Fated for Her Wolves - Tara West Page 0,85
placed the rosy-cheeked cherub in her arms.
“Great Ancients,” she breathed and pulled out a breast. “Then why was I so big?”
He patted her stomach and sat opposite Hakon. “All those extra moose burgers.”
He was probably right, though she didn’t regret it. She’d exercise off the weight now that she could shift into a wolf again. Bjorn had weighed ten-and-a-half pounds, which was how he’d gotten his name, meaning “bear.” But her girl appeared healthy and strong and had a set of lungs to prove it.
Rone played with the babe’s thick tuft of light brown hair. “I think we should name her Astrid. It means strength and beauty.”
“A fitting name.” Amara chuckled when her tiny mouth found her nipple.
Luc came in with a wide-awake toddler in each arm. Drasko followed with the older boys, both yawning and rubbing their eyes. The dogs, including Annie’s husky Mako, and Max, carrying baby Buster by the scruff of his neck like a mother dog transporting her young showed up, too. They curled up in their beds beside the fire, resting their heads on their paws. Buster snuggled against Max.
“What are you boys doing up?” Hakon said, patting the bed.
“It’s too noisy outside,” Alexi said.
The wind howled louder as if to prove his point.
Luc placed Evin and Bjorn in a crib and handed them each a sippy cup and bottle, kissing the tops of their heads. Always a good baby, Evin took his sippy without a fuss, drinking while silently observing Amara through the mesh barrier. She blew him a kiss, pleased when the corners of his mouth turned up in a grin. Bjorn took a little more convincing to take his bottle, holding out his arms to Amara and begging for ‘mama.” Her heart broke for him, but she needed to focus on Astrid tonight, making sure her tiny baby got a healthy start. He finally lay down with his bottle and a stuffed bear.
Her oldest sons sat beside Hakon, peering over him at the baby as if Amara cradled an alien.
“Come say hi to your baby sister, Astrid,” she said. She wasn’t self-conscious about her breast hanging out. Her boys had seen her nursing their baby brothers.
Hrod crawled onto Hakon’s lap, frowning down at his sister. “She’s too small to be a baby.”
“She’s a baby. She’s just not big like you boys.” Rone gave them a stern look. “All the more reason for you to be gentle with her and help us watch over her.”
Her sons obediently nodded.
Hrod jabbed a thumb in his chest. “I’ll be her protector.” He let out a little roar.
She had to cover her mouth to hide her laughter. Her boys wouldn’t be able to shift until they reached puberty, but they were always pretending.
She kissed Rone’s cheek. His pride in their daughter made her love him all the more. “I’ve never had a baby latch on so easily,” she said as Astrid loudly suckled.
“That’s my girl.” Rone chuckled. “A natural eater.”
Alexi sat stoically beside his brother, scowling as if he’d just sucked on a sour lemon.
“What’s wrong, Alexi?” Hakon asked.
He looked crossly at Rone. “I can’t protect her.” He held up a puny arm. “I’m still a boy.”
She shared amused looks with her mates. “That’s okay. Your fathers will protect her until you get your shifting powers. For now, you can help me by fetching her blankie and letting us know when she starts to cry.”
Alexi solemnly nodded. “As soon as I can turn into a monster like our daddies, I’ll take over protecting her.”
Amara laughed. “Sounds like a deal.”
Rone gazed wistfully at their little angel. “Our family is complete.”
Amara couldn’t wait for Astrid to grow older so they could share mother/daughter moments. She’d had a vision of her once, dressed in pink. Amara would cherish and spoil her, unlike the way Amara’s birth mother had treated her.
How quickly her life had changed. It wasn’t long ago she was a lone wolf, and Luc had found her in that veterinary clinic and claimed her as his mate. She thought about the Spiritcallers and wondered if life had passed as quickly for them. Had they had enough time to stop and enjoy life, rather than long for the next milestones?
Alexi had managed to squeeze between her and Rone, and Hrod had slipped between her and Hakon. They wrapped their arms around her waist, nuzzling her like a litter of pups vying for her attention. Not wanting to be left out, Evin stood in his pen and held out his