The Birth of an Alpha (Rise of the Pride, Book 4)

by Theresa Hissong

  “I cannot tell you,” Garrett Lynch growled. “You are not supposed to know anything.”

  “Who sent you?” Talon demanded, flying across the room to take the sheriff’s collar with his fists. “I have video of you with wings!”

  “Shit,” the sheriff cursed. He paused for so long, Talon thought he was going to have to beat the information out of the lawman, but after a few minutes, he looked up with solid white eyes. “I’m a Watcher. Some would call me an angel, but I am not like the humans speak of in their bibles. If you release me, I will tell you everything now that you’ve seen me in my other form.”

  “I don’t understand.” Talon frowned, his shoulders slumping as he released the sheriff to take a seat in Liberty’s office chair.

  “I was sent to this realm when Liberty was just starting high school,” the sheriff began. “I was not told anything other than to keep her safe. I was to be her Watcher. The gods said that she would become very important as she aged. It wasn’t until you came into her life that I knew her future was with you.”

  “Then why are you still here?” Talon asked, still slightly confused.

  “My task has changed,” he told them. “I was put here for a reason, and that reason was to protect her, but you are her mate. You trump me in all things.”

  “And?” Talon pushed.

  “I am now tasked with protecting the pride,” the sheriff admitted.

  “Why?” Talon growled, his panther pushing forward. The pride was his responsibility, and his alone. This…whatever he was wouldn’t come onto his territory and take away his people. “The pride is my responsibility.”

  “I’m not here to replace you,” he replied, running his hand over his face in frustration. “I am a Watcher, nothing more.”

  “A Watcher?” Savage frowned.

  “A Watcher is an angel who is dispatched to Earth to protect certain humans,” the sheriff explained, relaxing as he leaned against the wall. “Humans who are destined to be…special.”

  “Special?” Talon narrowed his eyes.

  “We are not told of their future,” he promised, shaking his head. “We are just told to keep them safe.”

  “How old are you?” Talon asked, wanting to know everything he could about the sheriff.

  “I do not know.” Sheriff Lynch frowned. “I have no sense of time other than the current mission I am on.”

  “I don’t understand.”

  “When my human passes, I am reassigned and my memories of that human are wiped away. Liberty could be my first or my fiftieth. I just do not know. I am only here to do as I am told.”

  “So, when Liberty passes…” Talon paused, feeling his heart sink at the thought of his mate dying.

  “I do not know,” Garrett replied. “Since I am to watch over the pride, I’m assuming that I will be here until the pride no longer exists.”

  “Does that mean that something is coming for us?” Talon questioned, his canines pushing out of his gums in defense.

  “As long as I am here, I will protect you and the pride,” the sheriff promised. “I’m hoping this means that I will stay here for a very long time.”

  “So, where does this leave us?”

  “The same place we’ve always been,” Garrett stated. “I’m supposed to keep the pride from harm, but that doesn’t mean you will be without trials, Talon. The pride is changing and will see many obstacles as the years pass. I’m here as a sheriff to protect you from the humans. That is my job, and anything that comes at you that is not human is for you to deal with.”

  “Why didn’t you protect Liberty when she was taken?” Talon growled, wanting to rip the sheriff to shreds. “If you were here to protect her, why didn’t you?”

  “You two were already mated,” the sheriff answered.

  “Is this why you went against your human laws and helped us with the lab?” Talon stood and paced behind the desk, allowing all of this new information sink in.

  “Yes,” he answered. “We still have the Community to watch. I do not know of their plans, but I assure you, they are not going to go away quietly.”

  “We have new Guardians in training,” Talon admitted. “We’ve stepped up security around the pride as well.”

  “That fence you have will keep ordinary humans out,” Sheriff Lynch approved. “Just watch for other predators.”

  “We will,” Talon replied.

  The sheriff’s eyes closed, his head bowed as if he was sleeping for a moment before his head jerked up and his eyes flashed completely white. “Talon…you need to get home…now.”

  “What the hell is going on, Garrett?” Talon snarled, bursting from his seat.

  “It’s urgent,” he replied.

  Talon’s phone vibrated in his pocket and he cursed when he retrieved it, because Harold was calling. Sheriff Lynch waited by the door with the two Guardians.

  “Harold?”

  “Talon, you need to come home now. It’s your mother,” Harold choked out. “Hurry.”

  Liberty paced outside of the healer’s home, waiting for Talon to arrive. Kye and Noah were standing off to the side of the front door, both with grim looks on their faces. How had this happened? Victoria had stumbled into the main house only fifteen minutes ago, collapsing after calling out for help. Liberty knew something was horribly wrong when she touched her mother-in-law. The older Shaw woman was burning up with a fever and her skin was clammy to the touch. Her icy blue eyes were dull and aged.

  Liberty rubbed at the tightness in her belly, telling her child to hang on just a few more hours. Right now was not the time for her to be going into labor. She wouldn’t tell anyone she was uncomfortable because everyone was worried about Talon’s mother. Victoria needed all the help she could get.

  “Hold on there, tiger,” she whispered as the baby kicked. No one looked at her as she walked toward the small porch. Right then was a good time to sit down. The tightness was getting stronger, and that last one almost took her breath away.

  The roar of tires on gravel sounded from far away. Liberty looked up to see Talon’s truck barreling up the road to the cabin. Dust flew up behind his tires as he came to a halt, sliding out of the seat as soon as he put the truck into park. His pride reached out; their hands touching him as he passed.

  “How’s Ma?” he asked his brother, worry flashing across his face. The Guardians of the pride swayed with the anxiety coming off of their alpha.

  “Don’t know,” Kye frowned. “Harold’s inside with her.”

  Talon nodded and made his way onto the porch where his eyes immediately settled on Liberty. When she tried to stand, Talon held out his hand and leaned over, kissing her cheek. “Let me check on my mother. Rest, Liberty.”

  “What can I do?” Liberty asked, wringing her hands nervously.

  “Wait here,” Talon replied, turning on his heel.

  All of the Guardians turned to watch him enter the home. Liberty tightened her hand around the armrest of the chair as the tightness spread to her lower back. She was thankful they hadn’t seen her flinch, because the males would’ve pulled Talon back from seeing his mother.

  “Ma’am,” Evie whispered, making her way over toward the chair. The young female dropped to one knee next to Liberty and touched her hand. “Is the baby coming?”

  “Yes, I think so,” Liberty breathed out as quietly as possible. “Do not tell your alpha. I can wait a little longer.”

  “You need to tell him,” Evie pushed, looking over her right shoulder. Liberty grasped the young female’s hand and squeezed to get her attention.

  “I still have time.” Liberty flinched at the next pain. “It could be several hours before I need to tell them.”

  “Our alpha will be angry,” Evie reminded her.

  “He is about to go through several emotions in the same night, Evie,” Liberty whispered. “I just want to be there for him when his world is turned upside down.”

  “I will sit with you,” Evie offered, sitting crossed-legged on the gro
und next to the chair. Several of the members of the pride paced out in the yard. Others wept silently while being comforted by their families.

  Liberty should have been checking on them, but she just couldn’t do it at the moment. The next contraction came several minutes later, causing her to close her eyes tightly. A tear leaked from the corner of her eye and she wiped it away quickly.

  “Liberty?” Booth gasped as he stepped onto the porch. Talon’s Guardian took a knee in front of her, but not close enough to touch. “Are you in labor?”

  “Yes,” she panted. “Do not tell Talon yet.” Her words were an order and she hoped like hell they obeyed them as if it’d come from the alpha himself.

  “My mother is here.” Evie breathed out a sigh of relief and left Liberty’s side to talk quietly to Marie.

  When the older woman looked up, she had determination in her eyes. Liberty gave her a soft smile when she replaced Booth at Liberty’s feet. The Guardian looked out into the yard and Liberty groaned when he jerked his head toward Dane.

  “Ohhh,” Liberty gasped as she felt something wet between her legs. When she looked down, it was obvious that her labor had just taken the next step. The pain was getting stronger with the next contraction. It took a moment for her to catch her breath, but it was too late. Evie and Marie were pulling her up from the chair. Dane and Booth barked for everyone to move off the porch.

  So much for not telling Talon. This baby was coming sooner than planned.

  Chapter Eight

  “Get her inside,” Harold ordered, reaching up to wipe the sweat from his brow. Talon turned around to see what the commotion was coming from the front of the healer’s home. His heart froze in his chest as Evie and her mother, Marie, were escorting his mate into the exam room just off the foyer. Dane and Booth were right behind them.

  “What’s going on?” he barked, rushing from his mother’s side. She was finally resting, and they were just waiting to see if her fever would finally break. The infection in her body was life-threatening, and Harold was doing everything he could, but it didn’t look good.

  “I’m…sorry, Talon,” Liberty panted, holding the side of her belly. Talon’s eyes roamed her body, stopping on the wetness on her dress. “My water broke.”

  “The baby?” he gasped, rushing to her side. “Is he coming?”

  “She!” Liberty yelled, her glare shooting to the healer when he chuckled.

  “She’s been having contractions for the past few hours,” Evie supplied, grabbing a pillow from the cabinet at the back of the room.

  “He wasn’t supposed to know that.” Liberty cursed and sucked in a ragged breath as the next contraction hit. Evie smiled as she tucked the pillow behind his mate’s head. Talon felt completely lost. He realized he had no idea what to do. The males who’d had children gave him advice for months, but at that exact moment, he’d forgotten everything they’d said.

  Harold worked quickly, pulling a machine over to set beside the bed. He asked Talon to help raise liberty so he could wrap some bands around her belly. He clicked them into place and turned on a monitor. Pink and white paper started coming out of the machine. A moment later, he heard his cub’s heartbeat through the small speaker.

  “Talon?” Liberty held out her hand and smiled at him. He shook his head and cupped her face as carefully as he could. She closed her eyes and melted into him. Talon held her tenderly and pushed out his power, doing the only thing he knew to do at the moment.

  Calm and comfort his mate.

  “Thank you,” she whispered, relaxing slightly.

  “I need to check Liberty to see how far along she is,” Harold announced, strapping on a new pair of gloves. Evie slipped from the room, closing the door with a soft click. “Stand up there by her head, please.”

  “Is this going to hurt her?” Talon inquired, his eyes sparking amber. His panther had been pacing in the back of his mind since he’d rushed home to find his mother in distress. Now, his panther was prowling just under his skin, wanting out. It wanted to be a part of the cub’s birth, but the alpha pushed his panther back.

  “No.” Liberty flinched, causing Talon to growl low in his throat. From the look on his mate’s face, whatever the healer was doing made her uncomfortable. A male didn’t like seeing his mate being in any type of discomfort. “Not compared to the pushing part, I’m guessing.”

  “She’s doing fine.” Harold smiled, stepping back from between his mate’s legs. He dropped the gloves in the trash before addressing Liberty. “You are about a third of the way to being ready to push. I want you to use this time to rest, because in a few hours, I’m going to need you to be at full strength.”

  “Okay,” she agreed. Talon felt out of control. He was the alpha, and for once, he admitted to himself that he was clueless about what to do. Liberty looked like she was in total control. Even with the sweat beading up on her brow and neck, she was beautiful.

  “I can give you something for the pain,” Harold offered.

  “No,” Liberty replied, casting her eyes toward Talon. “You’ll help me, right?”

  “I’ll be here every step of the way, my queen,” he purred, kissing her brow.

  “What can I do?” he asked the healer, not taking his eyes from his mate. Her hair was pulled up into a ponytail at the top of her head and she wore no makeup. She didn’t need anything to cover her natural beauty as far as he was concerned.

  “Keep her calm and make sure she rests.” Harold smiled, cupping Talon’s shoulder. “You’re going to be fine, Papa.”

  Talon smiled and nodded to his old friend as Harold walked away to pull items from another cabinet. He turned toward Liberty when she squeezed his hand as another contraction hit. This time, the readout from the machine printed out a black line, showing a peak. He closed his eyes and pushed his power out again, calming his mate. The tension in her hand relaxed, and he leaned over to kiss her forehead. “I’m here, Liberty.”

  “I know,” she whimpered.

  Talon watched as his mate became more and more uncomfortable as the minutes ticked by on the clock. The next time Harold came into the room to check her, he tossed the gloves away with a smile. “It’s been four hours and you are progressing just fine, Liberty.”

  Four hours? Talon could’ve sworn he’d only been calming her for a fraction of that. He’d been in such a trance, he’d missed so much.

  “Talon, please rest with me,” Liberty begged. “You have to stop using that mystical mojo on me. I can handle a little pain.”

  “I’ll lie down with you, but I refuse to let you be in pain,” he growled.

  She pulled back the covers on the bed, and Talon slid in behind her as she rolled over to her side. He brushed the hair off of her neck and kissed the mating mark he’d made almost a year ago. Liberty was his world, and now that world was growing to two. He’d have his wife and a son or daughter to provide for and protect until he was no longer walking the earth.

  “Sleep,” he ordered with a whisper as he closed his eyes.

  Liberty moaned deep in her throat and curled herself around their child. Talon sat up quickly and pushed his powers out to calm her. He didn’t even realize he’d fallen asleep.

  “Talon?” she whimpered.

  “I’m here,” he told her, reaching out to place his hand on their child. Liberty sighed as he calmed her, but in the next breath, she cried out, sending Talon’s heart into his stomach.

  “Liberty?” he worried. “What’s wrong?”

  “I’m okay,” Liberty panted, her eyes sparking amber as her panther made an appearance. The birth was near, he could sense it. Talon called out for the healer, knowing his bellowing would draw Harold into the room. Although her panther had slinked away in the last month of pregnancy, it knew when to push forth for its cub. They were one in the same with their beast. The female would connect and help birth the cub from its place just under the human skin when the time came.

  “My panther,” Liberty panicked, her canines punching thr
ough her gums.

  “Is fine,” Talon cooed. “She’s going to help you.”

  “You must be nearing the time to push.” Harold said as he entered the room, pulling on a pair of gloves. “Talon, I need you up by Liberty’s head.”

  “Got it,” Talon said, sliding from the bed.

  Harold lifted the sheet and looked between Liberty’s legs. He chuckled softly and reached for something on the instrument tray. “You are definitely ready to push.”

  “Oh, God,” she cried out, sending Talon’s heart into his stomach. Why was she screaming? Was the cub okay? Was his mate okay?

  Talon did everything he was told to do as Harold barked out orders for Liberty to begin pushing. He held her each and every time the healer gave a command.

  “Good, Liberty. Again.”

  “Shit,” she growled, her eyes glowing amber. His mate’s canines were thickening more in her mouth. Her panther was sitting just below the surface, wanting to help.

  Talon gasped when he heard the baby cry out. His eyes met the tear filled ones of his mate as Harold told her to push one last time. “Bring your young into the world, Liberty.”

  Talon’s head tilted to the side when Harold cheered. His bloody gloves held up the baby for both of the parents to see. It was so tiny and covered in all kinds of fluids, but it didn’t matter. His cub was here.

  And it was a girl.

  “Congratulations, Alpha…Liberty,” Harold grinned. “You have a daughter.”

  “I knew it,” Liberty chuckled as her head fell back against the mound of pillows.

  The first born to the alpha was almost always a male, and very few females were born to alphas anyway. Fate had given him a daughter. She would be the rightful heir to his throne when the time came.

  “I can’t believe it,” he mumbled, watching as Harold took measurements and bathed the baby. “It’s very rare for an alpha’s first born to be a female.”

  “I told you she was special,” Liberty yawned. “Do you want to know her name?”

  “What did you pick?” Talon asked, never moving his eyes away from his cub.