“Olivia?”
“She’s perfect,” I reply, and as if that is the only worry she has, she closes her eyes and slowly once again giving in to the exhaustion.
I remain at her side, holding her hand in mine, watching her sleep. A soft grunt awakens me from my daze, and I look toward the bed that holds my daughter once more. She is wrapped so securely in a soft pink blanket, A matching hat upon her head. One hand at her mouth, two fingers tucked between her lips as she gently sucks.
My world has changed, my life is whole.
Reaching out I lift our daughter and instantly bring her in close to my chest. Pressing my lips to her head I simply breath her in. The tears that I had been fighting began to fill my eyes and the burning sensation in my chest takes over.
“I love you my little angel. Daddy’s going to protect you forever, or die trying. You and your momma are my everything.” Olivia’s mouth opens in a teeny tiny yawn that makes me smile, and all I can think is that she’s already got me wrapped around her little finger.
With one hand resting over Taryn’s and the other holding my daughter securely I did something I hadn’t done in longer than I could remember.
I talk to my mother. I ask her to protect my family, her family.
I beg for safety, for solace.
And most of all, I tell her how much I wish she was here to meet my girls and love them like I do.
Taryn
I sit in the middle of my bed while Lily braids my hair for me. My eyes stay locked on my daughter as she nurses, greedily. Shifter babies are apparently big eaters. Luckily, the tea Marissa gave me is helping with my milk production.
We’ve been home for two days and it’s been a dream. I can’t stop staring at her. Merick has been such a pro at this daddy thing already. I’ve spent a lot of time watching them together. Olivia loves taking her nap on her Daddy’s bare chest. His large hands cover her entire body as they protect from the world.
After Lily finishes my hair, she takes her goddaughter from me, burping her then kissing her head. “Get changed, I’ll take this sweetie pie downstairs.”
I climb off the bed and look at my best friend with my daughter in her arms. “I’m so glad you decided to stay.” I start to cry, because my hormones have been all over the place. I cry when I should laugh, get angry when I should be pleased, I’m a rollercoaster. But they said I should start balancing out soon. “Sorry I don’t mean to cry. I’m all over the place right now.”
Lily comes around and stops in front of me. “As crazy as all of this is, because yes it’s super crazy, I’m really happy I’m here too.” She leans in close to me. “A vampire was holding your baby like she was the most precious thing in the world, that’s amazing.”
Since Olivia’s birth the town has been overrun by supernaturals. A lot of Merick’s pack have returned. Ryder’s clan are on their way here. They can only travel at night, obviously. Josef, Ryder, and Jonathon have been keeping away visitors. It's not that we don’t want them, but we wanted things quiet and low key for the first couple of days.
Tomorrow is the day we introduce Olivia Ann Samuelson to her pack and the rest of our extended family. I feel bad that my parents aren’t here, but I haven’t figured out how to tell them everything. I only hope that they’ll understand that I was protecting them.
Lily kisses my cheek and then disappears with Olivia. I throw on some black leggings, a dove grey nursing cami, and a bright purple cardigan. In our bathroom I look at myself in the mirror. My breasts are enormous, and my stomach has gone down quite a bit, but I still look pregnant--just not full-term.
The pads I’m wearing are so huge, but I have to remember that it won’t be forever. I slip on my black UGGs and head downstairs. I find Lily standing at the window, staring out into the yard.
I step up next to her and look outside. Merick and Jonathon stand in front of a group of men. He looks every bit the alpha of his pack. The men all look at him with respect. I try to listen, but hear nothing--no static, no thoughts … nothing.
I knew there was a possibility that I’d lose my powers, but as much as I thought I’d be happy about it, I’m kind of sad they’re gone.
“I know he’s your man, but Merick is pretty sexy when he’s Mr. Alpha.” Lily smiles at me, and then hands me my daughter.
I smile, knowingly. “Oh I know.” I bring my daughter up to my mouth, kissing her forehead.
Lily smiles and kisses my cheek. “I’ll be back in the morning. I love you and I love you, Olivia.” She kisses the baby’s forehead. “See you tomorrow.”
I watch from the window as a couple of the younger shifters walk Lily back to the cabin. They’ve been guarding the perimeter of our property--including the cabin. I lay Olivia down in the bassinet and head into the kitchen to grab a bottle of water. When I come back into the room, I smile as I watch the steady rise and fall of my daughter’s chest.
Her thick brown hair stands up like Albert Einstein. It’s so adorable, and I spend a lot of time rubbing my hand over it. I can’t wait to see who she looks like. The front door opens and my mate comes walking in.
Merick smiles when he sees me. “Hi my beautiful mate.” He gives me a kiss and then bends down to kiss our daughter on the forehead. “Hi my beautiful angel.” I
