Chapter 48

Your idea is stupid," Sinful says flatly.

"Well, I never said it was going to be good. But it is my plan, and I know you will do it," I comment, folding my leg over my knee.

My strategy in this situation is to challenge him back. Sinful has me manipulated time and time again, so now, I know what to look for. He has a very easy way of smoothly gaining your acceptance, your trust. Now that I've had all that trust shattered, I know how to best avoid it.

The easiest way being to stick to my original plan, and not let him convince me out of it.

"I'll do it, don't worry about that," he continues, raising a dark eyebrow at me. His gaze is more daunting today with the lavender eyes. "I'm just curious why you're sacrificing your life for someone you hardly know."

I knew Sinful didn't actually believe Aspen was my husband who abandoned me at the altar. I may not be full aware of the extent of his power, however, it would be too convenient for him to not know, when he knew Asher was my mate. Everything that has happened has been a distraction, which leaves me to wonder what else Sinful knows.

At least I can be sure about this. He confirmed it by hardly reacting when I used Aspen's name.

"You can hear what I'm thinking," I say firmly, knowing for a fact he is able to. "Do you not see why I'm willing to do it?"

"Is your life really worth so little to you?" he questions, raising an eyebrow at me.

I've completely expected him to be speculative. What I'm thinking about is dangerous, and I have no idea whether he is willing to go along with me plan. For him, he doesn't care about Fate or Aspen. At least I don't think he does. Him making an effort in this situation is all I have left to hope for. If he doesn't agree, I'm dead. No, Aspen's dead.

"That's why I need your help," I say softly, teetering from my toes to my heels. He's not about to feel sorry for me, if he feels anything at all, but it's worth a shot. "I need you to keep my life intact, if that's not so hard."

There's a glint in those lavender eyes that allows me to see that I have sparked his interest.

Perfect.

"You do astound me Alaya. Not many can do that," Sinful says. "Alright then, you have yourself a deal."

***

~Asher

I don't think Alaya quite fully understands.

We walk together, arms brushing, the soft grass and small wild flowers being crushed under our steps. The sun sets, the Desire Pack beginning to fully glow with the brilliant lights of each high rise to small building. I miss this place. It's a lot like the immortal lands in the way people here live by the night. However, it's completely different.

People here are more alive. They realise the extent of their lives is short, while immortals have forever. I can see the appreciation for life every time I look into my mate's eyes, reflecting off the darkness of her irises.

Alaya doesn't understand me. I don't expect her to. Every time I look at my Pack, I want back, however, I'm tied to Sinful.

I need to explain why to her, but every time I see that smile on her face, I can't bear to break it.

We walk in silence. I'm enjoying her company, although I'm not sure it is likewise. A part of me feels foolish for bringing her back here, luring her into the temptation that the Desire Pack brings. She hardly knows of it's power, I'm sure. Heck, she hardly knows of my power. Again, something I'm not so sure I want to share with her right now.

"Where exactly are we heading?" She asks finally, scuffing her feet through the grass as if she's bored of walking.

This didn't get off to the best start as we first landed on my property. It reminded her of how I had used Shanae as an excuse to get her out of the house originally, and also to get her to the immortal lands in the first place. Okay, that was more of an impulsive gesture; I shouldn't have brought her there.

"Somewhere special," I comment obscurely, admiring the horizon as the sun slightly dips below it. Hopefully I'll get her where she needs to be before night consumes the sky.

She grumbles something lowly under her breath that I ignore.

"Even though I'm proving to you that I'm somewhat worth getting to know, can I ask you a question?" I ask softly, hoping not to scare her away with that proposition. I decide to add, "then perhaps you can ask me one, if you please."

"Okay, I like the sound of that," she replies cautiously.

I don't need to think for long, but as if to not seem too eager, I wait, glancing at her once to find her staring up at me, watching. I resist the urge to just pull to a stop and kiss her. Perhaps she would appreciate spontaneity, however, I'm not willing to risk it right now.

"What's your passion?"

She seems almost startled by the question, but replies instantly. "Acting. I've wanted it my whole life, and when it happened, it wasn't...how I hoped. Here's me wishing I had a second chance. Guess that's not an option anymore."

I can tell that's not a purposeful dig at me or the position I put her in, but naturally, I feel it in my lower stomach. Guilt. It was me who took that away from her. It's not something I can remind myself to give her one day. It's something I have to do.

"What's yours?"

"I'm not sure," I say carefully. "I'm kind of lost right now."

She shakes her head. "Don't say that. It's not true. There's something, no matter where in your life, that you find comfort in knowing you enjoy. Right?"

I think about that for a moment before I speak.

"History. The past. Something about it intrigues me, I can't explain why," I say softly. This is almost a revelation to me as I say it. I never had time to truly consider what meant something to me. Becoming Alpha means giving away the things you care about. Sometimes that includes your mate. That won't be an option for me.

"That's the great thing about having a passion," Alaya comments, skipping over a small rock in her path. We are coming down a hill right now, a gate in our line of sight that will lead us to the city. "You don't have to explain it to anyone."

I smile slightly.