Its just as first rays of sunlight pierce the dark woods found. The rolled parchment came in during the form of a sleek black wolf, its silver eyes bright with intelligent, dropping a rolled parchment at the doorstep of the cabin. Asher opened it cautiously, his golden eyes narrowing as he read aloud:I'll send you to the old warehouse on the outskirts of town ... you're to appear before me there." Come alone. Bring the human. -Luca"The air hung with the words and the room felt colder. I could see the tension in Asher's clenched face, in his hands grip the parchment.He looked up at me, his face worried and low in voice. "I can take care of Luca myself."But I shook my head. "This is both of us, Asher." In case I don't stand with you now, what will your future say?"His mask cracked a little, his eyes softened in a flicker of vulnerability. "You don't know Luca. He's dangerous, Emilia. He'll test you. They'll test you to the breaking point just to see if you're worthy."I walked forward until my hands met his chest. "Then let him test me. I'm not going anywhere, Asher."His gaze heavy with emotion, he just looked at me. He then embraced me in a bruising hug. I could feel his heartbeat, strong against my cheek, and felt a flush of warmth despite the fear at the edges of what I would do.He murmured, his voice rough with emotion, saying that I don't deserve you.I turned my head to watch him. "Yes, you do. We deserve this-us."
The drive to the warehouse was muted, heavy with whatever unspoken fears and promises were in that air. His thumb was tracing soothing circles through the fabric of my jeans; his hand rested on my thigh.Then his voice broke the silence, "You're brave."My stomach knotted and I smiled faintly. "Or maybe I'm just stubborn."He peered at me but his golden eyes shined not with light but dim, faint light of dawn. That's one of the things I love about you."
A giant carcass loomed in front of us, rusted with graffiti and broken windows. The wind howled past the empty structure, familiar foreboding.Asher stopped the truck and turned to me, determination and worry mixed on his face. "Stay close to me. Look like you think you understand and don't speak without needing to. And if anything happens then don't show him your fear."My heart was thumping, I nodded. "I'm ready."He leaned in and held my face in his hand. His kiss was slow, calculated, and it was precisely what I needed in the middle of the madness going on all around us. His forehead rested against mine as he pulled away. You're everything to me, Emilia. Never forget that."
The warehouse was cavernous, barren, the only figure centered in its vast space. Luca.His presence filled the spacecess up with either tangible or almost energy as the Alpha was larger than life. His dark hair surrounded that whole, regal, ruthless face that skewered into my soul like stabbing fingers.Luca's voice was deep and commanding, so much so it was like a growl, and he said, "So, this is the one who's made my pack's prodigal son a lovesick fool."Asher stepped in front of me protectively. "Leave her out of this, Luca. Take a problem to me if you have one."Asher eyed Luca as he smirked. You always had this rebellious side to you don't you?" 'This... even you... this is a new low.'My fear was pushed aside by anger in my chest. I didn't care if Asher took that as an insult, I stepped past him and out from behind him ignoring his sharp intake of breath. 'I'm not a mistake,' I replied strongly, looking him dead in the eye.I felt the scrutiny of his eyes close up and his face narrow. He said it all in a 'bold' way, with curiosity and disdain. "And it's boldness that won't save you from what's coming."
I could threaten her all I wanted, you know," I said my voice steady even with all the adrenaline pumping through me, "but it'll never change how I feel about Asher. Nothing you say or do can take that away, we love each other."The room was silent for a moment. Luca laughed then, a dark menacing sound that echoed off the walls.As if love amused him, he said, "Love." "You speak of love if it were a shield. And it won't help you with claws, or fangs, or bullets."Low grew the rumbling of Asher's growl. "That's enough, Luca."Asher snapped Luca's gaze to him and his expression turned cold. "Can you really protect her?" So, you don't know what you are asking for? We can never make a human one of us. She's weak, fragile, and mortal. She'll only hold you back."His body radiated defiance, Asher stepped closer. "She's more than you can understand." And she's mine."
Luca's eyes grew dark and for a brief moment, I thought he might go for Asher. Instead, he smiled, a cold predatory smile. "Very well. I'm not gonna stop you if you insist on tying yourself to this human so. Don't think for a second that this ends here."He looked at me, his golden eyes a ball of menace. "You choose. You've made your choice, Emilia." You're going to have to live with the consequences."
The truck's drive back felt endless, its weight bearing down on us all. His movements stiff and stoney, he opened the passenger door for me.After he got in, he released his sharp inhale while holding the steering wheel. He was raw with frustration and said he hated that you had to face him.Placing my hand over his I reached over. "We sat with him, Asher." "We will also face what comes next the same way," he said.I picked up my gaze to meet his, his eyes softened. "They amaze you?"I smiled faintly. "So you're pretty amazing yourself, too."His lips had gently leaned in to kiss mine; tender and desperate. It was like he was pushing every single word that was left unsaid into that moment, a reminder of what we were fighting for.When he pulled back he had his forehead on my forehead. "I don't care what Luca says. You're my future, Emilia. Nothing will change that."I whispered, as my voice barely audible: "... and you're my..."As the truck started rumbling and we drove away from the warehouse, I could tell the fight was not over yet. With Asher by my side I was ready to see what ever was thrown at me. We were unbreakable together.