The Alpha's Mate and the Vampire King
The Alpha’s Mate and the Vampire King Epilogue

She’s beautiful! the midwife proclaimed, placing the newborn upon her mother’s chest.

Viktor kissed his wife, then bent to nuzzle his daughter’s cheek. Silky wisps of dark as night hair tickled his skin.

She is perfect, he whispered with relief that both his mate and his youngling were alive and well.

Months of worry and endless visits with the midwife had started to get to them both. At some point, their child’s heartbeat had become too fast, to the point it sounded like an echo inside her womb.

Now that the babe was here, the worry disappeared. Eden smiled and then suddenly lurched, bellowing in pain. Her fingernails dug into Viktor’s hand.

Take the child, Sire, the midwife commanded.

What?

Pick up your daughter. Eden needs to push again.

Viktor’s trembling hands reached for the tiny being. She fidgeted and stretched. He was careful with her, terrified he’d drop her or damage her in some way.

He brought her to his chest and bounced gently as he’d been told to do during what Eden called Father-School. For weeks, he’d watched and listened aptly as the midwives taught him how to care for an infant.

Eden m****d. What … it shouldn’t be this painful again.

The midwife’s pinched face glanced at Viktor, then back to Eden. She patted the new mother’s belly, then pushed down.

Eden screamed and Viktor snarled ferociously.

I swear I will remove your head, woman!

You might want to wait until the other one comes out.

Viktor blinked. What did you say?

It seems there is another.

Another what? he snapped.

Dragon, the woman snapped back.

What?! Eden shrieked.

Babe, dear. There’s another, and you need to push.

Eden concentrated, pushing and holding it for the count of ten. She did it once more and a screaming babe came into the world.

It’s a boy, the midwife announced, Loud and angry. Like his father.

Eden sank with relief, watching the female clean off her son before placing him upon her chest. Her arms wrapped around him and she wept.

Nothing had been wrong with the heartbeat. The echo had been two heartbeats, so similar in their rhythm they were indistinguishable from one another.

Sire, are you okay? the midwife asked.

Viktor was wiping at his eyes. I’m fine, his gruff voice reprimanded. See to my wife and do not concern yourself with me.

Come here, Husband, Eden beamed, despite the strained effects of her labor.

Viktor sat down next to her pillow. He bent and kissed Eden’s lips, then nuzzled his son’s pale brunette head, as he had done to his daughter.

“You’ve given me the greatest of any possible gift, moj vestica.”

A son?

Viktor shook his head.

Two offspring? she teased, wanting to lighten his mood.

No.

What did I give you, love? she asked, using the endearment he liked to use on her.

My heart. You gave me back … my heart.

Viktor kissed Eden again, then nuzzled the babes once more. He remained leaning over his wife and children protectively, his body shaking with emotion.

The midwife finished cleaning up and left the new family to bond. She vowed she would never tell a soul of the King’s sobs echoing off the walls of his chambers.

Kings of Prajna, after all, did not cry. That was an honor reserved for only the most loving of fathers. She was pleased he was a male worthy enough to fill both roles.

Smiling to herself, she whistled down the hall, feeling lighter than she had in a hundred years. The tide was turning and her services were sure to be needed once again.

The End