Alpha Asher by Jane

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.

had

with the pure love I had for my family and friends, I understood that

head the way I’d seen Asher do

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.

by the smear of powdered sugar on his

hadn’t lost their intensity, even after all this

planting his chin on

fatherhood suiting you,

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

three hours of sleep a night.” Despite his complaints, there was a twinkle in his eye whenever he spoke

sleep, man. Besides, isn’t it worth

Aunt Tessa’s arms. There was an almost dreamy quality

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

even though neither of us said anything, there was an odd sort of understanding that passed between

sense that Werewolves, Witches,

that in mind, I slipped out of the

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

painted.” The voice of my half-sister, who had just celebrated her ninth birthday, rang

her shoulders as she parted the sea of toys and vicious children with a sheet

before shouting, “Do you like it? It’s me

two hastily painted figures, one taller than the other. Both had long hair, though the taller figures was dark and

ring to it, doesn’t it?” I winked, causing her to giggle. “I can either put this on my

slowly. “I think I’ll keep it, but

to the family. Luckily, our house had plenty

that divided the living room in two was my dad and Flora. Dad had

took over his face. He squirmed on Flora’s lap, thrusting his hand in

my mommy.”

any signs of magical abilities, but now that we

his gruff voice hiding almost all

smirk. “I haven’t been a kid in over

chest trembled as he chuckled. The humor that twinkled in his eyes was fleeting, though. As it faded, so did the laugh lines around his mouth and eyes. “Really, though. How are you

over at Ramona, who bore resemblance to both me and my mom. The only thing she got from Asher was his eyes and his temper. She was in deep conversation with Ember, both of

doing as well as can be expected. They understand what

me, I’ll be alright. It’s…different without her here, though.” I stumbled over my words, feeling young and out of place. Thirty-two years old and I

his own. “You’re doing an incredible job, Lola. Not just as a mom, but as a Luna and a Queen.

make me cry if you keep sweet talking me,

Clara and Mason’s daughter, Iris, when her twinkling laughter sounded from across the room. She’d been playing dolls with Tessa and Zeke’s daughter when the three-year-old Witch made flowers sprout along the carpet. One of them. worked their way into Iris’s curly hair, it’s petals unfurling

gave you a flower, Iris.” Clara said brightly, looking over her shoulder to share a laugh with

parents watching from the end of the couch, Vincenzo

“Sure!” Iris replied.

of the flowers, which resembled a lily now that I stood closer to them, vanished in a puff of

over their little boy’s display of magic, Holly and Tristan’s daughter skipped into the room. In her arms was

out. “I

know that’s my favorite? Who told you?” I exclaimed, sharing a smirk with Holly. Tristan hovered at her side, his expression soft as he watched Odette play.

kids play and marveled at how quickly they seemed to grow. Grandma’s absence was palpable, a force that lingered in the room like a noxious cloud. That was the grief speaking, though. I knew more than anything that Grandma was here, just

an hour passed when Maven charged into the living room. The oven mitts on

are ready!”

the many toys strewn across the floor. The toy truck he kicked unleashed a howl, it’s headlights flashing.