Page 45 of The Baby Contract

We were never a thing.

I mean, he told me he loved me, he kissed me, he told me I was his mate. He made me feel small when he wrapped his arms around me every night even when my belly was about to burst.

He kept his warm hand on my tummy all night. Making me, and our babies, feel warm and protected. Loved.

It made me feel normal. For once since Mom and Dad died, I felt at peace with Theo, well, Alpha Stormblade now. It made me yearn for the normal life of a wolf with her mate.

Alpha Stormblade was never mine. He had his Luna already. He was a mated man.

Even though she was the complete opposite of what I imagined a Luna to be like. Alpha Stormblade's mate was stark and quite unbearable.

It made me wonder how he and the pack ever came to love a woman like that. I remember hearing about her on the radio when I was young, and Nova talking about her.

They talked about how sweet she was, how beautiful, how gracious, and what a perfect match she was to the all powerful Alpha Stormblade.

It made me sick.

"Honey?" Ingrid sighed, sitting on the edge of my bed. I turned my head from where I was staring at the wall, to find her face in one of those looks.

You know, the one your mom gives you when she's concerned about you. Yeah, that one. "Are you-"

"I'm fine-" I breathed deeply, placing my hand on top of hers. "I swear I wouldn't lie to you Ingrid. I didn't lie the last twenty times you asked me too."

Ingrid tapped her foot nervously. "I know you are fine-" she smiled sadly. "You are one of the strongest wolves I have ever met."

I furrowed my brows. "But I-"Ingrid shook her head. "I am most definitely not."

"Ingrid?" I struggled to sit up, fighting the cords that were now wrapped around my belly. "What's the matter?"

Ingrid's eyes threatened tears. "Oh Millie," she stroked my hair. "I'm so excited to see these babies, just like the rest of the pack, you have no idea but- "

"In a way- "she sniffled. "I know their arrival means your departure."

Ingrid broke down in sobs after that. It was hard to see her so heartbroken. I held her hand inside of mine, giving it a slight squeeze to let her know that I was still here.

"It was the greatest honor of my life to meet you and care for you over these months, Millie," Ingrid sobbed, her eyes tainted in red. "You have become a big part of my life, and I just wanted to ignore the fact that one day-"

"You will be gone." She cried, throwing her arms around me. "I just can't believe it."

"It's been such a pleasure to know you Ingrid," I whispered. "I will never regret the moments I got to spend with you and the others at Stormblade."

"Oh goddess-"Ingrid sniffled. "Are you sure you don't want to take the Luna's offer to stay?"

Ingrid's eyes lit up in hope. "We can work together here and visit the babies often if the Alpha and Luna allow it. I swear, being a maid in Stormblade is different then any other pack, you will be treated differently here. It won't be the same as Eclipse."

Yeah, Ember's such generous offer to be her maid. Sure, I'd love to dress that woman, do her hair and makeup, and clean her shit while I watch her mother my twins.

I chuckled sadly, not wanting to offend Ingrid. Ember was her Luna after all. "Such a hard offer to turn down."

A soft knock at the door made Ingrid rub her eyes and jump up from the bed. I lay back in bed as Ingrid went to answer it, the IV in my hand catching my attention from the slight pain it caused.

"Oh! What a surprise!" Ingrid lit up. "Millie, you have visitors."

The door opened to reveal the Stormblade family which has become so dear to my heart these last few months. Aspen poked her head around the door before jumping out and surprising me with a beautiful arrangement of wildflowers in her hands.

Axel, Kate, Cassian, and Boris came inside, dressed casually as they carried gifts, ballons, and cake.

My heart exploded at their sweetness. "What are you guys doing here?"

"What are we doing here?" Aspen swatted, setting down the bouquet next to my bed. "We heard through the grapevine that baby girl and baby boy are about to make their appearance soon."

Kate smiled brightly. Her smile was different than before, it hinted at a feeling of guilt and sympathy unlike it's usual genuine joy.

"I made a special cake to celebrate- "Kate said, putting down the box with the cake on a nearby table.

"It's a Stormblade tradition to have cake after giving birth. "

Boris sat down on the other side of the bed. "We bought a few things for you," he smiled, placing a large red gift bag on the table beside us. "Just a little something we all thought you would like. You can open it when you feel up for it."

"You really didn't have to do all of that for me," my heart warmed. "That's really kind. Thank you."

"Of course we do!" Aspen looked at me like I was crazy. "We love you, Millie. Forget about what Luna E-"

Axel grabbed his mate's shoulder, stopping her from continuing. "Not right now, Aspen."

"He's right, sweetheart," Kate stroked my hair. "This isn't the time to be worried or sad. We should all be celebrating and happy on this joyous occasion."

"The birth of not only one, but two, Stormblade offspring."

I could feel the somberness in the room. They were all thinking what Ingrid had expressed to me just moments ago. I could feel it.

The room carried a new heaviness in it.

Even with that, they tried hard not to make it obvious or shoot me pity looks. Instead, they focused on making it special for me, never once bringing up Alpha Stormblade or Luna Ember after Aspen's slip.

They spent a few hours with me which felt nice. The sky had soon fell dark as our conversation carried on with different uplifting topic such as memories, traditions, and the twins.

We all knew it was time to go our separate ways to sleep. But, when the conversation fell silent, someone thought of something else to say, just to keep the conversation going.

They didn't want to leave. They didn't want to say goodbye.

Another knock at the door surprised us all. "Oh- "Kate put her hand on her heart. "I'll get the door."

That forest scent made my twins go crazy. It made my heart skip a beat and my body break out in shivers at his presence.

"Mom- "his deep voice greeted before stepping inside.

Alpha Stormblade stood with a small red box in his hands. His eyes immediately landed on me in my hospital bed, his eyes shifting from green to black.

"Theo- "Kate cleared her throat. "We weren't expecting to see you."

"Yeah- "he breathed nervously, scratching the back of his neck. It was weird seeing him after what had happened in the woods.

Now, that Luna Ember was back, things were different between us.

"I was actually wondering if I could have some alone time with Millie." His eyes softened as we exchanged eye contact.

"Oh." The rest said in unison, their voices all laced with surprise and suspense.

"Of course, honey," Kate stood, ushering the others up. "We were just finishing up anyways. Come on kids."

Everyone hugged me and said goodbye and wished me a goodnight before leaving. Boris was the last to leave, being sure to get close to Alpha Stormblade and exchange an odd glance before closing the door and leaving us alone.

The door click was the last sound before the room fell silent. All that could be heard was the quiet beeping of my heart rate on the monitor. Alpha Stormblade walked forward slowly, taking a chair and pulling it up to my bed.

"Hi." I whispered.

"Hey- "Alpha softened, his body instantly responding to my voice. His muscles visibly relaxed all over his body. He seemed nervous as he played with the box in his hands.

"I brought this for you- "he offered me the small box.

I placed the small box in my hands and got to work unwrapping the small gold ribbon. I looked at Alpha's expectant face before I opened it, revealing a small gold pendant.

Inside, a picture that Kate took of us, cutting our gender reveal cake that night.

I sighed heavily as I closed it. "I hope you like it," Alpha studied my face. "I brought you a gold bracelet to match it."

"You didn't have to get me anything," I said. "But, thank you Alpha, that was generous of you."

"Of course," he smiled slightly. "You deserve anything your heart desires, Millie."

"I'm glad you got to visit me," I coughed, putting the jewelry on the beside table and changing the subject. "I wasn't sure if you would be able to come." Or more like if your Luna would let you come.

Alpha blinked, the green in his eyes taking over. "Millie-"he voice strained. "I had no idea."

"I had no idea about any of this-"he sighed, rubbing his hands over his face. "I never had one thought in my mind, that she could still be alive, Millie. I swear. I knew nothing about this."

"It's okay, Alpha- "

Alpha shook his head, full of emotion. "No, it's not okay." He shivered. "I never wanted to hurt you. I wanted to get close to you, to love you, to learn how to live again, and open my heart to you, Millie."

"And damn it," he reached out to grab my hand. "You did all of that even when I wasn't sure what I wanted. I fell in love with you."

"Alpha- "I pulled my arm away. "Stop. Please."

"No, don't call me that, Millie," his wolf growled slightly, letting his displeasure of that name coming off my lips be known. "Don't listen to what anyone else says. I will always be Theo to you."

I shook my head. "No."

"Millie- "

"Alpha, you can never be Theo to me again- "I started. "You are a mated man and my superior. This was all just a huge mistake."

"A mistake?" Alpha repeated. "No, Millie. Everything that happened between us was not a mistake. We are not a mistake."

"There is nothing between us, with all due respect, Alpha Stormblade," I said sadly. "There is nothing between us anymore. Soon, I won't even exist in your world."

"Millie, no-"Alpha got louder. "You will not leave. What I said before still stands, even with Ember. I don't care what she says or what she wants. You will not leave me, Millie. This is my house, and I want you here with me. With our babies."

"That's what you think you want," I cut him off. "You said it yourself, you will feel different once I give birth. You have a mate, Alpha. You should be happy now that she is back home with you. The whole Kingdom knows how much you love her."

"I won't be happy without you- "he declared, reaching out to me again, desperate for my touch. "I meant it every time I told you I loved you Millie. This doesn't change the way I feel about you."

I scoffed. "No." I clenched my jaw. "Don't say that again."

"Say that I love you?"

"Yes," I shivered at the truthfulness in his words. "You have a mate, Alpha Stormblade. Those words are not meant for me, but for the one who you are bonded for eternity with."

"I won't let you leave, Millie." He finally declared. "As the Alpha of this pack, I forbid it."

"You want me to stay so what? You can keep me around as your mistress?"

"Goddess, Millie-"he rubbed his temples. "No, that's not- "

His voice blurred as I felt something stirred deep inside of me, pulling me from the conversation. A sudden pool of wetness spilled out underneath me.

"Millie?" Alpha tiled his head in worry. "Are you okay? You look pale."

My heartbeat picked up, making the monitor go crazy. Alpha looked at it, and then back at me, now in a stunned state. "Millie?"

"My water broke," I whispered in shock. "Oh my goddess, my water broke."

Alpha stood quickly, his eyes shifting to black. "Doctor Rowan is coming."

A moment later Doctor Rowan burst in the door with his nurses behind him. My twins were wild inside of me, ready to come out and meet the world.

Alpha Stormblade never left as I labored. Instead, he stayed, holding my hand and wiping the sweat from my forehead with a cool washcloth as I became more dilated.

The whole world blurred around me. I could only think about the intense, fiery pain.

I heard the door open and close as the nurses prepared two warmers for the babies. "You are doing great." Alpha rubbed my back in between a contraction. "You're doing great, sweetheart."

This continued for days. But, for me, it felt like years.

Between my screams and desperate cries of pain, Doctor Rowan checked how dilated I was, only to tell me that I was one, two, and then eventually three centimeters.

"Only three?" I screamed, lifting my sweat-soaked head. "You have got to be fucking kidding me!"

Doctor Rowan shot Alpha a smile as he desperately tried to comfort me. "We are going to have our babies soon- "he kissed my forehead. "I can't believe it."

"Take some deep breaths between contractions, Millie," Doctor Rowan advised, now adjusting a tube under my nose. "I'm going to give you some oxygen."

"Ugh!" I cried loudly, throwing my head back. "I fucking hate all of you!"

Doctor Rowan and Alpha Stormblade exchanged a look over my bed. "I fucking hate everyone that did this to me!" I squirmed in frustration. "Fuck you, Orion! Grey and all you stupid ass mother fuckers!"

Alpha stared in shock at my naughty mouth. "Shhh-"he soothed. "I know, sweetheart. The babies are coming soon, I promise. Then, the pain will go away."

"Soon?" I yelled, lifting my head. "It's been days! These babies are never coming out!"

Doctor Rowan checked me again. "Millie- "he looked up happily. "You are at ten centimeters, my dear. I can see one of the baby's heads."

Alpha lit up beside me. His wolf going crazy at this news. "Let's get ready to push."

"Thank goddess!" I cried, praying silently. "Get these babies out of me!"

Doctor Rowan positioned himself to catch the babies. "Alright, Millie. Go ahead and take a deep breath and then give a nice steady push."

I did as he said, squeezing Alpha's hand as I did so, using all of my strength. "Great job. Now, take a quick rest and then get ready to push again."

I screamed as I pushed again, and again. "One more push Millie! Big push!"

The room silenced as our baby made his presence known in the world with a loud and persistent cry. Doctor Rowan stood with the baby in his hands. "Our next Alpha has been born!"

"Congratulations Millie, Alpha- "Doctor Rowan bowed. "It's a beautiful baby boy."

A loud purr escaped Alpha's chest as a tear escaped his cheek at the sight of his tiny pup. "Come cut the cord, Alpha."

Doctor Rowan showed him how to do it. Once it was cut, Alpha held the small little, bloody creature on his bare chest, being careful with him as he clung onto his Daddy. A nurse came and tucked a blanket around him and the baby.

"Oh goddess- "he breathed in disbelief. "We have a son. Oh goddess, thank you."

Our baby boy cried loudly. Alpha Stormblade whispered soothing goddess prayers in his ear in Latin to soothe him and welcome him to the Kingdom.

"Alright, Millie- "Doctor Rowan smiled. "It's time to push again, honey."

Soon, a wave of relief passed through my body as my baby girl was born. Doctor Rowan did the same, holding her up, with pure joy lighting up his face.

"Congratulations it's a gorgeous little girl!"

The nurse took our boy from Alpha so that he could cut the cord again and take our little girl on his chest. Alpha Stormblade cuddled them both and soothed them in his wolf's protection and love.

"Millie- "Alpha Stormblade cried. "Look at how perfect they are."

I could hear my babies cries as they looked for me, desperate to feel me again and breathe in my scent. I felt one of the nurses reach out to move my hospital gown and expose my skin to prepare for the babies to lay on my chest.

"No-"I shook my head, my body shaking from the shock of birth. "I-I don't want to."

A ton of bricks hit me as my babies cried for me, eager to get to their Mommy. My chest tightened in guilt and pain of their little voices. I turned my head, not wanting to look.

Seeing their faces would make it harder for me to leave. I didn't want to bond with them. I didn't want to soak in their cute little newborn scents.

I would get attached to their sweet little faces, their chubby cheeks. It would haunt me forever.

I couldn't. I just couldn't.

"It's alright, Millie- "Doctor Rowan came to encourage me. "Your babies are right here."

"Come on," Alpha softened, his voice cracking with tears. "Hold them, Millie. Please. They want you."

I felt weak and tired. My body went numb as it adjusted to the new change of not being pregnant anymore. My eyes became heavy, begging every inch of me to fall into a deep sleep.

Alpha Stormblade's persistent and desperate voice was the last thing I heard before floating off into the darkness.

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