AllFreeNovel
Share Us
His solemn nod confirms my intuition. “She does. What happened to her...” He trails off, his grip on the steering wheel tightening.
I reach over and gently lay my hand over his, offering a comforting touch. There are moments when words fall short, and all you can do is be there for someone. In this instance, not even a simple “it’s alright” feels appropriate, because what happened to Grace was nothing short of brutal and heartbreaking.
“We have his DNA, but it’s only recently with the change in the council that they’ve even started accepting beta science,” Ashton continues, his voice tinged with frustration. “We’ve kept it frozen for years—one there, and one in Max’s lab. We had to get a special mage to take it and send it north.”
“You’ll find him,” I say with unwavering conviction. I have to believe it. Not just for Grace, but for all the women who have suffered similar fates.
Briefly, I wonder if it’s the same person who attacked the woman in the park or confronted Violet and me outside the dress shop, but I can’t begin to answer that question, as there are far too many alphas willing to harm an omega or a gamma just to sire a child.
Ashton skillfully navigates away from the bustling downtown area, leading us down a side street that eventually takes us to a quieter section of Central City—a part I haven’t had the chance to explore much. This area is nestled in the northern region, closer to the estates where I know the guys reside in a cozy subdivision.
Curiosity and anticipation pulse within me as the landscape shifts from row homes to single-family houses. Here, the homes are closer together, and trees line the streets, barren and frozen. Ashton eventually turns onto another road, where quaint little shops dot the street. He parks the car neatly near the sidewalk.
“Where are we?” I ask, scanning the surroundings and spotting a small movie theater nearby.
“Central east,” he replies, playfully pointing toward our destination. “And right there? That’s where we’re heading, but before we get there, I just need one little answer from you.”
I can’t resist the opportunity to tease him in return. “You don’t have to ask me if you can ask me a question.”
A hint of mischief dances in his eyes as he indulges my banter. “Alright, munchkin,” he says, using the nickname that always makes me smile. “So, here’s the real question. Do you want tacos to go, or would you like to dine in?”
I hum thoughtfully and tap my lips, feigning deep contemplation. “If we go for takeout, where are we going afterward?”
Without a moment’s hesitation, he answers with a casual confidence that sends a spark of intrigue through me. “We’re heading to the estate,” he declares, his voice holding the promise of coziness and relaxation. “I can see the gears turning in that beautiful head of yours. At the estate, we’ve got a fireplace, cozy blankets, pillows, and an array of movies.”
My decision is finally made, and I nod, peering over his shoulder at the small restaurant that looks like a hidden gem.“To go, please. Will you be so kind as to order for me? I need to call Violet and have her check on the cats.”
“Consider it done,” he says, demonstrating his thoughtfulness. Instead of leaving the car, he pulls out his phone to place our order. With a crooked smirk, he playfully needles me. “Did you really think I’d leave you alone in the car?”
I can’t help but chuckle at his teasing, appreciating how these men look out for me. I quickly send a text to Violet, promising to call her later for aproof of lifeupdate before returning my attention to Ashton.
It’s fascinating how identical twins can evolve to have distinct identities as they age. Avery and Ashton’s individuality seems to be as much about how they carry themselves as their physical appearance.
I realize I’ve been staring. A hint of color tints his cheeks as he looks at me from beneath his thick lashes, his fingers finishing up the order on his phone. He presses a button and sets the device aside before fully turning toward me. Those striking blue eyes of his, flecked with gold, are like a magnetic force drawing me in.
“You have golden flecks in your eyes,” I remark, tempted by their mesmerizing allure. I curl my fingers into tight fists to keep myself from reaching out and touching him.
“Avery and I are the only deltas in our family,” he shares, his gaze drifting to my lips, heating up the atmosphere inside the car. “We suspect it’s because we come from a long line of alphas.”
I can’t help but tease him about his illustrious family history. “The infamous Griffons, right?”
“So you know.” He grins playfully, turning to face me more directly and resting his head on the seat. It’s a surprisingly intimate gesture, and for some reason, it sparks thoughtsof romance movies—couples sitting in cars on Lover’s Lane, sharing conversations, and perhaps something more.
“Is it true?” I ask, my fingers gently tracing along the lines of his palm as I indulge my curiosity. The intimacy of the moment feels electrifying, and I can’t help but wonder about the intriguing tales of his family’s history.
Ashton’s breath hitches ever so slightly, his hand held still beneath my touch. “My brother can lengthen his nails, and he can move faster than most alphas,” he confesses. There’s a hint of vulnerability in his voice as if he’s sharing a cherished family secret. “There’s a story in our family, a legend that dates back before the war that tore our society apart. It’s said that Griffins could shift into mighty beasts.”
I pause my exploration of his palm, my eyes locking onto his. Shifters? “I’ve never heard of that before,” I admit, my curiosity piqued. I imagine the possibility of Ashton shifting into a legendary creature, and it sends a thrilling shiver down my spine. Would I still recognize him if he transformed before my eyes?
“I don’t know if it’s true,” he confesses, his fingers curling around mine as if seeking comfort, “but I like the story. I like to think that we were so much more than we are now.”
“More in tune with nature? Wilder?” I inquire, my gaze rising to meet his. Our eyes lock, and the connection feels magnetic, like we’re sharing a secret language known only to us. It’s a feeling I’ve experienced with each of these men, and it’s both thrilling and intoxicating.
“Exactly,” he affirms, his gaze dropping to my lips. “I want to kiss you, Seraphina.”
My heart flutters in response to his words. “You should kiss me,” I reply, my anticipation building with each passing second.
Ashton hesitates, his uncertainty evident, so I take the initiative, leaning in to capture his lips with mine. The taste ofnutmeg mingles with brown sugar, creating a delightful sensory explosion that fills the car. I gasp softly into our kiss, feeling a cramp ripple through my core at the touch of his lips.
