Asher found Claude suspicious, but there was no doubt that he was a good ally. His Alpha didn’t have any other Alpha on his side, and there was only so much the Alpha King could stick his neck out to do for him.

Things were easier with Claude’s support. If no Alpha had agreed, things wouldn’t have gone smoothly for Verlassen as they had. Not only were they free from Vilhelm, but they also had full control of the mine.

Children and young men no longer had to be carted off to the dark mines, with most of them not surviving. And with the war over, Verlassen could be prosperous instead of a dumping ground.

He was appreciative of the Alpha’s generosity but also cautious. He could not think of any particular reason why Claude would be so helpful to Keenan. He understood that they had battled together, but Keenan didn’t sound like Claude owed him anything; it was continually the reverse.

He tried not to think too much about this as he arrived at the main house. But there was no doubt that if they were ever to be betrayed by Claude, it would be detrimental for all of them.

The only person who would have some answers—or at least ease his concerns—was Keenan. They had plenty to discuss.

He marched through the front door, feeling uneasy as his eyes scanned around. He didn’t like to return to the main house, and if he needed to, he usually returned briefly in secret.

The few servants that he ran into all paid their respects, and Asher acknowledged them. He was the Beta and was regarded in that manner even though he stayed away from the main house.

He also still had the same authority. He had offered for Keenan to appoint someone else—someone that could stay closer—but his Alpha refused. His palms turned to fists, and he placed them closer to his body as he walked up the stairs.

Keenan’s room was located on the first floor, and it was almost time for dinner. He was certain he would catch Keenan in his study. He couldn’t avoid it, but he didn’t want to run into her. He promised he would stay away, however long she needed. But it was only easy when he didn’t see her.

He got to the top of the stairs and froze. She hadn’t seen him yet; she was walking down the pathway. He didn’t know where she was headed—not that it mattered. All he could feel was the tightening in his chest and the urge to run after her.

How did she ignore the pull? How was it so easy for her to step away? Was he the problem? Was there something he didn’t understand? He didn’t want to force her, but every time he was in her presence, it sounded like a very good idea.

"Beta Asher?"

She jumped as she saw him, hiding her hands behind her back. Her eyes immediately darted away, and she looked everywhere but at him.

"Hello, Winnie," Asher mumbled and forced himself not to move another step. He doubted he wouldn’t reach for her. He needed a moment to calm his five senses, especially the urge to touch her.

"Y-you’re here?" She asked.

"Yes, I came to see Alpha Keenan, and I will eat dinner here." He didn’t need to add the last part but it was only fair to give her some warning.

"Dinner? I see," she whispered, twisting her hands behind herself.

"Where are you headed?" He asked.

He shouldn’t make conversation; he should just leave. But he couldn’t remember the last time she had spoken to him. Actually, he could clearly remember. It was the day of the wedding, and she had only said his title.

"The workshop," she whispered and reluctantly brought her hands forward. They were stained with dirt.

"Aren’t you done for the day?"

"I think I forgot to put out the kiln," she replied.

Asher nodded. He could smell the smoke on her, but that wasn’t the only thing he could smell. "Okay," he said and forced himself to start walking.

He kept close to the edge. He could see how uncomfortable she looked. She was twisting her fingers and keeping her distance. Asher didn’t like how that made him feel, so he turned his gaze away and walked past her without looking back.

He didn’t think about it as he walked toward Keenan’s room. He didn’t think about how her golden hair gleamed or how he hoped she would look at him. Instead, he knocked louder than he needed to on Keenan’s door.

"Come in," his Alpha’s voice reached him.

He opened the door and bowed his head. He kept his thoughts on his duties and the things he had to do. It was easier than dwelling on the fact that his fated mate didn’t want him.

"Asher," Keenan called and stood to his feet. "What are you doing here?"

"Alpha," Asher said with a tight smile that didn’t reach his eyes. "I figured we would have a few things to discuss."

Keenan stopped in front of Asher, and the bright look at his Beta’s presence disappeared. "Alpha Claude paid you a visit. What bullshit did he tell you?"

"He said Vilhelm called a meeting that he wants you not to attend."

"That is true," Keenan said and returned to his seat. "Have a seat."

"Are you going to attend?" Asher asked as he pulled a chair closer to the desk where his Alpha sat.

The table was covered with paperwork. Asher felt a twinge of guilt. He should be helping here, but he couldn’t be in the main house. Keenan had made him his Beta despite knowing this.

"I have no choice," Keenan replied.

"I will come with you," Asher offered.

"No, you won’t. You will stay here and guard Verlassen. I don’t know how long I will be required to stay in the castle. You’re the only one I can safely leave in charge."

"You can’t go against Vilhelm alone," Asher protested.

"I won’t be alone," Keenan said with a dark look as he held his Beta’s gaze.

"Do you trust him?"

"Trust is not the word." Keenan’s eyes narrowed. "For now, I seem to fit his plans, but if that were to change, he won’t hesitate to toss me aside."

"He gave me his word."

Keenan snorted. "His word doesn’t mean anything. He will do as he likes in the end. It’s best to have no expectations. Better yet, avoid him altogether. The stronger his hold, the worse for us."

"What’s his plan?" Asher asked.

"I couldn’t care less," Keenan replied. "However," his gaze hardened, "I will only bear his antics for as long as it benefits me." 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝙬𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝒎

Asher nodded. He wondered if Claude was aware of that, but being in the presence of the Alpha, he doubted anything escaped his watchful eyes. Asher wasn’t easily worried, but Claude worried him.

"As you wish, Alpha. I have something else to say. I may have agreed to join you all for dinner."

Keenan turned his attention from the table to look at his Beta. "You should have declined. Claude will do whatever he wants. Trying to curry his favor is a waste of time."

"He is our guest, and I am your Beta," Asher declared.

"We don’t have to conform to anything we don’t want..." Keenan stopped himself. "Would you be able to handle it?"

"It’s only dinner," he laughed. "Don’t you think you’re worrying too much? My job is much simpler." He glanced at the table as he spoke.

The corners of Keenan’s eyes softened. "I have only come this far because of you," Keenan said, turning his gaze away. "If that’s what you want, that’s fine."

"Will you take Theo with you?" Asher asked.

"Yes," Keenan replied. "I am certain I will need his speed."

Suddenly, a knock resounded in the space, and Asher turned to look at the door. He stood up and walked to open it. Theo poked his head in, his eyes widening in surprise as he caught sight of his brother.

The sleeves of his linen shirt were wet and rolled up. His hair was also wet and there was sand on his clothes and boots.

"Asher," he called in excitement.

"Brother."

"Theo," Keenan called from behind him.

Theo’s face fell immediately, and he looked nervous. "Alpha Keenan," he called. "I wanted to report."

"Is Claude back in the main house?"

"We just arrived," Theo replied and stepped into the room, shutting the door behind him.

"He was in the orphanage until evening and then went to the beach with Alaina and Theo," Asher chimed in.

"What is it?" Keenan asked when Theo took too long to speak.

"Um, he asked a lot of questions, and Alaina answered."

Keenan narrowed his eyes. "What questions?"

"About the orphanage and what happened when we were younger. Alaina also told him about the reason for the scar."

"Anything else?"

"She also told him you escaped the mines and were caught by Vilhelm when you returned to the orphanage."

"Did she tell him why?"

"No," he whispered, staring cautiously.

Keenan turned all his attention to Theo, his jaw tight. "Did she speak about Penn at all?"