Origins: Silver Mountain

Chapter Six

Lukas

A month. A long month. I was very annoyed, but the deed was done. Emmeline was with child. I drank enough moonshine for the entire territory.

“Augustus! Please. Have a drink with me. This news is a cause for celebration.”

Augustus took a seat.

“Rita? A glass for my good fellow.” Rita hurriedly placed a glass in front of Augustus and poured him some moonshine.

I took another sip and absentmindedly tapped my foot on the floor. My plan had been set in motion. I had to gather my thoughts better and come up with a timeline. There was no doubt I would raise my offspring as a warrior. We needed naturally strong warriors if we were going to truly develop Silver Mountain.

The logistics for training were coming along, but I was frustrated that we hadn’t begun. Augustus wanted there to be a system to establish trust and loyalty. It made sense, but I was impatient. Which reminded me, I had to tell him we were going to begin training sessions next week. Recruitment flyers had been sent out this morning. It was a good day.

“How is your pregnant mate?”

“Very well.”

“Good. Send her my regards.”

“Yes, Your Highness.” Augustus gave me a slight nod and took a sip of his drink.

“Training begins next week. Prepare your lessons.”

“What about the recruits?” He stared down at the glass he was holding.

“Notices have been sent out. I also have recruits from the supernatural realm. We should be able to build a decently-sized group for first graduates.” I watched him carefully. His demeanor was cool and calm.

“Ok. I’ll pull something together then.” He took another sip and stood.

“I’m terribly sorry, but I must get home.”

“I won’t hold you. I would like to meet with you tomorrow morning, first thing.”

He nodded and turned to leave. I gulped down the rest of my drink. For a moment, I thought about my former pack. The people who raised me had known my truth all along. There was still some resentment toward them, but could I really blame them? They hid my identity. I could have been the one to succeed my father after his death.

Here I was, starting from scratch. The thought was giving me a headache. I rubbed my temples and stood, remembering why I had been drinking. I left my office and wandered down to the small room. The guard on duty let me into the room.

Emmeline was seated in the middle of the floor with her knees to her chest and her arms wrapped around them. I kneeled in front of her. She didn’t move or respond. I gently laid her back onto the floor and stretched her limbs out. She remained still.

I internally sighed.

My offspring was beginning to grow. The circumstances were not traditional, however, I felt some form of love for them. I rested my head on her belly. She was just over 2 weeks along. I don’t remember falling asleep, but upon waking up, I could hear Emmeline snoring softly. I sat up and watched her chest rise and fall.

It was probably late, so I needed to get back upstairs. I stood and scooped up my child’s mother. She was as light as a feather. My heart fluttered a bit when I thought about her gaining weight as my son, or daughter, began to take up space. I couldn’t wait. I set her down gently and pulled the comforter over her. She seemed to melt into the bed.

I watched her for a few minutes before leaving.

Augustus

“I like the blue and lavender colors.”

“Of course.” I playfully rolled my eyes to the ceiling. Renée was clearly calling the shots. I didn’t mind it though. I was happy she was happy.

“Have you given more thought to the secret garden?”

I shrugged, pursing my lips. I hadn’t told anyone except my mate about what I had found. My plan was to hike around the mountain in search of more land. The only thing holding me back was the thought that Lukas would eventually find us. He has always spoken about wanting to expand. With a trained army, he could send people to scout the area for him.

Renée sighed.

“Don’t worry, Augustus. Things will work out.”

“Indeed, they will.”

Renée looked up, startled by the sound of a woman’s voice.

I turned to see a beautiful woman staring at the both of us with a smile.

“Who are you?” I could feel Renée’s anger beginning to rise through our bond. But I also felt the power emanating from this beautiful woman.

“I am Selene.” Renée’s eyebrow raised.

“Oh?” She folded her arms.

“The Moon Goddess?” My voice was barely audible.

“Yes. Selene, the Moon Goddess.” Her smile was warm and felt familiar.

“How do we know you aren’t lying?” I got up and stood beside Renée, pullinv her close.

“Let’s hear what she has to say.” I tried to keep my voice low. Renée glared at me.

“Renée, I can see I have made an excellent choice. You carry my twins. They requested to be released from my kingdom and are now your responsibility. I trust you and Augustus to raise them. Their purpose on Earth is great.”

“Your twins? What do you mean?”

“My children. I birthed them in my kingdom. They have made the decision to be reborn on Earth. I chose you and your mate because I trust you. You must stay at Silver Mountain. The twins will be the key to taking back this blessed land.”

Renée glanced at me with a wide-eyed expression.

I was at a loss for words.

“You don’t have to say anything. I will be around to offer my guidance. All of my children are very special to me; my precious jewels. The twins will be in good hands and so will you.”

“So Augustus should train this… army?” Renée didn’t seem too pleased about that.

“Yes. It will benefit this pack in the long run.”

I gulped, suddenly feeling the pressure.

“I must take my leave now. Renée and Augustus; don’t let me down.”

“When are you coming back?” My throat was dry as I croaked out the few words that came to mind.

“Search for me in the light of the moon.”

With that, she vanished into thin air.

I exhaled exaggeratedly.

Renée clasped her hands together and pursed her lips.

“That was—“

“In-f*****g-credible! The Moon Goddess?!” She sat down, staring at the spot where Selene had stood.

“Our twins are … Goddess descendants.” I was in disbelief.

“She chose us!” Renée was smiling from ear to ear.

This situation was stressful enough, but now we had to consider our children’s lineage. I sat beside my mate, who was now scribbling away in her journal.