Shielding the Beast (discontinued)

Sixteen | Cracks

The rain pounds down harder on the roof, the storm strengthening along with Asher's struggling. My toes dig into the carpet, desperately trying to find the traction needed to stop him. My palms press against his abdomen in an effort to restrain him.

Using my full strength now would only add more onto the suspicion already piling up against me, but allowing him to slaughter his father is something I won't do-- for his own sake.

Asher's arms wrap around my back, pulling me forcefully into his chest. His growl, deadlier than I've ever heard, sends shivers down my spine. Yet something about his ferocity only attracts me impossibly further to him, the vibrations of his chest pleasing to me.

"Remember where you came from, son," Kaizer steps out from around his desk, "Don't do anything stupid-- stupider than you've already done." He strides past us, his head held high for false reasons.

His hand turns the golden knob, opening it.

"In case you've forgotten, I'm the Alpha now. Your word doesn't mean a damn thing anymore." Asher's tongue drips venom, stopping his father in his tracks.

Kaizer's back faces us, but the tensing of his shoulders tells just as much as any expression.

He doesn't keep any of the icicles from his tone. "Then act like it."

The door of the office shuts, leaving only the four of us to stand in thick silence. My arms lock around Asher's abdomen in an attempt to comfort him. I lean my head on his shoulder, fitting my face into the crook of his neck.

Because of me, he's turned against his father.

Guilt sickens me, climbing up my every rib.

Because of me, his pack is endangered.

He squeezes me harder, pulling me even further into his chest. To accept my unspoken support, he lowers his head, resting his cheek against mine.

Because of me, cracks are forming between him and the only family I'm aware he has.

A female's voice speaks up, breaking the delicate silence and not helping the tense atmosphere. "So this is the rogue who wouldn't die?"

Turning around in Asher's hug, my eyes go to hers, finding them to be arrogant and vain.

"You caused quite an uproar. A shame you can't stay though. Such a pity." The words roll off her tongue like water mixed with a hint of venom that she doesn't mean to be hidden.

A growl, as if derived from a demon, erupts, Asher's already iron grip clamping even tighter around me. His voice is deadly, the frayed nerves showing themselves, "She's not going anywhere. Anyone who wishes to oppose that order can find themselves cleaning their guts off the ground where they stand."

"You can't be serious, Alpha," Venya scoffs, "She nearly got us killed. She brought a whole pack with her that wanted nothing but to rip us apart!"

Asher's form becomes rigid against me, his body fighting the nearing uncontrollable desire to shift. His tone is one the Devil himself wouldn't trifle with, "Did I fucking stutter?"

"No," she hesitantly growls, "But she's a danger to us all."

Before he can reply, I speak for myself.

"You have no idea what danger is," I say coolly, "You had to chase a few wolves off, that's not danger. That's survival. If you want danger, I'll give you it, but I'm not responsible for the idiots who follow me."