Levent spared no thought for instinct, the old rule of survival that cautioned against males from pestering their mates while they were in labor. However, his intrusion seemed to have paid off, as the woman eagerly accepted the canteen of water.
Dalgina, darling, stay back, he cautioned the curious dark-furred girl. He knew she’d only get in the way and stress out the blind woman (hell, he was probably doing the same), but he also didn’t want to snap at her for just being as curious and excited as he was. He prayed that she got the message from Fawkes, even if she didn’t give him any mind.
Hotaru fell silent then, and he pressed his cream fingers skillfully into her lower back and shoulders, trying to ease some of the tension that came with the exertion she was going through. His own stomach was tight with anxiety, since he’d never been around something like this before—at least, not another luperci. He took deep breaths and tried to recall the smooth calm he’d felt when he’d helped a queen deliver her litter of kittens, or soothed a mare through her difficult birth. It didn’t come.
He could feel a spasm go through the she-wolf, and he peered gingerly over her shoulder as a wet bundle slid out onto the nest of furs. His heart caught in his throat as he stared at the little thing, almost alien, until Hotaru leaned forward and tended to it, holding it in her hands and bathing it with her tongue.
The little creature squeaked lungfuls of air, squirming, until Hotaru hid it from view, cradling it closely while the new father stared on, his ears fallen amongst his messy dark hair and his expression that of utter bewilderment and awe.
And then the newborn was held out to him. He swallowed, but when he heard the woman’s request, he smiled gently then took the little thing in his hands. She’s so small, he breathed, and wondered how he knew it was a she. He nestled her close, breathing in her scent, his blue eyes fallen shut. She smelled like him and like Hotaru and like the most precious thing in the world.
Her fur is pure white, Levent said, opening his eyes and looking at the little squished-in face, the sealed-shut eyes and ears. Its disproportionate head seemed to consist of mostly a mouth, which gaped at him then latched onto one of his fingers, sucking hungrily. And her skin—it’s very pale. She might be albino. He tried to think of what else he could say to the mother, but anything useful completely escaped him.
Kız güzel, the man whispered like a prayer, and he gently pulled his finger from her grip, handing her carefully back to the blind woman so she could nurse. She’s as beautiful as the moon, Hotaru, as beautiful as the moon.
(484)
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