Demi's Guardian Epilogue
Demi
It’s happening. It’s actually happening!
“Just breathe,” I reminded Calia, pressing a cool cloth to her forehead. Her face was flushed, bright red, and sticky with sweat. My wolf whimpered, hating every second of this.
Calia nodded then gnashed her teeth as another contraction gripped her. “Where’s Davon?” Her voice was high-pitched. Scared.
“He’s on his way.” Florence placed several fresh towels on the foot of the bed. The older beta had everything ready for when Healer Johns arrived.
“Dammit,” Calia hissed between gritted teeth. Then she grunted hard as another contraction ripped through her. She rolled toward me, making the sanitized blankets beneath her shift and wrinkle.
“Two minutes apart.” Florence checked his watch. “The pup is progressing nicely.” He smiled proudly at Calia. “It should be any moment now.”
“What?” Calia’s dark eyes flew open, snapping her head to me. “Davon isn’t here yet.” She grabbed my hand, squeezing tight. “I need him!”
“I know. He’ll be here soon.” I spoke softly, trying to project my calm voice into the room. But in truth, I was terrified Calia’s mate would miss the birth. And she was so scared, she needed Davon to hold her hand. Not me.
Calia let out a rolling groan, rocking gently on her back. “It hurts.”
I cut a nervous look at the bedroom door, praying it would open and Davon would magically appear. He was searching for Johns. The healer was forbidden from leaving the village with Calia so far along, but that didn’t mean there weren’t a thousand places he might be inside Casin. I prayed they'd find him soon.
“Fuck!” Calia let out a sharp gasp as a gush of bloody fluid soaked through her pale pink nightgown. “What the hell!”
“Your water broke,” I said, praying she couldn’t hear the panic in my voice. “It’s just your water.” I stared at the mess, and my stomach churned. I wasn’t built for this. Birthing babies was the kind of thing healers, midwives, and green witches handled. Not sheltered omegas that got queasy at the sight of blood. Hell, even my wolf was begging me to run.
Trying like hell to force my body to relax, I concentrated hard on the pale blue lace that covered my dress. The needlework swooped and curled, but following the pattern with my eyes didn’t calm me. In fact, it made my stomach swirl, then tighten.
“My Lady,” Florence set a fresh water basin on the floor near the bed. “I think you might want to get into position.” He grimaced as more fluid soaked the mattress.
“No!” Calia cradled her swollen belly as if to protect the baby from the very idea of leaving her. “Davon isn’t here! I can’t—”
The bedroom door flew open. “I’m here!” Davon burst into the room completely naked. It was clear from his exposed body and wild hair that he had shifted into his wolf and ran the whole way here. Johns stumbled in a few moments later, his legs wobbly and his clothes disheveled. Did the Pack Alpha carry him here?
“Why are you naked?” Calia’s voice was tight with confusion. Maybe even anger.
“I’ve got her.” Davon moved to the side of the bed, his sharp tone making it clear that I needed to move.
It went against every instinct in me, but I forced myself up, letting Davon take my place. The desire to snuggle and soothe another omega was so intense.
“Are you okay?” Florence’s dark blue eyes searched my pale face. He had been very against me being in the birthing room. He claimed that my omega nature was too delicate to watch a loved one in so much pain. At the time, I thought his concern was complete bullshit, but right now I just wanted to run.
“I’m fine,” I said as confidently as I could. But it was a lie. It was torture watching Calia go through so much pain while there was nothing I could do to help. How did anyone stomach this?
Calia whimpered and groaned as Johns helped her settle into a deep squat. A gush of red liquid poured from her sex, and my stomach churned.
“Why don’t you get a breath of fresh air?” Florence pushed me toward the door. I nodded, unable to find my words. “Calia is in good hands. I’ll take good care of her.”
I nodded again, holding my breath as Calia began pushing. She held her mate’s hand in a vice-like grip as Johns positioned a towel beneath her. Strings of blood dripped from between her legs and I rushed toward the exit.
The bedroom door swung open, and I was immediately faced with a crowd in the hallway. Davon’s entire council was already here, clearly having heard the news of the Luna’s labor. It was standard for the Pack Alpha’s strongest warriors to protect the packhouse during such a vulnerable moment, but it was still shocking to see so many mighty alphas in such a private part of the Pack Alpha’s home.
“Is everything okay?” Kade rushed toward me. His energy was intense, a mixture of excitement and worry.
“Calia is progressing nicely.” I forced myself to smile. “She’s pushing already.”
The throng of alphas all smiled and a few clapped. It made me want to scowl. I understood that our pack’s legacy was about to be secured with a new generation, but all I could think about was the pain Calia was being forced to endure.
I needed Max.
“Is my mate here?” I asked Kade, looking around. “It’s past seven. He should be off his shift—”
“I’m right here.” Max’s big body moved right behind me, followed by a calming pulse in our bond. My whole body instantly relaxed and I spun. My big, sexy alpha loomed over me, his presence intense and calming at the same time. “You look flushed.” Max placed a finger under my chin, forcing me to tip my face up. Concern cut between his brows as he took in my worried expression. “What do you need?” he asked, his white eye flashing red as his wolf paced within him. He hated it when I was upset.
“I need some air.” I reached up and Max immediately bent down, so I could wrap my hands around his neck. Then I whispered in his ear, “Please take me home.”
It was a rude thing for me to ask. After all, Max was the captain for the border guards. It was technically a demotion from his old role as commander of the Pack Alpha’s guard—Karis had done a wonderful job taking over the position—but Max was still a member of Davon’s senior council. And I was worried he might be looked down on for not being in the packhouse when the pup was born.
“Let’s get you home.” My alpha wrapped his arms under my bottom and lifted me.
“Are you sure you can leave?” I asked, resting my head on Max’s shoulder. My wolf was instantly soothed. "You won't get in trouble?"
He chuckled in my ear. The sound was deep, vibrating through me. “Davon doesn’t need my help. But I’m pretty sure my mate does.” He pushed his hand up my back, holding me tight as he carried me down the stairs and through the town.
The village was still fairly active, the sun setting much later in the evening now that it was firmly summer. But I ignored the bustle of activity as Max carried me to our cabin. It sat on the edge of the village cabins, right near a small stream that cut near the western border.
The air smelled especially fresh and mossy in this part of Casin. I still missed the smell of the packhouse gardens first thing in the morning, but nothing would ever beat waking up in the arms of my alpha. I’d take him over a few rose bushes any day.
Max
“How about we get you to bed?” I asked, kissing the top of my omega’s head. Her sugary citrus aroma bloomed at my touch, and my cock plumped.
The door creaked as I opened it and the familiar scents of home filled my lungs.
The last bit of tension in Demi’s body left her as I made my way through our little house.
She’d loved this cabin. It was cozy and warm with thick blankets stacked next to the fireplace, lace curtains framing every window, and a snug pantry that she made a nest in during her heats. It was her safe space from the world when her body was wrecked.
“Calia was in so much pain.” Demi spoke, her warm breath fanning across my neck. “There was nothing I could do to help her.”
“I know.” I caressed Demi’s back as I walked down the hallway to our bedroom. My wolf whimpered, hating how upset our mate was, but there was no helping Calia’s situation. The pain of labor was simply a fact of life. “The Luna is in good hands,” I reminded her. “Johns and Davon are with her.”
Demi hummed in response, but our bond continued to thrum with her worry. I knew my mate’s body well, and she wouldn’t properly rest until she was tended to.
“Will you lay with me?” Demi asked, curling her shoulders inward, pressing herself even tighter to my chest.
“Of course.” I stepped into our bedroom, and Demi lifted her head to look at our bed. It was just as she had left it this morning—plush blankets and thick pillows arranged into soft circular shape. “May I enter your nest?” I asked my mate as I sat her at the foot of the bed.
Her large gray eyes met mine and she quickly nodded.
I moved slowly, removing my uniform while Demi got to work. She patted and shaped each pillow, creating the perfect shape while I stripped down. My cock sprang free as my slacks puddled at my feet. I was painfully hard and eager to feel my beautiful omega’s wet heat.
“Okay.” Demi turned to me, and her eyes fell to my cock. She stared at it, a soft trance seeming to come over her. I loved her like this: drunk on her own pheromones. She still talked dirty to me, but only during sex. She was completely incapable of speech in the precious moments before I entered her body. And I loved it.
“Take off your clothes,” I commanded softly, wrapping my hand around my shaft. I pumped myself a few times, watching my omega lift her blue dress over her head and toss it onto the floor. Her delicate body was gorgeous—tight curves, dark nipples, and a very wet pussy. Slick dripped down the inside of her thighs, soaking into her precious nest. “That’s my good girl,” I praised her, loving the way my words made her shiver. “Lay back for me. Show me what’s mine.”
She quickly obeyed, spreading her legs wide. Her pink pussy is swollen with arousal, the lips puffy and her slit gushing slick.
“Touch your clit,” I commanded, still stroking my cock.
Trembling fingers caressed the seam of her pussy. Demi’s nails were a delicate pink. The color was so pale against her blushed skin. “Like this?” she asked, circling two fingers over the little nub.
“A little harder. Slap it.” I practically panted when she did as she was told, tapping her clit over and over again. Demi mewled and gasped, arching her back high off the bed. “Spread your lips.” I continued to jack myself off, my movements growing faster with each passing second. “Fuck yourself.”
“Max,” Demi moaned long and loud as she pushed two delicate fingers into her body. I watched them slide and push deep into her pussy, forcing more and more slick from her tempting body. “Alpha,” she panted, rolling her hips in time with her fingers. “Please. I need your cock.”
“Come for me first,” I ordered in a breathy rumble.
Demi lifted her head, staring deep into my eyes as she fucked herself knuckle deep. She gasped and moaned, her movements becoming almost frantic. Her thighs tensed and her face scrunched as she let out a wild scream of pleasure. Her orgasm rocked her tiny frame, slick pouring out around her still pumping fingers.
Heat rose up the back of my thighs and my spine tingled. “That’s my good girl,” I growled, releasing my cock. Strings of precum dripped from the tip, landing near my feet. “I need to taste you.” I placed one knee on the bed, then another, crawling to my beautiful omega.
Demi’s face was flushed with a thin layer of sweat across her brow. Wisps of her golden blonde hair stuck to her forehead.
“Do you want my cock?” I asked as I moved over her slight body. My cock swung heavy between us, tapping her very wet clit.
“Yuh-yes,” Demi panted, lifting her hips. “Give me every deliciously thick inch.” She lifted her hips, bumping her wet heat against me. “Show me how good I am for obeying you.” Her slick-soaked fingers rose to her mouth. “Make me come again.” She closed her lips around her fingers and sucked hard, her eyes floating closed with a wild moan.
My beast was wild within me, demanding that I give my mate exactly what she wanted.
“I love that dirty mouth,” I smirked.
Demi smiled, biting her bottom lip, and I knew she was about to say something flirty, but I didn't give her the chance. Instead, I punched my hips forward, filling her in one fierce thrust. Her pussy sucked me in, wrapping tight around my shaft.
“Fuck,” I snarled, grabbing the headboard to steady myself. It was always like this with Demi. Every time felt like the first time. Like I might lose control at any moment, and break apart into a million pieces.
“Deeper,” Demi begged. “Make me feel it.”
And I did just that, pressing my hips right up against hers, then grinding hard. Her pussy spasmed around my cock as a shiver ripped through her.
“Yes,” she moaned. “Again. Please. Don’t stop.”
I began a brutal pace, fucking her in quick hard strokes, alternating with a deep roll of my hips, forcing my cock right up against her cervix. Demi’s breath quickened and her fingers curled tight around my neck. Heat flashed across my skin and my balls drew up. The base of my shaft was already expanding, my knot ready to take hold.
“Hold on.” I forced Demi’s hands to the headboard, then I lifted up, gripping her hips. I slammed her body off and on my cock, using her to seek my own pleasure. “Come for me, Demetria. Give me another. Let me feel that perfect pussy flutter one more time.”
Being the good girl she was, Demi’s eyes floated closed, and her back arched as I continued to fuck her.
“That’s right,” I purred when her inner walls began to tighten once again.
All too quickly, Demi shattered apart. Her wild moans tipped me over the edge. My knot fully expanded as I rutted forward, forcing it deep into my omega. She let out a wild scream as another orgasm wracked her, making her whole body tremble. I rolled my hips steadily, milking every last drop of pleasure for both of us.
***
Movement roused me from my sleep. Demi was flitting about the house, obviously filled with far too much energy.
“What are you doing, omega?” I called out, praying she’d come back to bed. I wanted to feel her hot, writhing body pinned beneath me, again.
“Are you awake?” Demi appeared in the doorway, her smile unusually bright for so early in the morning. Demi wasn’t a morning person. In fact, this might be the first time she had ever woken up before me.
“What are you doing?” I sat up, taking in my very lively mate. She was already dressed and ready. She wore a black dress with a satin ribbon around her waist and her hair was brushed out, falling over her shoulders in golden waves. “Are you going somewhere?”
“Yes.” Demi strolled into the room, swishing her hips as she walked. “We’re going to the packhouse.”
I tilted my head, confusion drawing my brows together. “The packhouse?” I asked, making sure I understood her. And then it hit me. “You want to see if the Luna has delivered their pup. Don’t you?”
Demi’s bright expression grew, pure joy bursting out of her. “I know birthing babes can take a long time, and that the baby might not be here yet, but I’m dying to know.”
I couldn’t help but laugh. “Let me put on my pants.” Our bond erupted with her pure excitement as I slowly stood.
***
Demi marched next to me, walking faster than she ever had before, as we made our way to the packhouse. I walked the omega to work every day and she never moved this quickly. Demi strolled, admiring the flowers as we started the day. But today, she was filled with fire, determined to get to the packhouse in record time.
The entryway was lively, filled with several high-ranking officials and a few elders. They chatted at the bottom of the stairs. Each one looked tired but happy. Their eyes were glassy and their noses were bright red. They had clearly been drinking, and that told me one thing…the baby was here.
“Come on.” Demi grabbed my hand, rushing up the stairs.
“Captain,” Karis greeted me as we approached the Pack Alpha’s bedroom door.
“May I go inside?” Demi asked, clasping her hands together. She looked so excited, she was ready to burst.
“The Luna said to let you and your mate in whenever you arrived.” Karis gave me a look that told me she was a bit surprised that I was included, and honestly, so was I. Alphas weren’t too keen on having too many visitors near their newborn pups, especially other alphas. But I had spent the last decade at Davon’s side, and almost a year protecting his mate. I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of pride that he trusted me to be around something so precious.
“Calia?” Demi whispered as she slowly opened the door. She peaked her head into the room, then she gasped, abandoning me in the doorway.
“Calia was praying you’d bring your mate by.” Davon moved to me, extending his hand. I quickly shook it, then bowed.
“Of course, sir.” I stood tall, happy my mate’s friendship brought the Luna so much happiness.
“Come and meet our little son.” Davon motioned for me to stand at the foot of the bed.
Demi sat snuggled right up against Calia’s side, the pair fussing over the bundle in the Luna’s arms. My beautiful mate appeared to be in a state of absolute bliss. She whispered and cooed at the babe, brushing her fingertip over his short black hair.
“He looks strong,” I said, taking note of the babe’s tiny fists. His eyes were closed, his long lashes resting against his very round cheeks. “Your mate did well.” I turned to my Pack Alpha.
Davon’s smile grew, his pride in Calia very clear.
“What’s his name?” Demi asked softly, sniffing the top of the baby’s head.
“Ender.” Calia’s dark eyes drifted over her baby’s face. “Would you like to hold him?”
“Really?” Demi’s whole demeanor changed, her body tight with excitement.
“Of course,” Calia laughed, handing the precious bundle to my omega.
Demi looked so lovely holding that babe, caressing his cheeks, and nuzzling his hair. Her nature was so sweet and gentle. I was sure it was going to be hell getting my omega to leave.
“Send for me if you need anything,” Demi said almost two hours later. “I can bring you something to eat or drink, or even just sit with the baby while you take a nap.”
Calia gave her a bright, sleepy smile. “I promise.”
“Come on, mate.” I held open the bedroom door, ushering her into the hallway.
“Can we come back tomorrow?” Demi asked the second the door shut behind us.
I couldn’t help but laugh. She knew I’d let her come back. I’d give her anything and everything she ever wanted. “Of course.”
