As Leveret herded his enthusiastic and confused cousins into the hall, I grew nervous. But now I had something to distract myself with. I grabbed the new additions and dramatically arranged them until my phoenix soul was soothed.
Finally. A perfect nest—and it was all thanks to Leveret's family.
No...Myfamily.
Another cramp came. The waves of pain and peace mingled together like twin streams. My lower half tensed, but the agony of labor was calmed by the intensity of my flaring magic. Content with the pillow arrangement, I leaned back into bed and focused.
The baby was coming. I felt it.
Any moment now...
I shut my eyes, ready to push.
Then I felt a loving hand on top of mine. Leveret was right next to me. Otherwise, the room was empty. The pack waited eagerly outside because they didn't want to overwhelm me while I gave birth.
"Animus," he said warmly. "Everybody loved your plan. They all agreed to it."
Relief and joy washed over me.
That was good—because the baby was just about here, and so was the burst of magic required to put my plan into motion.
Leveret held my hand, wordlessly reassuring me he was present. I squeezed it, feeling immensely grateful for him.
"I love you," I said.
"I love you, too."
Leveret pressed his lips against mine. The kiss filled me with the emotional strength needed to push. A moment later, I broke away from the kiss and cried out from pain and effort.
Then the pain vanished completely. The room exploded with a white light. Its radiance painted everything in its beautiful glow. It flowed beyond the walls. I felt it sink into Leveret's cousins, his sister, his parents and uncles, his nieces and nephews, all the fated mates—now they brimmed with magic, too.
It was done. My time as a spirit was over. My new, perfect life as a mortal was just beginning.
When it was over, I slumped into bed with a great exhale. I felt tired, but satisfied.
"Animus," Leveret said softly. "Look."
Panting and sweating hard, I gazed down to where Leveret knelt on the bed. In his arms was the most beautiful baby I'd ever seen.
I felt pure love. My eyes filled with tears.
"Oh," I murmured, unable to form words.
Leveret's face shone with adoration. The way he gazed down at our baby was indescribable. The same love I felt was mirrored in his eyes.
The infant had damp black hair. His tiny eyes and fists were clenched. I was worried he hadn't made a peep—until he opened his mouth and let out a wail.
I laughed. "Come here, baby. I know."
Leveret handed him to me. As soon as he was in my arms, he stopped crying. He opened his eyes to reveal curious brown orbs that looked up at us with awe.
"He's as perfect as you, Animus," Leveret said.
"No, he's as perfect asyou," I argued.
My mate smiled. "Maybe we should call it even."
"Done."