Athena Blackstone's pov My eyes went to Lady Lyra grinning at me as she offered her dainty hand out to Gavin. I held out hope when he turned to look at me. My lower lip started to quiver when he stood up and said, “I will send for my suit.” My jaw tensed as I stood up and glared at Aspen. “I hope you enjoy the little warped game you are playing, but I can tell you right now I will never remain here,” I asserted and stormed out of his office only to be snatched by one of his guards and shoved back inside. “My servant will escort you to me after the meal,” Aspen said stiffly, repeating what he had told me before and I rolled my eyes. “May I leave now?” He waved his hand dismissively and I stormed out of his office. “Tell Rudik to fight against the compulsion,” I begged Bria and she sighed. “I will try my best, dear,” she replied but with not much encouragement. I returned to the bedroom and sank into the couch and exhaled deeply. I was close to tears as my mind wa
Athena Blackstone's pov Entering the bedroom I went to the packed gown and brought it out to lay it on the bed. Frowning, since the excitement I held of having Gavin seeing me in it felt like a stake to my heart now. I shook my head. “You can still wow him, he's still a man,” Bria snickered. “He's compelled to only focus on that Lyra chick,” I growled sourly as I stripped and slipped on the amazing gown remaining completely bare underneath it. “Do you think I should put up my hair?” I asked my wolf and she said,” You can flaunt your mate mark to the king. That will irk him,” she said in a snarky manner, making me giggle. A knock sounded at the door and I exhaled sharply. “That better not be that asshole, Aspen,” I huffed and went to open it to see a small man. His eyes looked over my gown and he nodded, “Linda's work is a chef's kiss.” “Who are you?” “Oh, I'm sorry for being enamored by the ethereal sight before me. I'm Pierre, his Excellency's personal designer. He asked m
Athena Blackstone's pov Once we reached the outside Gavin said to slow down and act casual. “Guests come out to have intimate connections. We just need to behave as such,” he panted as he squeezed my hand and pulled me closer. As the guards rushed past, he captured my lips in a toe-curling kiss that had me growing instantly damp with desire. Grinning against my mouth he asked, “I can smell your lust. Should we go to a hidden spot for a quick mate?” Running my free hand over his swollen crotch, I giggled and nodded, wanting nothing more than to have him inside of me. Lifting me in his arms, he ran through the garden, and I wrapped my arms around his neck. Peeking over his shoulder, I noticed that the guard's presence had waned, and he soon slowed his gate. Stopping at a small walled gazebo I raised my brow at him. “Have you, um, done things here before?” Shaking his head he said, “No, this is Aspen’s. No one enters this area.” Grinning smugly at him I said, “Seems like an i
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.
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 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 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 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 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