Chapter 4 Secrets of Red Canyon

Asher's Perspective

"Asher, please. You have to go to the festival. As I walked towards the kitchen, Maya grabbed my arm. "Promise me you'll be there."

I stood there and gazed at my small sister's face. She was chomping on her lower lip the way she always did when she was keeping something a secret, and her brown eyes were fixed on me with concern. Maya never demanded anything of me.

"I'm coming, of course. Dad already mentioned that the entire pack would have to leave. I scowled at her strange antics. "Why are you so anxious about it?"

"I'm not worried. I just. I want you there, okay?" Maya clung to my arm harder.

"Promise me you won't leave early or go find a hiding spot in the woods like you always do."

Maya was too accustomed to me. I always did my best to miss pack meetings when I could. For my preference, there is too much strutting around and brawling. But her current expression tightened my chest with worry.

"What's wrong, Maya? You're being odd.".

"Nothing is happening. I just need my brother to accompany me to the festival. Her smile attempt was tense. "This evening is going to be significant. amazingly gigantic.".

Connor had arrived without knocking before I could question her on what she was saying. As my Beta, he did this all the time, but today he was doing it differently. He smiled too much, as usual.

"Hey, both of you. You're discussing the festival? As if he owned the mansion, Connor flopped into a chair.

"I'm looking forward to it. It will be. interesting."

I couldn't interpret the expression Maya bestowed upon him. I was left out of the silent discussion they appeared to be having. Left out, my wolf growled in agitation.

"Connor, any idea why Maya's being so weird about this?" I asked.

"I'm not being weird!" Maya talked too loudly. "I just have the impression that this year's festival will be special. That's all.".

Taking a seat in his chair, Connor gazed at us both. "Asher, I actually did have a question for you. Who from the Silver Moon packs is attending the festival, do you know?

The question was a surprise. Why should I know? And why should you care?

"Just wondering. I've heard that their Alpha of the future is here. Connor's eyes assumed a strange look. "Blackwood, Riley. Ever see her?

The title made my stomach curdle at an odd angle. Although I'd never known there was such a thing as a Blackwood wolf, my wolf began pacing agitatedly upon hearing the name spoken aloud. As if he somehow recognized it.

"No, I never saw her before. And I don't want to." The lie was simple, but it seemed awkward. "Why are you asking about enemy wolves?"

"You do know who your enemy is? My dad was always saying that. Connor's eyes never left his shrug. "I'll bet she'll be searching for a husband at the festival."

Maya jumped up from her chair and made a strangled sound. "I need to go. Asher, I'll catch up with you later. Remember my words about the festival.".

Before I could stop her, she had quickly left the room. More bewildered than ever before, I stared after her. While Maya had been odd the entire week, today was the worst.

Connor stated, "Your sister is concerned about something."

"Any idea what?"

"No, and it's killing me." I sat down beside him. "She always disappears throughout the day and comes back with an unknown smell. like somewhere else."

Connor raised an eyebrow. "Somewhere else like where?"

"I can't figure it out. I don't know that smell. I rubbed my forehead, feeling a headache coming on. "Do you think she's in trouble?"

"Maya? No, she is too smart for trouble. Connor stooped over. Talking about the festival, however, I think you should go. And not just because your father issued the command.

"Why?"

"Because it's time you started thinking of finding a mate." Connor's smile returned to its artificial appearance. "You'll be Alpha someday. You need a solid Luna by your side.".

I should have been thrilled at the prospect of finding a mate. But lately, I've felt empty inside whenever anyone brings it up. Like I was waiting for something particular that I couldn't identify.

"I'll meet my mate when the moon wants me to," I replied. "I'm not going to rush things."

"What if the moon's already made the choice for you?" Connor's voice grew quiet. "What if your mate is closer to you than you think?"

He'd spoken the words in a voice that sent shivers down my spine. "What are you talking about?"

"Nothin'. Talking to myself. Connor jumped out of his chair. "I should get going. But, Asher? Be careful at the festival. Fate has a sense of humor that's wicked sometimes.".

Before I could even ask him what he meant, he also left. People were speaking in code, it seemed, and I was left all alone in the kitchen. Maya pleaded with me to go to the festival. Connor had strange questions about Silver Moon wolves.

Maya texted me, and my phone buzzed. "Never trust one person completely. Not even ones that you feel like you know."

I gazed at the message until the letters became blurry. What was my sister warning me about? Why did it sound like a warning, and why?

I ran that day to relax. I always thought better in the forest. Even the heavily used paths seemed unusual today, though. As if something was lurking in the darkness, staring at me.

I was where I usually am, looking out over Silver Moon land. The strange scent was stronger today, but the mountains were just as they always were. Wild and sweet, and it's calling me to my heart.

I gave a soft howl before I even realized what I was doing. Not angry or aggressive, just. lonely. I had no idea why, but I had to hear that answering bark one more time.

The response came quicker than anticipated. My wolf let out a howl of recognition. The voice was closer today, but it was certainly the same voice as the other time. As if the person had descended from the high mountains.

My heart began pounding. I would get to see the Silver Moon Pack in person at the festival in five days. Would I ever have the chance to figure out whose lovely, creepy voice that was?

I was excited and frightened at the idea. If Dad found out that I desired one of the Blackwood wolves, he would kill me. I was powerless to resist, however.

Dad was extremely positive at dinner that evening. He was discussing the festival as if it were an opportunity to highlight the best of Red Canyon. Maya just kept glancing at me apprehensively while she picked at her meal.

"The Silver Moon Pack thinks they're better than us," Dad said. "But wait until they meet our young wolves. Especially you, Asher. You'll show them the face of a proper Alpha.

"What if I don't want to show off?" I asked. "What if I just want to attend the ceremony and then come back home?"

Dad's good humor disappeared. "Boy, you'll maintain your responsibility to this pack. That includes reminding everyone how powerful we are.

Maya shook her head a little and kicked me under the table. I heeded the warning and said nothing. But I couldn't ask any of the questions going through my mind.

I discovered Maya packing a small bag in her bedroom following dinner. For a moment, she appeared much younger than twenty as she gazed up at me, her eyes filled with tears.

"Maya, let me know what is happening. I am afraid of you."

"I'm not ready to tell you yet. But it will all be different after the festival. She brushed her tears off with the back of her hand. "Just trust me, okay?"

"I always do."

"Even if I do something that's betrayal?" I barely heard her voice because it was so low.

"Even if Dad never forgives me?"

My blood ran cold. "Maya, what will you do?"

She glanced at her backpack before turning and standing in front of me. "I am going to put love before hate.

even if it means ruining everything.".