Chapter 33 chapter 34 Violet's POV I was so excited that I let out a short cry of excitement and accidently kicked Asher on his leg. He got startled and stood up as well. "What's wrong? Did you feel something?" he asked, confused and worried. "It...It is my wolf!" I covered my mouth and burst into tears. "She is back...SHE IS BACK!!! She just talked to me in my head. I hadn' t lost her, Asher. She is with me all along!" I could talk to her right here and right now in my head. I asked her where she had been all these times and why she hadn't answered my calls. She told me that she was never gone. The experience of being stripped away from our mate 7 years ago was too painful that she couldn't handle it. So she went into sleep to heal the wounds. But she was never too far away. She was always in the back of my mind, keeping my company, protecting me. I was thrilled. A million little fireworks exploded in my head. I chapter 34 thought I was going to stay as a wolfless freak for the rest of my life, but no, fate wasn't that cruel to me after all. I finally had my wolf back to me. I couldn't even begin to describe my feeling right now. Happy would be such an understatement. I had never felt so strong, so confident, and so complete. The trauma that had been hunting me for years was gone. It almost felt like I was renewed. "Asher, can you feel it?" I grabbed Asher's hand and put it on my chest. "She is here...my wolf is here!" He came close to me, excitement gleaming in his eyes as well, "The seer once told me that your wolf didn't disappear. It will come back to you when we love each other completely." He pulled me into his arms and bent down to kiss me, murmuring hoarsely, "Do you love me Violet? Is that why your wolf is back? God just tell me...I'd give up anything just to hear you say the word." My eyes became misty in his arms. We had been through so much. Now we finally fought our ways back to each other and even claimed back something I thought I had lost forever. I wanted to offer him my heart and soul completely. "I love you." I wrapped my arms around his neck and stood on. tip-toe to kiss him, "I had been loving you even before I chapter 34 discovered our matebond. And that love never stopped a single second." He let out a rough growl and caught my lips hungrily. He kissed me with all might. It almost felt like he was devouring me. But I welcomed his roughness. It was just what I needed. With my wolf back, our matebond become more obvious than ever. The whole room was thick with our scents. Asher threw me over his shoulder and strode to his desk. He swept everything off the desk and set me down there. Then he leaned down to kiss me again. His teeth become sharp and his eyes become brighter. His wolf was coming up to the surface. Our wolves were building connections for the first time. So he couldn't control his animal traits. "God Violet...you... you are so hot." he nibbled the soft skin on my neck, his hand traveling across my body. "I can't have enough of you...I can't stop." The places he had touch were burning. I groaned in pleasure and rubbed my legs together. There was a void in my body and I wanted him to fill it. "Then don't stop." I breathed into his ear. "Take me. Have me. I am all yours." chapter 34 "Fuck!" he cursed and ripped my underpants off. There was no time for foreplay. I was drenching wet already. He rocked his butt and slammed himself into me. I shrieked as his huge cock filled my pussy. I could feel my body humming with pleasure and thrill. This was so great...mind- blowing...Our sex was always great but this was something else. Maybe it was because my wolf was back. I had never felt this close to Asher. "Ugh Asher...God...Fuck me. Yes fuck me harder!" I cried, separating my legs wider for him. He thrust even harder and faster, like a relentless machine pounding me again and again. He kissed on my neck, my chest, my belly, and then back to catch my nipples circling his tongue around it. I screamed and threaded my fingers into his hair, trembling underneath him. "Asher...I-I am coming-" "Yes come for me babe!" he growled by my ears, fucking me mercilessly. The whole desk shook under his heavy trust. I was thrown over the edge, my mind exploded with pleasure. I sank my wolf fangs into his neck when I reached the climax, marking him as mine. chapter 34 He threw his head to the back and growled in satisfaction as well. But he didn't come just yet. He kept on fucking me. He made me come for 2 more times before releasing himself into J We both laid on the desk afterwards, our legs intertwined with each other. Our clothes were scattered everywhere. His neck carried the bitemark from me. His seeds were still warm in me. Our matebond was stronger than ever. He gently pushed a lock of my hair out of my face and stared at "I can do this all day. Just looking at you." he brought my hand to his lips, kissing my fingertips. "You are so unbelievably beautiful." I smiled and snuggled closer to him, "I am yours now. Our wolves have mated as well." "And I yours," he whispered back. I had never felt so strong and so empowered. With his love, my wolf and our matebond, I felt like I could do anything. Kylie's lies and schemes didn't scare me anymore. Because I knew Asher would always be on my side. I wanted to lie in his arms all day, doing nothing and just chapley listening to his deep, sexy voice in my ears. Yet sadly, a knock from the door interrupted our moment. "What is it?" Asher raised his voice and asked. A soldier's voice came from the outside, "Sorry to bother you Alpha Asher. But Kylie is hurt." Asher and I exchanged an astonished look. I felt a flash of anger. Again? Does my twin sister even stop? "Tell her to go to the doctor. Why am I even listening to this right now?" Asher snapped. "Sorry Alpha...but Kylie insists that it was Violet who hurt her. She demands an elder's meeting right now to serve the justice." chapter 35 chapter 35 Violet's POV Kylie said I shoved her downstairs and caused her miscarriage. She lost her baby and it was all my fault. We arrived at the hospital soon after. My parents were standing outside of the ward with the doctors. The doctor told us that Kylie was brought into the hospital dee to stomachache. originally. "So the miscarriage is just something she made up to smear me, right? We all know it's nothing but a stomachache now," I said with a sneer. "But Kylie did just lose her child..." my mom said lowly. "So you believe what she said? About me shoving her?" I couldn' t help but raise my voice, "Look at me mom. Do you think I am capable of something like that?" Mom hastily avoided my gaze. There was a mixed expression of sadness and panic on her face. Maybe deep down she knew well enough that Kylie was lying again. She just refused to believe that her favorite daughter was an evil person. chapter 35 "Let's go in there and check on her," mom murmured and headed into the ward. Kylie was lying on the bed, her face pale as sheet. She did look like a traumatized woman who just lost her baby. But again, my twin sister was the best actress I knew. "You killed my baby!" she screamed the second I stepped into the room, "You are jealous because Asher is the father! How could you!" "You made me sick, Kylie." I glared at her. Did her lies and manipulation ever stop? "I want justice. I demand an elder's meeting right now! You will pay for your crime!" she shrieked. It was fully within her right to ask for an elder's meeting. She was the former Luna and the center of attention. If Asher refused her demand, it would only make more people believe that I was guilty. A couple of hours later, the meeting was held in the council hall with all the senior members of the pack present. Kylie sat in a wheelchair, looking sick and fragile. She kept on crying as the senior members filed in. Compared to me, she did look more like a victim. chapter 35 She really deserved a reward for her acting talent. My brothers got here too. They all looked worried. "We all knew that you didn't shove her. They can't convict you for something you didn't do," Michael said to me with certainty. Jayden looked less optimistic, "Look at those members. Not everyone here trusted Violet like we did." He was right. People were casting sympathetic glances toward Kylie. Some of them even came forward to the wheelchair and offered their condolences. When they looked at me, their eyes were filled with loathe and dislike. "She is better at manipulating people's heart and mind," I said calmly. Almost everyone in this council chamber was against me. But it didn't make me anxious. All I felt was a little disappointment- these people actually believed that I was evil enough to push my own sister down the stairs. Was I a monster to them? "Nothing will happen to you. I promise," Asher squeezed my hand, his voice as steady as his grip. I returned him a smile. As long as he was here with me, I was not afraid of anything. The meeting started and Kylie immediately started her chapter 35 accusation. She said I mercilessly shoved her after a big fight and started to list all the mean things I had done to her when we were child. But none of those were true. "She said it was just a prank and that I'd be a filthy little snitch if I told anyone about it. I had lost count of how many times she messed with me like that growing up. I was always the quiet, well-behaved one, so I didn't dare tell anyone, and nobody noticed anything unusual between us. But inside I was falling apart. There was a time when I thought about ending my own life..." she sobbed. I eyed her coldly. Everything she said was a huge chunk of bullshit. But others clearly didn't feel the same way. There were a lot of wet eyes and blowing noses when she told her fake story. Kylie wiped her eyes again before continuing, "...Then I met Asher, the light and magic of my life. He cured all of my childhood traumas and turned me into a healthy person again. I was so happy when I found out that I was carrying his child... This pack could finally have an heir now. But why-" She snapped her head at me and screamed, "Why do you have to take that away from me too?! My only source of happiness in life. You've ruined everything for me!" chapter 35 Tears streamed down her face. The whole room erupted into chaos. Everyone was glaring at me indignantly. If gazes could kill, I would be dead a million times by now. "That is Alpha Asher's only child! How could you!" one of the members cried. "Get lost! We don't want a baby killer as our Luna!" spat another member. "We should bring Kylie back as Luna!" "QUIET!" Asher snarled, his eyes blazing with rage. "I don't need others to tell me whom I should spend my life with!" His bellow silenced the room temporarily. I looked at Kylie, my voice loud and cold, "That is the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard. I didn't shove you. And I most certainly didn't kill your baby. Maybe you are not even pregnant if you ask me!" She looked furious, "Asher heard the 2 heartbeats himself! Tell her Asher. Tell her that I was pregnant with your child!" "I don't remember hearing anything. And stop saying I am the father. It's fucking slander," said Asher nonchalantly. Kylie rounded her eyes in disbelief, "Y-You are taking her side? You are brainwashed by her can't you see that? She is making chapter 35 your family fall apart because of jealousy-" I cut her off, "You kept saying all the horrible things I have done out of jealousy. But Asher never liked you for a single second. Why would I be jealous of a woman who posed no threat to me? You are irrelevant, Kylie." That must have stung a sore spot. Because I saw malice flashed across her face. "You shoved me! That is the truth!" she shrieked, an angry vein bulging on her forehead. "I demand justice! You can't let a murder like her get away!!!" "Who saw this? What proof do you have?" I snapped. To my greatest surprise, many people came forward claiming they'd seen me get physical with Kylie. A lot of them swore they were there when I shoved her. They must really dislike me, even willing to lie just to make sure I was found guilty. "God, just stop with this nonsense!" Michael cried, talking over the indignant crowd. "Violet didn't push her! We were with her in the training court this morning. I can testify for her!" "Violet isn't cable of something this cruel!" Jayden said firmly, and Philip nodded in agreement. Yet the crowd was too stubborn to listen. They all set their mind. to their own version of truth-I was the guilty one. The Alpha, Beta and my 2 twin brothers were all joining me. I looked at my brothers and felt a mixed feeling of guilt and happiness. It felt really nice to have them protect me like this. But they didn't deserve to be scolded by the public like that. They didn't do anything wrong. The situation was losing control. Asher silenced the room again and announced that he had a witness. Surprisingly, the person who came in was the witch. My whole body tensed up the moment I saw her. She didn't change a bit. Her whole presence screamed evil and viciousness. She was the part of the reason why I had suffered for 7 years. What was she doing here today? "Kylie forged her pregnancy," she spoke up, loud and clear. "There was never a child." What? I rounded my eyes in shock as the crowd broke into noises. I thought she was here to make my life miserable again. Never had I expected her to help me. "Liar!!" Kylie screamed, looking angry and panicked. "What're you doing here? You have no right..." "You asked me to fake 2 heartbeats in you. A witch never lies." "Violet must have bought you off! How much did she pay you to come here and lie? That's exactly the kind of person she is-she' ll do whatever it takes to hurt others without a second thought..." I couldn't stand this. I dashed forward, grabbed her by her hairs and yanked her off the wheelchair. I used to think we were family-bound by blood, the closest people in the world. But I was wrong. I let my sister hurt me, over and over. That ended today.. "You listen carefully." I pointed a finger at her and hissed, "I am Asher's mate and Luna. Nothing will ever change that! So stop your pathetic tricks and lies because the next time I see your near Asher, I will fucking BURY YOU ALIVE!! GET IT?!" She trembled on the ground, staring at me in horror. I turned to the watching crowd and snapped, "And for those of your who don't like me-I am Asher's destined one. Either you live with it or get the hell out of here. Are. We. Clear?!" I was done being the pushover. chapter 36 Asher's POV I looked at Violet, proud. She was even more fierce than I thought. My original plan was to bring the members together and talk to them. They had been misled by Kylie. So today I would tell everyone the whole truth and let them see who the real victim was here. Yet Violet took care of this herself. She faced the challenge bravely and demonstrated her strength. She had showed to everyone that she was fully capable of being a good Luna. The wolves admired power and strength. They would accept her from now on. Kylie's lips trembled as she glared at Violet. Tears still hung on her angry face. "Bully... You are a bully! Everyone look, that is how she bullied me for 18 years!" Kylie cried hysterically, "You have no right to forbid me to come near Asher. He is my husband-" chapter 36 "WAS!" Violet cut her off sharply, her tone harsh. "And the only reason you could have him was because you stole him from me!" She bravely looked across the crowd, saying in a loud voice: "Here is the truth, guys. 7 years ago we both found our mates, mine is Alpha Asher and Kylie's is a rogue. Not satisfied with the Moon Goddess's decision, Kylie rejected her mate secretly and told the family that her mate was dead! She pretended to be devastated and suicidal, and insisted that if she couldn't marry Asher, she'd rather be dead!" There was a short moment of silence. Then the room erupted into noises. "Are you aware of this?" someone in the crowd asked the former Beta and his wife. Violet's father stood silent as always. Her mother lowered her head in guilt. I couldn't help but let out a sneer, "Of course they knew about this. They were the ones dragged Violet to the witch and hid her scent. They were the reason I was kept away from my mate for 7 years!" I hated my former Beta and his wife no less than Kylie. They chapter 36 The gasps and cries grew louder as people stared at the Beta family. I could imagine their shock. The Beta family was highly respected before this. But who thought they were capable of manipulating even their Alpha? "This...this is shocking..." one of the members murmured in disbelief, "So when Kylie said she wanted Alpha Asher, do any of you know that Violet is his real mate?" "Of course they knew!" Violet gritted, "I told them myself. I cried and begged when they forced the potion down my throat. Yet none of those stopped them." I casted a surprised glance at Violet. She was never this vocal about her parent's sin. Although her parents hurt her deeply, she was still trying to defend their public images. But not today. She bravely stepped out today. I was so proud of her. "This is absolutely outrageous," a senior member exclaimed loudly over the murmurs of the crowd. "This isn't just your family drama-it's a matter for the entire pack. Because of your selfishness, our Alpha almost missed out his true mate, and they still don't have an heir now. This could practically be considered treason!" Jayden and his brothers looked worried. Violet's mother chapter 36 suddenly burst into tears, hands over her face as she sobbed, "I know what we did was unforgivable...but that was the only way at the time! we were trying to save both of our daughters lives." "You almost killed Violet for fuck's sake!" I snarled, my eyes blazing with anger. This was no point talking sense into this woman anymore. She was biased beyond help. Although she kept saying that she was trying to save both daughters, the only one she really cared about was always Kylie. I looked over at my former Beta, "Don't you have something to say?" In my memory, my former Beta wasn't used to be this... restrained. Probably his family drama had destroyed a part of him too. "Stop being so quiet! Don't you have an apology to say to our Alpha?" one of the members cried. Yet he still stayed quiet. Just when everyone was perplexed as hell, the witch spoke up: "He couldn't." chapter 36 "What do you mean he couldn't? He lost his tongue or something?" I asked with a frown. "A witch's help always comes with a price. The mother offered me his masculinity. I helped them hide the daughter's scent." There was a collective intake of breath. Even I couldn't hide the shock on my face. What kind of parents went this far just to satisfy one daughter's need? This was so fucking sick. "You did this to him?!" Violet let out a trembling scream and lunged at her mother, "You stole his masculinity?" Her mother cried even harder, "I shouldn't...but I was trying to save-" "Don't you dare finish that fucking sentence!" Violet snapped, her voice broken. "You saved no one. You ruined everyone's life! Stop making this sound so sacred and noble because it is nothing but a sick, twisted fucking game of yours! I can't believe this mom...Kylie might be the one who started this, but you are the one who go through with it. How could you!" I strode over to Violet and pulled her into my arms. She was shaking. My hatred toward her mother had reached its climax. How many more times was she going to hurt her daughter? chapter 36 "I can't believe this..." Violet buried her face onto my shoulder, her tears soaking my shirt. "The thing she did to my dad..." "You knew what kind of person she is a long time ago," I tightened my arms around her. "Alpha, I think we all need time to process with all these," said a member of the council, looking drained. Everyone else all seemed shaken up about this. "Alright. I'll dismiss the council today. But we need to find another time to revisit the matter." I casted a glance of disgust at Kylie and her mother. They must pay for what they did. Violet could barely stand. I could imagine the shock and heartbreak that she was going through. I spooned her up carrying her my arms and headed to our home. She needed rest. A guard rushed into the council hall before we could leave. "Alpha Asher, the royal family is here!" he cried. I stopped abruptly. All the bad news just had to happen on the same day. chapter 37 chapter 37 Asher's POV All I wanted to do right now was to go back to our home with Violet. But the royal family was here already. It would be disrespectful for me to go and greet them. Violet knew about this too. She struggled down and held my hand, "Let's go and see them. Shouldn't keep them waiting." I was so lucky to have her. By the time we reached the front gate of the packhouse, my parents were already there with my uncle and aunt. The atmosphere was far from being easy. Having them stand side-by-side with each other, I could see how much they resembled each other. Blood tightly bounded them tightly together, but the only feeling my father had ever expressed toward my uncle was dislike. I never understood their brother rival growing up. I used to find it unnecessary... Until I learnt about my twin brother Isaac's presence. Now I had mixed feelings about my uncle. He was my family but was also the potential reason Isaac had become a rogue. The mystery about Isaac would be unraveled sooner or later. Until then, I decided to keep my guard high around my uncle. My uncle spotted me from a distance. "Asher!" he called out warmly, spreading his arms wide to welcome me. "It's so nice to see you son." I went over there to hug him, "Thanks for coming, uncle." From a peripheral look, I noticed my dad's grim face. "And this is my mate, Violet." I introduced Violet to them. They welcomed her warmly, and, almost as if on cue, didn't ask where Kylie was. My uncle was especially sharp about these things-something I used to see as one of his strengths. But now, it's becoming a reason I needed to stay on guard around him. My aunt was sweet as ever, holding Violet's hands and asking about her hairs and nails and stuff. My cousin Matthew had come with them as well. Now looking at him at this proximity, I could see why my father used to think he was my twin brother. The resemblance was indeed shocking. My uncle didn't show any suspicious signs, and nor did my aunt. I was starting to doubt if they really had anything to do chapter 37 with Isaac becoming a rogue. The stories I heard was contradictory. I didn't know which one to trust. I could take down as many enemies as necessary. Yet the problem was, my current enemy might very well be my own family. After the appropriate amount of chit-chat, I left my uncle's family to my parents and left with Violet. It had been a long day for us. I needed to be there for my mate while she recovered from her own trauma. And also it might be a good idea to give my parent some time to sort things out themselves. We went back to our home. Violet insisted on making dinner. I went into Mia's room to check on her. Our girl was asleep. I quietly knelt by her bedside and watched her sleeping face as guilt surged up in me. I promised to treat Mia as one of my own. But lately with all the crazy shits going on, I could hardly remember when was the last time I spent time with her. A gentle knock on the door called me back to reality. "Dinner's ready." Violet whispered. I got up and left the bedroom, quietly closing the door behind chapter 37 "I have been neglecting her," I sighed as we sat down at the dining table. "This isn't right. This is not how you be a good father." Violet reached over and grabbed my hand, "Don't beat yourself the crisis first. Mia would understand." "I will end this. Won't let the rogues hurt any of you." I gave her my promise. "And when you stumbled upon that Isaac out there, what are you going to do?" Violet asked. I noticed hatred flickering across her eyes. That was what I had been struggling with. As an Alpha, I had a responsibility to avenge for my Gamma and member. But as a brother, I ought to protect my own family. This dilemma had been tearing my soul apart lately. "I get it. You can't do it." Violet said lowly, pulling away from I grabbed her hand hastily and tightened my grip, "I know you chapter 37 are angry. You lost your best friend and Mia lost her parents... But Isaac is my twin." "And Kylie is mine. Blood can't erase the sin they had made. You know your responsibility, Asher." she said sharply. "Yes. But we don't know the full picture yet. He might be misguided at the time. What if he was already starting to regret everything he did?" "Are you saying that a word of apology from him is enough?" Violet gritted. I noticed gleaming tears in her eyes, which made my heart ache. "Elena and Patrick lost their lives! I don't want any goddamn apology. I want my bloody revenge. Even if he is your brother!" "Can we do this another time? We don't even know where Isaac is right now." I tried to postpone our fight. She pulled back her hand forcefully. This time I didn't hold onto her. "You can't run away from the problem forever. And I won't let you do it. Who knows, maybe you'll pardon Isaac tomorrow. So I need to know your stand on this right now." What did she want me to say? That I wouldn't hesitate to kill chapter 37 my brother the next time I saw him? We both knew that would be impossible! Elena and Patrick were important to her, just like my brother was important to me. We glared at each other in silence, both too stubborn to cave in. Just then, a series of sharp cries and yells pierced through the silence. "FIRE!!" "There's a fire...Save the fire!" We both jumped to our feet, horrified. "Mia!!!" Violet let out a sharp scream and dashed to the door with me on her heels. Horror had filled my mind. No, not Mia too! Yet when we came into the hallway, we saw everyone running toward the opposite direction of Mia's bedroom. The fire was in my parent's suite. chapter 38 chapter 38 Asher's POV The door to my parents' suite was shut tight, thick smoke pouring out from beneath it. A crowd had gathered outside, but everyone seemed helpless. I rushed forward, trying to force the door open, but the moment my hand touched it, an unbearable burn shot through me, forcing me to let go. "Oh my god look!" Violet exclaimed, pointing at the door. The surface and handle were coated with thick layers of mercury-a substance deadly to the werewolves, capable of weakening our powers. Whoever set this fire was determined to make sure my parents didn't make it out alive. A furious roar tore from my throat. "What about the windows? Can we get in through the windows?" "We checked," someone replied, "but they're coated in mercury too..." The heat of the fire felt like it was boiling my blood, every vein in my body threatening to erupt as frustration and panic chapter 38 consumed me. I lunged forward without any concern of the mercury, grabbing the doorknob again and screaming as I tried to force it open. My skin seared and blackened, but I didn't care. "Stop it! That's not going to work!" Violet shouted, pulling me back. "Do you want to lose your hand too?!" The chaos continued around me. Soldiers rushed to and from the scene, desperately trying to control the fire. My uncle and aunt were there too, shouting toward the door, hoping for some kind of response from inside. I clenched my fists, my eyes locked on the door as blood pounded in my ears. I couldn't lose my parents. Suddenly, I turned and bolted downstairs. In the courtyard, I found a pile of logs waiting to be split into firewood. I grabbed the thickest one and hauled it over my shoulder, then raced back upstairs. The rough wood bit into my burned hands, but I didn't care. "Get out of the way!!!!" I shouted as I charged back into the smoke-filled corridor. chapter 38 The crowd quickly parted, and I slammed the log into the door with all my strength. The impact reverberated through the air, but the door held firm. I pulled back and rammed the log into it again. This time, the hinges groaned in protest. Violet and my uncle rushed to help, throwing their weight behind the next hit. On the third strike, the heavy door finally gave in, crashing down to the floor. We charged in without hesitation. The smoke inside was suffocating, so thick that I could barely see anything in front of me. "Mom! Dad!" I shouted, but my voice turned into a harsh cough as the acrid air burned my throat and lungs. The smell of scorched mercury hung heavy in the air, making me dizzy and nauseous. It drained my strength, making every step feel like a battle. My parents had to be in here-there was no way they could escape on their own with all this mercury in the air. But where were they? chapter 38 "Asher! Get out of there! The mercury is too strong!" my uncle shouted from behind me. Others called my name too, their voices frantic. But I ignored them and stumbled deeper into the suite. If the mercury was this lethal for me, it would be worse for my parents. I couldn't leave them here to burn or suffocate. I wouldn't. I staggered into the bedroom, but all I could see was a blinding white haze. The symptoms of mercury poisoning hit its peak. I collapsed against the wall, sliding to the floor in pain. No... Darkness closed in around me. I passed out in the thick, choking smoke. When I opened my eyes again, I found myself lying in a hospital bed. Every inch of my body felt burned, my head throbbed, and my throat felt like it had been scraped with hot coals. Violet sat by my side, her face full of worry. chapter 38 "Thank god you are awake," she said softly, leaning closer. "How are you feeling?" I tried to speak, but the sound that came out of my mouth wasn' t even a word. "Don't talk," Violet said quickly, taking my hand to stop me. "The doctor said you need to rest." I gripped her hand tighter, silently demanding answers. "Your parents..." she began hesitantly. "They were found in the bedroom. They're safe now." Relief washed over me, but it was short-lived. Her next words hit me like a punch to the gut. "But they're badly injured. The doctors aren't making any promises. All we can do now is wait and pray." My eyes widened as a new wave of anger and helplessness surged through me. I clenched my fist and slammed it into the bed. A low growl escaped through my clenched teeth. My parents weren't perfect. They made many mistakes-like abandoning my brother Isaac years ago. But they didn't deserve chapter 38 this. They were victims of fate just like anyone else. "...Isaac," I hissed, ignoring the searing pain in my throat. "It was him..." "Asher, don't..." "He admitted it!" I croaked, my voice raw with fury. "In the forest, he said he hated my parents. He said he wanted them dead! He's the only one with a motive! He even swore he'd make everyone pay, but I didn't take him seriously. I thought... he's my brother...he wouldn't actually do it. It's all my fault...if I took his words seriously, none of these would happen!" Violet's face twisted with pain, tears shining in her eyes. "This isn't your fault." "You were right earlier. About Isaac," I spat bitterly. "I shouldn't have let him go just because he's my brother. He's never treated us like family anyway." My voice dropped to a growl. "He's a monster." Violet pressed the call button. Doctor, nurses and medical staff poured into the room. They wanted to check on me, but I waved them off. "Tell me about my parents," I demanded. The doctor hesitated before saying, "They are both injured severely. Both of them are in the ICU. We've done everything we can, but... now, all we can do is hope for a miracle." I snarled, reaching over and grabbed the doctor by the collar. "I don't want a fucking miracle!! I want you to save them! Find a way, or you'll regret failing me!!!" The doctor trembled, nodding frantically. I wasn't proud of myself at this moment-an Alpha should never threaten their own pack members. But I couldn't control my rage. When the medical staff left, I immediately mindlinked Jayden. "Gather all our soldiers," I ordered, my voice sharp and deadly. "Get ready to launch an attack on those goddamn rogues." Isaac was going to pay for this. My twin brother had crossed the line, and I would make sure he suffered for it. c chapter 39 Violet's POV Everything was going so crazy. First the return of Asher's twin brother Isaac, then all those shits with Kylie, then his parents were in the hospital in critical condition. And now, Asher decided to go to war with the rogues. I heard what he said to Jayden about launching an attack, which made me scared. But it wasn't because I was intimidated by the rogues. I simply wondered if Asher had thought this through or not. War meant blood and sacrifice. A lot of people were going to die because of Asher's order. And he couldn't call it off once the war started. His only way was to keep going. Could Asher really live with the consequence of the war? What if he regretted it later? Would he hate himself? I didn't think Asher was being rational right now. His mind was clouded by anger, and he just wanted revenge. I understood his thirst for enemy's blood. I really did. I went through a similar period of time when I just lost Elena. Hatred was the only thing I could feel back then. to start a war was something else. Asher would have to be responsible for the loss of all those soldiers' lives. I didn't want him to live under that burden for the rest of his life. "We should find a way to call off this war." I stopped Jayden in the hallway. He had just come out of Asher' s ward. My guess that they were discussing details about the upcoming war. "Stop it? How?" my brother gave me a perplexed look, "Alpha Asher had already ordered me to gather all forces. All soldiers are at his command now. They are good to set off this afternoon. The gun has been fired." "No it hasn't! You are his Beta. If you reason with him, he might listen." "Reasons? What reason? As far as I am concerned, he is doing the right thing. Those rogues tried to burn Asher's parents to death! They really need to be taught a lesson!" I clenched my fists, my voice urgent, "That is the main point- we have no proof of this. What if it the murderer isn't Isaac? What if there is someone else? All we have is conjecture and it 88 isn't enough to start a war." The frown between Jayden's brows became deeper, "Why are you fighting this so hard? I thought you hate rogues and Isaac as well. This can be your perfect chance to avenge Elena." "I know...I know. But this is a goddamn war we are talking about! A lot of people are going to die because of the decision we made. And it feels like Asher is rushing into this." Jayden seemed reluctant. He took in a deep breath before sighing, "Well, I guess you have your point. But the thing is I can't fight my Alpha's order even as his Beta." "There has to be something we can do!" "Only you can do it." Jayden said in a serious voice, "You are his Luna. You have as much power as he in this pack. If anyone can stop the upcoming war, it is you." My heart skipped a beat. He was right. It was fully within my power. But it was one thing to have such power, and a totally different thing to use it. Would anyone in this pack listen to me? The last time I checked, the members were not a big fan of I told Jayden I would think about it and went back to Asher's ward. He was asleep. Even in his sleep, he still looked haunted. I tried to flatten the furrow between his brows but failed. It seemed like he was sad and worried even in his dreams. 'He hadn't thought this through. Deep down he knows it too. He is just too angry to admit that he is making a bad decision.' My wolf said to me. "Then what do you think I should do?' "The right thing. Asher chose you as his Luna for a reason. Don't let me down.' Her words gave me power. She was right. I was Asher's Luna and I should always be honest and look out for him. If this war seemed wrong, then I should put a stop to it. I didn't want to wake Asher right now. So I left the hospital and headed to the Alpha's office. His uncle had temporarily taken over the office. He was in charge of all the pack business and war related stuffs while Asher was away. It would be a good idea to have a word with him directly about how I felt about this war. The guard outside of the office reported my arrival. Shortly after, I was welcomed inside. There were seven people in the room, the Alpha King, the Queen, their son Matthew, and a few elders. They all turned to me with surprise when I came into the room. "Violet, what brought you here?" our King stood from behind the desk, "I thought you were in the hospital with Asher and his parents. How are they now?" "Asher is going to be fine. He needs rests now. But his parents...I can't be so sure." I felt a lump in my throat. Asher's parent are very nice people. It made my heart ache thinking that the death could take them any minute now. The King sighed, "I am so sorry to hear that. Well, I think you should return to the hospital right away and stay there. Asher's family needs you right now." "I know, but not so soon. I have come with an important business to discuss with you." I took a deep breath and forced myself to meet the King's eyes, doing my best to appear serious and resolute. Despite his kind appearance, I could feel the steel in his soul. Speaking my mind in front of him was no easy task. chapter 39 "I want you to call off this war." There was a moment of silence in the room. Everyone rounded their eyes. I could tell the tension building in the air. Then suddenly, their son Matthew let out a snort. "What's happening right now? Did you just give an order to my father?" he huffed. This huge family shared similar features, including Matthew and his cousin Asher. But for some reason, I just didn't like Matthew. Even his parents gave me an odd feeling I couldn't shake. "It's not an order. I just hope that the King can think twice before starting this war. A lot is going on right now. Asher and his parent are in the hospital. I'm not comfortable with sending our soldiers to war while all the pack leaders are away..." you "My father is here. He's the King. There's the leader need." Matthew said arrogantly. I dart him a glare. So my first impression was right. This guy was a douchebag. "Luna Violet." the Queen spoke up. She still looked nice as the first time we met. But there was something cold about her smile. "Asher's parents have been nothing but nice to you. It's heartbreaking to know that you are even willing to avenge for them." What? Why did she say something like that? She made me seem like an ungrateful bitch. But all I wanted was to gather more evidence and proof before taking an action! "Please do not twist my intention like that!" I gritted as a surge of anger washed me over. "We don't know if it's the rogues yet. It is wrong to send thousands of soldiers to die based on conjecture. Forgive me-but are you seeking revenge for your family, or are you simply looking for an excuse to start a war?" The room lapsed into a deathly silence. The tension was so thick that it could be cut by a knife. The King slowly stood, his eyes sharp and intimidating. "Luna Violet, you are making a dangerous accusation here." he said in a booming voice. Strangely, I stopped shaking. I knew I made the right decision. "If we can't find any further proofs that directly link Isaac and the rogues to the incidents, my soldiers will not participate in this war." I announced calmly.