Forever Forbidden

e scent of the Puget Sound mixed wi

ttime crowd, a mix of tourists, locals, and str

s heightened senses took in everything: the laughter of a group nearby, the clatter

njoy the city without worrying about his new job or the

rs. Her auburn hair shimmered under the string lights, and the wa

lready dragged her too close to his dangerous world once. But another part of him, the part that h

oothly as he step

t her expression softened whe

aid with a small smirk. "Are

warmth through him. "I could say the same

But if you must know, I was just enjoying the

nflowers are my favorite. They

id, his voice dropping sl

reeping into her cheeks. "Well

he stall. "So, tell me, what's a girl like you doing wandering

gh to know my way around. Besides, I lik

ll, maybe you need someone to keep you co

playful smile tugging at he

nly if you let me take you out sometime. Dinner

ng him. "You don't gi

I want," he said, his

her head. "Alright, Asher.

ile genuine. "How about

aid, holding

grip firm but

together, the conversation flowing easily. She talked about her art, her love of the city, and her dreams of someday o

ues, the letter, the constant tension of balancin

rned to him with a smile. "Thanks for walking me

ver in making sure my dinner dates don't g

"Good to know.

, stepping back as

er turned to leave. His senses prickled wit

ensing. The faintest scent drifted towa

," he growled,

ikingly familiar. Tall, broad shouldered, with p

er said, his

" Axton replied, his to

enched. "What ar

casually against a lamppost. "I heard you

,'" Asher snapped. "Yo

nted to see how long it woul

s, Axton. Wha

ng. "I want to know why you abandoned the pack. W

abandon anyone. I left because it was the only way to keep the

ding, it looks like you ran away. Left me to deal wit

tightening. "The pack wasn't safe with me th

ing. "Do you think the city is safe wi

rowed. "Leave Em

n't run from what you are. Sooner or later, it's going t

ut he forced himself to stay calm.

problem in this city. There's something bigger coming, and it's only a matter of t

disappeared into the shadows, leaving

encounter with Axton stirred up memories he'd tried to b

hat his past wasn't done with him y