Chapter 5 A Riff Between The Chosen Mates

Ember woke up and, as usual, Asher wasn't by her side. She went to her cottage, changed into some clean clothing, had breakfast, and went into the fields to clear her mind. She wanted to think clearly. A little boy tapped her back; she turned around to face him, and he gave her a note and ran away. She wanted to stop him, but it was like he disappeared into thin air.

She opened the note and read it carefully.

"Hi, my Darling. It's Victor. Please don't say no to my invitation. I've information about who you really are and what actually happened to your parents. Meet me at the border of Leavenworth peak. I'll tell you everything you need to know. Come alone, and don't try anything stupid; I've eyes everywhere."

"What! Is this some kind of stunt to capture me? No, it can't be that easy. Should I tell Asher about this, but he just said I should come alone. Oh, moon god, what do I do? But should I really trust him? What if...no, no, no, no negative thoughts today. I need answers; if his information can help me, then Asher can find a solution to it."

Ember went to meet Ruby at the Butcher's shop.

"Thank goodness I found you here. Please, I need your help."

"My help? Come with me; let's go somewhere quieter. So, tell me, what's it about?" Ruby asked.

"I'm meeting up with someone who has valid information about me and my parents."

"Does Asher know about this? Because I've got a very bad feeling about this."

"No, please. I'll tell him when I get back, and if he asks, make some silly excuse. I don't want him worrying, and nothing will happen."

"Are you certain this person isn't going to harm you, Ember?" Ruby asked.

"Yes, he won't, Ruby. I've got to go. So, I'll be back before sunset."

Ember walked into the valley to meet with Victor. Lila, who followed her to spy on Ember, ran quickly to meet with Asher for her next plan. She went to the council headquarters and saw him handling paperwork in the boardroom.

"Hi, mate."

"Don't call me that. What do you want? As you can see, I am really busy."

"There's something I've got to show you; it's about Ember."

"What about her?" Asher asked.

"I saw her going through the path of Leavenworth peak. Did she tell you why? You know how dangerous that pathway is; she can't defend herself just in case."

Asher ran to his chambers, but she wasn't there. He ran to her cottage, and she wasn't there either. On his way to the fields, he met Ruby.

"Prince Asher, you've been going around. Are you okay?" Ruby asked.

"Have you seen Ember?" Asher asked.

"Yes, I have. She said she needs to clear her head. That she'll be back before sunset."

"Do you know where she must have gone to?" Asher asked.

"No, I don't."

"Okay, thank you for your time. I've got to go."

"You're welcome, Prince Asher."

He quickly went into the pathway that leads to the border of Leavenworth peak; he transforms into a werewolf. He smelled her scent from afar and followed her trail.

Lila hides behind one of the trees and laughs at Asher's foolishness.

"He has fallen right into me and my brother's trap. Finally, something to gloat about. I'll be here, waiting for a heartbroken wolf."

Ember finally reached the peak; she saw a man in hooded black clothes, and he turned to face her.

"I could smell you from afar, welcome, princess."

"Don't call me that. You summoned me, and here I am. Kindly go straight to the point."

"Hmm, feisty; I love it." Victor said, trying to touch her face, but she pushed it away.

He laughs out.

"Soon, my princess, you'll be mine."

"I'll never be yours, Victor. Accept defeat now and move on."

"Defeat? The battle hasn't even started yet."

His face wasn't as jovial as before; he looked terrifying now as he looked at her straight into her eyes.

"Your parents were killed, and your wolf powers were suppressed to keep you safe until you reach a certain stage in your life before you'll be able to transform."

"What stage?" Ember asked.

"That, I don't know."

"You seem to know a lot about my parents."

Victor thought to himself.

"Nice one, King Mark, nice one."

"Well, I can't tell you, at least not right now."

"Your information isn't making sense; I am more confused than ever.

He walks closer to her and strokes her cheeks. That's why I said you should join me, sooner or later Asher will abandon you for his chosen bride.

That's not true Asher loves me, he can never betray me like that.

Oh what a pity, time will tell princess and you'll be running to me soon for help.

Victor could feel the presence of Asher and his lips curved into a smile. It's time he said to himself.

Ember was distracted by the surroundings, the flowers were blooming and he quickly took something from his left pocket and blew it into the air.

Everywhere became foggy, Ember couldn't see clearly and she felt strange hands holding her waist, before she could say a word she felt strange lips on hers.

The fog disappeared and to her greatest surprise, she was kissing Victor and pushed him away but it was already too late.

Asher whiteness everything and his wolf instincts kicked in, his eyes were bloody red and he pushed Ember away, before he could attack Victor, Victor transformed into a wolf too. He's a brown wolf while Asher is black wolf.

Asher's wolf is among the most powerful descendants of the wolf bloodline, he would surely kill Victor. What was Victor thinking by kissing me,he has surely signed a death wish.

Didn't I tell you to stay away from my mate, how dare you. I don't take orders from you, I am not in your pack anymore. Me and Timber want her and we would do everything possible to get her.

The moon goddess may've destined you both, but sometimes we all don't end up with our mates,you saw it right? We both kissed so deal with it, besides one of you will surely reject yourself as mates because this raffle isn't worth it.

Asher's wolf Ralph got furious on hearing Victor's exclamations, out of jealousy he got into a brutal fight with Victor.

Embers who was still in shock and lost in her thoughts...why did Victor kiss her,why was everywhere suddenly foggy. The fight between the two wolf shifters ended up in a blood bath, Ember couldn't take it any more, so she screamed her lungs out.

Stop, please! Both of you. Asher got distracted by his mate's scream and Victor saw it as an opportunity to run from Asher's claws on his neck. He pushed the black wolf away and went deeper into the shadows, I'll be back princess.

Asher, please I'm sorry! She ran to him in tears. Don't come any closer Ember, I can't even look at you. You betrayed me and Ralph with the enemy, you betrayed your mate.

I would never Asher, you know me.

He was still in his Wolf form, his eyes were bloody red, and he was in a killing mood.

I came here because all I wanted was to keep you safe from harm but you were doing the opposite by kissing an enemy of mine.

Ralph spoke, don't hurt mate let's just go. Asher looked at her one last time, his eyes were teary and he ran off into the bushes.