Ascension of a Gamma novel Chapter 43

Chapter 43 Recognizing Mirrors

Anna

He settled his head at the crook of my neck and inhaled my scent. It sent shivers down my spine and his teasing soft lips o n my skin made me smile.

“We have to shower again,” I said, giggling

“We can shower later,” he whispered as h e trailed kisses along my jaw.

Sighing, I turned to my side to face him. I traced a finger on his stubble, rough and prickly. “Aren’t you hungry?”

“We can eat later,” he said, taking my finger into his mouth and sucking it. This man was dangerously seductive; I could feel my core ache for him, again.

I took my finger off his mouth and sat up, sheets covering me.

“I have to check up on them, Liam. They didn’t come by today.”

“Aren’t you glad they didn’t?” he asked, smirking

irking

“Come on. Help me out of this. Get up,”I urged before he managed to change my mind, again. I pulled the sheets from him to force him to get up, but he pulled it back to him.

“Oh no, you didn’t-“I said, gasping.

“Yes, I did.”

I was rolled on my side of the sheets but his was just on top of him.

“Get up, now,” I said firmly.

He laid back with both hands behind his head.

Mm… Anna likes.

“I know. You can’t resist me,” he whispered

“Watch me,” I replied, rolling on the bed t o get the sheet off. Just as I reached the edge, he caught me with an arm around m y stomach. His chest pressed on my back and… something else.

“Liam, I need a break.” As much as my body wanted him, I was getting worried a s to why neither Lexy nor Gale came to

o why neither Lexy nor Gale came to check on him, especially since Liam just expelled the poison yesterday. He was in excellent condition, too good actually, but I couldn’t help but feel something was wrong with those guys.

“What‘s wrong?” he asked, sounding concerned. “Did I upset you? I’m sorry. You’re right. Here, we’ll take a shower and then we’ll eat and then we’ll see those two. I’m coming with you. That cheap half-naked stripper might try something when you’re alone.” 1

I burst out laughing at how ridiculous that sounded!

“Liam… did you just… aha… call your… haha… Gamma…”

“Show off your mark. That’ll tell him to back off. Or don’t. Either way, you smell like me now.”

I suddenly stopped and blushed. That came off a bit strong, but I liked it.

Goddess, I love this man.

“Carry me to the bathroom, one who rubbed his scent all over me.”

Tubbed 1115 scent all over me.

“You could be so dramatic,” he said, carrying me bridal style. I couldn’t even grab onto the sheets, so I was keeping his eyes fixed in front by pushing up on his jaw.

He strained to talk. “I’ve already… seen you… and more.”

“Doesn’t mean I can just let you see me naked!” I gasped.

“We’re about to… shower together.” He reasoned. Good point, but still!

After shower, breakfast, and resistance, I finally got him out of the room. Holding his hand, we went out together, and into Lexy’s. I wasn’t going to bother her or anybody else, I just wanted to see how we were doing for ourselves – I had a feeling they weren’t telling me everything. The warriors that passed us by recognized their Alpha and stopped for a moment to greet him and me. They called me Luna…

A glimmer of hope shone in their eyes when they saw him, but one look with mine shared a piece of disappointing news, one that snatched that light. My stomach tightened every time, and I

mach tightened every time, and I found myself asking if it would really be alright even if he didn’t remember. The pack needed him, now more than ever.

As we spotted the facility, I froze. Men carrying an unconscious warrior arrived a t almost the same time. It hadn’t been five minutes yet when the doors opened and they went out and headed back to where they came from, hurrying.

“Are you alright? Anna, you’re shaking.”

I hadn’t realized it until he pointed it out. My hands visibly shook, and I couldn’t get them to stop. My throat felt dry. I licked my lips before responding

“I’m fine.”

“You don’t look -”

“I said I’m fine!” I snapped, shocking m e. “I’m sorry. I… It’s just that… I was reminded of something.”

He rubbed small circles on my hand with his thumb

“Do you still want to go?”

I nodded.

I nodded.

“Wh-When did you… re-rem

He kissed my forehead and my mouth shut.

“We’ll talk when I get back. Trust me.”

I remained frozen on my spot as I watched his back disappear into the

crowd. The loud thumping of fists on chests bounced off the walls, ceding only when he was gone. My mind was a mess o f questions that demanded answers, and undiscernible emotions swirled in my heart. 1

Rigel was fighting for his life. Liam was heading to the frontlines. And here I was, rooted in place, unable to move my legs. Unable to catch up to him… to hold on to his shirt and beg him to stay…

I was rooted in place just like that day when I couldn’t run to save myself. When Head Gamma Aiden turned his back to me for the last time, and the last I saw was the fleeing figure of Alpha Fraser’s wolf.

I was rooted in place, clutching at the vial that hung in my neck, my mind blank and

TUOLITIK t hung in my neck, my mind blank and the world fading…

I’m still the same Anna as back then…

I don’t know how I found myself back at the mansion, in our room. Night had already fallen and he still hadn’t returned.

I bit on my nails, hands shaking, and an uncomfortable knot in my stomach. My nerves on edge, my mind an anxious mess. There were so many things I wanted to tell him, ask him; I was beyond furious that he kept this from me but also worried that I wouldn’t get a chance to. The lights turned off, and the absence of i t from outside worsened my agitation.

Howls came from all directions. They had been for hours on end, suddenly disappearing only for me to hear them again after a few minutes of intervals. Every time, my heart shrank, for it could be his howl that was suddenly cut off.

How long had it been? My swollen eyes stung, and his pillow was drenched. I hugged it tightly to my chest, letting his scent cloud my mind to distract me.

Not another one…

Not another one…

I pleaded with the Goddess to watch over him, although I wasn’t entirely sure she would be with the new moon. Clouds blocked the stars tonight. Nothing was helping…

I needed him – his breathing, physical presence beside me. I needed his warmth t o engulf me, for him to whisper that it was alright. It made me hate myself more. He was risking his life… everyone was risking their lives… and all I could do was sit on my butt and cry and worry. My fingers brushed past his mark – I shouldn’t have let him mark me. He was a strong Alpha; he led a strong pack. Gale, Lexy, Rigel… everyone.

I was a useless Luna. I didn’t deserve his mark. I shouldn’t have marked him. He deserved someone else’s mark. Someone stronger, someone who had a wolf, someone who could help him lead, and fight. That wasn’t me. I was nothing but a scared human who didn’t belong. A baggage to everyone here.

Salina was right. She was right about everything. I could never measure up to her sister.

her sister

The door swung open, ever so slowly. He stood there with the light behind him casting a long silhouette. His breathing ragged and his scent instantly filling the room but with a tinge of blood. Scrambling out of the bed, I ran towards

him.