
Asher tucked his hands behind his back and began pacing the width of the alley. “You were overwhelmed. First the bond, then losing your position within the Summit Pack. There was never a good time.
“Besides,” he huffed, “You made it clear that mating the Wilds alpha was a fate worse than death.”
That was because ofourbond, you idiot!
I crossed my arms, holding onto myself tight, as if my grip could keep me from falling apart. “Don’t make me the bad guy. You didn’t want the bond either.”
His steps faltered. He whirled towards me with an incredulous expression. “What would possibly make you believe that?”
“I overheard you at your hotel in Laurel,” I licked my dry lips, forcing myself to continue despite the unease swirling in my gut, telling me I was wrong. “When you were speaking with Axel, I heard you say you didn’t want to be together. That it was impossible…”
