CHAPTER 27
ASHER P. O. V
"So far, so good, Mr. Slade," she said.
Did I say something wrong? I thought. We were getting along just a moment ago, and now she seemed… angry.
Any clue, Ethan?
Not at all.
Hmmm. It was probably nothing.
I turned and got back into the car, but barely thirty minutes into the drive, my path was blocked by a black Mercedes. A tall figure stepped out.
Clicks tongue. "Idiot," I muttered.
"You know I heard that," Tyler said.
"That's what ears are for."
He smirked. "Still as sharp-mouthed as ever. She safe?"
"More than she ever was with you."
His expression darkened instantly. "Watch your mouth."
"Or what?"
"You know I don't like giving threats," he said calmly, but there was something dangerous in his tone. "After all… actions speak louder than words. Am I right?"
A cold smile tugged at my lips. "I agree."
"Good." He stepped closer, his presence heavy with warning. "Now listen carefully—stay away from Alexia."
"And if I don't?"
He leaned in slightly, voice dropping. "Like I said… I don't give threats. But I'm warning you, Asher Slade—don't you dare go near her again. I don't trust you."
A low chuckle escaped me. "Why don't you worry about the enemies already after her… and leave me out of it? I harbor no ill intentions toward her."
"Then why are you suddenly so close to her?"
I didn't answer. I didn't need to.
Instead, I turned and walked back to my car.
"I have nothing to say to you, Tyler."
I drove off without another glance.
But my grip on the steering wheel tightened.
"What's his deal?" I muttered.
Ethan stirred within me.
He's not the only one claiming her.
My jaw clenched.
"Looks like I need to dig deeper into Alexia… and this time, I'll do it myself."
I drove straight to the family mansion.
"Well, look who finally decided to show up," Clara said.
"Clara, not now," my mother cut in gently. "Asher, we're happy you're here. Take a seat."
"Thanks, Mother, but I need to speak with Father."
"Of course," Allen muttered. "He only shows up when he needs something."
"Says the freeloader," I shot back coldly before walking into the office.
The moment I stepped in, a three-bladed knife came flying toward me.
I caught it effortlessly between my fingers.
"Your reflexes never fail me," Father said from behind his desk.
I stared at him, unimpressed.
"That weapon you're holding is a Black Spade tool. It was used to kill the head of the Marsha group yesterday."
I raised a brow.
"I'm telling you this because it's the first time Black Spade has been involved in years," he continued. "And that can only mean one thing."
"Derek is making a move," I muttered.
He nodded.
"And Pier isn't quiet either," Allen added as he walked in. "There's a storm brewing in the pack."
"You both knew this day would come," he continued.
"But why now?" I murmured.
They both looked at me.
"Think about it," Allen said. "That rumored prophecy. No one believed it at first… but last year, the signs began."
"The meteorite," I said.
"The war," Allen added.
"And finally…" I continued, voice darkening,
"the destruction of everything. Innocent and guilty alike… when a bloodthirsty hybrid returns for revenge. No one will be spared."
Silence fell.
"The only way to stop it," Allen continued, "is on her 19 birthday—when her powers awaken… but also when she's at her weakest. Whoever beheads her becomes the supreme ruler of the supernatural."
"But the prophecy is still baseless," Father said. "We don't even know who she is."
"That's the problem," I muttered.
"To me… it's incomplete."
"I agree," Allen said.
"You two aren't making any sense," Father snapped.
"Not yet."
I walked out.
"Leaving so soon?" Clara smirked. "And here I thought you'd stay for dinner."
I shot her a glare, and she immediately looked away.
"Asher, can I speak with you?" my mother asked softly.
I nodded.
We stepped onto the balcony.
"Your father…" she hesitated. "He's not going to last long."
"When nature gives, it also takes," I replied flatly.
"That's not what I mean," she said, frustration creeping into her voice. "Asher—"
"Mother, we've had this conversation before."
"And you shut me down every time!" she snapped, then sighed. "Forgiveness means letting go. I know what he did to you was unforgivable… but he wanted the best for you."
A bitter laugh escaped me.
"The best? Experimenting on his own son?" I scoffed. "Torturing me every day until I—"
I stopped.
"You weren't there, Mom."
Her eyes filled with pain. "I know. I'm sorry. When they took you, I couldn't stop them… but I miss my son. I want him back."
She cupped my face.
I gently pulled away.
"That boy is gone."
I turned to leave, then paused at the door.
"But… I'll try. For you."
She nodded, smiling faintly. "That's enough."
I opened the door to find Clara scrambling upright.
I walked past her, then stopped.
"Since you're so jobless, I expect to see you at the company on Monday. No excuses."
"What?! Mom!" she whined.
"Listen to your brother."
"But I don't want to!"
"You have to," I added calmly. "Your cards have been canceled."
"What?!" she screamed. "You can't do that!"
"It's already done."
"Allen?!"
"Don't involve me," he said, raising his hands.
"If this is how you'll behave, come work for me instead," I said coldly. "Where I can keep an eye on you."
She froze.
"…You know what? The family company doesn't sound so bad anymore."
"That's what I thought."
Dinner was served.
"I'm calling Alexia," Clara said dramatically. "She's the only one who understands my suffering."
I froze.
"I'll get snacks," Allen said, leaving.
Then—
"Hi, what's up?" Alexia's voice came through the phone.
My chest tightened instantly.
"I've been sentenced to my doom," Clara complained.
"What happened?" Alexia asked, concern laced in her voice.
"I've been forced to work or lose my cards!"
"That doesn't sound so bad," Alexia said lightly.
A faint smirk tugged at my lips.
At least she had sense.
But then—
"Hey, Alexia, is this normal?" another voice cut in.
Tyler.
My hand clenched into a fist.
What the hell was he doing with her?
Their conversation continued casually—too casually.
Too familiar.
Too close.
I stood abruptly.
"Something wrong, Asher?" my mother asked.
"Nothing," I said coldly. "I just remembered something I need to handle."
I walked out, every step heavier than the last.
Ethan growled within me.
He's with her.
My jaw tightened.
"How dare he…"