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.

she had

son, my body thrumming with the pure love

head the way I’d seen Asher do thousands of times. “What’s wrong,

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

out his chest, which was made even more adorable by the smear of powdered sugar on his cheek.

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

down at me knowingly before planting his chin on

fatherhood suiting you,

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

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

lack of sleep, man. Besides,

where little Niko sat bundled in his Aunt Tessa’s arms. There was an almost dreamy quality to his expression when he said,

rocking on the balls of his feet. Brandon cast him a look which

I locked eyes, and even though neither of us said anything, there was

that Werewolves,

of the kitchen and

all costs. Next were the toy trucks and action figures, most of which were missing limbs, courtesy of Ramona, or

of my half-sister, who had just celebrated her ninth birthday, rang out from across 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

give me the chance to glance down before shouting, “Do you like it? It’s

taller than the other. Both had long hair, though the taller figures was dark and pin-straight. I smirked

her to giggle. “I can either

for it slowly. “I think I’ll

pranced away to continue painting, I scanned the obnoxiously crowded living room. for the newest addition to the family. Luckily, our house

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

his chubby cheeks puffed out as a grin took over his face. He squirmed on Flora’s lap, thrusting his hand

my mommy.”

shown any signs of magical abilities, but now that we knew male Witches were a possibility, I

you doing, kid?” Dad asked, his gruff voice hiding almost all

a smirk. “I haven’t been a

to me, kid.” His 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 handling all of this?

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 them speckled with mud, which made sense considering the back door

can be expected.

her here, though.” I stumbled over my words, feeling young and out of place. Thirty-two years old

my hand, covering it with his own. “You’re doing an incredible job, Lola. Not just as a mom, but as a Luna and a Queen. There’s always gonna be times where you feel lost, but you’ve got family here to help keep things on

heavy ache settled in my chest. “You’re going to make me cry

the room. She’d been playing dolls with Tessa and Zeke’s

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

parents watching from the end of the couch,

“Sure!” Iris replied.

I stood closer to them, vanished

Holly and Tristan’s daughter skipped into the room. In her arms was a

called out. “I made

at her side, his expression soft as he watched Odette play. It had been years

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,

living room. The oven mitts on his hands. were huge, swallowing both

cookies are ready!” He

truck he kicked unleashed a