Chapter 0288

I grab Finnian's wrist and drag him out of the room, his gaze still locked on little Ivy. Outside, Sebastian waits for us. I turn to the fae prince. "What the hell was that?"

Finnian blinks slowly. "Her soul was calling to me. She needed guidance to enter this world, so I helped." His eyes drift back toward the delivery room door. "Never seen a newborn so radiant."

My mate and I exchange stunned looks. "Finnian?"

A soft smile plays on his lips. "Don't worry. I know she's just an infant now. I'll wait centuries if I must." With that cryptic declaration, he strides off to find Oberon, leaving us speechless.

After visiting Evelyn and baby Ivy—with Adrian beaming like the proudest father alive—we return to Nightshade territory.

Weeks pass in peaceful routine. Genevieve and I take on more responsibilities, not just managing the packhouse but assisting Sebastian and Nathaniel with business affairs. My friend's organizational skills make the workload feel effortless.

Sebastian finally promotes Tristan to Gamma, then appoints a new lead warrior to fill his previous position.

But twilight hours belong solely to us. As my belly grows rounder, Sebastian invents increasingly creative ways to satisfy my relentless pregnancy hormones. Not that he complains—my mate seems to relish my insatiable appetite for him.

Tonight, he enters as I towel off from my shower. Like clockwork, he approaches, brushes his lips against mine, then kneels to commune with our son. The ultrasound confirmed his prediction—we're having a boy. We've chosen a name but keep it secret, waiting for his arrival.

"How's my little warrior today?" Sebastian murmurs, his large hands cradling my swollen abdomen as he inhales deeply, seeking the perfect spot.

"Kicked my ribs all afternoon," I laugh.

"That's my heir." When he locates the right position, he launches into a detailed account of his day and all the adventures awaiting our child.

The adjoining nursery stands ready, complete with a connecting door so we can hear every whimper. Sebastian insisted on soundproofing the walls—for "privacy reasons."

Mid-conversation, warm liquid gushes down my thighs. Sebastian freezes, eyes darting between the puddle and my face.

"Sebastian... it's happening."

He carries me to pack medical center in record time. Three intense hours later, I cradle our perfect son. We wanted to honor both Gregory—who shielded me through childhood—and Grant, who helped me embrace my Guardian heritage.

Sebastian carries our swaddled newborn to the packed waiting area where hundreds of pack members await news of their future Alpha's birth. His proud declaration echoes through the halls:

"Meet Reginald Grant Sinclair!"