Page 39 of Used By the Unicorn

I let out a long shuddering breath and finally relax into his arms. “I can’t do this.”

He doesn’t argue with me. Of course he doesn’t. It’s Stirling. I know I’m being ridiculous. I’m not the one in labor.

“Do you want me to take you home?”

“What?” I push back and stare up at him. “Are you crazy? I can’t go now. You can’t either. She’s about to push out a baby!”

We both turn and watch Sapphy. I wish there was more I could do. There isn’t though. Sweat sticks her mane to her face and neck. Her legs shake. She lets out a huge grunt as she strains.

“Good.” The nurse pushes her tail aside. “Last one.”

Last one! Before I know it, I’ve taken another step forward and I’m squatting, too, looking to see the tiny head poking out of Sapphy’s body.

Holy fuck!

I think I’m going to be sick.

That’s the most weirdly beautiful thing I’ve ever seen in my life.

With one final push, Sapphy bears down and the baby slides right out. The nurse catches the baby just before it leaves her body and Boaz hauls Sapphy to her feet.

She’s panting.

I’m crying. I brush at tears that won’t stop flowing.

The little unicorn takes in a deep breath and screams with all its might.

Then everyone is laughing and crying or both together. The tension releases and Boaz lays Sapphy down in a huge pile of pillows. Knight shifts, immediately gathering her into his arms. Stirling joins them. The nurse has wrapped the baby tightly and hands the tiny, impossibly small bundle to Sapphy. I vaguely register that she’s got no horn, just a tiny little nub.

Sapphy looks up at me and beckons me with a smile. “Thank you for being here. Thank you for staying.”

Somehow, I don’t feel out of place or awkward. I probably should.

Instead, I find a place in the pile of cushions beside Sapphy, because it feels right. Looking down, I wonder at the small slim nose and the huge eyes of her beautiful baby.

“What will you call her?” I ask.

Stirling wraps his arms around me and I lean into him.

“Bliss,” Sapphy says.

I nod. “It’s perfect. So is she.”

“Yours will be too, Jade.”

I’m momentarily speechless. Not the first time it’s happened to me today. I should be mad Stirling gave away my secret. I’m not really sure what for, though. In the end it’s better they know.

I nod. “Yeah. I hope so.”

I thought I could do this on my own. I thought I had to.

That’s why we’re a herd.Sapphy’s words from before keep resonating with me, though. Maybe they don’t have a deeper meaning beyond the sex. To me, they do.

Here in the magical grove with Stirling and his herd and so much love surrounding me, I can’t help feeling like a herd is exactly what I need.

Maybe he’s right. Maybe I am his bond mate, after all. After today, I’m pretty sure he’s mine.

SIXTEEN

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