I’m not sure how long I drift in and out of sleep. The pain in my lower back grows bolder and louder until I can’t ignore it any longer. I run my hands over my belly, feeling the odd kick to my hand.It’s almost time, I project to the baby, smiling when I feel the tiniest interest projected back. I wasn’t sure until now whether our baby would be human,Layperry, or hybrid but with that little psychic twinge, I can safely rule out human.
“Hey,” Miles whispers, his eyes blinking open slowly. “Sorry for sleeping so long. You really tired me out.”
A growl of possessiveness fills the room. I lean over, burying my face in Miles’ hair, just breathing him in. His hands goaround me, running up and down my lower back, just where I need it.
“I don’t want to alarm you,” I say gently, my breath coming quicker as another contraction hits me full force. “But the baby is coming.”
Miles’ body locks up with tension, his brown eyes going wide. “What?”
I let out a shaky breath, trying not to tense up with the pain. Miles goes back to rubbing my back which helps greatly. After another moment I look at him. “The baby is coming.”
Miles swallows. “I thought that’s what you said. Holy shit.” His hand goes to my belly, running his fingers over the tight skin. “Just tell me what you need.”
I smile at my mate, seeing the determination and love in his eyes. I can feel his love and affection and strength come through our bond in waves, giving me the extra boost I need. He helps me through every step of labor. He holds my hand when I’m in pain, rubs my sore muscles, and wipes my sweaty brow. When my mate still lived on Earth, he used to work in medicine, and this is the second time that has come in handy. He’s the one to catch our babe as they enter the world, making sure they’re safe and sound.
As exhaustion hits me full force, Miles brings our babe to my chest, laying them against my skin. Tears spring up in my eyes as I gaze down at the soul we made with our love. A breathless laugh leaves my lungs as I run my finger over their bare back.
“He’s golden,” I say, my chest near bursting, amusement and love coming barreling into my chest from Miles and it’s borderline overwhelming. “Just like you.”
Our baby is just as bald as me with two tiny antennae sticking off their head. Their skin is the most beautiful shade of golden I’ve ever laid eyes on, so similar to Miles’ golden hair. His littletail is wrapped tightly around his own thigh and I can’t wait for the day he starts to slap it around, getting used to the appendage.
“He’s perfect,” Miles whispers, sitting down beside me with a cloth, gently swiping it over our baby and cleaning him off. Once most of the fluids are swept away, Miles leans down, pressing a long kiss to my temple. “Still the lone human of the house,” he whispers with a grin.
“We might have our traditions but somehow you managed to break every single one and come out the other side my mate,” I say, looking up at him. “Thank you, Miles.”
“I would do it all again,” he says seriously. “I love you, Tim.”
A smile breaks out across my face. “Don’t butcher my name,” I say, just like every time he calls me that.
“Oh no,” Miles whispers, “Christian is going to suggest we name himcornbecause he’s yellow.”
A snort leaves my throat. “He will do no such thing. I might start callingyouthat if you insist on calling me Tim.” Our baby interrupts our banter by reaching out and touching my chin, making a small noise. He sends me the smallest ping of telepathic feelings and I understand what it is he wants.
I bring him down to my chest, helping him latch on and feed for the very first time. His skin is so pretty against my blue and not for the first time I’m struck with how blessed I am. I look up at the ceiling, sending up a silent prayer to our ancestors, thanking them for what they’ve allowed me to have.
“Close your eyes,” Miles whispers. “You just worked your ass off bringing this baby into the world. Get some rest, Timalah and let me take your worries. I’ll watch over the both of you.”
I nod my head as much as I can, my body agreeing with Miles. “I love you,” I whisper one more time before I’m falling asleep with my mate at my side and my babe against my chest.
Epilogue
Timalah
I sit at a table away from the crowd, taking a moment just to breathe. I’m thankful to be outside, letting the cool air sweep across my skin. I take in a deep breath, sighing as the salty air of the nearby water hits my nose, reminding me of my mating night. This is a good day, I remind myself, not wanting to get too stuck in my head but instead celebrate along with the rest of my tribe and brothers.
Ghenie sits beside me, both of our eyes watching Miles and Christian talking, my son, Druim, in Christian’s arms. There are people all around us to help celebrate Druim’sdestishi,the tradition of welcoming a new member into the tribe to meet their people.
Today, one month after Druim’s birth, we stood on the same platform in the middle of town square that we use for ourmaturous trial, but this time my heart didn’t race and my stomach wasn’t twisted into knots. This time the square was filled with certainty and joy. Ghenie had done his speech,announcing Druim to everyone. He’d stood at my side as Druim’s chosen warrior while Christian had stood at Miles’ side. Christian is Druim’sgodfather, a human position in a child’s life. I love that our son will have the best of both traditions. Throughout the bond I share with my brothers I felt joy and acceptance and unadulterated wonder. It nearly brought me to my knees.
“You know,” Ghenie whispers under his breath for only me to hear. “The last time a goldenLayperrywas born, he was a great leader. It very well could be that you’ve birthed my predecessor, Timalah.”
I roll my eyes, shoving my shoulder against my friend. “Let’s not put that sort of weight on a child. He’ll grow into the role he was destined to fill.”
“You’re right,” Ghenie says with a soft smile. “I’m happy to have you by my side. You keep me leveled when the weight of leading threatens to pull me under.”
“Serving at your side is an honor. And someday, I won’t be the one holding you up, it’ll be yourmatron.”
Ghenie’s eyes flick over to Christian once more before looking away. “We aren’t all as lucky as you, Timalah. Sometimes the one our heart longs for doesn’t wish to fight.”
