Chapter Five
Angela grunted. “I n-need to push.”
“Not yet. Wait for your next contraction,” directed Judith. “Then you can push.”
The next band of pain came quickly. Angela gritted her teeth and bore down.
“Excellent,” said Judith. “The head’s through.” She leaned forward and wiped the mucous from the baby’s mouth. He responded with a loud wail. “One more push, dear. Get those shoulders through, and you’re home free.”
The next contraction came swiftly, and Angela screamed as she pushed down one last time. The baby slipped free, and Judith caught the newborn with practiced hands. “Lay her upright on the bed and stuff some pillows behind her head.”
Gareth and Thomas obeyed. Angela looked utterly exhausted, but her smile was pure joy. Judith put the babe on Angela’s belly.
“Hey there,” she said in a soft voice. “Welcome, little one.”
“Who’s cutting the cord?” asked Judith. She held up a gleaming pair of gold scissors.
“Where did those come from?” exclaimed Thomas.
“Did I mention I was a magical spirit?” She held out the scissors. “Which daddy will it be?”
“We’ll do it together,” said Thomas.
The men, as one, held the scissors and cut the umbilical cord.
“Judith, maybe you can give the little guy a cleanup while I help Angela with the afterbirth?” Abby waved away the boys. “You go with her.”
Gareth and Thomas did as they were told.
* * *
“Good news, people,” said Cyn as she strolled into the room. “We’ve killed the snake, and we don’t have to worry about vampire bitch and alpha asshole anymore.”
“The Ladon apparently ate them,” said Reese. “Helluva way to die. Couldn’t happen to a nicer duo.” He paused, looking at Gareth. “Sorry. I know Craig was your brother.”
“Half-brother. And we were never close. I was a cub born to one of the alpha’s mistresses—and I was never officially allowed into the royal family. Craig spent most of his life figuring out ways to torment me.” Gareth leaned down and kissed the top of Angela’s head. “This is all the family I need.”
Angela looked up, her face one of contentment as her son suckled her breast, having his first meal. “Cyn, what happened to you? You’re completely soaked.”
“I had to jump in a lake and wash snake guts off me.”
“It didn’t help with the smell,” said Thomas, his nose wrinkling.
“I didn’t have any soap handy. Sheesh.” Cyn looked at Angela. “When do I get some cuddle time with the little guy?”
“You are not holding this baby until you’re clean,” admonished Angela.
Aris and Kane put their arms around Cyn. “Don’t worry,” said Aris. "We’ll make sure we soap her from head to toe.”
“Squeaky clean,” agreed Kane, grinning.
“Well!” said Judith. “Isn’t this wonderful? The Ladon is no more, there’s a new life in this world, and y’all have already started a community of mixed paranormal beings.”
“What are you talking about, Hunter?” asked Reese.
“Hunter?” Kane looked taken aback. “You’re the Hunter—the protector spirit of the Valiant Colony.”
“Call me Judith.” She lifted her hands up. “This town is deserted. It’s hidden away, far from the humans. It’s a perfect spot for supernatural beings to live.”
“She has a point,” mused Gareth.
"Craig is dead,” said Thomas. “What about your colony, Gareth?”
“I’ve never been interested in being alpha of the Harper cats. Craig’s manic pursuit of pure bloodlines is what drove me away to begin with. Let someone else take up the mantle.”
“There is another reason—a favor, if you will, for you to settle here. Come, let me show you.” Judith waved her hand. Thomas, Gareth, Reese, Cyn, Kane and Aris disappeared with her. She left Abby behind to stay with Angela and the baby.
In the blink of an eye, the seven of them arrived at the clearing where the Ladon lay massacred. Despite the darkness, everyone could see the carnage left by the dead serpent.
“Yuck,” said Judith.
“Tell me about it,” muttered Cyn.
“Into the cave, everyone.” Judith led the way. Luckily, everyone had supernatural eyesight and found it easy to navigate in the dark. In the back part of the cave, they came upon a large hole. At its bottom, they saw a soft red glow.
“That’s your heart?” asked Reese.
“Yes.” She turned to them. “If I left here, with you all protecting it, I will be safe. And I can continue to protect the Valiants—and this new town of yours.”
“I’m tired of running,” said Cyn. “I’m all for settling down.”
“The location makes it ideal—and easy to protect.” Kane nodded. “What do the rest of you think?”
“Yes,” said Thomas.
“I’m in,” added Gareth.
Everyone looked at Aris. “Well, I’m not leaving,” he said.
“Excellent. You are now bound to the Valiants, and to me, by pledging yourself to—what’s the name of this place again?”
“Hellion Hill.”
Judith grimaced. “That’s a terrible name.”
“How about Sanctuary?” asked Thomas.
“Much better. You have pledged your loyalty to the town of Sanctuary, and are now under my protection.” She linked her arm around Reese’s. “Let’s get you and your home. Those babies of yours will be up soon.”
“And we have a babe of our own to tend to,” said Gareth.
“And a whole town to build,” added Cyn. She smiled. “I think we’re going to love this place.”