Author's note: Awww! Thanks so much to everyone who has follow/favourite this story and for all those reviews. I'm glad that you guys are sticking around :D. So Claire won't be around for a while until I figure out what I want to do with her but I think she'll be back. Anywho, this chapter may be a little boring for those who wanted another drama/action/plot twists and POV changes like in the last chapter cause this is a little more…let's say relaxed shall we. As for those who are wondering about Owen's love life, or should I say potential future love life, I'm still thinking. Nothing is totally set yet and I may write some alternate scenarios and see which version I like better. Anyway, I'll stop talking, enjoy.

The New Baby – Chapter 4

Sirenna's point of view

The car ride to the island hospital sucks, there's no other way to describe it. Every bump in the road hurts and I'm still heaving even though there is nothing in my stomach anymore. I try and keep my breathing even but all I really want to do is go to sleep and hope I wake to find that today has just been a bad dream.

Barry keeps a hold of my hand, having finally let the medics do their jobs, "We're nearly there Sirenna, just a little further."

I groan weakly, wanting to dry-heave again and just hold onto his hand tighter. It's probably stupid for me to be so scared but I'm in pain, I can't control my reactions to said pain and not to mention, my head is throbbing something shocking. It feels like someone is bashing the inside of my head with a sledge hammer.

O~O~O

Once we get to the hospital, I'm kept on my left side but it seems like there's more bad luck for me. It's confirmed that I do have a concussion, a moderately severe one and because of that, they don't want to give me any anaesthetic. I don't really understand too much about concussions and I sure as heck don't even want to think about it right now. They won't remove the objects in my back until they're sure that my concussion has reduced in severity, but they do give me the strongest painkiller that they're willing to give me which isn't really that strong but I'm not complaining at this point. Whatever it is that they give me, it dulls the pain a little and that's all I really wanted.

Barry, being the sweetheart that I know him to be, holds up a book for me so that I can read and take my mind off of everything else. I know he's texting Owen after having the Alpha on speaker phone before as they assessed me and I know that he's made another phone call but to who, I don't know.

Barry keeps his hand holding mine and I squeeze it once I've finished the page and then he turns it, simple really. The staff here has left the TV on as well, on a low volume so he has something to do as well. The book is about dinosaurs, go figure, but it's calming to read and I know that that is after all the entire point.

O~O~O

I've been here for a few hours with no change, they have washed out my back with saline and a disinfectant solution but they still won't remove the…whatever is in my back. They say that they've called in a back surgeon, not wanting to take chances with scalpels near my spine, which I'm quite happy for, enough to tolerate the throbbing pain.

Barry and I have been talking quietly when there's a knock at the door. Barry gets up to see who it is and with a glance to me leaves the room and lets the visitor stay with me instead.

My mouth goes dry, "Hello Doctor Grant" I mumble.

The man in front of me walks towards me slowly, taking in my tired eyes, IV drip and the fact that I'm strapped to my side and not my back, "Hello Sirenna."

I know that he's listed as my next of kin, his insistence, and I say, "I'm sorry, you didn't have to come here. I know how much you can't stand this island."

He takes a deep breath and sits down beside me, after a glance to the gash on my back, "Yeah well, at least this place looks different" he offers before adding, "Let's put our last conversation behind us."

I hum slightly, not being able to do too much else thanks to the neck brace, "That would be great."

His grin turns down, "How did this happen?" he asks gesturing to my body with his free hand.

I swallow, "I was standing with Barry, that's who let you in the room, on the overhead walkways of the raptor enclosure. When Claire Dearing, the park's manager, pushed me over the railing and I landed on something sharp, I think it's a rock. It's still in my back but it's too deep for them to comfortably remove it so I'm waiting for a specialised back surgeon. I've got a nasty concussion from when my head hit the ground and well…" I trail off and he nods, understanding.

He rubs my hand, "Your surgeon was on the plane with me, I'd imagine that he'll be here soon. He'll probably just give you a local anaesthetic instead of a general one, so you'll be awake but not feel it."

I nod, as much as I can, "How long will you stay?"

He sighs, "Well I'm here, I may as well look around" he says, his voice telling me that he's a little on edge.

I bite my lip, "I guess there's no chance that you'll go and see the raptors then" I say, a little sad.

He takes another deep breath and thinks. After a few minutes he says reluctantly, "Maybe once you're back on your feet."

My smile is beaming, and I tell him, "Thank you."

He gives me a small smile of my own, "The enclosure is secure right?"

I allay his fears, "Yes, very much so, you can even watch behind one way glass if you want to."

He rubs my hand again, "I may as well let them see me, they seem to be important to you so…"

Internally I do a happy dance but I decide to change the subject, "How's the dig going?"

He hums but allows it, "Better than we hoped. Because of the park, we've had new funding. People want to know just how close the park is to the real thing" he tells me and I know he's happy to not be extinct.

I sigh happily, "I'm glad" before I groan at the pain. "I think the weak painkillers are wearing off."

He smiles thinly, "So" he begins, "What did they keep?"

I lick my lips, "The original structure is still here, just abandoned and they kept the original gates" I say, not knowing if I should add on the extra little bit.

He notices and takes my hand, "Sirenna? What else?"

I look at his hand in mine, taking comfort in it before timidly saying, "The original T-Rex, she's still here too."

He hums but doesn't say anything for a while. I hear him take a deep breath and I look up at him as he asks, "And uh, the raptors? Do they have names or…"

I smile a little, "Yeah they do" I confirm and continue at his silent question. "There's Blue, Delta, Echo and Charlie."

He chuckles at that, "I take it that this Owen guy is military?"

My smile widens, "Yeah he was in the navy before he started working here."

As I finish talking, Barry comes back with my surgeon and some nurses. They explain everything to me and get everything ready, here we go.

O~O~O

The 'surgery' is a success, they remove the nasty little rock and any other fragments before letting me sleep. By the time I wake up, they're happy that my concussion has reduced and ask me what I'd like to do.

I think but say easily, "I just want to sleep. Is there a way that you can pump me full of drugs and just let me sleep this all off?"

I'm really happy when they say that I can, I didn't think they would. Barry assures me that he'd keep Doctor Grant busy, showing him parts of the park while I rest.

O~O~O

The next time I wake up I see Owen's smiling face, making me smile too, "Hey Alpha" I say, my voice a little croaky.

He squeezes my hand in a re-assuring way, "Hey yourself Hatchling. How ya feeling? You've been out cold for a few hours" he tells me.

I take a breath, letting myself wake up as I assess how I feel, and realise that I'm no longer restrained although I'm still on my side, "I feel a lot better. My back is still a little sore by my head feels fine."

He grins, "Great, that's good to hear cause if you can walk, you can come home" he tells me and I finally see a doctor behind him who nods at his words.

I grin and nod, "Yes! Please I want to get off this bed."

He laughs and helps me, very slowly, to sit up and then stand, the doctor coming up as well and saying, "It may be more comfortable for you to wear short tank tops instead of full length ones, your back does have a dressing but the stiches underneath can get tender."

I nod, fine with that as Owen has one arm around my shoulders and his other hand holding mine, "Let's do this" I say determined.

The doctor smiles and watches me take a few steps with Owen helping. We make it around the room once when Owen removes his grip, staying close instead I need him but really just letting me do it by myself. I make it around the room by myself and look to the doctor triumphantly.

He smiles again and signs my release papers, handing them to Owen before wishing me the best. Owen and I walk out to see Barry and Doctor Grant and I wave, "Seen much of the island?" I ask.

Doctor Grant looks impressed, "It was strange to see the T-Rex again, almost seemed like she recognised me but I won't get into that."

I giggle and tilt my head at him, "Any chance you'll come with us to see the girls? I know Owen would love to show them off to you, they're his babies."

Owen pokes my shoulder, "Come on Hatchling, no need to reveal my deepest secrets but yeah he's agreed to come and see the girls but they want to see you more."

I look at him, wanting to confirm it, "Really?"

He nods, "You left a bit of a blood stain and even though it was washed away during the light shower that finished about an hour ago, they still huddle around that spot, they're worried about you Siren" he explains seriously.

I grin, "Then what are we waiting for?" I ask, getting excited.

Barry and Owen grin and Doctor Grant rolls his eyes good-naturedly but we move to the jeep anyway. Owen drives with Barry in shotgun while Doctor Grant and I sit in back. I stroke my whistle, happy that I didn't lose it as we drive off, Owen making sure to keep the ride as smooth as possible.

O~O~O

We arrive at the enclosure and hear the girls chittering to each other. I look to Doctor Grant as we get out, taking his hand once the doors are shut, "You don't have to do this" I remind him.

He nods, "I know, but…from what I've heard, from what you've told me, I want to" he admits and I nod.

Owen, Barry and I have a silent conversation before they move off but we stay put. I watch Doctor Grant as he hears the girls' calls change when they see the two men. He seems fascinated but apprehensive. I begin walking and encourage him to as well.

We stop just before turning the corner, "Last chance" I tell him quietly.

He sighs and smiles, "Let's go."

I drop his hand and we walk around the corner. I smile at seeing the girls playing with Owen and Barry and walk up to the gate, Doctor Grant beside me.

I giggle and call out, "What about me?"

The girls freeze at my voice and turn to see me before charging excitedly, calling and chirping and trying to get to me. I grin and reach through the bars so that I can touch them. They breathe in my scent and rub their own on my hands and arms.

Barry comes over and opens the gate enough for him to come out and lets me go in, locking it behind me and standing with Doctor Grant. As soon as I'm in, they swarm around me nuzzling me and making sure I'm okay. They notice the dressing on my back and they make an effort to be gentle, caring.

Owen comes over and addresses Doctor Grant, "So? What do you think? They're only like this with us, strangers, not so much" he says.

The other man chuckles, "They're something, I'll give you that. Who's who?"

Barry passes Owen some dead rats and a little bag of carrot sticks. Owen then says, "Watch and find out." He then turns to us and motions for us to pay attention and then, "Blue" he says and she reacts immediately. "Echo" he says next and she dances a little. "Delta" is next up and she chirps a bit. "Charlie" he calls and she tilts her head at him. And then lastly, "Siren" he calls out. I click my tongue, looking interested and we all get our rat/carrot stick as our rewards.

Doctor Grant laughs at the display, clearly impressed, "I always thought you had a little raptor in you Sirenna."

I giggle, "Yeah a few people have said that" I tell him before looking back at the girls, snuggling up to Blue's chest and she lets me. I sigh, chirping with my whistle before saying, "It's so nice to be back."

I move away from Blue and carefully sit down, crossed-legged. Blue nuzzles my head before moving off to follow Owen as he checks around the pen, with Echo and Charlie following. Delta talks to Blue and after a quick chat, she curls around me, letting me snuggle as best I can to her tough hide.

Looking up at Doctor Grant I shrug at his gobsmacked expression, "I'm the baby of the pack" I remind him and I know that he now finally believes me.

He chuckles, "I can see that, and they're all girls you said?" he adds on, looking to Barry.

The other man nods, "Yes, all of the DNA was selected carefully to ensure that there would be no gender change. And also, each of the girls have different splices, as an extra precaution, we were told."

Doctor Grant hums, looking back at me, "That's Delta right?"

She looks up when she hears her name but looks wary of the new-comer. I purr at her with my whistle and she responds but she curls up a little tighter around me, more protective. Owen comes back and re-assures her, before deliberately walking to Doctor Grant, leaning against the bars next to him. The sight does help her relax a little and I snuggle further into her, making her happy.

O~O~O

The men leave me to chill with the girls while they head into the kitchen, probably answering a bunch of questions that Doctor Grant no doubt has.

Delta gets roped into playing but I just watch, moving to be under the trees and laughing at their antics from my spot in the shade. They all take turns to come over and check to see if I'm okay, and I chirp in a re-assuring way each time. They chase a few birds that dare come into the enclosure, jumping up and snapping at them but not really making an effort to catch them.

Blue walks over to me and chirps a few times, moving her head and nudging my shoulder gently. I gradually stand up and she purrs so I guess that's what she wanted me to do. I walk with her into the sun and towards the rest of the pack, who've all settled down in the afternoon light for a nap. I smile when I realise that she's essentially tucking us all in and they urge me into the middle. I shrug and shuffle in, carefully lowering myself and getting comfortable against Delta when she purrs at me.

The warm sun feels nice and once I'm relaxed and comfortable, they cuddle in around me, resting their heads on each of my limbs carefully, so as not to hurt me but so that they're touching me. I purr in the back of my throat, not bothering with my whistle and let myself fall asleep.

Owen's point of view

Me, Doctor Grant and Barry sit in the kitchen together and I say cautiously, "I seriously didn't think you'd ever come back."

He sighs wearily and nods heavily, "It wasn't in my original plans, but I needed to make things right with Sirenna in person."

I bite my tongue, not wanting to ruffle any feathers and guess, "You won't be staying long though."

He nods again, "I fly out tonight, I can't stay on this island."

Barry contemplates quietly for a moment, "It meant a lot to her, that you support her and came when she was hurt."

He rubs his eyes, "She hasn't got anyone else" he says before shaking his head, "What's happened to the woman that pushed her?"

I sigh, gaining his attention, "She's been taken off the island, for how long, I'm not sure. There's rumours that she might be charged, have to go through mandatory therapy to sort out all the issues that she has and maybe even a form of rehab." I pause, feeling a headache coming on, "We won't know for certain for a few days at least."

He absorbs the information, nodding, "Sirenna won't press charges, she's not that kind of person."

Barry agrees with him, "She'd rather avoid the conflict, but it doesn't mean that Claire will get off lightly."

Doctor Grant seems to notice that I don't really want to continue this conversation and graciously offers a change in conversation, "Sirenna still with the raptors?"

I take the subject change and stand, looking through the kitchen window and chuckle at what I see, "Yeah" I say. "Yeah she's still in there, looks pretty comfy too."

The two men join me and Barry smiles peacefully, seeing Siren asleep with the girls. Doctor Grant shakes his head in disbelief and lets out a shaky breath.

He watches for a moment, "She never ceases to amaze me, I really shouldn't make so many assumptions about her" he admits, a hint of shame in his voice.

I frown a little, "What do you mean?" I ask him.

He sits back down at the table, "She was still a kid really, when I met her. Mind like a steal trap but she had this naïve air about her." He pauses and shakes his head solemnly, "Then she got the visit, from the two men in full ceremonial uniforms to tell her that both her parents had been killed in action, one from a sniper and the other from shrapnel from an IED. I still don't know who was who, I probably should but she never said, seemed like she couldn't. Then she started working at my digs more often after the funeral, throwing herself into the work even though she didn't fully understand it. She applied for the job here, surprised everyone when she got it and no one could talk her out of it" he explains. He rubs his forehead, "I still thought of her as this naïve little girl, didn't think she'd be here for long, especially when she said it was a fluke that got her the trust with the raptors but yet here she is and it's now painfully clear that she knows what she's doing."

I sit next to him, "She's a real trooper, still carrying around a bit of pain" I tell him. "But she works through it, channels it into whatever she does."

His look turns a bit more serious, "So what is her job description, really? If she's the baby, then they won't take orders from her."

I nod in agreement, "But she can be with them without us" I say gesturing to Barry as he sits down as well. "Like now, if Barry and I needed to go out or if the cleaning crew needed to come in, she could distract the girls, give them something else to focus on, makes everything easier."

Barry backs me up, "It is a good form of stimulation for them too" he says confidently. "They act differently to her than they do to us, it makes them think in a different way."

He shudders a bit, "Please excuse me if I'm not too keen on the idea of them thinking a lot."

I bite my tongue again, knowing I can't blame him really. The raptors he's met from the original park and on site B are nothing like my girls, not really. They never imprinted on a human, never trusted humans and they hunted him, with the intent to kill and maybe not just to eat.

All three of us look up when we hear quiet chirps, walking to the window to have a look. Charlie is the one we heard, chatting away with her head rested on Sirens left thigh. Echo responds from her spot on Sirens other thigh.

Doctor Grant's brow furrows, "I wonder what they're saying."

Barry hums, "It's possible that they're talking about Siren and when she will be able to play with them again" he offers.

I nod, my hands resting in my pockets, "Wouldn't surprise me."

Doctor Grant glances at the clock, "I probably should head to the helicopter pad, nearly time for me to go."

I nod again, "I'll wake up Siren, she'd kill us if we didn't let her say goodbye" I tell him, walking out of the kitchen and heading to the gate.

I let myself in and all four raptors wake up instantly, purring at me in greeting. I give them all attention before gently shaking Siren's shoulder.

She mumbles a little as she wakes up, "Owen? What's up?" she asks sleepily.

I squat down, the girls making room for me, "Doctor Grant has to get back, he's leaving soon." She nods and I help her up, checking my watch at the same time. "I'll give you guys a lift while Barry gives the girls their weekly check-up." She nods and yawns, chirping to the girls as we leave.

O~O~O

Barry and I give her some time alone with Doctor Grant and Barry asks me seriously, "So what's going on man?"

My brow furrows, "Huh? What do you mean?"

He crosses his arms, leaning against the wall, "With you and Siren, what's going on? Some days you two are like brother and sister. But some days it's like you're dating."

I sigh, rubbing my face, "I don't know man" I say honestly. "I do think of her as a sister but at the same time it's easy to talk to her, joke around with her in a way that feels a bit more intimate…I don't know" I groan.

He hums, a hand on my shoulder, "I think I get what you're trying to say man" he tells me. "Just know that Siren seems like the kinda girl that plays for keeps and it could seriously stuff up the pack dynamic if your relationship with her moves away from a sibling relationship and into something more."

I nod, "Yeah, yeah I know. I don't think anything will happen Barry" I say honestly. "I mean yes, I'm confused about my emotions towards Siren but it's not like I want to kiss her."

He looks at me long and hard before finally nodding, "Alright man, I believe you. Just know that people are watching how you two react around each other, especially now. Even if you kiss her head in a brotherly way, others may not see it like that" he warns.

He claps me on the back and we wait for Doctor Grant and Siren to be ready to leave.

Sirenna's point of view

The boys let me have some time with Doctor Grant before he leaves and we sit at the kitchen table together.

He takes a deep breath and asks, "Are you happy here Sirenna? Is this where you want to be?"

I give myself time to absorb his words before finally nodding, "Yes Sir, I have a place here, a purpose. It's not like I'm with the raptors 24/7, I'm able to do other things as well" I assure him. "I like it here."

He sighs and gives me a tight smile, "Alright then" he concedes. "Just know that there's also a place for you back in civilisation." I nod and he becomes a bit more serious, "So what's the deal with you and Owen?"

I tilt my head, a bit confused, "Huh? What do you mean, there's not a deal."

He hums, unconvinced, "The two of you…well it seems like your closer than you make out to be" he says, a slight frown on his face.

I let out a breath, "Owen is like a brother to me."

He interrupts before I can continue, "I know, you've told me that but I can see that there's potential for more there. I know I'm not your father, I'm not trying to be. But I am trying to look out for you and I don't want to see you get hurt" he emphasises.

I sigh this time, "Okay I'll give you that, sometimes we are a little too comfortable with each other but I really don't think it's like that. You've seen the girls, they're very touch based, always sharing scent and strengthening bonds through affection when strangers aren't around" I remind him carefully. "I think that Owen and I just forget to turn that part of our brains off after we've been with the girls."

He clears his throat, "Are you sure Sirenna?"

I rest a hand on his arm, "Let me say it straight" I offer and he nods. "Whenever I'm with Owen, my heart doesn't flutter, my palms don't get clammy, I don't get butterflies in my stomach and I don't crave to spend more time with him. He's like an older brother to me and even though there are fleeting moments that may indicate to something else…" I trail off and he nods.

"Well" he says with an embarrassed smile, "At least you know where things stand, just know that things can change."

O~O~O

After waving goodbye to Doctor Grant and watching as the helicopter flies away, Owen and I get back into the jeep and drive to the enclosure.

I let out a low breath, "I heard about you and Claire" I say softly, "Sorry Alpha."

He sighs, "With how things were going it was bound to happen, it's not your fault Hatchling" he tells me evenly.

I shrug, "I'm still sorry."

He gives me a brief smile, "Let's just worry about you, okay?"

I flick his shoulder, "Whatever you say Alpha."

O~O~O

Back at the enclosure, Barry helps me out of the jeep and into the house area of the pen.

He looks over my back, "I'm going to take the dressing off and re-apply some cream okay?" he asks me.

I nod, "Yeah sure, it's a little itchy to be honest."

He hums and gently pulls away the dressing, assessing the stitching before applying the cream and then a new dressing, smoothing down the edges as he goes.

As he puts everything away he tells me, "That dressing is waterproof unlike your previous one so if you'd like a shower tonight, you can have one."

I hug him quickly and go and do just that, sighing when I finally feel clean, changing, lying on my bed and snuggling into my sheets. I sigh as I go over the past couple of days in my head, I need to do something to get rid of the fog in my brain, the…tension. I shake my head a little and do my best to clear my head, letting myself gradually fall asleep.

O~O~O

The next morning, I'm up before the sun, must have been from all the sleep I had yesterday. I notice my sketch book and realise that I honestly can't remember the last time I drew anything. I grab it and my pencils and head out to the gate of the enclosure. Being mindful of my back, I sit down and quietly watch the girls, deciding to sketch them individually rather than do another group drawing like I did before.

I might as well go in order of rank so I start with Blue, tracing her sharp outline, her muscles, her jaw, keeping the sketch of her upper body and adding in where her blue markings go but not adding colour just yet. I add in each and every ripple of her skin, every scale, the ridges above her eyes, taking extra care with the eyes themselves. I draw her with her head up, as though she's looking at Owen when he's on the overhead walkways before finally, I move onto colour, adding in the various yellows of her eyes with the hint of gold, the vibrant blue of her strip and the lesser blue and grey splotches that cover the rest of her body. I give her skin texture, adding shading and highlights to show how the sun hits her.

By the time I finish it, the sun has risen. I write down the time and date before signing it and adding in extra little notes. I stand slowly and smile as I watch the girls test each other before I head back into the kitchen, waving to Owen and Barry as they appear, ready for the day.

Owen tilts his head slightly, "You alright? Sleeping okay?" he asks with a hint of worry.

I give a little smile and nod, "Yeah I'm good, I guess I slept more than I realised yesterday. I was just sketching outside, that's all."

Barry grins, "May we see?" he asks curiously.

I blush a little, as they've never seen one of my finished drawings and I slowly open my sketchbook to the right page before placing it down on the table, letting them see the picture of Blue that I've just finished.

Owen shakes his head, "Damn, that's unreal."

Barry agrees, "You've captured her perfectly, do you plan to do everyone?" he inquires.

I get myself some water and sip it, "Yeah, I want to take it easy for a few days. Have some 'me' time and relax" I say.

They both nod and Owen ruffles my hair, "Good idea Hatchling, take some time for yourself, we'll manage."

He moves to give the girls their breakfast and Barry offers me an apple. I take it as he says, "Let us know if anything is wrong, alright?"

I frown a little, not sure what he means but nod anyway, "Okay, I will" I assure him.

Author's note: A little on the short side, I know but hey, at least you guys get an update, no matter how short. All in all, I'm happy that I was able to find the time to write, real life has been quite busy for me lately. I hope you guys don't mind that this chapter was a tad boring but I knew I had to address a few things and so they're in there. As always, feel free to leave me a review, letting me know how you think this is going, until next time, Bye!