Page 53 of The Alpha's Bullied Pregnant Mate

Isla's face contorted with each wave of pain, and each time, Fannar stood by her side, holding her hand. “You're doing amazing, Isla. Just breathe. We're in this together,” he whispered, his voice a steady anchor amid the storm.

The healer and the midwives communicated in hushed tones, their words a mix of reassurance and directives. Fannar overheard snippets of their conversations, the urgent tone of their dialogue filling him with fear for Isla. But his mother looked calm and confident, and he borrowed her strength.

Isla's contractions ebbed and flowed, and the room echoed with supportive voices. The healers exchanged knowing glances, but there was no further indication from them. The tension was maddening for Fannar.

Fannar's mother, a seasoned presence in the birthing chamber, directed the proceedings with calm authority. “She's progressing well. Keep encouraging her, Fannar,” she advised, her gaze shifting between Isla and the healers. Fannar nodded, channeling his love and support into every word he uttered to Isla.

Isla's pushed on with fierce determination, her resilience evident with each passing moment.

From the urgency shared between the healer and the midwives, Fannar could tell that Isla was close now. Just a little more, Fannar stood by her side, his eyes fixed on hers. “Come on, Isla. Just a little more.”

The air in the room seemed to hold its breath as the final stages of labor unfolded. Isla's strength and determination radiated and her forehead shone brightly with sweat.

Fannar gripped Isla's hand tightly. "You're incredible, Isla. Just a little more, and we'll meet our baby," he whispered, his voice a mixture of excitement and reassurance.

Isla, her face flushed with exertion, managed a tired but joyous smile. "I can't wait, Fannar. I love you."

The healers worked with a focused intensity that awed Fannar. “Look at them, Isla,” he whispered encouragingly. “The healers are amazing. We're in good hands.” He glanced at the skilled women around them.

With a final push and a piercing cry, their son entered the world. A few moments later, the room echoed with the soft cries of the newborn. Fannar's eyes filled with tears as he looked at the tiny, perfect being in the arms of the healer.

“He's here, Isla! Our son!” Fannar exclaimed, his voice a mix of relief and joy.

Isla smiled at him and it looked like the hardest thing to do in the world in that moment. She was exhausted and radiant at the same time. She nodded, tears streaming down her face. "Our son, Fannar. I can't believe it."

The healer gently placed the baby in Isla's arms. “Congratulations, Isla. Your son.”

Fannar couldn't contain his emotions. "He's so beautiful. Look at his little fingers, Isla." He sat on the bed and put his arms around the baby. Tears streamed down both faces. Fannar kissed Isla's forehead. "We did it, Isla. We're parents."

Isla, cradling their newborn, looked at Fannar with eyes filled with love. "I love you, Fannar. Thank you for being with me."

Fannar gently kissed Isla's forehead and looked down at their son cradled in her arms. "Our journey as a family has just begun, Isla. I can't wait to see him grow, to be there for every step."

Isla, still catching her breath, smiled at Fannar. "I'm so grateful for you, for us, for our little one. This is the start of our adventure."

As the midwives quietly began to tidy up, Fannar took Isla's hand. There was so much he wanted to say to her, but the emotions were running wild inside him

This was the start of a new life for them, and it left a sweet taste in his mouth holding his tender, delicate son in his arms. Of all the responsibilities he’d ever had to manage, this was undoubtedly the hardest and most challenging. Worse, he felt woefully inadequate.

The door opened, and Fannar's mother entered, a proud smile on her face. In the excitement, he hadn’t noticed her leave in the first place. “You did wonderfully, both of you. Welcome to parenthood," she said, her eyes filled with warmth and love.

Feeling overwhelmed by the moment, Fannar stepped out of the room, leaving his mother to speak quietly with Isla. In the hallway, he took a deep breath, the weight of fatherhood settling heavily on his shoulders. His thoughts swirled with hope, fear, and the overwhelming desire to be the best father for their child.

There was so much he didn’t know. So much he didn’t understand. Being a father took much more than fertilizing a woman. There was so much more involved when it came to raising a child. What did he know about that?

The feeling of inadequacy extinguished every sense of joy and accomplishment he had been feeling. He could feel himself sinking under the weight of it, and the more he struggled, the deeper he sank…

Someone placed a hand on his shoulder. Fannar startled awake and saw his mom watching him with knowing eyes. “I wondered where you disappeared to. It’s not everyday a man leaves his mate alone with their newborn.”

“I’m sorry…” Fannar stammered. “It’s just… I just…”

“I know, Fannar,” she replied, squeezing his shoulder reassuringly. “Why do you think I came looking for you?”

“You do?”

She nodded. “That whirlwind of emotions you must be experiencing. Fannar, my dear, you’re now a parent. It’s the strangest and most unusual thing for someone to process, and it can overwhelm you. Now… imagine just how Isla must be feeling.

“Being a parent… It’s a journey. It’s filled with surprises and challenges, but its also filled with wonder and beauty. You’ll find your way. Every single day you will learn, because you never fully stop learning how to be a good parent. Heaven knows even I am still learning.”

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