|Story Start|

|Rosalie Burns|

When I woke up I felt all warm and cuddly.

I was wrapped up in warm blankets like a caterpillar in a cocoon and I honestly did not want to move anywhere. I was way too comfortable and warm, I didn’t know where Asher was since I felt him get up around an hour ago. He had placed a light kiss on my forehead before either going downstairs or to the shower, I really had no idea I had already fallen back asleep 30 seconds after he left. I sighed in content before burying my head into the pillow. This would be our fifth day here at the Lake House, and let me tell you that it was absolutely wonderful.

For a few days I was allowed to forget about everything and just be myself. I didn’t have to worry about what the future might hold, the only thing I had to worry about was what I would be doing the next day. Albeit, I felt a bit of guilt knowing I was being really selfish. The whole pack was worry about an oncoming war, that started because of me mind you, and I was here having fun without a care in the world. I sighed and breathed in the rosy scent of the pillows. Wow… my shampoo was strong. I grabbed another pillow and brought it in my embrace, hugging it to my chest. I needed something to cuddle and Asher wasn’t here so the pillow would just have to do.

“Wow… I don’t think I’ve ever been jealous of pillows and blankets before” an amused voice mused.

I lifted my head from the pillow and slowly brought it around until I was looking at the door. Asher was leaning against the threshold and glaring at the pillow in my arms. I rolled my eyes and threw it at him. He laughed when my pathetic attempt at a throw hit the ground a few paces away from where he was standing. I groaned and buried my face in the bed, wrapping the blankets around me tighter. “Shat up” I mumbled. “I’m tired, my abilities are lacking at the moment” I heard Asher chuckle again before he started walking to the bed. I ignored him and kept my face down, if he thought I was getting up then he had another thing coming.

“Come on sweetheart it’s time to get up, we’ve got places to be and things to see” he said as he sat down next to me. I shook my head “No…” I mumbled. “Come on Rose, don’t make me get you up myself” he threatened. I snorted, like he would do anything. “Yeah right” I mumbled into the pillow. Asher sighed “Well you asked for it” he muttered.

Next thing I know the blankets are ripped off of my body and I found myself face to face with the floor.

I yelped and jumped up, wrapping my arms around myself. “Asher!” I yelled. He tossed me a grin as he laughed at me. “Sorry sweetheart but we’ve got to go. I’ve got the whole day planned so you better get you cute little ass moving.” He teased. I rolled my eyes and stuck my tongue out at him “You suck” I muttered before turning on my heel and making my way towards the bathroom. He let another chuckle loose before I heard him walk back down the stairs. I grabbed my toothbrush and began to brush my teeth. When I was finished with that I made my way to the shower and turned it on, making sure it was nice and hot.

I quickly stripped my clothes off before stepping in, shivering slightly when the steamy water hit my cold skin. I stood there for a couple of minutes before grabbing my rose scented shampoo, I squirted a bit in my hand before lathering my dark locks with it. After washing it out I grabbed the matching conditioner and repeated the process with that. Once I was finished washing my hair I grabbed my body wash and washed myself. When I was finished cleaning myself I stayed under the water for a few more blissful minutes before shutting off the water and stepping out of the bath.

I grabbed my towel and wrapped it around myself. I opened the bathroom door and peeked out of the room, making sure Asher was no where in sight. When I was sure it was safe, I stepped out of the room and made my way to the walk in closet. I looked around at the clothes Lena packed for me and finally settled on a pair of studded denim high waisted shorts, pairing it with a simple black crop top. Underneath my clothes I had on my hot neon pink jeweled ruffle bandeau bikini top with the matching ruched low-rise hipkini bottoms, the design on that was a little to complicated for me to explain but I know Lena had bought it from Victoria Secret. I then grabbed a brush and tried to get all the tangles out of the lion’s mane I call hair, I winced a couple times as I came across a couple nasty gnarls. When I was finished I placed the hairbrush back onto the vanity and decided against putting on makeup, we were at the lake it’s not like I was going to need it.

Then I hopped down the staircase feeling a littler happier about the day.

* * * * * *

“Are you ready?”

“As ready as I’ll ever be”

“You sure?”

“Yup”

“I thought we had to leave now?”

“We’ll leave after I win”

“You mean after I win, okay on the count of three… ready… 1… 2… 3…!”

“Score!!” I yelled, throwing my hands in the air as Asher munched on the grape I had just thrown at him. We were having a competition to see who could catch the most grapes in their mouth without missing any. Currently we were tied, which obviously wasn’t an option. Asher grabbed a medium sized green grape and I popped open my mouth, ready to catch the little sucker. “Ready?” he asked. I nodded my head and waited for him to throw the grape. A second after I nodded the grape was flying through the air and I shifted from my spot a bit so I could catch it. I grinned with the grape came into contact with my mouth and my teeth pressed down on the soft fruit. I swallowed before speaking.

“I told you I was the master” I said. Asher rolled his eyes “We’re still tied princess, we’re going to have to find a tiebreaker” he informed me. I groaned “Why can’t you just admit that I win” I muttered. Asher laughed and stalked over to me, cupping my face lightly. “I could ask you the same question” he retaliated. I blushed at our closeness and poked my tongue out at him “Shut it, so what’s the tiebreaker?” I asked. Asher shrugged “I don’t know, we’ll figure it out after we get moving, because of you’re little grape fest we are half an hour late” he teased. I rolled my eyes and bumped my hip with his “You can’t blame me! I was merely saying how I can catch a grape in my mouth, you’re the one who made it into a competition” I huffed.

Asher smirked and leaned down to kiss me, at the last second I turned my head and he caught my cheek instead. I heard him growl lightly and I giggled “After we have the tiebreaker you can kiss me” I said. Asher groaned and removed his hands from my face “Why?” he whined. I laughed “Because we are on different teams, ever heard of no fraternizing with the enemy?” I teased. Asher grinned and a mischievous glint was in his eyes. I gave him a suspicious look before slowly beginning to back out of the kitchen.

But before I could go anywhere his arm snapped out and slithered around my waist and I found my self chest to chest with him. My cheeks started to burn and Asher’s lips quirked up into an amused smirk. My hands rested on his chest as he brought his face dangerously close to mine. My breath hitched in my throat and I couldn’t look away from his shinning golden eyes. Asher’s lips were a thread away from mine and I was half tempted to close the distance especially since when he spoke they brushed faintly against mine, making a pleasurable shiver wrack through my body. My hands slowly moved up and lodged themselves in his silky dark hair. I grinned when I felt him shiver as I teased the back of his neck, I was pleased to know that I affected him the same way he did me. “Ever heard of keep your friends close, but your enemies closer” he teased, moving his head down to place a kiss on my neck.

Before it could escalate any further I slowly brought my hands back down to his chest and quickly pushed him away from me. “Nice try wolf boy, but didn’t you say we had somewhere to be?” I teased. Asher groaned and began to trudge up the stairs “I’ll be back” he said. I gave him a confused look “Where are you going?” I asked. “To take a cold shower” he called back. I stopped following him and began to laugh instead. Well I better go and clean up the kitchen, he may be a while…

* * * * * *

“What the hell are you doing?”

I looked up from my position on the floor and shrugged. Currently I was lying on the carpet on my stomach and reaching my head back while my toes reached foreword. “I was seeing if I could touch my head with my toes” I answered. Asher chuckled and leaned against one of the walls. “And why exactly are you doing that?” he asked, amusement in his tone. I grinned “Well you took way too long up there doing, whatever and I finished cleaning the kitchen so I decided to do this. Now hush up, I just about had it before you broke my concentration.” I said. Asher put his hands up in mock surrender before pushing off the wall and sitting on the couch in front of me. He motioned for me to continue and I did so for another 2 minutes.

“YES!!!” I exclaimed once I felt my head touch my toes. Asher laughed and scooped me up, making me giggle. He buried his face in my neck and I laughed when his hands tickled my sides. “Asher!” I squealed. He grinned and gave me an innocent look “Ready to leave?” he asked. I nodded my head “I suppose so” I answered. Asher then started to walk out of the house and into the clear sunshine. I flinched slightly when the sunlight hit my eyes “It’s bright” I mumbled, pressing my face into Asher’s chest. Asher chuckled “Wear sunglasses then” he retorted. I moved to look up at him “I don’t have any” I stated. Asher gave me a mock sympathetic look “Sucks for you then sweetheart” he said. I rolled my eyes “Jerk” I muttered.

Asher walked over to the garage and put me down before pressing in the number code. The garage opened and I grinned “We’re riding ATV’s?” I asked, an excited feeling taking over. I love ATV’s, I used to race with the boys back at home. It was always fun to see them sulk after I whooped their asses. “Correction, you’re riding while I drive” he said. I frowned “Why can’t I drive?” I asked. Asher gave me a smirk “I’ve got the key’s babe, now hop on and let’s ride” I rolled my eyes but let a grin slip on my face. I didn’t mind riding, it was just as fun as driving. I grinned and hopped in “Well, come on let’s go wolf boy” I said gesturing to the ATV. Asher grinned and hopped on in front of me.

“Better hold on princess, you’re in for a wild ride”

Asher backed out of the garage and pressed the button so the garage closed, then we slowly drove to the forest’s edge. Once there I noticed there were tire tracks all over the ground “Come here a lot?” I shouted over the roar of the engine. Asher nodded “Loads” he answered before shooting off into the forest. I let out a surprised yelp before it turned into an ecstatic laugh. I relished in the fresh air that started to caress my exposed skin, my long dark hair was whipping around in the wind behind me. Occasionally it would fly in my face but I didn’t really care, this was too much fun.

The sun beat down on my skin, letting it warm up what the air made cold. I could tell that Asher was pleased with how happy I was on this. He expertly weaved through the trees and I admired how beautiful the forest really was. There were beautiful flowers scattered all over the grassy ground, the trees were tall and leafy as they loomed over us, only letting beams of sunlight through their thick branches. I could even see a few birds as they flew overhead, happily gliding through the sky. “This is amazing!” I shouted. Asher didn’t say anything but I did hear his laugh as it echoed through the wind.

I know, I’m glad you’re having fun he said through the mind link.

Eventually Asher had slowed the ATV down and parked it by a nearby tree. I hopped off and pouted, I was a little upset with how fast the ride was. Asher got off after and glanced at me, laughing when he saw my pout. He kissed me lightly, making butterflies erupt in my stomach “Come on, don’t pout. You’re going to love this, just try not to fall” he winked but before I could say anything he laced our fingers together and began to lead me through the forest. We walked in a comfortable silence, my arm occasionally brushed against his and each time it sent sparks shooting across my skin.

In the last couple of days I learned a lot about Asher and the scary part was that I found myself beginning to like the man I was getting to know. He was a cocky, arrogant, jerk but he could also be sweet and loving when he wanted to. I know he loved to tease me and call me sweetheart just to get a rise from me. I loved our little arguments and the endless competitions. Turns out we’re both competitive people and hate losing. I knew Asher was also really big on family, he’s called Lena and his little brother Derek numerous times to make sure the pack and they were okay. Asher really was something else. I knew my feelings were all jumbled but I also knew that I was falling for my sexy alpha mate.

“Alright, keep your eyes closed” he murmured, making me snap out from my musings. I turned and gave Asher a questioning look “Why?” I asked. He didn’t say anything and just moved so my back was pressed against his chest while he covered my eyes with his hands. He began to walk forward and I walked with him. We walked for roughly 20 minutes before he placed a small kiss on my bare shoulder. “Open your eyes Rosalie” he whispered, taking his hands off my eyes. My eyes immediately snapped open and my mouth opened in wonder.

“Asher...” I breathed.

“How on earth did you find something like this?”

From beside me Asher shrugged “Lena and I were following a little stream and it lead here. Later I asked my dad about it and he told me that he had it made for my mom. Breathtaking isn’t it?” he asked. I nodded my head, unable to say anything as I looked at our surroundings.

Asher had taken me to a beautiful mini cove.

The grass stopped and white soft, warm sand replaced it. I slipped off my shoes and dug my toes into the warm sand. A little further away was a rock wall that surrounded the whole place and a magnificent waterfall was pouring from the side. Behind the falls you could see a small cave, that would be fun to explore… the water was so clear and pretty, there were even little fishes in the pool of water. I also saw some shells, it was like we were at a tropical beach but not because we were in the middle of a forest.

I really don’ know how this was possible nor did I really care, it was just so… pretty.

I turned to Asher and saw he was looking at me with a nervous expression. Did he think I didn’t like? I reached over and grabbed a fistful of his shirt, his eyes widened slightly but his expression turned to a smug one when I brought his face close to mine. “I take that you like it then?” he asked. I shook my head “More like love it” I whispered before closing my eyes and crashing my lips to his.

Asher instantly responded and his lips moved in sync with mine, slowly at first. We both were savoring the moment, his hands moved to my waist and gripped me tight. My hands let go of his shirt and slowly moved upwards encircling around his neck. Asher soon tugged me closer so we were chest to chest and deepened the kiss. He lightly ran his tongue along my lip but I decided to tease him a little and kept my mouth firmly shut as I teased the skin by his neck. Asher growled and moved his hands down to cup my ass and squeezed making me gasp. He immediately took advantage and began to fight with me for dominance, it was short since he quickly took control and hoisted me up so my legs were wrapped around his waist.

Somehow Asher had managed to press my back against one of the rock walls, it hurt slightly but I was way too wrapped up in Asher to care. The need for began to take over and I unlatched my lips from his. My breath coming out short and ragged, Asher was the same but he began to kiss down my neck towards my collarbone. It took a lot of effort but eventually I was able to unlatch my legs from his waist and push his chest away from mine. “We should stop…” I muttered half-heartedly. Asher sighed but nodded his head, I guess he knew he might not be able to control his wolf if they kept on making out. I could see that his eyes had a tinge of orange to them.  

I looked towards the water and smiled “Come on then, I want to go for a swim” I said. I began to walk backwards and started to unbutton my shorts, I quickly slipped them off along with my crop top. I dropped them somewhere on the beach, Asher blatantly stared at me as I did so. I began to blush when his eyes roamed my figure, he didn’t look ashamed just… aroused. Asher quickly shed his shirt and in a matter of seconds I found myself thrown over Asher’s shoulder as he ran towards the water.

“Asher Austin Valentine don’t you dare do what I think you’re going to do!” I exclaimed, trying to squirm out of his grip as we neared the water. Asher chuckled “Didn’t you want to go for a swim? I’m just helping you out here Rosie” he informed me with an innocent tone. Asher stepped into the water and it splashed up a bit, thankfully I was still on his shoulder so I didn’t feel it but he did walk far enough that it went up to his waist. “Well is it cold?” I asked. Asher laughed “Why don’t you find out for yourself?” he asked. My eyes widened “ASHER DON’T-” but my protest was cut short and I found myself being thrown in the air for a moment before I felt myself hit the water and I went under.

I blew bubbles from my mouth and pushed off of the sandy bottom so I could swim back up to the top. It wasn’t too deep here but it was deep enough for me to have to tread water. I quickly swam up and sputtered some water out of my mouth and moved my hair from my face. I moved to a place where I could stand and glared at Asher who was laughing his ass off. With a battle cry I launched myself at him and we both fell back into the water. I shoved on his chest and went back to the top, when I burst through I started to laugh. Asher came up a few seconds later and began to laugh with me. Then he splashed water in my face, making me fall back from surprise. This caused him to laugh some more and I smirked.

Well… he just declared a splash war.

I mustered up all my strength and splashed quite a bit of water at him. Asher sputtered and smirked at me. “Oh it’s on sweetheart” he said. I just grinned “Hope you’re ready to lose wolf boy” I teased. Asher smirked “Sorry sweetheart but the only one who’s going to lose is you” he said. I grinned “I think we just found our tiebreaker” I mused. Asher gave me a wicked grin “I believe we did” he agreed before splashing some more water at me. I laughed as he tried to run through the water.

“Get back here Valentine! You are so going down!”

All he did was laugh.

When I caught up to him I splashed his face before shoving him down into the water. Eventually he began to chase me and I started to giggle as I ran. I made it to the beach before he tackled me onto the sand. I let out a surprised squeak and flushed when I saw Asher looming over me with a smirk on his face. “Looks like I win” he sang happily. I rolled my eyes and playfully smacked his chest “Only because you’re the one with the abs here” I muttered. Asher grinned “Don’t pretend you don’t like them” he stated cockily. I rolled my eyes but I couldn’t help but let my eyes trail down his chest. I had to admit, I really enjoyed looking at his eight pack, and they really were sexy. But of course I didn’t tell him that, he needed an ego bruise not an ego boost. “Please, nothing attractive there” I scoffed. Asher smirked “Well your thoughts beg to differ” he whispered. I glared “Stop listening in!” I exclaimed. Asher laughed and pecked my check “I can’t help it… you’re much too interesting” he murmured, his golden eyes hazy as they looked into my blue ones.

I smiled and moved my hands to his chest so I could push him off of me. Reluctantly he got off and I stood up. Asher laughed “You’re covered in sand” he mused, trailing his eyes down my body. I blushed and began to wipe my skin off. I felt Asher brush a hand over my backside and I yelped, jumping back and giving him a patronizing look. Asher smirked innocently “You missed some sand” he said. I rolled my eyes “I’m sure" I muttered. Asher chuckled and wrapped his arms around my waist. “You’re beautiful you know that” he said. I blushed “Shut up” I muttered, breaking away from his gaze.

 Asher chuckled and released my waist, taking hold of my hand instead. “Come on, I want to show you something” he said as he tugged me towards the water. I jumped on Asher’s back and he grunted at the weight. He began to swim towards the waterfall and I squealed when the cold water plopped on my head as we passed through it. Asher swam to the cave and I hopped off his back. “Thanks” I said. Asher didn’t say anything and just led me inside. “Did you do all this… for me?” I asked. Asher nodded and rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. “Yeah, I got up early and brought everything here.” he said. I smiled and lightly brought him down so I could kiss him. “Thank you” I whispered. Asher grinned happily “Anything for you” he answered.

Asher had set up a picnic for the both of us. There was a red blanket laid down on the rocky floor along with several pillows, it looked oh so comfortable. There was a large brown basket set on the side with little lanterns covering the ground. It honestly was like a small cabin in here. I smiled and made my way towards the blanket while Asher followed me and sat across from me. He grabbed the basket and began to take out various foods. I couldn’t help but mentally aw at him, Asher had packed some yummy looking lasagna. Last night I told him that I had been craving some, I can’t believe he remembered. There was also ice tea, little chocolate cakes and strawberries and grapes. All my favourite foods, I was pretty happy with it all.

Asher grinned and gestured to the food “Dig in” he said.

I grinned and took some sauce and dipped my finger in it before smearing it across his nose. Asher gave me a surprised look before we both burst out laughing. He took a chocolate cake and smooshed some cream on my face.

A whole lot of eating didn’t go on after that.

* * * * * *

After our food fight Asher and I went back under the waterfall to wash up before leaning against the pillows and watching the waterfall. I was sitting in between Asher’s legs with my back pressed against his chest while he wrapped his arms around me. We had stayed here for the whole day and the sun would be setting soon. “Ready for the best part?” he asked. I turned my head to give him a confused look “What do you mean?” I asked. Asher shook his head and indicated towards the waterfall. “Watch” he murmured. I turned my head and looked at the waterfall.

Nothing happened until the sun started to set. The light hit the waterfall and it caused the little mirror things on the walls to light up. Al around me the cave began to sparkle with pretty different coloured lights. I looked around in awe as the small sparkles danced along the cave walls and ground. I couldn’t help but turn around and kiss Asher passionately before pulling away and resting my head on his chest. I didn’t mind that today had been overly sappy, it was a nice break from our usual teasing. We sat in a comfortable silence as we watched the sun go down, I didn’t want the day to end but sooner or later we would have to go back to the pack. I didn’t mind, at least I would always have this moment to remember.

“It’s so beautiful…”

“Not as beautiful as you”

……….

“That was pretty corny”

“…and the moment is now gone”

* * * * * *

TA-DA! Here’s my update! Sorry it took so long to get out, I’m not overly happy with this chapter. But I hope you all enjoyed it. But to compensate for my horrible writer’s block I have a preview of next chapter for you!

Chapter 13 Preview:

“Do we really have to go back today?”

“Sorry sweetheart but we can’t just leave the pack, but I promise we will come back”

“Alright fine”

Briiiing!

“Hello? …Isabella? What’s wrong? Calm down… what do you mean- …we’ll be there in an hour”

“Asher what happened? What’s going on?" 

“It’s Lena and Logan. Something’s happened." 

Preview End.

Well what do you think is going to happen? Something good? Something bad? You’ll just have to wait and see :D Thanks so much for the people who commented, voted and followed. I really appreciate it! Can we get 60 votes and 15 comments? :D Please and thanks! 

Vote? Comment? Follow?

Next update: Sometime next week

Xoxo- Shar