Alpha King Of The Heavens (Heavenly Alphas Book One)

Gift To The Goddess

DERYN’S POV:

10 years later…

I watched as the pack doctor came in with an apologetic look on his face. The same look that we had seen so many times in recent years.

He took his seat at his desk in front of us as I gripped my mate’s hand. “My Alpha, my Luna.” He greeted us with a dreadful nod.

“Please just get on with it,” I said trying to rush him through the bad news.

“Of course, Alpha. Forgive me.” He said choosing his words carefully. “The more you come to me in your attempts to conceive, it becomes more evident that she cannot bare children my Alpha. There are no health concerns with her I can assure you. It just seems she lacks the fertility needed to carry a child.” He looked at her so apologetically. I knew deep down it was no fault of his, and no fault of hers. But that couldn’t help the anger I felt rising.

It wasn’t anger for not having an heir that I was feeling. I felt her pain. The pain of my beloved as he spoke each word. I was angered that she was hurting so much and there was nothing I could do to help. I knew she would blame herself. That was the last thing I ever wanted.

I gripped the arm to the chair I was sitting in. I was trying so hard to keep the anger contained. I felt the chair arm break and splinter beneath my grip as I rose. “So, you mean to tell me we tried so hard, for so long and there is nothing you can do?!” I roared trying everything in my power to not pull him across the desk and rip him to shreds. I felt my wolf rising deep within me.

I watched the once composed doctor begin shaking. He flinched back with every word I spoke. I felt a gentle grip on my arm pulling me back to reality at a crushing speed. I turned to see the reason for my resurfacing just to stare into the eyes of my beloved. “My love, it is no fault of his own. Surely you know that.” I stared into Narcia’s golden eyes as she fought so hard to keep her tears at bay. Her auburn hair falling in front of her face.

“Of course, my sweet. Forgive my sudden outburst.” I said straightening myself up. She was the only one who could calm the raging storm in me, no matter how dark my thoughts were she was my light. I wrap my arms around her tightly. “Come, my love. Let’s get you home.”

She nods slowly and takes one look at the doctor. “Thank you. Please take care.” I heard her voice c***k. She wasn’t one to show her emotions. But I knew this news broke her. Our hearts ached.

I nod. “Yes, thank you.” I lead her out of the room quickly. I search my mind for anything that may make her feel better. Ever since I met her, starting a family was her dream.

She notices my worry and looks up at me with the purest smile. “It is okay love. Really. The role of a Luna is to be the mother of her pack. So in a sense, I have many children. My only regret, is not being able to provide an heir.”

“That doesn’t matter to me. We will pray to the moon goddess for that. What matters is helping the light of my life raise a family of her own.” I assure her as I help her into the car.

My beta sits quietly in the drivers seat reading the energy before speaking. He gives me a nod as I buckle up and starts to drive. Thank god for the silence. I don’t know what to say. I have always had faith in the moon goddess, even when all was lost. She saved me when I was younger and hunters had found my home, murdering my entire family. And still, I never doubted her. I gripped the door handle to the car tightly. She ran this kingdom for ten years before making me king. Why would she crown me, just to have my mate, the mate that I was destined for, to be unable to carry my child. Was this some cruel joke?

I felt her hand wrap around mine gently. I gave it a slight squeeze and tried to offer my kindest smile, but thoughts of the moon goddess kept creeping into my mind. She said this crown was my reward. For being so loyal. Is this what my loyalty deserves? I kiss her hand gently and look out the window as we arrive to the palace. I climb out of the car and walk around to open the door for Narcia. She climbed out slowly and walked towards the palace. Given I am the king, and an Alpha, my palace served as my specific pack house as well. As we walked towards the palace a pup ran out. He circled Narcia’s legs and she laughed as she knelt down to pet him.

“It is good to see you have found your wolf, Shilo.” She giggles a little as he jumps excitedly.

My Beta Nolan steps out of the car quickly. “Alpha, forgive me. It just started last night. We are going to be working with him on controlling his shifting.”

Before I could speak Narcia smiled. “It is no issue, you can’t help it. Such beautiful black fur.” She laughed as she rubbed his belly.

I couldn’t help but smile. “It’s fine Nolan.” God, she would have been a great mother.

“I am so sorry. He got away from me.” Jaylene, Nolan’s mate said walking out. She laughed as the 4-year-old shifted back. She sighed picking him up. “If you rip one more outfit I put on you so help you, moon goddess.”

The child giggled and squirmed. “But mommy! I want to play with my wolf some more!”

Nolan followed behind them quickly. “No, sir. That is quite enough of that.” He laughed as he ruffled the boy's hair walking inside.

I shook my head laughing a bit. Narcia smiled. “It is good to know Shilo is progressing nicely.”

I smile wrapping my arm around her. Any other woman would have been jealous or hateful towards families should they have been given the same news. But Narcia was so different. Not just different. She was perfect. I smiled as I walked her inside. “Thank the moon goddess. The child seems happy to have discovered his wolf.”

“That he is.” She laughed. “Such a hyperactive little one. He will make a great alpha, or a great addition to a pack one day.” She leaned her head against me as we walked.

NARCIA’S POV:

My heart shattered every time we went to the doctor, yet this time felt so much worse. Normally there seemed to be a false sense of hope. This time all hope was stripped away. It seemed as if Deryn was losing faith in the goddess little by little. It seemed he thought she did this to me. I had to ask her. I needed an answer, but I also knew it would be very unlikely that she would answer me. I am not the chosen one. Deryn is. But he was already falling from grace.

I lay in bed listening to the peaceful sound of his breathing as he slept. I climb out of bed slowly so I wouldn’t wake him and grabbed a picnic basket from the kitchen and packed it with a candle, a blanket, and some incense to burn. I quickly left the pack house and decided to walk to Faylinn River. The only river that passed through every kingdom. The only place that was spiritual enough to connect with the moon goddess.

As I walked beneath the moonlight, I couldn’t help but notice the calmness washing over me. It was as if the day's troubles were nothing but a bad dream. As I stepped into the vicinity of Faylinn river, I watched the fairies skip across the water joyfully.

I knelt down by the river and set up the ceremonial supplies. I sat myself down on the blanket and began to pray, hoping she would hear me. “Please moon goddess. Help me to understand your decision. Have we failed you? Was I not the one meant to be his mate?”

“I was afraid you would lie awake tonight doubting yourself.” I heard an all too familiar voice approaching from behind me.

“My love, I didn’t mean to wake you,” I said regretfully as he sat next to me.

“Nonsense, sweetheart.” He smiled pushing my hair out of my face gently. “If my mate is uneasy, so am I. Surely you can’t truly believe she had mistakenly given me you as a mate. I would have it no other way.”

I looked down trying to find the right words to say. “It just seems like a cruel joke to give the first king of her chosen people a barren mate.”

He smiled kindly as my concerns finally came to light. “Ah, yes it would be. But, I do not believe that is what she did.” For once, even if it was only for my sake, it seemed his faith was finally coming back. “I do not believe she cursed us in such a manor. Think about it my sweet. If we had truly upset her, it would take her no time at all to remove us from the throne and find someone more faithful. But she has not. This is just another test. She wants to know if our faith in her will be unwavering despite the obstacles given to us in this life. I am so sorry I didn’t see that before. It took you coming here to open my eyes to all of the blessings our beloved goddess has given us thus far. She will see us through this as well.”

I smiled watching the restored faith illuminating his eyes. Now, this was the man I met years ago. I watched his every movement as he slowly pushed candles out of his way. He slowly pushed me to my back as he kissed me passionately. I could have sworn the moon shown brighter that night as we made love beneath the light of the fairies.

DERYN’S POV:

1 month later…

It had only been a few weeks since I heard the news of my mate’s pregnancy and I could not be happier. Despite the waves of morning sickness, she seemed happier then ever. A werewolf child grew two times faster then human offspring when in the womb. So her pregnancy would only last 3 full months.

Today, however, was a particularly special day. The day we find out the gender of our precious little bundle. She was ecstatic. I knew this because although I was just now waking as the sun finally appeared, she had been awake for hours it seemed. The aroma of freshly cooked bacon and eggs flowed through the pack house.

Everything suddenly seemed livelier in a way. Everyone seemed to be excited for the new heir to the throne to be welcomed into the world. Dreams of the great alpha it would be kept buzzing through my mind. Packs throughout the kingdom would tremble at its name. I couldn’t help but smile at the thought of my own offspring having the strength to run this kingdom. Up until a month ago, we didn’t think this would be possible, so the gender of the child did not matter to me. I would be happy just knowing I could finally hold a baby born of my genes and the most perfect mate in the world. Even the doctor said this was nothing short of the moon goddess’ miracle.

I finally got out of my own head and climbed out of bed to get ready for the day. As I got dressed I walked out of my room and downstairs to where our entire pack had already sat down to enjoy the breakfast prepared by their Luna.

I couldn’t help but smile. “Narcia, love, you should not have done all of this. Jaylene is supposed to step up as you go through this pregnancy.” I laughed as I kissed her cheek.

Jaylene laughed as she helped make the children’s plates before any adult made theirs. “Believe me, Alpha. It wasn’t due to lack of trying. You know how she gets when she seems determined.”

I laughed taking my seat. “Oh, don’t I know it.”

Narcia sat grinning. “Oh, hush now. No one should act surprised.”

I laughed and made her plate. “Well, for what it counts, the food smells great baby girl.” I handed her a plate.

She smiled as she began to eat and everyone started making their own plates. I made mine last to ensure that the rest of the pack was well fed. Everyone spoke among themselves as they ate. As everyone began to clear out, Narcia attempted to get up to start cleaning. I laughed and pulled her back into my arms by her waist as I stood.

She squirmed and giggled. “Let me go, you great buffoon.”

I laughed and tickled her gently. “No ma’am. Let Jaylene and Lillian clean while we go to the doctor, hm?” Lillian was my third in command, Colin’s, mate. She had been such a great addition to the pack ever since she arrived last year. She had become such a dear friend to Narcia and Jaylene.

Jaylene laughed as she and Lillian were two steps ahead of me as always. “Already on it, now you boys take her and go.” She said nodding her head to me, Nolan, and Colin.

“Yes, and hurry back to tell us what the baby will be!” Lillian laughed as she started on the dishes.

Nolan and Colin walked out to grab the car. I decided it best to take one more man with us as extra precaution. Considering we were traveling with such precious cargo and all.

Narcia sighed. “I suppose you are right. But you better keep a good memory of those words because you will not hear them again.” She laughed nudging me in the ribs.

I ran my hands mockingly through my short sandy blonde hair. “Oh my, this is a day for the history books!”

She laughed as she willingly followed me out to the car. We climbed in as Nolan began driving toward the doctor’s office. I reached over and held Narcia’s hand tightly as she stared out the window. She hated going to the doctor, she had this fear of something being wrong with the baby. To her, this all still seemed too good to be true. And, to be honest, it did to me as well. I just couldn’t believe how blessed I was. How blessed we were. Finally, a child of our own.

As we arrived at the doctor, she became more distant. More worried about what the doctor would say. I smiled at her. “Hey, this is just to see the gender. Calm down baby.”

She nodded. “I know, it’s just…what if it is too good to be true?”

“Then we will get there when we get there my love. For now, show some optimism.” I playfully nudged her as the boys opened our doors for us.

“We will be here if you need us, Alpha,” Nolan said smiling, not as my beta, but as my dearest friend.

I nodded. “I know you will be. And for that, I am eternally grateful.”

I grabbed Narcia’s hand and walked into the doctor's. Damn her, she was starting to get into my head. As we walked into the doctor’s office, they laid her on the table. My hand never left hers as her grip on it grew tighter.

“Alright, let’s see what we have here.” The doctor smiled as he put some petroleum jelly on her stomach and began the ultrasound. He ran the probe across her stomach and watched the screen. It seemed to have taken him forever and with each passing second my heart began to race. He smiled widely. “Luna, I can feel your tension. The baby is healthy and progressing wonderfully. Calm down.” He spoke as the baby’s heartbeat echoed on the monitor. I watched in wonder as Narcia’s eyes lit up on the screen. The doctor grinned. “Congratulations. It’s a boy.”

I could feel the pride swelling in my chest as the doctor spoke the words. A boy. What a strong Alpha King he will become. I watched as tears of joy sprang from her eyes. I kissed her softly and nodded to the doctor as I helped her up and walked her out to the car. I didn’t need to hear anything else. The baby was a healthy little boy. That was all that concerned me. I put her in the car and climbed in myself as Nolan began to drive home.

NARCIA’S POV:

Later that night…

I couldn’t believe my ears. He was healthy. Our baby was actually going to be brought into this world. The way the moon had shone so bright as we made love. The goddess had truly blessed us.

There had to be some way I could repay her. A way to say thank you. I touched my stomach gently as I watched the first of the stars begin to shine in the night sky. I watched as the constellations formed. They were the moon goddess’ own children. She called them the zodiac. There were thirteen constellations, whom she all loved dearly.

My eyes widened as I realized what we could do to honor her. Deryn walked in smiling. “I had the same thought you know. Naming the child after her own would be he highest honor.” He said handing me a cup of hot coco.

Honoring her with the life she had given us to care for and protect, seemed like the most perfect way to show our eternal faith and gratitude. I drank the coco as I watched the rest of the constellations forming in the sky.

NARCIA’S POV:

Two months later…

I felt my water break as I helped prepare lunch with Jaylene while Lillian set the table. Everyone has begged me for weeks to take it easy, but just sitting still was driving me crazy. Jaylene looked over when she heard the sound of water hitting the floor. I dropped the glass salad bowl I was holding and gripped onto the counter as the pain began to consume me.

“Lillian! It’s time! Get Deryn!” Jaylene screamed for her as she rushed to me. “Hey, take a deep breath. Come on, let’s start walking.” I watched as Nolan ran up to her. She didn’t even give him a chance to speak. “Nolan, pull the car around. While you do that, call Colin and tell him to grab her overnight bag.”

I cried out in pain feeling like my legs were about to give out. She was doing her best to keep me steady as we slowly walked towards the door. I heard footsteps approaching quickly. I didn’t need to look up to know who it was. Deryn.

“Jaylene, go finish preparing lunch. I will handle her from her.” He said as he grabbed me making sure I stay standing. “I am here baby, I got you.” He quickly turned his attention to Jaylene. “Nolan is the temporary Alpha as you are the temporary Luna until we return. I will send Nolan back when we get to the hospital. If anyone needs anything, we are not to be disturbed unless it is by you or Nolan on an emergency occasion only. Understood?”

“Yes, Alpha. Crystal clear. I will see you both when you return. Give the baby tons of kisses from me!” She said rushing off to prepare lunch.

I cried out in pain again. Deryn grabbed my hand. “It is okay baby, just breathe.” He reminded me as I squeezed his hand.

We finally made it out the door, and to my delight, Nolan already had the car pulled around and the door opened for me. Deryn put me in the car and hurried to buckle me so he could go get in. The second his door shut, Nolan drove quickly toward the hospital. Deryn was already on the hone with the doctor to notify him we were on our way. But the pain became so intense I didn’t hear anything that was being said.

I saw Nolan watching me from the rear view mirror as he sped to the hospital, a worried expression on his face. I forced a smile through gritted teeth. “I will be fine hon.” I grimaced a bit as another wave of pain struck through my body.

He nodded. “If you say so, my Luna. I just worry is all.”

Deryn smiled a little. “Don’t we all? She is a soldier. She can handle a little pain.” He smirked and kissed my hand that was currently cutting the circulation of his off. He winced. “She can dish some pain too.” He laughed.

I managed to pull my hand away apologetically. “ I…I…I am so sorry.” I stuttered a bit struggling to speak.

He took my hand back in his. “It is okay. Squeeze as hard as you need to.” And as if on cue, I cried out as it felt like it was tearing me apart.

Nolan stopped outside the hospital as a nurse rushed to my side of the car with a wheelchair. “Are you ready, momma?” She said as she quickly opened my car door.

She unbuckled my seatbelt as I focused on my breathing and helped me into the wheelchair slowly. I nodded quickly. “Thank you, dear.”

She smiled. “It is no issue at all, my Luna. Now, let’s go welcome this baby, shall we?”

I nodded quickly taking a deep breath. The moment I have waited so long for has finally arrived. I would have the family I always wished for…and Deryn would have the heir for his throne. Everything was finally falling in place.

DERYN’S POV:

I hesitated, but only for a moment. I, the Alpha King, was over taken by nerves. I couldn’t will myself to move even if I tried. It felt like only yesterday when the doctor told us she would not be able to conceive, and now here we are.

I felt a hand on my shoulder. As I looked up I saw Nolan. My dearest friend. “Get in there dad.” He nudged me playfully. “You will be a great father. That baby, and Narcia, are so lucky to have you. Now, go. Shake it off and show your son in his first breaths what being Alpha and a father mean.” He showed an encouraging smile. Somehow he always knew my deepest darkest fears. And somehow, he always knew how to make them disappear.

I smiled thankfully. “Thank you, Nolan. I will see you when we return.” I said and without a moment’s more of hesitation got out of the car and rushed to catch up with my wife. As I caught up to her, she reached nervously for my hand. I held her hand tightly as they placed us in a room and laid her on a bed.

She looked at me nervously. I smiled reassuringly at her and kissed her hand. “You will be fine, my love. Remember, this pain is only temporary.”

She forced a painful smile. “Yes, I suppose that is what is making me continue to push through this.” She said gripping my hand.

NARCIA’S POV:

A few hours later...

After three long hours of pushing and trying to force this baby out of me while it tore me apart, it was finally over. I watched as the doctor lifted the baby from me ad took it to be cleaned. I listened to his first cry.

The doctor smiled softly. “Would you like to hold him?”

I smiled weakly. “Of course.” I held my arms up reaching for him. As the doctor laid him in my arms, I had never felt so much joy and love for one thing in my life. “You are so perfect.” I whispered as I kissed his little head.

Deryn smiled at me. “I know you should rest, but…Faylinn river is right outside.” He said nodding to the river right outside the window of this room. “And the moon is shining so brightly tonight. What if I took you out of here in a wheelchair to see the moon goddess…then you and our sweet baby boy can come back and rest.” He suggested moving a strand of my hair out of my face.

I nodded weakly. “I would like that.” I smiled as he grabbed the wheelchair. The doctor hooked my IV fluids to the wheelchair and took the baby from me so Deryn could pick me up and place me in the chair. Once I was sitting, the doctor handed him back to me gently. “Alright my love. Let’s roll.” Deryn laughed at his own joke.

“Leave it to you to make a dad joke as soon as we have a child.” I laugh rolling my eyes.

He laughed as he rolled me out of the building slowly. “Well, I wanted to get a head start.”

He walked us out of the building and down the short paved path to the river. It was the only paved path to the river. A lot of the hospital patients like to come down here to pray, so they thought it would be easier for those with limited mobility. In a case such as this, it did prove quite useful.

I looked up at the moon as I held our baby close to me. I was at a loss for words. She granted all of our wishes. She was always there. To honor her with the child she blessed us with would be no small task. I looked up to the sky at the constellations of her own children, and one shown brighter then the rest. The king of the zodiac, the lion. I smiled and looked at my baby.

“Moon goddess. We offer you his loyalty, and his faith. He will live his life for you. He will protect this kingdom with all he is in the name of you and you alone.” I smiled as the words left my lips. “We offer you our first born son who will serve you until the day he takes his final breath.” My breath caught in my chest as moonlight shown down on the infant child. As the moonlight dimmed for a second, a black birthmark remained on his chest. It was the symbol for the lion. I smiled. “We offer you…Leo.”