Come for Me 2 (The Hunt #2)

Chapter Thirty-Eight

Alaina

I t wasn’t even close to a nightmare. Hurt like a bitch but worth it with these tight little hands curling around mine. Evan Mason Taylor came fast, thankfully.

I look down lovingly at the new life we’ve made.

Dax stares in amazement and kisses me on the forehead.

I can’t help but laugh as Dax shows off his creation to Sam, Taya, and Ash, who all admire the little prince. Dax went from “touch my pregnant mate and die” to “look what I got” and “feel how strong his grip is” with Evan’s arrival.

Grandpa Ash wanders over to me. “He’s beautiful, Alaina.” He places a kiss on my forehead. “You did good.”

I smile up at him.

Ash walks back over to Dax and Dax hands Evan over to him. It’s probably the first time I’ve seen Ash smile. Our closeness doesn’t erase the fact that he associates me with his loss. Ridden with guilt and sadness over a relationship we both missed out on. But when he sees Evan, those chubby cheeks become proof of joy in my life despite his absence.

He’s shared all the stories he could bear to share about my mother. And I don’t feel the urge to press for more anymore. Now, I truly know she’s watching over me, and we’ll get our chance to sit on that tree and talk about it all.

Ash hands Evan back to Dax.

“Want to scare your Uncle Grumpy?” Dax asks Evan in a baby voice and practically shoves Evan in Sam’s hands.

And Sam has no idea how to hold a baby.

“What do I do with it?” Sam looks around us wide-eyed and panicked.

Dax snickers.

After Sam squirms long enough, Taya finally reaches for Evan. “Oh my, here. Give him to me.”

Taya, naturally and comfortably holds Evan, smiling and baby talking to him. Evan’s sharp claws almost scratching her face.

Sam is in awe of Taya’s ability.

All are crowded around him, when Dax comes to my side, rubbing his hand from my forehead back to my hairline. “You did so good. I’m so proud of you.”

My eyes getting heavy, I respond with a sleepy smile.

He chuckles and lays a kiss on my forehead. “Get some rest. We’ll be here when you wake up.”