I extricated myself from Bear, then shifted into my deer form. I felt relief almost immediately. Having a baby still wasn't the most comfortable thing in the world, but it was easier in this body for sure.
I lowered myself down and nestled in the grass. My body pulsed and throbbed with each contraction, but I breathed through it. My eyes were shut but I felt Bear gently stroking my neck. It felt nice.
Something wriggled inside me, then kicked me hard. Yep, that was definitely the baby. It wanted out right now.
Kick.
Were those little deer hooves or bear paws? I didn't know.
Kick.
Whatever it was, it was big. I pushed harder and let out a bellow as the pain tore through me—
And then it was over.
I gasped for air. The painful pressure was gone.
Bear ran to my lower half. His eyes were wet with emotion and he was grinning ear to ear. He looked the happiest I'd ever seen him.
He reached down to pick up the baby off the ground. When he sat up, my world changed.
In my mate's arms was a tiny dark brown bundle of fur.
A baby bear cub.
"Oh," I murmured. My heart was so full to bursting that I was speechless. Our baby was so beautiful.
Bear met my gaze, his eyes shimmering, and signed, "Girl."
"Our little girl..."
I shifted to human form and Bear gently laid her in my arms. She was so small, so warm. Even as a bear cub, she carried that wonderful baby scent that I couldn't get enough of.
Bear grinned. "I should have known she would be a bear. She came out as soon as you ate honey."
I laughed. "You're right. Maybe I should've eaten it sooner."
"Do you still like the name we picked for a girl?" Bear asked.
"Definitely." I smiled down at her. "Welcome to the world, my sweet Autumn."
22
Epilogue: Bear
It wastime for our daughter's bedtime routine bath, and once again, she was proving to be a mischievous cub.
"No, Autumn, not like that," Ashe said, the patience never wavering in his voice. "Like this."
The reply Ashe received was a mix of a giggle and a growl, then I heard a splashing sound. I peered around the corner of the room to see a big puddle on the floor surrounding the wooden tub. Autumn was slapping her paws against the water without a care in the world for her bath.
Ashe shook the droplets out of his hair. "Oh, you think it's silly time, huh?"
Autumn let out a tiny roar that made me grin.
"Then take... this!" Ashe said, pouring soapy water on her head.
Autumn shook out her whole pelt, spraying the bathroom with water.
