CHAPTER 606: MARRY ALPHA ASHER

"Congratulations, Alpha Asher," kept ringing over and over again until it became a mantra Asher just nodded to. He never thought so many people would show up for the coronation, and now, everyone wanted a moment of his time.

Music pulsed through the courtyard, blending with the smell of roasted meat and sweet wine. Laughter filled the air as the west pack celebrated as if tomorrow would never come.

Asher stood by the long banquet table, half-listening to yet another toast. At his side, Ezra watched quietly, only intervening when it was necessary.

A tall man with a polite smile and expensive cologne approached, his human scent distinct even amidst the crowd.

"Alpha Asher," he greeted warmly, extending a hand. "It’s an honor. Gideon Mann, CEO of Astra Industries, one of Aster City’s top trade companies."

"Astra Industries is a textile conglomerate," Asher noted. "You’re the one funding that women’s manufacturing hub in District Six."

"Indeed," Gideon replied proudly. "We precisely train women, giving them steady income through tailoring and distribution. It’s a noble initiative, and quite profitable too."

That caught Asher’s attention. "And how would that benefit the West Pack?"

Gideon leaned closer. "We could establish a branch here. The older women of your pack, lots of them with no education, could work with us. We’ll provide the equipment and trade access to the human markets. You’d be strengthening the economy and reputation of the West pack."

Ezra nodded in approval. "That’s actually worth considering."

Asher gave a small, thoughtful hum. He could already picture how this would empower the women of his pack, giving them purpose.

"I’ll send Jeremiah to meet with your team," Asher said in a clipped voice. "If your proposal holds merit, we’ll move forward."

Gideon grinned. "Excellent. I knew this partnership would be mutually beneficial." He raised his glass in cheer. "To progress, and to alliances."

But before Asher could respond, the man’s tone shifted. "Also if I may ask, is it true that you’re single, Alpha?"

Ezra almost choked on his drink, side-eyeing Asher.

Asher froze for half a heartbeat before schooling his face into calm. "What makes you think I’m single?"

Gideon laughed, the kind of sly, self-satisfied laugh that grated Asher’s nerves. "Oh, I’ve heard rumors. Something about you being entangled with a human — Violet something?"

"Violet Purple," Asher corrected, his tone sharp enough to cut steel. "And watch the way you say her name."

The businessman’s grin faltered. "Ah, my apologies. But er... rumor has it she’s already mated to three of your fellow Cardinal Alphas." He tilted his head toward Roman, who at that very moment was being cheered on by a crowd as he drank from a keg upside down.

Asher’s eyes flicked to the scene, then back to Gideon, his face expressionless. "So?"

The human chuckled nervously. "Well, I was thinking of a connection, one that would benefit us both." He stepped forward, his voice lowering conspiratorially. "I have a daughter, Clarisse. Beautiful, well-educated, and adaptable. A union between your pack and my family could strengthen both sides. We’d merge trade routes, secure resources, and perhaps, in time, build something greater."

Ezra gave Asher a side glance, the kind that screamed, don’t kill him yet.

Gideon continued, oblivious. "And of course, I’m aware Alphas usually choose she-wolves for lineage purity, but I’m not unreasonable. My daughter could be your second wife. After all," he chuckled crudely, "a wolf needs a Luna to breed heirs, and a human to keep his bed warm. Am I wrong?"

The laughter that followed was deafening, to Gideon, at least because Asher was so disgusted, it practically showed on his face.

Ezra felt the tension and the sudden drop in temperature before he saw it.

"Asher," he warned him.

But Asher had already stepped closer, eyes glowing faintly, voice low and lethal.

"I thought of compelling you to shove your own hand up your ass, but that would be a waste of my ability. So I’ll say it plainly."

The man’s face went chalk-white, but Asher continued, his voice calm yet razor-sharp.

"My woman’s name is Violet Purple. She will one day be Luna of this pack. The only Luna. So take your proposal and your rotten tongue, and crawl back to whatever hole you came from. I only pity your daughter for having an animal like you for a father."

Gasps rippled through the surrounding crowd.

The businessman’s face turned crimson. "You dare speak to me like that? You’re just a newly crowned Alpha! Do you even know who I am? Even your Alpha King speaks to me with—"

Asher growled deep, and guttural. It was the exact kind of sound that made lesser wolves drop to their knees. Gideon stumbled back, tripping over his own feet and landing hard on the floor as laughter erupted from nearby onlookers.

Humiliated, he scrambled upright, glaring at Asher. "You’ll regret this. You’ll all regret this," he spat before storming off, his pride more wounded than his body.

Asher exhaled, finally releasing the tension.

Ezra, calm as ever, handed him a glass. "Here."

Asher took it without a word and downed it in one go.

"If I’m counting correctly," Ezra said dryly, "that makes twelve marriage proposals in one night."

Asher said nothing, and simply grabbed another glass from a passing tray. He knew what Ezra was implying, after all, no Alpha stands without a Luna.

Ezra said casually. "I do hope Violet is up to marrying an Alpha as soon as possible."

"That’s a work in progress. One step at a time." Asher said, a sudden glint in his eyes.

Then, out of nowhere, Asher picked up a spoon from the table and tapped it rhythmically against his wine glass.

Ping, ping, ping.

The sound cut through the noise like a bell, and gradually, the chatter died down. All eyes turned toward him.

"Can I have your attention?" Asher announced with the commanding tone of an Alpha who no longer needed to roar to be heard.