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 I had for my family and friends, I understood that sentiment

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

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

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

hadn’t lost their intensity, even after all

at me knowingly before planting his chin on top

suiting you, Brandon?” I

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:

eye whenever he spoke of Ember and the baby. Zeke barked out

lack of sleep, man. Besides,

towards the living room where little Niko sat bundled in his Aunt Tessa’s arms. There was

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

said anything, there was an odd sort of understanding that passed between

changing. It makes sense that Werewolves, Witches, and Vampire’s might change along

that in mind, I slipped out of the kitchen and into

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

painted.” The voice of my half-sister, who had

shade as Flora’s, was a tangled mess around her shoulders as

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

the

can either put this

reaching for it slowly. “I think I’ll keep it, but I’ll make

obnoxiously crowded living room. for the newest addition to the family. Luckily, our house

in two was my dad and Flora. Dad had his arm around her

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

mommy.”

any signs of magical abilities, but now that we knew male Witches were

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

a smirk. “I haven’t been a

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?

thing she got from Asher was his eyes and his temper. She was in deep conversation with Ember, both of them speckled with

expected. They understand what

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

but as a Luna and a Queen. There’s always gonna be times where you feel lost, but you’ve

going to make me cry if you keep sweet talking me, and

our attention was drawn to 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

brightly, looking

watching from the end of the couch, Vincenzo called out,

“Sure!” Iris replied.

that I stood closer to them, vanished in a puff of shadow. It reappeared several feet away, resting in

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

out. “I made us

I exclaimed, sharing a smirk with Holly. Tristan hovered at her side, his expression soft as he watched Odette play. It had been

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 not in

hour passed when Maven charged into the living room. The oven mitts on his hands. were huge, swallowing both of

are ready!”

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