Chapter 2 Council Dynamics and Moonlight Passion

Two months later, everyone gathered, with Asher's father present and the special council too. It was time for Prince Asher to present his mate to them.

Asher came with Ember to the centre of the council, waiting for approval. However, King Mark, Asher's father, stood up and disapproved of their union.

"Ember Thornhill isn't one of us. You cannot end up with her; she's a risk to our pack's stability," King Mark declared.

Asher's heart raced at the bad development of their disapproval, his jaw clenched.

"This isn't fair, Father. How is she a threat to us? She was born and raised here. She's loyal, and just because she has some issues with transforming means she should be treated any less. My wolf chose her," Asher argued.

King Mark's expression became cold.

"Loyalty can be bought anytime, Asher. Loyalty, you say? What is a wolf that can't even transform into one?"

Ember stood quietly with teary eyes, motionless amidst the situation, as Asher held her hands tightly while her eyes were fixed on the floor.

She knew pack dynamics could be challenging, but to the extent of calling her an outcast in her own home? She felt broken.

"If only Mother and Father were here, I wouldn't be going through all this," she thought to herself.

She felt broken, unsure why the King was hostile towards her.

Caleb, Asher's beta, stood up and opposed King Mark's directives.

"Sire, Ember was born here; we all know that. She literally grew up here."

King Mark's gaze narrowed.

"We can't work with such speculations, Caleb. Trust is easily broken; we can't afford to take this risk with her. She's an outsider until we clarify her existence. Her parents died without a root cause. She'll remain an outsider until she proves to this council that she's one of us."

Asher was frustrated over his father's stupid verdict.

"You haven't even given her a chance yet, Father. She's the one my heart beats for; she's my mate, and she's the only one I want as a mate."

King Mark's voice softened but immediately regained his composure.

"Asher, you're the future of this clan, my heir, and the next alpha in line. You need a mate as powerful as you. Someone who will strengthen our pack, not weaken it. This girl you brought is barely one of us. What a weakling! I hereby disapprove of your union with her."

Ember felt a sting in her chest; the King was right - she'd never be good enough. He needed someone of royal blood, and she wasn't.

But Asher's defence gave her hope.

The council meeting was postponed for another time. Asher pulled Ember aside.

"I'm sorry, Ember. My father will never understand. All he thinks about is power and dominance."

Ember forced a smile.

"It's not just your father, Asher. The pack hates me. They all look down on me already. I'm an outcast here; I'm less of a wolf. I don't want to cause trouble."

Asher's eyes showed determination.

"You're not trouble, Ember. You're my mate. We won't give up; we'll find a way and make this work."

Later that night...

Ember changed into a white light gown, letting her hair down and rubbing scented oils all over her body. She lit candles and waited for Asher on his bed.

Asher came into his chamber; his senses exploded with the sweet scent of his mate... the smell of lavender and coconut. He looked around and saw her in a small white dress, her beautiful wavy hair let down, and he knew she wasn't wearing anything underneath.

She quickly stood up and spoke.

"Welcome back, Asher. I dressed up for you," she smiled.

Asher walked towards her direction, looking at her from head to toe, admiring her beauty.

In a swift moment, he pushed her to the wall and pinned her hands up.

"You tempt me, mate, but innocently. It's cute, and I like it."

He smelled her hair and kissed her neck.

"I want you, Ember. Do you want me too?"

"Yes, I do, Asher," she whispered into his ear.

"I'll always protect you."

He traced his fingers on her face and chest, his eyes burning with hunger, and kissed her all over.

Her breathing was faster than usual, while she swallowed hard.

"I'll be gentle, Ember."

He quickly swept Ember into his arms, carrying her to the bed.

He kissed her on the lips and neck until they became one, having a passionate night together.

The tension between them had been building up for months; tonight, they finally surrendered to their desires.

Asher's heart burned with intensity as he pulled Ember into his arms. The moon shone towards them with a glow, illuminating the love they shared for each other. As Ember's heart raced, her veins popping out, she had never felt this way before; she was melting into Asher's touch.

Ember's fingers got tangled in Asher's hair as she pulled him deeper into the kiss. Their tongues swirled in each other's mouths, and the passion built up.

Asher broke away from the kiss; he looked at her with hunger in his eyes. "Ember, I want you."

Ember's voice was barely audible. "I want you too, Asher."

Their bodies collided, entwined, as they poured out their love for each other with every touch. As they made passionate love, the moon shone brighter, giving a more silver glow. Asher's movements were slow and careful; Ember's body responded to every touch.

Their love burned with a brighter flame with every moment that passed. Ember's senses were out of this world; her heart beat so fast.

Asher whispered into her ear, "You're mine. My mate, Ember Thornhill. Forever."

Ember couldn't say a word; her response was lost in the kiss, their lips sealed together.

The night prolonged, and their passion built up and flowed like the waves on the ocean. Asher and Ember both lost themselves in each other; their love shone bright as the stars.

Later, they lay entwined, their hearts still racing fast. Asher's fingers traced Ember's face as he looked at her with adoration.

"I love you, and no one can change that, not even my father," Asher said.

Ember smiled. "I love you too. And I won't give up on our love."

They both drifted off to sleep, leaving behind a sky full of promises.