The Stripper Alpha

ng I did pushed me beyond my limits, I worked, I learned, I sweat, and yet it never seemed to be enough. Luna Verena and the women who thought me were hell-bent

my injured hand out of sight. He moved closer, and as I studied his sharp features, the strength in his stance, and the quiet power he carried, I felt a strange awareness settle over me. A reminder. He was my husband now. My Alpha. My owner. "Let me see," he said, his tone firm. I shook my head. "It's fine." "Zahra-Rose, let me see your hand." His voice turned sharp, making me flinch. Without thinking, I threw my hand forward, my body trembling slightly. "I..." He hesitated when he saw my reaction, his expression shifting. I turned my face away, focusing on the sky instead of the way my heart pounded. A moment later, I felt his fingers brush against my wrist. Before I could pull away, he sat down beside me. "I didn't mean to raise my voice." His voice was softer now. Blinking in surprise, I turned to look at him. I wasn't expecting an apology. "It's okay," I said quickly, stuffing my hand back at my side. Silence stretched between us. It was the first time we had been alone since the wedding, yet neither of us seemed to know what to say. Without warning, Ashvin took my hand again. "I need to see it." I stiffened as he examined the wound, his brows knitting together in frustration. "Where did you get this?" he demanded, his voice suddenly sharp again. "Where do you think?" I snapped, irritation bubbling up. "I've been training for two days. What else could've caused it?" I yanked my hand back, shifting away from him. He sighed, rubbing his temples. "What kind of training is my mother putting you through?" I scoffed. "Why don't you ask her?" Standing up, I crossed my arms, relishing the fact that for once, I had the height advantage. "If you