Chapter 79 SEVENTY-NINE
"Bree, are you okay?" Ravena asked for the nth time.
With Brienne's due date fast approaching, everyone was on edge, taking turns staying by her side. Ravena, like the rest of the family, was constantly checking on her, unable to hide her concern.
"I'm fine sis, you've been asking me that since earlier," Brienne said while rubbing her tummy.
"I'm sorry," Ravena said, scratching the back of her head. She knew she must have been annoying Brienne with her constant worrying.
"It's okay, sis," she said, chuckling. "Where's Raven?" she added while moving to get a comfortable seat on the couch.
"He's currently at the meeting. He didn't want to but he knows you'll get mad at him for ditching it," Ravena said, grinning
"Because I really will," Brienne said and groaned. "I'm pregnant, not disabled. I don’t need him hovering around me," she added, crossing her arms.
Just as she was about to continue, a sharp pain shot through her abdomen. She gasped, gripping the cushion beside her. A warm liquid suddenly gushed beneath her, soaking the couch. Brienne's eyes widened in shock.
"Oh no…" she whispered.
"Bree?" she asked, her voice laced with concern. Brienne turned to her and gulped.
"Sis, calm down," Brienne said.
"Bree, I am calm," Ravena replied.
"Okay, because I think my water just broke," she said as another pain shot through her. Ravena jumped to her feet.
"Oh, Goddess! What do I do again?" she asked, panicking.
"Ven, you told me you were calm!" Brienne said while rubbing her tummy to ease the pain.
"I am calm!" Ravena exclaimed. "Shit, I have to get Raven," she added and was about to go but Brienne stop her.
"I need Sam, right now!" she yelled as another pain shot through her. Raven took her phone out and immediately dialed Sam's number while pacing back and forth.
"Sam, pick up!" she whispered and went to Brienne's side to comfort her. After a few rings, Sam picked up the call.
"Sam! You have to be here right now! Brienne is in labor!" she yelled and ended the call to sit on Brienne's side.
"Take a deep breath, Bree," she said, guiding Brienne. Brienne took deep breaths, gripping the couch tightly as another contraction hit her.
"Where is he?" Brienne muttered through clenched teeth, gripping the couch tightly as another contraction hit her.
"He's almost here, Bree," Ravena assured her, trying to stay calm despite the panic rising in her chest.
Just then, the front door burst open, and Sam rushed in with a medical bag in hand.
"We need to move her now," he instructed. Without hesitation, Sam carefully lifted Brienne and carried her to one of the prepared rooms in the packhouse—fully equipped for her delivery.
Sam immediately got to work, checking Brienne’s vitals and monitoring her contractions. Meanwhile, Ravena stepped aside and quickly dialed her parents and Raven, her hands trembling slightly.
"Mom, Dad, it's happening. Bree's in labor," she said the moment Cecil answered.
"We’re on our way!" Cecil exclaimed before the call ended.
Ravena then called Raven, but before she could even say anything, Raven interrupted.
"I'm already running back," he growled.
"Hurry," Ravena urged before hanging up. She turned back to Brienne, who was breathing heavily, her face contorted in pain.
"You're doing great, Bree," Sam said as he checked her dilation. "Just hang in there," she added while holding her hand.
Brienne nodded weakly, gripping the sheets as another wave of pain hit her.
"Raven… he needs to be here," she whispered, her voice strained. "I need him here," she added.
"He will be, I promise," Ravena said, holding her hand. "Just focus on bringing my niece or nephew into the world," she added. Brienne nodded her head.
Brienne felt like calling the Saints because the pain was unbearable. She clenched the sheets, sweat dripping down her forehead as another contraction tore through her.
"Alright, Luna Brienne, it's time," Sam said firmly. "You need to push," he said. Ravena wiped the sweat off her face. She's worried about Brienne.
Brienne shook her head, panting.
"I—I can't…"
"Yes, you can," Ravena encouraged, squeezing her hand. "Come on, Bree, you’ve got this. You're a strong woman," she added.
Just then, the door burst open, and Raven rushed inside, his eyes filled with worry.
"Darling!" He was by her side in an instant, brushing her damp hair away from her face. Ravena stepped out to make room for the couple.
"You’re late," she groaned, glaring at him.
"I'm sorry, darling. Blame the Elders, but I'm here now, darling. I'm here," he whispered, kissing her forehead while holding her hand tightly.
Outside the room, Cecil and Arthur arrived moments later. They stood by the door, listening anxiously but choosing to give their son and Brienne space.
"Is she near?" Cecil asked when Ravena went out. "I have been praying to the Moon Goddess for her safe delivery," she added.
"She's near, Mom," Ravena whispered. Arthur pulled Cecil close to her while Ravena leaned on the wall. All theyc ould do now was to wait.
"Luna Brienne, push!" Sam gave another firm command.
Summoning all her strength, Brienne squeezed Raven’s hand and pushed, screaming as she felt the pressure intensify.
"You're doing amazing, darling," Raven said, his voice thick with emotion. "You're doing a good job," he added.
"Just a little more," Sam encouraged. "The baby’s almost here!" he added. Raven's heart filled with excitement hearing Sam's words.
"You hear that, darling? Almost there, and we're going to see our baby," Raven whispered, his voice filled with love and encouragement.
Brienne, exhausted and drenched in sweat, let out a shaky breath. She clutched Raven's hand tighter, her knuckles turning white. Every muscle in her body burned, but she knew—this was it.
"One more big push, Luna Brienne," Sam instructed, his voice steady yet urgent.
Brienne took a deep breath, gritted her teeth, and pushed with everything she had left. A raw, agonized scream tore through the room as she felt an intense release.
And then—
The sound of a baby’s cry filled the air.
Brienne gasped, her body going slack as overwhelming relief washed over her. Tears welled in her eyes as she turned to Raven, whose face mirrored the same emotions—shock, joy, and pure love.
"You did it," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion and eyes filled with tears. "You did it, my love. I'm so proud of you. Thank you so much," he added and kissed her forehead.
Sam carefully wrapped the tiny, wailing baby in a warm blanket and turned to them with a soft smile.
"Congratulations, Alpha, Luna… It's a beautiful and healthy baby girl," Sam announced.
Brienne let out a choked sob, reaching out with trembling hands. The moment Sam placed their daughter in her arms, she felt her heart swell with an indescribable love. The baby’s tiny fingers twitched, her little cries turning into soft whimpers as she nestled into her mother’s warmth.
Raven leaned in, his hand gently caressing their daughter’s delicate head.
"She's perfect. She's going to grow up beautiful just like you," he whispered, pressing a tender kiss to Brienne’s forehead.
"What are you going to name her, Alpha, Luna?" Sam asked, he was also delighted to see the Alpha and Luna's first born.
"Raeya Soleil," she said and kissed their daughter. "I hope she becomes a wise wolf that will bring warmth and light to our lives," she whispered.
"Raeya Soleil, my pretty girl," Raven said. Brienne sniffled, unable to tear her gaze away from the tiny miracle in her arms.
"She’s everything," she murmured, her voice shaking.
Outside the room, Cecil and Arthur held each other, tears streaming down their faces as they heard the first cries of their grandchild.
"I can't take my eyes off of her," Raven said.
"Me too," Brienne whispered.
And as they sat there, holding their daughter between them, they knew—this was only the beginning of their greatest adventure.