Page 65 of A Luna's Revenge

Meanwhile, I am struggling. This is the first time I’ve seen Charlie in months. This isn't fair. She is my mate! I break free and dart for the door. I have to get to Charlie. I didn't get closure. I deserve closure. No! I want my mate back. My childhood friend, my confidante, my everything.

Mr. Big and Burly seizes me by the neck from behind and dangles me off the ground. I twist and fight, but I am like a ragdoll in his grip. He gives me a shake before he drops me like a rock. Then he tackles me on the ground, and I am held secure. A doctor approaches with a syringe filled with amber liquid and injects it into my neck.

"No! No! Please let me see Charlie! I beg you—just let me see my mate!" I frantically yell. A wave of hopelessness engulfs me as I feel myself slipping away and being absorbed into the recesses of my mind. My voice is snuffed out, my thoughts are stifled, and my sense of self shatters. I am being erased.

Charlie

I blink my eyes open to look around the dark room. It’s evening, and I can see the full moon shining through thewindow. It's light casting shadows around the hospital room. A nurse walks in. "Oh, good. You are awake. Are you ready to eat?"

"Where is my pup?" I rasp out hoarsely.

"He had a bit of trouble, but when Dad came in, he rebounded. Dad is in the nursery with him. Would you like to try to breastfeed your pup?"

"What happened?"

"Why don't I order you a tray? We can get pup and Dad in here and let him explain everything. The doctor has gone home for the day, but she'll be in to see you in the morning."

I nod, but I am so glad Reggie made it for the birth. With my physical condition and in the chaos of the attack on the headquarters building, It’s a wonder he found me.

A few minutes later, the nurse returns, pushing a bassinet. Reggie is behind her, holding a bundle in his arms. He is smiling brightly, but I can see the tiredness in his eyes.

"I'll leave you three to it." The nurse smiles. "I've sent for a tray for you both. Do you need instructions on how to breastfeed, Momma?"

"No. We had a class on it last week." I say, 'If we have trouble, I'll ring for you." She nods and leaves us alone.

Reggie lays the precious bundle on my chest. I pull the blanket back, checking his diaper—just as I expected. "It's a boy!"

"Oh, yeah," Reggie remarks. "You were unconscious when he came into the world."

Our little one’s mouth pouts, and he lets out a pitiful cry. "I guess you need some dinner, my precious." I glance at Reggie as I struggle weakly. Reggie gently assists as he moves our pup to my breast. After several seconds of rooting around, he latches on and settles contently as I pull the sheet over us.

"He's been poked, prodded, assessed, and placed in an incubator for a couple of hours," Reggie reports. "He is alittle premature, and the trauma he endured before his delivery distressed him, they said. But the doctors say his lungs are mature, and he’ll be fine." Reggie reassures me. He pulls up a chair, sits, and begins stroking my hair. He leans over to kiss my forehead gently and then our pup. "I am the happiest male alive."

"I am the happiest female alive." I quip tiredly. He crawls up in the bed and nestles us close to him. His arm across me, with his hand resting protectively on our pup.

There's a knock on the door. The nurse enters carrying a couple of trays. She places them on the overbed table. "Here's some food for you guys." She looks at Reggie. "Make sure she eats as much as possible to build up her milk supply. I'll come back and check on you all later. If you need anything, just let me know." She turns and leaves, closing the door softly.

Reggie pulls the overbed table close so he can reach it, and it doesn't interfere with my feeding the pup. He removes the cover. "Looks like all soft foods and liquid for you."

He scoops up a spoon of mashed potatoes and holds it to my lips. I open my mouth and grudgingly accept it. "My stomach is not on board, but I will try." I swallow and open my mouth again like a baby bird.

Reggie continues to feed me bites of food between sweet kisses and whispers of love. He then opens the milk and places a straw in the tiny can of soda. Alternating between bites of food, the milk, and the soda, I am beginning to get nauseous. I don't know if I can continue. I refused the next bite and took a sip ofcold soda. It eases the knot in my stomach. "I think that's all I can eat right now."

"Okay." He pushes the table away and gathers me back up in his arms. So, which name did you choose?" He indicates his head toward our pup.

"Xyran Reginald Marks."

He nods. "Good, strong name. I like it."

With those words, silence descends. The only noise is the beating of my achingly full heart that is overflowing with love and the soft sucking noises coming from our pup. I am so bone tiredthatmy eyes slip closed, and I embrace the sweet restfulness of sleep.

Chapter 37 - New Beginnings

Charlie -One Year Later

“Happy birthday to you!”Everyone sings.

“Blow out your candle, Xy!” Reggie laughs as our darling little pup struggles to blow out the flaming candle from the top of his brown wolf-shaped birthday cake. We all begin clapping as he squeals with delight. His chubby cheeks are rosy from the excitement.

---