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.”

are, Lola.” He replied, putting emphasis on my name as he stared at me with those glacier eyes -cold, but not nearly as cold as my father’s. “You’ve changed since you beheaded my

to break my stare from his, even with all the Vampire’s in the room hovering nearby. “That

is it?” Deacon asked, his tone implying he wasn’t expecting an answer. “Luna and the Vampire Queen. You must have your hands full. Does your mate know you’re here? Alpha Asher is a well-known name in this country, though you’re becoming more popular by the

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 slip

arms over his chest and tilted his head ever so slightly. It was something my father

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 sending your

side, Tristan went rigid. Waves of pure loathing radiated off of him like a furnace, so scalding that I

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

and as they did so, I realized why my

horrifying in the same way my father was, eyes glinting with unshod knowledge and cruelty. Even though there

spies scattered along my web like little spiders. They whisper information down the threads, and I hear it. How else would I know about the murders 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 see your blood being

gotten to me. A thought slithered

gave me the directions to this place, she didn’t mention anything about who you were. I can’t help but feel that Bridgette left out a huge chunk of information

demeanor changed. Like a switch had been flipped, the cruel and almost humorous light to his eyes vanished, blown out like a candle whose wisps of smoke trickled and faded into the

tone was flat, not too loud but not

Vampire’s surrounding us began to move, bustling towards

stay, Dina.” He grunted at

who’d stopped our bike in the middle of the road nodded, and I swore a wave of understanding passed between the two, one I wasn’t sure