Haelan’s Desire (Walk Through Shadows Book Four)

“Alasdair.”

He had been asleep for less than three hours when Haelan’s voice came to him in the darkness. Alasdair reached out an arm to swat his brother away from the bed. “Go away, you menace,” he mumbled, then rolled toward the middle of the bed, grabbed his pillow, and pulled it over his head.

He was exhausted. His brain had been humming with nervous energy for weeks. Every time Isabelle so much as twitched, he was at the ready, his big body quivering with preparedness.

Haelan had tried to warn him, after his arrival a week earlier, that adrenaline would take its toll on his body. But Alasdair wouldn’t listen, he couldn’t, his mate needed him, their child needed him. Preparations had been made, and all they had to do was wait. To keep himself busy during the wait, he’d thrown himself into looking after Isabelle’s every need. Until that night, when his considerable internal batteries finally worn down, and he’d fallen asleep next to her on the couch. An hour later, when she was ready to go to bed, he didn’t budge with her gentle shake. Haelan had helped her waddle up the stairs so she could brush her teeth while he saw to Alasdair.

When Alasdair didn’t respond to a more forceful shaking, Haelan got a hold of his arms and pulled him into an upright position. With his brother’s arm over his shoulder, he wrapped his other arm around his waist and walked him toward the stairs. It was a successful journey and when they reached the steps Alasdair had regained enough wakefulness to stumble up the stairs on his own, mostly.

Isabelle was just getting into bed as he entered the bedroom. He changed into pajama bottoms and crawled in behind her. She hummed under her breath as he pressed a kiss to her cheek. He was out again seconds after curling his hand around her belly and snuggling close to her back.

The next time he was disturbed, Isabelle was gone from the bed and Haelan was standing next to it.

Haelan chuckled, then stomped away to flip the light switch on. Alasdair groaned as the room flooded with light. He squeezed his eyes shut with a growl. “Fine,” Haelan said as he started rummaging through drawers, tossing items of clothing onto the bed as he came across what he was looking for. “But I’m quite certain Isabelle will be furious if you refuse to attend your daughter’s birth.”

In an instant, the pillow covering Alasdair’s head was thrown aside. It knocked the lamp sitting on the nightstand over before landing on the floor. Alasdair squinted at the nightstand for a moment, then turned his blurry gaze on his brother. “What did you say?”

Haelan grinned, then snatched up the jeans he’d dropped onto the bed and threw them at Alasdair’s head. “It’s time.” He laughed as Alasdair scrambled out of the bed.

“We need to go,” Alasdair said gruffly and threw the pants back at Haelan.

“Get dressed first.” The jeans sailed back to Alasdair, who caught them and dropped them on the bed. Haelan held his hand up when it looked like Alasdair was going to charge past him. “You can’t go in your pajamas. Get dressed.” He stabbed a finger at the clothes on the bed.

“Where is—”

“Downstairs, waiting for help with her boots. If you would get started—” He waved at the clothes. “I will assist her.”

Alasdair sucked in a deep, calming breath, then reached over and clapped a hand on his brother’s shoulder. “Thank you. I’ll be down in half a minute.”

Haelan reached up, patted the hand resting on his shoulder, then turned to leave. He rushed down the stairs to the front entryway. Isabelle was right where he’d left her. Sitting on a little bench. The bag she’d packed, and repacked several times over in the past week, was sitting next to her on the floor. Haelan came to a stop and watched as she tried to wiggle a foot into an empty boot. She couldn’t see it around her belly and she had the tip of her tongue caught between her teeth as she tried again and again without achieving her goal. After a minute she stopped and clutched at her belly while sucking in a big breath. He moved to her then. “He’s coming,” he said as he knelt in front of her. She nodded while she released her breath in a low moan. “They’re coming faster?”

She nodded again. “Did you call—?”

Haelan smiled with a nod. He reached down and placed her foot in the top of the boot. “As I was going upstairs. Bryant said he’ll wake the doctor. They’ll be ready for you.” He grabbed the boot to pull it up while she pushed down.

“Thanks,” she said with a heavy sigh. “That was getting irritating.”

“I would imagine so,” Haelan said as he snagged the other boot for her.

“I know I’m supposed to feel all beautiful and glowy, but—” She smoothed her hands over her belly. “I’m really tired of being fat.”

Haelan opened his mouth, but Alasdair’s voice over his shoulder stopped him from replying. “You are not fat. You’re fruitful and there is nothing more beautiful than a fruitful female. Especially my fruitful mate.” Alasdair leaned down and kissed her.

When he lifted his head, she smiled at him. “Please stop saying that word.” Alasdair’s eyebrows rose in a silent question. “It makes me sound like an apple tree or something.”

Haelan pulled her other boot up and murmured. “They have pretty blossoms.” Isabelle groaned. Haelan looked up with a concerned expression. “Another one?”

She shook her head. “No—” Her eyes closed, and she took a big breath. “Yes,” she hissed the word out. Alasdair reached down and took her hand. She clung to it with a grateful squeeze.

Haelan stood, then grabbed his jacket from the closet. As he was shrugging it on, he pulled Alasdair’s and Isabelle’s out for them. “It might not be as long as we were expecting.” He nodded toward the kitchen and the French doors leading to the deck. “We should open the portal here.” Alasdair gave him a nod, zipped his jacket, then helped Isabelle to her feet. Once they’d helped Isabelle into her jacket, Alasdair held her arm and led her toward the French doors. Haelan skirted around them, threw the doors open, then went back around them so he could turn off the lights. When he got back to them, Isabelle was clutching Alasdair’s arm as pain rolled through her body. Haelan waited until the contraction had passed, then murmured the incantation there on the deck and stepped through. He held his hand out to Isabelle. She waddled through the shimmering with a little giggle.

“What’s so funny lass?” Alasdair asked with a glance at Haelan.

“I’m probably the only woman on the planet who’s ever gone through another realm on her way to have a baby,” she said with a laugh. “And going to a werewolf pack no less.”

“Have you changed your mind?” Alasdair asked. “We can go to the hospital—”

She shook her head. “No, it’s a little unconventional, but what about this isn’t?” She looked up at Alasdair. “Besides, Dr. Blackwell assured us they have everything we need. And Bryant talked his dad into letting us go there.” She turned to Haelan. “You’ll be close by, right?”

“Of course,” he answered, then patted her hand.

“Then that’s all I need,” she said with a determined nod.

Haelan smiled then whispered the incantation, saw the lights leading up the Blackwell driveway through the shimmering, helped Alasdair walk her through, then stepped back into the faerie realm before it closed. He watched the image of his brother and mate walking down the driveway for a moment, then turned away and jogged toward the castle.

The Blackwell Alpha, his mate, and Bryant were standing on the porch. As soon as the pair appeared, Bryant hurried toward them. He met them just as they reached the halfway point of the driveway. Isabelle tried to smile, but another contraction struck just at that moment. Her face screwed up and her knees wobbled. Bryant took her arm to steady her. “Your highness,” Bryant said. “We should hurry.”

Alasdair nodded once, then bent down and scooped Isabelle into his arms. Bryant stayed at his side, in case he slipped on the snowy lane. The Alpha opened the door for them and his mate led them through the house to a set of stairs. Alasdair didn’t need a guide, they’d been shown the medical facility in the basement of the main house when they’d been there a month before.

Dr. Blackwell was waiting for them at the bottom of the stairs. To human eyes she appeared in her forties, and though she had a typical female werewolf build, her innate strength was belied by the kindness in her eyes. Alasdair had immediately recognized a fellow warrior when they’d met, though she reminded him of Haelan. The two of them embodied the sides of a coin, on one side a talented fighter, the other a capable healer.

“Isabelle,” Dr. Blackwell greeted her patient with a smile, then waved the forward to the room in the back. The large basement contained two treatment rooms, two spacious patient rooms, a storage room and a sort of waiting room. It was well lit and the high ceiling made it feel like they were on the main floor rather than the basement. When they entered the treatment room, Alasdair set Isabelle on her feet, then looked at the doctor. She gave them a wide smile. “First things first, let’s get you changed.” She waved toward the doorway and a younger female werewolf in pink hospital scrubs breezed through the doorway, her arms filled with gowns for the couple.

Bryant, who had followed them down, patted Alasdair’s shoulder and smiled at Isabelle. “I’ll bring your brother down when he gets here.”

“Thank you,” Alasdair replied. “And again, for arranging this.”

“I’m glad we could help,” Bryant said, then turned and left. Once the door was closed, the werewolf in scrubs started taking Isabelle’s jacket off. With Alasdair’s help, she got Isabelle’s boots and clothes off, then changed into the gown.

Dr. Blackwell, who had been checking to make sure she had all the supplies she needed, came back to them and looked at Alasdair. “You too, dad.”

“I’m to wear a gown?” Alasdair asked in a disgruntled tone.

Dr. Blackwell smiled. “You just have to put it on over your clothes. It opens in the back.” She nodded toward the extra gown where the nurse had left it on the bed. “While you do that, we’ll get your mate comfortable.” Isabelle snorted. “Well, as comfortable as we can.” Alasdair stepped back while the werewolves helped Isabelle to the bed and got her seated. He shrugged off his jacket, tossed it onto a table sitting in the corner, then kicked off his boots. He was still pulling the gown on when he moved back to Isabelle. She took his hand with a smile. He leaned down and gave her a long, lingering kiss. “So,” Dr. Blackwell said as she pulled a stool over and sat between Isabelle’s knees. “How long have the contractions been happening?”

“They started right after we went to bed, so just over three hours,” Isabelle answered.

“Why didn’t you wake me?” Alasdair asked.

“Haelan heard me get up,” she said and squeezed his hand. “He said he had a feeling it was going to happen soon because my back has been hurting since the afternoon and the baby’s magic has been humming all day. When it stopped, he went to get you.” She looked at the doctor. “He said that sometimes happens with faerie babies. The magic is shifting.”

“Shifting?” the doctor asked.

Isabelle nodded with a grimace. She sucked in a breath and let it out slowly before continuing. “Into something else,” she said breathlessly.

“Like my strength,” Alasdair said.

“So she’s going to have a magical ability?” the nurse asked with a curious smile.

“That’s exciting,” Dr. Blackwell added. “We only have one kind unless it’s a Guardian.” She reached over to grab a pair of gloves from a box sitting on a little metal table next to the bed. “Let’s see how much further you’ve got.” Isabelle leaned back while Alasdair and the nurse guided her feet to the stirrups. After sliding her gown up to her thighs she pulled the gloves on with a little snap then ducked her head to have a look, while she reached up to check on Isabelle’s progress. She hummed, pushed her stool back, and looked up at Isabelle. “Not much longer.” She turned to the nurse, who was standing next to the table. “Cindy, can you check if Tabitha and Rachel are here yet?” Cindy nodded, then left. “They’re just a couple of extra hands in case we need them.”

Cindy came scurrying back into the room a second later. “Doctor,” she said.

“What is it?” Dr. Blackwell asked as she stood from the stool.

“The waiting room—” Cindy pointed toward the door. “It’s full of—” She looked at Alasdair. “I think your family’s here.”

Isabelle smiled and pulled her feet from the stirrups. “Where are you going?” Alasdair asked as she wiggled off the bed.

“I want to say hi—” She took a couple of steps, then reached for him.

“My love, I don’t think that’s a good idea,” he said as he gripped her arm.

“Do you want to walk around for a bit?” Dr. Blackwell asked. Isabelle nodded. “It’s okay, it might help with the pain.”

Alasdair gave the doctor a nod, then guided Isabelle out of the room. When they reached the waiting room, the two couches sitting at right angles to each other were occupied by several faeries. Isabelle stopped with a big smile. Roldan saw them and stood. Amie, who was sitting next to him, followed suit, then hurried over to them. Malin and Andrelle were close behind her.

“You all came,” Isabelle whispered as Amie threw an arm around her.

“Of course,” Amie replied. “I had to do a little begging, but father relented.” She winked at Isabelle.

“We wanted to be here for the both of you,” Andrelle said as she reached out and patted Alasdair’s arm.

“And welcome the new princess to the family,” Roldan said, then stepped around his daughter to press a quick kiss to Isabelle’s cheek.

“Tyrus and Bria wanted to be here, but we can’t have the entire family away from the realm,” Malin said. He gave his brother a little smile.

“And there is no possible instance where anyone would let the twins into the human realm,” Haelan said with a chuckle from his seat next to Bryant.

Everyone turned as two female werewolves in scrubs came down the stairs. They were carrying trays that were filled with coffee mugs, a carafe, plates of cookies and small sandwiches, courtesy of the Alpha’s mate. The trays were placed on the oversized coffee table between the couches, and then the females went to the treatment room. Isabelle looked up at Alasdair. “You should have some coffee while you have the chance.”

“She’s right,” Andrelle said. “Why don’t you sit down for a bit.” She waved at the couch.

“But—” Alasdair said, but Andrelle’s little tug on his arm stopped him.

“We’ll stay with her,” Amie said as she reached for Isabelle’s arm. Alasdair pressed a kiss to Isabelle’s temple, then let Malin steer him toward the couch while Andrelle took his place at his mate’s side. The three females started walking toward the other end of the basement. They got four steps in and had to stop as a contraction rolled through Isabelle’s body. Andrelle threw her arm around her waist to help hold her up. Next to them, every male sitting on the couches surged to their feet. Amie gave them a little wave to let them know they had the situation under control and one by one they sank back down.

“How are you doing?” Andrelle asked softly.

“Okay, I think?” Isabelle answered with a nervous laugh. “I’ve been so excited to meet her that I forgot how scary this part was going to be.”

“That’s natural,” Andrelle said, then patted the hand she was holding. On the other side, Amie smoothed her hand along Isabelle’s arm.

“But it’s going to be okay, right?” Isabelle looked from Amie to Andrelle. “Dr. Blackwell is a good doctor and Haelan is here too.”

“And me,” Andrelle said. They turned to go back to the waiting area. “If you need me, or any of us, you just shout. Alasdair will make sure you have anything or anyone you need.” Isabelle stopped walking and looked at her with eyes filling up with grateful tears. “We know, it’s better when your family is nearby, supporting you. That’s why we came.”

“Is Em coming?” Amie asked softly.

Isabelle looked down for a second, then shook her head. “Haelan asked if she wanted to, but even with Bryant’s promise that they’d keep the male wolves away—” She looked at Amie. “I think she’s still struggling with what happened.”

“Poor thing,” Andrelle murmured.

“It’s okay,” Isabelle said with a frown. “When we get home, I’m going to bug her till she comes for a visit.” The males turned to watch the trio walk slowly toward them. Alasdair set down the coffee cup he had in his hand and moved back to his mate. Just as he reached her, another contraction twisted through her. He grabbed her waist to hold her up when her knees bent. Amie and Andrelle rubbed her arms.

“Well, gentlemen,” Dr. Blackwell said and straightened from where she had leaned against a wall. “It’s been lovely chatting with you but duty calls.”

Amie let Alasdair take the arm she was holding, then moved to her father’s side. Andrelle gave her arm another pat, then leaned close to her ear. “When you get tired and it seems like you can’t go any farther, reach down inside and find our strength, your family’s strength.”

Isabelle nodded slightly. “Thank you.” Andrelle stepped back and watched Alasdair guide Isabelle back to the treatment room. Another contraction hit just as they got past the doorway. “Somebody make sure they save me a cookie,” she said through her teeth.

Dr. Blackwell chuckled. “When this is over, I’ll bring you a plateful myself.” She stood by while Alasdair got Isabelle back onto the bed. “I’m going to have another look.” She set Isabelle’s feet into the stirrups, then pulled a new set of gloves on and ducked her head down. “Looks like that little wander helped move things along.”

“Do I have to push?” Isabelle asked.

“Not yet, but soon.” Dr. Blackwell turned to Cindy. “Grab dad a stool?” Cindy moved around the bed to the far corner of the room and pulled a stool over to Alasdair. He set it next to Isabelle’s hip, then sat down and took her hand. She squeezed his hand as the pain built again.

“Can you do anything for her pain?” he asked without taking his gaze from Isabelle’s face.

“No,” Isabelle said with a long groan.

“She’s right,” the doctor said with a sympathetic look. “We don’t know how those drugs might affect the baby. Faeries are essentially a new species to modern medicine. There’s no way to know what might be dangerous.”

“I didn’t keep her safe this long, protect her from those monsters, to risk hurting her—” She flopped back as the pain released its grip on her. “Her now,” she finished weakly.

Dr. Blackwell smiled. “Are you sure you’re not a wolf? You certainly have the heart of one.”

“If anything, she has the heart of a faerie,” Alasdair murmured as he pressed the back of her hand to his lips.

Isabelle grinned, then squeezed Alasdair’s hand. “I have the heart of a faerie prince.”

“Until the end of time,” he said.

“That makes it all worth it,” Isabelle said as she held her mate’s gaze. She kept her eyes locked on his as the next contraction washed over her and the pain stole her breath away.

“Hold on to that thought,” Dr. Blackwell said as she ducked her head to check Isabelle again. “I think it’s time.” Isabelle glanced down at her. “On the next one, take a big breath and then give us a push.”

“Okay,” Isabelle whispered. Alasdair wrapped his other hand around the hand he was holding for that he was cupping Isabelle’s hand in both of his. She sucked in a little breath as a shadow of something passed over the ice blue of his eyes. “Dream faerie, it’s going to be okay,” she murmured with a comforting smile. “With you as her daddy, she’s the luckiest girl in the world.” Anything else she might have said would have to wait. Alasdair squeezed her hand gently as she drew in a deep breath, sat up a little, and pushed.

“Just like that,” Dr. Blackwell called out. Alasdair swallowed a few times as his mouth went dry.

For the next three hours he only let go of Isabelle’s hand when she took it away to grab a hold of her knees and pulled herself up. When she tired, he pushed the stool away, eased a hip behind her, and leaned in to prop her up with his arm and chest. She looked up at him through tears, words of defeat trembling on her lips. Then she remembered Andrelle’s words.

He watched with confusion in his eyes as she grabbed his free hand and pressed it to her chest, right over her heart. She blinked as Cindy wiped the sweat from her forehead. “It’s there,” she said with a weak smile, then took another deep breath, closed her eyes, and bore down.

After a minute, Isabelle leaned back on her mate’s chest. Dr. Blackwell ducked her head and hummed softly. “She’s started crowning,” she announced. There was a blur of movement behind her as the nurses grabbed towels, pulled a little metal table closer, then got another ready. “You’re doing great, Isabelle.”

“This is so hard,” Isabelle cried. Alasdair rubbed her arm lovingly, then pressed his lips against her damp hair.

“It really is,” Dr. Blackwell said as she peeked up at her. “But just think of the reward.”

“Uh huh,” Isabelle replied with a nod. “Teeny tiny faerie princess.”

“Our tiny faerie princess,” Alasdair said in her ear. Isabelle turned her head to press her face into his neck and cried out as she bore down again.

“That’s it,” Dr. Blackwell said loudly. “Almost there.” Isabelle fell back against Alasdair, then peeked up at him. His gaze was moving from the space between her legs, then to her face and back. She reached up, took the hand he still had on her chest, and squeezed. The taller of the two extra nurses, Tabitha, moved closer to the doctor’s back, with a clean towel at the ready.

Isabelle sucked in another deep breath then surged up and yelled, “Get out here young lady!” Beside her Cindy swallowed a laugh, the other two nurses looked at each other with silly grins, Dr. Blackwell’s shoulders shook with her laughter. Isabelle smiled weakly.

“I think that worked, we’ve got shoulders. One more.”

Isabelle looked up at Alasdair. “My love,” he said as he took his hand from her chest and swiped away the tears running down her cheeks. “You’re almost finished.” Her eyes closed for a moment and she drew in a breath. She reached down to grab her knees and pulled herself up. Alasdair leaned his chest against her back to give her what little help he could. Isabelle’s head tilted back, and she screamed out with the effort as she pushed.

“There she is!” Dr. Blackwell called out triumphantly. Alasdair held Isabelle up so they could watch the doctor lift the baby to the waiting towel. The empty metal table was pulled closer so they could set the baby down while the doctor cleared out her mouth. Isabelle gulped down big breaths while Alasdair’s own breath caught in his chest. Finally, after what Isabelle would later swear felt like an hour, the baby cried out.

Isabelle sobbed with relief. “She’s here.” She looked up at Alasdair. He was staring at the table as the nurses wiped the baby with damp cloths.

Cindy moved to Isabelle’s side to wipe the sweat that was about to drip into her eyes. “You can lie back now,” she said with a glance at Alasdair. He slid from the bed and eased Isabelle down without taking his eyes off the little table.

The doctor clamped the umbilical cord, snipped it, then picked up the baby and turned to the table with a big smile. “Here we are,” she said as she handed the baby to Isabelle. “One healthy little princess.”

Cindy reached over and tugged Isabelle’s gown down so the baby could rest on her bare skin. “Congratulations,” she said with a big smile.

Alasdair pulled the stool back to the bed and sat down to watch up close as his mate kissed their daughter’s tiny forehead, then smiled at him. He reached out to lay his hand on the baby’s back. “She’s so small,” he said in a whisper filled with wonder.

Isabelle grinned at him, then lifted her hand and held her thumb an inch away from her index finger. “I told you, faeries are supposed to be itty bitty.”

He lifted himself from the stool to kiss her forehead, then their daughter’s. “Yes, you did,” he said with a smile.

“Does she have a name?” the doctor asked.

Isabelle nodded. “Celene.”

An hour after her birth, Celene was snuggled in her mother’s arms as they greeted excited family members in the comfortable patient room. The well-wishers didn’t stay long, as sunrise was not that far off. The Blackwell lands were very private and well protected, but they had to leave the lands to open the portal to return home. After they’d gone and the doctor had checked on them one more time, Isabelle and Alasdair were left alone with their daughter.

Just past the driveway, a portal opened and an older man appeared. He looked around briefly, then held his hand out to assist a cloaked figure through the shimmering. The figure pulled the cloak to their chest to ward off the chill in the air, then rested a delicate hand on the arm the man offered. The pair walked down the driveway at a sedate pace. A tired-looking Bryant Blackwell opened the door to the main house as the pair approached the steps.

“Bernie,” he said with a confused smile. “I thought you would have been here hours ago.”

“I was asked to wait so that I could bring—” He lifted his arm to indicate the figure at his side. The figure removed their hand to reach up and pull the hood back. Bryant’s eyes went wide with surprise as a beautiful silver-haired woman revealed herself.

“I’ve come to see my granddaughter,” the queen said with a smile.

“Of course—” Bryant swung the door open wide as he stepped back and waved them inside. He waited till the queen and Bernie had stepped through, then closed the door. “They’re downstairs,” he said as he moved to lead them forward. They followed close behind him as he led them through the house and down the stairs. “It’s the last door on the right.” He stopped just short of the hallway leading to the treatment and patient rooms. “Can I bring you anything?”

The queen stopped next to him, then reached into a pocket in her cloak. “No, thank you.” She pulled out a dagger with a sturdy leather sheath. “My sons tell me you have been a friend to my family several times.” She held out the dagger. Bryant accepted the weapon, holding it across both his palms. “The blade is etched with silver.” She smiled. “Quite useful on vampires.”

“Thank you, your Majesty.”

“If you’ll excuse me,” she said, then turned to Bernie. He was standing at the door Bryant had indicated. With a brief nod from his monarch, he knocked softly. Alasdair called out for the person to come in. When Bernie opened the door, the couple looked up from where they were reclining on the queen sized bed. The baby was wrapped in a blanket and held in her father’s arms. Isabelle smiled tiredly at her friend as he stood in the doorway.

“I brought a visitor,” he said as he stepped into the room and turned to give the queen space to walk past him.

“Mother,” Alasdair said in a surprised tone as he tried to ease himself out of the bed without jostling the precious bundle in his arms. The queen waved at him to stay where he was. “What are you—”

“I wanted to greet my granddaughter,” the queen said with a smile. “And to see that your mate is well.”

“But you’ve never—”

“What better reason will I ever have to make my first trip to the human realm?” She moved next to the bed and leaned over to look at the baby. Celene opened her eyes as her father tilted her. The queen lifted a hand to her mouth for a second. “She has—” Her voice cut off as tears gathered in her throat.

“His eyes,” Isabelle whispered.

The queen nodded. “Like his father’s,” she said, then smiled at Isabelle. “May I?” She reached out her hands and waited as Alasdair placed the baby in her arms. She straightened and looked down at Celene with a gentle smile. “Your father would have been so proud,” she murmured to Alasdair. Isabelle reached over and squeezed his hand. She looked at the couple. “Of both of you.” Isabelle leaned her head on Alasdair’s shoulder. He turned and pressed a kiss to her hair. The queen turned to let Bernie have a peek at the baby.

He grinned at the precious bundle. “She’s beautiful,” he said to the couple.

“A perfect little princess,” the queen murmured.

“And one day a warrior,” Isabelle said as she sat up a little. “Just like her father.”

The queen reached up and smoothed the tip of her finger along Celene’s forehead. “She’ll make a fine warrior,” she said, then looked at Isabelle and gave her a wink. She handed the baby back to Alasdair and looked at the new family for a moment.

The fates had certainly chosen well for my son’s mate. She thought. Very well indeed. Hopefully, they have chosen equally as well for Haelan.