SWNOVELS Chapter 35 ~ His name is Maverick
The ball is tonight. We decided on a Christmas formal. With the holiday two weeks away, and Sadie’s baby due any day…it is pushing it.. but even Derek agreed we needed this. All the Alphas and their plus twenty started arriving three days ago. Edward and Honore’ are presiding.. and Shawn had done a beautiful job onnthe dais with their thrones. The ballroom is decorated in green, gold, and red.. I am putting the finishing touches on my hair.. my gown is an empire waisted red velvet… capped sleeves..and a gold chiffon overlay, opened over my baby bump.. he’s a Christmas baby.. and we can’t wait to meet him. I have pulled my hair into a low messy chignon.. with wispy tendrils framing my face.
Derek walks in, stopping in the doorway, he stares at me and I look over at him “What?” He pushes off the door frame, slowly walking towards me, shaking his head “You truly are the most magnificent being I have ever seen. I wanted to give you an early Christmas present “. I actually feel myself blushing, as I look up at him. He pulls me into his arms and I whisper “I love you..so so much!” as he leans down, kissing me. He turns me around to face the mirror, he reaches his arms in front of me, opening a velvet jewelry box..inside is a beautiful ruby..surrounded by diamonds on a solid herringbone gold chain. He lifts it from the box, and fastens it around my neck. I turn and throw my arms around his neck.. kissing him again “Thank you! It’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen!”
As we are announced, the double doors open.. and I feel like a princess! We walk to the dais and Derek bows, as I curtsey.. Edward laughs saying “Stop that! That’s fucking awkward!” and Honore’ smacks him “He hates court protocol..and fails to see the necessity “ I nod, understanding, I say “You are royalty and, as hosts, it is our duty to honor you.. or it gives other Alphas the impression they can disrespect you! We can’t allow that!”
We danced, and mingled.. I met more people than I care to remember.. and Derek impressed me with how much of a gentleman he is. Monty.. not so much.. but he did meet his mate. A lovely little thing.. a complete opposite of him! Her name is Lily, and she’s quiet and shy. Unlike Monty.. who we all know is loud and crude..but funny! I love that he made a little raised dance floor for Micah and Katrina so they wouldn’t get trampled. I made Katrina a little gown in green satin and she looked adorable!
I had stepped outside for fresh air.. so I said.. I really stepped outside to escape the crush of people. Too many. I’m okay with our pack, but spending so many years away from people, it takes some adjusting. Derek found me, after five minutes..and I laughed “Did you miss me so much, then?” He nodded and smiled “I miss you every second you aren’t with me. I knew you’d be out here.. too many people for you.” I laughed again “They all seem to talk at once.. it’s confusing. The women are catty and mean.. they speak poorly of one another..until they are face to face. I have struggled several times, keeping myself from bouncing heads off tables.”
We go back inside, after several minutes.. and Derek was pulled away by a couple Alphas. I was walking over to Sadie when I overheard a conversation about Honore’..so I stopped to listen. They were saying Edward could have done so much better.. that he should have chosen an American she-wolf.. she isn’t even all that pretty.. and I stepped around the wall partition and stopped.. dead in front of them.. and just looked at them both dead in the eye. When I spoke.. I was trying to keep malice out of my voice “The King chose his Goddess given mate! He is a man of honor..a man who trusts and believes in the sacred mate bond! It was never a question of whom he would have chosen.. it was always about Who was Chosen for him! How dare either of you even think to denegrate our Goddess .. Or OUR QUEEN!”
Well.. that failed! My voice obviously was dripping with malice. Edward was the first to reach my side.. followed by Derek. I spoke softly “I do apologize for my outburst. There is no reason for women to criticize other women.. and I let my foul temper override my common sense. But, I used my words..and didn’t bounce faces off walls!” Monty laughs and says “Well..there’s that!” Edward’s loud voice booms “Thank you for defending my Queen, Luna Rhiannon! I appreciate the loyalty and love you never hesitate to show us both!” And I muttered “I should kick you! Way to call even more attention to me, Ass!” And he busted out laughing “I forgot to mention the respect you show!” And I joined his laughter!
The rest of the evening was uneventful.. and when it finally ended I was exhausted. Lying in bed after my handsome mate had made slow, sweet love to me, he talked to our baby.. telling him we can’t wait to meet him.. how much he loves him.. and all the things he has to teach him. It was such a sweet moment, and a wonderful way to end the day.
We had barely dozed when Shawn linked that Sadie was in labor. And we jumped up, throwing clothes on, we headed to the infirmary. There was no need to ask what room, we just followed the yelling.. walking in Shawn said “Oh thank Goddess! She has threatened to make me sleep on the couch from now on.. I am never allowed to touch her again.. she hates me.. she makes me leave.. then forces me to stay.. she punches me.. then kisses me and wants a backrub. I’m so confused!” I laugh and say “All normal! Everything’s fine!” He looks at me like I have lost my mind.
The labor went well.. and once Sadie had had some lavender ginger tea, her pain eased and she became her sweet self again. Once her body relaxed a little, her labor went faster. By daybreak, their son was delivered..and he came kicking and screaming into the world.
He weighed in at 9 lbs. and looked just like Shawn. I cleaned him up and laid him on Sadie’s chest and the beauty of it brought tears to my eyes. She whispered “His name is Maverick…after my dad!”