Alpha Asher and Lola novel Chapter 243

Lola & Asher

One Year Later

It was hard to believe how much time had passed, even as I stood at my own wedding reception, surrounded by the people I loved most in this world.

So much had changed in three hundred and sixty five days, and it wasn’t just my marital status. There had been some uprising within the other packs in the country, but with Zeke as an ally and assuming leadership over Bran’s pack, they were easy to defend ourselves against.

The packs that wanted nothing to do with this new world closed themselves off, shutting their gates and increasing their security even though we had no intention on retaliating. It would take time before those packs changed their ways of thinking, and despite what they believed, violence was not the answer.

Rather than wage war, we focused on our own lands and doing all that we could to welcome any Vampire or Witch that needed a place to call home. Towns similar to the Vampire’s safe haven were currently being built on neutral territory.

Never in a million years could I have guessed the identity of the Vampire spearheading the entire thing, but I was slowly learning to love surprises.

Speaking of which-

“Well, look at this. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you look more like a Queen.”

Deacon’s grizzly laugh rumbled throughout the massive tent my reception party was being held under. He emerged through the crowd of

Werewolves, Vampire’s and Witches that attended. The mixture of our kind brought a lightness to everyone’s hearts. that had Asher and I grinning at one another throughout the night. “Spence and Dina wanted to make it, but their little one is still learning to control his blood lust. Won’t be safe to have him around for at least another six months.”

“It’s not a problem. They’re welcome over as soon as their boy is able. I’m looking forward to meeting him. He’ll have all the support he needs when he’s finally of shifting age.” I replied.

Wrapped around Deacon, wearing a floor- length gown of maroon silk, was his mate Bridgette. She quickly winked in my direction before scoffing at my brute of an Uncle. The two would pick at one another relentlessly, but the love and adoration between them was all too obvious.

“I disagree completely. You saw her put that force field over our town last year.

Now that’s what I call a Queen.” Her giggle was warm and airy. She placed her hand on my arm and said, “You look gorgeous, Lola. The gown is incredible.”

“Asher insisted on having it custom made. In fact, he insisted on spending the most amount of money he could get away with.” I commented dryly, glancing at the man in question.

“Lucky he has such good taste then.” Bridgette winked.

A voice sounded to the far left, beside the bride and groom’s table that Asher and I sat at. It brought a grin to my face, filling my chest with unimaginable warmth. Tonight was easily one of the best night’s of my life, and it was partially because of this person.

“Oh, don’t let that brooding Alpha tell you he planned this get together. He might’ve signed the checks, but the masterpiece surrounding you was a team effort.” Grandma’s huff was nothing short of stern, but the soft tilt to her features exuded playfulness. “If we let these brutes have their way, they’d likely host a fighting ring right here on the dance floor.”

She quickly wrapped me in her arms, whispering her congratulations in my ear before moving onto Asher. Since getting out of the hospital a few months ago,

Grandma had been even more affectionate with Asher than usual. I liked to think it was her way of reminding him he wasn’t to blame, and despite the stoic way he held himself, I knew Asher enjoyed the affection. 2

“Now that sounds fun. Wouldn’t mind duking it out a round or two. Someone has to teach these young pups how to hold their own.” My Dad’s voice came next, still just as raspy but lighter than ever before.

Deacon’s laugher was a sonic boom that made the people closest to us jump. While it was startling at first, there was something infectious about it. Within seconds, we were laughing along side him.

“Can’t say I’d mind knocking some heads.” Deacon said, sharing a grin with my Dad.

“Good to know it’s not just the Werewolves that can be brutes.” Flora’s soft and whimsical voice trickled through the crowd.

She waddled her way past the other party -goers, her stomach round and swollen from the life she carried. In her hands was two plates stacked with pastries and various finger foods. Upon seeing her,

Dad rushed to her side to take the plates from her arms. There was an adorable blush that stained her cheeks when she realized everyone was looking her way. 5

Claire, Asher’s mother, appeared from the woodworks. She and Flora had become close friends over the past year.

Between Claire and I, we’d been there throughout the entirety of Flora’s pregnancy. It was the least I could do considering my little sister was a short two months away from being born.

I was pulled into Asher’s arms, missing the playful jab Deacon tossed back at Flora that had everyone breaking into laughter. Everyone seemed to be holding their own conversations, jumping back and forth whenever someone poked fun at another. It was chaotic in the best way possible, and I enjoyed taking a step back to watch the madness unfold.

Claire and Bridgette were holding their own conversations when I caught Flora’s eye. As I took her in, noting the mossy gown that hugged her body and showed off every inch of her rounded belly, I decided that pregnancy suited her.

Asher’s silken lips skimmed my temple before moving to whisper in my ear.

“Do you regret it?”

Dad approached Flora from behind, stopping to rest his chin on the top of her head. His arms slid around her waist, his hands coming to rest on her swollen stomach. There was this dreamy look on my Dad’s face that I’d never seen before.

The euphoria it filled me with was indescribable.

As I looked over her pregnant belly, thinking about the life my magic helped create, I realized I already had my answer.

“Not one bit.”

Little did I know that nine months later, I’d be welcoming my own child into the world.

Two Years Later 5

“I’m going to kill him.” I hissed, clenching my teeth as another jolt of pain wracked my insides.

I’d suffered through evil in many forms, became a Luna and a Queen, but it was this that threatened to take me out. The pain of this little gremlin in my stomach, kicking and fighting to make her grand entrance into the world, was nothing short of excruciating.

If it wasn’t for Holly and Breyona, I’d be waddling my way to the hospital alone.

“It’ll be okay. It’ll all be okay.” Holly, ever the peacekeeper, said soothingly.

She had her arm wound around my waist as she supported my right side. I couldn’t tell if the words were to calm me or to calm herself.

Breyona, who supported my left, barked out a laugh. “I’ll help you kill him.”

Together, they hoisted me into the van, easing me into the seat. Between my swollen ankles and the contractions, I could barely move without writhing in pain.

“Help me and I’ll make you Alpha.” I groaned, falling back onto the seat.

There was a handful of heartbeats in between each contraction, and that number was quickly dwindling as they grew closer and closer together. Breyona started sucking in slow breaths, puffing them out in awkward patters that she expected my agony riddled mind to follow.