The Mystical White Wolf
TWENTYNINE-BIRTH OF A NEW ALPHA

Two Months Later: October 15th

Staci POV

The holidays were coming fast, the fall season was here, and our pup had grown even more in the last two months. I didn't think I could get any bigger.

"Ugh! Why!" I whine and pout.

Antonio came running out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped around his waist.

"Is it time?!" he shouted.

"No! It's not time," I rolled my eyes. Antonio smiled at me as I growled, and he chuckled. Antonio went back into the bathroom to finish getting dressed.

"Goddess, men were stupid," I thought.

Two months ago, after Daniela's sudden arrival and hearing about Antonio's Uncle being killed, the rest of the Forest Rain pack moved to the States. Getting everyone registered and situated in the pack was a hectic six weeks. Monica was entering her third month of pregnancy, and we discovered Marcie and Juliano were expecting a pup. Marcie is a month behind Monica.

As for the Blood Moon pack and the vampires, things have been quiet. Antonio sent scouts over to the pack, and just like Olivia said, Conrad let the pack suffer for years and mistreated his members. The scouts say the pack house is falling apart, and the warriors look undertrained. The other members look malnourished. Antonio checked into his bank connections and found out Conrad applied for a loan two months ago and was denied the loan amount because of a previous loan that wasn't paid back.

"Ouch," I grabbed my side as I felt a hard kick to the ribs.

Our pup has been more active lately. I rubbed my belly and felt him kick my hand hard. Ace was just as stubborn as his Father. His constant kicking kept me up all night and the night before.

"Hey!" I poked my stomach as he kicked again.

"That's not nice, Mr.," I grumbled at our pup.

Antonio came out of the bathroom looking as handsome as ever. Yesterday, he and the guys went to the barbershop and got haircuts, and Antonio got his beard shaped up. He was dressed in dark jeans and a blue sweater. I just felt comfortable in a nightgown and a robe.

"Ace kicking like a madman again?" Antonio asked.

"Yes. And it hurts," I whined.

"He's just being a boy, my love," Antonio said as I huffed.

"More like a brat," I said as Antonio kissed my lips.

Antonio rubbed and kissed my belly. I felt Ace move closer to my right side and felt something press against my stomach, making me giggle. Antonio kissed the exact spot again, and Ace pressed his foot there. This was their game, which gave me a break from the vicious kicking.

"See, he's nice when you're near," I pouted as Antonio chuckled.

"He just loves me more," Antonio says, making me smack his arm as he laughs.

"So, mean," I pout and try to push him away.

"There all better," Antonio says as Ace calms down.

We still had a few more weeks until Ace arrived. My stomach rumbled with hunger as I flipped through the channels on the TV in our bedroom. I sent a link to the kitchen staff downstairs on what I was craving. The head chef said that my food would arrive in twenty minutes.

I squealed delightfully as Antonio turned from his phone call with his Uncle and smiled at me. I waved and mouthed, "Tell them hello," as Antonio nodded and returned to his phone conversation.

Twenty minutes later, a knock sounded on the door, and Antonio got up to answer it. I felt uncomfortable and tried to fix my pillows. Antonio helped me with my pillows while the young omega male rolled in the food cart. The scent hit my nose, making my mouth water.

Antonio helped me sit up, and I sighed with relief as the pressure moved off my back. Antonio and I thanked the omega as he bowed and exited the bedroom. Antonio rolled over the food cart and lifted the cover. I squealed delightfully as I looked at my food choices.

There were lemon-pepper-flavored wings, a four-meat pizza, blueberry muffins, garlic bread bites, and two water bottles. Antonio looked at me with wide eyes as I giggled.

"What? I'm hungry," I said and picked up a slice of pizza.

Antonio chuckled and grabbed a slice of pizza and a few wings. I growled as he looked at me and smiled.

"Hey. That's all mine," I whined.

"Sharing is caring, my love," Antonio said and chuckled.

Antonio grabbed a few more slices of pizza and a blueberry muffin off the tray. I rolled my eyes and continued eating while watching my shows. Antonio sat on the couch and worked on his laptop.

After I finished my lunch, I got comfortable in bed. I felt Ace change positions again, which made me giggle. I guess he was tired and getting ready for his afternoon nap. I flipped the channels again and settled on watching some SpongeBob. Antonio was still working on his laptop. I looked over and smiled at him. Before I knew it, my eyes drooped, and the darkness took over my vision as I drifted to dreamland.

Antonio POV

I was checking my emails and talking to my Uncle on the phone. He had spoken to Daniela a week ago about the pack. Uncle Ricardo had some contacts back in Manaus and asked them to sneak inside the pack and access the damage.

According to his contacts, the pack house was torn down, and a casino would be built. Uncle Ricardo asked his contacts to replace out anything they could about the loan shark Helio owed money to so we could draw up an arranged agreement about our family's pack.

According to my Uncle's contacts, the man's name is Remigio Cardoso. He was the son of legendary business owner Abel Cardoso, and their family-owned half the real estate business in Manaus. Uncle Ricardo said he would fly to Manaus in two days, try to contact Remigio or his Father, and re-purchase our family's pack.

While my Uncle talked, I looked over at Staci, noticed she had fallen asleep, and smiled. Our pup had kept her up for two days; this was the first time she slept. I also had our pack lawyer on the phone as Uncle Ricardo and I talked. I would write a check to re-purchase the pack and pay the amount Helio owed Remigio and his family.

"That should be it," I said as the lawyer drew up a contract for Uncle Ricardo.

"Is Aunt Alicia going with you?" I asked my Uncle.

"Yes. Cruz and Emilio are also coming," my Uncle said.

Cruz and Emilio were my Uncle Helio's Beta and Gamma. They would always argue against his judgment and how he treated the pack. It's unbelievable how both the Hernandes and Oliveira brothers were now staying in the same pack.

Cruz's son and Emilio's son were Carter and Juliano's cousins. I was hanging up the call with my Uncle Ricardo when an email from an unknown address appeared in my inbox. I clicked the email, and suddenly, a massive heap of files and pictures appeared.

"What the fuck?" I thought as I carefully checked over the files and photos.

"Uncle Ric, let me call you back," I told my Uncle and ended the call.

Whoever sent this email wanted me to know about the secrets and shady dealings involving elder Thomas. The files contained evidence of dealings and involvements with kidnappings of young she-wolves and human women. In one of the photos it showed him raping a young she-wolf inside a hotel room.

"This guy is sick," Ares grunted.

"Carter?" I linked my Beta.

"Alpha?" he replied.

"I'm sending an unknown email address to your laptop."

"I need you to trace the IP and replace out who sent what I'm about to send you."

"This stays between us. Understood?" I said.

"Yes, Alpha," Carter replied and closed the link.

"AH!" I heard Staci scream as I prepared to send this information to Carter.

"Staci? What's wrong?" I asked and looked up from my laptop.

"Fuck! I think my water broke!" Staci whimpered and held her stomach.

"Shit!" I yelled, put my laptop on the coffee table, and ran to Staci's side.

"Can you make it to the pack hospital?" I asked Staci as she screamed.

Staci whimpered and shook her head. I pulled the blanket back and noticed the wet spot in the middle of the bed. Staci was panting and rubbing her stomach.

"Antonio!" Staci whimpered.

"Shh. I'm right here, my love," I said, letting her hold my hand.

I winced as Staci squeezed my hand and breathed through a contraction. I sent a quick link to Dr. Scott, letting him know Staci's water broke, and we couldn't reach the pack hospital. Doctor Scott responded immediately and said he was on his way.

"Mom?!" I linked her in a panic.

"Antonio? What's the matter?" she asked.

"Staci is in labor, and Dr. Scott is on his way."

"What do I do?" I asked her.

"Okay, son, ensure she is as comfortable as possible."

"Is the bed wet?" my Mother asked.

"Yes," I replied.

"Okay, get the staff up there and change the bedding."

"Have some ice chips and a cold washcloth handy."

"The ice will help with the contractions. I'm on my way," my Mother said, closing the link.

I sent a link to the omega staff to change the bedding and bring some ice chips. Staci screamed as I timed her contractions. A few minutes passed, and Staci panted and cried. A knock sounded on the door.

"Come in," I called out as the door opened, and my Mother walked inside with the omegas behind her.

"Let's help Staci get off the bed," my Mother said.

Mom helped me lift Staci so the omegas could change the bedding. The omegas set the clean sheets on the bed, topped with an absorbent blanket and a few more sheets. I set Staci back on the bed as one omega set a tray with six cups filled with ice chips on the nightstand beside the bed.

"I'll be right back," my Mother said as I thanked the omegas.

Mom headed inside the bathroom, and I heard water running. Another knock sounded on the door.

"Come in," I called out while feeding Staci ice chips.

The door opened as Dr. Scott walked inside, with three nurses and a few machines behind him. A few minutes later, Mom came out of the bathroom and smiled.

"Did you bring the whole baby nursery with you, Adam?" my Mother asked Doctor Scott.

"Just the important stuff," Dr. Scott chuckled.

The nurses helped Staci get hooked to one of the monitors as our pup's heart rate echoed through the bedroom. Mom placed a cold washcloth on Staci's head. I sent a quick link to Carter and Juliano, informing them that Staci was in labor. They told me congratulations, and they would look after the pack.

"AH!" Staci cried out and made grabby hands for me.

I sat on the bed next to her and let her squeeze my arm this time because my hand needed a break from her strength. Mom giggled, sat on the other side, hummed quietly, and wiped Staci's forehead as the contraction passed.

Doctor Scott quickly examined Staci and stated she was already 4cm dilated. The nurses seemed to be setting up an incubator for the pup once he was born. Staci looked exhausted, but she was a fighter, and I gave her some of my strength to help soothe her.

"Now, the waiting game," Dr. Scott said as he wrote on his clipboard.

Mom and I made sure Staci was comfortable and eating ice chips. Her contractions were about ten minutes apart. I heard my phone buzz and pulled it out of my pocket as Seth called on Facetime. I answered, and his face appeared on the screen.

"Hey, bro. I heard my nephew is coming."

"How's Staci?" Seth smiled as Rose was behind him, looking through the screen.

"She's a fighter."

"Nearly halfway there."

"Where are your parents?" I asked Seth.

"In San Francisco, visiting my Mom's family."

"They send their love and want tons of pictures," Seth chuckles.

"Is that Seth?" Staci's raspy voice asks.

I turn the phone so she can see her brother as a small smile graces her lips.

"Seth," Staci says.

"Hey, baby sis. You got this," Seth encourages his sister.

"Give my nephew tons of... ouch! Babe," Seth says, and I know Rose punched him.

"I mean our nephew tons of kisses from his Uncle and Aunt at Crescent Moon," Seth tells his sister as she smiles.

"Will do. Big brother," Staci says and blows kisses at the screen.

"Talk to you soon. Bye, guys," Seth says as we say goodbye and end the call.

Mom rubs Staci's hand as we play the waiting game. Staci continues breathing as contractions make their presence known.

One Hour Later: (Still Antonio's POV)

"GODDESS!" Staci cries and pushes as she squeezes my arm and Mom's hand.

"That's it, Luna."

"I can see the head," Dr. Scott says as he kneels on the floor beside the bed.

We had to move Staci toward the edge to prepare to push our pup into the world. Ares was prancing inside my head as he wanted to comfort our mates.

"I can't," Staci pants.

"Yes, you can, my love."

"You're the strongest person I know," I whisper to Staci as she looks into my eyes and nods.

Staci pushes again when another contraction comes and screams. I give as much of my strength to my mate to help soothe her as she brings our son into the world.

"Here he comes," Dr. Scott says as I look down.

I see a head full of jet-black curly hair. I gasp as I see my son's face, and his eyes are closed. His skin is pale, and his lips are purple. Half of his body is out, and his legs are left.

"One more push, Luna," Dr. Scott says as a nurse stands behind him with a white blanket.

"Oh my goddess!" Staci cries out as she does one final push.

Our son wails as he enters the world. Dr. Scott does a decent job ensuring his airways are clear as he cleans him off with the white blanket. Ace continues his cries as Staci looks down at him and sheds tears.

"Alright, Alpha, it's time to cut the cord," Dr. Scott says, handing me a pair of scissors.

"Oh, goddess. He is so handsome," my Mom says as I cut the cord, freeing Ace from his Mother.

Doctor Scott gently places Ace on Staci's chest as he wails. Once Ace feels his Mother's warmth, he quiets down and suckles on his fingers. A nurse drapes a blanket over Staci and Ace. Dr. Scott helps Staci push out the afterbirth as we admire our son.

Staci POV

"Hi, Ace," I say to our son as he suckles his fingers and quiets down.

Solaris is purring inside my head as our son's scent fills my nose. It's a mix between Antonio and me —citrus and sweet. I can't believe I'm a Mother now.

"Are you going to open those eyes for me?" I ask, rubbing my finger against his cheek.

Ace responds to my touch as he makes a face and slowly opens his eyes. I gasp as I stare at his eyes—greenish blue, just like his Father's, and jet-black curly hair. His skin is pale, but I know he's Antonio's mini-copy. I hear sniffles beside me and look to see Evelyn with tears in her eyes.

"He's beautiful. You two did good," Evelyn says, rubbing my back.

"Aquila said congratulations, and he'll visit soon," Evelyn said.

Evelyn kissed my cheek and Antonio on the forehead as she prepared to leave.

"Link me if you need anything," Evelyn said as she closed the door.

"Luna," Dr. Scott said as he stood before the bed.

"We need to check the pup and ensure he's okay," Dr. Scott said.

Solaris growled as the doctor flinched back and raised his hands in surrender.

"My love, it's okay," Antonio whispered.

I pulled Solaris back and apologized to the doctor as I handed our pup to one of the nurses to check him over. Ace fussed a bit, so I gently rubbed my finger against his cheek as his face calmed down.

"You may clean up if you wish, Luna," Dr. Scott said as he followed behind the nurse.

I nodded and tried to stand, but Antonio quickly caught me and helped me get to the bathroom. Antonio started the shower and helped me undress. I stepped inside the shower and sighed as the warm water cascaded down my body. Antonio waited until I finished my shower and helped me get out.

I put on some fresh underwear and comfortable PJs. Antonio helped me back into the bedroom after Dr. Scott said he was done with his examination. Ace weighed 9 lbs. and 7oz. and measured 22 inches long. I smiled and lay in bed and noticed the sheets were changed again.

"He'll be hungry, so nurse Jenny will help you get him to latch on once he's cleaned up," Dr. Scott said.

Doctor Scott and the other two nurses packed up and prepared to leave. Antonio took Ace into the bathroom to clean him up while Nurse Jenny showed me how to work the breast pump. I could hear Ace wailing from the bathroom. A few minutes later, Antonio emerged with a screaming Ace wrapped in a fluffy towel.

I giggled as Antonio passed Ace to me so I could dress him. Nurse Jenny handed me a diaper and a white onesie with sleeves. Antonio returned to the bathroom, and I heard the shower turn on.

"Thank you," I told the nurse as she bowed.

I gently put the diaper on Ace as I was nervous and hoping he wouldn't pee on me. Nurse Jenny taught me to put the diaper on and helped me with the onesie. She also gave me a pair of socks for his feet.

Once Ace was dressed and in a fresh diaper, it was time to try feeding him. I pulled the strap down on my gown and held Ace closer to my breast as Nurse Jenny instructed. Ace must've smelled my milk because he quickly latched on and started suckling.

"Remember to squeeze gently every so often to help your milk flow," Nurse Jenny said as I nodded.

"Luna," Nurse Jenny bowed and prepared to leave.

Once nurse Jenny exited the bedroom. Antonio came out of the bathroom dressed for bed. He sat on the bed and watched as Ace nursed. I smiled and rubbed his cheek with my finger as he grabbed it and held onto it.

"You're your Father's twin," I said as Antonio ran his fingers through Ace's curly hair.

"He has your nose and ears," Antonio said.

"That's about the only thing," I chuckled and smiled at our son as he looked up at me.

Once Ace was done nursing, he detached himself from my breast, and I handed him to Antonio so he could burp him. Antonio placed Ace over his shoulder as I pulled my strap back up and yawned.

"Get some rest, my love," Antonio said, burping Ace.

Ace cooed and yawned as I lay back and watched my two favorite men bond. Solaris purred at the sight. My eyes drooped as I wanted to continue watching Antonio and Ace bond.

"Durma bem, lobinho," (sleep tight, little wolf). That was the last thing I heard before the darkness took over.

Staci and baby Ace