Page 35 of Daring Her Vampires

“Okay.”

“We need to push now, Saylor,” the Doc, Estes, says. “He’s turned.”

“Do this, Saylor. I’m going to spoil him rotten,” I say fiercely. “Our family is outside. They want to meet him.” I can smell everyone in and around the house.

I have never witnessed a baby being born. The magic of the moment swirls in the air. Saylor bears down with conviction and determination. I reflect on the moment we met. She came into my restaurant, hesitant, afraid, yet stubborn. She was running from an Alpha who thought she belonged to him. At first, she didn’t tell me anything, but I saw the signs. I’ve been in her shoes. Scared. Alone. Her heart is huge, and I was drawn to her. We became friends, and she finally came to trust me. I am so grateful she needed a job. Even though my life has been challenging and lonely, I’ve always believed in the universe and its plan. She was sent to me for a reason. We were both meant to find the family here.

“He’s coming,” Estes says, smiling. “One more, girl.”

Saylor screams as she brings her son into the world, and his cry resonates around the room. Elijah drops his head to his mate’s shoulder. A gooey, wiggly baby boy is in Estes's hands. My heart aches with want. I want one. I really hope my vision is true because I would be crushed if it isn’t.

“You did it, Kitty Cat,” Elijah whispers.

“He’s gorgeous,” she rasps.

I slowly back away as the cord is cut and Saylor holds her son for the first time. Atlas’s arm slides over my stomach and guides me. The day started with the story of ugly things and memories that were hard to remember and give a voice to. The beauty of this moment erases it all. There is a purpose in everything. I had to feel the hardship, pain, and loneliness to recognize the good. It wasn’t my time when I was young. Now, it’s my time.

Luca glides his thumb over my cheek. I’m turning into a crying mess since we met. I lay my head on his arm while Atlas holds me against his chest.

“Can we meet the little one?” Laken asks from the doorway. Elijah was friends with him before they both moved to the area. Laken always kept to himself. The cowboy bugged him until they became friends.

“Of course,” Saylor says.

Laken endures a hug from Elijah before tenderly holding the boy. A parade of family rotates through the room. Everyone gets a turn, and I choke up when big, scary, Bash holds the baby with incredible care. Finding my mates is old news when a precious baby joins the family. It’s a blessing. The shifter community is growing.

“Sally, come here,” Saylor demands, and I pull away from my mates. “I have to ask you something.”

“I hope you're not naming him after me,” I tease. “Sal would be cruel.”

“No.” She grabs my hand. “I want you to be the godmother. I can’t imagine anyone else taking care of him when we can’t.”

“Fuck,” I swallow harshly. “I would be honored.” Elijah walks around the bed, his son in his arms. I suck in a sharp breath when he places him in mine.

“Thank you, Sally,” he whispers. “I’m grateful to you. Thank you for taking care of Saylor until she found me.”

“Damn, cowboy.” My arms are full of such beauty. “My honor,” I whisper, avoiding Elijah’s eyes.

“What are you going to name him?” Micah asks.

“Draden Brae,” Elijah answers, and his brothers jerk.

“Elijah,” Brae says.

I tune out the noise, staring at the scrunched-up face of little Draden. He will be smothered in love and passed around from aunt to uncle to aunt and uncle. He won’t ever doubt his worth or feel what it’s like to be alone. This is how it’s supposed to be.

“Are we eating?” River asks, and I smile.

“Wolf,” Bash sighs. Some things will never change.

“What? We’re all together. What do we do when we have a gathering? We eat.” River winks at me.

“They need time alone,” Ava says. Her daughter is holding her hand, staring at the baby. I think she wants a sibling.

The debate about food continues, and my mates watch in fascination. I kiss Draden’s cheek and lean over, giving Saylor her son.

“Good job, mama,” I whisper.

“Thank you.” She smiles widely, and I kiss her cheek too.