Chapter 9 Asher walked in , bringing a chill with him . His expression was grim , shoulders tense with barely restrained fury . " What happened ? " I asked , my voice no more than a whisper . " Leon sent men to kill you , " he said , each word sharp and cold like a blade . I knew Leon well . Eighteen years in the same pack taught me what he was : ruthless , calculating , utterly without conscience . " What happened to them ? " I asked again , dread knotting in my stomach . " I captured them . They confessed everything . " He stepped forward , crouched in front of me , and took my hand in his . His touch was warm and steady , grounding . His thumb brushed gently across my skin . " Pauline , listen to me . " His eyes burned , a fierce light smoldering behind the silver . " You are the future Luna of Ashborn . And that Beta , Leon , will pay for everything . I'll show him no mercy . " His voice was firm , filled with rage and protection . Through our bond , I felt it all : his fury, his resolve , the sheer force of his instinct to keep me safe . My heart pounded . A wave of warmth spread through me from his touch , chasing away the cold that had lived in me for too long . Tears welled up . He reached up and wiped one away , awkwardly tender . " Don't cry , " he murmured . " Your tears should only ever be for joy . " I looked into his face - strong , striking , impossibly close . His eyes held nothing but fierce devotion . I felt seen . Chosen . Without thinking , I leaned in and kissed him . A second later , he cupped the back of my head and took over , deepening the kiss . It was possessive and powerful , yet restrained , like a storm that chose to shelter rather than destroy . The spark between us ignited fully . I trembled as warmth and pleasure surged through me , stronger than anything I had felt before . We held each other tightly , the kiss binding us further , solidifying the bond . Unbreakable . Eternal . Later , the healer returned to examine me . " The toxins are gone , " she said with relief . Then her tone shifted . " Alpha , there's more . "