Rekna’s voice responded from behind a screened-off area. His voice was the picture of calm, as usual. “Your K’sha is here. The youngling is almost born.”
When I peered behind the screen, my incredible K’sha turned her head to look at me and smiled, looking exhausted. Her cheeks were rosy and perspiration caused her hair to stick to her face. Going to her bedside I took her small hand in mine, leaning down to kiss it. “I’m here my heart,” I murmured as I smoothed damp hair from her face.
Her body tightened, and she released a sudden cry that made my adrenaline spike and my chest rumble.
“Can’t you give her something to help her with the pain?” I couldn’t bear to hear her suffering.
Rekna’s brow furrowed. “She’s refused any medication.”
“I’m...okay,” she grunted, giving my hand a squeeze.
She didn’t sound okay to me. My own body tensed with worry.
“You are here in time,” Rekna added, standing at the end of the bed where Olivia had her legs spread wide.
Queen Grace had one gloved hand pressed to my mates knee and glanced at me. “The baby’s head is showing,” she stated.
Olivia let out a huge grunt and cried out.
“That’s it, Olivia...push...,” Rekna urged as my mate squeezed my hand even tighter.
I continued to wipe sweat from her brow, wishing there was more I could do to take away her pain. Olivia peered up at me with moist eyes, breathing heavily and her cheeks flushed. She gritted her clenched teeth as she was encouraged topushagain.
Fascinated by the miracle of birthing, part of me wanted to witness the emergence of her youngling, but I knew she needed me at her side. I trusted Rekna and knew Queen Grace was also a trained medic, so I knew Olivia and the youngling were in expert hands.
My mate’s lips, rosy and plump, bore the marks of her pain as she bit down on them. Her voice was hoarse. “I’m glad you made it.”
“Me too.” I whispered, taking in the sight of my beautiful mate’s face. I was filled with a deep and profound love for her and her soon to be born offspring. The way her face glistened with sweat, and her hair clung to her damp skin, matted and unruly, only made her more beautiful in my eyes.
“Push,” said Grace without looking up.
Filled with determination, Olivia exerted her last ounce of energy, pushing with all her might, before collapsing back, spent, and with closed eyes.
“She’s here, you have a female.” Rekna declared. He sounded happier than I had ever heard him.
Growing up without a father had left me feeling lost and unsure of what it meant to be a good father. That's why I became a warrior, forsaking the notion of a mate or offspring. Until I met my K’sha.
Since our joining, Olivia and I spoke at length about our lives and I knew her own parents had not provided a nurturing environment for her. We both wanted to give and receive unconditional love, and we agreed the youngling would not know a life without feeling loved and wanted.
But doubts and fears started to creep into my mind. Sometimes I had failed to protect my mate, and I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of guilt and inadequacy for not being able to keep her safe.
Those moments of weakness only fueled my self-doubt, making me question if I could be the protector and provider that the youngling would need. Despite Olivia's unwavering faith in me and reassurance, there were times I still struggled to see myself as worthy of such a precious responsibility.
With a gentle motion, I continued to brush away strands of hair from her face, leaning down to place a tender kiss on her forehead, murmuring soothing words.
I spoke into my mate's mind, assuring her she could rely on my strength, and that I would forever be by her side. It was in that very instant that I realized the truth of it all.
There was nothing I wouldn’t do to guarantee her happiness and safety. And that of her youngling.... ouryoungling.
Her breathing began to steady, and she grinned at me with her eyes still closed.
A big smile spread across my face as I glanced over and saw Grace comforting the newborn, wrapping it in a swaddle.
Olivia’s eyes fluttered open, and tears welled up in them, reflecting a profound feeling of relief and joy. I locked my lips with hers, sharing a tender kiss.
Queen Grace approached me with the youngling in her arms, and I glanced down at the newborn. Her beige skin matched Olivia’s, and she had a smattering of dark-brown hair. I grinned.“She is perfect. Just like her mother,” I said unable to stop staring at the tiny being.
Next to me, Olivia asked, “Do you want to hold her?”
