Chapter 6

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention… in my story, Saxton doesn't live in the mansion.

Inspirational music behind this chapter: Kate Winslet, What if

Blaylock wasn't sure who was more panicked, as he watched Jane coach Jacqulein on breathing techniques. According to the monitors hooked on her, Jacqulein's heart rate was way too fast, and her blood pressure was skyrocketing. Her face was drawn and even paler.

But damn… she was so brave. Even though her chances of survival didn't look good, she fought for her daughter's life.

Such a wonderful female of worth. She was the kind of female that Blay knew he would have wanted, if things were different. If he was different.

"Her contractions are coming to close together", Jane said, spreading a sheet over the female's knees. "It's almost time." No need to elaborate on that.

Jacqulein's grip on Blay's hands tightens as another contraction rocked through her body, lifting her off the bed. She was screaming more, but her hand never broke from Blay's.

And he never left her side.

"Okay, Jacqulein… Just a little bit longer and Giselle will be here soon. She's very determined to see her Mahem", Blay uttered, bending down to kiss the female's damp forehead. He wasn't sure why he was acting like her mate instead of the stranger he was. Maybe it was the gentleman in him that hated to see a female suffer. Or maybe it was the fusion of misery and valor shinning in her emerald eyes that had Blay pressing another encouraging kiss on her face. He didn't know who or where this female came from, but he knew he would do anything to help her.

If only he would have gotten to her sooner!

"If i- d—don't make it", she stuttered, biting her lips as, another, shudder went through her body. " K—keep her safe. D—D -Don't let her be- alone. Please."

His heart cracked a bit as he started to tell her that everything was going to be fine. But he didn't believe that. And he didn't want to lie to her. Instead he gave her the only morsel of truth he could give. He gave her his vow.

"I swear to thee, I will protect thou's flesh and blood as if she was my very own", He stated in the Old Language. The sincerity in his pledge seemed to ease her a bit, and her eyes fluttered down. For a small second in time, Blay could have sworn she smiled, but then the moment was lost when she started shaking violently, and her painful sobs broke Blay's heart.

It totally did.

"Jacqulein, you're going to have to push. I can see your baby's head", Jane shouted over Jacqulein's cries.

"I –can't… I cannnnnn't"

"Do it for your young." Jane retorted. She was covered in Jacqulein's blood, and was trying to get the young out as best as she could. But judging from the amount of blood Jacqulein was losing, she wasn't going to have the strength.

Blay leaned to her face, and said, "You can do it. Just a few more pushes, and then she'll be here. You can see and hold her, but you got to hang on for her.

Nodding her head, Jacqulein gritted her chattering teeth, and gave one final push.

And Blay was so proud of her.

He could hear the young's cries, and he turned to see Jane holding the young, and V bring over a small incubator that had previously been used with Nalla. The Brother actually grinned as he looked down at the screeching young.

Laughing in relief, Blay turned back to Jacqulein, and stopped instantly. Her glassy green eyes stared straight, looking and seeing nothing. Her monitor didn't have to tell Blay that the female was gone. He was looking at her lifeless body.

Tears rolled down his eyes, as he stared at the tragedy. She didn't even get to hold the young she struggled so bravely to have.

Blay wasn't sure how long he sat looking at Jacqulein, until Jane touched his arms softly.

"It's not your fault. At least, we saved one of them."

Blay looked up at Jane, and smiled sadly as she held the little bundle, wrapped in a thick cotton blanket. He reached out for the child, and Jane laid her softly in his arms.

And his life changed as soon as his blue eyes met the young's bright green ones. They were the same color as her mothers.

"Hi Giselle. I won't let you lose your way", he nearly croaked as the young's almond shaped peepers remained focused on him. Damn, she was beautiful. Just like her mother.

His hands, suddenly, felt to rough compared to her soft caramel skin that had a gorgeous luminous shine and her soft raven colored curls.

"She's a looker, isn't she", Jane said, and Blay tore his eyes from his daughter to smile up at Jane's tear-stained face.

His daughter

Yes, she was his daughter now. He was going to make sure little Giselle will never be alone. Isn't that what he promised her mother? And he was an appropriate age to have a young.

She must have a biological father or relatives that can claim her.

He pushed the voice of reason from his head, and concentrated on his young. Then he remembered what Jacqulein said about not letting someone harm Giselle. She said "him", so maybe it was the young's biological father?

Not going to happen.

He didn't care who he had to go through, he wasn't giving up Giselle and he'd be damn if he let someone hut her.

Turning back to Jacqulein, he held the baby to her empty eyes. Even though he knew she was gone, he felt like she was still there, somehow. And in a way, she was. The mysterious and beautiful female who had altered Blay's whole life when he saved her in that alley still lingered in this room. At least a part of her did.

"May you rest well in the fade", he whispered, kissing her cool cheek. Then, he watched as V pulled a sheet over her, and afterwards he wheeled the bed away.

Carrying his young in his arms, Blay walked behind V, refusing to think about the future, and instead, focusing on making sure little Giselle was fed and examined.