“You and what army?” Henry asked, suddenly appearing right behind the lead hunter. The blade was snapped out of his hand and Holly was shoved forward.
Damon wrapped his arms around her as Henry pulled the man into the dark where he heard the screams and the shouts.
The body came out, followed by Henry. The angry glow of his eyes faded as he looked at Damon.
“Next time, I will let you handle it,” Henry said.
“I think you took care of that pretty well,” Damon said. He kissed Holly’s head, breathing her in as Natalie screamed.
Henry, back in control, rushed to Natalie’s side. “She’s giving birth. It appears she’s crowning.”
“You know how to deliver a baby?” Holly asked.
“Yes. I spend a lot of time reading.” Henry was already getting into position. “Right, you’re going to have to push, Natalie.”
“It hurts.”
“I know it does. But you’re going to have to give me one big push. You’ve got this. I’ve got you. Trust me. You’re safe now. No one is going to hurt you. I won’t let them.”
Natalie nodded and then, hands clenched, started to push.
He and Holly moved to her side, holding her hands, helping her as she started to push. The pain must have been excruciating.
Damon didn’t know how long it lasted, but after what seemed like hours, a baby’s cries filled the air.
Natalie had given birth to a girl.
Chapter Eleven
A couple of nights later, Holly rubbed cream into her hands as she stepped into the bedroom. Natalie and her human baby girl lived with them. Henry was completely besotted with both of them. It was so clear to see.
“You know, I think Henry is in love with Natalie,” Holly said.
Damon closed his laptop. It had been resting on his knee as he typed. He hadn’t gotten much work done as he, with Christopher and the pack, had taken care of the bodies. With the hunters gone, they were able to live in some peace.
“I think you’re right.”
She turned the bathroom light off and walked toward the bed, moving around to Damon’s side.
“Do you want to tell me what that was all about with Henry?” she asked.
“There’s not much to tell. You saw it,” he said.
“What exactly did I see? Henry can’t turn.”
“No. Over the years and with the amount of abuse he suffered, he has never been able to turn into a wolf. Not since I’ve known him, anyway. He told me he tried once, but … his wolf is too badly scarred. He’s never going to come out and I’m never going to force him to.”
“From what I saw, that man is strong.”
Damon laughed. He pulled her down so that she straddled his waist. Holly was more than happy to be there, gasping as she felt the hard ridge of his cock pressing against her.
“Do I need to be jealous of this man?” he asked, sinking his fingers into her hair and pulling her down for a kiss.
She released a gasp. “No.”
“But I think I do.” He chuckled.
“I want to understand. He’s your best friend.” She put her hand to his chest. “And I wasn’t lying to you. I love you, Damon.”
He hadn’t said the words right back to her, but she didn’t mind. They were still new. She hoped he at least had feelings for her. The thought of being in a mating like Natalie had been filled her with pain.
“Henry is strong. He has all the abilities of a wolf. He doesn’t turn but that strength never goes away. It has taken him years to master it. To keep it at bay. The hunters awakened it, but he’s not a threat to anyone. I promise.” He pulled her down, kissing her lips. “I spoke to your father today.” He said the words in between kisses.
Holly groaned. “Not the kind of subject I want to be discussing.” Not with how aroused she was. Talking about her dad really put a damper on her mood.
“I don’t want you to pick between me or your family. The pack is your family, which is why I agreed to join your father. We’re going to come to some arrangement that will benefit the both of us.”
“You’re going to become part of the pack?”
“Yes. Holly, I love you. I don’t want to live the rest of my life without you. I want to marry you. Have lots of kids and to be by your side for the rest of our lives. If you’ll have me,” he said.
She cupped his face and slammed her lips down on his.
He sank his fingers into her hair, pulling her close.
“I guess that means a yes?” he asked.
“Yes. A hundred percent yes.” She kissed him hard.
“I could get used to this,” he said.
“Me too.” She stroked his cheek and smiled. “Say it again.”
“I love you, Holly.”
Pressing her lips against his, she chuckled. “And again.”