“He’s beautiful.” Lilly’s smile beamed at her.
Jacque held out her hands and her mom transferred the little boy to her arms—the boy that she and Fane had created. And hewasbeautiful.
“Fane,” Jacque said, not wanting him to miss anything. She sucked in a sharp breath as the small child opened startling blue eyes that seemed to warm as he stared up at her. “Do you recognize my voice?” she asked. He continued to gaze at her intently and Jacque felt as though he was as mesmerized as she was. She wasn’t just seeing him for the first time, he was also just seeing her for the first time—the owner of the voice that he’d heard the entire time he’d been growing inside of her.
“Say something,” she said looking quickly up at Fane and then back to their baby.
“Slate,” Fane said softly. “Your name is Slate Lupei.”
Jacque looked at him from the corner of her eye. “I like it.”
“I’m going to step out and let you guys spend some time with your little one,” Lilly said as she patted Jacque affectionately. “We can talk later.” She paused and stared silently at her. “I am so glad you are alright.” Jacque could tell that her mom wanted to say more but she was trying to give her and Fane time to meet the child they nearly never knew.
“Love you, Mom.” Jacque smiled at her and then looked back down at Slate. She didn’t hear the door open or close. Her focus was solely on her little boy. She carried him over to the couch and sat down. Fane sat next to her.
“He’s strong,” Fane said as they watched their son try to hold his head up.
“He’s trying to look at you.” Jacque grinned. “Here” —she held him out to Fane— “you hold him.”
Fane took the child in his large arms. Her mate’s huge frame made their child look as tiny as a doll. She watched in awe as her strong mate was reduced to a babbling, love struck man as he talked to Slate. It was the best thing she’d ever seen—her love, holding their child.
Jacque simply observed, wanting the moment to last forever. Several minutes later a bright light flashed in the room and then dimmed to a less intense white glow. That glow surrounded a glorious sight.
“Great Luna,” Fane said reverently. He clutched Slate to his chest as he slid from the couch onto one knee and bowed his head. Jacque followed suit. Her heart was pounding almost painfully in her chest as she waited to see what the goddess would say.
“This is the second child to be born to my wolves in eighteen years.” Her voice was soothing and as warm as the glow coming from her body. “Rise, Jacquelyn and Fane,” she instructed.
Both Jacque and Fane stood, raising their heads at the same time to look at her. The Great Luna walked toward them until she stood a foot away. Her eyes were on their child and her face held all of the love that Jacque felt toward Slate.
The goddess reached out her hand and laid it on the child’s forehead. She closed her eyes and spoke in a soft voice “You are marked for greatness, Slate Lupei, son of Fane and Jacquelyn Lupei, grandson of Alphas Vasile and Alina Lupei, grandson of Queen Lilly of the Warlocks, and Alpha Dillon Jacobs of the Colorado pack. Change is here. It begins with your parents but will be continued by you and your future mate. I bless you as a child of mine. I have created you and I love you. Stay on the path set for you and I will not let your feet falter. Remain true to the purpose I have for you and you will be victorious. Your plight will not be free of hardship or pain. Your journey will be wrought with trials, enemies, and temptations. Do not be swayed. Do not give up. Do not back down. I have gone before you, I have seen what is behind you, and I will always be with you. Be strong, little one.”
Jacque felt tears on her cheeks as she stared in awe at the Great Luna. She was speechless. Her mate was, thankfully, able to talk for both of them.
“Thank you for blessing us with a child,” Fane said reverently.
“Fane and Jacquelyn, you have already faced so much. You have fallen many times, only to get back up again. Never stop getting back up. You still have much to do in this world. I am with you. I will hear you when you call. I love you both more than you can understand.”
Jacque felt that love wrap around her and she let out a calming breath. There was another flash of light and then the goddess was gone.
“Do you feel stronger?” Jacque asked her mate.
Fane nodded. He walked back over to the couch and sat back down. He seemed to be at a loss for words. Jacque sat next to him, her body no longer weak from the near death experience. Whatever the Great Luna had done, it had restored their bodies.
“That was intense,” Fane’s voice rumbled as he stared, wide-eyed, at their son.
“Understatement, wolf-man. Major understatement,” Jacque said softly.
There was a soft knock at the door, interrupting their shock.
“Come in,” Fane said.
Alina pushed the door open and stepped inside. She looked strong and regal, as always, but Jacque could see the fear, joy, and love all mixed together in her eyes.
“He’s beautiful,” she told them. “I got to spend some time with him while you—” She paused, the words too much for her to say. She smiled and then said, “He’s a good baby. Like his father.”
Alina was looking at Fane as though the moon and sun rose and fell at his feet. Fane saw it too. He took several large strides and, just as Alina’s tears began to fall, he wrapped her in his arms.
Alina had told herself that she would be strong. She’d told herself that when she saw him she would not be a blubbering idiot. It was why she’d waited to come see him. When Vasile told her that Fane and Jacque were awake, her first instinct was to run to him, grab him, and never let him go. But she was no longer the first woman in his life. It was not her job to hold him first. She wanted to let Jacque be what she was—his mate. Then she’d get to hold him. Vasile was choked up as well and only shook his head when she’d asked if he was coming to see his son. “I will speak with him soon,” was the Alpha’s reply.
