Katherine's POV
As Asher departed to meet Dahlia, I mingled with the other guests. However, my curiosity soon got the better of me, and I found myself drawn to the conversation between Asher and Dahlia.
At first, their exchange seemed cordial and composed, but my interest was piqued. I focused my attention on their interaction, trying to discern what was going on beneath the surface.
I politely extricated myself from the conversation with one of the guests. "Excuse me," I said with a smile.
As I moved closer, I caught snippets of Asher and Dahlia's conversation. Dahlia's tone was sharp, her words laced with defiance. It seemed she wasn't backing down, despite being in the Alpha's presence.
I cautioned her, expecting an apology, but instead, she challenged me. Our argument escalated, with tensions running high. When she'd had enough, she stormed off.
"Did she just walk out on me?" I thought, incredulous.
For a moment, I considered tattling to Father, but then I thought better of it. Just kidding, I was gonna make sure Father hears of this
I turned to Alpha Asher, concern etched on my face. "I'm sorry, Alpha. Please, don't mind her." I begged, trying to diffuse the situation.
Alpha Asher's gaze lingered on the spot where Dahlia had stormed off. "What's her name?" he asked, his deep voice low and even.
I replied curtly, "Dahlia."
He nodded thoughtfully, his expression unreadable. I took the opportunity to apologize again.
After apologizing profusely to Alpha Asher, I took my leave, hoping to put the unpleasant encounter behind me.
Asher's POV
Katherine tried talking to her, but it all fell on deaf ears; my supposed mate left.
'What's her name?' I asked Katherine.
'Dahlia,' Katherine replied shortly.
She apologized for her actions, and after that, she left.
I was getting bored, so I just decided to leave after notifying the Alpha.
Dahlia's POV
"Finally, some peace of mind," I said.
Nyx smirked. "You're not thinking about how you just shut them down, are you?"
I grinned mischievously. "Why should I? They deserved it." Nyx laughed. "You're absolutely right."
I asked, "Why would he even try to talk to me after that look?" Nyx chuckled. "Girl, don't let them get under your skin. You handled them perfectly, and I'm proud of you." I smiled, feeling proud.
"I bid you adieu, for tomorrow promises a day of unrelenting hardship and torment," I announced, and Nyx shrugged, unimpressed.
THE NEXT DAY
A servant knocked on my door, delivering the Alpha's summons. "He's waiting for you in his chambers," she said before departing.
Nyx raised an eyebrow. "What does the old geezer want now?"
I shrugged, getting dressed reluctantly. Upon arriving at the chambers, I found the Alpha visibly irritated. "What's this I hear about your behavior toward the Alpha of the Blue Moon Pack?" he asked abruptly.
I whispered to Nyx, "How did the Alpha learn about this?"
Nyx's voice trembled with rage. "Katherine, that sneaky snitch, must have told him."
The Alpha repeated his question, "What's this I hear about your behavior toward the Alpha of the Blue Moon Pack?"
I faltered, unsure how to respond.
The Alpha's anger turned violent, and he struck me, causing me immense pain.
He then drew his dagger, marking my back repeatedly. I screamed, overwhelmed by the agony, as tears fell from my eyes. Finally, he ordered, "Resume your duties, and take on those of the other servants as well."
Nyx's anger boiled over. "What? He's got some nerve!" she seethed, recounting the Alpha's demands.
As we exited the chambers, Katherine's smugness was palpable which angered Nyx. I calmed her down, "Nyx, don't waste your energy. We'll bide our time and wait for the perfect moment to slip out of the palace." Nyx exhaled sharply, composing herself.
Dahlia's POV
"Hello!" I heard someone call out to me, but I was startled to see the man from last night standing before me.
"What do you want?" I asked firmly. "Don't startle me like that again."
He said, "Relax."
I repeated, "What do you want?"
He seemed surprised. "You don't know?"
I looked confused. "Know what?"
He turned serious. "You're my mate."
I scoffed, "Even if that's true, what makes you think I'd agree?"
He smirked, "It's not like you have a choice." He left with a wicked smile, leaving me worried.
Just what was he up to, I thought to myself.
"Let's just hope it's nothing stupid," Nyx said.
I let out a sigh.
Nyx's serious expression signaled a problem. "We have an issue," she said.
"What is it?" I asked, concerned.
"You have two mates," she stated.
I reacted with shock. "What?! Is that possible?" I asked, still stunned.
Nyx clarified, "Yes, but it's extremely rare."
"Look at the bright side," she tried to reassure me. "You can choose and avoid Asher."
"I guess you're right."
"Who's this other mate?" I asked
Nyx replied, "You'll know when you see him."
I accepted, "Alright," and with that, I resumed my task.
Asher's POV
Kai inquired, "What's your next move?"
"I planned to ask the Alpha to let me take her."
Kai's curiosity intensified, "What's the plan?"
I stated, "I won't be marrying her."
"She's your mate," Kai reminded me.
"Well, thanks for the reminder, but I won't be marrying someone like her."
Kai wondered, "Why take her to the pack?"
I confessed, "To torment her."
Kai's eyes widened in astonishment, "What?"
"Look, just let her go," he argued.
I refused, "I won't spare her."
Kai's frustration grew, and I firmly warned him, "Stay out of my affairs; it's got nothing to do with you."