Athena Blackstone pov Giving me a concerned eye my daughter cringed hearing my plan. “I'm strong enough to give you a boost but are you sure that will work?” She questioned me as we followed the crowd. “What other choice do I have, Remy? I don't want Styx or Gavin to die, nor do I want either of us to have to serve that miserable asshole,” I stressed angrily, and she rubbed my back. It wasn't taking away the nauseating feeling I felt in my gut, but I knew if I was unsuccessful, my entire future happiness was at stake. As we neared the area being crudely roped off I watched Remy rush off toward Styx and saw Gavin walking toward me with his brow creased. I was surprised by him embracing me tightly and telling me that he loved me more than anything. “I'm thankful that you were my mate, Athena. You mean the world to me. I just wish I could have made you my wife,” he growled passionately into the side of my head. “What is going on?” I asked him. Pulling back, he looked do
Athena Blackstone pov Joining Gavin I smiled at Hazel holding her daughter. She was smiling at me and said, “You're gutsy, Athena. I lost my breath when you jumped on that man’s back and flashed everyone your underwear.” She then proceeded to chuckle uproariously and I rolled my eyes. “I did what was necessary to secure my daughter and mine’s future. Thankfully that fucker was an idiot and died like the mangy dog that he was,” I asserted and she pinched her mouth and snickered. “You're a very spicy queen,” she said softly and I shrugged. “I know that I must work on my vocabulary so I don't sound trashy, but I grew up around the male guards, and well,” I muttered with a shrug, and she grinned. “I know that but others are unaware of your upbringing,” she said compassionately. “I'll work on it,” I promised and glanced at Gavin and Nick still discussing the offer. Hazel gestured to them and asked me if I knew what was going on. Nodding I told her that we needed a Beta
Athena Blackstone pov All of us returned to the house, and once inside, I grimaced as Gavin tossed our son to the floor and ordered Anton to remain where he was. “Athena, go upstairs, while I discipline these two,” his Lycan growled. I quickly ran up the stairs and once on the second floor I shifted to get to the bedroom to dress “I'm not going to sit this shit show out,” I huffed. Throwing on a simple T-shirt dress I hurried back down the stairs to see Azel in tears and pinched my lips together in concern as I glanced at Gavin. “You and mom only care about what Remy does and I was left to find out things from others all on my own. I figured that Anton would be a helpful person,” my son said sullenly and wiped away the wetness from his eyes. Sighing deeply Gavin glanced at me and then back at our son. “Who was the small female that you both were trying to mate with?” Remaining tip-lipped, Azel looked at Anton, who was sitting naked on the floor. He was not wearing
Athena Blackstone pov I slept well, even after all the stupidity of my son and woke up in a decent mood. I was alone in bed again and narrowed my eyes hoping that nothing horrific happened with the rogue wolves during the shift. “Or Azel,” Bria whimpered and I huffed as I got out of bed and put on another comfortable dress. Looking at my mirror I frowned at my reflection and said, “I'm slowly morphing into one of those frilly females I used to dislike.” Snickering at me, my wolf sighed and told me that I was just adjusting to my position. “Okay, so it's because I'm Gavin's queen that I am inclined to wear this?” “No, you are just getting to experience your feminine side. You're no longer required to patrol perimeters in menswear and hang out with the guards, dear. You're getting a chance to be a proper female,” she explained and I rolled my eyes at her. “Whatever wolf, let's go see if anything nefarious is going on or has happened,” I muttered sourly then slipped on my t
Gavin Montgomery pov “Are you really going to take Athena to Asher's court? Those females are vicious creatures and will look down on her for her upbringing,” Nick said worriedly. Asking him for a match I gathered the torn photos in an empty flower pot and lit them in fire wanting that part of my past to burn away. “Lady Lyra will try to seduce you. You know that, she's a vindictive cunt and won't care if you have a mate or even if she's at your side,” he added. Giving him a grin I shook my head. “I know that but I also believe that Athena can hold her own and be just the right woman to put all those pompous bitches in their place,” I said with conviction, making Nick chuckle. “I believe that but I am wondering what you will do,” he muttered and I pinched my lips together as I huffed. “I will have my mate and I don't have any feelings for any female of my past. Lady Lyra needs to realize that she isn't the one who I desire,” I asserted and he sat back and said, “Okay, buddy. Yo
Athena Blackstone pov “Henry please ready my mother’s room, she's coming to help Athena,” Gavin announced when we stepped within the foyer. Henry hurried from the kitchen with her husband and went up the stairs. Side-eyeing Gavin, I turned to him and asked, “Can you tell me about that female Lyra?” Seeing his jaw tense I forced a smile and assured him that I was only curious about her since I would be forced to be in her presence. His brow creased as he looked into my eyes. “I'm afraid that you are going to dislike her greatly as with all the other females Aspen has in his court,” he sighed and brought me to his living room. “Let me explain King Aspen to you first. He is very ancient and abides by the old ways. He is a mateless king and gets his comfort by collecting the most beautiful females of our kind,” he explained uncomfortably and I screwed my face in disgust. “He collects women, has his way with them then loans them out to his guests? He sounds like a pimp,” I
Athena Blackstone pov Patting Gavin's thigh I told him that I was going to go help Henry and Dwayne with dinner. “I will ask her if she knows anyone who would want a housekeeping job here while I am in there,” I sighed and stood to head into the kitchen. After getting dinner finished I helped ready the dining table and told Gavin to get his parents. “Make sure that they are dressed,” I teased and he laughed at me with sarcasm. I headed to the hidden office and entered the still-open room to see Linda with piles of cut pieces of fabric. Her eyes met mine, and she said, “After dinner, I will need to pin these pieces on you so I can begin sewing them together. “Okay, for now, come join us for supper,” I said softly, and she actually smiled. “I would like to incorporate some crystals into the bodice of the gown to accentuate the lovely necklace you're wearing if that's alright?” I reached up absentmindedly and touched the necklace as I nodded. “I would love that,” I answ
Athena Blackstone's pov several weeks later After the secret fitting of my finished gown with Linda, I felt like I could handle the stupid ball. The ball gown was stunning and the crystal design along the top of the bodice made my necklace stand out beautifully. The long shimmering fabric hugged my form and appeared alive when I took a turn around the room. Waves of dark champagne bellowed around my feet and it was long enough to hide my feet. I was thrilled with how comfortable it was. “This is outstanding! And that is a great compliment because I don't care for dresses,” I commented joyously. She smiled happily and said, “You will knock their socks off,” Linda praised causing me to grin. Nodding I started to remove it so she could get it packed up and ready for me to take on my trip. “Do you know if Azel is up for the day yet?” The seamstress asked me as she took the gown from my hands. “You two have been spending a lot of time together. Seems unfair since you will
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 the