Epilogue - Part Two

Kayden’s POV

Seven long months of watching Heather endure morning sickness, swollen legs, sleepless nights, and constant pain. Worry for her never left my mind.

I looked into her eyes and saw tears brimming, threatening to spill over. My chest tightened. “What’s wrong, Hea?” I asked softly, concern lacing my voice.

She let out a shaky sigh. “My feet,” she muttered bitterly, her voice trembling. “They look like ugly duck legs. I’m so fat and unattractive.”

The way her voice broke shattered me. “Hea,” I said gently, cupping her face in my hands, “you’re beautiful. You’re my goddess.”

She shook her head, her lips trembling. “Easy for you to say,” she whispered. “You’re still fit and ripped, and I’m just…” Her voice trailed off as her hands dropped to her swollen belly.

I didn’t know how to comfort her. Words felt inadequate, but I had to try. “I’m sorry,” I murmured. “How about I get you some ice cream and fries? Would that make you feel better?”

She hesitated for a moment before nodding, her tears subsiding. Relief washed over me. She looked so cute even in her sadness, and it melted my heart. But damn it—her body, her pregnancy curves, her fuller breasts—she was stunning. I had to force the thoughts out of my head. God help me; I knew I’d be sleeping on the couch again tonight.

When I brought her favorite snacks, her face lit up, and she eagerly started eating. Seeing her enjoy the food made my heart soar. She was glowing, her smile chasing away my worries.

I slid onto the floor in front of her and gently massaged her swollen feet. A soft moan escaped her lips, and I froze, my body instantly tense.

“Please don’t moan like that,” I begged, my voice strained.

“Why not?” she asked, a teasing glint flashing in her eyes.

“You know why,” I replied, struggling to keep my composure.

“I don’t know what you mean, Kay,” she purred, her voice dripping with mischief. Heather knew exactly what she was doing to me.

Her gaze dropped to my lap, and when she noticed my very obvious discomfort, she chuckled softly. Pulling her foot away, she leaned closer and pressed a gentle kiss to my lips. Her hand trailed down my chest, stopping just short of dangerous territory.

“You shouldn’t tease me, Hea,” I murmured, my voice low and warning. “Bad girl.”

“It’s okay to be naughty sometimes,” she whispered, her tone playful yet tinged with sadness. “I hate when you sleep on the couch. I don’t want you to think I’m… unattractive.”

I couldn’t hold back anymore. “Hea, you’re so attractive I can’t think straight,” I admitted, my voice raw with emotion. Gently, I pulled her into my lap and kissed her, slow and tender. My hands rested on her hips, my lips moving against hers.

But just as the moment deepened, her soft moans turned into a sharp cry of pain.

“Hea?” I froze, panic flooding my system.

“Kayden… contractions,” she gasped, clutching her belly as a wave of pain hit her.

My heart dropped. I immediately mind-linked Doctor Rachel. “Heather, in Labour we need you. Now!”

Without hesitation, I scooped Heather into my arms and carried her to our bedroom. Her powers were already flaring, unstable and dangerous. Taking her to the infirmary wasn’t an option—there were too many other powers there, and it could make her instability worse.

I laid her gently on the bed, brushing her hair back from her damp face as she groaned in pain. “I need a doctor!” she cried, her voice breaking.

“She’ll be here soon, Hea,” I assured her, gripping her hand tightly.

Minutes felt like hours, but finally, Doctor Rachel arrived with a nurse. They worked quickly, setting up everything they needed.

“Give her the epidural,” Doctor Rachel ordered, and the nurse handed her the injection.

Heather’s powers flared again, heat and energy radiating off her in waves. I tightened my grip on her hand, anchoring her to me as best as I could.

“Push, Heather!” Doctor Rachel encouraged.

Heather screamed, her entire body trembling with effort. Watching her fight to bring our child into the world left me feeling helpless, but my admiration for her grew tenfold. She was the strongest woman I’d ever known.

“I want to see our baby,” Heather sobbed, her voice filled with desperation.

“You will,” I promised, my voice cracking. “Stay strong, Hea. I’m here. I’ve got you.”

Finally, the room filled with the sound of a baby’s cry. Relief crashed over me, but it was short-lived. Heather’s powers flared again, dangerously unstable. Her heart rate spiked, and panic flashed in Rachel’s eyes.

“She’s destabilizing!” Rachel shouted.

“I’ve got her,” I said through gritted teeth. “Everyone out!”

Rachel hesitated but eventually left with the baby, giving me space.

Heather’s power surged, wild and untethered. Reaching deep into our mate bond, I felt the fragile thread connecting us trembling under the strain. I poured every ounce of my energy into her, stabilizing her powers and anchoring her to me.

“Hea,” I whispered, my voice breaking. “Stay with me. Please.”

Slowly, the chaos ebbed. Her breathing steadied, and her powers calmed. Tears streamed down my face as I rested my forehead against hers, overwhelmed with relief.

Doctor Rachel placed our baby—tiny and swaddled—into Heather’s arms. Her weak eyes fluttered open, and tears of joy spilled down her cheeks as she gazed at him.

“Mommy’s here, little boy,” she whispered lovingly.

The sight of her cradling our son seared itself into my soul. This moment would stay with me forever.

“What should we name him?” Heather asked softly, handing the baby into my arms.

“Draven,” I said, pride swelling in my chest.

“I love it,” she whispered before exhaustion pulled her into a deep sleep.

I kissed her forehead, my heart full. My family was safe, and my son was perfect. For now, everything felt right.

But then my phone buzzed.

It was a text from Damon.

“The Heart of Ravengrim has disappeared.”

I felt relief.

"It gone for good." I texted back.

The danger was supposed to be over. But something told me this was far from the end.