Athena Blackstone pov Wiping off the tears on my cheek I remained where I stood and watched Gideon take Azel from the frowning Styx. “Do you need me to pack a bag for them,” Gavin asked him. Shaking his head, Gideon explained that all their needs would be taken care of including clothing. “We haven't had pups at the council headquarters for decades, so they will be spoiled rotten,” he said kindly, and I furrowed my brow. “Don't spoil them. I don't want that, sir. Just teach them kindness,” I growled. “That's what I was insinuating, Highness. They will have all that they need, including love,” Gideon corrected himself and I sighed, “But not their parents.” Once Anton came down the stairs with Remy he eyed us all and asked what was happening now. Styx spoke up and said, “The Moon Council is taking the pups!” Holding Remy against his chest he growled. “Why?” He questioned aghast. “They're both assassins and must learn how to control their abilities,” I explained, an
Athena Blackstone pov “Contact Styx and see if we can meet him on the way,” I suggested as we headed out the front door. Pulling out his phone we heard our names being called out and saw Styx running up to us. He had a cut on his forehead that was causing blood to stream down the deep scars on his face. Gavin took off his button-up shirt and handed it to him to press on his wound. “I'm sorry about Anton, those damn rogues that are backing Logan are brutal bastards,” he said sullenly. Watching his injury start to slowly heal itself I sighed and told him that Gavin and I had been contacted by the Red River Pack's Alpha and were heading there now. “I plan on rescuing Anton,” I proclaimed. “Better make it fast because the rogues were stringing him up when I headed back here,” he huffed. Looking past him I saw Nick struggling to push Hazel toward us in a wheelchair through the gravel and frowned. Gritting my molars, I side-eyed Gavin, “Help your former Beta, and I will he
Athena Blackstone pov “Hey Styx, is Logan promising your deserters and the rogues all sorts of shit?” I asked curiously and he nodded. “Yeah that rogue got a hair up his ass since getting that highborn bitch for a mate and believes that he has control over them all now,” Styx muttered. Shaking my head, I thought that this was more of a setup since all of them hated my guts. “Especially Veronica, since you ruined her wedding,” Bria piped in, causing me to ground my molars. I asked in my thoughts if I was being set up and to show me what they were planning as I rubbed my fingertips on the necklace. A vision of me being ambushed in my old bedroom came to my mind's eye, and I exhaled sharply. “How is this going to end?” I stopped and closed my eyes to see a terrible war; the corpses of my friends littered the blood-soaked ground. They were everywhere and I was on my knees and weeping. “They must be stopped!” I swore bitterly and glanced at Styx. “You and I are going to
Athena Blackstone pov “Has he told you that Sergio Winters is the new Red River Alpha and is going to wage war if our daughter doesn't marry him?” I questioned him angrily and watched his eyes narrow. “Sergio was here earlier asking for my assistance in removing the rogues and Logan but I felt that he had ulterior motives. I doubt that he's aware that we have children,” he responded and I told him that Sergio was sent to kill him if I didn't agree to help Jordan kill his wife and mother. “I'm sure he's aware that we have children since Justine and Logan, along with Lindsay, were all in the same residence together and like to talk,” I huffed. Crossing his arms Gavin’s eyes landed on Gideon when he growled, “He didn't tell me the rest of it.” Grinning slightly, I rubbed his upper arm and said, “It all worked out, so it's ok. Um, what's up with Anton?” Seeing he was glaring at Styx and Remy still chatting with each other. My mate chuckled and said quietly, “Our daughter tol
Athena Blackstone pov Heading back out to the porch, Gavin’s eyes lit up when he saw me, and his smile widened. “I knew that you would be gorgeous in that color!” “Stop, you shameless flirt,” I giggled and took the seat beside him. Glancing out at the few guards Gavin had, I saw my children instructing them on how to block an opponent. Anton was also standing there with the guards, following Remy’s movements, making me snort. I searched for Styx but didn't spy his black-haired head anywhere. “Where's your Beta,” I asked Gavin. He glanced at Gideon and sucked in his upper lip. Furrowing my brow I waited for him to answer. “He is with his men and the rogues, waiting for Sergio and his entourage to arrive since we received word that he was heading this way,” Gideon announced, and I gritted my teeth. “Why did you allow him to go meet him and not my late father's Sergio and Jericho who are more qualified to meet him? Styx isn't even a tilted Alpha and is a leader of the Me
AWasnamanackstone pov “Looks like the Alpha has arrived,” Gideon stated as he pointed out at the treeline. As the group approached Styx came running up the porch stairs in a panic. “Um, Athena, could you please come with me for a moment,” he said frantically, and I eyed him oddly. “Sure, Styx but it needs to be quick since Alpha Winters is coming.” Nodding his head briskly, he waved for me to follow him to the rear of the house. Catching up to him, I asked what was going on, and he pointed toward one of his men who was holding a baby. “Oh shit,” I groaned. “Did you kill Logan and Justine!?” Shaking his head and waving his hands before himself he shouted, “Oh no! I didn't, but someone did and left the pup crying on their dead mangled bodies, so my men grabbed the child and brought it to me. I don't know what the fuck to do with it!” Rubbing my eyes I exhaled deeply and peered up at him. “I have no idea either, but for now, it's your responsibility,” I asserted, an
Remy Montgomery pov Walking beside the huge, intimidating Sergio, I felt like I had miscalculated my strengths. We had traveled several miles away from my parent's home, and I was growing more leery of his intentions. After a few more yards he waved off the guards that surrounded us and side-eyed me strangely. After he sent his guards off, I wrung my hands, wondering what he wanted since all he had been doing was making annoyed huffs and growling sounds the entire time. “That pup you were carrying looked similar to a couple’s infant that my guards took care of, hmm. You don't appear to have had a child, are you positive that you are its mother?” He asked me boldly. Looking at him in disgust I hissed. “Your guards killed a couple and left their pup to waste away in the elements!? That is very cruel, Sir,” I growled sourly. Shrugging his broad shoulders, he said firmly that it wasn't any of his concern, and I screwed my face up at his disregard for the innocent. Grabbing
Athena Blackstone pov As I left my daughter her words swirled in my head. “The assassin showing up was the start of it all,” I growled sourly and stormed to my house to confront the asshole. Entering my home I called out for Gavin. He stepped out of the kitchen and asked me what I needed. “Where is the assassin?” Pointing inside where he came from, I walked past him and saw Gideon at the small table. Stepping right in front of him, I whipped my hand back and then slapped him hard across his cheek, startling him. “I think it's time for you to leave, Sir!” I asserted and his eyes narrowed at me. “If I leave, I take the necklace with me, and you will no longer have the future sight,” he stated coldly and calculating. Chewing on my bottom lip, I asked Bria in my head if she meant what she said about not knowing beforehand about future events was better. “Yes, I meant it,” she sighed and I nodded as I began removing the cursed jewelry. Handing it out to him I saw his ey
Athena Blackstone’s pov Weeks have passed, and I am overdue for my pup's predicted one month of birth. Sitting on the back porch in complete bliss I was thinking about how wrong my mother had been about men. Since being married to Gavin our bond had grown stronger than I ever thought possible. The only downside was that he knew that I was experiencing back aches and we both figured that our daughter would be gracing the world on this day. Hearing the patio door open I glanced at Gavin. “Doc said to get your ass to the infirmary,” he said firmly and I sighed as I struggled to stand up. I looked and felt like a beached whale. “She's gotta be huge considering the size I am,” I mumbled softly while waddling toward him. Kissing my forehead, he said, “You are a healthy mother, and our daughter will be healthy and strong as well. Do you want me to carry you?” I noticed that Gideon, who had remained nearby, was looking a bit distraught. As I passed him, I asked, “What is it tha
Athena Blackstone’s pov We left the cottage and were currently on the ATV heading back to the house. I was resting my cheek on Gavin's back as he drove down the dirt path. “Are you excited to get wed?” My wolf asked me. “Sure, I will be official afterward and Gavin's Luna queen,” I answered her. “I just wish Hazel was still here to be my bridesmaid and my dad to hand me off,” I added sullenly. “Ask Anton to hand you off, or Styx and Remy and Linda can be both your bridesmaids,” Bria suggested, and I grinned slightly. As we pulled up to the front of the house, I spied a white and black speckled large owl perched on the roof looking down at us, then immediately got a chill. “Is that Aspen?” I questioned Bria and she hummed before saying possibly. Narrowing my eyes at the feathered creature, I watched it tilt its head, spread its wings, and fly off toward the forest. “Is he able to transform into anything?” “Yes, he has that gift from his ancestors,” Bria sighed and I huffed
Athena Blackstone’s pov Waking up suddenly, I peeked over at Gavin, still sleeping soundly, and pinched my mouth from laughing at his mouth open as he slept. Moving my legs carefully from underneath him I patted my bare feet to the hot spring and grinned slightly as I lowered myself back into the hot water. I rested my elbows on the edge while I submerged my lower half. Closing my eyes as the warmth filled my leg and butt muscles I smiled at hearing Gavin beginning to rise. “You look like a siren awaiting a sailor to entice,” he said sleepily. Snickering, I told him that he was the only semen I wished for. “Hmm, interesting choice of words, temptress,” he laughed and rolled on his stomach, facing me from the bed. Looking over at him I raised my index finger and beckoned for him to join me. “If my woman wishes I will come,” he mumbled and quickly jumped into the deep pool. Watching his head bobbing up with his eyes glowing I inhaled sharply when he submerged and moved purpos
Gavin Montgomery's pov I had been overjoyed about bringing Athena to the cottage until Gideon appeared. I knew instinctively that it was about the high king in one regard or another, and when my mate ran off to the balcony, I was told what brought him. “Aspen cannot have your daughter. You need to give up your throne, hide, and keep her away from him at all costs…besides, I think the female could potentially be mine,” Gideon asserted, and I looked at him with disbelief. “I'm not going to give my crown to my eldest. I don't know which one of the twins came first, and either way, the other one will feel cheated. Plus, I want Athena to be given the title of queen officially. She deserves it,” I huffed. Rubbing his eyes the assassin was gritting his teeth. “Aspen is a cruel and crazy fuck with too high of expectations! He will break your child’s spirit and not allow her to become the woman she's meant to become,” he stressed firmly and I gave him a stoic glare. “It's true, Aspen n
Athena Blackstone's pov The following morning I was in a daze. Nothing seemed real as I watched my friend Hazel’s wrapped body get consumed by the flames of the pyre. I didn't sob like yesterday but tears rolled down my cheek. My thoughts were completely void of Aspen and the white wolf I had seen, and my body wasn't giving me a warning, so I just focused on what was happening before me. “She had finally gotten her happiness and it was taken from her,” I think to Bria. “It happens to all of us, some sooner than others. That's why you must live your life to the fullest and be happy,” she said softly. Seeing my mate standing with Nick, I noticed that he was looking at me with concern, and I curled my lip slightly to let him know that I was okay. “Is he still planning on going to the mountain after this?” I questioned my wolf. Silently for a moment, Bria replied with a simple yeah. Sighing deeply I hoped that it would bring me a little bit of happiness. “Life cannot
Athena Blackstone's pov Feeling as if my entire world was crumbling around me I was thankful for Anton. When we reached Gavin's, he was wiping his eyes and said, “Stay alive, boss lady. I can't lose you too,” he said emotionally, and I nodded before giving him a motherly hug. “Thanks for bringing me home,” I mumbled softly and turned to see Gavin standing on the front porch. Shaking my head at him, his eyes filled with grief. “Is Nick alright?” “No, he is hurting,” I replied and he sighed. “Go inside and eat. You missed dinner, and the pup needs nutrients. I'm going to go help Nick. I'll return later,” he said firmly and I nodded as I stepped up the stairs. “Are you going to be okay,” he asked me in concern. Peering up at him with my reddened eyes and damp cheeks I shrugged. “I will manage. I've got family, but Nick has no one but his pup. He needs you now more than I,” I said solemnly. Kissing my forehead he told me that he loved me before rushing off to help his
Athena Blackstone's pov An hour or so later, my family was all gathered in the living room, and Remy hugged me tightly when she first arrived. She could tell instantly that I was bothered by something and asked me to tell her. “We will in a moment,” I told her sullenly. Gavin exhaled deeply and then stood up to address them all. “Your mom and I had an issue at the King's Ball and unfortunately had to save our asses by signing our unborn pup over to King Aspen,” he said firmly, and Styx visually shuddered. “That's insanity; he is part demon, werewolf, fae, and related to Ormguddina, the snake witch, along with the high demon Mammon, who can shift into anything and is extremely dangerous,” he growled, and I eyed him, then my mate. Swallowing uncomfortably, I growled, “I knew he was odd, but it was either the contract, or he was going to kill your father and keep me for nefarious reasons.” My daughter side-eyed me with sadness and reached her hand out to me. Taking it I looked
Athena Blackstone's pov The helicopter ride home didn't even faze me. My brain was occupied with the pup that was growing within me. “Athena, he would have killed us both. First me, then you eventually,” Gavin stated. Shaking my head I huffed and growled, “So we offered up our daughter like a sacrifice. Is her life less important than ours?!” I was crestfallen as a mother and a warrior. I'd failed and eyed Gavin critically. “Perhaps he should not be my mate. I could have been the Goddess’s warrior and not had to deal with any of this failure,” I thought bitterly as a tear rolled down my cheek. Seeing me crying Gavin wrapped his arm around me and pressed my head against his chest. “It's better to face things together, Athena and the grass isn't always better on the other side,” Bria growled in my head. Rolling my eyes I told her that didn't make any sense and continued to drown in my frustration. Once we finally landed, Dwayne wasn't there to pick us up so I just s
Athena Blackstone's pov Time seemed to crawl by, and my anxiety over our fate increased with each second that passed. Watching Gavin taking a piss in the same corner that I had, I sat while resting my forearms on my knees, growing impatient. “When is that dick going to get here?” I growled sourly in frustration. Returning to my side Gavin said, “He is seeing his guest off since it's the end of the ball and also probably dealing with Lyra’s corpse.” Frowning, I side-eyed him and said, “Sorry you had to do that.” “Do what?” “Kill your former lover,” I muttered and he shook his head and laughed sarcastically. “She was pushing me, and I warned her to stop. If anything, the blame falls on both her and Aspen,” he asserted, and I nodded. Exhaling deeply I huffed and buried my head between my knees. Gavin placed his hand on my back and rubbed me for comfort. “I'm happy that you agreed to marry me,” he mumbled softly near my neck. Lifting my head I furrowed my brow.