Chapter 67

Chapter 67
Asher’s POV

I sounded sharper than I had intended to, transferring the frustration to her. Her eyes widened but her lips remained glued together.

I took steps closer, closing the distance between us. It was the day I was to get married to Isabelle and yet all I could think of was how much I wanted another woman. The same woman who now stood inches away, feet planted on the ground.

‘’Were you eavesdropping on us?’’ I asked, teasing her ears. 

Her lashes fluttered and color rose in her cheeks. ‘’Alpha,’’ she began. ‘’I -

‘’Go on, Lady Melody. You are always quick to call me on my bullshit, but you and I are just the same, aren’t we?’’

I wanted to call her Layla. To see her flustered, and confirm for a fact that she was the one. 

‘’You shouldn’t speak to me in that tone,’’ she said, finding her voice. ‘’And it’s Luna now.’’

I let out a dark laughter. ‘’Luna.’’ Then I walked away to get a strong drink. I really had to remember she was now my cousin’s wife. ‘’So what do you want here, Luna?’’

The drink burnt my throat and I felt something in my head snap. ‘’I was looking for Alpha Nathan,’’ she said.

‘’As you can see, Alpha Nathan isn’t here, Luna.’’

‘’I’m sorry for disturbing you. I’ll be on my way.’’ She began to leave and I could hear the rustling sound of her dress. I could just close my eyes for a few seconds, and she’d be gone. But the torment was too much.

‘’When will you tell me the truth, huh?’’ I asked, still not looking at her. ‘’I know I could have protected you, and I didn’t.’’ I turned around to see her face. There was nothing readable on it. ‘’Did you return for vengeance?’’ I chuckled. ‘’To torment me till I die?’’ 
I walked closer to her, my breath coming out in raps. ‘’Because I'd be stupid to not think I know the games you’re playing.’’

She stiffened but she didn’t step back. ‘’I don’t know what you mean.’’

I clenched my hand into a fist and struck the wall. ‘’Tell the goddamned truth!’’

Now back in Crescent moon pack, I couldn't help but see Layla in her. And the way she looked at me now, I could swear she was enjoying tormenting me.

‘’You’ve insinuated a couple of times that I am not Lady Melody, Alpha Asher. But it’s up to you to prove it that i am not who i claim to be.’’ She stepped back and my wolf growled. I nursed the bruises on my knuckles.

‘’You are right,’’ I responded. ‘’I’ll find out.’’ I moved even closer to her until I saw her tremble a bit. I was just an inch away, and a second away from ruining everything I had planned. I cursed under my breath and placed my palm on the wall just above her head. ‘’I’ll find out your little secret.’’

A smile spread on her lips. ‘’There’s nothing to find out, Alpha Asher. I promise you. My life is as boring as boring gets.’’

She stepped back. ‘’I’ll get some ointments for her injury. You can’t wear your band over your scraped fingers.’’

I tightened my jaw as I watched her walk out. Everyday I was losing more and more restraints. I may be running out of my mind, but I had to figure this out for the sake of my sanity. Layla was the goddess’ priest. I had connived with Isabella and set her up, leading to her demise. What if she was reincarnated by the goddess to make me pay for stealing the Alkali drum and killing her priestess?

And how do I explain to myself that I was in love with a ghost? 

I returned to the table and finished the drink. It was best to get this mating done with and be gone to my pack. There was no rationality in staying here for so long and losing track of all the plans I had.

–

I ended up taking too many shots. 

Rain looked at me, unable to hide the disapproval in his eyes. ‘’Alpha, you’ve had too many.’’

I smirked. ‘’Is it time?’’

He nodded. 

The ceremony was supposed to be short.  A gathering of only those who mattered.  I hated ceremonies and thought of seeing Lady Melody there while I got hooked to Isabella hit me like a punch to the gut. I never cared about trivial things like this, but a lot had changed about me since I stepped foot in Crescent moon pack.

And that change was not what I needed. 

‘’Let’s go,’’ I said to Rain as we headed out. 

The elder’s voice drifted across the room. ‘’Do you accept to worship and obey him as your Alpha?’’

She looked at me. ‘’Yes.’’

The elder faced me. ‘’Mark her, Alpha Asher.’’

I leaned close, brushing her perfectly olive skin with my lips. She shuddered at my touch. But I remained still. My wolf refused to claim her.

‘’She is not ours,’’ he howled in protest.

I pulled away a few seconds later and met her eyes, wide, desperate and searching. She knew my wolf had rejected her. But around us, the pack howled our union. 

I held her hand. ‘’Don’t act up right now,’’ I threatened with my teeth closed. Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears as we faced the guests. My eyes caught Lady Melody’s. I would always find her even in a room full of women. Her white hair, lustrous under the moonlight. Her eyes. She was looking at me like she knew what had just happened.

Beside her was my cousin, Damon, holding her like his most priced possession. Jealousy surged through me, more powerful than I had felt in the last few weeks. His eyes were on me. I smiled at him, and I knew that I was going to make it my mission to find out Lady Melody’s  true identity and claim who was rightfully mine.