A snort leaves my throat. “He will do no such thing. But I might start calling you that if you insist on calling me Tim.” Our baby interrupts our banter by reaching out and touching my chin, making a small noise. He sends me the smallest ping of telepathic feelings and I understand what it is he wants.
I bring him down to my chest, helping him latch on and feed for the very first time. His skin is so pretty against my blue and not for the first time I’m struck with how blessed I am. I look up at the ceiling, sending up a silent prayer to our ancestors, thanking them for what they’ve allowed me to have.
“Close your eyes,” Miles whispers. “You just worked your ass off bringing this baby into the world. Get some rest, Timalah and let me take your worries. I’ll watch over the both of you.”
I nod my head as much as I can, my body agreeing with Miles. “I love you,” I whisper one more time before I’m falling asleep with my mate at my side and my babe against my chest.
Epilogue
Timalah
I sit at a table away from the crowd, taking a moment just to breathe. I’m thankful to be outside, letting the cool air sweep across my skin. I take in a deep breath, sighing as the salty air of the nearby water hits my nose, reminding me of my mating night. This is a good day, I remind myself, not wanting to get too stuck in my head but instead celebrate along with the rest of my tribe and brothers.
Ghenie sits beside me, both of our eyes watching Miles and Christian talking, my son, Druim, in Christian’s arms. There are people all around us to help celebrate Druim’s destishi, the tradition of welcoming a new member into the tribe to meet their people.
Today, one month after Druim’s birth, we stood on the same platform in the middle of town square that we use for our maturous trial, but this time my heart didn’t race and my stomach wasn’t twisted into knots. This time the square was filled with certainty and joy. Ghenie had done his speech, announcing Druim to everyone. He’d stood at my side as Druim’s chosen warrior while Christian had stood at Miles’ side. Christian is Druim’s godfather, a human position in a child’s life. I love that our son will have the best of both traditions. Throughout the bond I share with my brothers I felt joy and acceptance and unadulterated wonder. It nearly brought me to my knees.
“You know,” Ghenie whispers under his breath for only me to hear. “The last time a golden Layperry was born, he was a great leader. It very well could be that you’ve birthed my predecessor, Timalah.”
I roll my eyes, shoving my shoulder against my friend. “Let’s not put that sort of weight on a child. He’ll grow into the role he was destined to fill.”
“You’re right,” Ghenie says with a soft smile. “I’m happy to have you by my side. You keep me leveled when the weight of leading threatens to pull me under.”
“Serving at your side is an honor. And someday, I won’t be the one holding you up, it’ll be your matron.”
Ghenie’s eyes flick over to Christian once more before looking away. “We aren’t all as lucky as you, Timalah. Sometimes the one our heart longs for doesn’t wish to fight.”
My heart picks up speed in my chest as I touch the table top. The words seem to spill out without my permission, “you’re our Toralleh, and you know I never wish to overstep.”
Ghenie turns towards me. “Speak your mind.”
“Are you sure these traditions are the best for our people? As time goes on, there will be more and more people intermixing with ours. First it was the humans, but soon, I have a feeling others will try our program as well. Is it truly fair to keep these traditions as they are?” I pause, watching as Ghenie processes all I have to say. “Someday, someone will come here who’s unable to complete the trials we have. Or a Layperry will be born who cannot fight as a warrior. Someday, we might have to change our ways so everyone has a chance at love.”
Ghenie touches my wrist. “You’ve given me much to think about, friend. Thank you.”
A smirk plays at my lips. “Also,” I add, just because I can, “it might help if you stop antagonizing the poor man. He thinks you have a stick up your ass.”
We both laugh at that. “It’s not my fault he’s even more growly than me!”
Christian and Miles step over and I reach my hands out, smiling as Miles passes Druim over to me. I lay my babe against my chest, getting warm feelings of recognition passed to me through our bond. I lean down to kiss his head, his antennae soft against my cheek.
I touch my mate’s hand. Has Christian decided?
He looks at me for a long moment, his eyes looking sad. He’s still not sure this is the right place for him. But thankfully he’s still undecided.
I nod, bringing his hand up to my mouth and kissing the back of his knuckles. Just then, a few people bring out their instruments and the square fills with soft music. A few couples step into the middle of the square, beginning to dance, twirling each other around as they go.
I never thought the exchange program could bring me my life partner but I’m so pleasantly surprised that it did. I have my mate, I have my babe, I have my brothers and best friend. Gendry finds his way to our table, joining us as the music swells all around us. I look over at Christian and Ghenie, seeing the way Ghenie’s usual white cheeks have a tint of pink to them. I send up a quick prayer to the ancestors, asking them to guide Ghenie with our traditions, hoping someday love will come more easily for our people.
Miles touches my cheek and I look into his pretty brown eyes, smiling at his beauty. “I love you, Timalah,” he whispers before pulling me into an achingly soft kiss. Just as always, it feels like coming home.
“I love you too, Corn,” I say back, laughing when my mate punches me in the arm. Christian laughs right along with me and the night goes on like that, filled with joy, laughs, and merriment, surrounded by the people I’m privileged to call family.
The End
Want more from Toby Wise? Check out their completed MPreg shifter series A Collection Of Strays.
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More From Toby Wise
A Collection of Strays Series
Before Fate (Prequel)
Ageless Fate
Touching Fate
Fate’s Perfect Timing
Trusting Fate
Submitting to Fate
Bite Sized Fate (Short Story)
Fate’s Final Chapter
Unexpected Series
Love’s Unexpected Gift: An Alpha/Alpha Christmas Story
Love’s Unexpected Surprise: A Surprise Pregnancy Short
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