The Stripper Alpha

e hadn't found a single trace of them, it was like they had vanished into thin air. I kept telling myself this had to be some cruel dream-a test from the Moon Goddess. Ma

son Asael, she had always treated me with understanding and warmth. Not wanting to take her help for granted, I picked up my spoon and forced myself to take a bite. But before the food could reach my mouth, he entered the room. Ashvin. The last time I'd seen him was yesterday, standing rigidly beside his father as he gave orders. I hadn't dared to meet his eyes then, but now, here he was, pulling out a chair and sitting down as though he didn't see me. "Vin..." Luna Verena's voice was tinged with exasperation as she addressed him. "It's about time you set work aside and ate something." He scoffed lightly, picking at the scrambled eggs on his plate. "Everything I do is out of necessity," he replied, his tone clipped. I froze the moment his gaze turned toward me. My heart stuttered, and I looked away, pretending to focus on my food. I still didn't know how to act around him-not after what I'd discovered, and certainly not after what had happened between us. "You know how he is," Asael said as he entered the room, his voice light. "Always working too hard." He greeted his mother with a kiss on the cheek before turning to me. "Hello, Zahra-Rose." His smile was warm, but there was something unfamiliar about it now, something distant. I nodded politely and lowered my head, blocking out the conversation that followed. Instead, I focused on eating, willing myself to gather the strength I needed for what lay ahead. But when I finally glanced up, I found Ashvin staring at me. His gaze held that same intensity as the night at the club, the memory of his lips on mine rushing back unbidden. I remembered the way