Page 96 of Challenged Mate
His head immediately shook with denial. “I remember that conversation, and you misunderstood. Axel was trying to convince me it was okay to win the Alpha games—to bring you into our pack. But that was never then plan.
“We entered the Alpha Games as a ploy to investigate rogue sorcerers and realign ourselves with other packs. We needed to know who would stand with us if needed.”
He took a step towards me. His voice strong with conviction. “I never wanted to force you to abandon your pack, Blair.Thatwas what was impossible.Thatwas what I didn’t want to do. And I regret what my actions cost youevery single day.”
Self-preservation warned me not to be swayed by his explanation. I’d been deceived so many times. But no amount of logic could convince my soul to be wary. My soul knew he spoke the truth.
I stared at the asphalt beneath my feet. “Were you trying to find a way out of enforcing your prize? Is that why you never told me you were alpha?” A tear escaped and rolled down my cheek.
“What? No!”
I looked up to see Asher running his hands through his hair.
“Blair, I’m no good at this. I’ve never been.”
“Good at what?”
“Expressing my feelings. Saying what Iwant.”
My forehead creased.
Before I could respond, Asher continued, “I was only a kid when I became alpha, Blair. I took over for my father after he and my mother were murdered, and I’ve spent my entire life since trying to become the male he urged me to be when he was alive. My only concern has been doing what is best for my pack. I never spared a thought for what I wanted. Until you.”
My heartbeat quickened.
Asher took another step. I didn’t move away. Encouraged, he closed the remaining distance between us and reached out to take my hand. “I never wanted you to lose your position within the Summit Pack, Blair. I’ve kept my distance to investigate the threats against us, but also to try and give myself time to figure out a way for you to still become the Summit alpha.”
He brought my hand to his mouth. A shiver wracked my body as he pressed his lips against the inside of my wrist, closing his eyes. “But I’d be lying if I said I would willingly let you go. Since the moment I saw you, long before the bond snapped into place, I couldn’t get you out of my head. Your scent is ingrained in my mind. Your smile is burned behind my eyelids, taunting me every time I close my eyes. And that makes me hate myself. Because while you’ve lost everything you’ve ever dreamed of, I’ve gained a dream I never even knew I had. And I wouldn’t give you up for anything.”
My entire body trembled. My wolf purred. My soul sang.
His words made me feel so much. I had so many things to say, but I could only stare at the male before me, wondering how I could have ever doubted the Mother knew what she was doing when she tied Asher’s soul to mine.
Long seconds passed, but they were far from uncomfortable.
Asher kept my hand by his face. His nostrils rested against my wrist, breathing me in. Each exhale sent a billow of air over my skin, sending shivers through me.
At last, I broke the silence. I took the conversation back to the beginning. I gaveusa chance at a new beginning. “So… you’re the alpha.”
Asher opened his eyes. They flickered with specks of yellow-green. His wolf was close to the surface. “Yes.”
I felt my own wolf press forward. “And we’re supposed to mate, even though it was never your plan?”
“Correct.”
“But you want me?” I tilted my head to the side, trying to seem calm despite how fast my heart was beating.
“Yes, Blair.” Asher pressed my palm against his chest, allowing me to feel how his own heart raced. “I’ve wanted you since that night at The Iron Horse.”
The memory of Asher’s abrupt behavior, and how it had changed so suddenly at the downtown bar, brought a smile to my face. I couldn’t deny I’d felt just as drawn to him. Even before the bond snapped into place, we’d both recognized each other. Our souls had known they’d met their match.
With his free hand, Asher reached up and touched the corner of my mouth. Softly, he said, “I love when you smile.”
My smile turned timid, but I forced myself to be brave when I asked, “So, even after all of this—all this doubt and guilt and uncertainty—you still want to go through with it. You still want to mate me?”
Asher’s hand moved to cup my cheek, tilting my head back as he moved so close that his chest pressed against me.
His eyes shined longing. “Do you even have to ask?” His lips descended on mine before I could respond.
