Page 23 of Baby for the Serp General

“I can handle it.” Natalia smiled, trying to reassure her mate. “It’s okay, Zath. I’m ready to meet our children.”

“I’m not.” He looked pale, and she realized he was terrified.

She squeezed his hand. “It’s going to be okay. I promise.”

“I don’t want you in pain.” He cursed, a sibilant sound that echoed around the room. “This is my fault.”

She couldn’t help laughing. “I knew the risks, Zath. I chose this.”

“Still, I should have—”

“Stop.” She placed a finger over his lips. “I’m fine. The babies are fine. Everything is fine.”

“I love you, Natalia.” He kissed her forehead. “I don’t want you to suffer.”

“I love you too, Zath.” Another contraction hit, and she gritted her teeth.

“I hate seeing you in pain.” He stroked her hair, his eyes filled with worry.

“I’m okay.” She smiled through the discomfort. “I promise.”

“I believe you.” He kissed her forehead. “I trust you, vrash.”

“Good. Now, let’s meet these babies.” She grinned, her heart swelling with love even as pain rippled through her.

“I can’t wait.” His eyes glowed green in his excitement.

“Neither can I.” She smiled, blinking back tears. As Quillen assisted with the delivery, Natalia pushed with all her might, bringing their first child into the world less than an hour later.

“Girl number-one, as expected.” The doctor held up the squalling infant, and Zath cut the cord.

“She’s beautiful.” Natalia gazed at her daughter with awe. Genetically, she was mostly Serpentine, with a few human features. Her skin was a lovely shade of green, and her scales were a darker hue. She had a shock of dark hair and a tiny nose.

“She’s perfect.” Zath’s voice was thick with emotion. “I love you, Natalia.”

“I love you...” She trailed off as the baby opened her eyes, revealing luminous yellow irises.

“What’s wrong?” Zath asked.

“Nothing.” She blinked back tears. “She has color in her eyes all the time apparently. I guess I’m just humbled to see parts of me in her.” How did proxies ever walk away from their babies?

“She’s perfect, and so are you.”

As another contraction hit a few minutes later, Natalia bore down, pushing with all her might.

“Here comes the second little girl.” Quillen sounded reassuring.

“I see the head.” Zath sounded awed.

“Push, Natalia.” Quillen guided the baby’s shoulders.

Natalia grunted, straining as the second child emerged. With a heavy exhalation, she laid back, exhausted, as the baby cried.

“Another girl, as anticipated. Genetic scans can’t be wrong,” said Quillen as Zath cut the cord, his eyes shining with pride. “This one is bigger than her sister.”

“I believe it,” she said with a tired smile as the nurse brought her second daughter closer.

They weren’t identical. This baby had shimmering red skin and scales, and a mop of dark red hair. She also had the same yellow eyes as her sister but no nose. Just little slits like Zath’s.

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