I take deep breaths, working to breathe through the contraction. Sinclair sits on the bed beside me, one hand on my lower back, the other holding my left hand as I squeeze his fingers tightly.

"You're doing great, Ells," Cora says from my right, coaching me. She was the natural choice to help deliver my baby, even though three other doctors waited patiently behind the door to our living room, along with a team of nurses.

It's overkill, I know, but why not have them on hand? But in the room, it's just the three of us. Roger and Henry are outside, caring for Rafe and probably enjoying brandy and cigars.

The contraction ends, and my head falls back as I pant, pressing my eyes shut to conserve energy. Babygirl is taking longer than Rafe, which is fine, but it's a completely different experience. Last time, I was physically battered; this time, I'm just exhausted.

I feel Sinclair's anxiety, even though he tries to hide it. He releases my hand, shakes it slightly, and raises a cool washcloth to my forehead, wiping away the sweat.

"Thanks, baby," I murmur, turning my face toward him.

"Almost there, Ella," he replies supportively.

"He's right," Cora says, bending down to check my progress. "We'll start pushing on the next one." She grins. "Ready?"

"Are you kidding?" I glare at her. "I've been ready for hours."

My sister's smile widens as she stands and goes to the door to call the nurses for extra help.

"Little Princess," Sinclair says, giving me a squeeze. "She'll be here soon."

"I'm going to be jealous," I mutter, glancing at him, attempting a joke, even though I feel the next contraction approaching. "When there's another girl in your life, stealing all your attention."

"Never," he replies, kissing my head. "You're always my best girl."

"Better be," I gasp, but all jokes cease as the contraction hits. I groan as the pain intensifies, and Cora quickly helps me reposition my legs as she coaches me.

"Okay, Ella!" she says eagerly. "Let's push!"

And so I do—I bear down with all my might, working to bring my baby into the world. The pain is agony. My groan turns into a moan, then a shout as I push, the world darkening at the edges. I continue pushing, hearing Cora's encouragement and feeling Sinclair tense beside me.

But as I gasp for breath, the contraction fades, and my eyes flutter open.

"She's coming fast," Cora says excitedly. "You're almost there, Ella! A few more pushes—"

But her voice trails off, and the shadows at the edge of my vision don't fade. I frown, blinking, trying to understand. This isn't the darkness I've felt before when fainting. These are real shadows curling around the edges of the room

"Do you" I pant, whipping my head around. "Do you guys see that?"

Sinclair's hand is on my face, turning it toward him. His voice is worried. "See what?"

"Thethe shadows," I say, pulling away, looking around again. They're growing.

"Ella," Sinclair says, his voice shaking. "Cora—what's—"

"I—I don't know—" Cora says, looking at me. "Ella? What"

But her voice fades, and the room grows dark as the shadows engulf it. Then, Cora and Sinclair freeze, and the room shrinks, resembling a dollhouse—half-real compared to

the man standing in the center, seemingly made of shadow except for his coal-bright eyes.

"Hello, Ella," he says, his voice low and resonant.

My eyes widen as he steps forward, the shadows clearing to reveal a tall, broad-shouldered man with an angular face, impeccably dressed in various shades of black. "Congratulations," he continues, bowing slightly, "on the birth of your first daughter."

"Who—" I gasp, terrified and still in pain, though the birth process is paused. I gasp, my hands flying to my stomach, worried for her.

"It's all right," the man says, walking to my side. "I've transported you temporarily to a pocket realm—only a second of your life. When we're finished, you'll be returned safely. No threat to your child."

"Who," I stutter, growing angry, "are you!?"

"You don't recognize me?" he asks, a smirk playing on his lips. "I'm afraid your mother neglected you if she hasn't taught you to recognize her husband."

"Herher husband?" I gasp, then my eyes widen as I connect the pieces. My mother—goddess of light, moon, and wolves—unhappily paired with the God of Darkness.

"Well," he sighs, "husband for lack of a better term. You wolves and your mates—love is so simple, isn't it?"

"No," I growl, glaring at him, even more afraid. Is he going to take my baby?

He laughs. "I like your spirit, little wolf—you remind me of your mother."

"Why are you here!?" I shout, terrified, still in labor.

"Because it's my right," he snaps, leaning down, holding my gaze. "You are my beloved's child, my wife's. You should have been mine, had she not chosen mortal men. So, while not biologically mine, I have a vested interest."

I shake my head, still not understanding. "Why not Rafe? Jesse?"

He shrugs. "Sons belong to their fathers. Daughters—they are the true children of the moon."

My brow furrows at this cryptic statement, but I have no time to ponder it because the God holds out a hand.

Instinctively, I flinch. He laughs.

"Your mother," he says, sighing, hand outstretched. "She taught you not to recognize me, only to fear me. But darkness holds not only danger, moon daughter, but great beauty as well."

I stare at him, anger rising. "It wasn't my mother! It was your priests chasing Cora and me, trying to steal my son—"

The Dark God laughs. My frown deepens. "Those priests—" he flicks his hand dismissively. "Mortal politics, Ella. I gave them power centuries ago, then lost interest. Their actions are their own business."

I shake my head, baring my teeth. "Get out of here," I snap. "Return me to my mate—"

The God of Darkness smiles broadly. "Such fire, little wolf," he chuckles. "I wish you had been mine." He sighs, tilting his head. I open my mouth to demand more, but he raises his hand, and I feel—quite obviously under his control—the urge to be silent.

"Enough," he sighs. "I will return you home in a moment. All that remains is my gift."

"Aa gift?" I stammer, horrified.

"A gift," he nods. "For your daughter. From me."