Chapter 140

Shawna POV

It's strange, I would have thought I'd felt some particular kind of way when they executed Alpha James. He elected for the beheading. Others say it's not painful because it's so instantaneous. I felt like that was unfair, considering what he'd put so many others through. I even asked if I could be present for the execution, much to Michael's surprise. He didn't stop me, although he advised I might have nightmares, and he was worried about my mental health. When I told him that I needed to see it, needed to know for sure that he was dead, he conceded and said nothing more. It was a wonder more people didn't attend. Not even Mariah Kennedy came, although her father did. I instead imagine it gave him some sense of peace after what had happened to his daughter. Ironically, I felt nothing. I do feel lighter this morning, though, especially after being there for Ashlynn last night. She had gone into labor just hours after the execution. I was happy to be here with her when her little pup was born. It gave me hope, like the sun rising on a new day. That is how I would look at it.

Michael and I departed from Natalie and Carl's, feeling joy at their news. I looked down at my flat stomach and wondered if I might have had a pup in there also. We had been having sex every day, and considering I had gone into heat, it was a good possibility. I tried not to think too hard about it. Ashlynn had assured me during my many check-ups with her that everything seemed to be fine. She wanted me to have the pack doctor examine me, but I declined. I felt uneasy around men, aside from my mate. Michael said they had a female pack doctor in Georgia, so I decided to wait till we were there in our new home.

We stopped in front of the door to Ashlynn and Dawson's new home, tucked back from the road in the vast expanse of trees just to the South. Their home was beautiful, and the two-story log home looked like something from a storybook, with its river rock chimney climbing up the side of the house. The stunning floor to ceiling windows that looked out over the meadow in the back was one of my favorite things. I envied the view they would have while sitting together as a family for meals every day. That was their dining room and open concept kitchen area that Ashlynn had designed to enjoy the view but not have others peeping inside as they drove up the road to the ranch stables. Michael knocked heavily on the door and we waited only a moment before Dawson tossed it open with a huge smile.

"You don't look like you've lost much sleep," Michael laughed as he shook Dawson's extended hand.

"Not yet, come on in though. Ashlynn is just getting dressed and she will be down," he ushered us in and then gave me a quick side hug before motioning towards the large leather sectional that faced the massive stone fire place. "Have a seat, let me go get my son from the bassinet." Michael and I walked in and took a seat together on the sectional as Dawson ambled over to the bassinet tucked in the furthest corner, so as the baby didn't get the draft when the door was opened.

Dawson picked up his son, who appeared to be sound asleep. Right then Ashlynn came down the stairs, looking much more refreshed than the last time I saw her. I could see her eyes were tired, but her hair was pulled up into a neat bun on her head and she wore leggings with a cute tunic. Her smile belied the long hours of labor she had endured the days prior. "You two made it," she beamed.

"Of course, I couldn't leave without saying goodbye. Plus Michael had to meet your little man," I told her as I stood and hugged her. "You look pretty good considering you had a baby yesterday," I told her.

"Thank you," she smiled and watched as Dawson gently placed the baby in Michael's arms. Michael was a very big man, and the baby was so tiny next to him. "So what do you think?" Ashlynn asked. "Are you two planning on having a family?"

"Yes," I said quietly. "The sooner the Goddess blesses us the better." Ashlynn winked at me and turned back to Michael.

"You look good with a baby."

"I will look even better when it's my own," he joked. "So what did you decide to name this little guy?" he asked.

"Ahhhh yes, I didn't tell you yet." Ashlynn grinned. "His name is Ryan Dawson Campbell."

"No Dawson Junior?" I asked.

"Uh no, one Dawson around here is plenty," Dawson replied. "I didn't even expect the middle name honestly, but I'm honored that Ashlynn thought it appropriate." Dawson was grinning from ear to ear.

Michael handed the baby back to Dawson as little Ryan began to fuss. "Oh I think he needs his mama," Ashlynn said. "It's time to nurse him. Dawson, make them some coffee. I'm going to grab a blanket and sit on the couch." Dawson nodded and went into the kitchen. He was back in a few minutes with steaming mugs for us all.

"Well now that the drama is over, what do you have planned?" he asked Michael.

"Actually," he reached over and took my hand in his. "Shawna and I are heading to see her parents from here. We have about a month long road trip planned before we make it to Georgia. By the time we get there, they should have our house completed and Shawna can pick out furniture and decorate and make it our home." He smiled at me. "Hopefully just in time for us to have our own little one."

I felt heat rush up my cheeks, but I really wasn't embarrassed. I felt at peace and I felt nothing but love from this man. I trusted him with everything in my being, I trusted that the Moon Goddess had given me the perfect mate. Our future together finally seemed completely possible and I couldn't be happier. "Yes,"I said. "Our future awaits us and maybe one day you two can come visit. It would be amazing if our children could meet and play together one day."

"It absolutely would be amazing," Ashlynn nodded from the end of the sofa, her legs curled under her as she nursed her son, snuggled under the blanket. "You never know what the future will hold, but I think you will love your new life. I know I love what I've been given here."

"Thank the Goddess for that Mating Moon," Michael said with a wink.

"Indeed," Dawson answered as he stared at his mate and son. "May the Goddess grant you both all the joy we have."

I couldn't help but feel that exactly what Dawson said in that moment, is exactly what we'd have.