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My baby was here.

The relief that washed over me was indescribable. Tears streamed down my face as I collapsed back into the bed, my body limp from the effort, my chest heaving as I gasped for air.

The nurse gently placed my baby into my arms, and for a moment, time stood still. My heart was so full I didn't know how to contain it. I looked down and felt an overwhelming sense of love and protection wash over me. This little person was mine to care for. My world had changed forever.

"Congratulations, Avery," the nurse said with a warm smile. "You've just given birth to a healthy baby boy."

Tears streamed down my cheeks, a mixture of exhaustion and joy flooding my senses as I cradled my son close. I was still crying, but I didn't care. The moment was perfect. Everything had led up to this moment—and now, here he was. My baby.

"Hey there, little one," I whispered softly, kissing the top of his head as he settled into my arms, his tiny hand wrapping around my finger.

I was beyond tired—every muscle in my body screamed for rest— but at the moment nothing else mattered. "You did good love" I heard Danny whisper in my ear.

Turning to him I gave him a tired smile that held more gratitude than I could express.

The doctors  had given us a moment before taking him to do the necessary checks on my little bundle of joy. It was surreal, everything happening so fast, and yet it felt like the world had slowed down just for us.

"Here you go mom, everything seems to be in tact ten fingers, ten toes, vitals are perfect" she informed me handing me my baby. If your milk in you can begin nursing but I advise you to get some sleep for now".

SLEEP? at a time like this?

"I know that look Avery just do what the nurse says go to sleep so you have enough energy to look after your little one because god knows after you leave this hospital how much sleep you're going to get"

I didn't want to admit it, but he was right. Sleep felt like the furthest thing from my mind, but I knew he was right.

"Okay just keep an eye out for me please" I asked "Of course love" I watched as they took and placed my now sleeping baby in the cot to lie down then reluctantly I closed my eyes immediately falling asleep.

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The hours passed in a haze. I was woken periodically to feed and rock my son back to sleep. It was the most peaceful and exhausting thing I'd ever experienced. By the time the morning light began to filter through the hospital windows, I was ready to go home.

Danny always one step ahead had already loaded up the car, his movements quick and purposeful.

He left to pick up Sophie from the baby care unit, Soon, I saw them walking toward me, Sophie in her stroller babbling happily at the camera he was pointing at her.

"And look who it is—mother and child," Danny teased, turning the camera to me, his voice light. "Let's get these munchkins home."

I couldn't help but smile as he filmed us. "Look, baby," I said softly, speaking to my newborn son, "you ready to go home?"

"That man right there is Mommy's best friend. He's your godfather, and in the stroller is your big sister. Even though she's five months older than you, I know you'll protect her."

Danny chuckled and shook his head.

"Lets go home"

___________________________________________________________________________

"Alright, Mummy's alpha, it's nap time," I said as I headed upstairs to the nursery. Carefully laying him down in his crib. I watched him for a moment, mesmerized by how peaceful he looked, before I slipped out of the room, closing the door gently behind me.

Downstairs, Danny was making lunch for us, the delicious scent of chicken Alfredo filling the air. I couldn't help but rush to the kitchen, scooping up a steaming bowl and diving in.

Creeping out just in time to see Danny place a steaming bowl of chicken Alfredo I ran to it scarfing it down like animal. Danny's chuckling made me look up and glare at him. "Those hospital foods are shit I deserve to wolf it down. Pun intended"

My wolf is on edge she hadn't been let out in eight long months, and every fiber of my being wanted to shift, to run free. But I couldn't—not yet. Our little one needed me, and I would be patient.

"Okay, okay, you're right," Danny said, his tone teasing. "But I do have one question for you. Are you going to tell your parents?"

At that, I froze, the fork still in my hand. The idea of telling them sent a wave of dread through me. "Danny... if I call them, he's going to know where I am."

"Not exactly," Danny said, his voice softer now. "My friends introduced me to this new app. It lets you call anyone for free, and the number they give you can't be traced. It'll show up as a Florida number."

"Really?'

"Yeah you should try it out"

Without hesitation, I grabbed my phone, downloaded the app, and quickly signed up. I hesitated for a moment, then dialed my parents' number.

"Hello?" My mom's cheery voice sounded so hollow, so lifeless. A wave of guilt crashed over me. I hadn't realized just how much I missed her until I heard her voice.

"Mom," I croaked, my throat tight with emotion.

"Oh my gosh, Avery! You're okay? Where are you, baby? I've missed you so much. Your father and I were so worried sick!" Her words were frantic, filled with the worry I'd put them through.

"I know mom and I'm sorry I just had to leave but yes I'm okay."

"Where are you honey?  Please come home."

"Mom I can't tell you where I am and I can't come home. Camden rejected me and basically banished me from coming back,  maybe one day I will".

"Okay baby your dad wants to talk to you" I could hear her crying.

"Baby girl"  dad's deep voice came through the phone.

"Daddy" My voice cracked as I said it. I'd always been a daddy's girl.

"Oh sweetie I was worried sick but I understand why you left and after what that alpha fool said to you i'm glad you did. You take care of yourself and that baby of yours, I have to go Luna Alice just pulled up, love you princess" and just like that he hung up leaving me shocked.

And with that, he was gone. I stared at my phone in shock. He believed me. He supported me. He didn't want me to go back to Camden.

"How did it go?" Danny's voice pulled me from my thoughts. I rolled my eyes, my exhaustion catching up to me. "Like you don't know how it went. You heard the whole conversation."

"I was just trying to give you some privacy," Danny said with a chuckle. "But your parents believe you. That's all that matters."

"Your right, hey I just had an idea let's put some cameras into the nursery and the den you know "You're right," I sighed, rubbing my face. "Hey, I have an idea. Let's put cameras in the nursery and the den, you know, where the babies spend most of their time. That way we can capture all those little moments as they grow."

"I like it," Danny said, his grin widening. "Let's do it."

And that's exactly how we spent the rest of the afternoon—setting up cameras to document our little ones as they grew.

I love this name Chakar. What do you guys think?

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