C6 Chapter 6

*Character's thoughts*

I looked at my screen, letting out a sigh. “What does Asher want now?” I said aloud, standing from the beanbag chair, and headed out the door.

As I came out the patio door, I found Asher already there, seated on the chair. He stood when he heard the door shut. “You came,” He muttered with a slight smile.

I lifted a brow. “Why am I here, Asher?” I questioned, perplexed. He pointed to the chair for me to sit. When I moved to the couch, he sat in the chair across from me.

He took a breath. “I will tell you what I can,” He said.

I stared at him with narrowed eyes. “Fine, spill,” I replied, crossing my arms over my chest and leaning back onto the sofa.

I saw his chest move in and out as he breathed rapidly as if he was nervous, and his Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed hard. “I found out a few years ago that my father was from another pack in Wyoming. When he was just a little boy, his parents were killed in an attack from a pack they thought they had an alliance with, but they blindsided them by killing them off while they were asleep,” He explained, hurt filled his eyes.

As I watched his expression, I got this overwhelming need to comfort him, so I stood and came to his side, taking a seat on the arm of the chair.

I rubbed his shoulder. “I’m sorry that you never got to know your grandparents,” I told him as I continued to console him. He looked up at me, and his eyes sparkled in the moonlight. We stared into each other’s eyes for a moment longer when I realized it and stood abruptly, taking a seat on the patio table in front of Asher.

Asher leaned forward to bring his body closer to me and grabbed my hands that I had placed in my lap. “Paisley, I’m torn between my father’s family and staying here,” He confessed, giving me a look as if he needed me to help decide for him.

“Why would you be torn? Your pack is here. What is the need to go to Wyoming?” I said, confused.

He looked down at his feet for a moment, then back at me. “I am the next in line to be Alpha for the Wyoming pack because my father turned it down.” He declared, and I gasped in shock.

“What?” I yelled in a whisper. “Uncle Paul has an Alpha bloodline?” I questioned as I stared blankly at the news. When I finally snapped out of my confused state. “Does my father know about this?” I asked, worried that they have kept this secret from my dad all this time.

“Yes, he knows, but my dad will always stay true to Malachi.” He declared. “Cypress is the one who helped my dad out when the war between the Wyoming packs broke out after his parent’s deaths. Your dad and my dad have been friends their whole lives.” Asher explained.

“Okay, but this doesn’t explain why you suddenly don’t feel the need to bully me like you usually do?” I said, moving my hands away from his.

Asher winced at the loss of our contact, almost like it literally hurt him inside at me letting go. “I want to make amends if I leave Aberdeen to be the Alpha in Cody,” He declared.

I lifted my brow at him, frustrated. “So it’s only to make you feel better? You don’t want bad blood between our packs because I have the power of my father’s Alpha genes coursing through me.” I retorted in annoyance.

Asher stood, as did I. “I want to make things right,” He told me, coming closer to me.

I brought my hand up to stop him, and when my hand landed on his chest, I felt a burning sensation rush through me like a burst of energy.

I backed away, almost falling over the patio table when Asher’s arms wrapped around my waist, catching me flawlessly. We gazed at each other, practically unable to avert our eyes.

We broke out of our trance to a noise in the bushes. Asher grabbed me without hesitation, placing me behind him, and let out a deep growl. “Who’s there?”

After a few seconds, Trent walked out into the opening of my yard, and Asher’s body tensed, and he positioned himself in an attack stance. “Why the fuck are you here?” He snapped, dashing towards Trent.

I grabbed his arm, pulling him back, but he was too strong. “Asher, stop!” I told him, but he didn’t listen, pulling me along with him until we are right in Trent’s face.

Trent puffed his chest in response to Asher’s questions. “That is not any of your business,” Trent retorted, causing Asher to let out another growl.

“Leave Paisley alone!” Asher commanded in a deep tone.

Trent laughed. “Why don’t you just tell her how you feel so she can reject you and get it over with?” Trent said, chuckling.

I moved out from behind Asher to look him in the eyes. “Tell me what?” I asked, keeping my gaze on him.

Asher pulled his death stare from Trent to give me a look of heartbreak. “I can’t, Paisley,” He declared, and frustration took over.

“I’m done trying with you, Asher. I think you should go to Wyoming.” I spat, and his facial expression went from anger to sadness in seconds. “Trent has asked me to the Aberdeen ball, and I have decided I will accept,” I said, turning to Trent, who is now sporting the face of a winner. I glared at him then turned back to Asher, who looked like I just shot him.

“Fine, I will leave,” Asher declared, stepping past me, walking out of my sight, and my heart felt as if I ripped it out myself and stomped on it.

Next morning...

Once I got dressed for school, I grabbed my things and headed downstairs. The house is full this morning of pack members, which is unusual for this early. As I walked around the kitchen corner, I heard my mom and Amelia talking, but they both got quiet once I entered.

I looked around, confused. “Why did you stop talking? I’m only getting some juice,” I said, walking past them opening the fridge.

“Paisley?” My mom said, her voice cracking.

I removed my face from the refrigerator and turned to meet her eyes. “Yeah?” I said with a bewildered expression.

“Nothing, sweetie, have a good day at school,” She told me, then she and Amelia walked out.

Standing in the kitchen, I leaned against the counter. *What was that about? Amelia looked very upset, and mom did too.* I shrugged it off, thinking maybe it’s just an adult thing. I picked up my keys and phone off the counter, placing them in my bag, then headed for my car.

When I pulled into the school parking lot, I saw Stephanie and Elaina leaning against Elaina’s car. I parked my car, grabbing my things, and exited. I walked over to them. “Who is late now?” Steph said with a giggle.

I rolled my eyes at her remarks. “You are late every day,” I retorted, returning with a smile.

She glared at me, then cracked up. “That is so true, but you can’t rush perfection,” She said, laughing, knowing that she doesn’t even get ready. She is just tired from gaming all night.

We talked for a while before we headed towards the school. I looked around for Asher’s truck, but it wasn’t there. *Hmm, I wonder where he is at? He has never missed school.* I thought as we continued in through the doors. We came to our lockers laughing about something Elaina said, then the intercom speaker crackled full of static as the principal announced something.

The principal cleared his throat. “Good morning, students of Aberdeen high, We have some unfortunate news this morning. A student is missing, and we would like anyone who may know where he may be or who was last in contact with him to come to the office immediately.” He announced, and my heart stopped.