Out of the Ashes

Narrator-

Alpha Asher backed away from the handmade crib, and stood at a distance with his arms crossed, as he admired his handiwork. The crib was painted white, the wood itself included carved images of wolves, stars, and the different phases of the moon. Asher smiled proudly, as he looked around the room decorated with shades of blue and yellow. The furnished space had everything necessary for a nursery, plush toys sat atop every furniture, and a mobile spun above the crib, with tiny wolves, moons, and pine trees. There was a nursing chair sitting in the corner next to the crib. There was also a small shelf, packed with books and bedtime stories.

­

Aside from the child-friendly decorations, there were also photographs of the Alpha and Luna. The Luna's pregnancy shots were also displayed, as well as that of the Luna and Alpha in wolf form, near the lake that bordered the pack on the north end. The room was kept warm, the lights soft. Everything a baby needs to feel comfortable. Asher placed the small mattress, then he arranged it's bedding accordingly. Soft and fluffy blankets, a thin pillow, and too many plush toys all around the wooden crib. Once he was done, Asher sighed deeply, feeling an excitement boil in his chest, as he couldn't wait to welcome his son home.

­

Asher's eyes looked out the nursery's window. The sun had begun setting in the west, and in the east, the full, grey moon began rising above the clouds. Standing at the second story of his mansion, Asher could see over the pine trees of the forest that bordered the east end of his pack grounds. He approached the window and looked out onto the world before him. Birds could be heard singing their last tunes for the day. Asher looked down on the village area below him. The children were being called in by their mothers as the evening began settling its dark shade in the sky. The warriors who worked the day entered their home, some greeting their mates, others picking up their children. The warriors of the evening shift had already gone to the pack borders.

­

Asher felt proud of his pack, and he felt even better knowing that he was in charge of such a great community. They all served loyally, and they have been at peace for the past two years. Asher wanted to keep it that way.

­

"It looks great, I think you've officially outdone yourself." Asher suddenly heard over his shoulder, before a soft palm landed on his shoulder, and she leaned her face against the crook of his neck. while her other arm wrapped around his waist from behind.

­

Asher closed his eyes at the feeling of the sparks that ignited on his skin at his mate's touch. He turned around with a smile, and embraced her from the side, as her swollen belly remained away from the embrace. His smile only grew as he looked into her green eyes, and then he kissed her, his hand rubbing her stomach. She giggled at his actions.

­

"I can't wait to meet him." Asher expressed, and the Luna laughed, before placing a hand atop his hand, just as the baby in her stomach rolled into a bump beneath their touch. Asher felt his heart swell at the feeling of his son in his wife's stomach.

­

"It seems he can't wait to meet you either." She replied, her teeth unhidden, then she leaned her head on his chest.

­

Asher instantly pressed her form against him by snaking his arms around her waist. He kissed the top of her head, their bodies slightly twisting from left to right, in a motion that neither one initiated, yet both performed harmoniously. Almost as if it was a dance, displaying the energy that surrounded their embracing forms. Their hearts beat simultaneously, and they breathed as though their lungs responded to each other's rhythm. She exhaled when he inhaled and vice versa.

­

"What is it?" Asher asked, noticing that the Luna was quiet, and she sighed audibly.

­

"I don't know." she admitted with a soft shrug, then she removed her head from his chest, and looked into his eyes for a moment.

­

She stared at him, her eyes searching his, as he looked back tenderly. Then she declared, "I am so in love with you. You make me really happy."

­

"And I am completely in love with you." Asher replied, his eyes holding the truth of his love, as they shined with a passion that caused the Luna to feel her heart palpitate in the cavity of her chest.

­

"Yeah, this big belly of mine says as much." The Luna laughed, then she squeezed her face into the crook of Asher's neck, "I just wish I could stay like his forever." She admitted lastly.

­

Her heart suddenly beating with a ghost-like ache. She felt as if it was trying to tell her something. Warning her to savor this moment for as long as she could. Like she didn't have much longer. The child in her stomach suddenly jumped, causing the Luna to gasp just slightly, it jumped again, then again, before going back to its usual stillness.

­

"Pregnant?" Asher questioned with a raised eyebrow and perplexed tone, after hearing the Luna's wish.

­

"No silly," she laughed, the ache in her heartbeat persisting, "Just here, in this moment. Happy." She said, though her brow furrowed. It wasn't a physical pain, but rather emotional. Almost like a detachment.

­

"Are you happy?" Asher asked softly.

­

She was happy. She felt happy, and yet, there was a fear that began to bubble on the tail end of her pulse. It was seeking to snuff out her happiness. She could feel it, but she couldn't explain it.

­

"More than you can imagine." The Luna admitted, trying to keep her tone even. She blamed her pregnancy for these strange symptoms, while Asher pressed her close, as he took in her scent, which was sweet like apples in the fall.

­

The Alpha and the Luna's peaceful embrace was suddenly disturbed when the pack's Beta, Joshua, banged on the door with an urgent message.

­

"Come in." Asher permitted.

­

"Alpha," Joshua opened the door, then bowed in respect, "Luna, sorry to disturb you, but Alpha, one of our warriors from the border patrol was injured. You need to see this." Joshua announced, and the Luna felt her heart thump in warning.

­

Asher's spine stiffened. He removed himself from his mate, and held her shoulders as he instructed, "Go to our bedroom, lock the door. Don't come out until I come for you."

­

The Luna knew this tone from Asher. It held no argument. Her heart thumped again. This time, the pain was more evident and significant. Something was happening.

­

The Luna gulped, feeling goosebumps invade her skin as Asher pulled further away. She nodded her head and replied with an uncertain voice, "Okay, please be careful. I'll be waiting for you." Then she gave him a kiss.

­

Asher found this kiss to be different than the others. The Luna held his face, and kept her lips firmly pressed against his. As if she was trying to hold on to him in every possible way.

­

Asher felt her want, and he stayed with her for a moment. He kissed her back. He held her in his arms, her enlarged stomach pressing against him. Then finally he pulled away, he kissed her stomach, then he kissed her head, and with a small "I love you."

­

Asher left the nursery with Joshua, as he ordered a guard to ensure that his mate was safely stowed away in their bedroom.

­

Asher and Joshua descended the stairs in a rush, as the Alpha demanded, "What happened?"

­

"I was getting reports from the evening patrol, when two guards dragged him in. They said a figure moved through the trees at such high speed, they couldn't tell who or what it was. Next thing they knew, he was on the floor with a silver dagger in his chest. Slim, covered in wolfsbane, and the seal on the hilt, it's similar to the last dagger we found two months ago." Joshua reported, as they reached the bottom of the stairs, and headed towards the double doors of the mansion.

­

Asher opened the door, and at the base of the steps, the warrior laid dead.

­

"There's something else." Joshua added, as he passed the Alpha, and beckoned him towards the body.

­

Asher approached the dead warrior. His eyes were still open.

­

Joshua crouched near the warrior's head and pulled the collar of his shirt to reveal a unique marking on his neck. Two tiny dots that resembled teeth marks. More specifically, sharp fangs.

­

Asher looked at the wound carefully, his mouth running sour, his stomach churning with a queasy motion. He pursed his lips, and cursed under his breath, before closing the warrior's eyes.

­

"Take him away. Ensure he gets a proper burial." Asher ordered, and the guards bowed, picking up the corpse, and carrying him away.

­

"The blade." Asher demanded, and Joshua handed it to him.

­

The slim and sharp surface was covered in drying blood, and the trace of wolfsbane was evident, as the blood took on a greenish, rotting tint. Nonetheless, the hilt is what truly caught the Alpha's attention. It was made of a clear crystal, with only a thin aluminum wire wrapping around it, creating an intricate design. The tip of the hilt itself held a red seal that resembled a bat's wing crossing a full moon.

­

"Vampires?" Joshua asked, his eyes also peeking at the seal with curiosity.

­

Asher shook his head in sign of 'no', before wondering aloud, "Too obvious, don't you think?"

­

"What then?" Joshua shrugged, "Think someone's trying to throw us off?" He analyzed further.

­

"I don't know." Asher said, then he looked towards the forest, his brow heavy with both concern and a cautious thought.

­

"Until we know more, no one goes into the forest, understand?" Asher ordered, just as a loud boom sounded from the inside of the mansion, followed by a blood curling scream.

­

Asher and Joshua rushed into the mansion, as the sound of breaking glass could be heard above them. Asher climbed the steps by twos, Joshua right behind him, along with a handful of other guards.

­

Another scream, and Asher felt his blood ice over. It was his mate. The Alpha hurried into the bedroom only to stumble upon the dreadful sight of his wife lying in a pool of her own blood.

­

"GET THE DOCTOR!" Joshua ordered, while the Alpha raced to his wife's aid.

­

Asher crashed onto his knees at the Luna's side. She was panting and gasping, a trail of blood leaking from the left corner of her mouth. Her throat moving with every effort she made to live.

­

Joshua looked out the window but saw nothing but treetops. Whoever attacked the Luna was long gone, and the guard assigned at the door had been ambushed upon entering the room. He was also bleeding and still.

­

Asher's hands were painted red, as he tried to identify where the Luna was bleeding from. She was stabbed in her lower back, as well as in the stomach. She gasped and gasped, her breaths short and labored. Her hands trembled, her brow dotting with an unwelcomed and heavy sweat. She reached for Asher's hand. He held it, kissing it with his lips.

­

She smiled faintly at his actions. Her lips moved. Her throat squeaked, but her words failed to make a sound.

­

"Baby." Asher sobbed, his head pressing on her chest. He felt helpless. He couldn't move her; she had already lost too much blood.

­

"You have to stay with me." Asher said in a sobbing whisper.

­

"The doctor's here." Joshua said carefully, placing a hand on Asher's shoulder.

­

"I'm not moving from this spot." Asher stubbornly said, as the doctor moved to the other side of the Luna.

­

He listened to her lungs, then he listened to her stomach. He moved the stethoscope around, the furrows in his brow getting deeper and deeper the further he moved the stethoscope. Then the doctor's face went pale.

The Luna coughed, then she gulped. Her breath hitching in her throat.

­

"I'm sorry Alpha, it's too late." The doctor admitted, as the Luna squeaked again.

­

She winced in pain, her other hand cocooning her swollen and bleeding belly.

­

"Shhh, Shhh." Asher cooed, his right hand caressing her hair, as he held her left hand with his own.

­

"It's alright," Asher hummed, his tears pouring down his cheeks, "It's alright." He reassured again, as a fear took over his wife's eyes, darkening their lively green shade, like the darkness of death snuffing out the life from her soul.

­

"I love you." Asher declared, "Do you hear Me? I love you."

­

The Luna nodded with effort. But her brow was still pulled tightly together.

­

"Now you breathe and go." Asher ordered, his eyes hardening. He was preparing himself.

­

The Luna's brows relaxed both in shock and with an underlying relief. It was faint, but it was there.

She raised a shaky finger to Asher's lips. They were opened and releasing soft sobs.

­

"Go." Asher whispered again, then he kissed her hand once more.

­

The Luna gasped, then she squeaked once, twice, and a third. Then her lungs exhaled for the final time in a soft sigh. Her body went still, her chest freezing, her heartbeat seizing.

­

Asher dropped the Luna's hand in a robot-like manner. He barely blinked, but his left lower eyelid twitched. He closed the Luna's eyes, and lowered his lips onto hers, kissing her one more time. Then, with a growl, he jumped to his feet, and ran towards the window. He crashed his body through the remainder of the glass, releasing his form into the open air. He landed on all fours and growled menacingly, then he took off in the direction he believed the attacker went.

­

"Shit! Let's go!" Joshua ordered the guards, as they stormed out of the forest and followed after the Alpha.

­

Asher ran in human form, zipping past the thick trunks of the pine trees of the forest. He zoomed past the dead branches, his heavy footsteps crushing the dry leaves that bedded the forest floor. In the distance, Asher noticed a figure running ahead, and with a louder growl, Asher gave into his wolf, Ash, as his body transformed into a dark grey wolf. His speed improved significantly, the wolf quickly gaining on the figure that ran ahead.

­

Joshua and the rest of the guards were not in wolf form, but they quickly caught up on the Alpha's trail, and followed closely behind.

As Ash became closer and closer to the escaping suspect, Asher was shocked to find that it was a human form, running on two feet, and yet, it was almost as if the feet did not touch the ground. Ash growled again as the figure's scent entered his nostrils. It wasn't human. Their sweat carried the stench of a coffin, or a very stuffy cave, and Asher's suspicions were confirmed. It was a vampire. Specifically, an assassin. They were specially trained to kill and escape.

­

Not this time, Asher told himself. His wolf kicking into high gear with a huff.

­

The vampire ran, not daring to look over his shoulder. If he could make it to the waterfall at the edge of the lake, he'd be able to escape the Alpha. The vampire changed course and headed to his right, going North. He stumbled into the riverbank moments later and didn't wait to fly his way over the water's surface, his feet barely making a splash.

­

Asher knew that if the vampire made it to the edge of the lake, he would lose him. So, he pushed Ash to go faster. But his effort was futile. The vampire made it at the top of the waterfall, and didn't waste a breath before leaping downwards, along with the cascading water.

Asher's wolf crashed into the lake, not caring that he was now wet. Ash threw his head back and howled towards the moon, which was now high and shining light down onto the forest and lake. Ash howled again, and again, and again, his heart aching as he felt the last effects of the mate bond dissipate from his system. The feeling similar to that of his heart being sawed in half, and one side shattered into a thousand pieces, then evaporating in the air of a dark, endless, loveless tunnel.

­

Joshua stopped the guards and told them to wait in the forest. Then the Beta stepped out into the clearing and headed towards the river, with a set of extra clothes in his hands.

­

Ash allowed Asher to transform back, and the Alpha remained on his knees, as he sobbed, his shoulders shaking defeatedly. His bones ached from the run, and his chest squeezed with every shudder and sob. When the Alpha was angry enough, he threw his head back, and released a mournful scream. He beat on his chest and pulled on his hair. Then he screamed some more.

Joshua waited at a distance. His own tears streaming down his face. The Luna was also his best friend.

­

When Asher's burning throat said enough, and his body ran out of salt for his tears, the Alpha simply remained in the water, shaking, his skin running cold, goosebumps paralyzing the nerves of his outer organ. The Alpha trembled, his eyes focusing on the oscillating reflection of the moon, which hung over his head. It was full and grey. Shining as the main spotlight of the evening heavens.

Joshua waited an extra minute, before moving in. He placed a hand on Asher's shoulder, then encouraged him to get out of the water. Joshua allowed the Alpha privacy, so that he could dress, then without a word, he began escorting the Alpha back to the pack grounds.

Asher didn't say a word when he returned on the grounds to find the pack members already holding a vigil for their fallen queen. He didn't say a word when he walked into the room, and found that her body had been removed, and the blood was already clean. Even the window had been blocked with a temporary fabric.

­

Asher remained mute as the Luna's body was lowered into the ground, and one by one the pack members laid flowers on the black mound, some spilling tears, others leaving notes, and stuffed animals for the unborn cub.

After the funeral, Asher returned to the mansion, and aimed to head to his room, but then he stopped at the door which led to the nursery. Asher opened the door. He entered the room coolly, his eyes cold and shut off from the world around him.

He closed the door with his foot. Asher didn't realize it when his fist met the nearby wall. He was cold and unfeeling as he ripped apart the plush toys and destroyed picture frames. Asher raged, screaming, growling and yelling, while he destroyed the entire nursery, the handmade crib, the nursing chair, the soft mattress, the thin pillow, and the fluffy blankets.

­

Once the energy had fully dissipated from his chest, and his anger was no longer fueled by adrenaline from his veins, Asher wiped the snot from his nose, as well as the spit on his lips. He brushed his dark hair away from his forehead, then he walked out of the room, locking it and closing it shut. Once he did so, he kicked off the handle, ensuring that the door would never open again.

Then he went into his room and shut out the rest of the world.