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.”

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 brother. You’re stronger, more confident in

stare from his, even with all the Vampire’s

not all that happened though, 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,

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

slightly. It was something my father would’ve never done, a movement that lacked the class and etiquette he had prided himself

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

a furnace, so scalding that I

craned my head to the left and right, pretending to look around. “As far as I can tell, you’re holed up here, in a trashy warehouse. Some leader you are,

as they did so, I realized why my father never

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

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

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 for reckless

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

been flipped, the cruel and almost humorous light to his eyes vanished,

was flat, not too loud but not

began to move, bustling towards the fallen shelves, headed in

can stay, Dina.” He grunted at

Vampire 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 I’d