Chapter 88

Aurora

It couldn’t possibly be more tense in this tiny hut if we tried. We have been lingering on the porch for what feels like hours, Kennedy and Jaxson mulling over conversations that vary from subject to subject. I try not to pry in the talks all that much. I don’t necessarily care firstly but secondly, I fear for my friends, my family, and the other commoners of Dawn pack while the king Alpha’s men all stand on the beach, prepped for trouble.

My stomach aches at the mere thought of trouble in our paradise, especially when my three sleeping pups have to woken up soon from their afternoon nap so they can have dinner.

Jaxson gives me an all-knowing look, his eyes heavy with concern. I give him the same somber look and the king must notice, shifting uncomfortably in his seat. I watch as he twiddles with his thumbs, sensing our hesitation, and I don’t think any of us are interested in dragging this out longer.

“I know you were pregnant,” Kennedy sighs, finally breaking the tension. “My warriors told me they saw your mate pregnant when they came to announce that you were pardoned. I know you refused my offer to ascend as king Alpha, but I wanted to see if it was true.”

Jaxson only nods, looking to me for permission, or answers. Certainly could be both.

“I will go get them,” I breathe.

The king sits up straighter. “Them? As in, more than one?”

Jaxson nods while I stand, his voice lingering behind me as I duck inside. “Three in total.”

I miss Kennedy’s reaction and manage to scoop up the two girls, happily blinking awake to the world around them. They are slightly fussy but on their best behavior with the king Alpha around. I give Dawn to Jaxson, hesitating before Kennedy as I hold Lily, her light white, short hairs in need of a combing while she uses her tiny fists to rub her bright blue eyes alive.

Kennedy sits in awe, looking to me with a kind, calm look after a moment passes. “I wouldn’t hurt a child, Aurora.”

I bite my tongue. Me and my kind were hurt, no matter the age, but I can’t argue with him now. He is a grandfather here today on our porch, not a ruthless king. I have to accept the difference. I hand him Lily Opal, watching her squirm in his grasp until he settles her in his lap. He trades a look between Lily and Dawn, seeing how they look so alike and also, so different.

I retreat inside once more, grabbing my sweet Jax, and bouncing him gently in my arms as I sit back down on the porch to join the others. Kennedy seems enthused at the sight of Jax the most, I can see his eyes light up as I brush his little black hairs back off his pale forehead. He strikes a damning resemblance to his father, no doubts there.

“A son, that’s perfect!” King Kennedy is overjoyed, gently bouncing Lily on his lap. “He will one day take over my pack!”

Jaxson goes stiff with his words. “No, father. He won’t.”

The father and son duo trade a long, frightening look between each other before Jaxson finally changed the topic. I was afraid the pups would start to sense the tension.

“That one is Lily Opal,” Jaxson says, motioning to Kennedy’s captive. The Alpha seems delighted by her name, like that of his first wife, the one who treated commoners as equals. “This is Dawn Emerald,” Jaxson adds, holding up the cheerful pup in his hands. “And of course,” he says, pointing to my pup, “Jax Hunter.”

“Very clever names,” Kennedy beams.

“They’re very clever pups,” I breathe.

Jaxson nods, giving me a proud smile. “They are truly a blessing from the moon goddess.”

“Well, I am happy you’ve let me come see your little pack, son. Meeting these pups has been exciting and the rogues have certainly made this trip one to remember, but I should be getting back to the royal pack soon.”

“Of course, father, I think that would be best.”

I cradle little Jax to my chest, his warmth so calming to my nerves. “It was nice to see you.”

The king hands over Lily, Jaxson holding the two girls while we watch the Alpha of the Royal pack leave the beach, his bruting warriors in tow. I can’t help but watch and breathe easier while the Dawn pack is finally free of this stronghold of stress with the royals looming.

Jaxson tries to keep the girls entertained, while Jax squirms in my lap and becomes restless. I can’t help but try to calm him down while my own anxiety has grown after that interaction. I aim to ignore the interaction if at all possible, but for a moment, I was scared the king would hurt my pups.

He had never shown me any reason to fear him personally but from what I hear from Jaxson and what I have seen in the mind link, the king was never really committed to changing the Royal pack to actually accept commoners. He only intended to allow the abuse, let it continue on without punishment, and I don’t respect the man who is to our pups grandfather.

I watch as my parents make their way down the beach, oh so willing to watch the children tonight. I hope they can handle them for the whole night because my body and mind need a break; I need Jaxson alone. He glances at me sideways, as if sensing where my thoughts are headed, and I can’t help it. My hormones are shot but it doesn’t matter, I was Jaxson all to myself tonight.

Looking back to my trailing parents, I notice they are hardly alone.

Luke is on the beach in the distance, kicking around sand while he holds his little Juniper. He keeps her close to his chest, pointing out the horizon of the waves in the ocean and then the birds that fly over with white and gray fluffy feathers as they soar close to the caps of the white water.

Looking at Jaxson, he looks at me already. “You should go talk to him,” I say. “Thank him for coming to help us with the rogues.”

Jaxson shrugs, kissing Lily’s head and then doing the same to Dawn’s cheek. “I suppose I could do that. It’s better than letting you go thank him for me.”

“Why do you say that?” I ask, though feeling already like I shouldn’t have.

“I just don’t trust him being here, Aurora.”

“Then why would you invite him to the pack with the others?”

“I invited your parents, and the other friends you’ve had, sweetheart, but not Luke.”