Valencia!

Twenty

Valencia lay in her hospital bed, watching her mother sway gently in place with baby Alaric nestled in her arms. The soft glow from the early afternoon sun filtered through the window, casting golden rays across the white linens and pastel walls. Ty slept soundly on the sleeper sofa nearby, snoring lightly, his body finally catching up with rest after nearly twenty-four hours without sleep.

“Are you seriously going to make us watch a car seat video, Mom?” Valencia asked, half-amused, half-annoyed, her voice tinged with exhaustion. Her mother chuckled, eyes twinkling as she glanced down at the swaddled newborn in her arms. “Hospital policy, sweetheart. Not mine.”

Just then, her father stepped in, peeking over his wife’s shoulder to get another look at his new grandson. He whistled low and gave a dramatic shake of his head. “I’m going to be honest with you, Valen, this little grandpup is already cuter than you and Griffin combined.”

Valencia gasped in mock offense. “That’s so mean!” she laughed, shaking her head. Her father just shrugged, pressing a kiss to his wife’s cheek. “Just telling it like it is.”Sydney, Ty’s mother, looked up from her spot near the window where she’d been sipping tea, her eyes sparkling with playful competitiveness. “Alright, now, it’s been thirty minutes. It’s my turn.”

Valencia’s mom walked over and gently passed Alaric into Sydney’s waiting arms. “I’m getting hungry anyway. Do you want anything from the cafeteria, Valen?” “Coffee, please,” Valencia said with a sigh, starting to swing her legs off the bed.

Her mother was at her side instantly. “Valen, you need to stay in bed for a few days, if not weeks. You need to heal, sweetheart.” Valencia groaned. “I don’t want to just sit here. It’s boring.” Her mother responded with a firm flick to the forehead. “Doctor’s orders.” Her father pointed at her with mock sternness. “You better listen to your mother.”

“Fine, fine,” Valencia relented with a small smile. “Just bring me coffee, and maybe one for Ty too?” Her mother nodded, already halfway out the door. Sydney beamed down at the bundle in her arms. “My baby boy has the prettiest blue eyes,” she cooed. “I could look at you all day, Alaric.”

From the couch, Ty stirred with a yawn. “Mom, I’m starting to get a little jealous,” he said groggily and Valencia giggled. “Well, you should be. Your reign is over.” Sydney held Alaric up just enough for Ty to see his face. “Tell your dad we don’t need him anymore, Alaric. It’s just you and me now.”

Ty scoffed, rubbing his eyes. “Jeez, Mom. It’s like that?” “Yep,” she said with a grin. “How long was I out?” Ty asked as he stood and stretched. “Only a few hours,” Valencia replied. He walked over, leaned down to kiss her gently, and then sat on the edge of the bed, brushing a hand through her hair. “How are you feeling?”

“Better now that you’re awake,” she replied with a tired smile. “You did such a good job, Valen,” he murmured. “I’m going to be honest, though . . . I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to go through that again.” Valencia shoved his shoulder playfully. “Wimp.”

“My mom said I can leave tonight if I promise to stay on bedrest. I just have to watch a stupid car seat video first,” she added, rolling her eyes. “Well, if that’s what we’ve got to do to get out of here, let’s do it.” Ty kissed her hair and grabbed the remote from the nightstand.

Valencia hadn’t been prepared for just how chaotic life would become once they brought Alaric home. Balancing schoolwork, late-night feedings, and caring for a newborn had turned her world upside down. Ty had returned to work, and although he was as involved and loving as ever, the long hours meant she often found herself running on empty.

Thank the Goddess for Sydney. Ty’s mother had some to stay with them again from the moment they brought Alaric home. Valencia couldn’t imagine handling everything without her. She hadn’t even considered putting Alaric into a human daycare. The idea made her stomach twist.

One evening, as Valencia bounced Alaric in her arms, Ty came in and kissed her on the forehead as he passed. “Hey, Valon. We got something from Pine Ridge.” He handed her a thick hunter green envelope with gold script across the front.

Valencia carefully opened it, revealing an invitation tucked inside. The moment she saw the crest stamped in wax, her breath caught. It was for Maximus and Griffin’s succession ceremony. Her heart thudded painfully. That meant every pack member, herself included, was expected to attend.

Ty studied her face. “You okay?” “Yeah,” she replied too quickly, her eyes still fixed on the ornate lettering. “Just thinking.” “You nervous about going back home?” Valencia nodded. “It’s just . . . easier here. Quiet . . .”

Ty kissed the top of her head. “I know what you mean.” “It’s been so peaceful,” she murmured. “I haven’t had to think about him. About any of it.” Ty didn’t say anything. He just rubbed her arm gently and let her sit with the weight of it. Then, louder, he added, “It’ll be fun. We’ll throw a big party at my mom’s, right, Mom?”

From down the hallway, Sydney’s voice rang out, “No, you won’t.” “Come on, Mom,” Ty called back. She walked into the room holding Alaric, grinning wide. “Fine . . . but only if I get to keep Alaric for the night.” “Deal! No take backs!” Ty laughed. “How old are you? Two?” she teased.

Valencia smiled, warmth filling her chest. It was chaotic and messy and exhausting, but she loved this life they had built. Even if it hadn’t gone the way she imagined, it was hers steady. Soild. “Hey, Mrs. S,” she said, turning toward Sydney. “Ty and I were thinking . . . we’re going to upgrade to a three-bedroom apartment soon. That way you finally have your own space.”

Sydney bounced Alaric on her hip and gave a gentle shrug. “I don’t mind sleeping in the living room. I’ve gotten used to my little setup.” “Well, I want you to be comfortable,” Valencia replied, more serious now. “I’m not ready for you to leave us yet and my parents agreed to it already.”

Technically, she was an adult. Eighteen almost nineteen, a new mom . . . but she didn’t feel ready to do this without help. Not yet. Sydney kissed Alaric’s tiny nose. “I’m not going anywhere, honey. The love of my life lives right here.” She smiled at the baby in her arms.

“Ahh, thanks, Mom. You’re the best,” Ty said sarcastically. Sydney glared at him, but the grin tugging at her mouth gave her away. “You’re lucky I love you, Tylon.” Valencia leaned back against the couch cushions and closed her eyes, listening to the sound of Ty and Sydney teasing each other, the soft gurgles of her son, and the distant hum of the city outside their apartment windows. For the first time in days, she let herself relax.

But her mind kept drifting back to the invitation on the table. To the name embossed in gold. Maximus Calloway. The ceremony was coming. And with it, everything she’d been running from. Her quiet peace was temporary. Soon, she’d have to go home. Soon, she'd have to face the truth.