Alpha Asher By Jane Doe

“What the f**k?” I deadpanned, staring at what could easily be my father’s clone like the man himself had risen from the grave and sewn his head back on.

I couldn’t process the thoughts churning in my head enough to formulate any other response, but I couldn’t help but feel as though those three words summed things up brilliantly.

He had the same thick hair, composed of the darkest onyx, that Holly and I inherited, along with the startling eyes. His build was definitely larger than my father’s, but his face, the wide-set jaw and sloped nose-that was the same.

The man who claimed to be my uncle – as if that wasn’t the weirdest thing I’d ever said, raised one of his dark eyebrows. “Well said.”

“You’re Deacon?” I managed, my voice a touch suspicious.

He nodded imperceptibly, “That’s what I’m called.”

“The former King doesn’t have a brother. I spent nearly all of my time by his side, and never had he mentioned a brother. How is this possible?” Tristan grimaced, hovering protectively at my side.

Deacon snorted at Tristan’s reaction, his broad shoulders shifting in the process. The other Vampire’s in the warehouse, the one’s he’d been conversing with, stared with equal parts curiosity and contempt.

“You think just because you spent your every waking moment preening after my brother, means you get access to his secrets? Try again. My brother would’ve served your head to the witches on a silver platter if it meant getting what he wanted, no matter how loyal you were.” He replied, rubbing at the stubble on his chin as though he had a second, more amusing thought. “No wonder you’re following this one around. You must be grateful she got rid of him before he could get rid of you.”

The teasing and condescending tone laced within his rough voice made me bristle, sending a rush of heat down my neck and arms.

“Lola. My name is Lola.”

at me with those glacier eyes -cold, but not

from his, even with all the Vampire’s in the room hovering nearby. “That happens when you

his tone implying he wasn’t expecting an answer. “Luna and the Vampire Queen. You must have your hands full. Does

left out the part where I have a bunch of witches trying to k**l me, and yes, Asher knows I’m here.” I kept my voice hard, molding it into granite so nothing could

so slightly. It was something my father would’ve

I think you’re lying, Lola. I think your mate has no clue you’re here, and even if he does, I have a strong feeling he doesn’t know where here is. So, what’s keeping me from separating your head from your body like you did my brother, and

of him like a

had just threatened to lob my head off. I craned my head to the left and right, pretending

did so, I realized why my father never smiled

eyes glinting with unshod knowledge and cruelty. Even though there were differences between the two, I had a feeling they

in your pack, or of your mate’s unhinged nature? I can relate, you know. Living with someone cruel and violent is draining – constantly on your guard, wondering when the day will come when you

a snarl, letting it rumble in my chest rather than giving Deacon the satisfaction of knowing he’d gotten to me. A thought slithered into my head, and rather than play it safe in hopes my uncle wouldn’t m****r me, I opted

solemnly. “It affects me so deeply because a certain prisoner of mine, the one who gave me the directions to this place, she didn’t mention anything about who you were. I can’t help but feel that

to his eyes vanished, blown out like a candle whose wisps

His tone was flat, not too loud but not

bustling towards the fallen

can stay, Dina.” He grunted

the road nodded, and I swore