Chapter 6

2214 Words
As Sylvia leads me through the grand halls of the mansion towards Asher's office, my mind swirls with a jumble of emotions. Fear, confusion, anger – they all compete for dominance as I struggle to make sense of this new reality thrust upon me. I can't shake the feeling of being trapped, of having no control over my own fate. And yet, beneath it all, there's a nagging sense of curiosity, a desire to uncover the truth behind this mysterious world I've been unwillingly drawn into. As we reach the heavy oak door marked "Alpha King’s Office," Sylvia gives me a reassuring smile before opening it and gesturing for me to enter. With a deep breath, I step inside, bracing myself for whatever lies ahead. As I step into Asher's office, the grandeur of the room leaves me momentarily speechless. Behind his desk, Asher sits regally in a leather chair, surrounded by walls adorned with books, maps, and a small bar. With a gesture, he invites me to take a seat, pouring us each a glass of liquor before settling down himself. "Airabella, let me tell you everything," he begins, his tone steady yet tinged with gravity. "First off, I am a werewolf. I am the Alpha King of the werewolves, which means I am the ruler of all Alphas for all of North America. The other Alphas of different packs report to me." The revelation stuns me, prompting me to blurt out incredulously, "Werewolves are real?" Asher nods solemnly. "Yes, they are real, and many of my pack members interact in the human world where you once lived." Seizing on the opportunity to confirm his claim, I challenge him, "If werewolves are real, then turn into a wolf right now." He chuckles softly. "Not in my office, but I will show you later." Undeterred, he continues, explaining the intricacies of his pack lands and the significance of my role. "You are my mate, Airabella. My other half. I care for you deeply. You are the Luna, which means you are their queen." His declaration catches me off guard, and I can't help but burst into laughter. "Are you serious? I'm no queen. You must be on some serious drugs." Despite my jest, I sense a flicker of tension in his demeanor as he finishes his drink, a silent struggle evident in his eyes. As Asher calmly listens to my outburst, his expression remains composed, though I can see the flicker of irritation in his eyes. Setting down his glass with deliberate care, he leans forward, his voice low but steady. "I understand this is a lot to take in, Airabella," he begins, his tone surprisingly gentle. "But I assure you, what I'm telling you is the truth. And whether you believe it or not, the fact remains that you are my mate, and as such, you hold a position of great importance within my pack." Despite his attempts at reassurance, I can't help but feel a surge of defiance rising within me. "I never asked for any of this," I retort, my voice trembling with frustration. "I don't want to be your queen, or your mate, or anything else you're trying to force on me." Asher's gaze softens, a hint of sadness in his eyes as he reaches out to gently grasp my hand. "I know it's not what you wanted, Airabella," he says softly. "But please, give me a chance to prove that I'm not the enemy here. Give me a chance to show you that I only want what's best for you." His words hang in the air, the weight of his sincerity lingering between us as I struggle to make sense of this surreal situation. He then asks, "Don’t you feel any kind of tingle when we touch or a feeling of needing to be around me?" I do not say anything but I pose a question, my voice betraying my disbelief. "How can I be your supposed mate if I am not a werewolf?" His response is swift and solemn. "You're not entirely human, Airabella," he explains, his words carrying a weight of certainty. "While your mother may be human, your father is not. Do you know anything about him?" I shake my head, a pang of sorrow accompanying the memory of my absent father. "He left my mother before I was born," I confess quietly. Asher's gaze softens, a glimmer of determination in his eyes. "We will unravel the truth together," he assures me, his voice unwavering. "Whatever you may be, you're not just human. My wolf and I can sense it." His words offer a glimmer of hope amidst the uncertainty surrounding my identity. As Asher's words sink in, a sense of unease washes over me. "What do you mean, 'figure out what I am'?" I ask, my voice trembling slightly. Asher's expression softens, a flicker of sympathy in his eyes. "There are many possibilities, Airabella," he explains patiently. "You could be a different supernatural species altogether, or perhaps you possess latent werewolf genes that haven't yet manifested. Either way, we'll find out the truth together." Despite his reassurance, a knot forms in my stomach at the thought of what I might discover about myself. "And if I'm not what you expect?" I inquire, my voice barely above a whisper. Asher reaches out, gently clasping my hand in his. "Regardless of what we uncover, Airabella," he says earnestly, "you are still my mate, and I will stand by you every step of the way." Finally, I mustered the courage to respond, "But you kidnapped me. You don't do that to people you supposedly care about." His expression tightens, but he remains composed. "You left me no choice," he counters. "I tried to talk to you over and over. You just went on being disrespectful to me." I feel my anger boiling over, and I raise my voice, "You try to treat me as a possession. I am not a f*****g possession." As the tension between us escalates, Asher's jaw tightens visibly, his gaze hardening. "You're right," he admits, his tone tinged with frustration. "I shouldn't have resorted to such drastic measures, but you have to understand, Airabella, I was desperate. Desperate to keep you safe, to protect you from the dangers that lurk beyond these walls." Despite his explanation, I remain unconvinced, my skepticism evident in my furrowed brow. "You can't just imprison me here against my will," I retort, my voice tinged with defiance. "I have a life, a family, friends... I can't just abandon everything because you say so." Asher's expression softens, a hint of remorse flickering in his eyes. "I know it's hard for you to accept," he concedes, his voice gentle. "But I promise, I will do everything in my power to make this transition easier for you. Panic grips me as I realize the gravity of the situation. "But who will take care of my mother?" I plead desperately, my mind racing with worry for her well-being. "I have to go back to her, you don't understand," I implore, my voice trembling with urgency. "Please, I need to be there for her." Asher's response is calm but resolute. "I've already made arrangements for your mother," he assures me, his tone steady. "She's receiving care at a state-of-the-art rehab facility. You'll be able to see her once she's recovered." Despite his assurances, the weight of concern for my mother lingers heavily on my mind. As Asher's words sink in, a wave of conflicting emotions washes over me. Relief floods my heart at the knowledge that my mother is receiving the care she needs, yet a sense of guilt gnaws at me for not being there with her. The thought of her alone in a rehab facility, struggling without me by her side, fills me with an overwhelming sense of responsibility. But amid the turmoil of my emotions, a glimmer of hope emerges — the possibility of her recovery, of us being reunited once more. I down the liquor in front of me in one swift motion, the fiery liquid burning down my throat as I try to drown out the overwhelming reality before me. "Asher, I'm sorry, but I can't just live here," I manage to say, my voice tinged with desperation. "I have my own life, my own job, my own responsibilities." His response is unwavering. "My sister is out buying you new things as we speak. You're getting a new wardrobe and everything you might need," he says calmly. "Phones don't work in my realm, so there's no need for you to have one. And as for your job, Rikki has already informed the owner of Shiloh's that you've quit." His tone turns stern as he continues, "Your responsibilities now are being my mate and Luna to the pack. You have no other obligations." A solitary tear escapes my eye, betraying the storm of emotions raging within me. “Airabella, now we need to talk about your duties as a Luna.” Asher's voice carries a stern edge as he lays out the duties expected of a Luna within the pack. "As Luna, you have some obligations to fulfill," he begins. "First and foremost, you must support your Alpha. Your role is crucial in maintaining pack order and protocol. You'll need to assist me in various pack matters, ensuring our decisions are in the best interest of everyone." "Additionally," he continues, "you play a vital role in maintaining pack loyalty. Getting to know the members, fostering a sense of unity, and addressing any concerns that arise are all part of your responsibilities. You are like the mother of the pack, nurturing and guiding our members, while I take on the role of the father, providing leadership and protection." After laying out the duties of a Luna, Asher pauses, taking a moment to refill his glass with liquor. "Lastly," he continues, "you will raise our children. Our offspring are the future rulers of the pack, and they will require both of our guidance." His words catch me off guard, and I can't help but react. "Are you serious? You're already talking about children? Asher, I'm not ready for that commitment. We're not even intimate!" With a calm demeanor, Asher responds, "Yes, Airabella, you are my mate, and we will have children. But I understand your reservations. I'll be patient on this, and I'm not forcing you to have s*x with me. I want you to want it." With a heavy heart, I realize the gravity of my situation sinking in. The life I once knew, the independence I cherished, now stripped away in an instant. I feel trapped, suffocated by the weight of Asher's expectations pressing down on me. Yet, amid the turmoil, a glimmer of defiance flickers within me. "You can't just decide my life for me," I whisper, my voice trembling but resolute. "I won't be forced into this role, Asher. I won't be controlled." The tension in the room thickens as Asher's gaze hardens, his jaw clenched with restrained frustration. "You have no choice, Airabella," he replies firmly, his tone brooking no argument. "You are my mate, and you belong here with me, whether you like it or not. It's time you accept your fate and embrace your role as Luna." His words hang in the air, a finality to them that leaves me feeling powerless, trapped in a life I never asked for. As I stride away, fueled by frustration and desperation, Asher's voice cuts through the air, halting me in my tracks. "Where do you think you're going? We're not done talking," he commands, his tone laced with authority. I spin around, a surge of rage pulsing through me as I meet his gaze. "f**k you, I'm done," I retort, my words echoing in the tense silence of the room. Suddenly, the entire house begins to tremble, my anger manifesting into a force beyond my control. Panic grips me as I realize the extent of my power, the ground quaking beneath me. In a swift motion, Asher moves to block the exit, his expression a mix of concern and admonition. "Airabella, you need to control your anger. You can't make an earthquake every time you're pissed," he admonishes, his words a stark reminder of the dangerous path I tread. As Asher's words sink in, a surge of conflicting emotions threatens to overwhelm me. Adrenaline courses through my veins, heightening my senses as I struggle to regain control. With a determined effort, I draw in a deep breath, attempting to steady myself amidst the turmoil. Gradually, the tremors subside, the ground beneath me stabilizing once more. Meeting Asher's gaze with a mixture of defiance and resignation, I muster the courage to speak. "Asher, please step away from the door," I implore, my voice strained. His lack of response only adds to my frustration, and when he moves in to embrace me, a wave of unexpected calm washes over me, unsettling in its intensity. Pushing him back, I assert my resolve with newfound determination. "No," I declare firmly, my voice trembling with uncertainty. "I can't do this." With that, I turn on my heel and walk out of the room, the weight of my decision heavy on my shoulders.
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