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.

she carried. In her hands was two plates stacked with pastries and various finger foods. Upon seeing

There was an adorable blush that stained her cheeks when she realized everyone was looking

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

pregnancy. It was the least I could

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

took her in, noting the mossy

before moving to whisper

you regret it?”

his chin on the top of her head. His arms slid around her waist, his hands coming to rest on

me

the life my magic helped

“Not one bit.”

later, I’d be welcoming

Later

him.” I hissed, clenching my teeth as another jolt of pain wracked my insides.

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.

be waddling my way to the hospital alone.

okay.” Holly, ever the peacekeeper, said soothingly.

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

a laugh. “I’ll help you

van, easing me into the seat. Between my swollen ankles and the contractions, I

make you Alpha.” I groaned, falling back onto

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

studying childbirth the last six months and while I absolutely loved her for it, I had to resist the heinous urge to

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

the more time seemed to slip through my fingers. Looking back, the moments leading up to giving birth would come in sporadic flashes. Holly, sitting at my right, dabbing my

rage I felt towards Asher because he and Zeke chose this moment to go and

just six hours after his departure, but when you’re in

a birthing room at the hospital, with no less than a dozen staff members flitting about, that Asher tore through the door.

and their daughter, Penelope. Grandma stood at their side, flanked by Asher’s parents, Zeke, Tessa, Brandon, Ember, Tristan, Mason, and Clara.

to convey how furious I was, but a vicious contraction tore through me so sharply that the words came out in an agonized

no time as he smoothed the hair away from my face. There was pain burning in

the rings on my left hand. He made no mention of how drenched in sweat I was, and instead whispered in

“You’re absolutely beautiful.”

Her stern expression told me to drink, and despite the pain tearing up

and Holly were permitted in the room considering they were the

it instincts or the horrors of the past, but some animalistic part of me was already attached to

baby. We got here as quick as we could. Fuck, I’m glad we got here when we did.” He panted, still drool worthy with

Asher, naked as the day he was born,

kind woman

my feet onto this metal contraption that left me wide and very much exposed to the entire room. She rolled a stool over and situated herself front and

even once. Through every one of my death grips, he murmured words of encouragement and reminded me that even covered in sweat and gasping for breath, I

to push?” The doctor asked, peering up from between my legs.