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 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
Leora Montgomery’s pov After the housekeeper showed me to the room that would be mine I went to the living room area within it and sat on the chair. Running my fingers through my hair I felt conflicted over what the Moon Goddess had told me. My wolf, Ivory, was telling me that Aspen was a bad person and marked me when I was growing inside my mother's womb. “I have not thought about that stranger. I find Gideon to be very handsome though. He is muscular and tough, but he is timid considering his huge size and behaves standoffish …am I not attractive enough for him? Perhaps I will feel the same way for this Aspen fellow,” I said softly and heard her growling at me. “You will choose your real mate and he will become the high king, Leora! You must make your choice wisely or you will suffer horrendously. Plus, the Goddess expects you too… oh, never mind, you already know what is expected of you,” she hissed. “I am drawn to Gideon, so calm yourself, I desire him, wolf. I'm certain
Leora Montgomery’s pov Towel-drying my hair, I put on the borrowed tee, strapped on my knife belt, and exited the bathroom to see Gideon spreading a blanket out on the floor at the side of the bed. “The couch would be more comfortable than the floor,” I commented, catching his attention. “I'm too large for it, so I am opting for the floor,” he answered me as I eyed him in disbelief. “You can use the bed then and I will sleep on the sofa since I am much smaller,” I offered and saw him frown. Shaking his head he huffed and pointed to the bed and asserted, “You will have the bed, Leora. I may be a cold-hearted assassin, but I'm not an asshole.” Shrugging, I told him that I was just concerned about his old body lying on the hard floor, then snickered at the look he was giving me. “I'm in prime condition, princess,” he muttered sourly, and I nodded and said, “Of course you are, sir.” “It's late, so go on and get to bed, we have training to do tomorrow,” he exhaled deeply, a
Athena Montgomery's pov Sitting at the kitchen table, I noticed that my arm hairs had sprung up in warning, and I narrowed my eyes. My first thought was my daughter, and I quickly rose and told Gavin that Leora was in trouble as I ran out of the kitchen and up the stairs. Going straight to her bedroom, the door flung open, and Gideon stepped out. I could tell by the look on his face that my child had been taken. “Why didn't you stop him?!” I screamed at him. “I couldn't! I'm not the one who has to end him. It's Leora’s destiny, not mine,” he said roughly and shoved past me. Turning toward him I huffed. “You're HER mate! Not Aspen!” I shouted out at him and watched his shoulders stiffen as he turned and glared at me. “None of this would have happened if you'd taken the warnings you were given to heart and not pissed off the High King,” he growled. Taken aback I gasped at his words. Was I the one responsible for all of this?! My bottom lip trembled as I spoke my next words, “
Leora Montgomery's pov Aspen soon stopped his laughter and gave me a look of disgust. Gesturing with his hand at my person he growled, “You're absolutely gorgeous but are hideous in what you are wearing.” “It's what I slept in; you kidnapped me before I had the chance to change,” I replied, but he ignored me as he shouted out for a guard. The door opened, and a huge man entered, and his eyes landed on me and grew wide. “Stop eyeing my female and fetch one of the court Ladies in waiting. I need one to get here and fix her,” Aspen ordered as he waved circles around me. “Have them bring her different gowns. I can't have her looking like a serf in my home,” he added. Nodding the guard glanced at me once more before quickly leaving us. My eyes fell as I gritted my molars. The king just paced around his room, stopping at a full-length mirror to admire his reflection. I caught him watching me standing there and turned my eyes away to study the room he had brought me. “It'
Leora Montgomery's pov “Hello once again.” I turned to see the servant Brandy and smiled. “Are you going to be my lady in waiting,” I asked her and she nodded. “I'd be honored if you want me to take the position,” she said softly and I nodded and told her certainly. Beaming, she looked happy and relaxed when I told her that she could just call me Leora. “Sorry for leaving you with Mister Fussy Pants,” she sighed, and I dismissed it with a wave. “That pervert is no longer anyone's concern. Ah, would you show me around this huge place?” “Yes, I would be delighted to,” she replied with a grin and gestured for me to follow after her. She pointed out across a field and told me that was where airplanes and helicopters landed then she took me to the back to show me the gardens that were like a labyrinth. “I'm surprised that there's something beautiful here,” I mumbled softly and she smirked. “His excellence insisted that he be surrounded by the most eye-catching items
Leora Montgomery's pov “Are there others that are aware of his past,” I asked Ivory, and she told me that only the older centenarians do, but they have been warned by Gideon not to mention it to others or die. Inhaling deeply, I felt that I must be the one who would break through the walls he had built up around his heart. It was obvious that he was a caring individual but it only reached a certain level. “I will pole vault over his walls and capture his heart,” I asserted and grinned slightly at myself. Seeing Gideon returning back inside and looking gloomy I narrowed my eyes. “What has crept up your butt, Mr Landers?” He glared at me and growled, “Call me by my given name and nothing is going on within my ass.” Hissing, I shook my head and asserted, “Cheer up, buttercup, so I can introduce you to your assistant.” His mouth turned up slightly at the corner and he nodded. “Come along, my king; I was shown your shared office and know the way,” I said chipperly and offered him
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