Page 56 of Slow Birth

Vale laughed. “Don’t worry, darling. Don’t you know? The danger is past us now. We made it past the challenge unscathed, and we’re going to be all right from here on out.”

Jason sank down at Vale’s feet, looking up at him as Viro fed eagerly. His blue eyes filled with loving adoration. “We made him, Vale. You and me. Together.”

“Yes. He’s perfect.” Restless and wild as he was, Vale wouldn’t have his son any other way. Viro pointed toward the window and grunted. “Yes, we’ll go out when you’re done eating.”

Jason went on as if they hadn’t been interrupted. “And now we’ll always be together in him. No matter what.”

Vale leaned down to kiss Jason, barely interrupting Viro’s greedy feeding. Finally, his alpha understood. This was why Vale hadn’t been willing to end the pregnancy. But he stayed silent, enjoying the sensation of Jason’s lips on his own.

Pulling away, Jason rested his head on Vale’s knee, and the three of them sat together, looking at the mountains with the sky turning pink behind them. “This is perfect,” Jason murmured. “I’m glad we came.”

“Me, too.”

Tomorrow would bring new challenges, no doubt, and more and more as Viro grew. But the danger was past. Viro existed. Vale was strong and healthy. Jason was happy, and their love was stronger than ever. And in a moment of clarity, Vale understood why he’d needed to return to this cabin in the woods. This was the place that had birthed their heart’s desire almost against their will. And yet it held them beautifully now.

A small family silhouetted against a mountain sunset.

THE END