As the meeting drew to a close, Lady Alethea accompanied Rania out of the hall, her hand on Rania's arm a gentle guide. As they stood at the entrance, Lady Alethea bid Rania a gentle goodbye, her eyes sparkling with warmth. "I'll see you at the party later, Rania," she said, her voice dripping with excitement.
Rania's confusion deepened, her brow furrowed in a deep crease. "What party?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Lady Alethea's expression was puzzled, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Asher didn't tell you about the party?" she asked, her voice tinged with surprise. "We're celebrating the founding Alpha of the Winter Clan, and coincidentally, it's also a celebration of your wedding to Asher."
Rania's mind reeled as she tried to process this new information. She was about to ask Lady Alethea more questions when a big shadow appeared behind her. She turned hastily and saw Asher, his face brimming with sweat, his eyes fixed on her with a peculiar look.
She was startled by Asher's sudden appearance, and her eyes widened in surprise as she took in his shirtless torso, glistening with sweat. Her face immediately flushed with a deep blush, as if the sight of him had ignited a fire within her. She felt a sudden jolt of vulnerability, as if she needed to shield herself from his intense gaze, which seemed to bore into her very soul.
Asher's eyes locked onto hers, and Rania felt like she was drowning in their depths, her heart racing with a mix of emotions. She quickly looked away, her cheeks still flushed with a warm sensation, as if she had been caught off guard by his raw, masculine energy. The air around her seemed to vibrate with tension, and Rania couldn't help but wonder if Asher had any idea of the effect he was having on her.
Asher's gaze shifted from Rania to Lady Alethea, and he gave a slight, respectful bow. "Lady Alethea," he said, his voice low and smooth, his eyes gleaming with a hint of warmth.
Then, he turned to Rania, his eyes inquiring, his expression softening. "Are we done with the meeting, Rania?" he asked, his tone gentle, his voice dripping with concern.
But Rania didn't respond. She was still startled by Asher's sudden appearance, her eyes finding it hard not to stare at his muscles rippling beneath his skin. Her mind raced with questions, her heart pounding in her chest.
Asher's expression turned quizzical, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Rania, why aren't you answering me?" he asked, his voice tinged with concern, his tone gentle.
Lady Alethea intervened before Rania could respond, her voice calm and soothing. "Asher, we were just finishing up. I was saying goodbye to Rania."
Lady Alethea's eyes narrowed slightly as she gazed at Asher, her expression stern. "Asher, why would you appear before us in this manner? Your wife is still new to our ways, and your...ah...state may be startling to her."
Asher's face flushed slightly, and he looked down at his torso, seeming to realize his state for the first time. He nodded, his expression sheepish, his eyes gleaming with apology.
Lady Alethea's voice took on a scolding tone, her words dripping with wisdom. "Asher, you must be more presentable next time. Your wife needs to feel comfortable and supported. See that you take care of her properly, and that includes being mindful of your appearance."
With that, Lady Alethea gave Rania a gentle smile, her eyes shining with warmth. "I'll leave you two to catch up. Rania, I'll see you at the party later."
As Lady Alethea disappeared into the crowd, Rania was left with Asher, her mind racing with questions, her heart pounding in her chest.
Asher absentmindedly scratched his head, as his gaze lingered on Rania, and his eyes searching for a glimmer of connection, but she refused to meet his gaze. The air was thick with tension as he apologized, his voice laced with a hint of regret. "Rania, I'm sorry about my appearance. I was training and was about to head to my chambers to clean up when I saw the women coming out of the grand hall. I thought you might still be here, and...well, you see how I am."
The silence that followed was oppressive, weighing heavily on Asher's shoulders. He noticed the wolf behind Rania, its eyes fixed on him with an unnerving intensity. "Have you named her yet?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Rania's response was hesitant, her voice laced with uncertainty. "Her?" She seemed lost, uncertain of how to respond.
Asher nodded, his eyes locked on hers. "Yes, it's a she. And she's going to be Alba's mate, so give her a name soon if you haven't." His words hung in the air, heavy with significance.
Rania's confusion was ethereal, her eyes subtly darting between Asher and the wolf. She seemed to be searching for answers in her head, wondering who Alba was but Asher's words only seemed to add to her confusion and she didn't want to drag the conversation further and chose to remain silent.
"Did you eat?" Asher asked, his voice gentle, breaking the silence.
Rania's response was curt, her voice laced with a hint of irritation. "Yes." She seemed to be retreating into herself, her eyes clouding over.
Asher sighed, his shoulders sagging in defeat. "Rogan, escort Rania back to her chambers and have her maid take care of her needs." His voice was firm, but laced with a hint of disappointment.
As Rogan stepped forward, Asher turned to Rania, his eyes locking onto hers with an intensity that made her heart race. "I'm leaving," he said, his voice firm, sending shivers down her spine. "I have uh...things to do." He paused, his gaze lingering on hers, as if searching for something. "I'll see you later then...wife." The word hung in the air like a whispered promise, leaving Rania feeling awkward and confused.
Rania's cheeks flushed unexpectedly as Asher turned to leave, the scent of sweat, sandalwood, and vanilla wafting from his skin like a subtle punch to her senses. She felt a sudden lightheadedness, as if her body was responding to something her mind hadn't yet caught up with. She shook her head, trying to clear the haze, but her eyes lingered on Asher's retreating form, her heart racing with a mix of confusion and... something else."