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
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 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.
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