Ashlee’s eyes opened slowly, instantly feeling the weight of exhaustion settle in, but her gaze softened when she noticed Kyle lying beside her, a small, tender smile on his face as he watched her sleep.

“Morning, beautiful,” he whispered in a rough, husky tone, pressing a gentle kiss to her cheek. She couldn’t hold back any longer and began to sob into his arms, catching him off guard.

Is she crying because he kissed her?

“What’s wrong, baby?” he asked, cupping her face as she glared at him, anger simmering in her eyes.

“You… you… Bastard!” She punched his shoulder lightly and cried like a child. Confused but caring, he pulled her closer, letting her vent her emotions.

“I’m sorry,” he murmured, pressing his face into her hair. She stopped crying, studying him carefully.

How many personalities does she have? He could never predict her.

“What are you sorry for?” she asked, her gaze unblinking.

“Wha… I…” His words faltered under her steady stare, leaving him momentarily speechless. What power did she have over him? No one else dared to look at him like this, yet here she was—so fearless.

“I… don’t really know,” he admitted, making a face as he gritted his teeth.

“So, you don’t even know what you’re sorry for?” she asked, nodding in a way that felt more like a challenge. Sitting up, she wiped her face harshly and let out a long sigh.

She glanced at Kyle, who was frowning in confusion, still trying to figure out what he’d done to upset her so much.

“Oh Lord!” she muttered in frustration. Doesn’t he remember last night? How he left her alone in the room, waiting for him until she eventually fell asleep?

Kyle stared at her with a puzzled expression, wondering if she’d seen him at the office last night. Did she see Ciara? He had told Ciara to stay away from Ashlee, and if she’d gone against his orders, there would be consequences.

“Where are you going?” he murmured, grabbing her wrist as she started to get out of bed to prepare for the day. Today was the day—the one she always dreaded—and she needed to get ready.

“Let me go. I’m not in the mood to talk to you,” she snapped, grinding her teeth and rolling her eyes as she turned away from him.

In response, he placed his hand over her mouth, making her face him directly. “Watch your behavior, baby girl. I’m the Alpha. I won’t take no for an answer,” he growled against her lips.

She stood firm, not flinching. “I don’t care. You’re still the perverted jerk who used to stalk me,” she retorted, refusing to yield to his dominance. The tension between them was charged.

Kyle was momentarily taken aback by her response. She was supposed to tremble, to see him as an Alpha and show him the respect everyone else did. But she was different—strong, fearless, and undeniably his.

“You’ll still be mine,” he declared, pushing her back onto the bed, ensuring he didn’t hurt her. She fell onto her back, staring up at him as he hovered above her.

He chuckled, resting his hands on either side of her, locking her in place. His smirk was wickedly teasing. She tried to push him away, but he held her firmly.

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“Stop trying!” he commanded, grabbing her wrists with one hand. “You’re stuck with me now,” he smirked, his tone laced with a sinful promise.

Elsewhere, Collin stood on the edge of a high hill overlooking the forest. His eyes were fixed on the Warbite pack, watching every move with a twisted satisfaction. This was his way of staging an ambush—gathering information on everyone’s strengths and weaknesses.

“What are they doing?” his beta asked, twisting his lips in distaste.

“You idiot. Didn’t you learn anything from living with humans?” Collin sighed, irritated by his beta’s lack of awareness, though his beta was actually stronger than him.

“It’s a funeral,” Collin replied, his gaze remaining sharp as he watched each detail unfold.

In another place, Hagatha laughed wickedly, her crow cawing alongside her as if joining in her sinister amusement. They watched through a magical globe, seeing Ashlee and Kyle together.

“And he thinks he’s in love with her. Poor soul,” she mocked, stifling her laughter.

“Shut up, Brennus. Watch quietly,” she hissed, filling her cup with a thick, green, foul-smelling liquid.

Back in the pack, Ashlee dressed in a matte black outfit with a white collar, her black shoes polished, and a single black flower clip pinning back a section of her hair. She looked in the mirror, her smile faint and weak.

“I should look pretty and clear. Mom always wanted to see my face,” she whispered, fighting back tears.

“You are beautiful. She would love to see you like this,” Kyle murmured, stepping up behind her in his matching black suit.

Ashlee nodded as he embraced her from behind, resting his chin on her shoulder. He wanted to give her the strength she needed to face this day, hoping she wouldn’t have to shed any more tears.

“Let’s go,” he said, holding her hand tightly. He knew that if she broke down seeing her mother, he might not be able to hold himself together either.

“But where are we holding the funeral? Is there a church here?” Ashlee asked, her thoughts racing with questions.

“Don’t worry, I’ve taken care of everything,” Kyle assured her, stroking her shoulder to soothe her.

“Oh, darling,” Cassandra stepped forward, embracing Ashlee with a shaky voice. “I’m sending you all my strength and happiness.”

But Ashlee’s gaze drifted to the man standing next to Cassandra. Kyle seemed tense and uncomfortable in his presence. The man was staring at Ashlee, his expression as cold as stone.

“Oh, I forgot! Ashlee, meet my husband, Radulf Vaughan—Kyle’s father,” Cassandra introduced, though her voice hinted at unease.

“Hello, Sir,” Ashlee said politely, shaking Radulf’s hand as he extended it without a word.

“Sorry for your loss,” was all he said, his tone void of warmth. Even on this day, his pride remained unshaken.

“Why didn’t you greet your dad?” Ashlee whispered as they walked together.

“Let’s talk about that later,” he replied, nodding toward a room filled with people. She followed his gaze, her attention shifting to the crowd.

The room fell silent when she entered, all eyes on her and Kyle. Esyn and Derion sat in the front row, watching quietly. They’d arranged the room to resemble a traditional church.

Ashlee’s mother lay peacefully in the coffin, her eyes closed, her wounds carefully concealed. Her hair was combed perfectly, framing her face. She looked serene, almost as if she were merely sleeping.

Ashlee’s breath caught, but she managed to place a small flower beside her mother, remembering how she’d greeted her with the same flower every morning as a child.

“You were the best mom in the world,” she whispered, with Kyle standing silently beside her, supporting her in her grief. “I’ll always keep you in my heart, Mom. I’ll miss you every day. And tell Dad I miss him too. I know you never wanted me to know about him, but I remember him in my blurry memories.” Her voice broke as tears welled in her eyes, but she clung to Kyle’s hand, grounding herself.

She moved to sit beside Esyn and Derion as the pastor recited prayers for her mother’s soul, hoping they would guide her spirit toward peace. Ashlee didn’t want to speak too much about her mother, and Kyle and Esyn respected her wishes. Even though no one else knew her mother, they buried her with honor.

Ashlee cast a handful of dirt as her final tribute, feeling a sense of bravery replace the sadness that had threatened to consume her.

“Can I ask you a favor? Would you promise to do it?” Ashlee looked at Kyle, her eyes imploring.

He nodded without hesitation, “Of course, anything.”

“I want to see my uncle,” she said, her voice firm and unwavering, catching him off guard.

“Tell me you’re joking, Ashlee.” He stared at her, shock written across his face.

“I’m serious,” she replied, determination flashing in her gaze.

He shook his head, resolute. “Then the answer is no. I won’t let you go near that scumbag.”

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