Page 20 of The Wolf's Captive

A gasp left me as the little girl fell, dropping into my waiting arms. Her skin had an awful tinge of blue and she remained floppy in my arms. The midwife was beside me, reaching for the baby. I growled, knocking her hand away and leaning over the girl.

Pressing my hand against her chest, I whispered an oxygen spell and saw her little heart. A bright pink light surrounded the organ, hugging and enveloping it until it started to beat on its own.

Tears poured down my face as the baby gasped and erupted into a pained screech. I placed my lips on her head and whispered a healing spell, sobbing myself when her pain subsided and the cry turned into a regular protest.

Looking up at the midwife, I nodded when she held out a clean towel. I moved to the side to allow her to do her job. As soon as the chord was cut, she bundled the baby up and gave her to her mother, who was sobbing loudly.

“Merci beaucoup,” she said, shaking her head as she stared at her little girl.

My throat closed, making it hard for me to reply. Instead, I smiled and nodded before placing my hand back on her stomach. I checked to make sure that her wolf genes had healed the wound from the silver and that her bleeding was normal.

“I’ll take it from here,” the midwife said, squeezing my shoulder.

Wiping the tears from my face, I stood and glanced at Malone, who had a film of water over his eyes. He opened his arms to me, smiling when I looked down at myself and laughed. I was covered in all manner of things. It didn’t matter, he still grabbed me to him, holding my head against his chest as I calmed my shaking body.

“You’re a miracle worker,” he whispered. “An angel.”

“Some would disagree, considering I’m a witch.”

His chuckle moved his chest, and I clung to him as I sobbed gently, happy and sad all at the same time. It was so good to be back in the arms of my man, my fated mate.

“Della,” Louis called from beside the bed, “please come.”

Releasing Malone, I went over to the new parents. The man reached out and gripped my hand, shaking it over and over. “Merci, merci. Thank you so much!”

Smiling, I nodded, more interested in the mother and baby. Sabine was sat up, resting against the dark wooden headboard. Her hair was stuck to her forehead and her skin was pale, but the glowing smile that radiated spoke volumes.

“Thank you,” she said in a strong French accent, “you saved our lives. How can we repay you?”

Dismissing her with a wave, I smiled and looked down into the bundle of blanket. The tiny baby girl was stretching her eyes and moving her mouth, looking for food. Her precious little features brought another lump to my throat.

“Just keep her safe,” I whispered, holding back the tears that threatened.

Sabine slipped her hand in mine and smiled broadly. “I shall never forget you, Della. We shall name our little one Dellana, after you.”

Oh, crappity crap. The tears exploded from me, dribbling down my face as my namesake started to whinge, ordering her mama to feed her.

“Thank you,” I whispered. “It’s an honour. I’ll leave the madam to her breakfast.”

Bowing, I returned to Malone, who waited by the door.

Louis joined us, blowing a kiss to his brand new niece as we left the room.

Once outside, he clasped my shoulder, cringing when he ran his gaze over my mucky attire. “I cannot begin to thank you enough. However, the first thing I can do, is offer you a shower and a chance to change into fresh clothes.”

Smiling, I nodded, trying not to wince. Yes, I could do with freshening up before we headed to the airport. The airport!

“We’ve missed our flight,” I said to Malone, not regretting it in the slightest.

He shrugged, obviously feeling the same euphoria. I had never seen a baby being born before. It was beyond a miracle and being able to save lives added a whole new layer to my own life.

“You must stay for the party,” Louis insisted, “and then use my private jet to get home tomorrow.”

“Party?” I’d only been to one of his parties a couple of days ago.

Smirking because he understood what thought had gone through my mind, he shook his head. “This is a more private affair to welcome the baby. You would be our guest of honour.”

My cheeks warmed as he watched me, all doe eyed. Malone’s hackles rose, his back stiffening. The sight of the pair almost made me laugh, but I held it in, knowing full well that my mate needed to see me strong by his side.