Alpha Asher By Jane Doe

Epilogue (Clara & Mason)

Four Years Later – Clara’s P.O.V.

“Don’t you dare, little witch.” Mason warned in a low voice.

A shiver worked its way down my spine when he placed his hand against my back. Even through the thin fabric of the dress I wore, I could feel the heat he exuded. One of the first things I’d learned about Werewolves was that they ran hot.

Despite how hard I tried, a smile worked its way onto my face. My chest quite literally ached with the urge to cackle, but I couldn’t help it. It’s not my fault Tristan’s expression was absolutely to die for.

Even Lola was having a hard time containing herself, snickering behind her hand as she watched the scene unfold.

Tristan had been locked in place for the last minute in a half, staring at Holly like she had grown three extra heads. No one could blame the poor guy considering he was the only one who didn’t know his mate was pregnant.

“You’re pregnant.” He repeated for the thirteenth time.

A laugh exploded from my mouth seconds before Mason wrapped his arms around me and hauled me into his arms. I wriggled against his ironclad hold, knowing I stood no chance fighting my way out of his grasp.

Good thing I didn’t need strength to overpower him.

I sent a small jolt of magic crackling down my skin, just enough to provoke a reaction. Since Holly and Tristan were being all lovey dovey, wrapped in each other’s arms, the only ones left to notice were Lola and Asher.

“You little cheater, using your magic against me.”

Mason chuckled in my ear, his voice simultaneously rough and silky. There was a softness to it that stirred the butterflies camping out in my stomach.

Dancing out of his grasp, I wiggled my fingers at him. There was a playful tilt to his lips, that when paired with the beard he’d been growing, was devastatingly handsome. His eyes twinkled as he stalked towards me, both emerald and brown depending on the source of lighting.

There was once a time where that playfulness was nonexistent, where his carefree nature was an act he put on for the world. Despite how much Lola and Breyona cared about him, they never truly realized how much he was suffering inside.

I didn’t either. Not for a while, anyway.

Mason’s arms slid around my waist. It didn’t take much to send my mind drifting back into the past, to how our relationship first started. Admittedly,

I’d gotten on his nerves, but I liked to think that he needed the challenge. More than once we teetered on the verge of enemies, but for the most part, we lingered on the cusp of something more.

I sighed when his lips skated along my cheek. His touch was soothing, relaxing in the best way. It was nothing like the otherworldly sparks fated mates felt, but it was close enough.

“You know, I wouldn’t mind seeing you pregnant. Your skin glowing, stomach round with my child, your scent even sweeter than it is now.”

My heart skipped a beat. Hell, it might’ve stopped completely if it weren’t for my magic. In the four years we’d been dating, he had never said anything quite like this. There was so much between us that remained unspoken.

Like the topic of his actual mate.

“Oh, is that so?” I chuckled, craning my head to smirk up at him. The strands of his light hair fell across his forehead tickling my nose. A smile spread across his face as I wrinkled my nose and blew the hair out of the way.

Despite how relaxed I felt around him, how my feelings had long surpassed a simple crush, the thought of Mason’s actual mate was never far from my mind.

Lola herself had warned me ahead of time. Hearing the story of how Mason was not only rejected but suffered through his mate’s death was agonizing.

could never fully understand,

Would

but no matter how far my cheeks stretched and how brightly my eyes sparkled with joy for Holly and Tristan’s baby, I couldn’t help

wanted

into one. Each and every morning I’d venture off to work, spending those precious minutes before my shift with Mason, who never once failed

wholly passionate about. Never in my life did I think that I’d be teaching the

craved more and more with each passing day. Perhaps I was selfish for

on the one person I knew

really glad you wanted to hang out. Gives me a

of time, along with an assortment of pastries. Given Lola’s sweet tooth, I figured she wouldn’t have any specific

was beyond me, but that’s why she was

brushing the crumbs from the croissant I’d been picking at off my la*p. “They tiring you out already? Those terrible two’s sure are

even know the half of it.” Lola huffed, snatching her coffee off the table. She scooped the dollop of whip cream off the top and plopped it into

me.” I encouraged her

tri- brids. It’s a blessing in disguise that only Ramona can use magic, because I’m not sure what I’d do if it

in surprise. “He’s two years old

it more than people food, which is a bit concerning. Tristan and Giovanni say this is normal for a Vampire child though.” She huffed, her shoulders

not unusual for witches to display their magic this early. Especially if they’re powerful.” I couldn’t help but add. Lola had so much on her plate already. Adding two magical children to the mix was bound to cause some additional stress. “If

Aunt Clara and Uncle Mason.” Lola chuckled. After taking a deep drink from her coffee, a speculative look crossed her face. “Anyway, how have you been doing? You looked a bit distraught at Holly’s gender

knew her unborn baby was a girl, Lola and I still went through the motions of hosting a big get

into knots. On second thought, coffee was probably the last thing I needed during a time like this. I pushed the steaming cup closer

and reached out for I my hand. The ridiculously long strands of her ebony hair fell over her shoulder, inches away from the

might be different now, but our friendship hasn’t changed. If you need anything, you know you

lips. Hesitating would only prolong the torture, and I’d put myself through the ringer

took a great deal of effort not to cringe at myself. Anyone with two ears and

would they want-” She stopped in her tracks, and

Lola’s eyes, making her unnaturally bright

not to mark you. I’m sure if you asked

I’d been picking at no longer seemed appetizing. “I can’t just ask him that. What if he thinks I’m trying to replace his actual mate? What

seen him

that it was hard not to buy into it. It filled my chest, mingling with the mouthwatering scent of roasted coffee beans and flaky pastries. I took a deep breath and nodded. “Alright, I’ll do it.

can’t wait to see his

at me from across

she gazed at it almost lovingly. “Actually, there was something I needed

it about the Magisterium? You already know there’s a spot open for Ramona once she becomes of

more about Mason

by nature, but he didn’t have a set job here in the pack. He’d run patrol with some of the other’s when he was on

the job for?”

Beta is retiring. He’s getting up there in age and his mate is pregnant with

he’s going to have a pack of his own to run.” Lola said with a

that I minded one bit. I all but raced home, barging through the front door of our little town house with enough

the hell out of me.” His head appeared from around the corner, a lopsided grin spreading across his face. A faint

back so soon?” I

was a series of clanks and bangs that sounded a whole lot like an avalanche of dirty dishes. I crept closer to the kitchen, peeking my head around the corner just in time for Mason to bulldoze his way