Hunter growled lowly and scowled. He didn’t like the idea of his mate being front and center during the war.
“Don’t worry, Hunter. I’ll protect you.” Freja winked and Lita chuckled.
“These men are so overprotective. It takes adjustment and compromise, but you two will find what works for you both.” Lita smiled at Asher. No one wanted their mate in danger, but together, they were stronger. Asher and Lita had learned that they were both safer fighting together.
“Freja, I gathered pieces from Asher about the treaty you and Hunter have agreed to. Don’t feel guilty or overwhelmed. Some things are part of a destiny we can’t see the bigger picture of. Like me being with Asher and Reiya being with Leviathan, and you being with Hunter. All of this is trickling down from something else that was already set in motion. I’m sure your daughter will choose what is right when the time comes. She will have to decide that truth for herself.”
Freja smiled. “Thank you. I’m not going to lie. It was hard to decide this. I don’t even have a daughter, but if I ever do, then this is the life that’s been decided for her. Even saying she has a choice is really unfair. It’s a choice without having a choice, because of the burden that will be placed on her. Will she have the final say? Yes. But it places a heavy burden on her shoulders that I wish I could bear.”
“This is her destiny. And yours is this demon war. We each have our own hardships to deal with.” Lita nodded and smiled. Because they were leaders, their burden was greater than others. It was the price they had to pay.
“No matter what, things will work out how they were meant to.” Asher reached out and grabbed Lita’s hand.
“You guys going to stick around for a while? I can call Caden and the gang up,” Hunter asked, looking between his parents.
“We would love to, but we’re actually pretty busy at the moment. This war is coming fast. We don’t know how much time is left. We have a couple of last-minute preparations that we’reworking on.” Lita frowned. She wanted to see her family and friends. It just wasn’t the time for an extended visit.
“Don’t worry, Leet. Most of them will be moving to Elysia soon. Then we'll see them as often as we like.” Asher stood up, pulling her next to him.
Chasen and Jin came down the stairs just then, Chasen fussing at Jin over having taken the stairs on her own.
“Chasen, there is nothing wrong with my legs. Will you relax?” Jin giggled and smiled up at him.
“I’m afraid you’ll have to get used to the overprotectiveness. That’s something that will only continue to get worse the farther along you are, my dear.” Lita gave her a sympathetic smile. Of course, in her situation, she had to have Asher near her because she needed his energy.
“Those are some of my fondest memories.” Asher looked at Lita with a soft smile. It was such a quiet and peaceful time in their lives. The time they spent raising their family was a wonderful moment in their lifetime, and now they would get to watch their son experience it. “We get to be the cool grandparents now.”
“Thanks for coming so quickly, Mom.” Chasen hugged Lita. In moments like these, it was comforting having his parents around. And he was glad he got to share this with them.
“You take good care of her. I know I don’t need to say that. What I should be saying is, don’t smother her, Chasen.” Lita giggled, and Asher and Grayson took turns hugging him while she turned to Jin.
“If you need anything, tell Chasen to send for me. And when the time comes, I’ll be here to help you deliver.” Lita hugged Jin.
“Thank you.” Jin smiled and hugged her back.
Lita then turned and embraced Hunter and Freja. “You guys are going to be wonderful leaders. Don’t doubt the choices you have to make.”
“Thanks, Mom.”
Asher and Grayson also said their goodbyes to Hunter and Freja. “We’ll be seeing you all soon. Just be on guard. The demons are restless, especially with what just happened with Abaas. We’ll send word the moment we hear anything, but be prepared. The time is soon approaching,” Asher said with a frown. This was going to be a big battle. He just hoped his family would have what it takes to survive it.
“We’ll be ready.” Hunter nodded his head confidently and watched them walk out the door. The next time he saw them, they could very well be preparing for the demon war. He wrapped his arm around Freja. No matter what, they had to win and survive. There was a future they couldn’t miss out on. Chasen was going to be a daddy, and one day soon, he hoped he would also be able to announce that they were expecting their own little one. He leaned down and kissed Freja’s head. One day soon …
CHAPTER FIFTY-SEVEN
“You guys aren’t going to say anything, I take it.” Grayson sighed and glanced back toward the pack house with a frown.
“There are no guarantees. And you know, some things you’re meant to find out for yourself. Just because I was given a premonition doesn’t mean I should do something about it. Not that anything can be done about this. This will have to happen the way I’ve seen.” Lita stopped walking. “I just don’t know how it’s going to end. I only got a glimpse. Whatever the goddess is planning, she’s trying to keep our sight blocked from it. Even my mother isn’t able to see past a certain point.”
“It has me concerned. What does she want from our children?” Asher growled in agitation.
“You mean besides putting them in danger?” Grayson let out an angry puff of breath, creating a white cloud of fog in front of him.
Lita looked down at the ground. “I’m sure she has her reasons. I have faith in the Moon Goddess.” Lita turned and looked at Asher. “After all, she gave me you.”
Asher smiled and nodded his head. “I’m sure there’s a reason for the visions you and your mother have been getting. We’llknow more when we’re meant to. And this must be another part of the future our family is supposed to take charge of. I just hope they can do what the goddess wants them to do.”
“It’s hard to believe she can’t do it herself. Instead, she is risking your children’s lives.” Grayson growled in annoyance as he grabbed onto the hippogryph.
