Page 29

Orin

I CAUGHT UP WITH THE King and his advisor asking what had caused another alarm to be sounded.

‘Two Voletti ships have uncloaked over the city,’ Trex communicated as we strode toward the main hall.

Xilta’s voice broke the tension we were all feeling. “I’ve received word the Ixul have arrived, your majesty.”

A loud noise resonated overhead, making the ground shake. I swallowed, knowing the explosion would have worried Olivia. Flutz. I needed to get back to my K’sha to reassure her.

We reached the main hall moments later.

Captain Kagin marched toward us with his chin held high. “The Ixul warships have fired on the enemy vessels. They have been destroyed, your majesty.”

Trex nodded in acknowledgement. “Have there been any more enemy ships detected?”

“No, sir. The Ixul are monitoring the planet for signs of Krilex or other Voletti.”

Xilta stepped forward, peering at the King. “I understand the warning system is fully functional, but we must not take any chances. The palace should remain on lockdown until we are certain it is safe.”

Trex looked to Captain Kagin. “Tell your men to stay alert outside the palace. Keep me informed.”

Xilta spoke up. “I will see that all protocols are followed, your majesty.”

Trex acknowledged him, looking grateful. “Thank you, Xilta. I’m going to check on my mate. You know where to find me.”

King Trex and I turned to head back to the females when I heard Olivia’s cry of pain in my mind.

‘King Trex, my mate needs me.'

Trex’s eyes flicked to mine. ‘Go to her.’

I felt certain she was about to give birth. Without stopping, I sprinted towards the infirmary. I made a commitment to be by Olivia’s side when she gave birth, and I intended to honor it.

Her cries echoed in my mind, causing me to wince as I neared the infirmary.

Bursting through the doors, I called out, feeling frantic that it took time to reach her. “Where is she?” I looked side to side.

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 to push again.

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 .... our youngling.

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?”

I shifted my gaze first to Olivia then back to the delicate and vulnerable youngling, feeling a lump in my throat. “She’s so small,” I choked out. “What if I end up hurting her?”

Grace extended the child again. “You won’t. Babies are pretty resilient anyway.” She grinned at me.

Carefully, I took the small bundle from Queen Grace and cradled her against me. The baby’s body was slightly larger than my hand.

She smelled like Olivia and a mix of her own unique scent. The sight of the small face gazing back at me filled me with wonder. My heart felt lighter.

The little one emitted a gentle noise that filled me with joy, and I touched her tiny hand with my fingertip. My heart softened further when she clutched it, filling me with love and making me smile.

Olivia chuckled. “You’ve got what it takes to be a brilliant father.” Her voice exuded a sense of pride.

Instantly, any lingering doubts inside me vanished as I sensed the sincerity behind her words.

Grace’s voice interrupted. “What will you call her?” she asked.

Olivia responded. “We are naming her after Orin’s mother. Nala.” Her eyes met mine. We hadn’t spoken about what the youngling would be called. It meant a lot to me she chose my mother’s name. I sent her my emotions and thoughts. ‘ Thank you.’

“You don’t mind, do you?” she asked.

I shook my head and with tenderness, handed the newborn to her mother, giving them both a kiss on the cheek.

“I will always love and protect you both.”

Olivia placed her hand on my cheek, cupping it. “You will always have our love, too. I can’t wait to have more babies with you. We’re bound to make some badass warriors just like their father.” Her eyes sparkled, and I couldn’t help but wish for the same.