She stared at him for a moment, devotion shining in her eyes. “Oh, I think I can live with that.”
For once, Roman thought, things seemed to be moving in the right direction. To him, having Lailah here was as close to heaven as it got. The very thing he’d prayed so hard for when he’d thought it wasn’t possible or even imaginable—a chance at love. True love.
Chapter Forty-Six
Six months later...
Steven was about to wear a path in the floor, pacing back and forth outside of Abbey’s hospital room. He was going to go crazy. Around midnight, Abbey had gone into labor. When he got her to the hospital, the baby had repositioned its bottom toward the birth canal instead of the head. While doctors attempted to try to turn the baby, Abbey had a seizure. When intravenous medication did not stop it, her physicians decided to deliver the baby by C-section, which meant Abbey had to be put under sedation due to another uncontrollable circumstance. Abbey was a Lupa, and if she got upset or out of control, things could take a turn for the worse if she shifted. Not just for her, but for everyone else.
With the exception of a few members, most of the Breedline Covenant sat in the waiting room, looking at Steven with concern.
Lawrence and Tara were one of the couples not present. They had recently taken off to Maui for their honeymoon. After realizing they were destined to be together, they couldn’t wait to start their life together. Skipping the traditional ceremony, they decided on a courthouse wedding.
Although Tessa agreed to allow Sebastian Crow to reside in the Covenant’s guesthouse with Eve to raise their twin boys, they thought it best to keep a low profile and stay home, considering the fact that Jace still wasn’t too thrilled over Tessa’s decision.
After the battle angels made sure the Salem Cemetery looked as it did before Lucifer’s five-headed Hydra split through the earth, they said their final good-byes to Lailah and flew back to the In-Between to guard heaven’s gate.
Since Apollyon, Callisto, and Electra helped the Breedline battle the creature, God granted them absolution and allowed the supernatural trio to remain on earth.
Now that Lailah was no longer a battle angel and God had granted her a mortal life, Roman had taken her on a little adventure. Losing her human life at such a young age, he wanted her to experience some of the things she’d missed out on. A trip to the Rocky Mountains was first on their list.
Bull had left with Angie two weeks ago for a romantic, long getaway, and they decided to invite Nicolas and Jena to go with them, considering the two of them seemed to be getting close. All four of them were due for some downtime, especially Jena.
Detective Manuel Sanchez and his partner, Detective Frank Perkins, were relieved to finally solve the mystery behind all the savage murders in the city, thanks to Jena McCain. Now that the wolf was out of the bag, so to speak, and God had forgiven Nicolas Ratcliff, the two detectives agreed to keep his identity a secret and put the past behind them. Besides, crime never stood still, and they needed Nicolas’s help protecting the innocents from the dark forces that lurked in the shadows. After all, he was immortal and one helluva detective.
Tessa was sitting across from her brother, holding Jem and Mia’s baby. Three months prior, Mia had given birth to the most adorable and healthy little girl, Eva Alexandria Chamberlain, although everyone called her Evie. They named her after Mia’s twin sister, Eve, and Jem and Jace’s biological father, Alexander. She had her mother’s bright crimson eyes and her father’s blond hair. Evie was a perfect addition to the Breedline family. Tim and Angel’s daughter, Natalie, along with the other children in the Covenant, adored having a new playmate.
When Tessa noticed the panicked look in her brother’s eyes, she stood and handed the baby back to Mia and went over to Steven.
He stopped to look at the clock on the wall. “What in the hell is taking so long?” Steven grumbled. “Why won’t they let me in there?”
Tessa touched his arm. “Everything is going to be fine, Steven. It’s not uncommon for mothers to be sedated during a Cesarean section. In Abbey’s case, I’m sure it’s also a safety precaution, considering she’s a Lupa.”
Steven let out a long breath. “I know, I know. It’s just—”
“Abbey is in good hands,” Tessa said in a quiet voice. “Helen is an excellent physician, and Cassie is one of the best neonatal nurse practitioners in the city. I’m sure they will let you know something as soon as they can.”
Jace came over and placed his hand on Steven’s shoulder. “Listen, man, if it makes you feel any better, I know what you’re going through. I’ve been in your shoes once before. But don’t worry. If things start to take a turn for the worse, you can just heal her like you did before, right?”
Tessa gritted her teeth and looked at him wide-eyed. “You’re not making the situation any better, Jace.”
“Hey, look on the bright side,” Jace said, patting Steven on the shoulder. “At least Abbey’s not having twins.”
Tessa shot Jace another look that said, without words, to keep his mouth shut.
“Okay, okay,” Jace muttered, throwing his hands up in defeat. “Sorry. I was just trying to show some sympathy for the poor guy.”
Seconds later, Kenneth walked into the waiting room and shot his daughter a worried look. Then his gaze rested on his son, who looked like he’d been to hell and back.
“Abbey is going to be fine, son,” Kenneth said, placing both hands comfortingly on Steven’s shoulders. “She’s one tough young lady, and this is a cakewalk to her.” He squeezed Steven’s shoulders reassuringly before he lowered his hands. “Son, you must have faith. Abbey has been through far worse than childbirth.”
He nodded. “You’re right, Dad, but it’s just that I don’t want her going through this alone. I wanted to be there when our baby is born.”
Steven turned when he felt the weight of a large hand on his arm. When he saw Drakon standing next to him, he tilted his head up and looked into the eyes of a mountain of a man.
“Don’t worry, buddy,” Drakon said. “My Cassie will take excellent care of your girl.”
“I know. Thanks, Drakon.”
Suddenly, the door to Abbey’s room opened, and they all looked to Cassie as she stepped out. “Congratulations, Steven. You have a beautiful and healthy baby boy.”
Steven swallowed, his Adam’s apple visibly bobbing up and down in his throat. “How’s Abbey?”
“She’s doing just fine.” Cassie smiled and Steven heaved out a sigh of relief. “If you’d like, you can come in to see her and meet your son.”
The biggest grin lit up Steven’s face as everyone gathered around to congratulate him.
Drakon gave him a pat on the back. “Congrats, buddy.”
Tessa wrapped her arm around him and whispered close to his ear, “Congratulations, Steven. I’m so happy for you and Abbey.”
Steven tugged Tessa snugly against him. “Thanks, sis.”
Cassie held the door open for Steven as he moved past her and ducked into Abbey’s room. His heart skipped a beat and his eyes shone with unshed tears when he got his first look at Abbey sitting up in the bed, holding their baby.
As she turned toward him, her face melted with a glow of love. “Come meet our son.”
Steven pulled a chair close to Abbey’s bed and sat down. He took her hand and curled his fingers around hers. “Oh, my God, he’s... perfect,” he said, reaching out with his other hand to touch his son, but it shook so badly he had to stop midway in an effort to control the wave of emotion soaring through his entire body. When his hand finally calmed, he gently smoothed it over his son’s dark hair. It was so fine, so delicate, and soft to the touch.
The baby cooed and leaned into the warmth of his hand.
Steven moved forward and pressed his lips to his son’s forehead. “I love you, Jonah,” he whispered. “And I love your mama, too.”
Abbey exhaled, absorbing the sound of Steven saying their son’s name for the first time. Jonah was
her father’s name, and she was glad they had chosen it.
“And I love his daddy,” she whispered back.
He looked up to see Abbey smiling, her face edged with exhaustion, but it also radiated with happiness. He moved closer to her and kissed her softly on the lips.
When he pulled away, she stared up into his teary green eyes and said, “Would you like to hold your son?”
Steven nodded, struggling to keep his emotions in. When he reached out to pick up the baby, a single fat tear dropped from his left eye, and then another fell from his right. He blinked them away and gently scooped the small bundle into his arms. Jonah settled instantly in his father’s hold. As Steven cradled their son, tucking him in close, his chest swelled with renewed purpose. Reality had just kicked in. He was a father. Then the word made his head tilt slightly. Father. That was something he’d never had until only recently. Then he wondered if he possessed the parental instincts to be a good father.
As Steven sat there holding his son for the first time, he thought back to the rough period in his and Abbey’s lives. He’d never forget the day Dr. Hans Autenburg—the ruthless German scientist who stole him from his mother and Abbey from her family for the sole purpose of experimentation—and locked them together in a cell. They were just five years old. She was like a feral animal trapped in a cage. As they grew up, they fell in love. After years of relentless torture, they found a way to escape, but unfortunately, they ended up separated for years. Now, here they were, happily together again experiencing a miracle—the birth of their first child.
Abbey had shown a lot of courage and trust. Starting her life over after what she went through took a lot of bravery and guts. Not only was Abbey his beloved, but she had also saved him from hell, and now, she was the mother of his child. God, he loved this woman.
He looked up at her, and when he saw Abbey staring at him with admiration in her gaze, his mouth twitched into a half-smile. “Thank you, sweetheart.”
She slowly shook her head. “For what, honey?”
“For making me the happiest man on earth.”
Abbey smiled. “I love you so much, Steven.”
“And I love you, Mary Abigail,” he murmured, using her birth name.
“Can you keep a secret?” she said.
“Of course.”
“Cassie is pregnant.”
Steven’s eyes rounded. “Drakon’s Cassie?”
“Yep.”
His eyes softened. “That’s great. Does he know?”
Abbey grinned and shook her head. “Not yet. That’s why it’s a secret.”
“Oh.” He cocked a brow. “Mum’s the word. Although, when Drakon gets the news, I’m sure he’ll be thrilled to know he’s going to be a father. I sure as hell was.”
The baby squirmed in Steven’s grasp and let out a little whining demand.
“I think he wants something only his mother can provide,” Steven said, shifting the baby in his arms as he rose to his feet.
“Come here, little Jonah,” she said, reaching out for the baby.
As Steven made the handoff, he leaned down and kissed Abbey, his lips lingering on hers for a moment.
Jonah let out a happy coo when his mother cradled him against her breast, already acknowledging he was about to be fed.
“He definitely knows what’s good,” Steven said around a light chuckle.
Abbey’s eyebrows lifted. “He takes after his father.”
“You got that right,” he shot back.
As Steven eased back into the chair, taking in the most beautiful sight, his beloved nourishing their child, he wanted to lock this image into his memory forever. He would thank God every day for giving him a second chance at a happy family. He knew Abbey still fought her demons from the past, as he did, but they’d get there. As long as they had each other, they could conquer anything. True love could do amazing things.
To be continued...
Will you still want her, after her rage?
Do you have the balls, to unlock her cage?
Careful I tell you, a monster indeed...
A Viking she seeks, but a wolf she will need.
One that will howl, at the moon as she does.
A dog that will bite, but embrace how she loves...
—N.R. Shepherd
Thank you, dear friend.
Reference for terms and cast of characters
BREEDLINE – A species of humans that have the ability to change from human form into wolf form if they are born an identical twin. They are not like the old legend of the Lycanthropy myth. The Breedline species can shift into their wolf at will. The moon has no power over them. They do not pass their ability to other humans. Although they live among humans, their species is secret. In wolf form, they have super-strength, speed, and heightened senses. Compared to humans, Breedlines have tremendous advantages when it comes to health. Their bodies heal fast and are not subject to illness or diseases. The only thing that slows their healing process is silver. It is their kryptonite. Besides old age, a silver bullet to the brain is the only way to kill a Breedline.
All male Breedlines change into their first wolf at the age of eighteen. Female Breedlines do not go through the change until they make love to their Breedline bonded mate.
BREEDLINE TWINS – They have a strong, unbreakable bond from birth. Born with telepathic abilities, they have the power to sense their twin’s emotions or injuries. In some cases, the bond between twins is so strong they cannot live without the other.
BREEDLINE BONDING – The male Breedline spends his life searching for their bonded mate. When two Breedline species experience a bond, they instantly feel a simultaneous, desirable attraction. The bond is for life. It is possible for them to have more than one mate in their lifespan.
BELOVED – A word used by a Breedline to express the bond to their mate.
DOUBLE BONDED – In some cases, male Breedline twins bond with the same female.
BREEDLINE COVENANT – The Breedline species must live within the boundaries of their Covenant. There is one in every state. A council governs its laws and oversees the species population.
THE BREEDLINE QUEEN – A Breedline queen is born once every one hundred years. Her massive stature, black fur, and red eyes are the queen’s trademarks. Her alpha wolf has twice the strength, speed, and size of any Breedline. She rules over all the Breedline Covenants. She is their absolute law.
TRUE LAW – All Breedline Covenants have a book of laws. If disobeyed, they must face the Breedline council. Punishment for taking another life out of revenge, or evil—other than protecting their life and the life of another—they will instantly shift into a rogue wolf for life and shunned by the Breedline Covenants.
ROGUE WOLF – A Breedline wolf who has killed with the intent of evil. They can never shift back into their human form.
RED (BLOOD) MOON – During this time, all Breedline species have a strong desire to create offspring. This is a time when Breedline females are more fertile for the conception of twins.
CHIANG-SHIH DEMON (Kiang shi, a.k.a. Ramael Arminius) – An ancient demon that can inhabit the body of a Breedline fetus or during a Breedline’s death. It continues to take the soul over the natural lifespan of a child or the deceased Breedline. When the demon possesses a fetus, it breaks the bonding and telepathic abilities with its twin. If the demon possesses a deceased Breedline’s body, it must do so before the soul passes on. If the soul is not intact, the body will soon die. The demon’s sole purpose is to seek world domination.
THE BEAST – It is the second-born son of the Chiang-Shih demon. When provoked into a rage, he will shift into the Beast instead of the Breedline wolf. The Beast is also known as the Great White due to his white fur and enormous, two-footed stature. One bite from the Beast has enough venom to kill the Chiang-Shih demon, leaving the soul of the person the demon possessed unharmed.
SHADOW WALKER (a.k.a. Shadow Figure, or Black Mass) – When a Breedline species dies and their soul conti
nues to roam the earth as a shadow of themselves—a ghost—because they have unfinished business before their death.
ZADKIEL (Tzadqiel, a.k.a. “Righteousness of God”) – The archangel of freedom, benevolence, and mercy, and the patron angel of all who forgives. The Breedline species considers Zadkiel the Angel of Mercy.
SUCCUBUS (a.k.a. Creepers) – A succubus feeds off the blood of a Breedline species. They are skilled with hypnotic abilities and capable of using their beautiful features to influence the thoughts of the Breedline species and humans.
HALF-BREED – A species born with the genes from both a Breedline and a succubus. They can bond with either species. Although they cannot shift into a wolf, they need blood from a Breedline to survive.
WICCA (or Wise One) – According to the Breedline species, a Wicca is the Goddess of magic, witchcraft, the night, the moon, ghosts, and necromancy. They can do white magic (good) or dark (evil).
GUARDIANS (a.k.a. Spirits of the Forest) – They originated during the Middle Ages with the purpose of protecting the Breedline from the destruction of any creation of a dark Wicca. They can stay invisible, with the power to move through any barrier and over any distance instantly.
THERIOMORPH – They are born with the genes of a Breedline, but do not shift into a wolf. They shapeshift into an enormous black panther. They possess powers of mind manipulation and random visions of the future. They must use the drug dopamine to suppress their urges. Their eye color shifts into a bright lavender when their Theriomorph nature takes over. In some cases, the Breedline see them as a threat to their species.
ADALWOLF – A species that has the power to shift from their human form into a beautiful creature, twice the size, resembling half man and half wolf. Born with super-strength, they can move from one place to another in supernatural speed. Their eyes take on the appearance of two shimmering diamonds. With the power to regenerate their own cells, an Adalwolf will stop aging at thirty. The moon has no power over them, and they are immune to silver. They can bond with any species.
THE IMMORTAL: A Novel of the Breedline series Page 38
