Chapter 32 ~ Epilogue

The coronation was two days after the coup. Tremaine’s ascension was first.. so he could officiate my coronation and crowning. He made Galbhor and Callan watch. Then, he ordered Callan’s execution. He decided to spare Galbhor and chose to take him into his household. Not because he trusted him.. but because he is his brother! That was two months ago!

I walk into Aaron’s office and climbed into his lap. “The doctor said she’s going to induce labor if something doesn’t happen soon. Five days, babe! He’s five days late! I’m tired!”

He rubbed my tummy and said “Xander, it’s time to come out and meet Mommy and Daddy! You’ve played hide and seek, long enough!” He kissed my neck and told me it wouldn’t be much longer. I scoff and say “Easy for you to say! I’m taking a walk.. then, I am going to bake something sweet and gooey!”

I was stirring my apples and brown sugar into my melted butter to make the compote for apple caramel surprise. My dough was already rolled and shaped in the pans. That’s when the first contraction hit me. I breathed through it and kept stirring. When the second one hit, my knees nearly buckled.

Aaron came charging into the kitchen and asked “What’s wrong? We felt your pain and Esterlin called us down.” I smiled and said “My contractions have started.. let me get these in the oven.. and set the timer. We can go to the hospital then. Why don’t you grab our bags?”

He took off upstairs and I buckled over again. The contractions are strong and frequent. Barely two minutes between them. Aaron ran back in and said “Bag is in the truck. You need me to carry you? Because I will! I don’t mind! Let me carry you? Yeah, I’m going to carry you!” And he picked me up.. racing for the truck like the hounds of hell were on his heels. I giggled and said “We have time, babe! My water hasn’t even broken yet!”

A contraction hit me as soon as he sat me on the truck seat and I tightened my grip around his neck.. “Baby.. Baby? Can’t breathe.. can you loosen.. okay.. okay.. go ahead and squeeze. It’s only fair, right?” He chuckles, as he feels me gradually loosening my hold! He grins “Well, that was fun! Can we not do it again, though?

I laugh and apologize.. just as another hit “Ohhhh My Goddess! Hurry up! Something’s happening! I feel a lot… I mean.. A LOT.. of pressure!” He pulls into the parking lot.. barely stopping the truck, before he’s yanking the door open and lifting me out. He runs in yelling for Doc.

She looks up and rushes over to a door and says “Lay her on the bed! Have her put the gown on. I will be in to check her in a minute.” She walked away, and another one hit.. harder than before and I whimpered.. just as I feel a gush of fluid. I yelled “I have to push!” And Doc runs back inside the room “No no no no no… you’re ready to push? Lie down and let me check what’s going on.”

I lay down and she puts my feet in stirrups. She reaches to examine me and says “Fuck me! That’s his head! He’s crowning.. next contraction, bear down for a five count.. let’s see where he’s at!”

I did as she said and she checked his position.. she smiled “Wish they all went this smoothly.. A few more pushes and Xander Steele will be saying hello to the world!

She was right.. three more pushes and there was a screaming little pink… Monster on my chest! I looked at my baby and he wasn’t a little baby. He was huge! The cord was cut and he was taken away to be bathed and weighed. A half hour later, he was brought back to us. Doc grinned and said “Our biggest baby to date! He weighs 11 lbs and 4 oz. He is 22 inches long! He definitely overcooked!” She walked out laughing at her own joke.

Aaron held Xander against his chest.. kissing his forehead.. cheeks.. nose.. all while tears rolled down his face. I smiled at the beautiful sight and grabbed my phone for a picture. I want Xander to have nothing but happy memories with his Mommy and Daddy!

Things have been going wonderfully between the realms. There are wolves living in DullenDirk now. Even two Vampires! They found their mates with the Elves! Two of our pack members have Elves, as well!

Trade and commerce has been Goddess sent! The Elves excel at technology.. and mixing a little Elfen magic with it, makes for an unbelievably strong security system. Ernie was the first customer. The Elves completely revamped his security system and he can monitor his staff and restaurant from anywhere in the world!

Tremaine has grown so much! He is a phenomenal Corellan! He attends every major function… letting the Elves know he is approachable and accessible! His presence is felt throughout the realm! I am so proud of him! Galbhor runs the Lord Corellan’s household. A glorified butler.. but he didn’t die… So, I guess he’s grateful!

Today is Xander’s birthday.. and he has been with Aaron all day, while I set up for his party. Grandma and Grandpa are helping me.. thank Goddess! I am hugely pregnant with fraternal twins.. due in two weeks.. or three.. if they are like Xander! I can’t believe my baby is two, already!

I had just sat down, propped my feet up and sipping on a lemonade.. when Xander runs in the room “Mommy, tell Daddy stop being dicklous!” I sat a minute.. thinking what the fuck did he just say? And Aaron walks in the room.

I said “What are you being?” He looks at me like I’m crazy and asks “What!?” Xander tells him “I told Mommy you being dicklous cuz you said my face freeze like that if I don’t stop crossing my eyes!” Ahhh! Now I get it!

I smiled “Honey it’s RI-diculous..” and my precocious son asks “Why he wanna be dicklous twice, Mommy? It’s enough to be dicklous once.. not do it again. Daddy! You don’t want to be redicklous! Once is enough!”

Aaron busts out laughing.. “Oh my little man! Daddy Never wants to be dickless!” I yelled “Aaron!” He picked Xander up and ran out the back doors!