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

into the eyes of my son, my body thrumming with the pure love I had for my family and friends, I understood

head the way I’d seen Asher do thousands

myself, even if his demeanor

made even more adorable by the smear of powdered sugar on his cheek.

I was pulled into Asher’s arms. The sparks hadn’t lost their intensity, even after all this time. They were the one

before planting his chin

suiting you, Brandon?”

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:

complaints, there was a twinkle in his eye whenever he spoke of Ember and the baby.

lack of sleep, man. Besides,

in his Aunt Tessa’s arms. There was an almost dreamy quality to his expression when he said, “yeah,

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.

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

that Werewolves, Witches, and Vampire’s might

slipped out of the

in age 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,

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

a tangled mess around her shoulders as she

the chance to glance down before shouting, “Do you like it?

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

winked, causing her to giggle. “I can either put this on my fridge or if you want, you

slowly. “I think I’ll keep

I scanned the obnoxiously crowded living room. for the newest addition to the family. Luckily, our house had plenty of space to accommodate so many people

extra-large sectional that divided the living room in two was my dad and Flora. Dad had his arm around her

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

mommy.” He

abilities, but now that we knew male Witches were a possibility, I

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

with a smirk. “I haven’t been a kid in over ten years,

always gonna be a kid 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

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 them

as can be expected. They

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

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

cry if you keep sweet talking me, and then Wyatt’s going

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

brightly, looking over her

of the couch, Vincenzo called out, “can I have

“Sure!” Iris replied.

resembled a lily now that I stood closer to them, vanished in a puff of shadow. It reappeared several feet away, resting in Vincenzo’s

skipped into the room. In her arms was a tea set, which she plopped. down on

Lola?” Odette called out. “I made us rose

hovered at her side,

the 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

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

are ready!”

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