I stared back at Valor, his breathing relaxed and even as he stared back at me, his fingers tracing over my breast and down the swell of my now definitely showing belly and down the curve of my hip that the morning sun rays shone on.

It's been almost three weeks of peace and I have enjoyed every second of it. I've had to increase my intake of blood and solid food by nearly double and I was feeling a lot better and I was now showing, my belly seemed like it came out of no where and it was one of the best feelings in the world to see my love for Valor take on a physical nature that would soon be our child who would be the best parts of the both of us, but I did miss my family.

"Your mother called again last night." Valor whispered.

"I miss her." I said.

"I know. If you're comfortable enough, I think it would be nice to invite them to dinner tonight at Pierre's restaurant and have them stay a few days. Christmas is close. I know they would all want to see you. And the baby is coming soon." He said.

I nodded. He was right. Pierre said because of the baby's fast growth rate and how large I was now, the baby should be coming at any time now.

I leaned forward, relaxing into Valor's muscular chest as I kissed his neck.

He smiled as he hugged me against him, his cold fingers feeling soothing as they traced little circles on my warm belly.

"I should probably get up and shower and you should go hunt then." I said as I sat up.

I kissed Valor and headed into the bathroom after he left.

I decided to soak in the bath, my lower back feeling a tad sore, but with how fast my baby was growing that was nothing new.

I had just shut the water off when I heard the door to my room open.

I walked out the bathroom, and I had just stepped through the door into our room when I was gripped by the neck.

I growled at Anya as she tried her best to get a hold around my neck. I hadn't seen her in weeks, but I knew she'd been jealous ever since we found out about the pregnancy. She was not going to hurt me and definitely not my child.

She shoved me backwards into the bathroom, trying her best to tighten her grip on my neck, but I was faster and stronger now.

I gripped her throat, letting my claws dig in as leverage as my oxygen was quickly depleting. She was fighting with everything in her, her height far greater and reach longer than mine as she slammed me against the rim of the bath tub, her grip now on my hair as she tried to force me under the water.

I used gravity against her tall frame, using my leg to kick hers out from under her, her flailing like a baby giraffe on the now wet floor.

In one fluid motion I sent myself forward, my grip on her never leaving as her head hit the tile floor with a sickening crack and the smell of blood hit the air, her body going limp.

I knew something still wasn't right though, my body feeling heavy, a pressure in my pelvis causing pain.

"R-Raven! " I yelled knowing she was downstairs.

I stood up, a popping sensation causing me to grip the sink as I tried to steady myself and my breathing as water ran down my leg.

I knew what this was.

My water had just broke.

"Shit. Holy shit! Is she dead?! You killed her and I missed it! " Raven yelled as she walked in.

"Raven. The baby is coming! I need you to call my grandmother Elise." I said.

She stood frozen as she stared down at me.

"You're bleeding." She whispered.

I winced as what I could only assume was a contraction moved through me like a wave.

Valor ran in, eyes going wide and Pierre shortly after with Giselle who was already on the phone.

Valor lifted me with ease, moving me to one of the spare rooms down the hall that Cassius had put fresh towels and a first aid kit in.

What the hell was a first aid kit going to do?

I lay back on the bed, fisting the pillows as another contraction came.

I really wanted to push. The overwhelming sensation taking over me as I gripped onto anything that I could expel my pain onto.

"I need to push." I breathed out.

I was thankful I was wearing a robe only because if I had to move to change I would've lost my shit.

I cried out as I pushed. I couldn't help it, but I just felt the need to as my wolf's nature took over and began to urge my body to do its own thing.

Valor stood between my legs, his eyes widening as he looked down.

"I can already see the head. Come on babe, you can do this." He told me as gripped my hand, Giselle and Raven moving towards my legs with gloved hands.

I closed my eyes, relaxing momentarily as I bit back the growl that wanted to leave me.

"Elise says one more push and the baby should be out. They're on their way. " Pierre said.

I cursed, digging my clawed hand into Valor's thigh as I pushed, tucking my chin to my chest as I clamped my mouth shut and then there was relief, but it was silent.

I looked up, Giselle holding my child who had yet to cry.

Valor immediately took her, cleaning her nose and mouth.

I could see she was a girl, Valor turning her on her back, patting and massaging her as panic filled me.

"Breathe baby girl." I whispered. I heard her sharp intake of breath.

I let out a breath as she cried, and Valor wrapped her in a fresh towel.

She cried until she was fully swaddled, quieting only after Valor held her against him, cradling her in his arms.

Valor walked over to me, a smile on his face as he looked down at her, handing her to me, and I placed her against my chest and she began nursing immediately, her healthy appetite already being shown.

She was so tiny, yet so beautiful.

She opened her eyes, big brown orbs that stared up at me, contrasting against her pale skin and dark hair. I loved her already. The pain I felt payed in comparison to the overwhelming and instant love I had for her.

"She looks like you." I told Valor as he crawled next to me.

He smiled, kissing my head softly.

"We need to pick a name." I said quietly as I watched her eyes drift shut and she finished eating and was soon asleep in my arms.

Giselle rose her hand, smiling at me.

"I have a recommendation if you don't mind. I studied languages and names. Avalyn. It means beautiful breath of life. It's very fitting if I do say." Giselle whispered.

"Avalyn Black." I whispered down at her.

She smiled up at the sound of my voice and I chuckled.

"It's perfect." I whispered to Giselle, who I thanked before she left the room to give us some privacy.