Chapter 78: Chapter 77

Katie “You heard what | said?” | asked Asher.

Only mates were supposed to hear a she-wolf’s thoughts.

But Asher was basically a stranger... there was no way he could hear mine.

“Yes,” Asher said, his brows knitting in confusion. “Why wouldn't I? It’s a small car.”

He laughed, but | was having trouble seeing the joke “| just...” | trailed off.

There was no way to explain this without sounding like a crazy pregnant lady.

Or maybe that was it.

Maybe the hormones were scrambling my brain.

“Never mind,” | said, brushing it off. I’m probably just nervous about the party.”

“No need to be,” Asher said, reaching over and giving my knee a light pat. “We're in this together.”

A few minutes later, he pulled up to a huge, sprawling lodge tucked away in the woods.

The whole place seemed to be glittering, lit up all around the perimeter by delicate tw inkling lights.

Expensive cars of all kinds were parked outside, and the people walking up were wearing gorgeous dresses and impeccably tailored suits.

Despite Asher’s reassurance, a stab of panic seized my heart.

| felt like crying and barfing at the same time.

There were going to be wolves here from packs all over the region, and | still had no idea where I'd come from or how I'd actually ended up in Stillwood.

What if someone from my past was here?

Would | recognize them?

Or worse, would they recognize me but not tell me? Would their cold eyes and whispers follow me around the room?

My hands traveled to my belly again, rubbing it protectively.

Maybe | should’ve stayed home and rotted in front of the TV after all.

“Hey,” Asher said as he opened my door and offered his hand. “It really is going to be fine.”

| stepped out of the car, not letting go of his hand. He squeezed mine tightly in return. 1/3 “And if it's not, we can go have some | nodded and tried to give him a genuine smile. “Deal”

As soon as we walked inside, | felt like I'd come with a f u cking celebrity.

Wolves approached us from all sides, clapping Asher on the back and asking how he was.

Clearly he had a lot of friends... maybe the nice guy thing was genuine.

Good to know.

Asher generously introduced me to every single person, and when we shook hands, | searched their faces.

for glimpses of recognition, but | couldn’t sense anything out of the ordinary Sometimes their eyes lingered on my huge baby bump, but that wasn’t surprising They were probably all wondering if the pup was Asher’s.

We finally made our way through the crowd near the entrance and found a more secluded seat.

“Sorry about all that,” Asher said, his cheeks reddening slightly. “That must’ve been pretty overwhelming.”

| laughed. “That’s an understatement.”

He winced. “I should’ve given you more warning.”

“It's okay,” | shrugged. “Kind of confusing, though.”

“What do you mean?” he asked.

“You're tight with so many people from other packs, but you’re a rogue. | thought rogues were supposed to be outcasts.”

| couldn’t remember anything from my personal life before Stillwood, but | still knew things about shifters.

and our history.

| knew rogues were typically spoken about with disdain. They were unwanted criminals, unworthy of associating with traditional shifter packs.

“Not always,” Asher said, and | could sense a darkness settling over his features. “I don’t think most shifters agreed with my punishment. | still don’t really understand why | was banished.”

He shifted in his seat. “My whole family was unfairly punished, too. That’s why my mother and Quinn live in Stillwood with me.”

He looked down and shook his head. “I think a lot of people felt sorry for us. Still do.”

“But | don’t understand why were you banished in the first place?”

He met my gaze again, but there was a guardedness there.

“An overzealous Alpha was trying to flex his power. He was young just like me. He thought | was overstepping, but...”

Asher stopped.

nat imnariant neau An anxious tingle danced across my skin.

What was he hiding?

“Asher, my man!” A deep voice rang out behind me before | could ask any more questions.

Asher’s face lit up as he rose and wrapped the man in a bear hug.

“Katie.” He gestured between me and the smiling guy beside him. “I want you to meet my best friend, Mason.”