Chapter 39: Chapter 39

Asher’s POV

She smirked at me with no remorse in her eyes, and that only made my anger boil over. “You killed Isabella’s baby,” Maris said, her voice trembling with shock.

She answered calmly, “Yes, I did. I shouldn’t have done it, but what choice did I have? The man I loved more than anything was in love with her. This was the best I could do.”

I lost control. I grabbed her by the neck, my anger burning like fire. I pressed down hard, and she struggled to pull away.

“You are brave to say that in front of me, Betty,” I snapped, squeezing tighter until her face turned purple. “You tried to kill Isabella, and you are still alive!”

Maris’s voice trembled as she pleaded, “Asher, if you don’t stop, you will kill her for real!”

I shouted, “I don’t care right now! She tried to kill Isabella. She is the reason Isabella is the way she is, and she deserves to die in my hands!”

Her eyes widened in fear as she stuttered, “Y-you… I…I have the antidote. Let me go if you want it.”

Reluctantly, I released her. She coughed hard as I quickly snatched the antidote from her trembling hand. Then she laughed mockingly. “You really think I am dumb enough to let you have the antidote so easily?”

I growled, “I will kill you, Betty, and I am not bluffing. Tell me where the antidote is, and maybe I will spare your life.”

She looked straight into my eyes and said with a steady voice, “I will give you the antidote on one condition.”

I asked, “What is the condition?”

“Marry me,” she said.

My eyes widened in shock. “Yes, Asher—marry me. I am already carrying your child, so it makes sense,” she added in a firm tone.

At that moment, Maris spoke with deep disgust. “What! You are pregnant? Aren’t you amazing, Asher? You took your brother’s wife and then his side chick.”

I stood there, caught between rage and disbelief, as the tension in the room grew heavier with every word.

I glared at her with irritation. “I guess that’s what we both have in common,” I snapped. “Your child isn’t mine, and I will never marry you.”

Her lips curled into a scoff. “I guess your people aren’t as important to you as you say. They are dying every second, and as an Alpha, you only have one duty—to save them. But you can’t do that.” Her voice was filled with disappointment as she leaned in closer. “The only way to get the antidote is by agreeing to marry me and keeping your word.”

Inside, I battled conflicting emotions. I desperately needed the antidote to save my people. Yet, I knew giving in would hurt Isabella even more. I ran my hand through my hair, frustration knotting my thoughts while I searched for an escape that never came.

Maris’s voice cut through the tension. “How dare you come here and take what belongs to me!” she shouted, her tone laced with irritation. “You are nothing but a pathetic whore, and now I see you are biting off more than you can chew!”

“Maris,” I said slowly, trying to calm the situation. “Aren’t you supposed to be proud of me? I learned from you that when you come from nothing, you have to rise to the top.” My words hung in the air, and before I could finish, Maris slapped her hard across the face.

“You have no right to talk to me that way,” Maris spat, fuming. Betty didn’t flinch at the slap; instead, she simply smiled and tilted her head, as if daring me to say more.

Then, with a cold smile, Betty turned to face me. “This isn’t how you treat your daughter-in-law. So, Alpha Asher, what is it going to be? Marry me and get the antidote, or watch your people die?” Her smirk hinted at a dark amusement.

I felt the weight of the decision pressing down on me. I loved Isabella too much to hurt her, but the desperate need to save my people left me with no clear choice. I knew I had to find a way out—I always do.

“I will never marry you, Betty,” I growled, my voice thick with anger as my smirk turned into a deep frown. “I will find the cure on my own. You piece of trash. Both of you will pay for this. You are the reason my people suffer, and if you refuse to give the antidote, I will make sure you both regret crossing me.”

With that, I stormed out. My whole body trembled with rage—I even felt I should have gotten rid of Betty right then and there to end this madness. I climbed into my car, my growl echoing as I accelerated away. Soon, I heard the distant howling of other wolves. Could that mean my pack was close by?

I stepped out of my car and moved toward the sound of howling. As I neared, I saw Michael and several pack members standing with a man who did not look familiar at all. My eyes widened in surprise.

“You followed me, Michael?” I said as I approached, my tone a mix of irritation and concern. Michael scratched his head awkwardly. I pressed on, my voice rising, “Isabelle, what about Isabella?” There was a hint of fear in my voice. “I told you to take care of her, and don’t you dare follow me here,” I added sharply.

Michael’s eyes were tense as he replied, “Asher, don’t get mad. I had to follow you because Isabella encouraged me—she is safe at my place.” I clenched my fist, preparing for an outburst, but Michael continued, “Before you lash out, I need you to know that we got the antidote.” His words made my anger fade as hope replaced my frustration.

“What!” I exclaimed. “How? When? Where?” I demanded, shocked.

One of our pack members stepped forward. “We followed you here. Michael heard a strange noise, so we trailed it. Then we saw Betty coming out of an abandoned house. She handed something to that man, and she looked very suspicious. We followed them and pressed the man until he talked.” I looked over at the bruised man and felt my pulse quicken.

Michael stepped closer. “Yes, Asher. We had to act quickly. We stand with you—no, with all of us. We must get the antidote to our people in time.” He handed me a small bottle. All my anger vanished, replaced by relief and a flicker of happiness.

“Quick, we need to bring this to our people,” I said. Everyone nodded in agreement. Without returning to my car, I climbed into Michael’s car and we drove off to meet our people.

Later, we arrived at Michael’s place after distributing the antidote. The doctor informed us that we must wait 24 hours for the medicine to work.

“I’m glad this is finally over,” Michael said in a relieved tone, though his smile quickly faded from my face.

“It isn’t over, Michael,” I replied, my voice low and determined. “I have to punish them for this, and I need to know who the father of Betty’s baby is.” My words hung in the air as Michael’s eyes widened in shock.

“Betty is pregnant?” he asked.

“Apparently, and she says I am the father…” I finished, my voice trailing off.

Suddenly, a voice came from behind. I turned and saw Isabella, her eyes wide with shock. “You are what?” she demanded, and in that moment, dread washed over me. Oh no.