Page 87 of Dark Witch Resurrection

That wasn't guaranteed, though. If the baby was stillborn, even a god's blood could not bring him back.

Kian leaned against the wall, holding his phone. "Did you find out the baby's gender and didn't tell anyone?"

"We didn't." Alena winced as another contraction started. "Sari convinced me that statistically it was more likely that I would have a boy this time, so we started referring to the baby as he."

As the pain took her breath away, she couldn't talk anymore; holding on to Orion's hand and panting was all she could do.

When the contraction subsided, Kian was not in the room, and Merlin was back.

"I can give you all kinds of things for the pain, from mild relief to an epidural."

Orion looked at her with hope, but Alena shook her head. "I’ve delivered thirteen children with nothing to ease the way. I'll do no less for my fourteenth."

Merlin nodded. "I had a feeling that you would say that." He turned to Orion. "I don't mind if you stay, and naturally, the Clan Mother can stay as well, but I need to check the opening."

When Orion swallowed audibly, Alena patted his hand. "Wait outside with Kian, sweetheart. Maybe get some coffee from the café."

He shook his head. "I'm not leaving your side."

"The baby is not coming out yet, and you'll just be in the waiting room. Go."

Her mother pushed to her feet. "Come on, Orion. Let us give Alena some privacy."

When he stood up, she threaded her arm through his. "So, did you two come up with a list of names?" She looked over her shoulder at Alena and winked.

She sent her mother an air kiss.

Merlin smoothed a hand over his long beard as the door closed behind the two. "Maybe the Clan Mother shouldn't have left. Do you want me to call Hildegard to be in here while I perform the examination?"

Alena rolled her eyes. "Don't be silly, Merlin. Just do it."

She could have reminded him that he was her great-grandson, but there was a chance that it would make him even more uncomfortable.

64

ANNANI

The first cry of new life filled the air, a piercing, precious sound that brought tears to Annani's eyes. Her heart was full to bursting as she watched Hildegard wipe the tiny boy clean while Merlin took care of the afterbirth.

Delivering children into the world was messy, difficult, and painful, but no greater joy existed.

"Here you go, Mommy." Hildegard placed the baby on Alena's chest.

"He's perfect," Orion whispered, his cheek next to Alena's as both gazed upon their little miracle.

"Do you want to hold him?" Alena asked her mate. His eyes turned the size of saucers. "I'm too scared."

Annani took a step closer and leaned to touch her latest grandson's tiny cheek. He had a mop of dark hair like his father and cupid-bow lips like his mother.

"Your brother is in the waiting room, biting his nails. Can I invite him in?"

"Of course." Alena smiled. "I want him to be here when we reveal the name we have chosen for our son."

"Maybe we should wait for Amanda and Syssi to get here," Orion said.

Alena winced. "Amanda will be pissed if she misses it. You're right. Let's wait for them to get here."

Merlin opened the door and waved Kian in. "Come. Say hello to your new nephew."