Charlotte's POVWe were some in the kitchen, and then I turned to him with a serious expression."Asher," I called. "Tell me why you're really here.""Huh," he looked surprised by my sudden question.As I turned to face Asher, I could see the serious expression on his face. I asked him, my voice firm but curious, "What are you really doing here, Asher? What's going on?"Asher took a deep breath, his eyes locked on mine. "Alright, you caught me. I came to convince you to come to the dance with me, Charlotte. I was serious about what I said to the crowd. I know I messed up before, but I can't help how I feel. And I feel like I need to make it right with you."His words took me aback. I hadn't expected him to be so sincere, so genuine. I could see the vulnerability in his eyes, and it made my heart melt. I had been so angry with him for so long that I never realized Asher could have emotions like this."Asher, I...I don't know what to say," I stuttered. "You hurt me so badly before. I do

Sophie's POV "Sneak into the pack house, Sophie, and find those expensive gems; obey or anything of value, and bring them to. Me. We need them to survive." I was horrified and scared, but he just shook me, his eyes cold and hard. "Do it, Sophie. Do it, or else I'll make you live in regret," Dad said to me coldly and released my neck as I was running out of breath.I fell to the ground, feeling my head spin, and he only looked at me in disgust and annoyance. "You better do as I say, Sophie." He glared at me and stormed out of my room, leaving me on the floor and in tears. I sat there for minutes, crying and thinking about how unfair life was to me.Dad was being so cruel and unfair to me; I wondered what I had done to make him hate me so much. I couldn't stop the tears from streaming down my face. I kept thinking about what I was going to do. Deep down in me, I couldn't afford to refuse my father and say no to him. I didn't want to steal from the pack house. I couldn't implicate Charl

Charlotte's POVI hung the call-up and let out a sigh. I looked out the window. I sighed, tired. I hadn't meant to sleep off at Asher's place and had no idea I would sleep for that long. Mom must be so worried that I had slept out again without informing her beforehand or telling her where I was last night.The cab man told me he had arrived, and I thanked him and paid him for his services. I got out of the car and walked to my front door.I walked up the path to my front door, feeling a mix of emotions: guilt, anxiety, and exhaustion. I had spent the night at Asher's house, and nowI knocked on the door, and after a few seconds, my mom opened it. Her expression was a mix of surprise and worry, like she had been up all night waiting for me. I felt even more guilty. I had seen missed calls from her earlier, but I wanted to face her and explain. Like the last time, I didn't mean to sleep over at Asher's place."Charlotte?" Mom called, and I gave a sheepish smile."Hi, Mom," I mumbled, a

Charlotte's POVAs we reached the bottom of the stairs, Asher stepped forward, a big smile on his face. "Charlotte, you look breathtaking," he breathed out, his voice low and gentle. He handed me a beautiful rose."Perfect, that's what you are."I blushed even harder, feeling self-conscious but thrilled by his compliment. Asher leaned in, his lips brushing against mine in a soft, gentle kiss. It was a sweet, romantic gesture that left me feeling fluttery and feminine.Sophie smiled knowingly, and Asher then noticed her. "Hi, Asher," She greeted timidly. "I... I'm a friend of Charlotte's," Sophie said embarrassingly, and I giggled."Asher, this is my friend Sophie. She'll be coming with us as she has no date," I explained to Asher, and he nodded his head, not taking his eyes off me, which had me blushing even more. He turned for a second to glance at Sophie as if confirming whether she was there or not, and Sophie seemed highly nervous in his presence."Hmm, good to meet you, Sophie,"

Sophie's POV"You can drop me here, sir," I said, stopping the cab driver. He parked a little far from the pack house, and I didn't want to be seen pulling up in front of the pack house. It would look too suspicious. I paid the man and got out of the car. My dress was too long and uncomfortable; it made me walk slowly.I took the edges and ripped my beautiful dance dress. I watched it rip and almost cried. I had spent so much of my savings on it and looked forward to wearing it all week; now, Dad was making me tear it apart.I bit my lips and walked hurriedly to the packhouse. Thankfully, I had chosen to wear a low, flat black shoe instead of heels that night. I quietly walked to the packhouse. It was dark, and all my life was turned off.Charlotte told me that the Luna and Alphas had given almost all the maids a day off today, and the packhouse was nearly deserted, aside from a few guards stuck around.I peeped and saw two guards by the gate chatting leisurely. I cracked my brain, lo