The doorknob rests in my trembling hand. I’m trying to be brave, but I also know that what’s behind this door will forever be carved into my soul. I’m not ready to see this. But what choice do I have? I look back at everyone. I consider changing my mind about doing this alone, but I need to. I keep telling myself it’s because I need to show strength but really, I just don’t want anyone to see me breakdown. I take a deep breath and summon all the courage I can. The door opens with no sound.
Alex lies on a hospital bed in the middle of the room. His skin as white as the sheets that cover him. All I can do is stare. He looks so broken. I can’t make sense of all this. Somewhere inside of me, I know this is my fault. If I had just stayed away from him, he wouldn’t be lying here. I reach out to stroke his hand. Pleasurable sparks comfort my skin, rupturing my heart in the process. All the guilt I repressed is swallowi
Luckily for us, our specialist agreed to move onto packlands for the last few weeks of my pregnancy. By the time we reach the hospital, I’m in tears from the pain. Our doctor meets us by the front door. “How long are the contractions?” “It’s just a constant pain,” Alex answers as he lays me on the hospital bed. “She’s had no relief.” “Okay. Amber, honey, it’s Dr. Roberts. Are you feeling any pressure to push?” My response is stolen by a sharp bite of pain to my pelvis. I grip Alex’s hand. Every single coping technique I learned during my pregnancy goes out the window. I barely register the rustling of bodies around me or the fact that Dr. Roberts is checking how close to delivery I am. “The babies are
The sound of laughter carries through my childhood home. Alex offered to build a new one right next to the swimming hole, but I didn’t want to ruin that sacred ground. Instead, we turned my father’s old home into our new one. We gutted everything in it and started anew. Now, it’s a place of a happiness. “Princess! Come on, everyone wants to see you,” Alex says, grabbing my hand and dragging me to the living room. “Okay. Okay. Geez, I just wanted some snacks.” “You know, I’m going to have to come up with another name for you once the twins get here.” I lay a hand on my swollen belly. “Yeah, if one of them is a girl.” “Trust me. We’re having a boy and a girl. Just like Paige and Peyton only cuter cause they’ll be ours.”
“Tonight, we welcome Amber Tremaine as Gamma Alex’s mate. She is already a part of our family, now she’ll be a part of our pack. She will receive the title of Gamma female and should be treated with such respect,” Colin states with a clipped tone. “Alex cut into your mate’s palm please.”Paige hands him a small dagger. The handle of it is worn like it’s been used in many ceremonies before ours. His love filled eyes are glued to mine as he slices the knife across my hand. The ache from my splitting skin is overshadowed by the joy I feel. Blood warms the wound as it begins to seep out.“Now, Amber do the same to him, please.”The blade runs through his hand, setting his blood free. I place my bloody palm in his, the mixture of our blood creates a stream of wind around us. Right now, Alex and I are the only two beings in existence. I’m tran
Colin clears his throat. “Good evening, everyone. We have a lot to cover tonight so if you’ll all find your seats, we can get started.” He goes silent waiting for the rustling of moving bodies to stop. “First, I’d like to say thank you all for coming tonight. I know tonight comes at a bitter time for some of you. Paige and I are grateful that you could attend. Second, I’d also like to take a moment to thank each of the fallen. We lost a lot of good people during this fight. I know this was something we’d rather not have to endure but their death was not in vain. We defeated the evil and ended its wrathful reign. I hope that brings solace to their souls and that of their families. Please know that Paige and I are prepared to support you in any way you may need. Just reach out.“Now, I’d like for every person who helped us defeat the Midnight Sin clan to stand,” Colin announces.
Choosing to stay in Onyx Flame was an easy choice after Paige’s words. I realize that not every pack member is going to be happy about this. In fact, I’m guessing that more will be angry than happy, but this is my home. I’m tired of running from it. “Are you nervous?” Paige asks. “Not really.” “Ah, so I’m on my own with that then.” “Yeah, but you have a good reason.” Paige slides her fingers through my hair, twisting my dark strands into an intricate up-do. I look at her in the mirror. Her hair flows down her back, her body covered in a black dress. She meets my gaze and smiles at me. “You know, I never thought I’d say this but I’m really glad to call yo
My smile widens, and Amber’s jaw drops.“Are you sure?”“Absolutely. We couldn’t think of anyone better,” Paige embraces Amber. “And before you ask, yes, we are sure that we want you to be the godmother. We’re not just asking because you’re Alex’s mate either. We’re asking because I want my child to know what true resilience and strength is. You’ve been through hell more times than any of us but you’re still a good person. You’re an amazing person. Please say yes.”“Yes.”An excited laugh leaves Paige. Her body jumps up as if she just won an award.“Paige and I aren’t announcing to everyone else until the banquet. So, you can’t tell anyone! No one else knows,” Colin says.“We’re the first to know? I feel special,” I laugh.