Page 130 of Pucking the Enemy

“The nurse said we should be okay to go home tomorrow,” I said, looking at Seb. After the birth, he had left just long enough to get me a take-out burger because I had been ravenous after labor.

“It’s insane that we just get to take the baby home, like we’re responsible adults,” Seb mused.

“I think we’ll be okay.” I smiled, kissing the crown of Henry’s head.

Chapter 46

Hazel

“Oh he is perfect!” Caroline cooed, cradling Henry in her arms. “And how are you feeling?” she asked, turning to me.

We were sitting in the den of our pack house. I was on the sofa with a pile of blankets on my lap, wearing the most comfortable clothing I could think of. Soft, stretchy leggings, and a gigantic hoodie belonging to one of the guys. The size was not only comfortable, but it was easy to lift up if I needed to feed Henry.

Caroline was sitting next to me, Henry in her arms, admiring her grandson. All my alphas were taking the opportunity to get things done—showers, laundry, cleaning, etc. while we girls chatted.

“I’m feeling good,” I admitted. “I thought it would be harder, but the guys have been doing everything. All I need to do is snuggle Henry and feed him.”

“As you should,” Caroline agreed. “I’m just sad he came before I had a chance to organize a baby shower for you! This little darling just couldn’t wait, could he?” she cooed down at Henry, who was fast asleep.

“He’s totally healthy, thankfully. Apparently alpha babies can come early.”

Caroline laughed. “Thank god they do! Can you imagine giving birth to a baby much bigger? I had Roman a few weeks early, and he was over twelve pounds.” I winced at her words. Henry had been ten pounds, and giving birth to him hadn’t exactly been easy.

“I never thought I would be thankful he was only ten pounds.”

“Babies have a wonderful way of turning our lives on their head.” Caroline hummed, rocking Henry from side to side as he fussed.

“They do, don’t they?” I mused.

Ever since the doctor had placed the screaming lump of baby in my arms, nothing had been the same. My entire world had shifted because a tiny, fragile being was now dependent on me.

“I wish they could stay this tiny and precious,” Caroline said. “Soon enough, you’ll have a toddler who’s fascinated with bugs.” She grimaced playfully at me.

I shuddered. “That will be Daddy Cormac’s job. He’ll happily get down and dirty with the bugs.”

“Packs do come in handy, don’t they? I still can’t believe that Phillip was the one who passed out. My money was on Cormac.”

“I thought the same! Roman won’t stop asking when we can have another one as well.”

Caroline rolled her eyes. “I’ll be having a word with my son. You should never bring up more babies until your partner has healed from the first!”

“He’s like an excitable puppy.” I laughed.

“You guys have all the time in the world to grow your family, so you do it when it’s right for you, Hazel. If that is sooner rather than later, then go for it. If it’s in five years from now, then do that. What good is the Kingswood money if it can’t be used for family? That’s what’s most important, after all.”

I sighed. “I wish my own family understood that.”

There was something bittersweet about seeing my son being lovingly rocked by his grandmother while knowing that my own mother had zero interest in him.

“Has your mother not checked in at all?” Caroline frowned.

I shook my head. “I didn’t expect her to, nor do I want her to. She’ll see Henry as a failure of mine. I don’t want that sort of negativity around him.”

“That woman has some goddamn audacity!” Caroline snarled. “Oh! Sorry, sweetheart,” she shushed Henry, who had stirred at her angry outburst.

“Why?” I asked, cocking my head.

“She recently reached out to me, basically demanding an invitation to the late summer garden party I host each year—get this—because we are family now! That woman had the impertinence to try and attend a social function of mine, claiming to be family, when she hasn’t even reached out to you?” She gave me a horrified look.

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