Ashton's POV 

I had just finished my training session for the day and was headed back to my apartment to shower. I usually train early in the morning, because it gets me focused for the day; and because it helps me avoid the group of she-wolves who linger around afterward, hoping to flirt.

This morning had been different. I had an early meeting with Oliver, which I accepted without hesitation. He never asks for formal meetings unless it’s important. I’ve known him since I was a kid, and I trust him with my life.

I could hear the sighs behind me as I pulled my shirt over my head. I wasn’t about to pretend I didn’t notice them staring. The other guys in the pack might enjoy the attention, but I wasn’t interested. My mate wasn’t here, not in this pack and I had made peace with that. I was still waiting for her, wherever she was.

Then came the sound of footsteps running toward me. I already knew who it would be: Rita and Elena. They never missed a chance to approach me, no matter how many times I made it clear I wasn’t interested. I made a mental note to make sure to schedule all future meetings for after ten in the morning. I was not going to fall into this trap again.

“Alpha Ashton, wait up!” Elena whined from behind me.

I didn’t stop walking. They never had pack matters to discuss, it was always some foolish attempt at flirtation. Still, when they sprinted ahead and blocked my path, I paused. As much as I wanted to keep moving, walking through them would have been too rude.

“Alpha Ashton,” Rita said, eyes wide with hope, “I heard the Black Moon pack is hosting a ball for unmated wolves in two months. Are you planning to attend?”

At least she got to the point.

“I’m considering it,” I replied flatly. “I already know my mate isn’t here. If I haven’t found her by then, I might go.”

I stepped around them and continued toward the new pack house. They already knew they weren’t my mate, yet they kept trying. I didn’t see the point in humoring them.

At twenty-three, I was ready for mine. I craved that connection and wasn’t willing to settle for anyone less.

I wanted to get back to my apartment and go over what Oliver had told me earlier. It had been brief, but enough to weigh heavily on my mind. I didn’t have time for childish games.

Normally, I’m patient with my pack, but Rita and Elena pushed every limit. They refused to accept “no” and pretended they didn’t understand I would never choose a mate, let alone a Luna, from among them.

I heard them chasing after me again and exhaled sharply. I was hot, sweaty, and ready for a shower, not another round of this nonsense.

I stopped and turned to face them. “I’m busy. I don’t have time for games,” I said firmly. Their faces fell with disappointment. Rita opened her mouth to protest, but I didn’t let her speak.

“If you keep this up, I’ll speak to your fathers about your disrespect toward your Alpha. I won’t be held hostage to your whims. You may have time to waste chasing after me, but I don’t. If you have real pack concerns, take them to Alex or Tim. Don’t approach me again unless it’s an emergency.”

With that, I turned and walked away. I knew they would be pouting, but the line had been drawn. If they tested it again, I wouldn’t hesitate to use Alpha command. Enough was enough.

Once I reached my floor, I went straight to the shower, replaying Oliver’s words in my mind.

“Ashton, I’m sorry for the early morning meeting, but I had to tell you, special visitors are coming tonight,” he had said the moment he entered my office.

He didn’t waste time. The words rushed out of him like a dam breaking. That wasn’t like Oliver. I’ve seen him in every situation imaginable, and he’s always composed. Not today.

“Luke had a vision last week, it was vague. But last night’s was clearer. Three rogues will arrive tonight. Let them in. They’re being chased. The men following them will kill to get them back.”

“Three rogues?” I asked, wary. “Are you sure they’re safe? I can’t risk the safety of Red Crescent just to help strangers.”

He nodded, hair a mess from running his hands through it too many times. “They’re not a threat. They’re sisters. Luke said the Moon Goddess herself is guiding them here. You need to let them in quickly; their pursuers are close.”

I studied him carefully. He was more agitated by the second. Something wasn’t right.

“What aren’t you telling me, Oliver? You know I respect you and Luke, but I can’t gamble with the lives of my pack. I’ll need to meet them first. If I sense even a hint of danger, they won’t stay.”

He paced before facing me again, eyes intense. “Ashton, I didn’t want to say this. I didn’t want to take that moment away from you. But please… trust me this once. One of those women is my mate. I can feel it. Don’t let her be taken when I’m this close to finding her.”

That stopped me cold. His desperation wasn’t just concern, it was personal. His mate was coming, and she was in danger. I could see it in his eyes, this wasn’t just important. This was everything.

I groaned but nodded. “I’ve mind-linked the gate guards. If three female rogues show up, they’re to let them in immediately. I’ve also ordered the secondary security gate activated and bollards raised. If anyone’s chasing them, they won’t get through unless they’re in a tank.”

Oliver exhaled in relief. “I hope you’re right,” I said. “For their sake, and for ours.”

Because if we were wrong… I had just opened the gates to the unknown.