Page 209 of A Female Alpha for the Lycan Prince
“I will never forget the day she actually squeezed strawberry syrup over her steak,” Vincent mutters, his face paling at the thought.
The others grimace and laugh. Before my father can say anything in response, I feel a mind-link from Liam coming through. By the way Ella’s eyes gloss over, I assume she receives it too.
Ella jumps up. “Finally!” she exclaims. She grabs Dante’s hand, pulling him up. “Let’s go!”
He nods, smiling tenderly at her. I don’t need to read his mind to understand what he thinks and feels. Ella getting so excited over her best friend’s baby, means there is hope for them too. Due to their pasts, they probably haven’t considered children yet, but maybe they are slowly getting to that point.
“Goddess,” my father sighs and closes some folders before following us all outside. “Now you lot are making me nervous too.”
We all bid Jace goodbye, who didn’t want to disturb this private family moment with his presence, before walking over to the infirmary. I’m reminded of my own vision, the one I had when I almost died. I still strongly believe that it was the Goddess’ doing. It was her final warning and maybe a reminder of what I might be missing out on. I’ll never forget Celine’s beautiful smile, her hair in the wind, and that little boy holding her hand.
“Flora!” my father exclaims as we reach the top floor, where my mom is already waiting for us. Mom rushes into his arms and laughs giddily. Annie’s mom, Rosalee, peeks out of the door to Annie’s room and waves at my parents. We can hear hushed voices and a baby’s cry.
“They are so perfect,” Rosalee says. “Come, Elden, take a look at your grandchildren.”
“Yes.” Mom grabs his hand and pulls him along. “You need to see them. We’re finally grandparents.”
My father can pretend to be unaffected all he wants, but I see the moment his bravado disappears at the thought of being a grandfather. He suddenly looks excited and eager to finally meet his grandchildren.
Rosalee pops her head out of the door again. “Come, Ella. Annie wants to see you too.”
Ella squeals with joy and hurries toward the room.
“Man,” Ari grumbles. “I wish I were the Luna’s best friend.”
Finn grins. “I’m one of her best friends, and I am still not allowed inside,” he points out. “No one can beat Ella.”
“They are like sisters,” I state while leading the others to the waiting room, and we sit down there. “I don’t think we can just raid her room,” I chuckle at the thought.
Five minutes later, Annie’s father, Brian, runs past without even sparing us a look. Harmony and Steve are right behind him. They both disappear into the room, and we hear happy voices, laughter, and squeals coming from inside. I could swear I heard Brian burst into tears.
I don’t know how long we wait, but eventually, the door opens, and Liam steps outside with two bundles in his arms. They look so tiny in his huge arms. Liam’s eyes are red-rimmed, and he is bursting with pride and joy. I can’t remember the last time I saw him cry, but it’s such a grounding experience to see Liam show such emotions with his newborn children.
He smiles proudly at us. “Meet my two angels. Princess Asteria, our first-born and future heir of Red Claw,” he beams. “And our beautiful little sunshine, Aurora.”
“Two girls!?” Ari squeals. “You are so lucky.”
“Yes, they are perfect,” Liam smiles gently at his daughters. “Oh, and they’re fraternal twins.”
I nod tentatively. When Liam announced Asteria as his heir, it was obvious that they weren’t identical. Identical twins could, in rare cases, rule next to each other, but for fraternal twins, it’s different. Especially in Liam’s case, as it means only the firstborn child will inherit his royal power.
But it’s not important. What’s important is that they’re here… and healthy. And so cute. Liam hands me one of the girls, and I can just coo at her. “Are you little Asteria?”
“No, that's Aurora,” Liam chuckles.
“Say hello to Uncle Marius,” I beam.
“And Uncle Finn,” Finn smiles, and gently touches one of Aurora’s tiny hands.
Dante smiles warmly, stepping up to squeeze Liam’s shoulder. “Congratulations, Liam.”
“Thank you, Dante.”
“Can I also hold one of them?” Ari asks hopefully.
“Of course.” Liam carefully hands her little Asteria, and then grins proudly as we all take a turn at holding the babies. They look so tiny; it makes my eyes glisten with tears—such little miracles.
“I can’t let you all inside now,” Liam tells us. “Annie is tired after such a long labor.”
