Your Name After Novels & Stories

“What do you think we should name it?” “You're already thinking about names?” He asked. I nodded. “Tiffany. If it's a girl, after my mother.” “Tiffany Kane,” he hummed. “I like it. What if it's a boy?” “Not Adrian,” I reoeld quickly, squeezing my nose. “Definitely not Adrian,” he barked out a laugh. “What about Samuel?” I smiled. “Like in the Bible?” “No,” he said. “After my mother, Samantha.”

Suddenly, I have the most exquisite feeling to shield the little wolf from everything bad that could harm him. Is this the love of a parent for their son? I crouch down until I’m eye level with him, running a finger down his precious face. “What shall we name him?” Emma asks. “Ayden Alaric.” I say without hesitation. I’ve given it some thought before. He will be named after the greatest men I knew, my father and the man who taught me that there is nothing more important than family. “Those are beautiful names.” She says, rocking him in her arms. “Almost as beautiful as he is.”

“Okay, Sin, let’s start the conversation. Why did you choose the name ‘Sin’? What inspired it?” How many times do I have to answer this question? Are they going to ask me again who hurt me, or why I wrote such a tragic story? I sighed before replying. “I named myself after a Mesopotamian goddess. His name was Nanna, but I liked Sin better, so I chose it as my pen name. It means ‘the illuminator.’ I wanted to be someone who sheds light, someone who provides insight, clarity, or understanding.” I left out the real reason why I picked the name.

The noise gradually dies down, but I can still hear people asking about the name, the anticipation thick in the air. Chase raises his hands, and the crowd quiets even more. “Yes, you’re right. It was named after someone special. A person who made us realise what’s important—that hiding gives people leverage and the ability to use and hurt you. I think you’ll all agree that the new name is fitting, as I’m sure many of you have faced a few of these people in your life.”

When she was gone, I turned toward Stacy. “Hey,” I said softly. He stirred, then blinked awake, rubbing his eyes. “Did I miss something? Is he okay?” “He’s perfect,” I said. “But we forgot one thing.” Stacy pushed himself upright and leaned over us, brushing a finger across the baby’s hand. “Name?” I nodded. “I want to name him after someone.” He looked at me carefully. “Who?” “You,” I said. His throat bobbed. “I mean it,” I whispered. “You saved us. All of us. Over and over again. You gave him life. You gave me mine back. And I want him to know… not just who you are. But what it means to carry your name.”

But now, staring down at him, there was no question. I swallowed hard, my voice thick with pride. “Xavier. After my father.” Laila squealed, Sarah cooed, and Liam nodded approvingly. “Perfect,” he murmured. Before anyone could say more, the door swung open again. My mother rushed in, her robe half-tied, her eyes already glistening. Behind her, my father—Alpha Xavier—stood frozen in the doorway, his expression unreadable. I turned to face him, my heart pounding. “Dad,” I said, louder this time, firmer. “We’re naming him Xavier. After you.”

She shrugged, sipped her drink. “I was named after my Dad’s sister Annette, but she was a real nightmare. By the time I was about ten, she and my parents had completely fallen out, so I started going by my middle name. I liked it better, anyway.” “Ohhh-kay,” Dux said slowly. “That all makes sense. But from Morris to Cross?”

If my son would end up like either Eros or Osiris, I would be so happy. When they were done stitching me up, they brought me to the hospital room where Eros and the babies were. “Eros? I know we already had some names planned. But I have something else in mind.” I said. Eros looked at me surprised, but waited for me to say the names. “My sister Angelina named her son after someone special and I want to do the same. I want to name our girl after Suyin and call her Sue. And I want to name our son Osiah, after Osiris. It’s not the exact same name, but, -“

“For staying.” A pause. “For loving me anyway.” Aurora smiled through tears. “You made it very difficult.” Adrian laughed quietly. “Yes.” A pause. “I know.” The nurse asked softly, “Have you chosen a name yet?” Aurora looked at Adrian. Then at the baby. Adrian’s expression softened deeply. “I want to name him after your father.” Aurora’s eyes widened slightly. “The man who protected you,” Adrian continued quietly. “The man who fought for this future.”

His expression softened, his lips parting slightly as though he wanted to say something but couldn’t quite find the words. “You’ve named our daughter?” His voice wavered slightly, the disbelief coloring his tone. “Yes.” I met his gaze head-on, my voice quieter now but no less certain. “I think it’s time I accept the reality of her. Of us.” He blinked, the weight of my words sinking in. “You want to name her after your mother?” he asked, his voice thick with emotion. I nodded, the decision already solidifying in my chest. “I do. I didn’t know her, not really. But her name… it feels right. And Aurora… it feels like a beginning. Like hope.”