Alpha Asher and Lola novel Chapter 249

Alpha Asher by Jane Doe Chapter 249

Reunion

Lola’s P.O.V.

10 Years Later…

“Ramona, so help me! If you don’t stop stealing your cousin’s toys I’m going to sick Aunty Ember on you, and you know she won’t hold back.” I shouted from the kitchen, craning my head to look over my shoulder where I locked eyes with my dashing mate.

Asher was leaned against the wall, his arms downright bite-able in the fitted t-shirt he wore. He brought the beer in his hand to his mouth, lips twisted in a knowing smirk that had me contemplating a fourth child.

If this man doesn’t calm down, we’re going to have to hire a second nanny.

He returned his attention to Zeke and Brandon as though our little heated exchange hadn’t occurred. On cue, Ramona let out a shrill scream that quickly morphed into pulses of erratic laughter. A familiar pang of longing hit my chest as it did every time I heard my daughter’s laugh.

She sounds just like Mom.

Ember’s monstrous roar emerged from the living room, followed by a cacophony of giggles from the other children. There were so many you’d think we were building our own army. A soft tug to my apron drew my attention downward, to Maven’s sweet smile and head of dark hair.

“Mom, you’re going to burn Granny’s custard. Here, let me do it.”

I stepped aside and watched as Maven took control, stirring the bubbling mixture and scraping the spoon around the edges of the pot. He cranked the heat down just a hair and tossed in a dash of salt.

The grief in his voice made my throat constrict as a knot began to build. No matter how hard it was, I swallowed the tears that threatened to fall and pasted a loving smile on my face.

It had been one month now since Grandma had been called back home by the Moon Goddess. Much like with everything else in life, she had known it was coming. I think in a way we all did. She’d been surrounded by her family and friends when the time finally came and her spirit slipped away, guided by her oldest friend, her wolf. There hadn’t been a dry eye in sight, but the hardest part was explaining things to Ramona and Maven.

The two of them had adored their great-grandmother, but it was Maven that formed a special. connection with her. Mere hours after her passing, we found a book of all her recipes atop hist bed. Baking was something they often did together, and as the years passed and Maven’s skill grew, I knew it was because of her.

There was something else Grandma had taught Maven-something we only recently noticed.

Maven was using magic.

For all intents and purposes, it shouldn’t have been possible. In the entire history of Witchcraft there had never been a male witch, but I knew what I had seen and so did Asher.

After careful planning and lengthy meetings with Tessa, Ember, and the others, we decided that the best course of action was to send Maven to the Magisterium. More than anything, though, I wished I could’ve asked Grandma about Maven and his budding magic.

For some reason I wasn’t sure I’d ever understand, fate saw it fit to grant my wish.

The night Grandma slipped away, after I’d cried my heart and soul into Asher’s chest, I found myself in the grove where ten years ago I said a final goodbye to my brother. Grandma was there, standing in a way that made me wonder if she’d been waiting for me.

She had changed, but in the best of ways. Time no longer weighed her town, tugging on her shoulders and warping her posture. Her face was free of lines, but still held all of the wisdom. she’d bestowed on everyone she came in contact with.

“He is special, Lola. Ramona too. Protect them, my dear, and the wonderful life you have built. Watch them usher in a new era, and never forget how much I love you. Until we meet again, sweetheart.”

After watching her walk into the mystical grove Sean had vanished into all those years ago, I awoke in bed surrounded by Asher’s arms, cradled in his embrace. Tears streaked my face and as I looked up, I found myself staring into his open eyes.

“She’s gone, isn’t she?”

It wasn’t just grief that weighed on my heart, but happiness. Joy. Grandma wasn’t gone.

No, she had just gone home.

Now, as I looked into the eyes of my son, my body thrumming with the pure love I had for my family and friends, I understood that sentiment more than ever.

Maven cocked his head the way I’d seen Asher do thousands of times. “What’s wrong, Mom?”

“Nothing. Nothing at all. You’re pretty amazing, you know that? Granny left her recipes in the right hands.” I said, ruffling his hair. The proud tilt to his lips reminded me of myself, even if his demeanor was more like Asher’s. A small squeal came from the living room, standing out amongst the other maelstrom of noises. “Think you can handle it from here while I check on your brother, Mave?”

He puffed out his chest, which was made even more adorable by the smear of powdered sugar on his cheek. “I’ve got this.”

Before I could slip into the living room where chaos awaited, I was pulled into Asher’s arms. The sparks hadn’t lost their intensity, even after all this time. They were the one thing that renewed my energy when life started pulling in too many directions.

Asher smirked down at me knowingly before planting his chin on top of my head.

“How’s fatherhood suiting you, Brandon?” I teased.

Brandon took a long swig of his soda. There were some dark circles beneath his eyes, but it wasn’t due to his drinking habits. No, Brandon had given up alcohol a long time ago. These circles had a life of their own and went by the name: Niko.

“Oh, you know. I absolutely love only getting three hours of sleep a night.” Despite his complaints, there was a twinkle in his eye whenever he spoke of Ember and the baby. Zeke barked out a laugh, slapping Brandon on the back. “Aw come on, Beta. You should be

the lack of sleep, man. Besides, isn’t it worth it?”

Brandon glanced towards the living room where little Niko sat bundled in his Aunt Tessa’s arms. There was an almost dreamy quality to his expression when he said, “yeah, it is.”

“I don’t know about the rest of you, but I’m dying to see if little Niko is going to inherit hist Momma’s magic.” Zeke grinned, rocking on the balls of his feet. Brandon cast him a look which he shrugged off. “I know, I know. Boys don’t inherit magic, but you’ve seen Maven over there. If he’s inherited his mom’s magic, who’s to say Niko won’t inherit Ember’s?”

Asher and I locked eyes, and even though neither of us said anything, there was an odd sort of understanding that passed between us.

I shrugged. “The times are changing. It makes sense that Werewolves, Witches, and Vampire’s might change along with it.”

With that in mind, I slipped out of the kitchen and into the eye of the storm.

Toys were strewn about, varying in age level. A sea of Lego’s blocked my path, eying my feet with obvious hunger. I avoided those death traps at all costs. Next were the toy trucks and action figures, most of which were missing limbs, courtesy of Ramona, or covered in thin vines, courtesy of Tessa’s little girl, Willow.

“Lola! Look at what I painted.” The voice of my half-sister, who had just celebrated her ninth birthday, rang out from across the living room.

Her curly hair, the same warm shade as Flora’s, was a tangled mess around her shoulders as she parted the sea of toys and vicious children with a sheet of paper in hand.

She didn’t give me the chance to glance down before shouting, “Do you like it? It’s me and you!”

Sure enough, there were two hastily painted figures, one taller than the other. Both had long hair, though the taller figures was dark and pin-straight. I smirked at the golden crown she’d added to both our heads.

“Princess Daisy has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it?” I winked, causing her to giggle. “I can either put this on my fridge or if you want, you can hold onto it for me.” T

Daisy eyed her artwork with obvious interest before reaching for it slowly. “I think I’ll keep it, but I’ll make sure it stays extra safe!”

As Daisy pranced away to continue painting, I scanned the obnoxiously crowded living room. for the newest addition to the family. Luckily, our house had plenty of space to accommodate so many people and children, something I’d never take for granted.

On the extra-large sectional that divided the living room in two was my dad and Flora. Dad had his arm around her slender shoulders, while my youngest sat on her lap.

Wyatt’s baby blues found my face and his chubby cheeks puffed out as a grin took over his face. He squirmed on Flora’s lap, thrusting his hand in my direction to point at where I stood.