CHAPTER 47
ALEXIA'S P.O.V
*FLASHBACK*
"You know, when I grow up, I want to be just like you."
A warm laugh echoed through the dream.
"That's impossible. Everyone is their own person. Besides, you can be even better than me."
"I doubt that. You're my hero."
"And you're my hero too."
*FLASHBACK ENDED*
The dream faded away, and I slowly opened my eyes.
For a moment, I simply lay there, feeling the dull ache in my legs. Then my gaze drifted to the man sleeping beside me.
Asher.
Even in sleep, he looked breathtaking.
His features were relaxed, free from the cold authority he usually carried. For once, he looked peaceful.
A small smile tugged at my lips.
Carefully, I let my fingers wander across his face, tracing the sharp arch of his brows, the bridge of his nose, and finally the soft curve of his lips.
Just as I was about to move lower, my hand was suddenly caught.
My breath hitched.
His lush green eyes slowly opened and met mine.
"Nice to see you're awake," he murmured, his voice rough from sleep. "What exactly are you doing?"
"Nothing."
One dark eyebrow rose.
I laughed nervously.
"I'm serious. I wasn't doing anything. Or..." I smirked. "Do you want me to do something?"
My finger traced lazy circles on his bare chest.
His gaze darkened instantly.
"Oh, I most certainly do."
The confidence on my face vanished.
I had only been teasing him.
"I was kidding," I muttered with a pout. "You don't have to take the bait, you know."
"Then you're simply asking for trouble."
"And you're a flirt."
"I already know that."
The corner of his lips lifted.
"Now tell me, where is our little free bird planning to fly off to this morning?"
"Honestly? Nowhere."
I snuggled deeper into the sheets.
"I don't want to leave this bed."
His expression turned amused.
"That's unlike you. Usually, you hate staying in one place for too long."
"Well, there's a first time for everything."
"I'm not convinced."
He sat up slightly.
"Come on. Let's get you checked by a doctor."
Immediately, I frowned.
"No. I don't like hospitals."
"Then I'll have a doctor come here."
"There's no need for that."
"Fine. Then at least join me for breakfast."
"Asher!"
"What?"
I buried my face in the pillow.
"I can't walk!"
His eyes widened.
"What?"
Heat rushed to my face.
"My legs hurt, and it's entirely your fault! I can't go anywhere—not because I don't want to—but because my legs hurt like hell! And don't you dare laugh at my misery."
His shoulders shook suspiciously.
He was trying.
He was failing miserably.
I narrowed my eyes.
"Asher."
"I'm not laughing."
"You are."
"I'm really not."
The slight tremble in his voice betrayed him.
"You're impossible."
Finally, he surrendered with a grin.
"Alright, fine. I'm sorry. I'll be more gentle next time."
"You better be."
I crossed my arms.
"Or there won't be a next time."
Something dangerous flashed through his eyes.
Before I could react, he suddenly leaned over me.
My breath caught.
The playful expression on my face disappeared instantly.
His gaze held mine, intense enough to make my heart stumble.
Slowly, he brushed a kiss against my shoulder.
Then another.
Warmth spread through me.
His lips lingered against my skin before moving to the curve of my neck.
A soft shiver ran through my body.
"Asher..." I whispered.
His hand found mine and intertwined our fingers.
The simple gesture somehow felt more intimate than anything else.
His lips brushed my ear as he spoke in a low voice.
"If we keep distracting each other like this..."
A smile tugged at his lips.
"...I'm afraid you won't be walking for the rest of the week."
I laughed despite the heat rushing through me.
"Doesn't sound so bad."
His eyes sparkled with amusement.
"Unfortunately, after that, you'll probably kill me."
"You're not wrong."
Chuckling softly, he finally climbed out of bed.
I immediately frowned.
"Where are you going?"
"I have a few things to attend to."
He reached for his shirt.
"I'll be back."
I pouted dramatically.
"So it's just little old me in this giant house of yours?"
He paused and looked at me.
Something warm flickered in his eyes.
"Our house."
My heart skipped.
Then he added softly,
"And I'll only be gone for a few hours."
"Yeah, right."
Turning away from him, I folded my arms.
"I'm serious."
I felt the mattress dip as he leaned closer.
"I'll be back before you even realize I'm gone."
"Then don't leave."
The words escaped before I could stop them.
A smile touched his lips.
"Four hours. Maximum."
I still didn't look at him.
A second later, warm fingers tilted my chin upward.
Before I could protest, he pressed a gentle kiss to my lips.
A kiss that lingered.
A kiss that made my heart flutter.
Then he pulled away.
"I'll see you soon."
And just like that, he was gone.
The room suddenly felt too quiet.
Too empty.
I stared at the closed door for a long moment.
There was something different about Asher lately.
Or maybe it was me.
Ever since that night, I felt strangely connected to him.
It was difficult to explain.
Sometimes I could almost sense his emotions.
His anger.
His concern.
His happiness.
As if some invisible bond linked us together.
I was still lost in thought when a knock sounded at the door.
Maddy entered carrying a tray filled with food and a bottle of painkillers.
"Your breakfast, Miss."
"Thank you."
She placed the tray on the table before suddenly smiling.
"Miss, I love your new tattoo. It's beautiful."
I blinked.
"My what?"
"The tattoo on your shoulder."
Confusion immediately filled me.
"My shoulder?"
I didn't remember getting a tattoo.
Not even remotely.
"Maddy, can you pass me that mirror?"
"Of course."
She handed it over.
The moment I looked, I froze.
There, resting against my skin, was a beautiful tattoo.
A green rose.
Its petals were elegant and detailed, while delicate strands of blue mist curled around the roots like magic woven into flesh.
It was breathtaking.
Beautiful.
Mesmerizing.
Yet a strange chill crawled down my spine.
Because I had absolutely no memory of getting it.
I slowly touched the tattoo.
The ink felt real.
Permanent.
As though it had always been there.
But that was impossible.
How did it get there?
And why did looking at it make me feel as though something important had changed?
Something strange was happening.
And for the first time, I wasn't sure if I wanted to know the answer.
The rest of the day passed quietly.
Although the mysterious tattoo remained at the back of my mind, I found myself unable to focus on it for long.
Not when Asher returned exactly four hours later, as promised.
Not when he spent the entire evening refusing to leave my side.
And definitely not when he kept looking at me as though I was the only person in the world.
By the time night fell, the questions surrounding the tattoo had temporarily faded away.
For the first time in a long while, I felt at peace.
---
I woke up the next morning feeling warm.
Strong arms were wrapped securely around my waist, holding me against a firm chest.
Before I could fully open my eyes, I felt lips brush against my cheek.
"That's my girl."
A smile immediately appeared on my face.
Turning around, I cupped his face and deepened the kiss.
A low chuckle escaped him.
"Somebody missed me."
His voice dropped lower.
"If you want, we can stay right here a little longer."
The warmth in his gaze made my cheeks burn.
Asher pulled me closer, his arms tightening around my waist.
My heartbeat instantly betrayed me.
Then suddenly, a thought surfaced.
A question that had been bothering me for days.
I rested my head against his chest.
"Asher..."
"Hmm?"
"What's the deal with your father?"
The change was immediate.
His entire body went still.
The warmth in his eyes vanished.
I sat up slightly.
"Asher?"
"It's nothing."
His voice was calm.
Too calm.
The kind of calm people used when they were hiding something.
"You promised me."
His jaw tightened.
"Promised you what?"
"No secrets."
A brief silence followed.
I watched him carefully.
The shadow that crossed his face didn't escape me.
"There's nothing to talk about."
Without another word, he stood up from the bed.
I frowned.
"See? You're doing it again."
He paused.
"What?"
"You're pushing me away."
For a moment, neither of us spoke.
The silence felt heavier than it should have.
Then I sighed.
"It's fine."
It wasn't.
But I wasn't going to force him.
"If you don't want to talk about it, I understand. Just don't let whatever it is keep bothering you."
His shoulders visibly relaxed.
A part of me wondered just how much pain he was carrying alone.
I climbed out of bed.
"I'll be leaving now."
His gaze instantly snapped toward me.
"To where?"
"I have something to take care of."
His eyes softened.
"Be careful, Alexia."
A small smile appeared on my lips.
"Oh, I always am."
"Of course."
---
A short while later, I arrived at Wyatt's hospital.
Unfortunately, he was still with a patient, so I settled into one of the waiting room chairs.
I hadn't been waiting long when a familiar voice called my name.
"Alexia!"
I looked up.
"Mila."
A smile spread across my face as she hurried toward me.
Two little boys followed closely behind her.
Twins, if my memory served me right.
"It's so good to see you," Mila said excitedly.
"It's good to see you too."
I looked down at the boys.
"These are your little troublemakers?"
Mila laughed.
"Yes. They were discharged today."
Her eyes softened.
"Thanks to you."
I shook my head.
"You don't need to thank me."
"But I will."
I crouched slightly to the boys' level.
"So, how are you two feeling?"
"We're fine, Miss," one of them answered proudly.
The second boy suddenly grinned.
"Miss, you're very beautiful."
I blinked.
Then laughed.
"Well, thank you."
I lightly pinched his cheek.
"You and your brother are quite handsome yourselves."
The twins immediately straightened with pride.
Before they could say anything else, a nurse appeared.
"Miss Alexia, Dr. Wyatt will see you now."
I stood.
"Looks like that's my cue."
The boys waved enthusiastically.
"Bye, Miss!"
"See you later, cuties."
---
I entered Wyatt's office and found him busy scribbling notes across several documents.
Without looking up, he spoke.
"Long time no see."
I sat down.
"Indeed."
Finally, he raised his head.
"I heard your house got raided."
"You heard correctly."
His eyes narrowed slightly.
"And I also heard you and Tyler had a falling out."
The mention of Tyler immediately soured my mood.
I hadn't heard from him since the club incident.
Not a text.
Not a call.
Nothing.
Part of me was still angry.
The other part was worried.
Unfortunately, Tyler had always been talented at disappearing whenever things became complicated.
"We did."
I folded my arms.
"But I came here for something else, so I'd appreciate it if we didn't talk about Tyler."
Wyatt studied me for a moment before nodding.
"Fair enough."
I hesitated.
Then spoke.
"I'm having those memories again."
His expression instantly became serious.
"The ones that used to haunt me when I was a child."
"And?"
"They're getting worse."
The room fell silent.
Wyatt leaned back in his chair.
"Hmm. That's concerning."
He tapped his fingers against the desk.
"Have you considered therapy? Sometimes traumatic memories can resurface after being triggered."
I shook my head.
"No. I don't think that's it."
"Then perhaps we should resume your training."
I nodded.
"I was thinking the same thing."
"There's still a lot you need to learn."
"I agree."
Then I sighed.
"Though you'll have to find another location. My house is no longer available."
"That won't be a problem."
I hesitated again.
"There is something else."
His eyes sharpened.
"What is it?"
"Lately I've been sensing strange auras around people."
I lowered my voice and switched to mind-link.
"Some of them I recognize as hybrids. Others... I have no idea what they are."
If I was being honest, Asher was one of them.
Sometimes his aura felt so cold and overwhelming that it didn't seem normal.
Allen was similar.
Even Felix.
And somehow, half the people living in Asher's mansion carried unusual energies.
I had ignored it for weeks.
But curiosity was beginning to win.
"Those auras could belong to people with exceptionally strong charisma or willpower," Wyatt explained through the mind-link.
"But they could also belong to other supernatural beings."
My brows furrowed.
"Like what?"
"Werewolves."
He paused.
"Or vampires."
"How do I tell the difference?"
"The color."
He folded his hands together.
"A hybrid's aura usually manifests as a red flame."
I nodded.
"Werewolves possess green flames."
Another nod.
"Vampires appear blue."
"And ordinary humans?"
"White."
I fell silent.
Because Asher wasn't any of those colors.
Neither was Allen.
Felix and many of the household staff definitely carried green flames.
Which meant they were werewolves.
But Asher...
Asher's aura looked different.
Like ash drifting from a dying fire.
Cold.
Ancient.
Unsettling.
It carried an eerie chill that should have frightened me.
Yet somehow...
It didn't.
Strangely enough, it brought me comfort.
"Then what about me?" I asked quietly.
"My aura isn't any of those colors. In fact, I don't have one at all."
Wyatt sighed.
"You're asking the wrong person."
"What does that mean?"
"It means you continue to confuse me, Alexia."
I frowned.
"You have no aura."
He pointed at me.
"You weren't bitten by a werewolf."
Another finger.
"You weren't bitten by a vampire."
Then he spread his hands.
"And yet somehow you're a hybrid."
Silence filled the office.
"What's even more confusing is that you're physically stronger and faster than most hybrids despite being unable to access hybrid abilities."
I stared at him.
"That doesn't answer my question."
"It doesn't."
His smile turned helpless.
"Because I genuinely don't know the answer."
I released a long sigh.
"I didn't expect you to."
Standing up, I grabbed my bag.
"I'll be leaving now."
Wyatt nodded.
"Of course."
Then his expression softened.
"I'll contact you when it's time to resume training."
I smiled.
"I'll be waiting."
After leaving Wyatt's hospital, I decided to clear my head.
There was simply too much going on.
The memories.
The strange tattoo.
The unanswered questions surrounding my abilities.
Everything felt overwhelming.
So, I drove to the park.
The familiar scenery instantly brought me a sense of comfort.
As I strolled along the winding paths, I couldn't help but notice the occasional figure lurking in the distance.
Tyler's men.
Asher's men.
Both of them seemed convinced I was unaware of their presence.
I almost laughed.
If keeping an eye on me helped them sleep better at night, then I would let them have their illusion.
After walking for a while, I settled onto my favorite bench.
The same bench I had sat on countless times before.
A few moments later, I sensed another presence approaching.
I didn't need to look up to know who it was.
"I didn't take you for someone who likes parks."
I smiled.
"Asher."
He sat beside me.
"I could say the same thing about you."
His shoulder brushed mine.
"Fair point."
For a while, neither of us spoke.
The silence wasn't uncomfortable.
It was peaceful.
Comfortable.
The kind of silence that only existed between people who genuinely enjoyed each other's company.
Eventually, I broke it.
"I used to come here every Friday evening with my grandfather."
His gaze softened.
"You never missed it?"
"Never."
A small smile touched my lips as memories surfaced.
"No matter how busy he was, he always made time."
"Hmm."
He leaned back against the bench.
"Was he the only family member you had?"
"Yes."
"What about your parents?"
The smile faded slightly.
"I never knew them."
My fingers tightened together.
"Grandfather always said they died a long time ago."
A brief silence followed.
Then Asher spoke again.
"What was he like?"
For a moment, I found myself smiling despite the sadness.
"He was free-spirited."
I stared at the trees swaying gently in the distance.
"Always smiling."
My voice softened.
"He had this strange ability to judge people's character after only meeting them once."
I laughed quietly.
"And the annoying thing is that he was always right."
Asher chuckled.
"He sounds wise."
"He was."
A painful ache settled in my chest.
"In every way, he was everything I'm not."
Immediately, Asher turned toward me.
"That's not true."
His voice was firm.
I looked up.
His eyes held mine.
"You are one of the most genuine people I've ever met."
My breath caught.
"You care deeply about people."
He reached over and gently squeezed my hand.
"You stand up for what you believe in."
His thumb brushed against my knuckles.
"And you're far stronger than you realize."
Warmth spread through my chest.
"You and your grandfather are probably more alike than you think."
I looked away.
Only I knew what I truly meant when I said I wasn't like him.
Only I knew the darkness hidden inside me.
Then Asher asked the question I dreaded most.
"How did he die?"
Everything froze.
The sounds of the park disappeared.
The laughter of children.
The rustling leaves.
The distant conversations.
Gone.
A coldness swept through me.
Not the kind carried by the wind.
The kind born from memories.
Painful memories.
My chest tightened.
I clenched my fists and squeezed my eyes shut.
No.
Not now.
I didn't want to remember.
I didn't want to see those images again.
I didn't want to relive that day.
A sudden warmth wrapped around my hand.
My eyes opened.
Asher.
His fingers were intertwined with mine.
Steady.
Grounding.
Safe.
His expression immediately softened.
"It's okay."
His voice was barely above a whisper.
"You don't have to tell me anything."
The tears threatening to fall finally retreated.
I nodded silently.
Then without thinking, I leaned into him.
Resting my head against his chest.
His arms wrapped around me instantly.
Protective.
Comforting.
As though he would fight every nightmare I had if he could.
"Let's go home."
The words came out barely audible.
But he heard them.
He always did.
"Okay."
And together, we left.
---
A few hours later, we arrived home.
After taking a shower, I followed a delicious smell downstairs.
The aroma alone nearly made me forget all my problems.
My eyes widened.
"Ohhh, what's that?"
Asher looked up from the dining table.
"Your favorite."
I didn't need to be told twice.
Less than thirty minutes later, every plate was empty.
I leaned back dramatically and groaned.
The realization hit me all at once.
Maddy had been right.
I was officially a foodie.
"What's with that face?"
I pointed at myself.
"I've realized something deeply troubling."
Asher folded his arms.
"And what's that?"
I sighed dramatically.
"I'm a foodie."
The betrayal in my voice made him laugh.
"I'm doomed."
Clutching my chest, I pretended to collapse onto the bed.
"Asher, my future is ruined."
His laughter filled the room.
"I'm sure you'll survive."
"You're supposed to comfort me."
"I am."
"I don't see how."
A mysterious smile appeared on his face.
"Will this help?"
I blinked.
Then froze.
A small velvet box rested in his hand.
My heart skipped.
Slowly, he opened it.
Inside lay the most beautiful bracelet I had ever seen.
Deep sapphire gemstones shimmered beneath the light while delicate diamonds surrounded them.
It looked elegant.
Timeless.
Perfect.
Then I noticed something else.
Our initials.
Engraved together.
My breath caught.
"Asher..."
"It's beautiful."
My voice trembled slightly.
"It reminds me of your eyes."
I looked up.
The intensity in his gaze stole my breath away.
"The first time I saw them, I couldn't stop looking."
His voice softened.
"They're beautiful."
Heat rushed to my cheeks.
"The way they shine."
His thumb brushed my wrist.
"The way they reveal exactly what you're feeling."
I couldn't speak.
Emotion tightened my chest.
"Thank you."
I smiled.
"I'll treasure it for the rest of my life."
He nodded slightly Asher carefully fastened the bracelet around my wrist.
For a moment, neither of us spoke.
His fingers lingered against my skin before he slowly lifted his gaze to mine.
Something had changed in his expression.
The teasing smile was gone.
What remained was something far more dangerous.
Far more vulnerable.
"Alexia."
The way he said my name sent a shiver down my spine.
His eyes searched mine as though he was debating whether he should say what was on his mind.
Then he exhaled.
"You know, I've spent most of my life believing attachments were weaknesses."
I frowned slightly.
"Asher—"
"Let me finish."
His voice was quiet but firm.
For once, there was no arrogance.
No confidence.
Just honesty.
"You've become the first thing I think about when I wake up."
My breath caught.
"The first person I look for when I walk into a room."
His jaw tightened.
"And when you're in danger..."
A dark look flashed across his face.
"I stop thinking rationally."
The intensity in his voice made my heart race.
"I don't like it."
A small laugh escaped me.
His lips twitched.
"I'm serious."
He stepped closer.
"Before you, everything made sense."
His gaze never left mine.
"Now I find myself rearranging my schedule just to spend more time with you."
Another step.
"I find myself wondering if you've eaten."
Another.
"If you're safe."
His hand gently brushed a strand of hair away from my face.
"If you're smiling."
The tenderness of the gesture completely contradicted the dangerous look in his eyes.
And somehow, that made it even worse.
"You're getting under my skin, Alexia."
His voice dropped lower.
"And that's terrifying."
My heart nearly stopped.
Because for a man like Asher, admitting fear meant more than a hundred declarations of love.
"I don't know when it happened."
His thumb brushed softly against my cheek.
"But I'm falling for you."
The words hung between us.
Raw.
Honest.
Real.
"And the scary part?"
A faint smile appeared on his lips.
"I don't think I want to stop."
For several seconds, I simply stared at him.
Speechless.
My chest felt too tight.
My heart was beating far too fast.
Finally, I found my voice.
A small smile tugged at my lips.
"Good."
His brow lifted.
"Good?"
I nodded.
"Because I think I'm falling for you too."
For the first time since I'd met him, Asher looked genuinely caught off guard.
And somehow, that made me smile even more.
The distance between us disappeared.
His forehead rested against mine.
Neither of us needed to say anything else.
Not yet.
Some feelings didn't need the word "love" to be understood.