Chapter 26 - Asher
I felt someone pulling closer to me and peeled my eyes open. Hazel was curled up in my arms. Her hair was thrown over her shoulder, and her back was pressed against me. I smiled, tugging her closer. I still couldn’t believe this was our life a few months later.
After taking down the energy source for the hybrids, we ran. We made it back to the pack and waited patiently for the others to return. They arrived. Everyone was alive. There were injuries, but no one was dead.
The hybrids lost their ability to shift, which made it easy for us to hunt them down. Without being able to move, they didn’t have much strength against us.
“Is it morning already?” Hazel asked. She rolled over and pressed her face into my chest. “Don’t make me get up.”
I chuckled, rubbing my hand over her back. “I would love to say we can stay in bed all day today, but we do have Westley’s birthday, so….we should probably get up.”
She grunted, slowly popping her head up. “I suppose that is a good enough reason to leave the bed.”
I looked past her toward all the clothes that lay on the floor. “Are you going to by chance hang up your clothes? Or do I have to keep stepping over them?”
She scrunched up her nose. “You’re the one who made us move into the bedroom with the smaller closet. It’s not my fault you don’t have space for all my stuff.”
I hooked her chin. “Sounds like we should remodel and make you a bigger closet.”
“Or we could just move our bedroom upstairs. It has a huge walk-in closet.”
I shook my head. “But my king-size bed won’t fit in there. Which would you have, space in a bed or a bigger closet?”
She pouted, batting her eyelashes at me. “Why can’t I have both?”
“Tusha.” I kissed her softly. “But you still need to get your clothes off the floor. I’ll give up space in the closet for you until we decide what to do.”
I slid out of the bed and slipped out of the bedroom. I started a pot of coffee as I scanned through the fridge for breakfast. Hazel came down the hallway and propped herself on a chair at the island.
“Speaking of remodeling, or just talking about change in general, what exactly do you want out of this house?”
I raised an eyebrow at her. “What do you mean?”
“It is small. Do you want to stay here? I mean, if you want, we can always look for something fancy. You bought this little, rundown house for me, didn’t you?”
I smirked. “I bought this house because the bones were good. It’s small, but it’s a huge lot, which means you can add onto it. I didn’t buy anything fancy on purpose because I like to put my own touches onto houses.”
“Oh, so then what is your plan for this house?”
“I figured we would extend. Make the main bedroom bigger and add a couple more down the hallway. Wouldn’t be hard. Then we can extend the living room, maybe add a fireplace.”
Her eyes sparkled. “Really? What else?”
I watched her for a moment. Since being back, I knew what everyone else was thinking. We hadn’t had that decision yet, but I wondered if she wanted to.
“Do you want to have a conversation about children?”
She chewed on her cheek. “Maybe.”
I smiled. I never saw myself as a father. I always put work first. I never planned to settle down and get married. I never thought I would be married.
“Maybe. I don’t exactly want them right now. I know the others are itching to get pregnant, but…I just want it to be us for a few years. Is that selfish of me?”
I shook my head. “No. I like that idea. Gives us time to grow as a couple and focus on ourselves. We got married pretty fast.”
We cooked breakfast together. Hazel talked about her plans to head over to the city council to help the others decorate.
Gabriella and her had been planning this party for a couple of weeks now.
Gabriella explained that we’d all been so busy with work and trying to get rid of the hybrids that we needed a night to have fun and party.
“What are your plans today?” she asked as we ate.
“I’m heading over to visit with my mom for a couple of hours this afternoon. I’ll send your love.”
Hazel softened. It was another aspect that had changed.
Since my return, I have made it very clear where I stand with Hazel.
My father and I had a big blowout, which ended with us not talking for weeks.
My mother called me a couple of days ago, saying she wanted me to stop by.
I hadn’t expected my father to apologize.
I also hadn’t expected her to have given him an ultimatum.
He either fixed the relationship with me or worked at it. Or, she was leaving him.
“Are they going to the party tonight?” she asked. “I feel like it’s been a while since I’ve seen your folks.”
“They will be there. My mother is eager to spend some time with you.”
She glanced at her phone and frowned. “Damn it. Is it already nine? Crap. Gabriella is going to kill me. She wanted me to be there at nine.”
She pulled herself up and hurried back down the hallway. “Don’t forget the party starts at one.”
I put the leftovers away and placed all the dishes into the kitchen sink. Hazel came back down the hallway wearing a tight purple dress. She was trying to pop on heels while she grabbed her purse. “Okay, I have to go. Can you bring the present? It’s wrapped on the dresser.”
“Sure, what did we get him?”
“A watch that Gabriella said he’d been eyeing up.” She walked over, kissing my cheek. “Alright, I’ll see you later. Love you!”
“Love you.”
She hurried out the door, and I chuckled. I turned and cleaned the kitchen before I went and changed. I grabbed the gift and headed to the car. I drove across town over toward my parents’ place. I rode the elevator up and knocked on the door.
My mother pulled it open and smiled. “Oh, honey!” She wrapped her arms around me, kissing my forehead. “You look dapper today.”
“Well, we do have Westley’s birthday later today.”
“Yes, I remember. I got him a gift card to a restaurant downtown. Do you think he’s going to like that?”
I nodded. “I’m sure he will. Where is dad?”
“He’s out, but he’s going to be there.” She shut the door as I came inside. “So, how have you and Hazel been? Are you both starting to get back to a normal life? I know that you’ve been pulling long hours.”
I was still working a lot of nights while the others worked days and searched for the hybrids. It was a long process, but we were safe behind the barriers.
“We’re getting back to normal. We’ve both been busy, but things seem to be coming along. How have you been?”
She smiled. “I’m good. I got a job at the school. So, I start this spring. I’m looking forward to that.”
I stayed and chatted with my mother. She asked about Hazel, and when I told her about the remodel idea, she was eager to help. She explained that they were thinking of buying a house. She wanted space that was hers and a garden. My brother was planning to take over the lease.
“I’m glad you found someone.” She squeezed my hand. “I worried we screwed you up.”
I frowned. “You thought you screwed me up?”
She nodded. “You took after your father in some aspects.”
I snorted. “Funny, because Hazel says I take after you.”
Her eyes widened at this. “Really?”
I nodded. “Yeah. She says she sees you in me.”
She smiled. “Well, that warms my heart. She must know you well.”
She did. She knew me better than anyone else.
I arrived at the city council a little before one and headed into the large meeting room. Inside, you could see streamers hanging and balloons everywhere. The room was dripping in gold and black. There were tables set out with fancy plates. I searched the space, and found Hazel was near the food.
I headed over, wrapping my arms around her, and kissed the top of her head. “Hello, darling.”
She leaned back against me, looking up. She smiled. “Hello. How does it all look?”
“It’s very festive in here.”
She chuckled. “Gabriella said to go all out, and she did.”
I glanced around the room, taking in all the people. Music was playing from a band near the left corner. There were a couple of food tables and a dessert bar. There were a couple of waiters going around with drinks.
“Well, we should enjoy the time together.” I hooked her hand and pulled her into my arms and twirled her. “A dance?”
She beamed. I pulled Hazel onto the dance floor and pulled her close. She giggled as we spun around.
We laughed all night. We told stories about Westley and listened to Gabriella spill secrets about him. Hazel stood with me all night, her smile never leaving her face.
It was a little after five when we decided to head home. Hazel giggled as he left, having had a few drinks. She had a blush on her face as we got to the car.
“Did you have fun?”
She nodded. “I did, and your mother is so sweet. We’re going to have lunch tomorrow.”
I helped her into the car and drove us home. Hazel ran her hand along my thigh, and when I glanced at her, I saw a smirk pull at her lip. She was doing it on purpose.
As soon as we got home, I pulled her in for a kiss. After watching her dance and laugh for hours, I didn’t think I could fall for her more. But I was. Every time she looked at me, I felt myself swoon a little more.
I reached out, pulling her jacket off. I hooked her chin and kissed her deeper. She moaned as she leaned against me. Her hands are resting on my chest. “You taste like the cake frosting.”
“As do you,” I chuckled. I pulled her down the hallway toward the bedroom. I pulled at my shirt, unbuttoning it. I tossed it off and grabbed her dress. Her legs hit the bed, pulling her to a stop. I hoisted the dress up and over her head.
She was wearing a deep red lacey panty and bra set underneath. The bra was see-through, and I inhaled sharply. “Fuck, is this new?”
She blushed. “Yes.”
I reached a hand out, stroking one of her nipples over the fabric. “I like this.”
“I thought you might.”
I pulled her toward me, kissing her deeply. Her mouth parted, and I slid my tongue over hers. She moaned louder, and we fumbled back onto the bed.
I reached my hand beneath us, sliding my fingers lower. I slid my hand underneath her underwear and found her clit. Her hips bucked as I stroked my thumb slowly, doing the rhythm that she liked.
Her back arched, and she moaned softly. I ran my tongue down her neck, listening to her breath hitch. Her nails dug into my skin as she clawed at my arms.
I felt her hips buck as I slid two fingers into her. Her head rolled back as I pumped my fingers, knowing exactly what she liked.
“Oh god,” she cried out, her legs shaking violently.
“I love watching you splayed out like this.” I kissed her thigh, waiting for her to hit her release. “And I loved watching you come even more.”
I felt her tighten around my fingers, and her mouth dropped open as she came apart. Her nails dug deeper, and I was pretty sure she drew blood. I watched as she moaned, her body shaking before falling limp into the bed.
I hooked her legs wide and moved between her legs. I pulled my pants off, letting my dick free. I stroked myself a few times, letting her watch. I enjoyed it when she watched me; her eyes always looked amazed, as if she were fascinated.
I rubbed my cock against her entrance, feeling just how soaking wet she was for me. I slowly slid in an inch before pulling myself out. I watched how her face shifted.
“Don’t toy with me, Asher.”
“But it’s fun.” I tease as I slide an inch in again before pulling out. I watched the anger build up; she was displeased.
“Asher…” she begged. “Please..”
I chuckled. “I still know how to seduce you.”
She hooked her legs around me. “Yes, now please.”
I slammed into her, and her moan was loud. It echoed around the space as I pulled her hips up, changing the angle. I wasn’t slow or gentle. I knew my wife liked to get fucked every once in a while, and tonight was no different.
“Oh god.”
I felt my own release growing close, so I reached down, rubbing circles over her clit. I could feel her tightening, her body getting close to her own release.
I grabbed her hips, feeling the bed creaking as I slammed into her once more. I came hard, feeling her tightening around me like never before. She came, crying out my name.
I held myself up as I panted for air. My entire body relaxed as she sagged against the bed. Her eyes were closed as she tried to catch her own breath. I smiled, curling her hair around my fingers.
“You are my home.”
Her eyes opened, and she smiled. “You’re mine.”
I fumbled into the sheets, tugging her next to me. I stroked her hair as she pulled a pillow under her head. She reached a hand up, running it over my chest.
“In all the world, Hazel. You are my everything.”
I could see her eyes sparkle as she smiled. “I can’t wait to see it all with you. The world.”
I’d seen a lot of it, but nothing was like being with her. No place on this planet felt like home like she had.
*****
THE END