Page 22 of From the Edge

Norecayet smiled and nodded. “He’s supposed to be blue.”

Regis checked the baby and took a strand from her hair, tying off the cord. “Dad, did you want to cut the cord?”

He reached out, and claws appeared out of fingertips. He snipped the cord, and Rowan moved around to bring the baby to Mell. “There you go. One result.”

Regis looked at the alpha. “Do your people have any traditions for the placenta?”

He shook his head. “No, whatever she wishes.”

Rowan said, “Roll her to her back and help her sit up.” He did as instructed. When she was supported, Rowan handed the little boy over to his parents.

She smiled, and Regis was taking care of everything else, muttering, “How is it you didn’t tear?”

Rowan smiled. “She’s still healing fast as her body catches up to missing time. I am going to get some baby stuff.”

She moved across the room to the ensuite, washed her hands, and got a diaper, Vaseline, and a wrap. Regis looked at the Vaseline. “Good call.”

When the baby was greased up, wrapped, and back with his mother and father, Mell smiled, tearing up. “Thanks, Rowan. This is... everything.”

“Big day and a lot of new starts for you. Your documents are on the dresser in an envelope marked important stuff. I am going to let you bask in being a mom. The diaper station is over there next to the bathroom; the mini fridge is stocked with water and juice and fruit cups. You are going to heal fast, and that is going to involve a lot of dead tissue sloughing in a rush, so clean clothes are over there next to the wardrobe, and I put a tarp under you while you were in labour. You will want to get rid of that before you sleep.”

Norecayet stared at her. “When did you get this ready?”

“I started after she got pregnant. I just didn’t want to tell her until she was ready to understand it. She was dealing with enough.”

“I was in a coma. I can’t work until I renew my credentials.”

Rowan sighed. “You want to stay with them?”

“Please.”

“Fine. Ask your friends to get what you need. Dinner is at six.”

He blinked. “Really?”

“Really. Call your buddies and get them to bring what you need.”

Regis finished and looked at Rowan. “Where do you want it?”

Rowan held her hand out and flicked her finger. The mass left the house, settled near a tree, and exploded into bright sparkles that came to rest on the leaves. “There we go.”

Rowan smiled. “Congratulations, Mell.”

The doctor was coming up and blinked. “She had it?”

“Yup. All done. Placenta given to the tree, hands washed, and Vaseline applied for the first deadly poop. I am going to have some more tea.”

He looked at her. “I need to speak to you.”

“Great. I am still heading downstairs.” She walked past him and headed for the stairs.

She felt tired, but the day was going to get longer, and she needed to start dinner. She was pretty sure that orcs ate for two.

The healer walked behind her. “Miss Rowan, do you know what you are?”

“Tired, hungry, and looking for the rosemary. I am going to have to get some from outside. Follow if you dare.”

She grabbed her basket and shears and walked out to the kitchen garden.