Alpha Asher by Jane

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.

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,

her side to take the plates from her arms. There was an adorable blush

appeared from the woodworks. She and Flora had become close friends over the

been there throughout the entirety of Flora’s pregnancy. It was the least I could do considering my

to be holding their own conversations, jumping

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,

my temple before moving to

regret it?”

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.

filled me with

life my magic helped create, I realized I

“Not one bit.”

later, I’d be welcoming my own child into the world.

Later 5

hissed, clenching my teeth as another jolt of pain wracked

was this that threatened to take me out. The pain of this little gremlin in my stomach, kicking and fighting to make

Holly and Breyona, I’d be waddling my

all be okay.” Holly,

as she supported my right side. I couldn’t tell if the words were to calm me or

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

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

Alpha.” I groaned, falling back onto the seat.

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

been studying childbirth the last six months and while I absolutely loved her for it, I had to resist the heinous urge to clamp my hands over her mouth to

howled at Giovanni, who clenched the steering wheel so tightly his tanned skin turned

fingers. Looking back, the moments leading up to giving birth would come in sporadic flashes. Holly, sitting at my right, dabbing my sweaty forehead with a damp wash cloth. Breyona, whispering words of

he and Zeke chose this moment to go and visit the council of witches elected

didn’t know my water would break just six hours after his departure, but

than a dozen staff members flitting about, that Asher tore through the door. From where I laid in bed, snarling

flanked by Asher’s parents, Zeke, Tessa, Brandon, Ember, Tristan, Mason, and Clara. The others at their back were hospital staff or overly excited pack members hoping for a glimpse at the future Alpha or Luna.

at Asher, to convey how furious I was, but a vicious

burning in his eyes, but it was overshadowed with awe and the

found mine, toying with the rings on my left hand. He made no mention

“You’re absolutely beautiful.”

the side of the bed, forcing a straw into my mouth. Her stern expression told me to drink, and despite the pain tearing up

Holly were permitted in the room considering they were the

part of me was

we could. Fuck, I’m glad we got here when we did.” He panted, still drool worthy with his hair disheveled and hospital scrubs hanging off his muscular

wasn’t in such pain, I would’ve peed myself laughing when Asher, naked as

doctor, a kind woman

and very much exposed to the entire room. She

Asher’s hand, spitting and snarling as the pain surpassed any and all thresholds. My incredible mate didn’t balk, not even once. Through every one of my death grips, he murmured words

ready to push?” The doctor asked, peering up from