Chapter 5

I had no idea what to expect, especially after Asher's confusing comment.

A part of me wondered whether the door would open revealing serial killers, their clothing tainted with blood stains, or just ordinary people. I wholly hoped it was the latter.

When the door burst open, I was met by some of the happiest people I've ever met in my life.

From the corner of my eye I looked to Asher for an explanation as I'd never encountered these people before.

But I could easily guess their statuses as they stared at me and Asher like we were a loving, happy couple.

He sighed deeply.

"This is my private residence where I live alone.  However my parents and siblings decided that they wanted to meet you. They only live 5 minutes away with the rest of the pack"

I nodded along, maintaining of facade of casualness whereas internally I was just completely confused at all these terms he was directing at me and he kept referring to me as something almost.... special; different.

Ive only known him for a few days so isn't it a bit early for a meet-the-parents introduction? I felt like I was an outsider, looking in on my fast paced life, numb to the occurrences.

"What makes me so special?" I blurted out as reasons and excuses sprinted through my mind.

Silence followed and when I glared up at Asher I saw an emotion I've never seen on him before flash across his countenance: anxiousness.

He must of predicted the bomb that was bound to go off as Lola pushed past her parents so she could pour and profess her anger towards Asher, her face flushing crimson, her eyes bulging and glaring daggers at her brother.

" I told you to tell her for goddess' sake ! The most important thing in your life and what? It can wait?! Not like you've been looking for her for the past 5 years!"

She sighed angrily.

"Just come inside, we'll leave and give you two some space to sort this out."

Me and Asher stood awkwardly by the front door allowing Asher's family space to escape the inevitable drama that I had a feeling was about to follow.

As his parents walked past me, his mother pulled me into a hug, tears welling in her eyes, " I'll see you soon darling" she pulled back and caressed a hand on my cheek with a smile on her face, hope radiating from her hazel eyes.

It's like I was the holy grail; a sacred artefact offering hope. These emotions began to play with my mind as his family quickly departed, constantly turning around as if to make sure I was real, not a figment of their imagination, and I watched their car retreat out of the gates and into the darkening woods.

An impatient cough pulled me out of my thoughts.

Sighing deeply, I turned around and followed Asher through the doorway.

I walked into the spacious hallway and noticed various doors branching off to different parts of the house. The most enthralling aspect was the large staircase in the centre of the hallway, curving to the second floor of the house. The steps were made of marble which shined under the mesmerising light spiralling down from an elegant chandelier hanging regally from the ceiling.

The banister was decorated spectacularly; engravings carved into the smooth white wood. Uncontrollably , I traipsed over to it, wonder and curiosity radiating from me.

As I got closer I managed to uncover the designs. The prints largely consisted of trees and leaves, countless marks of the moon and wolves and another symbol were present as well, etched into the wood like a memory.

But The symbol was unidentifiable to me. My fingers skimmed across the circular outline, the pattern inside so potent and beautiful.

"That's the BlackMoon pack mark"

A voice tickled my neck sending shivers down my spine.

Turning around I looked at Asher who was staring contently and unwaveringly at the mark on the banister.

His bright grey eyes emitting a certain proudness that uncontrollably,  made my heart swell with a similar emotion.

My eyes trailed across his face, unconsciously committing each crease and feature to memory.  When I looked back up to his sparkling grey orbs, I noticed that he was staring right back at me, watching me assess him with a kindred look on his face.

Unprecedentedly he sharply averted his gaze and stepped back from me like I was something disgusting and terrible.

Disappointment and embarrassment burned within me but I pushed the flames down and searched my brain for the question I was going to ask before his distraction.

"Why do you keep referencing to a pack? What does it all mean?" I asked inquisitively as he began tracing his steps, briefly looking back to ensure I would follow, and opened a door revealing a grand, modern lounge that contrasted nicely to the old wooden beams and 19th century features adorning the room.

Skipping in front of him I lowered myself onto one of the armchairs and grabbed the rug neatly hanging off it, throwing it over my cold body.

Asher seemed unfazed and careless as he took a seat on a plush black leather sofa. That sofa happened to be the piece of furniture furthest away from me of course.

Asher abruptly sat up and slowly walked towards a cabinet in the corner of the room displaying alcoholic offerings.

Sighing deeply, he opened a cupboard and pulled out a small glass whilst grabbing a bottle and pouring himself a drink. Reading the packaging on the bottle I could tell it was some sort of Whiskey.

He abruptly pulled away from the cabinet, the spirit lapping at the sides of his glass as he lifted his arm in a toast.

Before I could comprehend what was happening he gulped the whiskey down, carelessly dropped the glass to the floor where it crashed and shattered sending sharp shards of glass across the wooden floor.

My heart was beating erratically, my hands clammy and trembling.

His grey orbs were glaring intently into mine when his body distorted and violently shook. It all happened within seconds. One moment I was watching Asher with fear clouded in my eyes. The next moment I was glaring at a growling obsidian beast, its distinguishable grey eyes focused on mine.