Pain. Searing, relentless, soul-shattering pain.
Anastasia gripped Bastian's hand like a vice, her nails digging into his skin as another contraction ripped through her. Her breathing was erratic, her heart hammering against her ribcage. Everything was too bright, too loud, too overwhelming.
"Breathe, love. Just breathe," Bastian coaxed, his voice steady, but his face was as pale as a ghost.
She wanted to snap at him, to tell him that breathing was the last thing on her mind when it felt like her entire body was trying to tear itself in two. But before she could, another contraction stole her breath, and she let out a strangled cry.
Gabriel stood off to the side, arms crossed, looking as uncomfortable as an Archangel had ever looked. Zadkiel insisted that he stood on guard. "Well, this is sufficiently horrifying," he muttered.
"Shut it or clear out, Gabriel," Bastian snapped without looking at him.
Gabriel held up his hands. "Gladly." He turned, but before he could leave, the doors burst open, and in walked Zadkiel, a rare smile on his face.
Anastasia barely noticed at first, consumed by another wave of agony, but when she looked up, her breath caught in her throat.
Wyatt. Matt. Sean. Her father and brothers stood there, looking as stunned as she felt.
"Oh my God," she gasped.
Bastian turned, equally shocked. "What—?"
Zadkiel placed a hand on his chest, looking smug. "She was due to visit you, was she not? But since she cannot make that visit, I merely adjusted the plans while upholding our agreement. Plus, I figured she might want some familiar faces here."
Tears pricked at Anastasia's eyes. "You—Zadkiel, you absolute angel."
He smirked. "I know."
Matt gave a low whistle, eyes wide. "Damn, sis. You look like you're about to—"
"Finish that sentence, and I will strangle you," she panted.
Sean grinned. "She's fine. Same old Ana."
Wyatt, however, stepped forward, his usually stoic face soft with something unreadable. "I'm here, baby girl." Anastasia reached for him, and he took her hand, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "I'm so proud of you."
That did it. The dam broke, and tears spilled down her cheeks.
Bastian cleared his throat. "Not to ruin the moment, but she's about to push an entire human out of her body, and I'd rather not have her do it on the floor."
"Right," Zadkiel said. "Let's begin."
The healers ushered everyone into place. Bastian stayed beside her, never letting go of her hand, while her father and brothers stood close, offering silent support.
Time blurred. The pain was unbearable, but she fought through it, gritting her teeth, sweat drenching her body. The sound of Bastian's voice, steady and sure, kept her grounded.
"Why does this hurt so much?"
"Even angels are not immune to the pains of childbirth dear Ana. One of the wonderful gifts bestowed on us by our creator," Zadkiel grinned.
Anastasia glared at Zadkiel. "He should have bestowed this gift on woman and men alike then you would not say such nonsense-aah!"
Gabriel chuckled at her response while Bastian held her hand tightly. "You've got this, love. Almost there."
Then—one final push. A cry filled the air. High-pitched. Beautiful.
Anastasia sagged against the pillows, exhausted beyond words, but her heart raced as she watched the healer wrap the tiny, wriggling bundle in a soft cloth.
"A boy," the healer announced, turning to Bastian. "Would you like to hold him first?"
Bastian looked like he'd been hit by lightning. His mouth opened, closed, then opened again. "I—"
Anastasia nudged him weakly. "Go on, Daddy."
He moved as if in a daze, reaching out with trembling hands. The moment the baby was placed in his arms, something inside him cracked wide open.
Bastian stared down at his son, his expression raw, vulnerable. "He's… he's perfect." His voice broke.
Anastasia's heart clenched. She'd seen Bastian in battle, seen him covered in blood and fire, seen him take down enemies without hesitation. But this? This was different. This was the moment she knew, without a doubt, that he had never loved anything more in his life.
Wyatt, watching silently, cleared his throat. "You got a name for him?"
Anastasia smiled through her exhaustion. "Alexander Wyatt Jacob Webber."
Bastian's head snapped up, his eyes meeting hers, glossy with unshed tears. "After—?"
"Our fathers," she murmured. "And Jacob. He was our family, too."
Bastian let out a shaky laugh, a single tear slipping down his cheek. "Perfect," he whispered.
Wyatt looked away, his jaw tight. "Damn, Ana. You trying to make me cry?"
She chuckled weakly. "That would be a first."
Zadkiel, standing beside them, gently took the baby into his arms. The air shifted as he closed his eyes, murmuring a soft, celestial prayer. A golden light enveloped them, wrapping around the baby like a warm embrace.
"May this child walk in the light, protected by the heavens," Zadkiel intoned. "May his path be strong, his heart pure, and his destiny great."
The light faded, leaving only warmth behind. Anastasia exhaled deeply, a feeling of peace settling over her.
Then, from the hallway, a sudden commotion.
Bastian's head snapped up. "What was that?"
Zadkiel frowned. "Stay here."
Anastasia barely had time to process what was happening before Zadkiel strode to the doors, throwing them open followed by Gabriel.
And the alarms of the Celestial Realm began to blare.
Something was coming.
Bastian tensed, his arms tightening protectively around their son.
Anastasia, still weak, forced herself upright. "What the hell is happening?"
Zadkiel turned back, his expression grim. "Stay with your child. Whatever it is… we'll handle it."