112

112
Isla's Perspective
The haze of fear dissolved as Aaron's comforting voice broke through. Worry was evident in his eyes as he took my hand, offering support.
"It's happening, Aaron," I managed to choke out, my voice barely above a whisper. Everything blurred around me as the contractions intensified, every fibre of my being radiating with pain.
“Let me help assist with this birth. I have been learning to do midwifery quite recently.” I heard Celeste say, and I nodded in agreement.
My mother's concerned voice urged us to find a safe place. Jameson stepped forward, offering his arm for support, while Celeste followed closely behind.
“The birthing room is being prepared,” Aaron announced. He must have ordered some of our omegas to do so via mind link. He was thinking ahead despite everything else happening, and I loved him for that.
But suddenly, a panic swept over me. "What about Sasha and everything else?" I began to fret.
"No. Luna Isla, do not worry. My Wolf assures us that everything will be okay," Aaron soothed, scooping me into his arms. His excitement and reassurance washed away our worries, creating a bubble of peace and happiness.
I focused on breathing, trying to find calm within the storm of pain.
"I'm scared," I whispered as Aaron kissed my face, offering comfort.
“Isla, you are a strong hybrid. You can get through this, I promise.” my mother assured me, and I felt comforted by her words.
Finally, we reached a room prepared for the birth. The scent of lavender filled the air, creating a serene atmosphere amidst the chaos surrounding us. Shelves lined with herbs and various instruments showed the preparations for this moment.
As I settled onto the bed, gripping tightly to the edges, another contraction washed over me. The pain intensified, pushing me to my limits. Yet, knowing that Aaron was by my side, supporting me every step of the way, comforted me.
Celeste moved gracefully around the room, preparing for the birth. Her experience and calming presence instilled trust in me. I knew she would do whatever it took to ensure the safety of both me and the baby.
"Let's give them some privacy," my mother declared, signalling Jameson and Beta Nigel to leave the room.
"My child, keep breathing. You are strong," my mother gently stroked my cheek, reassurance shining in her eyes.
As she left with Jameson and Nigel, a scream escaped my lips as another wave of pain shot through my back.
"Take a deep breath, Isla. This baby is coming," Celeste instructed after checking on me. Aaron stood by my side, holding my hand.
As the contractions continued, the noises from the packhouse faded into the background. It was just Aaron, Celeste, and me, focused solely on bringing our child into the world.
"Keep going, my love. You can do this," Aaron whispered, kissing my forehead as I pushed and screamed. His touch and support eased the pain that rippled through my body.
“You are doing amazing, Isla.” Celeste kept telling me as she regularly checked between my legs, ensuring the safe arrival of my newborn.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the moment arrived. Through pain and exhaustion, I summoned all my strength. Fear and excitement surged through me as I pushed. And then, with one final push, our second child entered the world, their cries filling the room.
"Oh, thank the goddess," Aaron gasped, his gaze fixed on our baby. "It's a boy, my Luna."
Joyful tears streamed down my face as Aaron gently placed our newborn in my arms. The baby's cries quieted as they nestled against my chest, bringing peace and contentment.
"Welcome to our family, little one," I whispered, a mixture of laughter and tears. The weight of uncertainty lifted, replaced by overwhelming love and joy filling the room. "Luke. Let's call him Luke," I suggested, fitting perfectly for our newborn son. Aaron nodded in agreement.
"I'm delighted. He is such a beautiful baby," Celeste exclaimed, admiring him. I cradled him closer to my chest, and he made me feel complete. My Wolf howled with happiness, and I smiled. Now, I had my daughter and my son.
The footsteps outside the doorway drew my attention, and I turned to see Sasha entering the room, a sombre expression etched upon her face. Alpha Leon, Beta Nigel, and my mother followed closely behind, and their eyes fixated on the newborn in my arms. The room seemed to hold its breath, enveloped in anticipation and curiosity.
"Oh, my goddess. Congratulations," Alpha Leon exclaimed, his voice filled with pride and joy. He rushed forward, slapping Aaron on the back in a congratulatory manner. A broad smile spread across his face as he gazed at his new grandson. "Another boy to join the family," he announced, his voice filled with a sense of inherited legacy.
My mother, overcome with emotion, couldn't hide her awe. "Oh, Isla. He is just beautiful," she gasped, her voice filled with amazement and maternal pride. Her wide eyes were filled with love as she took in every detail of her new grandchild, a cherished addition to our lineage.
My gaze fixated on Sasha, a gnawing unease stirring within me. Despite having just given birth, my instincts refused to be ignored. My Wolf whispered something was amiss, urging me to uncover the truth. I could not let that go. She needed to explain herself.
“Ask her,” Cleo ordered me inside my mind, and I could no longer hold back.
"Sasha. You are here," I called out. However, before I could voice my suspicions, a low, rumbling growl emerged from Aaron, his gaze filled with frustration and a sense of protectiveness.
He stepped forward, his voice a blend of urgency and concern. "Isla, not now," he interjected, his tone weighted with the desire to shield our magical moment from intrusion. "You have just given birth and need to rest and heal. We must ensure you and the baby are comfortable and thoroughly checked over."
His words, though filled with love and genuine concern, clashed with the revelations that had stirred within me. My instincts fought against the pleading in Aaron's eyes, urging me to seek the truth that branded my thoughts. With a deep breath, I steeled myself, determined not to let this enigma go unsolved.
“No. I need to know.” I glared back at my mate, and he shook his head, taking the baby from my chest and turning his back to me as he and his father cooed over the new addition.
“Luna Isla, let's talk about this later,” Celeste suggested, sensing the sudden change in the atmosphere. She stepped around the bed to stand beside my mother, who perched on the edge of the mattress and reached for my hands.
“Isla, now is not the time for questions,” my mother said with a sigh.
“Sasha," I called out, ignoring everyone but Sasha. “Something is unsettling about all of this. Please enlighten me. Tell me what's truly transpiring. There's something off about all of this. Please, tell me what's going on."