Origins: Silver Mountain

Chapter Two

Narration

Augustus walked home, not thrilled about Lukas’s latest stunt. He needed to clear his head. Silver Mountain was not the refuge it had once been. It was disheartening because in the beginning, it had so much potential.

Judeah had worked hard to make Silver Mountain feel like home for everyone. It wasn’t fair that Lukas could come in and break down the community that had been fostered between the refugees. The territory was against the change of hands, but the threat of being killed kept them from fighting back. After fleeing war amongst other things, it was traumatic to even think about the casualties that were inevitable. Some refugees were laying low from the threat of supernatural traffickers and here was Lukas, purchasing a witch. Pack members were not happy. It was downright disrespectful.

Alas, they didn’t say anything. From the bits and pieces of information they had about Lukas, his father had been a ruthless vampire. His mother was his destined, but was killed by an enemy after Lukas was born. No one knew of his birth, so he was hidden in his mother’s former pack. His father took a chosen mate and gave his throne to one of their children just before he was killed. Lukas didn’t know about his hybrid status until after his grandfather told him. He left the pack when he was of age in search of hybrids like himself, finally landing on Silver Mountain.

He used his connections to the supernatural realm to seize the territory. He didn’t like being surrounded by wolves. His power gave him the authority to invite many creatures to reside in the territory.

Unfortunately, Augustus had been one of the only wolves trained in combat. He helped keep the refugees safe, killing two vampires in the process. Lukas was impressed with his skill.

Of all the things Augustus could’ve contributed to the pack, he was selected by Lukas himself to be the King’s advisor. He accepted because of the benefits, but many side eyed him just as much as they did Lukas.

Augustus had been a Beta at a small pack that had been wiped out of existence by vampires. The only reason Augustus and Renée survived was because of a trip to his brother’s pack to visit the newest addition to their family. They returned to nothing. Judeah happened to be traveling through. They followed him the remainder of his trip, eventually arriving at Silver Mountain. They liked the lowkey life. Then Lukas showed up, changing everything. He wasn’t sure if it was for the better or for the worst. He and his mate stayed to themselves for the most part.

After Lukas dismissed him, he happily raced home to Renée. He adored his mate. She was beyond perfect. Her fiery red hair matched her personality. But her soft features made her look innocent. She was much like a secret weapon, which he admired.

He walked in to the enticing aroma of steak and garlic, stopping at the door to inhale. She made his favorite. He instantly tried to think of what the special occasion might be. It wasn’t their anniversary. Definitely not his birthday. His heart skipped a beat. Did he forget her birthday?

“Augustus! Close my door! I can feel the breeze!”

He closed the door behind him and quickly made his way to the kitchen.

“Dinner is almost ready. Wash up.” She gave him a sweet smile and continued cooking the side dishes.

Not her birthday. He would know.

He placed his hand in the small of her back and gave her a peck.

“Smells wonderful.”

She only smiled as he turned to go upstairs. He hurriedly showered and dressed, grooming himself a bit before heading back downstairs. The table was set and Renée was seated.

He sat across from her and took a second to marvel at the beautiful she-wolf, who had him wrapped around her finger.

“How was your day?” Her soft voice floated through the space in between them, like music to his ears.

“Nothing special.” He frowned and opted not to tell her about the witch situation.

“Well, maybe I can help change that.”

Augustus looked up from his plate and tilted his head to the side, questioningly.

“I’m pregnant.” Renée held her breath and waited for his response.

He was frozen and he stared at her, his eyebrows raised and his jaw hanging open. This was certainly unexpected. As long as it had taken, this news was indeed special.

Renée sat calmly, watching her mate slowly process her announcement.

“You’re pregnant. We’re having a pup!”

She giggled as a grin adorned her face. Augustus leaped from his chair, nearly knocking over the table to get to Renée. He hugged her tightly and kissed her all over her face. She laughed, unable to hold it in long enough to ask him to attend her next appointment with him.

When he finally placed her back onto her feet, he was smiling so hard, he felt like his face might explode.

“My next appointment isn’t until next week. They want to perform an ultrasound to check on the pup. Today was just to confirm what I have suspected for the past two weeks.”

“Why didn’t you say anything?” Augustus held her closer, concerned.

“I didn’t want us to get our hopes up. We had been trying for so long …”

She looked down. He cupped her chin in his hand and bought her head up so he could see her brown eyes.

“We are truly blessed.”

Renée smiled again, laying her head against her mate’s chest. This was the exact reaction she had hoped for. She could feel the love growing in her womb.