The group sat down at a cozy table in the café, surrounded by the hum of conversation and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. Asher, Bella, Naomi, and Dylan chatted and laughed, enjoying each other's company.
Just as they were ordering their food, Amanda stormed into the café, her eyes scanning the room until they landed on Asher and Bella. Her face twisted in anger, she marched over to their table.
"Well, well, well," she said, her voice dripping with venom. "Look what we have here. The Alpha and his new little plaything."
Asher's eyes narrowed, his expression cold. "Amanda, what are you doing here?" he asked, his voice firm.
Amanda's smile was fake and manipulative. "I just wanted to drop by and say hello to my boyfriend," she said, her eyes flashing with anger.
Asher's expression turned icy. "We've been over, Amanda. You're not my girlfriend, and you never were. You were just a passing interest."
Amanda's face turned red with rage. "You can't just dump me like that, Asher," she spat. "I'm the daughter of the alpha of the pack, and I deserve respect."
Asher's eyes flashed with anger. "Respect? You think you deserve respect? You're the one who's been causing trouble and stirring up drama. You're the one who's been disrespecting me and my position as Alpha."
The café fell silent, the patrons watching the scene unfold with interest. Amanda's face turned bright red with humiliation, and she realized she was outmatched.
"You're just jealous, Amanda," Asher said, his voice firm. "You're jealous of the attention I'm giving Bella, and you're jealous of her connection to me. But let me make one thing clear: Bella is under my protection, and if you want to keep your respect as you've said in the pack, you'll leave her alone."
Amanda's eyes dropped, and she slunk away, defeated. The group watched her go, then turned back to their lunch, the tension broken.
Asher smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Sorry about that," he said. "Where were we?"
Bella smiled, feeling a sense of relief. "I think we were about to order," she said.
The group laughed, and the rest of their lunch was peaceful and enjoyable.
"Thanks for standing up for me," she said, her voice sincere.
Asher's eyes locked onto hers, and he smiled. "Anytime, Bella," he said. "You're under my protection now."
Bella was surprised that he said he was under his protection and confused as well but a part of her liked it.
As they finished their lunch, Asher leaned back in his chair, looking satisfied. "That was great," he said, smiling at Bella. "I'm glad I could finally try this café out."
Bella smiled, feeling a sense of contentment. "Yeah, it's one of my favorites," she said.
Naomi and Dylan, who had been chatting quietly, suddenly looked at each other and stood up. "Hey, we should probably get going," Naomi said, glancing at her phone. "We have a lot of work to do this afternoon."
Dylan nodded in agreement. "Yeah, and I'm sure you two want some time to...talk."
Asher's eyes met Bella's, and she felt a flutter in her chest. She knew exactly what Dylan was hinting at.
Asher stood up, his movements fluid and confident. "Thanks for joining us for lunch, guys," he said, smiling at Naomi and Dylan. "We'll catch up with you later."
Naomi and Dylan nodded, smiling knowingly, and said their goodbyes. As they walked away, Bella felt a sense of anticipation. She knew Asher wanted to talk to her alone, and she was curious about what he had to say.
As the café door closed behind Naomi and Dylan, Asher turned to Bella and smiled. "Shall we take a walk?" he asked, his eyes sparkling with interest.
Bella nodded, feeling a sense of excitement. "I'd love to," she said.
Asher took her hand, his touch sending shivers down her spine. Together, they walked out of the café, into the bright sunlight.
As they walked, Asher asked Bella about her life. Bella told him about her experiences, and Asher listened intently, his eyes filled with understanding.
"I've always felt like I don't quite fit in," Bella said, looking down at her feet. "But being around you makes me feel like maybe I do belong."
Asher's eyes locked onto hers, and he smiled. "You do belong," he said, his voice low and reassuring. "You belong with me."
Bella's heart skipped a beat as Asher took her hand, his touch sending shivers down her spine. They walked in comfortable silence for a moment, enjoying the scenery and each other's company.
As they reached a beautiful spot overlooking the river, Asher stopped and turned to Bella. "I'm really glad I met you," he said, his eyes sparkling with interest.
Bella smiled, feeling a sense of happiness. "I'm glad too," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Asher's eyes locked onto hers, and for a moment, they just looked at each other, the chemistry between them palpable.
Asher's eyes locked onto Bella's, and he leaned in, his face inches from hers. Bella's heart skipped a beat as she felt his warm breath on her skin.
Asher's hand reached out, and he gently brushed a strand of hair behind Bella's ear. His fingers grazed her skin, sending shivers down her spine.
Bella's eyes fluttered closed, and she felt Asher's lips brush against hers. The kiss was soft and gentle, but it sent a spark of electricity through her body.
As they pulled back, Asher smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I've wanted to do that all day," he said, his voice low and husky.
Bella smiled, feeling a sense of happiness. "I've wanted you to," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.
As they stood there, wrapped in each other's arms, Bella felt a sense of belonging she had never felt before. She knew that she was exactly where she was meant to be.
Asher and Bella sat together on a bench, watching the sunset over the river. Asher's arm was around Bella's shoulders, and she was snuggled up against him, feeling warm and content.
Asher looked down at Bella, his heart filled with emotion. He knew that he had to tell her the truth - that they were mates, destined to be together for the rest of their lives.
But Asher was scared. What if Bella didn't feel the same way? What if she didn't want to be his mate? What if she rejected him?
Asher's mind was filled with doubts and fears. He didn't know how Bella would react, and the uncertainty was killing him.
"Bella," Asher said, his voice low and serious.
Bella looked up at him, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "What is it?" she asked.
Asher took a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves. "I need to tell you something," he said, his voice hesitant.
Bella's expression turned concerned. "What is it?" she asked again.
Asher's heart was racing, and he felt like he was standing on the edge of a cliff, staring into the unknown. He knew that he had to take the leap, but he was scared of what would happen next.
"I...I don't know how to say this," Asher stammered, feeling like a fool.
Bella's hand reached out, and she touched his arm. "Just tell me," she said, her voice soft and encouraging.
Asher looked into Bella's eyes, and he knew that he had to be honest. He took a deep breath, and he began to speak, his words tumbling out in a rush.
"Bella, I think we're mates," Asher said, his voice barely above a whisper.
Asher's eyes locked onto Bella's, waiting for her reaction. Would she be shocked? Would she be scared? Would she reject him?
Only time would tell.