Chapter Five
Tulip gripped Vaughn’s hand tightly as they rode the elevator to the maternity ward of the hospital. A gift bag was clutched in her other hand, a present for the new baby. As they approached the waiting area, it looked like nearly half the pack had shown up for the blessed event. Gabriel was standing nearby, with a baby swathed in pink clutched in his arms.
Tulip froze in the doorway as a dozen or more wolves turned to look at her. Vaughn wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her forward. The bite on her shoulder showed clearly with the thin straps of the dress she was wearing, letting everyone know that she’d been claimed. But would it matter to them since she was dark fae?
A wolf left Gabriel’s side and approached, his stride confident and sure.
“Looks like we’re officially welcoming more than one new pack member,” the wolf said as he stopped in front of them. “I’m Connor, the second alpha.”
“I’m Tulip,” she replied softly. “We brought a gift for the baby.”
“Then you should go give it to her,” Connor said.
Tulip looked up at Vaughn, but he nudged her toward Gabriel. The other wolves let her pass and she stopped beside the new father, peering at the sweet bundle in his arms. The baby opened her eyes and blinked up at Tulip, giving her a toothless smile. Lifting her hand, Tulip swirled her finger through the air, letting her magick shower the baby with soft rose petals. The child cooed and grabbed at them.
“This is for Alora,” Tulip said.
“How did you know her name?” Gabriel asked.
“She told me.” Tulip smiled. “She’s going to make a wonderful fae queen one day. Since she’s not fully fae, her powers won’t develop until she’s much older. She’ll get to have a normal childhood.”
“I see Vaughn has claimed you,” Gabriel said. “Autumn will be pleased. Would you like to go see her? She might like having another fae around.”
“I barely know her. Are you sure she’d want to see me?” Tulip asked.
“I’m positive. She’s just down the hall. Fourth room on the right.”
Tulip handed the present to Gabriel and then went in search of Autumn’s room. She saw the pink balloon fastened to the door and knocked. There was a hesitantenterbefore she pushed the door open and stepped inside. The room was barely lit and she wondered if Autumn had been resting.
Autumn smiled when she saw her. “Tulip. I’m glad you came.”
“Gabriel thought you might want another fae around. Are you in any pain?”
“A little. They tried to give me something, but it isn’t working.”
Tulip approached the bed. She reached for Autumn’s hand and clasped it before pressing her magick through her fingers and into the other woman. She still wasn’t at full power, after using her magick earlier, and couldn’t heal her completely, but she started the process and took away the pain and discomfort. Color bloomed in Autumn’s cheeks and some of the tiredness eased from her eyes.
“Thank you,” Autumn said. “That feels so much better.”
“You’re welcome.” Tulip smiled. “I saw Alora. She’s adorable. I can see great things in future.”
“She’s going to be a handful, isn’t she?” Autumn asked.
“Definitely, and something of a daddy’s girl. She’ll be a wonderful leader for the light fae when the time comes, even though I know it will be hard for you to say goodbye to her. Maybe she’ll be friends with the children Vaughn and I have.”
Autumn gave her a bemused smile. “Already planning to have little ones running around?”
“According to the sorcerer, I’m already pregnant. He said all of our children will be half fae and half wolf.”
“Congratulations,” Autumn said. “I know Vaughn must be ready to burst he’s so proud.”
“More like anxious. We still don’t know if the dark fae are coming for me, and Vaughn said the light fae tried to get me last night. I don’t think he’ll rest until he knows I’m safe.”
“You should have a protection detail at Vaughn’s until everything is sorted out. I’ll see if I can call on the light fae, after I’ve had some rest, and see why they’re after you. I can’t promise they’ll answer, now that Alora is born, they’ll be far more interested in her than me.”
“I’m sorry I couldn’t save your family, so the burden of ruling the light fae wouldn’t fall to your daughter. I did everything I could, but it wasn’t enough,” Tulip said.
“You did more than any other dark fae. And for that, I’m grateful. At least they knew someone cared in their final hours.”
