The Alpha Of My Heart

Alethea

I take a deep breath, but it's useless as my head plunges beneath the river, and the icy water rips the air from my lungs. My body shakes hard as I breathe fast. My heart beats fast.

I'm sweating and feeling out of control. Everything around me is blurry and I thrash, trying to break free from the hand that shoves me down.

"You deserve to die, bitch," a furious voice growls above the surface.

My heart stutters. I know that voice-Maya.

She yanks my head up, and I choke on the cold air, coughing, and I try to wipe the water from my face. Before I can steady myself, her palm hits my cheek. A ringing sound echoes in my ear as I stumble.

My hand raises to my cheek as I can't understand why she is doing this to me, why she hates me so much.

"This is only the beginning, Alethea," Maya hisses, as her eyes blaze with fury. "If you refuse to be Xavier's breeder, I promise you'll regret it."

Xavier-Beta Xavier's son. The Alpha wants me to carry his child. But Maya, his furious girlfriend, won't let that happen without blood.

I remember the rumor. Maya's mother-replaced by another woman. A breeder her father loved instead. Maybe she harbors the fear that I'll take her place, just like that woman did.

Maya yanks me back to the present with her voice sharp and cruel. "I'll do more than drown you," she sneers. "I'll kill you, and no one will ever know, since you are not worth living."

She reaches into her coat and pulls out a silver knife. My breath catches. My heart pounds like it's going to burst from my chest. I search the riverbank, hoping someone-anyone-will come. But no one's here. No one ever is.

This is my life. I am a wolf-less omega in the Blood Moon Pack. The youngest daughter of a once-proud warrior. But I never shifted. And that makes me a disgrace. A curse. A burden too heavy for even my family to carry. Even my parents look at me like they're waiting for me to disappear.

I dream of my wolf. I dream of my mate. I pray they'll come to save me from this nightmare. In this life, I never asked for it.

But today, Maya crushes that dream with every word.

"I'll give you one last chance," she growls in a loud voice. "Leave this pack and never show your sorry face again, or I-"

"Or else wha-?" I barely get the words out before her hand slams into my face again. My head snaps to the side, and I taste blood. My lip splits open. My face burns, but it's nothing compared to the fire in her eyes.

I touch my lip, my hand trembling, as I stare at her.

"Or else you die," she whispers. Her voice is soft but deadly. A twisted smile curves her lips. Then she turns, and just like that, she's gone-leaving me broken and soaked, gasping beside the river.

I stand still, shivering in the cold. My hair clings to my face, and my skin burns from the slap. I ache to live like my sisters-carefree, loved. But this world gives me nothing but pain.

I step back into the river, kneel, and splash water on my face, trying to rinse away my tears.

What's worse-this moment or what waits at home? My mother's silence? Her punishments? Maybe another night without food, locked away for being weak.

I stare into the water. My reflection stares back-empty eyes, trembling lips, a girl fading more every day. I wish for escape. For a miracle.

Then, the bushes rustle.

My heart leaps into my throat. I freeze.

Two wolves burst from the brush. They race toward me, snarling, eyes locked on their prey-me.

I throw my arms up in fear, knowing it won't help. One wolf lunges at me. The other circles, cutting off my escape. My breath quickens. I can't move. I can't scream.

Bones crack. Fur shifts.

One of the wolves begins to transform.

Maya steps out of the shadows. Her eyes glow, sharp and full of hate. Her fangs show as she steps close, grabbing my arms with bruising force.

"Stop testing me, wolf-less omega," she hisses, her breath warm against my neck.

The other wolf growls and moves in, but Maya lifts her hand. The wolf freezes just with a glare from Maya.

"Leave, or I'll tear you apart myself," she warns. Her voice is eerily calm, but I can feel it cuts deep than any knife.

I nod, unable to speak.

"Now," she barks.

My legs finally move. I run.

Branches whip my face. The river fades behind me. I don't look back-but I hear it. A growl. Fast. Close. Gaining on me.

My lungs burn. My body screams to stop. But I can't. I won't.

A shadow flashes past me-quick as lightning.

I suck in a deep breath because I don't know if it's friend or foe.

The wolf behind me leaps. I feel the heat of its breath on my back. My teeth snap inches from my skin.

But the shadow steps in.

The air cracks as the two collide. The fight is fast and brutal. Growls tear through the night.

Then-snap.

The wolf drops to the ground, and I look closely and realize that it's dead.

I freeze, barely breathing. The shadow stands tall, cloaked in darkness and power.

Its eyes glow-a fierce, unearthly green. They lock with mine, and something stirs in me. Something old. Something deep.

I try to speak. I can't.

"Are you alright?" the figure asks. The voice is deep, strong, and strangely warm. It carries a command that vibrates through the cold air.

"No," I whisper. It's all I can say.

Terror chokes me. My vision blurs. My knees buckle.

And then-

Darkness.

Alethea

My eyes flutter open as I look around, trying to make sense of where I am. My eyes blink rapidly in the dim light. My heart beats fast, and my thoughts are a jumbled mess.

I sit up abruptly, as nothing in the dimly lit room looks familiar. "Where am I?" I ask no one in sight.

Then my memory starts to piece together: remember the wolves chasing me and the shadowy creature.

I take in a deep breath and place my hand on my chest, but it does nothing to calm my racing heart.

I run my fingers over my arms for any hint of injury, but my eyes widen in shock when I see that I'm unharmed.

Then, I hear footsteps outside the door. My heart beats fast with fear as I snap my face to the door. 'Could it be Maya?'

I quickly move to the edge of the bed because right now, I don't know what to expect.

The door opens, and my breath catches in my throat.

A woman steps inside. She has silver-streaked black hair pulled back in a bun. She has warm brown eyes-sharp, like she can see straight through me.

My fingers tighten around the edge of the blanket. As she moves closer, I hold my breath.

She smiles warmly. "Oh, my child, it's good to see you awake. You gave us quite a scare," her voice is calm.

She moves closer to me, but the way she stares at me makes my skin prickle.

I try to swallow, but my throat is dry, and the words get stuck. Finally, I manage to ask, "Who are you? Where am I?"

"My name is Selena. You're in a safe place."

My mind spins as I struggle to gather my thoughts, so many questions racing through me. I loosen my grip on the blanket.

"How did I get here?" I ask, my eyes scan the room. "I was running... from, from the wolves, then... the shadow..."

My breath catches in my throat when I remember the shadowy figure snapping the life out of the wolf. I look at the woman.

"Who brought me here? Was it you?"

"I find you in front of my house. You are passed out near the edge of the forest," she explains calmly.

I furrow my brows, trying to process what she's saying. "In front of your house?" I repeat. "But... I don't remember getting here."

"You're safe here, my child. Welcome to the Redwood Pack."

I blink, repeating the name in my head. Redwood Pack.

My pulse quickens. Of course, I've heard of them. Who hasn't?

They're a powerful, mysterious pack, rich in wealth and influence. They are unmatched in power.

No one knows much about their inner workings, but they are a force that even the strongest packs respect.

***

Life in the Redwood Pack is quite different from the Blood Moon Pack. Selena helps me settle in, more than I could have ever expected.

It's surprising how she cares for me, almost like I'm her child.

Sometimes, I wonder if my parents are looking for me. They might think I'm dead by now, and the thought tugs at my heart.

Suddenly, my phone rings, it snaps me out of my thoughts. I look at the screen and see it's Kayla.

I swipe the phone and place it to my ear.

"Are you ready for the interview?" she asks, her voice full of energy.

"Hello to you too, Kayla." I reply with a small smile on my face.

Kayla is a member of the pack we just click and has taken a liking to me. Not that I'm complaining, it feels so good to have someone who cares.

She informs me about the vacancy.

"Yes, I am," I say, making my way inside the Knight Group.

"Okay, good luck! Remember everything I told you. Be yourself, and don't fret."

"Okay," I say, then hang up.

Everything about the place screams success and power, and I feel a flutter of nerves in my chest as I walk inside.

Despite my life at Blood Moon Pack, I attend the best school, and I'm always the best in my class. But it feels worthless without a wolf.

"Welcome to Knight Group. How can I assist you?" the front desk receptionist asks with a polite smile.

"I'm here for an interview," I say, trying to keep my voice steady despite the nervous energy racing through me. "For the position of personal assistant to the CEO."

"Please head inside and wait with the others."

"Others?" I ask, surprised. I follow her down a hallway and into a conference room.

I feel out of place as I see everyone impeccably dressed, their confidence palpable.

I find an empty chair and sit, trying to steady my nerves.

The front door suddenly opens, and the air in the room tightens.

A man steps inside, and the atmosphere shifts. His presence commands the space as if he is the center of gravity.

As he moves, his focus is unmistakably on me.

His piercing green eyes lock with mine, and the rest of the room fades into the background. He has the undeniable aura of an Alpha.

My heart races wildly in my chest, a drumbeat echoing through me. His gaze stirs something deep inside, something I can't quite put into words. It's an excitement I don't know exists, all from one look.

I hear a voice in my head, Mate. I freeze. Fuck my life. I don't even have a wolf yet, so why am I able to recognize him as mine?

He's tall, with a commanding height and an athletic build, muscles, broad shoulders. His face is striking, with strong, chiseled features: a defined jawline and sharp cheekbones.

He fixes his piercing green eyes on me. "You, what's your name?" he says, pointing directly at me. His voice fills the room: deep, rich, and full of confidence.

I glance up slightly, trying to guard my emotions, to see if he recognizes me as his mate. But his face gives nothing away.

I swallow hard, my throat suddenly dry, and my heart drums in my ears as I feel everyone's eyes on me. I straighten my back, forcing myself to meet his eyes. "I .. I'm Alethea, Alethea Weaver," I say, my voice stuttering.

He stays quiet for a moment, his piercing gaze fixed on me as if he's trying to read me or fix me with his stare.

"Follow me," he commands, his voice vibrating through every cell in my body, stirring something primal within me.

His tone leaves no room for questions. It shakes my nerves, making my bones feel weak as I try to move.

He turns on his heel, and I stand frozen, my legs feels heavy and reluctant to follow.

But I trail behind him as he strides toward the door leading to a grand office: a blend of modern elegance and classic sophistication.

"Have a seat," he says, motioning to a chair opposite his desk with a smooth, authoritative voice.

I settle into the plush cushion, feeling the nervous tension coil inside me.

He places his hand on the intercom, and his eyes never leave mine. "Dismiss the rest of the applicants," he orders, his tone making it clear he has no time to waste.

A rush of adrenaline hits me. I've been picked for the job. I need to prove myself.

He leans back in his chair, steepling his fingers as he studies me with an intensity that makes my heart race.

He asks a series of questions, which I answer to the best of my ability. I notice his interest is piqued, his head nodding slightly, encouraging me to continue.

"That's exactly the kind of mindset we need at Knight Group. Welcome aboard," he says with a rigid, formal tone.

Then, the next thing he says shocks me completely.

Alethea

"Pack your things; we're leaving for a conference in the neighboring city tonight," he says with unmistakable authority.

I feel uneasy as I exit his offer. There's more to Alpha Asher's offer than meets the eye.

Just as I'm finishing up, my phone buzzes with a text from an unknown number:

"Don't trust Asher. He's not who he seems."

My heart racing, I glance around the room, wondering who could be watching me.

I hurriedly made my way home to pack my bags, but my mind raced with thoughts of Alpha Asher and the sudden turn of events. And the text message I got.

Just as I finish packing, Selene appears at my doorstep with a warm smile.

"Alethea!" she exclaims. "I heard about the job. Congratulations, child! You deserve it."

"Thank you, Selene," but a knot of worry forms in my stomach.

"I'm a bit concerned," I admit. "Alpha Asher wants me to travel with him to a conference in the neighboring city."

Selene's expression changes slightly, with concern before she quickly masks it.

"What's wrong?" sensing her unease.

Selene hesitates before speaking.

"Alpha Asher is a powerful leader, and his intentions may not be entirely clear. But remember, you have me. If you ever feel threatened or uncomfortable, don't hesitate to reach out."

My mind reels as I process Selene's words, coupled with the mysterious message I received earlier. I push aside my doubts and wrap my arms around her, pulling her into a warm hug.

"How did I ever get so lucky to find a sweet soul like you?" I whisper, not telling her that Alpha Asher is my mate.

She smiles warmly and gently smooths my hair. "You're welcome, child. Hurry, your colleagues are waiting outside."

I grab my bag and head out. Guards assist me in loading my belongings into the car before I climb in.

I settle into the vehicle, and I glance around, hoping to catch a glimpse of Alpha Asher. But he's nowhere to be found. A knot of anxiety twists in my stomach.

We arrived at Northville, a city in the north.

This city is dominated by humans, werewolves, and other supernaturals, and rumor has it that they are involved in shady dealings.

"Stay close to me, Miss Weaver," a voice cuts through my thoughts, making me jump in panic.

I place my hands on my chest, trying to calm my racing heart. "Goddess, you scared me!" I exclaim.

I turn to face him, my eyes locking onto his piercing green gaze. A lump forms in my throat as I swallow hard.

Alpha Asher's expression softens, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I didn't mean to startle you."

My heart skips a beat and flutters in my chest as our eyes lock.

I've seen many handsome men in my life, but there's something about Alpha Asher - his rugged demeanor and chiseled physique - that exudes a potent sex appeal.

He leans in closer, his mouth near my ear, and his warm breath fans across my cheek.

I clench my thigh, feeling a warmth spread through me. My pulse quickens as his proximity awakens a flutter in my chest.

Why does he have such an effect on me?

"Northville isn't to be trusted," he whispers.

He pulls back slightly, his gaze roaming from my lips to my neck and finally to my heaving chest. Heat floods my belly, and I feel my face flush.

I nod, trying to focus on his words, but my heartbeat quickens. I swallow hard, attempting to ease the uneasiness in my throat.

***

The conference flies by in a blur. I do my best to stay close to Alpha Asher, taking notes to prove I'm fit for the job.

We finally sealed a deal with Northville's textile company, and everyone is in high spirits.

To celebrate the victory, we headed to a club. The atmosphere is electric, and I feel elated about how my first assignment with Asher is turning out. I want to loosen up and let go.

The ear-piercing music drowns out my thoughts as I reach for a glass of drink and down it in one swift motion.

The liquid burns my throat, but it also gives me a rush.

With glass in hand, I stand up and sway to the rhythm of the music, letting the beat take over.

A chill runs down the back of my neck as if someone is watching my every move. But I'm too drunk to care.

I notice my vision starting to blur and my hands trembling. The music throbs through my veins, making me giggle uncontrollably.

Everything feels like it's happening in slow motion, and the world begins to spin around me.

"Alethea," someone says, and a pair of hands grasp my shoulders. I hear the unmistakable voice in my head: "Mate."

My nerves spark to life as electric currents course through my body, making me shudder. I lift my head, shaking off the drowsiness.

The loud music and flashing lights of the club fade into the background as I meet a pair of piercing green eyes. Alpha Asher's lips curve into a smirk.

"Alpha Asher," I whisper, my voice barely audible.

"Yes," he responds with a deep, teasing voice, sending another wave of warmth through me.

I gulp down the uneasiness rising in my throat as my stomach tightens into a knot. Why does he look so irresistible, like a devil incarnate?

My gaze drifts to the vein protruding from his arm, and I wonder what it would feel like to have his strength inside me.

Since I lay my eyes on him, my every thought revolves around how he'll make me feel, how he'll claim my body until I'm lost in ecstasy.

I shake my head, to clear my mind. But my thoughts remain consumed by Alpha Asher.

As if sensing me, his finger traces the curve of my ear, teasingly exploring the shell. Shivers run down my spine.

I clench my hand into a fist, losing my will to resist the growing desire.

"I want you to make me feel so good tonight," the words slip out before I can stop them.

My face flushes with heat. He's my boss; I shouldn't be feeling this way. Yet, I'm powerless against the irresistible pull.

Alpha Asher's brows furrowed in confusion as if he didn't expect me to be so bold. But around him, I've lost all sense of self-control.

"Are you sure about this?" his eyes pierced my soul.

I notice their color shifting, as if he's fighting the demon.

"Yes, and even more," the words tumbling out before I can fully process them.

I know I'm crossing a line, but the thrill of the moment makes me forget my doubts.

Asher's gaze intensifies, his eyes burning with desire and caution. He takes a step closer, his voice low and husky. "Alethea, once we cross this line, there's no going back."