Athena Blackstone pov Reaching the second floor I saw that all the bedroom doors were open and was drawn to the furthest one because it reminded me of the bedroom I had at Gavin’s house. “Am I ever going to get over my thoughts about him,” I murmured to Bria. “Probably not, since you're having his children and also carrying his mark,” she replied with a whine. “That's just fantastic,” I groaned and decided that I would work hard at becoming the best female warrior that I could be to fill the empty spot he had ripped from my heart. “What if he comes to find you,” Bria growled, causing me to sit on the edge of the bed mattress and rub my eyes. “Why would he? That bitch told him she was pregnant, and they will be wed in a week or two. I shouldn't have been so careless during Veronica's wedding,” I mumbled softly. Seeing movement in my peripherals, I looked up to see Anton leaning in the doorway, smiling at me. “He's such a great guy,” I thought and Bria responded, “And on
Athena Blackstone pov Hazel and I worked quickly putting the food items away and I continued keeping my watchful eyes toward the front door. “What is the Beta like? Is he mated and handsome?’ Smiling, I side-eyed Hazel and shrugged. “He's a large, muscled male with shoulder-length blonde hair and blue eyes,” I explained. Pinching her lips she hummed. “Does he have a mate?” Shaking my head she giggled. “My wolf is demanding that you introduce me to him; she's never acted so oddly about a stranger before,” she blurted out, and I raised my brow at her. Handing Hazel food stuff to put into the refrigerator she stopped suddenly and turned toward the front door. “He's here,” she mumbled softly and I glanced at the front door opening. Anton gestured for Nick to enter and his eyes landed on Hazel before reaching mine. “Who is this?” He asked quickly. Stepping around my friend, I grinned slightly and told him that she was my friend Hazel Anderson and the guard was A
Gavin Montgomery pov After speaking with Nick and him telling me that Athena was at her dad's pack, I had felt a bit of relief, but that had been six days ago, and my Beta still hadn't returned. I was finally able to move around, albeit very slowly, and could only keep a small amount of food down. Justine wasn't anywhere near me, and I hadn't seen nor heard her since that nightmarish evening, which was good because I wanted to rip her head off. Henry visited with me often along with the pack doctor who confirmed his suspicion of what drugs I had been given. Sitting in the living room area of my bedroom I was going over my pack’s books. I heard my door open and glanced over to see Nick stroll inside nonchalantly with a big smile on his face. Cocking my eyebrow I asked him, “Where in the hell have you been for nearly an entire week, old man, and what are you so happy about? Your work sucks that you left me with and I have had to make numerous corrections.” Plopping himself
Athena Blackstone pov The day of Gavin's and Justine’s wedding had arrived, and Nick hadn't returned since his last visit, devastating my dear friend. I had gone with Anton to the guard's weight building to exercise in hopes of keeping my mind clear and heart from breaking more about it. Sitting on the weight bench I continued working on my upper arm curls, trying hard not to burst out in tears. “Did you ask to see if your dad got an invitation to Gavin’s wedding,” Anton asked me from the treadmill he was running on. Glaring his way I growled. “No, I didn't ask, ass. I'm trying hard not to break down here, so please stop saying that man’s name,” I asserted, my voice cracking with emotions, but then I muttered that my stepmom was attending with Veronica and Jordan. “Sorry, boss lady,” he muttered back, then turned the machine up higher and started jogging. Setting the weights down, I placed my hand on my extended abdomen and felt one of my pups kick me and lose it. Se
Athena Blackstone pov When it grew late Hazel sighed and said she was going to head to bed. I told her goodnight as I shuffled myself to my room and plopped down on my bed. “Maybe he doesn't want me back,” I murmured and Bria huffed at me. “Just sleep, today has been a long one," she said softly. Closing my eyes I tossed and turned most of the night. My head was full of what happened with Gavin when I had seen him last and how I had accused him of doing the unthinkable with Justine. Waking in the morning I felt more emotionally drained than the day before. Going to the kitchen I heard Hazel and Anton talking in muffled voices to another person who sounded like Nick. Hurrying my steps, I opened the door and then stopped to see an older female with silver gray hair and a tan wrinkle-free face standing in my kitchen, looking distraught. “Excuse me, who are you?” She turned to me with a curious gaze and said, “You must be Athena Blackstone, the daughter of Gwen Blackstone.” Nod
Athena Blackstone pov “There's an old rundown guard shack up there on the high ridge. Head there and hunker down. There's electricity and running water in it along with a bit of supplies. I will be up there when things get settled here,” Anton continued before waving goodbye and heading back out the front door. “Should I inform Nick and Hazel?” I asked her and she shook her head as she pointed to the kitchen door where Nick was peeking out at us. “If you got her, I will care for Hazel, on my end,” he stated, and I nodded. “Let's go,” I asserted and headed out of my house. Glancing up at the gray mountain I gritted my molars as Josephine as I broke through the treeline and headed further north. “Tell me about this Chad Smith. I want to be inside of his head so I will know how to defeat him,” I growled over my shoulder to her. Chuckling, she shook her head and said, “Alone, he's just a tiny rat, but with his deep pockets he can afford the best of the best.” Furrowing my
Athena Blackstone pov The day ticked by without a visit from Anton, and as we prepared for the night, I helped Josephine get her small bed readied. Hearing heavy footsteps outside, my head tilted and I instinctively brought my finger to my lips to quiet her. “Someone is walking around outside,” I whispered and saw her eyes widen. Instructing her to go stand in the corner of the one-room dwelling, I tiptoed to the flimsy door and cracked it open a little. I was met with a pair of yellow-red eyes peering down at me, and I slammed the door shut. “Oh shit!” I screeched as the door flung open, knocking me back, causing me to land on my ass upon the wood floor. I knew instantly who he was. There was no mistaking his flame-colored eyes. “You're on the Moon Council, Sir, and aren't for hire,” I shouted out to the mountain of a man known as Gideon Landers. Josephine covered her gasp at seeing the Moon Council's assassin come stepping inside our refuge. “Who said that I was h
Gavin Montgomery pov “Henry, Henry, wake up,” Derek Blackstone growled at my dad, who was sleeping soundly on the infirmary bed across the room I was also in. Cracking my eyes open, I saw a huge man standing next to Derek with yellow-red eyes looking stern. “What is going on,” I wheezed out tiredly. Seeing Athena’s dad frowning as he looked over at me I felt Rudik stirring within me. “Athena is here, Your Highness; she had her pups, he muttered, and I raised my brow. “I'm waiting for the but, so tell me,” I growled. Derek gestured to the stranger. I narrowed my eyes as he headed toward me. Realizing it was Gideon Lander, my eyes widened as he got closer. “She was hemorrhaging, and I had to give her a small conversion bite along with some of my blood. Your pups were taken by two individuals,” he informed me regretfully. My hands clenched. “Did she know them?” Nodding he said, “Logan and Justine. She asked me to help, but I know nothing about them, so I couldn't provide my s
Athena Montgomery’s pov “Mom, Styx wants to be alone with Remy and prepare her for the fire,” Leora said calmly. Raising my red and raw eyes I saw Styx. He looked devastated and just lowered his eyes from mine and stepped past me to reach Remy. “She loved you so much, Athena. I hope you know that,” he said firmly as he looked down at his mate and started to sob. I had to leave the room seeing him breaking down was too much. Going to Leora, I asked her if the pup was doing well, and she nodded. “Gideon is bringing father and should be here momentarily,” she added as she softly patted my back. We headed to the waiting room in the front of the infirmary and I saw Devin sitting down and looking lost. Going to him I asked him if he was alright. Glancing up at me, he exhaled deeply and said, “My mom told me what was going on, so I knew in advance, but it still is painful and will be hard on my dad.” I hugged him and told him that I understood and he sniffled before hugging me tigh
Athena Montgomery’s pov Three days! It took us three entire days to finally make it to the mountain retreat or our new home. I was soaking in the hot spring and spouting off about my deep love for my wonderful mate while Gavin just chuckled sprawled out nude on the bed. “What do you want to do today?” He asked me as he peeked down his bare chest at me. Resting my head back, I sighed,” I don't know, dear; I'm really digging this retirement at the moment and can't think.” “Don't soak for too long, Remy is visiting today,” he reminded me. Giving him a pout I growled sourly that we had only been there for a few days. “She's close to giving birth. Shouldn't she stay home in case she goes into labor, ” I muttered. “She loves her mother who is exactly like her,” he replied while I watched him get dressed. “If she was like me she would know not to bother us for a while so we can settle in,” I muttered softly, enjoying my muscles getting relaxed by the hot water. “Well, I w
Athena Montgomery’s pov Remy apologized for snapping at me and I told her that I accepted because she was pregnant and being an overly emotional bitch. She laughed while flipping me off, and I giggled because she was so much like me. They left with Devin to go home and Gavin’s parents retired to their bedroom soon after dinner. Gavin figured they were chasing each other naked around the bed and I cringed. I volunteered to help Henry wash dishes and she told me how happy she was that Gavin and I were going to retire. She paused suddenly and asked me if Azel was also the King. Shrugging, I told her that Gavin hadn't announced that yet, so I wasn't sure. “Gavin will probably just keep the title until he dies of old age,” she said with a chuckle. I giggled and dried the last plate. “Thanks for letting me help. It keeps my mind from worrying about Sabrina and Anton,” I explained, and she gave me a sympathetic smile. “I'm sure Anton will save the young female. He is in love with h
Athena Montgomery’s pov The baby girl was absolutely gorgeous and looked like her mother with blonde hair and big blue eyes. Sitting on the couch and holding Bailey I felt devastated for not getting the chance to raise my own girls. It still hurts that I didn't get to watch them grow from infancy. Tearing up I gazed at Linda while wiping my damp eyes. “You are blessed, Linda. Enjoy your time raising her,” I said softly and she nodded. Azel came to take Bailey from me, and I bit my lip, watching him behaving so carefully with her. “He's going to be a great dad,” Remy commented and I nodded. “I'm surprised by him and extremely pleased that he has matured so much since finding his mate,” I mumbled softly. Gavin’s mother was still chatting with Leora and Gideon with Henry, her husband giving Gideon a sympathetic stare over his wife’s obnoxious behavior. Josephine Montgomery completely ignored Linda and the pup, making me glare at her across the room. “She's got some nerve,” I com
Athena Montgomery’s pov Several weeks passed, and our beautiful daughter, Leora, the high queen, had come to our pack to get her son. When she and Gideon arrived, Gavin and I were excited to see that she was already showing with either a prince or princess. “You look well-loved, sweetie,” I teased her, and she blushed prettily. “Gideon is a very good mate and took me to his ancestral lands in Ireland. It was very green,” Leora stated. “We met with the King's there, and they gave us a banquet,” Gideon chuckled, and I noticed that my daughter looked uncomfortable. Her face has grown pale. She leaned in toward me and whispered, “They had an entire stag on a spit that they tore meat from. It still had hair on some parts.” Snickering, I explained that some packs still prepared meals for the entire pack that way, and she shuddered. “Well I apparently have become more refined,” she muttered. “You were experiencing morning sickness from the pup. If you weren't in your condition, I do
Athena Montgomery's pov Sitting on the back porch, I was watching Anton with my grandsons, Ciaran and Devin, play sword fighting and attempt to give them pointers. He was failing miserably and making me chuckle. My grandsons had inherited their grandmother's disposition and it tickled me immensely. Sabrina, Hazel's daughter, was with me, and also Linda, who was heavily pregnant with my next grandbaby. “So when is the high King and Queen returning from their overseas trip,” Sabrina inquired and I shrugged. “I told them to take as much time as they liked. I have enjoyed this time raising the young ones,” I responded with a grin. “You have Remy’s boy too? Where is she at?” “Her and Styx are off having a couple's getaway, and she will most likely return with another grandchild for our Luna,” Linda chuckled, and I nodded in agreement. “Hopefully, a little girl,” I mumbled softly, and Linda rubbed her baby bump. “I'm hoping for that as well so I can create frilly little dr
Leora Montgomery's pov Straining to push out my son, I grasped Gideon's hand and screamed as I bore down. After several attempts, I felt the pup exit along with the placenta and waited for his cries but was met with gasps of concern. Gideon stood and growled sternly as he left my side and went to see what was wrong. Tears fell from my eyes as I stammered asking what was wrong. “The pup is blue and not getting oxygen by breathing!” Remy asserted as Gideon lifted the infant and started digging the mucus from his mouth. “Give me the suction apparatus,” he shouted out. I watched through my panic as he sucked out our child’s nostrils and rubbed against the child’s tawny back skin. Seeing the fear in Gideon’s eyes I cried out for him to save our son. “I will,” he snapped and cradled the pup. Inserting his fangs into the pup's shoulder, the child let out a menacing growl, causing me to gasp. Retracting his teeth Gideon smiled widely and looked at me. “He was being a stubborn litt
Leora Montgomery's pov My hair was lovely. Remy had outdone herself as I looked at my reflection in the mirror. Linda had returned to inform us that they were going to wed Gideon and me first, then crown us. “Who are they?” I asked her curiously. Grinning slightly she said, “A Moon Council member has come to officiate the wedding and is an acquaintance of your King.” Creasing my brow, Ivory chuckled and informed me that it was Cedric Phillips.” My eyes widened at the mention of that lighthearted old werewolf. “That's hilarious that he's officiating our nuptials. He's a silly character, I met him when I was first at the council but briefly,” I giggled. “Here is something blue!” Linda stated as she handed me a small pale blue handkerchief. “I don't have a bouquet,” I mumbled softly and my mom lifted her hand from behind her back and presented a lovely cluster of pink roses and baby's breath. “Where did you find these?” Grinning slightly, she informed me that my la
Leora Montgomery's pov Pacing my bedroom, I kept squeezing my hands periodically and chewing on my bottom lip, not wanting to deal with all of the royals that had been willingly invited into my home. “You should at least make a presence before the crowning as you are the natural-born high queen,” Gideon said with a grin. Shaking my head I told him that he was doing just fine on his own and he was just as important as I was. “You're my mate Gideon so all that natural born bologna is nonsense. I just don't want to be judged by a bunch of uppity snobbish wolves. Plus I was enjoying our solitude,” I asserted. Coming to my side he hugged me tightly and said, “They are all going to admire and love you like I do and will leave tomorrow.” Scrunching my face I side-eyed him and growled, “I don't want them to love me like you do, Gideon! And they can leave NOW!” Rolling his eyes he chuckled and explained that he didn't mean love in that sense and that I just needed to deal with th