Page 59 of Falling for White Claws

Through the mate bond, Kovrak felt her terror before she could voice it. His words faltered mid-sentence, his head turning sharply toward her, and when his gaze dropped to the growing wetness at her feet, understanding flashed across his features with fierce protectiveness.

“The babies,” she whispered, her voice barely audible over the murmur of confusion rippling through the crowd.

Without hesitation, Kovrak swept her into his arms as though she weighed nothing, his movements fluid despite the urgency thrumming through his body. His voice rang out across the stunned assembly, steady and commanding even as his heartbeat thundered against her cheek.

“The future heirs of the Auryx pride have chosen this day to make their entrance,” he announced, authority masking the barely controlled panic she could feel through their bond. “Let the celebration continue—we have new reasons to rejoice.”

Faith pressed her face against his neck as he carried her off the stage and back inside through the palace corridors, breathing in his familiar scent of cedar and strength while another contraction built low in her abdomen. The irony wasn’t lost on her—that their children would choose this day, this festival, the anniversary of the moment her entire life had pivoted.

It felt less like coincidence and more like destiny completing a perfect circle.

“They have impeccable timing,” she managed through gritted teeth as the contraction peaked.

The birthing chamber soon materialized around them in a blur of crisp linens and efficient movement. The healers swarmed with practiced calm, settling her onto the bed whileKovrak hovered at her side, his large hand engulfing hers and refusing to release it even when the healers suggested he might be more comfortable waiting outside.

“I’m not leaving her,” he growled, the alpha command in his tone brooking no argument. “Not for a second.”

Between contractions, Faith found herself caught between laughter and disbelief. Of all the moments their twins could have chosen to arrive—during council meetings, quiet mornings in their chambers, peaceful afternoons in the bakery—they had selected the most public, ceremonial day of the year.

“I think they wanted to make an entrance,” she gasped as another wave of pain crested.

Kovrak pressed a cool cloth to her forehead, his touch infinitely gentle despite the tension radiating from every inch of his powerful frame. “They get that from you.”

The contractions intensified, each one stealing her breath and sending fire through her lower back. Kovrak became her anchor—feeding her ice chips, whispering encouragement against her temple, his strength flowing through the mate bond to steady her when the pain threatened to overwhelm her completely.

“You’re incredible,” he murmured, his voice rough with emotion as she squeezed his hand hard enough to bruise. “So strong.”

When the head healer instructed her to push, time fractured into fragments—breath, effort, and Kovrak’s voice guiding her through the storm of sensation. The first cry shattered the tension like sunlight breaking through storm clouds, and suddenly there was weight against her chest, warm and impossibly small.

A daughter. Pale blue eyes like her father’s, soft golden hair catching the light, absolutely perfect in every way that mattered.

Kovrak’s composure cracked completely. Tears spilled freely down his face as he lifted the tiny infant with trembling hands, his expression raw with wonder and fierce protectiveness.

“She’s beautiful,” he whispered, his voice breaking. “So perfect.”

Another contraction surged, and moments later their son followed—dark hair like hers, warm brown eyes that blinked up at them with startling awareness. The symmetry felt profound, like the universe itself had whispered its approval of their union.

“What should we name them?” Kovrak asked, cradling their daughter while their son nestled against Faith’s chest.

“Henry,” Faith said without hesitation, gazing down at the dark-haired boy who had already wrapped tiny fingers around hers. “For our strong prince.”

“And Hailey,” Kovrak replied, his voice soft with reverence as he studied their daughter’s delicate features. “For our little princess.”

Exhaustion draped over Faith like a heavy blanket, but it was completely eclipsed by the overwhelming peace flooding her chest. Two perfect children, born from chaos and choice and love.

Kovrak leaned close, pressing a reverent kiss to her lips, his gaze radiant with devotion deeper than even the mate bond could contain.

“I love you,” he whispered against her mouth.

As Faith looked between her mate and their children, she understood with quiet certainty that every risk, every fear, and every impossible leap had led here—not just to queenship or partnership but to motherhood.

“I love you too,” she breathed against his lips. “Stepping through Gerri’s portal was the best decision I’ve ever made.”