A gunshot rings out as my stepfather is pushed down by Ryker.
My stepfather attempts to surrender, raising his hands, but Ryker shows him no mercy. In a swift motion, Ryker's teeth close around my stepfather's neck, and all I see is my stepfather's head flying across the room, slamming into the wall, and leaving a gruesome splatter of blood that trickles down the surface, with his head rolling across the floor.
Ryker shifts back into his human form and rushes to me, swiftly unlocking the cuffs that have held me captive.
'The baby, it's coming,' I tell him urgently. 'I need to push.'
'You're safe now. I'm here now,' Ryker reassures me. 'You can do this!'
I nod and summon all my strength to push during the next contraction.
'I can see the head!' Ryker exclaims. 'Come on, babe! One more push!' He encourages.
With all my might, I push, and the baby slides into Ryker's waiting hands, crying. 'You did it!' Ryker says proudly, wrapping his shirt around the baby and gently placing our newborn in my arms.
He sits down beside me, and together, we gaze down in awe at our perfect, very big baby boy. 'Wow! He is one big baby,' Ryker remarks, his voice filled with amazement.
'An Alpha like his daddy,' I smile, my heart brimming with joy.
'No wonder your belly was so huge,' Ryker says with a chuckle. 'I've already mind-linked the pack doctor and the others. We'll have you and our son home soon,' he assures me, his smile radiant.
'I can't believe this not-so-little boy is our son! What are we going to name him?' I ask Ryker, my eyes fixed on the bundle of joy in my arms, filled with awe and fascination.
Ryker considers it for a moment. 'What about Magnus? It's a tough, strong name and also means 'large,' very fitting for a future Alpha, I think,' he suggests.
'Alpha Magnus, I like it!' I smile, finding the name perfect for our little Alpha.
'Then it is settled, baby Magnus it is,' Ryker declares proudly.
The pack doctor arrives, and Ryker takes the honor of cutting the umbilical cord. We drive back to the packhouse, and we're greeted by half the town, eager to catch a glimpse of the future Alpha.
'I know you all are keen to meet the future Alpha of the pack, but Astrid and the baby need rest after the ordeal they've just been through,' Ryker announces, his authoritative tone resonating.
'Is it a boy or a girl?' someone in the crowd shouts out.
'It's a boy,' Ryker proudly announces, his chest swelling with pride.
The crowd of pack members erupts in cheers and excitement.
'Unless you live in the pack house, then please go back home. You'll have your chance to meet the baby throughout the week,' Ryker requests.
The crowd, though disappointed, shows understanding and eventually parts to let us through. I carry baby Magnus in my arms and enter our home.
We enter the packhouse, our excited packhouse members following closely behind. I settle into a comfortable armchair in the lounge, and Ryker crouches down next to me, gently stroking our baby's thick brown hair. Seth, Kane, Mia, and Hayley gather around, their eyes filled with anticipation, as I carefully unwrap our bundle of joy. As the wrappings fall away, gasps of astonishment fill the room.
'He's twice the size of a normal wolf pup!' Seth exclaims, his shock evident.
'No wonder you were eating ten meals a day, Astrid! It wasn't to feed you; it was to feed him!' Mia chuckles, her words drawing laughter from all of us as the truth dawns.
'We've already decided on a name,' I announce excitedly.
'What's his name?' Hayley eagerly inquires, her eyes wide with curiosity.
'We wanted a strong and tough name, fitting for a future Alpha. Given that he's already so big as a baby, we've chosen the name Magnus,' I tell them, a radiant smile spreading across my face.
'It's perfect!' Mia exclaims, her hands clasped in delight.
'Alpha Magnus—that's a very strong name,' Seth adds, with approval.
Hayley leans in closer, examining our baby. 'He has your bright green eyes, Astrid, and your dark hair,' she observes. 'But the rest of his features are all his dad's,' she notes, gesturing to Ryker.
'My perfect baby boy,' I say to her.
Ryker places his hand proudly on my shoulder, and we bask in the joy and love that fills the room, celebrating the arrival of our son, Alpha Magnus.
EPILOGUE
Amelia and I sit on the porch, sipping our tea, as we watch the playful scene unfold before us. Magnus is engaged in a spirited game with little Nina, who happens to be Amelia and Leon's daughter. They decided to name her Nina because she was such a tiny baby, and the name itself means 'little girl,' a choice that we all found endearing.
Laughter fills the air as little Nina takes a mouthful of water and playfully spouts it into Magnus's face. She cheekily pokes her tongue out at him and darts away, her giggles echoing as Magnus enthusiastically chases after her. He wipes the water from his face and shouts, 'Nina!' He babbles.
'It's amusing how different Nina and Magnus are from each other,' I remark to Amelia with a smile. 'Wouldn't it be interesting to see if the Moon Goddess chose them to be mates?' I add a touch of curiosity to my voice.
Amelia chuckles, her eyes twinkling. 'I don't know, Astrid. On every playdate, little Nina wears poor Magnus out. She's always playing pranks on him, so silly and cheeky, while he's so serious and sensible.'
A sudden urge beckons, and I smirk. 'I think I need to visit the she-wolf room again,' I announce.
'Me too!' Amelia chimes in.
We call for our mates, Ryker and Leon, to our side.
They hurry over, playfully pushing and shoving each other along the way.
'Is the baby coming? Are you okay?' Ryker asks, worried.
I rest my hand on my swollen belly, ready to give birth any day now. 'No, I'm fine. I just can't get out of this chair, and I need to use the she-wolf room,' I explain.
'Again! This is like the tenth time in the last hour, Astrid,' Ryker teases, his laughter filling the air.
I shoot him a playful glare. 'Well, next time, you can carry the baby in your belly and try not to pee every five minutes!' I retort.
Ryker chuckles and extends his hand to help me up, planting a loving kiss on my lips. Meanwhile, Amelia faces Leon with a similar predicament, her hand resting on her swollen belly.
Just then, a sudden rush of water cascades down my legs, and Ryker and I exchange glances, our smiles growing. 'Are you ready for baby number two?' Ryker asks me.
I respond by passionately kissing him on the lips. 'I am ready for baby number three!' I declare with a joyful smile.’
The End
The next chapter is the second book of the series called: 'The Alpha Who Cursed His Mate'