Chapter 40

I have to consider everything. She could have been lying, but why would she need to when she was taking my memories. Clearly she has powers, so it wouldn't surprise me if she did know. Does he know too? So far, he hasn't shown me that he has realised the bond, or even thought about me on anyway other than a distraction for his little plan.

Rolling over, I dig my hands into my hair. This is Fate and Destiny's doing, pairing us together like this. I can't even begin to imagine Asher as an affectionate mate. Does that even exist under his skin, because if so...

Of course it doesn't. Am I crying? I don't even know where this is coming from.

I don't even bother to wipe the tears away, as they keep coming, all the emotion coming back to me. And to think, these immortal lands are still dulling some of my most intense emotions.

Sitting up, I attempt to calm my breathing down. I'm over reacting. Now that I know, I'm going to start noticing it now, while Asher will have no idea. Do I just tell him or-

A knock on my bedroom door makes me jump.

"Come in," I say, after taking a few moments to wipe my face and gather myself. I assume it's Sinful coming to make some kind of excuse for last night. That I needed it. That the fact that Asher is my mate doesn't matter.

The door opens, and instead, Asher stands there.

"Alaya, I've just come to warn you about something that's going on tonight," Asher says, stepping in to close the door after him. He pauses, when he glances up, noticing my expression, and the tears I'm trying to conceal.

If there was ever any doubting the bond, it's suddenly completely void of all meaning. In this moment, I can see it there, as if someone has finally pulled a wall of ignorance away from my eyes.

He doesn't seem to notice it at all, but it is as if there's a glimmering spark between us, without having to touch. It glows dully, although there's no doubting it exists. I just want to reach out and touch it, but refrain.

I have to decide whether I want to tell him or not.

"Are you crying?" He asks gently, a frown creases between his brows. I've never cried in front of him before, and seeing the way he is currently reacting to this is surprising, as he asked his way to the edge of my bed, where I sit, knees up against my chest.

His golden eyes search my face for an answer to my tears, yet finds nothing. I won't tell him. Not yet anyway. Not until I figure out how I'm going to deal with this.

"It's stupid," I mutter, brushing away another stray tear that had escaped. "You don't have to worry about it."

Still looking concerned, Asher sits on the edge of the bed. It still gives us enough space to not get distracted. He won't get distracted, I'm sure of it, but with the new found bond between us, there's no doubting the connection between us. Why did I never notice this before?

All the while, Asher suddenly looks a lot more attractive. It's the blind love mate thing I never believed in until now. At least something makes sense.

"Did Sinful do something to you?" He asks tentatively. I'm used to the angry Asher when moments like this are brought up. Seeing a softer, more gentle approach is surprising.

Are tears his weak spot? Odd.

"It's fine Asher," I say sternly. I don't want him any closer. I don't know how I would react to that.

He doesn't look convinced which is why he continues to sit there, looking at me with unwavering attention. The mood in the room is heavy, as we both wait for each other to say something, to explain our real motive. I try find a way to bring up what he originally came into the room to tell me, but I can't get the words out of my mouth.

"Seriously," he says sternly, "if Sinful did anything to hurt you, you need to tell me, because I can take you away from this right now."

My eyes widen without my permission. There is no trace of amusement on his face, yet I can hardly believe that his intention lie there. Would he really take me away from this entire plan now, when everything is starting to come together? Once he finds out that Sinful supposedly is dealing with Shanae, then everything will be over, right? At least that was my thoughts before I found out Asher is my mate.

Now I don't know what's going to happen.

"You were right about him," is all I say.

It seems to be enough, as Asher swiftly stands, a mask of rage falling atop the expression of concern.

The moment he leaves, fear absolutely consumes me. Is Asher seriously going to try something with him, because him and I both know that's not going to end well. Knowing I have no other choice but to witness this, and maybe put an end to it, I follow after him.

I can barely keep myself up with Asher strides, and every word I throw at him only bounces off. Unfortunately, Sinful is standing in the main foyer, and beside him, is Aspen. I could throw up at the sight of it. The innocent green eyed brother stands there, looking coy as ever, as if he hasn't just walked straight into a lion's den.

"Alaya," Sinful says smoothly. "We found the man who left you at the alter."

Sinful was watching me carefully for a reaction, which I fight to keep hidden.

This is meant to be the man that left me at the alter. He hurt me. Apparently. The feeling of surprise is one I let Sinful see, but the utter confusion, I keep to myself. He has to believe Aspen is the man that left me at the alter, even if I hadn't had this part of the plan explained to me. Another reason I need to strangle my mate.

An idea sparks into my mind at that moment. An act of confirmation, to perhaps sell the story. But also, the urge to do this itches at my fingertips.

I walk straight up to Aspen and slap him across the face.

Everyone in the room is clearly stunned. Aspen clenches his jaw, try to mask the pain from the hit. Rubbing my hands together, I back up a few steps, glancing at Sinful to see him smirking at both me and Aspen.

"I can't say you didn't deserve that," he remarked, folding his arms over his chest. If only Sinful knew that Aspen isn't the man he thinks he is.

When no one speaks, Sinful continues, "well, Alaya, it's your choice. What would you like to happen to him?"

I expected either Asher of Aspen to make some kind of expression. Nothing. Both seemed calm and collected, naturally assuming I would be the one to get Aspen out of this situation. A part of me wants to demand Sinful to kill Aspen on the spot, just to see their reactions. Instead, I try to scramble for an excuse to give him more time.

"I don't know," I say quickly. Something flares in Asher's eyes, making me continue. "I don't want him dead...I need another day to think."

Sinful deems my words believable, and nods at Aspen, raising an eyebrow. We are all waiting for Sinful to make the final decision on what would happen to Aspen. He seems to be considering something, before he turns his full attention back to Aspen.

"You're lucky," he remarks. "Tomorrow, your fate will be decided."