Page 33 of Hunting for Redemption

Another cramp goes through my middle, making my stomach tense up. I grit my teeth until it’s over. “I’ve gotten my wish,” I say with a long sigh.

Jeff kisses the side of my head. “You’ve got this, baby. You’re so strong and our baby is almost here.”

I tug Jeff into our bed, putting him against the headboard. Then I arrange myself so I’m up on my knees, holding onto his shoulders in front of me. I bury my face against his throat, letting his scent ground me as I experience my contractions. He keeps me grounded, keeps me relaxed.

“You’re doing amazing,” Star tells me, guiding me through labor, helping me read the instincts of getting this baby out of me.

I’m not sure how long we sit there before I feel a pressure below my waist. “Okay,” I murmur, my brows wrinkled, “I think it’s time.”

“Take a deep breath and bare down,” Star tells me.

I bite Jeff’s shoulder and he sucks in a sharp breath. His arms go around my back, holding me as I push. “You can do this. Just a little more, baby.”

I can feel the moment our baby slides free and my eyes prickle with emotion. If I was able to cry I know I would be shedding tears right now. Relief so deep it threatens to be my undo washes over me and I let out a broken noise. I pull away from Jeff’s shoulder to look at him, the emotions I’m feeling mirror in his eyes.

“You did it,” he tells me proudly. “You fucking did it, Axel. You’ve given me everything.”

Jeff helps me to rearrange and Star hands me my baby. She is beautiful. She has dark hair just like Jeff and has my nose. I love her so much.

Star hands me a bottle and I didn’t even realize she had one ready. I bring it to my baby’s lips, watching as she sucks greedily straight away.

“It’s jarring,” Jeff says softly, “seeing her drink from a blood bottle.”

I snort. “She’s a vampire, what else would she drink.”

“No, no. It makes sense. Just kinda weird to see still,” he says, nuzzling against the side of my head. Newborns don’t need much so our baby is quickly full. I pull the bottle away, bringing her up against my chest.

“Have you thought of her name?”

“Lily,” I tell Star with a wide smile.

“That’s beautiful. Very fitting.”

“Thank you,” Jeff says softly. He kisses my head. I look into his eyes, finding nothing but unabashed love there.

“Here,” I whisper, handing Jeff his daughter for the first time. The way he holds her with such tender care fills me with warmth. I am so lucky that Lady Fate saw this man fit to be my mate. He’s everything I need in my life. I give him stability and he gives me adventure. We fit.

“I love you so much,” Jeff tells me. “Thank you so much, Axel.”

“You have nothing to thank me for. I’m just doing my best to be the best mate I can be.”

“You’re that and so much more.”

When our lips meet, everything else falls away until it’s just me and my true mate sharing a tender moment. And in the next moment, Star is clearing her throat. If I was capable of blushing I know I would be bright red right now.

She gives the two of us a tender smile, like a mother gives her children. I’m not sure I could be happier than I am right now. That is, until the rest of the crew come in here to meet Lily.

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