Origins: Silver Mountain

Chapter Eleven

King Lukas

Just a few weeks. All I needed was to get away and regroup. My family would have some advice for me. They had more experience. I couldn't bring myself to look at Augustus. He had warned me and I yelled at him, almost to the point of humiliation. He was right. I couldn't force such an heir into existence. Instead of taking accountability, I allowed him to slowly take over the pack while I wallowed in my misery. I only trusted him not to cross me. The next few weeks would give me the time to gain my strength back and get over what happened. I had no luck finding Emmeline, but I wouldn't give up. The only closure that would suffice was her blood.

After a meeting with my noble men, I called my brother. He was thrilled that I would be visiting. His beloved, his wife, had already prepared some of my favorite dishes for my arrival. I would finally meet the products of their eternal love. It almost made me sad since my heir ... I shook away the thought and inhaled. I was hybrid, so I couldn't shimmer, but I could travel the human way to get to the portal of the supernatural realm. Shifting would be a hassle. I hadn't done that in years. My wolf rarely spoke to me because I paid him no mind. I was always more invested in my vampire genes.

Scoop filled the doorway with his broad frame.

"It's time."

I nodded, glancing around my room. I would miss it, but I would only be gone for a few weeks. The smell, the ambiance, the decor, the comfort. I inhaled once more, taking it all in before making my exit. The plan was to travel down the mountain and to the nearest road, where a car would be waiting. Scoop would accompany me on my little trip. I had already said my goodbyes, so there was nothing keeping me from leaving. I took one last look behind me as my journey began. Just a few weeks.

Augustus

Lukas had left me in charge. Though a lot of the townspeople still side-eyed my family and I, it was clear that his absence draped a blanket of calm over the mountain. People were even more joyful. Children were outside, laughing loudly and playing childish games. Even Renée sat on the porch more often. It had only been a week and it felt like things were normal again.

I smiled as I walked up and caught my mate outside with our pups, who were fast asleep. She was knitting a pink blanket, presumably for our little Apple. I leaned in to give her a peck.

She smiled, blushing. It never got old to see the signs that my mate was still so in love after all of our years together.

"How was your day, Temporary King?"

I chuckled and playfully nudged my mate.

"It was very well. There are some things I will have to phone Lukas about, but nothing too serious." I glanced down at the twins.

"Well, that's good, I guess. Sofie started dinner. I'm going to be inside with the pups in a bit. Go wash up." She gave me a wink and began gathering her supplies. I scooped the twins up and carried them inside for her. I heard her giggle as the door closed behind me. I placed each of them in their bassinets. Sofie was rushing out of the kitchen.

"Hi, there, Sir Augustus. I was just about to take my leave. The stew is ready for you and the misses. Have a great evening." Sofie pat my arm and made her way to the door.

"Thank you, Sofie! You are too kind!" I shouted behind her as she hurried out. I heard a little whimper and glanced down. Apple's little face was screwed up as she began fussing. Oops.

Amitayus yawned and his green eyes shot open. He glared at me and blinked a couple of times.

I lifted Apple and apologized, rocking her gently. She eventually calmed and went back to sleep. Amitayus was playing with a rattle that Sofie made for him.

Renée walked in with her basket of knitting supplies and sat them on the table beside the door.

"I thought I told you to wash up." She raised her brow with a smirk.

"I was going to, but I woke little Apple up." I placed our daughter into her bassinet and threw my hands up.

"As you wish, my mate." I went upstairs to shower and get comfortable.

Renée had Amitayus seated on her lap when I made it back downstairs. Our bowls of stew still had steam coming from them. There was some bread in the center of the table.

"Our boy is wide awake and wanting to play." His head full of red hair slightly relaxed on his mom's chest while he examined his rattle with a curious expression. She was lightly caressing his hair.

"I'll take him." I started toward them.

She shook her head.

"It's fine. I'll keep him." She was staring at him lovingly.

I nodded and took my seat. Amitayus hit the table a couple of times, surprised by the loud sound the rattle made upon impact. Renée chuckled lightly.

"We should take them out tomorrow."

"I agree. Some fresh air would be good for them."

"And the plush green grass ..." I trailed off, waiting for my mate to catch on.

She pursed her lips and looked up at me before breaking into a soft grin.

"They would like that." She turned Amitayus to face her and nuzzled him.

"Isn't that right, my prince? Some fresh air, plush grass, and fresh water would be lovely." Amitayus cooed as his mom kissed his forehead. I was in love with sight.

After dinner, the twins were placed in their cribs. Amitayus had gone back to sleep and seemed like he'd be down through the night. I ran a bath for Renée.

"What a wonderful surprise." She sauntered into our room and inhaled.

"Infused with some of your favorite scents." I kissed her neck. She laughed a little and pulled away to look at me.

"The Moon Goddess has blessed me a thousand times over." She stood on her toes and planted her lips onto mine. My wolf was losing it. I had to fight him for control. While I was yearning for a love-making session with my mate, I had to honor that she was not yet ready. Werewolves didn't exactly have a wait time following the birth of a pup because we healed quickly. A she-wolf could pop out her pup and heal within a few days.

However, the birthing process had taken a toll on my mate. She just needed time and I intended to give her as much time as she needed. My animalistic wolf would have to be patient too. I successfully pushed him as far back as I could while I helped my mate undress for her bath. She stepped into the hot water and submerged her body, sighing as she leaned backward.

"This feels great." Seeing the smile on her face made me satisfied. Her eyes were closed as she sighed again, content with the moment.

"Would you like some wine?" I raised a brow.

"Absolutely." She continued relaxing as I made my way back downstairs. She was always worth the extra effort.