Asher was a whirlwind of fury and focused on the Royal Pack's training grounds. Each strike, punch, and movement was sharp and deliberate, his body moving like a finely tuned machine. His frustrations had built up: about Bella, about the uncertainty of their fate, and the pressure of his impending birthday. It all poured out through the rigorous training, each strike of his fists against the training dummies resonating with the storm brewing inside him.
King Markus, his uncle, stood nearby, observing Asher with a sharp eye, even as he spoke quietly on his phone. The conversation was with Azriel, Asher’s father, who was just as anxious for the days ahead.
"Asher is formidable," Markus said, his tone one of approval. "He’s giving everything he has in this training. You should see him. There’s a raw intensity in him, but it’s calculated. He’s not like other young wolves who act on impulse, he’s precise. It’s like he has an iron grip on a velvet glove."
Azriel chuckled softly at the other end of the line. "Yes, he’s always been that way. I’m so proud of him. His strength is tempered with control. He’s not reckless."
Markus nodded, though Azriel couldn’t see it. "You did well with him. Asher’s going to make a great leader one day. He doesn’t just possess physical strength, there’s a quiet power in him. That’s what makes him dangerous, in a good way. He doesn’t act without thinking."
Azriel’s pride was evident even through the phone. "He has a good head on his shoulders. It’s in times like these I see so much of Lora in him. He has her calm, her grace in handling situations. He thinks before he leaps."
"That he does," Markus agreed.
"Has Kaia had any more visions?" Azriel asked cautiously, knowing the weight of those words.
Markus sighed. "No, nothing since the one she told me about. I hope it stays that way, though I’d rather be warned if something else is coming."
"We’ll see you tomorrow for Asher’s birthday. I’m looking forward to seeing how things unfold." Markus added.
"Yes, tomorrow," Azriel replied. "It’ll be an important day for all of us."
As their conversation ended, Markus’s gaze returned fully to Asher. He watched as his nephew finally paused, sweat dripping down his face, his chest heaving from the exertion. His expression remained impassive, though Markus knew his mind was likely still a whirlwind of emotions. After a few more grueling hours, Markus signaled for the training session to end, letting Asher take a well-deserved break.
Exhausted but not broken, Asher made his way to the showers. He let the water pour over him, washing away the sweat, but it couldn’t wash away the tension coiled inside him. It was a strange anticipation that had been building over the past few days, his birthday loomed, but more than that, the possibility of finally knowing if Bella was his fated mate kept him on edge.
After the shower, Asher threw on a fresh shirt and made his way to the common area, where he was greeted by his younger cousin, Kaius. Despite the age difference, the two boys were close, bonded by family ties and a shared sense of humor.
Kaius grinned as he plopped down next to Asher. "Man, you’re looking beat. They really worked you out there."
Asher smirked, rolling his shoulder. "Yeah, it was brutal. But I needed it."
Kaius, tall and lanky but starting to fill out with muscle, nudged Asher’s arm playfully. "I can’t wait to see your wolf, man. You know the whole pack’s been buzzing about it."
Asher smiled softly. His wolf, Bolt, had spoken to him on rare occasions since he was very young, but his connection with him had remained somewhat mysterious. There was an ancient power in his wolf, something that had always felt deeper than the typical bond wolves shared with their human counterparts. Even though Bolt didn’t talk much, Asher could feel the intensity of his spirit, lurking beneath the surface.
"Yeah, I’m curious to see him in his full form too," Asher admitted, leaning back in his chair. "He doesn’t say much, but when he does, it’s like he’s this old soul. There’s power in him."
Kaius’s eyes widened in excitement. "Ancient spirit, huh? That’s so cool. Do you think your wolf’s like… super old?"
Asher chuckled. "Feels like it sometimes. He’s always got this calm, serious energy, like he’s seen it all before."
Kaius shook his head in awe, clearly fascinated. "Well, I can’t wait to see you shift. But I have to ask," he said, leaning in conspiratorially. "Are you excited about meeting your mate?"
Asher exhaled, running a hand through his still-damp hair. "Yeah, I am. I just hope…" He trailed off, unable to finish the thought. His mind instantly went to Bella, her face flashing in his thoughts.
Kaius grinned mischievously, as if sensing the direction of Asher’s thoughts. "Do you think it’ll be Bella?" he asked bluntly.
Asher's head snapped toward his cousin, eyes widening in surprise. "Why did you say that?"
Kaius laughed, giving him a playful shove. "Come on, dude, I’m younger, not blind. Anyone with half a brain can see there’s something between you two. You’ve always been close, but lately? It’s like… electric."
Asher looked at him for a long moment, then shook his head with a faint smile. "You’re too observant for your own good, you know that?"
"Hey, just call it like I see it," Kaius replied, raising his hands in mock surrender. "So? You think it’s her?"
Asher let out a long breath. "I don’t know, man. I hope so. I really do. But we’ll see soon enough."
Kaius leaned back, crossing his arms. "Well, if it is her, then you’re one lucky guy. Bella’s cool." He paused for a second, then smirked. "
The night had passed in a blur for Asher, as if his mind couldn't slow down enough to make sense of anything. When dawn broke, it felt too soon, as if the night had barely stretched its wings before it was over.
As soon as his phone lit up, he was bombarded with messages. Texts from pack members, notifications from social media, all wishing him a happy birthday and excitement for his special day. It seemed like everyone in the world knew how important today was, and that only added to his restlessness. He felt the weight of every minute that passed, counting down until the moment when he would see Bella again, when they would finally know if the bond between them was destined or just a fleeting hope.
His head spun, and there was a strange dizziness that lingered with him throughout the morning. He was too wired, too anxious to eat properly. He tried to nibble on toast and eggs, but his stomach twisted with anticipation. Even his cousin Kaius noticed.
"Are you good, man?" Kaius asked, raising an eyebrow as he sat across from Asher at breakfast.
Asher pushed his plate away, rubbing his temples. "Yeah, just… anxious. Everything feels off today."
Kaius smirked, a gleam of mischief in his eyes. "It’s your birthday. Maybe your wolf’s getting all fired up, knowing he’s about to come out tonight."
"Maybe," Asher replied, though he wasn’t sure if it was just his wolf or his human half that was jittery with nerves.
Around midday, Asher finally managed to steal a few moments to call Bella. The sound of her voice immediately soothed some of the tension gnawing at his insides. She sounded soft and sweet, like she always did, but he could hear the anticipation lacing her words.
"Happy birthday, Asher, I tried to call you this morning," Bella greeted him, her voice bright but filled with something deeper, something intimate.
A smile tugged at his lips, despite his nervousness. "Thanks, Bells. It means a lot."
There was a brief pause, as if neither knew exactly what to say next, the weight of everything unsaid hanging between them.
"I can't wait to see you tonight," Bella finally added, her voice almost a whisper, but the words carried so much meaning that Asher felt his heart race.
"I miss you," Asher said softly, feeling a warmth bloom in his chest despite his nerves. "And yeah, I can’t wait to see you too. Tonight… everything changes."
They both lingered at that moment for a second longer, before reluctantly ending the call. Asher leaned back against the wall, his pulse thudding in his ears. His heart felt like it was ready to burst, caught between hope and the unknown.
The hours after that passed in a blur. His mind was too scattered to focus on anything, and soon enough, it was time to leave for the pack. Alongside his cousin Kaius, his aunt Kaia, and his uncle Markus, they boarded the royal helicopter, which would take them straight to his pack’s lands.
As the chopper's blades whirred to life and the machine lifted off the ground, Asher’s heartbeat seemed to quicken in sync. Every mile they covered, the closer they got to his pack, the louder the anticipation roared in his chest. His hands were slightly clammy, and despite the cool air in the helicopter, he could feel the heat radiating from his skin. Kaius noticed his state and shot him an amused glance.
"Nervous, huh?" Kaius teased, nudging him with an elbow. "You’re not going to pass out on us, are you?"
Asher gave him a half-smile, though it didn’t reach his eyes. "Not quite. Just… there’s a lot riding on tonight."
Kaius nodded, more serious now. "I get it. But whatever happens, you’ve got this."