Valencia!

Nineteen

The late afternoon sun had barely dipped below the horizon when Valencia stepped through the front door, exhausted from a long day of classes. She dropped her bag onto the kitchen counter and called out, her voice strained.

“Mrs. Sydney!” From the porch, Sydney peeked her head in, concern flashing across her face. “What is it, Valen? Are you alright?”

Valencia clutched her belly, her face pale with discomfort. “I think I might be having the baby.” Sydney blinked, clearly startled. “But sweetheart, you still have a few weeks befor-” Her words trailed off as she watched Valencia double over, gripping the counter as a contraction seized her body.

“Oh honey,” Sydney said, already pulling out her phone. “Looks like I was wrong. We’re having a baby today.” Valencia shuffled toward her room, wincing with each step as she dragged the pre-packed hospital bags out to the living room. She tried to focus through the pain, breathing as she’d been taught, though nothing about this felt manageable.

“Tylon’s on his way,” Sydney said from the hallway. “Sit down and try to relax, honey. He’ll be here soon.” Valencia sank onto the couch, curling over her belly as another contraction tore through her. “Why does it hurt so much?” she muttered with a strained, hollow laugh, attempting to make light of it. But the truth was, the pain was worse than she’d imagined.

“I know, sweetheart. Just breathe. We’ll get you to the hospital as soon as Ty gets here,” Sydney soothed, brushing back a few loose hairs from Valencia’s damp forehead. The front door flew open moments later, and Ty came rushing in, his eyes wide with panic.

“Valon, are you okay? Are you in pain?” He asked, already crossing the room to her side. She nodded, unable to speak. “Okay. Alright.” He was clearly flustered. “Let’s get you into the car. Mom, you help her to the elevator . . . I’ll grab the bags.”

Sydney slid an arm under Valencia’s and helped her to the building’s elevator, whispering calm encouragement the entire way. In the backseat of the car, she sat with Valencia, holding her hand through each contraction.

“Oh honey, they’re getting tighter,” Sydney said, her voice soft with concern. “Try to relax as much as you can. Your mom’s on her way, but it’ll take her a bit to get here.” Valencia gave a weak laugh, tears in her eyes. “It just hurts so bad.”

Sydney nodded. “You’re having an Alpha pup, sweetheart. There’s a reason Alphas don’t tend to have many children. Their strength shows up even in labor.” Valencia nearly passed out during the next contraction. When they arrived at the hospital, the staff immediately led them to a private birthing suite, one her parents had reserved well in advance.

The room was spacious and luxurious, but Valencia barely noticed. The contractions were relentless now, each one stealing more of her energy. A nurse helped her into the hospital bed while Ty placed the bags on a side chair, then pulled one closer to Valencia’s bedside and took her hand.

Hours passed in a blur of pain, breathing, and tension. Ty remained by her side, doing everything he could, though his horrified expression made her laugh through the tears, until another contraction hit and stole her breath.

Then the door burst open, and her mother rushed in. “Hey, sweet girl,” she cooed gently, brushing the sweat-dampened hair from Valencia’s face. “How are we doing?” Valencia gave a weak nod, unable to speak. Ty looked like he was barely holding it together.

“Mom,” Valencia gasped between contractions, “why does it hurt so much? The pain meds aren’t doing anything.” Her mother gave her a knowing, bittersweet smile. “You’re having a pup, sweetheart. This isn’t like a typical human birth. It’s different.”

She turned to the nurse. “I’ll be taking over now. Valen, I need you to listen to me. We’re going to get through this, but I need you to focus.” Valencia nodded, her body trembling. “I feel like I’m going to pass out.” “You might,” her mother admitted gently. “This takes a toll on the body, especially yours. But we’ll make it through. You’re strong, my sweet girl.”

A contraction hit hard, and this time Valencia couldn’t stay conscious. Darkness swept over her, pulling her under. When she woke, the room was dim, quiet except for the beeping monitor beside her and the soft murmur of voices. Her mother was suited in full birthing gear, her expression a mix of calm and concern.

“Hey, Valen. Welcome back,” she said with a hint of worry in her voice. “Now that you’re awake, I need you to push with the next contraction, okay?” Valencia nodded, her body still trembling. The tightening started again, another contraction.

“Push, Valen,” her mother instructed, while Ty and Sydney each took a hand and anchored her. “It hurts so much,” Valencia sobbed. Sydney stroked her hair gently. “It’ll all be over soon, sweetheart. You’re doing amazing.” With a breath, Valencia pushed. The pain was unbearable. Her body shook violently from the effort.

“I don’t think I can do this anymore,” she whimpered. Her mother didn’t waver. “You can do this. It’s too late to stop now. You’re almost there. Just breathe.” Valencia let out a sob, but nodded. The next contraction came, and she pushed again . . . harder, longer. The pressure finally broke, and a wave of relief rolled through her.

Then, a sound that shattered the silence. A baby’s cry. Her mother laughed gently. “Oh, he’s so handsome, Valen. You did such a good job, my sweet girl.” The nurse wiped the baby clean while her mother gently cleared his nose.

“Do you want to cut the cord, Tylon?” her mother asked without looking up. Ty looked faint, his face drained of all color. “N-no ma’am. I’m good.” Even through her exhaustion, Valencia let out a soft laugh.

Her mother turned to her, swaddling the tiny newborn. “Do you want to hold your little boy, Valen?” Valencia nodded, arms outstretched. Her pup was placed on her chest, his little body wriggling before settling into her warmth. Tears welled in her eyes as her arms curled protectively around him.

“I love him so much,” she whispered through sobs, overwhelmed by the surge of emotion. Ty leaned in, brushing her hair back behind her ear with a trembling hand. “He’s perfect, Valen.” He gently touched the infant’s dark hair. “Just like you.”

Her mother looked up. “Have you picked a name?” Valencia looked at Ty, her heart full. “Alaric. After Tylon’s father.” Sydney let out a choked sob. “Oh . . . my goodness. What a blessing.” Ty moved to comfort his mother, wrapping an arm around her as tears streamed down her face.

Valencia looked at them, this makeshift family that had supported her, carried her, and never left. And as her eyes fluttered closed, exhaustion overtaking her again, her final thought was simple, pure, and full of peace: He’s everything I never knew I needed.