Free Ashes And Spirit (Book 3) by A.D. Trosper Page A

confidence to enter the last of it without fear.
    In a rush of pain and more emotions than she could make sense of, she pushed the new life from her body into the waiting hands of her friend. Maleena sobbed with happiness as the first cry of the infant filled the chamber.
    With practiced movements, Serena cut the cord then cleaned the babe while cooing softly. Taela repositioned the pillows to help prop Maleena up while Marda helped Serena. The plump woman who ran the Dragon Hold took the babe in experienced arms and wrapped it snuggly in a soft blanket while Serena delivered the afterbirth.
    A bevy of attendants rushed in and as Serena helped her bathe away the sweat and blood in a large basin, the hide and its soaked wool pad were rolled up and taken away. Clean sheets and bedding were laid down.
    After pulling on a clean shift and undergarments designed to absorb, Maleena was settled back into the bed and Marda laid a tiny bundle in her arms. “You have a daughter, Di’shan.”
    The baby was pink and beautiful with a thick mat of black hair on her head. Maleena’s vision swam as tears filled her eyes and love overflowed her heart at the sight of her daughter. The closest thing she could compare the emotions to were what she felt on Nydara’s hatching day.
    “She’s beautiful,” Taela said, leaning over to look at the baby. Jocelynn, Belynn, and Sumara crowded close to get a look at the newest little member of their family. Like a group of proud aunts, they cooed over the babe.
    Gently, Maleena stroked a tiny hand, her heart melting as it curled around her finger in a tight hold. The baby’s eyes opened, and Maleena found herself staring into light violet eyes. As the babe turned her head and began to root around, Maleena sensed her hunger. Instinctively, she lowered her shift and lifted the baby to her breast.
    It wasn’t perfect, but with help from both Serena and Marda, Maleena figured out how to get the babe to latch on. Both assured her that it would come easier with time. Serena returned to the tray and came back with another cup. “This one has herbs that will help your body heal and clean quicker. I will have you drink some everyday for the next few days.”
    Marda smiled down at her. “I will go fetch Mckale.”

    Mckale paced the inner terrace waiting for word. Tellnox lay nearby, his large silver eyes tracking Mckale’s progress as he walked from one end to the other and back again.
    Kirynn elbowed Vaddoc lightly. “Want to lay wagers on the depth of the groove he’s going to wear in the stone?”
    “I’m not sure it will be measurable.” Vaddoc chuckled.
    Brock glanced at Kirynn. “Why aren’t ye up there with the rest o’ them?”
    “Are you kidding? I’m not going near that .” She shuddered.
    Brock laughed, his brown eyes dancing. His golden, Olen, rumbled in amusement.
    Mckale tried to ignore them, his mind focused on what came through the bond. He came to an abrupt halt as the pain spiked, and he sensed a cascade of emotions from his bondmate. Kellinar stood up from where he sat near the wall.
    Tellnox reached out to him, “Nydara tells me your draclet, or rather your babe, is born.”
    His breath froze in his chest. His child was born; he was a father. “And Maleena?”
    “She is fine. Serena and the others are taking care of her. Once they have everything settled, one of them will come for you.” Warmth and love flowed into him from the green. “Congratulations, my rider. You have a daughter.”
    Mckale was startled from his conversation with Tellnox by Kirynn. “What happened? Is the baby born? Is Maleena all right?”
    He nodded, still slightly numb from the news. “Yes and yes.”
    “Well?” She tapped her foot impatiently. “Did she have a boy or a girl?”
    “A girl.” He looked at her. “I have a daughter.”
    Kellinar clapped him on the shoulder and smiled. “Congratulations, my friend. Perhaps one day Taela and I will join you in this parenthood