Chapter 12: The New Beginning

Harper’s POV



Life has been different since getting married. I always thought when I got married, I would be the main bread winner in the couple but having to rely on someone else is a new learning experience for me.

As the Luna, my role within the pack is important. If there is a meeting about who will be hunting for food, I make sure to support Asher’s decisions as the Alpha and prove to the pack that he’s more than capable of leading them without his uncles help. If anyone needs support or guidance I’m always around to help with any problems or concerns.

In the past couple of weeks, I’ve been helping Asher become more confident in his leadership abilities. If he’s unsure about how to handle a situation between two members of the pack having a confrontation, he asks me what I would do. He’s going to his uncles less and less for help. I’m sure they can tell Asher is pushing them away and they’re losing their control over him as each day passes.

Over time I’ve gained the respect from members of the pack. But it’s clear which members are on Julius’s side, and will only go to him for advice or guidance. I don’t think Asher has picked up on it yet, and I hope he doesn’t. I need to gather more information first.

Since the wedding, I’ve been missing home a lot. Before Father dropped the bombshell of the Alpha inheritance, my life was pretty good. I spent my time training to become fitter in case danger were to strike the pack without warning.

Members would come to me for advice or just someone to talk to, especially over my Father. I resolved many conflicts between members that Father never knew about. It was as if no one could trust him to handle things, not the same way I do.

Amaris has been so helpful; she’s always there when I need someone to talk to. As much as I want to confide in Asher, I know he’s a busy man and I don’t want to bombard him with my nonsense.

Amaris and I have been keeping an eye on Julius and Dean. Since the wedding, they’ve been going out of their way to make sure Asher has complete control over the pack. However, I don’t buy their sudden change of heart. I know they’re not being genuine and have ulterior motives. I just need to find out what.

Today the weather has been amazing. The sun is beaming down with force, proving itself to be a hot day. While Asher trains with some friends, I asked if I could get my hands dirty in the garden. He didn’t hesitate to suggest I go crazy and do whatever I want artistically.

Asher directed me to the dusty shed where the gardening tools are kept, and I got into the garden as quick as I could. I started by trimming all the hedges surrounding the backyard. There were hundreds of random sticks across the yard that made it look messy. After cleaning that up, I went into the garden beds to pull out the weeds and make sure the plants in there had enough water in the soil.

It wasn’t long before the sun began to set. I had been so focused on the task at hand I hadn’t noticed the day was slipping away. I stand in the middle of the yard and admire my handy work. I didn’t complete everything on my list but it’s a start. The space looks more inviting for people to use compared to how it used to look.

“It looks amazing.”

I almost jump out of my skin. I turn around to see Asher, a sweaty mess, admiring the yard. He looks happy. I’m sure seeing his home becoming more how he wants it has to make him feel amazing and strong. I’m happy I could help him feel that way.

I smile, “It’s nowhere near done, but once both the front and back yards are complete it’ll feel like a whole new place.”

Asher smiles along with me, “I hope so. I like the way it’s beginning to look.” He moves to stand next to me, placing a strong arm around my shoulder, “I don’t know how I could thank you enough.”

I shove his sweaty arm off me, “You stink, Asher,” I tease him, “You can thank me by taking a shower.”

Asher laughs, throwing his head back, “A happy wife, a happy life.”

I smile, enjoying this rare moment where Asher is laughing in a way which shows he’s genuinely happy. I take in as much of the moment as I can because I know it won’t last forever.

“You know,” I say, turning to face Asher, “I think I might go for a run.”

Asher looks surprised, “Will you find a new special place for us?”

I smile, “This moment right here is my special place.”



---------



Asher’s POV



I’m smiling when I get back to the bedroom. I’ve been feeling really confident in my abilities to lead the pack on my own, and with the support from Harper I’m starting to understand how I should be leading the members.

I jump in the shower as soon as the water is hot enough. I’m happy to see Harper is starting to feel comfortable being here in the compound with the rest of the pack. She’s even gone out on a run for the first time in weeks since she moved in. I’m so happy for her.

Getting close with Harper has made me realize just how much I miss Zoey. I miss the connection I had with her and all the fun we used to have together. She’s funny like Harper and as far as I knew the pack enjoyed having her around. Maybe when the marriage with Harper ends, I should give things a go with Zoey. I feel my heart rate increase at the thought of being with her again.

I turn the water off and begin drying myself off with a towel. Once I’m in my pajamas, I sit down at my desk and contemplate writing a letter. This might be foolish of me to do, but I must know if she feels the same way about me as I do her. The last I heard, when we broke up, she moved back in with her parents, so I’m hoping she’s still there.

I take a pen and paper out from the drawer and address the letter to Zoey. If she receives the letter and rejects my undying love for her then I’ll move on. If I don’t do this now, I’ll regret it for the rest of my life.

I’m not sure how much time passes while I’m writing, but it must’ve been ages because Harper comes bursting through the door, sweat pouring down her face. I shove the pages under a book and turn to her. She’s smiling as she kicks off her running shoes.

“How was it?” I ask, standing to my feet.

“It was amazing!” She runs over to me and wraps her arms around my waist.

I look down at the top of her head lying against my chest, confused.

“Thank you for everything, Asher. I was worried this agreement would be a terrible idea, but I’m starting to enjoy being here with you and the pack,” She looks up at me, her emerald eyes glowing, “I’m feeling confident about getting my Alpha title back, and it’s all because of you.”

The last sentence hits me in the heart. I look over at the desk where the letter is burning an invisible hole through the wood. My stomach is in knots and I’m beginning to regret writing the words etched on the paper.