Duke’s POV

“Daddy...where did mommy go?” I was so engrossed in rage and disappointment that I didn’t even notice Cooper come into the room.

“He just went on a walk, buddy. He’ll be back soon” I don’t know who I was trying to assure more, me or him. Luckily Cooper just nodded and left me alone to deal with my thoughts. I guess I was a little harsh with Jules. No matter how frustrated I get, I shouldn’t speak out of anger or things will be said that I don’t necessarily mean.

I just want things to get better. Is it wrong for me to want to know about his progression in his pregnancy? I can’t help it if I’m being a little overprotective. I’ve never been in this position before. I would cry myself to death if I ever let something happen to my mate and children. Imagine that, one of the most fearsome Alphas brought to tears at the mere thought of losing his family. I’ve already lost so many people, and I’m not willing to lose anyone else.

Cooper played in his room and his occasional giggles brought me some comfort in my grief and muddled up state. Right when I was about to give in and chase after my omega and mate so that we could actually talk and resolve our issues, Julian barged into my house looking like he just ran a marathon.

In between pants he frantically shouted at me, “Duke! Jules’ water just broke. The baby is on its way right now. C’mon!”

I’m pretty sure I just sat there and blinked at him slowly before actually processing what he said and then jumped up and grabbed the baby bag and our son. I quickly ran with the bag and Cooper in an arm each. Cooper looked startled at first but just laughed as if this was some fun ride, completely unaware of the seriousness of the situation. I didn’t check to make sure, but judging from the loud gasps for air behind me, Julian was right on my tail. This baby has a real great sense of timing.

I was so relieved when I finally saw the manor and quickened my pace. I don’t think I’ve ever ran so fast in my whole life. I pushed open the door and paused as I realised I had no clue where Jules would be. I hated being so out of control. I didn’t have to wait long before Julian led me up a flight of stairs and into a room where I could see Jules gripping the hand of his father in pain. I instantly panicked on the inside thinking of the worst. There was already a midwife on the other side of Jule’s bed so I calmed down a little realising that if something was wrong she would probably be more frantic.

Jules’ face slowly returned to a passive state and his eyes finally opened. I could see the relief in his eyes at the sight of me, “Duke…”

“Don’t worry about it baby, I’ve already forgiven you and I hope that you could forgive me as well. I know things aren’t completely resolved, but that is a conversation for after this baby is born. How are you fairing?” He calmed down a little and I saw him take a deep breath.

“I forgive you. I think I forgave you a long time ago, I was just being stubborn. During the contractions the pain is terrible and excruciating, but at other times the feeling is still present but more dull. The midwife was telling me that some births can take more than twenty-four hours, but I think our baby is going to be here quite soon. I’m nervous” Everything in me was screaming at me to go and comfort my mate.

I noticed that Alpha Julian moved from his position to male room for me which I smiled gratefully at him for. I sat down on the chair readjusting the little boy who was still under my arms so that he was now sitting comfortably on my lap.

“Yeah! You guys better make amends and start being all lovey dovey to each other again! I just ran 1,000 miles and it is not going to be for nought” Our heads shot up to meet the glare of Julian in the doorway. His face was still red and dripping sweat.

“Thank you Julian, you’re the best brother” Jules praised his older brother who seemed to preen at the compliment like an egoistic peacock.

“I know. I am so going to rub it in Jude’s face that you like me better than him!” Julian put on a mischievous face and none of us had the heart to tell him that Jude probably wouldn’t care in the slightest.

“Well I think you might need to tell Jude later as I’m pretty sure this baby is tearing my insides apart to get out at this moment” Jules screamed in pain at what I’m assuming was a very harsh bout of contractions. Tears escaped and ran down his cheeks as he squeezed my hand until it was dust.

Cooper started getting really concerned, “Baby is hurting mommy?”

“No...well yes, but in a good way? What am I even saying? The baby is not doing it on purpose, it just is really excited to meet us.” Jules stopped his lame explanation and looked at me with pleading eyes. I didn’t say anything because I didn’t really know how to solve the situation myself.

Lucky for us Alpha Julian seemed to take pity on us and scooped his grandson up, “Come on Cooper I think we should go have fun by ourselves now. Don’t worry about mommy, he’s perfectly fine. How about we make some biscuits for him and the baby?”

Before Cooper had the chance to complain, Alpha Julian rushed out of the room and I could focus on my mate completely.

“Umm...so..I’m just gonna--” Julian awkwardly pointed after his father and nephew before running out the door and after them. I guess he wasn’t willing to witness the wonders of childbirth. Hell, I don’t think I’m willing to witness that to be honest.

⯀

After another excruciating hour of labor the baby was finally here, and they were one of the most precious things I had ever laid my eyes on. I almost cried when I got to hold her for the first time, and I definitely cried when I saw Jules hold her for the first time. It’s a moment I will never forget.

“A girl...I never imagined that we would have a girl, and she just seems like she is going to be an omega” I whispered quietly to Jules.

“I really wanted it to be a boy or at least an Alpha heir for you, but I can’t say that I’m disappointed with this outcome” Jules smiled tiredly at me.

“Don’t worry yourself about those things Jules. We can always have more children if you’d like. An alpha heir would be nice, I’m not going to pretend like it’s not something my heart and instincts desire, but we have the rest of time together. Right now it is time to be overjoyed with the little girl that we actually have right here” He nodded at me and he seemed entranced by the little being, not that I could blame him.

“What should we name her?” He asked me without taking his eyes off of her.

“What about Paisley. It was my grandmother’s name” I suggested after thinking of one of the strongest female figures that was once in my life.

“Hmm, I love it. How about Paisley Ciara McAlpine?” I squeezed his hand in agreement, just enjoying the peace that little Paisley brought us.

Our silence was quickly broken by boisterous excitement coming from our family. Alpha Julian smiled down at his granddaughter with pride and tears in his eyes. Cooper seemed confused by his sister, but at least he didn't demand us to get rid of her. Julian seemed the least moved to tears, instead he just screamed excited.

“A girl! I can’t wait to teach her all sorts of important things like how her uncle Julian is much better than her uncle Jude in every way. Oh also I’m going to teach her early on that she shall not draw various objects eating my legs off like a certain devil-like child” Julian clapped his hands.

“I resent that statement” Jude surprised us with his presence. Who knew he would be able to stop stuffing his face long enough to greet his new niece, “I am obviously the better Uncle as I am going to introduce her to all the delicacies and treats that the culinary world has to offer”

Hopefully our daughter wouldn’t end up exploding after spending a day with Jude, but at least he seemed interested in becoming more involved with his family. I can’t wait for all of the new experiences that I will have. It seems like my meager family has grown exponentially in the past year and it was the exact thing that my heart needed.

⬛

5 years Later

Jules’ POV

“Cooper please stop wrapping your brother up in that blanket. Paisley I already told you that it was time to take a bath two times now. I will not hesitate to put you in time out and forbid you from eating dessert tomorrow” I scolded my rambunctious children.

“Sorry Mommy, I’ll be good” Cooper unwrapped his two year old brother quickly with a guilty smile on his face.

“Thank you” I ruffled his hair before picking up my precious little baby boy so that he was no longer subjected to the tortures of his older brother.

Donal was born two years ago, and he is the saint that I wished for after Paisley turned out to be quite the handful. Donal is our Alpha and the heir to the McAlpine pack, and he shares many personality traits with his father. He’s quiet and often grumpy when he hasn’t had his fill. He looks scarily similar to Duke as well. Despite being a powerful Alpha one day, I believe that Donal will always be my little baby. He’s certainly clingy after all.

Paisley is a reckless child and she never fails to give me a heart attack whenever I find her climbing up things she shouldn’t be. Her and Cooper also fight like their lives depend on it and it drives me insane. Paisley has cute little brown locks and is quite the chubby girl. I find it absolutely adorable, and not surprising at all considering Jude has managed to pass on his love of food to her. The two of them tend to bond over stuffing their stomachs full.

Cooper is still the same happy go lucky boy that he was when I first met him. He loves his grandfather more than Duke and me combined which makes it hard for him that my father has to be away from us most of the time. When he visits, the two of them can’t be separated at all. Cooper is still as hyper as ever and loves to go on family runs in our wolf form. He’s just the cutest thing ever. All of our children are. Maybe I should just keep them all to myself so that they can’t ever leave my arms.

“What are you thinking about?” I felt the arms of my Alpha encase me in warmth and comfort. I instantly melted into his arms, trusting that he would hold me up perfectly fine. I kissed him softly and sweetly.

“Our family. I never thought that I would be able to have all of this. I never even thought that I’d be able to see beyond my family’s manor. This is a dream come true” I smiled up at him with a look that I hoped shared all of the love in my heart.

“You’re my dream come true, Jules” Duke whispered to me, and it was almost like we hadn’t aged a bit. All of our problems and the chaos of the world amounted to nothing when we had eachother. Once I found the taste of freedom there was no going back, and I never wanted to.