“Sully? The hospital can fit you in later this afternoon. They’d like you to head over now for observation, alright?”
“Okay.”
The hospital was clean, bright, and welcoming when we arrived. I was quickly taken through the necessary paperwork and checks. Then it was time to get into my gown to be wheeled into the operating room.
Imri held my hand the entire time I was numbed and cut open. He watched with wonder as the first of our twin girls was pulled free. The sensation was strange, a tugging feeling without any pain. Hearing her petulant cry was worth the long months, the sickness, and discomfort.
I cried when her sister’s cries joined hers. The bed was adjusted so I could see them both get weighed and checked over. Then we’d get to hold them.
“Here you go, Poppa,” the doctor laid Aspen into my arms. Another handed our other daughter, Hazel, to her dad.
“Hello Aspen, I’m your poppa.”
The little baby in my arms rooted around, already looking for her first feed. Hazel began to fuss, too.
My mate handed me Hazel. “Hello Hazel, I’m your poppa.” Her scent was slightly different from Aspen’s. The only difference they had, since they were identical, though I’m sure only me and Imri would be able to tell which one was which.
I fed them while the doctors took care of the rest of the procedure and healed me until it looked like I’d given birth a week ago, not minutes before.
“You’re amazing, Sully,” Imri said with love in his eyes as I fed both girls. “I’m so glad you didn’t give up on us.”
“Me too.”
Epilogue
Imri
Four Years Later
TheHaenvaleI’dcometo over four years before was very different from the one I lived in now. Gone were the different inhibitors. Guests to the town still wore them, but most of the residents had learned how to live in peace, thanks to Sully, Trisha, Vanessa, and Orson.
Sully, who had started this thing off so he could have me as his mate. Trisha, who had done all the research with Vanessa helping out, seeking a Haenvale which was fair, not discriminatory. Vanessa, who had also found some of the money and brokered the deal with the town. Then finally, Orson, who had a vested interest in seeing the park come to life. The same guy who had invested his own money into the project and hours upon hours of his time getting it right.
It worked. Sure, there were blips. The occasional injury from shifters who just weren’t ready for the sensory overload not having an inhibitor gave them. Having healers on staff along with magic users was a genius idea from Sully. Without having to think about it, he made it a requirement, ensuring the park could continue to open after the first accident instead of shut down for everyone’s safety.
“Dad, the plaque has arrived. Would you open it for me?” Rowan asked, on the other end of the phone. He was now the same age Sully was when I met him. Done with college, Rowan had many security companies vying for his attention. Mainly, he worked for the defense department of the government, but at home, not in New Washington. Our oldest child hated cities with a passion.
“Sure. Be there in a minute.” I put down the invention I was working on with a frown. It was a variation of the inhibitor. The idea being it would be used to soothe a prey drive. Still in the very early days, it had the potential to be helpful to many families settling in the growing town. If I could get the damn thing right.
Rowan’s home was at the other end of our backyard. He’d moved out, just hadn’t gone far,which we thought was a blessing. He got to be a part of his siblings’ lives and have his own space.
The house was a simple two story, two bedroom home with a sparse design. Rowan didn’t like a lot of fussy decorations or clutter.
He was staring at the plaque when I walked in. It was obvious what it was from the packaging. He’d clearly tried opening it himself, then gotten overwhelmed and given up.
“Do you want Poppa?” Sully was better at this stuff than me.
“No, it should be you.”
“Alright.” When Rowan was like that, it was better not to question him.
I didn’t hesitate, just ripped the paper covering the ornate plaque gifted to Rowan, Sandy, and Berry to honor their mom and the witches who were cast out.
Haenvale Remembers,it read.A symbol of our deepest sorrow over the loss of the Oaken Coven. An apology to those who we lost. A promise to do better.
The plaque held an ornate oak tree. It dominated the piece, making it beautiful.
“Do you think Mom would like it?” Rowan asked, standing next to me.
