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.

a pain I could never fully understand, but with it came a slew of

I ever be enough for him? Would he ever

a smile, but no matter how far my cheeks stretched and how brightly my eyes sparkled with joy for Holly and Tristan’s

have I wanted one so

blended into one. Each and every morning I’d venture off to work,

became something I was wholly passionate about. Never in my life did I think

missing-something I craved more and more with each passing day. Perhaps I was selfish for wanting this when I already had so

the one person I

really glad you wanted to hang out. Gives me a break from the twins.” Lola

I’d ordered our coffee’s ahead of time, along with an assortment of pastries. Given Lola’s sweet tooth, I figured she wouldn’t have any specific preferences. When a

beyond me,

picking at off my la*p. “They tiring you out already? Those terrible two’s sure are something, aren’t

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

me.” I encouraged her with

guide for raising twin 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 were both of them. At least with Maven it’s the blood drinking I

in surprise. “He’s two years old and

bit concerning. Tristan and Giovanni say this is normal for a Vampire child though.” She

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 you ever need some time away, I’d be more than happy to watch them. You

a deep drink from her coffee, a speculative look crossed her face. “Anyway, how have you been doing? You looked a bit

Lola and I still went through the motions of hosting a big get together. Holly had

a time like this. I pushed the steaming cup closer to the center of the table, focusing my nerves on a blueberry muffin topped with thick

my hand. The ridiculously long strands of her ebony hair

Things might be different now, but our friendship hasn’t changed. If you

before forcing the words past my lips. Hesitating would only prolong the torture, and I’d put myself through the ringer enough times this

even if that person wasn’t their Goddess given mate.” It took a great deal of effort not to cringe at myself.

want-” She stopped in her tracks, and this time

her unnaturally bright blue tone’s

fool not to mark you. I’m sure if you asked him, he’d leap at

muffin 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 if..

I know is that he’s changed since you came into the picture. Actually, I don’t think I’ve ever seen him this happy before. I think you should take the risk and ask him, Clara. I think his response

buy into it. It filled my chest, mingling with the mouthwatering scent of roasted

I can’t wait to see

me from across

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

there’s a spot open for Ramona once she becomes of age, but I wouldn’t mind starting some basic training with her once

take you up on that offer. This is more about Mason and whether or not you think

have a set job here in the pack. He’d run patrol with some

job for?”

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

he’s going to have a pack of his own to run.” Lola said with a giggle. “And well, Asher was wondering if Mason

news, not that I minded one bit. I all but raced home, barging through the front door of

You scared the hell out of me.” His head appeared from around the corner, a lopsided grin spreading across his face. A faint blush stained his cheeks, telling me that

back so soon?” I

inside the kitchen. There was a series of clanks and bangs that sounded a whole lot like an avalanche of dirty dishes. I crept closer