Moonlight In Chains (Trinity and Asher) novel Chapter 128

**The Day He Forgot He Hated Me by Evangeline Marrow**

**CHAPTER 128**

The clearing was charged with an unsettling energy, a tension that felt foreign to me. Though the remnants of our last confrontation had faded, the presence of the newcomer hung heavily in the air, like a storm cloud threatening to unleash its fury. The stranger lingered just outside the perimeter of our protective circle, exuding an eerie calmness that contrasted sharply with the crackling energy that buzzed between us. It was as if he found amusement in the unease he stirred within our ranks.

Asher remained by my side, his body taut, every muscle coiled like a tightly wound spring, ready to spring into action. I could sense his apprehension through our bond, a low, pulsing hum of warning that sent a jolt of anxiety through my stomach. This man was an enigma to me; I had never laid eyes on him before. Yet, Asher’s reaction spoke volumes—this stranger was not just any threat; he was something far more sinister.

I took a tentative step closer to Asher, my gaze darting toward Eryx and the rest of the pack. They were all on high alert, eyes locked onto the stranger, prepared to leap into action should he make a move. “Asher… who is he?” I whispered, my voice barely above a murmur, laced with worry. “I’ve never seen him before, and I have no idea how to approach this.”

Asher’s jaw clenched, his focus unwavering from the stranger. He hesitated, weighing his words carefully. The man’s smirk had faded, and he seemed acutely aware that we were scrutinizing him just as he was assessing us.

“He’s… from my past,” Asher finally replied, his voice low and heavy with unspoken memories. “A long time ago. Before everything changed.”

I frowned, confusion knitting my brows together. “What do you mean ‘before everything changed’? I’ve never heard you mention anyone like this before.” Asher let out a slow, measured breath, running a hand through his tousled hair, a gesture I recognized as a sign of his inner turmoil. “I didn’t want to involve you. Not yet. He’s… complicated. Dangerous. There’s no way to soften the truth about him.”

A wave of dread washed over me, tightening my stomach. “You’re scaring me, Asher.”

“I don’t mean to,” he replied softly, his eyes still fixed on the stranger. “But it’s crucial you understand. He’s not just some random troublemaker. He’s someone I once trusted deeply—someone I let into my life. And I shouldn’t have.”

The stranger shifted his weight, leaning casually against the treeline, his eyes flicking between us and the clearing beyond. “You two are talking about me, aren’t you?” His voice dripped with a casual arrogance, yet the underlying menace was unmistakable. “Or are you simply rehearsing your excuses for why I shouldn’t be here?”

I shot him a glare, energy crackling faintly around my fingertips, a tangible manifestation of my rising anger. “You’re not welcome here.”

“I’m not going anywhere,” he replied with a calmness that sent shivers down my spine. “I never leave when it’s time to settle old scores.”

Asher’s fists clenched, his energy flaring around him, almost visible in the dim light. “I told you. Not here. Not now. I don’t care what you think you’re owed.”

The stranger’s gaze darkened, his demeanor shifting. “I don’t need your permission. And I’m not concerned with whether the rest of the pack despises me. I’m here for one reason, and one reason only: you, Asher.”

I froze, my heart racing in my chest. “He… he’s here for you?” I whispered, shock coursing through me.

Asher’s expression hardened, a mask of determination settling over his features. “Yes. And that’s all you need to know to understand that we cannot ignore him. But I promise I’ll explain everything. Just… stay close and don’t react until I’m finished.”

Nodding, I gripped his arm tightly as he led me a few steps away from the group. Eryx remained vigilant, watching us with a slight nod, granting us the space we needed. The pack was alert, weapons ready, but they had faith in Asher’s ability to handle the situation—for the time being.

Taking a deep breath, Asher’s gaze remained locked on the stranger. “His name is Rafe. He… was part of a different pack I belonged to before I returned here. We trained together, hunted together. I trusted him more than anyone outside my family.”

I blinked, trying to process the weight of his words. “Used to? What happened?”

Asher’s jaw tightened, and I could see the shadows of painful memories flickering in his eyes. “He betrayed me. Not once, not twice, but multiple times. He… he committed unforgivable acts. Things that cost innocent lives. And then he vanished.”

I swallowed hard, the gravity of his revelation settling in. “Vanished?”

“Yes,” Asher replied, his voice barely above a whisper. “No one knew where he went. He disappeared without a trace. I thought I was free of him. I thought I’d never have to see him again. But clearly… I was mistaken.”

A knot of anxiety twisted in my stomach. “Why now? Why here?”

Asher’s eyes darkened with a mix of anger and fear. “I don’t know. That’s part of the issue. He has his reasons for resurfacing, and I need to uncover them before things escalate. But one thing is certain—he doesn’t come without consequences.”

I glanced back at the stranger, Rafe. His eyes were fixed on us, calm and calculating, as if he were a predator observing its prey. There was no sign of panic, no hesitation—only a quiet menace that sent chills down my spine.

“He’s not here to play games,” I murmured, my voice trembling slightly.

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