The Alpha's Forsaken Feisty Mate-Chapter 193: She’s so small

Nine Months Later:

Radulf paced anxiously outside the chamber, his heart pounding every time Zenna’s cries of pain echoed through the thick wooden door. His fists were clenched, and worry was etched deep across his face.

"I should be by my wife’s side," Radulf muttered under his breath, unable to bear the helplessness any longer.

The servants rushed to stop him, but Radulf pushed past them without hesitation. He shoved open the door to the birthing room, his eyes immediately finding Zenna.

"Zenna!" he called out as he hurried to her side. Her face was pale, glistening with sweat, her body trembling with effort. Radulf knelt beside her, gently placing his hand on her forehead, trying to soothe her with his touch.

"I couldn’t stay outside," he said hoarsely. "I’m staying here — right here with my wife." He turned to the midwife and assistants, his voice steady despite the fear in his chest. "Start the procedure. I’ll stay."

Zenna squeezed his hand tightly, drawing strength from his presence as she struggled to breathe through the intense pain.

"My lady, you must push harder," the midwife urged firmly but kindly, preparing to guide the baby into the world.

Karina, Zenna’s mother, hovered close, her voice shaking slightly but filled with encouragement. "Zenna, you can do this. Once the baby is born, the pain will pass, my dear. Hold on just a little longer."

Radulf bent closer, pressing a kiss to Zenna’s damp forehead. "You’re doing so well, love. I’m right here. I won’t leave you. You can do it." 𝒻𝘳ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝒷𝘯ℴ𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝑐ℴ𝑚

Zenna closed her eyes for a brief moment, drawing strength from the love surrounding her. Then, with a deep breath, she pushed with all the strength she had left, crying loudly and holding Radulf’s hand tightly.

The sharp cries of the newborn filled the entire chamber, echoing off the walls like a joyous song.

The midwife beamed brightly, her hands trembling slightly with excitement as she gently cradled the tiny, wriggling baby. She brought the newborn to Zenna, who lay back against the pillows, her chest heaving as she fought to catch her breath.

"Congratulations, Alpha and Luna," the midwife announced. "A baby girl has been born." Tears shimmered in her eyes as she smiled warmly at the new parents.

Zenna’s hands trembled as she reached for her child. The moment the baby girl was placed against her chest, Zenna let out a broken, joyful sob. Tears streamed freely down her cheeks as she clutched her daughter close, feeling the tiny heartbeat against her own.

"Radulf... our baby," she whispered, her voice choked with overwhelming love. "Our little girl."

Miraculously, the moment Zenna spoke, the newborn’s cries faded into soft, peaceful whimpers, as if comforted by her mother’s voice and warmth.

"Yes, it’s our girl," Radulf mumbled and he ended to crying too.

Radulf leaned over them both, brushing Zenna’s hair back from her damp forehead.

Zenna’s eyes fluttered closed, the weight of exhaustion pulling her into a deep, peaceful slumber.

The midwife carefully took the baby girl from Zenna’s arms. She offered Radulf a reassuring smile. "I’ll take her to clean her up. I’ll return shortly with your daughter, Alpha" she said and bowed.

"I’ll go with her," Karina added, her voice tender as she stood and followed the midwife out of the room.

Radulf stayed by Zenna’s side, his heart heavy with love and relief. He gently cradled her head against his chest, his tears falling freely now. "We’re not having a second child," he whispered hoarsely. "That was so painful for you... I nearly lost myself hearing your cries." He paused, his gaze lingering on the peaceful face of his wife. Despite the anguish she’d endured, a sense of joy swelled in his chest. "But at the same time... I can’t be more thankful. Our baby is here."

A gentle voice door broke the quiet moment. "Alpha, we’ll clean the Luna now. If you wouldn’t mind waiting outside for a while, we’ll prepare her to rest," Pia said politely.

Radulf nodded reluctantly, giving Zenna one last kiss on her forehead before he stood and stepped outside. His heart still fluttered with overwhelming joy, but he knew the servants needed their time to care for Zenna.

The door opened again moments later, and Savio, Radulf’s closest friend, his beta, rushed in. Without a second thought, Savio threw his arms around him in a tight, celebratory embrace.

"Radulf! Congratulations, my friend! You’re a father now!" He pulled back, grinning widely. "The Luna gave birth to a girl, right?"

"Yes," Radulf said, his voice thick with emotion as he wiped away the tears that still clung to his cheeks. "She’s so small, so fragile... and soft. I could feel her tiny heartbeats, Savio. But I haven’t even held her yet. Still, I could feel everything," he added, his voice quivering with a mixture of joy and disbelief.

The words felt surreal, as though the reality of becoming a father had only just begun to settle in.

Savio’s grin softened, his hand resting on Radulf’s shoulder. "You’ll hold her soon enough, Radulf. And she’ll have you wrapped around her little finger in no time. See, this is the life I always envisioned for my alpha, my only friend. You deserved it." His eyes too filled with tears as she wiped them.

"Yes... you were always right," Radulf admitted while nodding his head.

Savio looked at him, concern flickering in his eyes. "How’s Zenna?" he asked quietly.

Radulf’s gaze softened as he thought about his wife. "She fell asleep from exhaustion," he said, his voice low with reverence. "Childbirth... it’s an experience like no other. The pain is unimaginable. Women are truly remarkable, Savio. Zenna was so strong through it all." He paused, his fingers gently wiping away the tears that had lingered on his cheeks. "And all the mothers, the ones who carry life within them... They’re warriors, far more stronger than us."

Radulf sighed, his voice filled with both pride and tenderness. "Zenna’s resting now. She needs it... but she’s incredible. I don’t know how she did it, but she did."

"Radulf, here’s your daughter," Karina’s voice came through the door, and both men turned toward her.

Radulf’s heart raced with anticipation, his hands trembling as he reached out to take his newborn daughter.

His fingers brushed over the soft, delicate bundle in Karina’s arms, and for a moment, he simply stared at her in awe.

"She’s so tiny," he murmured. Tears threatened to spill once more, but he held them back as he gently pulled the baby close, careful not to disturb her peaceful slumber.

Karina’s voice was gentle as she observed his cautious grip. "Radulf, don’t hold her like that. It could cause her discomfort."

Radulf’s eyes widened slightly, and he immediately adjusted his arms, his fingers still trembling. "Okay... it’s m-my first time, Mother," he stammered, a small but genuine smile tugging at his lips.

"I know," Karina murmured softly, her hand gently caressing Radulf’s arm in a reassuring gesture.

Radulf couldn’t tear his eyes away from his daughter, his smile wide and full of love. "It’s Zenna and my baby," he said, his voice thick with pride. "Look, Savio... Isn’t she just beautiful?"

Savio nodded, his own eyes filled with affection. "Yes, Radulf, she truly is."

Radulf’s gaze softened, and he glanced at Savio. "I should take her to Zenna. The baby needs to stay close to her mother." He whispered the words, almost as if speaking to the child herself.

At that moment, Pia and the other servants emerged from the bedroom, signaling that it was time for Radulf to enter. The midwife followed closely behind, speaking softly to Pia as she provided instructions for Zenna’s post-birth diet.

Radulf turned to Savio, his expression serious but filled with gratitude. "Savio, make sure to reward Lady Selly generously," he said, referring to the midwife. "She’s been a great help."

"Thank you, Alpha," the midwife said with a soft smile, her tone humble. "But I was only doing my duty."

Radulf’s expression softened, but his voice remained firm. "Don’t refuse it. You’ve done more than that," he said, his gratitude clear as he walked into the bedroom.

Inside, the room had been prepared—Zenna’s clothes were changed, and the sheets were fresh. Radulf carefully placed the baby in the cradle, his hands trembling with both awe and tenderness. He gently rocked the cradle, letting the rhythm soothe the baby.

Karina entered quietly behind him and took a seat next to Zenna’s side, her gaze filled with both love and concern.

"You two should decide on a name for the girl once Zenna wakes up," Karina advised softly. "And for a month, Zenna needs complete rest. It’s important not to show the baby’s face to too many people—it could attract the evil eye."

Radulf nodded solemnly, absorbing his mother’s words. "I understand, Mother," he said, his voice steady but filled with resolve. "I’ll make sure Zenna gets all the rest she needs. No one will disturb her."

"I’m too happy, mother. I never thought such a day would ever come in my life. I am so thankful for Zenna," Radulf said. Karina stood next to him and patted his shoulder, silently telling him he deserved all of this.