Page 64 of The Monster's Mate

I’m still flabbergasted at how I’m supposed to raise a daughter.

It doesn’t matter.

I’ll figure it out.

And this is perfect.

One boy and now a girl, and we’re done.

Two kids are plenty, especially because I can’t watch the woman I love go through this ever again.

Athos appears at my side in full form. “Take my spot.”

My head shakes. “I can’t. I’m afraid I’m going to lose it and shift. My dragon is being…difficult.”

“Maybe he knows something we don’t. If you were in nature, being able to cuddle up to your dragon form may have helped soothe her.” The djinn shrugs. “Silence’s magic is working.”

The explosive screams from the last hour have simmered to simple grunts and a few mild wails.

“She needs your support.” Athos claps me on the shoulder. “Take over my spot, and I’ll pop over to update Meena and Veryn.” He gives me a shove, and I catch Charity’s eyes.

She gives me a tired smile, and I only feel worse. Following the carpeting around to the top of the circle, I climb onto the mattress. Once I’m by Charity’s head, I bend and brush my lips over hers.

“I’m so sorry you’re suffering,” I choke out.

Her head shakes. “We can do this. I’m good now.”

She does seem better now that she’s not burning alive from the inside out.

Silence sits facing Charity’s head, and he gives me a nod.

I can only hope he’s telling me his magic will hold until Charity is finally able to pass the egg.

“Is this normal?” I ask no one in particular as I study our freshly delivered egg. It’s soft, like some reptile shells, but stunningly beautiful in lime green with dark blue specks.

“It is.” Charity nods against Eldritch’s chest. He moved behind her during the heavy pushing.

Silence and Aline saw themselves out once the egg was delivered.

“Veryn’s egg was the same soft material for a few days, but he was so much smaller,” Charity says with wide eyes. “She was like birthing a full-size baby.”

Nadia leans over my shoulder, watching the baby move inside the still-soft shell. “Sometimes, second and third babies are larger than the first. I guess that applies to eggs too.”

I move the egg to the crook of my arm, cradling it close to help it stay warm. “I can’t wait to meet her.”

Charity yawns, but breaks into a wide smile. “Oh God. I know, me too. Right after a nap.”

“Have you picked a name?” Eldritch tenderly brushes her hair back from her tired face.

“Athos had a recommendation that I really love, if you’re open to it.” Charity nods to the djinn.

“Go on,” I say, realizing I’m gently rocking back and forth to soothe her. She’s not even born yet, but it feels instinctual.

“Serafina.” Athos swirls away in a shimmery cloud, reappearing at my side. He stretches a hand over, running it along the thin shell of the egg. A tiny arm pushes back, and my heart races.

“I think that means she likes it,” I choke out.

Charity laughs. “Strangely enough, that’s exactly how I picked Veryn.”

---