Worthless (Unedited Version)

Chapter 8

Riley in human form^

~Kade's POV~

My mind was reeling. A human she said and to make matters worse, it was my mate's father.

A father's greatest treasure is their child. He was there to help mold them to be a good person; he was supposed to be a role model for them. But this man---this piece of trash, not even worthy of being called human---had the twisted and demented urge to beat his child and torment him for who knows how long.

My rage only increased as I looked at Asher's emotionless eyes. Did he not care? Or worse: was he in denial? I could tell the others felt the storm raging in me with the way they slowly got into a defensive stance.

"Calm yourself, Kade." I flinched at the Alpha's all-commanding voice, my gaze going to Eric's and back to Asher's own nervous one. Shit... Getting riled up wouldn't help anything. I sighed, closing my eyes, and breathed in and out. The anger, though still present, dulled.

"Sorry." Eric gave a nod of approval, turning back to the wayward wolves.

"We'll put that matter, as troubling as it is, to the side for now." I stiffened at his words however a quick look from Eric kept me in check. "As for the act of joining a pack, it's rather an easy process of submitting to the alpha---in this case, to me."

Riley and Fallon looked nauseous at the mention of submitting, Asher just growled. Thalia surprised me by piping up.

"It's not like what you're thinking," She said with a soft smile, "He means that you accept him, that you open your mind and acknowledge him as the alpha. Once you do---once you connect with the pack---you feel warm and safe. We're more than just a group of wolves, we're a family."

They were visibly calmer. The want was clearly written on the two's faces. Although doubt outshined it, there was a desire for family hidden in Asher's eyes. Everyone understood their uncertainty. After what they've been through, only an insane person would agree without any thought. Even so, I won't lie and say it didn't hurt that my mate didn't trust me.

Without taking her eyes off us, Riley spoke to Asher, "I don't want Fallon to always be on the run, always looking over his shoulder---I don't want to. They can help us, Asher, and their intentions seem pure." She took a deep, shaky breath, as if afraid, "I think we should accept." Fallon's head bobbed up and down in agreement.

Everyone's expressions brightened a bit except for Asher's, who looked even more pained. With every minute that passed, we grew more nervous, waiting for his response. Whatever he decided would not only affect them but that pack as well.

I knew that I would follow him no matter where he went even if it meant abandoning the position of beta. It sounds horrible to choice this person, who I've just meant, over the pack I grew up in, but even if I stayed I wouldn't be any good to the pack. Without my mate, I would slowly go mad. He was my other half.

I didn't notice how tense I was until he finally he let out a sigh and gave a slight nod, indicating that they would stay. My face instantly split into a grin, the tension flowing out of me. Rory gave a small cheer and everyone relaxed with a smile.

Riley and Fallon threw their arms around Asher, being careful of his wounds. After a moment Riley turned to Eric, smiling.

"We're ready to join the pack." Eric stepped forward, moving to kneel before them.

"There are steps to joining a pack. I'm going to establish a pack link by delving into your mind. There'll be a slight pressure---don't try to fight it. I need to go to the core of you and connect your mind to the rest of the pack." Eric smiled as Riley and Fallon nodded in understanding, "I can only do one at a time."

Riley stood a little straighter, "I'll go first." Asher let out a sound of protest but was quickly cut off, "Asher I can handle it. I think that once you see we've come out unscathed then it'll be easier for you." Her feature softened and she reached out to rub his head, "It'll be fine." And with that, she turned back to Eric, ready to begin.

***

~Asher's POV~

It was over quickly. Riley went first with Fallon excitedly following. I was nervous, ready to pounce on the Alpha at any sign that they were being harmed even though I knew I would lose. He, himself, was powerful enough to bat me to the side without much effort. Plus, the others would leap in to protect him. 

I watched them as they finished, now connected to this... family. They looked happier, Riley's face was aglow and Fallon kept giggling. I suspected the others were speaking to them, given the playful expressions on some of their faces.

"Asher...? Are you ready?" The Alpha---Eric--- asked, bringing me out of my thoughts. After a moment of hesitation, I gave a slight nod, stepping forward. My body was tense. I felt it flowing off of me in waves. The one known as Kade kept his gaze on me, making me feel slightly nervous but at the same time safe. He was happy, though I didn't know why.

Did they not get new members often or something...?

I turned my attention back towards Eric, making sure I showed no signs of weakness even though, secretly, I was terrified. I was terrified of what was to come. I was never part of a pack and didn't know what would happen, what they would expect of me. I didn't know what they would learn. Even so, I stood tall and looked him straight in the eye. Eric closed his eyes and I focused on doing as he told the others. A minute passed and Eric opened them, a small frown on his face.

"It's like there's a wall around your mind. You'll need to lower it." He paused, seeing my struggle, and adopted a softer expression, "Close your eyes. Try to clear your mind of all thoughts. Just listen to my voice and let you body relax."

I did as instructed, my body seeming to get heavier and my breathing grew deeper. Slowly I started to feel something at the edge of my consciousness. It took some effort to stop my mind from automatically closing off. I felt the presence slowly delve further into my mind. It didn't intrude on my memories, for which I was relieved, but kept going towards its destination. The closer it came, the more uneasy I felt. My mind, as cloudy and unfocused as it was, was about to attack the foreign thing, but suddenly a voice sounded.

It's alright Asher. Just relax, I'm almost done.

I didn't know if I nodded or not, but complied, trying to do what I was told. With some effort, I felt myself relaxing again, allowing him to travel further.

I gasped as he connected me to the pack link. Everything was suddenly illuminated. I felt not only the Alpha but everyone who was connected to him. There was a web of consciousnesses that I at first shrunk away from. Shaking away my fear, I ventured forward, brushing against the minds of various members in the pack. They were curious but did not push me for information. They sensed that I was part of their pack.

One strand stood out from the rest. It was different, familiar even though I knew I never connected with it, and radiated a gentle and loving warmth. Slowly, I reached out to it and was instantly washed over with joy.

Asher. He called in a soft tone. I stayed silent for a moment, hesitating.

He waited patiently for me, understanding seeping through the link. I felt other things coming from him, but I could not name them. However, I knew that he meant no harm. My fear cast aside, I opened my eyes, instantly connecting to the luminous green ones that I knew belonged to the voice, and said a word I haven't spoken in many, many years.

Hello.

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*****Hey guys! Feels like this is a little late. If it is I apologize! There might also be some grammar and spelling mistakes but I'm extremely tired right now so I apologize again lol Nothing too big really happened, but I hope you guys like this chapter ^^ If you did then please vote, comment, and share!*****