Now that Elena is here it makes me so excited to start writing about her. Anyways, now that she's here she gets to meet a lot of people.

Ch 66: Meeting the Little One

(Heart's POV)

When I woke up from a well-deserved nap, I was still in bed and I felt there was someone next to me. Looking over, I saw Alastor, but the man wasn't asleep. Instead he was busy with Elena in his arms. It was honestly a cute sight and he didn't realize I was awake yet. The newborn was asleep, and he was distracted playing with her ears. She was all swaddled up in a blanket now and looked as comfy as could be.

If I had my phone, I would have taken a picture because it was honestly so cute. Of course I was still naked under the covers of the bed. Except for my bra I still had on. Even so it was a nice mental image.

I'm surprised that he wasn't resting, but I think he was still excited. He was a new dad after all. Something he never thought he would accomplish or experience. Just from the look he had on his face, I already knew he loved her. Plus, it's not like he was the one that went through the huge stress and all the other things my body went through.

Dr. Talon says that I had to take a few days to recover. I'd mostly be sore for a short time, but my healing should make it a little faster for me. Even so I was told to rest for a while. Just to give myself a few days to rest.

Thank goodness that my epidural went away now. I could feel my legs and my toes again. I was starting to get annoyed from the feeling. I was glad I got it though because I have never been one that deals with pain. That pain though was something different and was crazy to think about. Would I do it again? Probably yes. Especially when I think back to that boy in my dream I've had before. I didn't want to think of that right now though. That will appear again when the time came.

Eventually I decided to let Alastor know I was awake. "Enjoying your bonding time I see."

Alastor jumped slightly in surprise and turned to look at me, "You're awake, darling. You've been asleep for a good bit. I wanted to let you rest. It's almost 7:30pm" He chuckled and looked back down at Elena. "She was getting a little fussy when you were asleep, but I didn't want her to wake you yet. I tried to calm her. She likes her ears rubbed like you do."

I chuckled at that, "Oh really? Wouldn't surprise me any. She probably won't let you later on you know."

"Then I should get them in while I can then." Alastor said with a grin.

I let out a small laugh, "Guess so. Was she ok while I was asleep?"

"For the most part. Dr. Talon said you should try and feed her soon. See how she does feeding." Alastor told me.

"That's true, I have to see how she does when I breastfeed." I held out my arms to him. "Can I hold her?"

"Of course dear." Alastor smiled and shifted to give me the newborn.

Taking Elena from his arms I shifted and got comfy with her in my arms. She seemed to start waking up from the movement as I saw her face scrunch up for a moment. She then blinked open her eyes and she looked up at me. It was the first time I got to see her blazing red eyes. They were very pretty and reminded me of Alastor right away.

"Hey baby girl, you sleep well?" I cooed to her.

Elena just looked up at me and smiled. She was too cute already.

"You have bonding time with daddy? That's good. I carried you long enough so he can have you." I then laughed. That caused Alastor to laugh as well. Then she gave out a small giggle. "You're adorable." I brought my face down to rub my nose against hers.

Elena decided to try and bite my nose, but she had no teeth to do so. It made me laugh.

"How about we give this feeding thing a try huh? I'm sure you need it by now."

Lifting her up a little, I took the blanket down from me and adjusted my bra. Situating ourselves a little, I tried to see if I could get her to find the nipple. She rubbed her face against me a moment. Missed twice until she finally got it with a little help. She let out a small breath, almost of relief as she closed her eyes and started to suck away.

"She's a natural." Alastor said proudly.

"I will admit she caught on quickly. Feels a little weird but I'll get used to it." I told him.

I saw the smirk come onto his face, "Can I latch onto the other one?"

Glancing over at him I glared and smacked his arm, "NO!" I then turned back to the baby who was now happily sucking away. "The first few feeds are supposed to be good for them. I don't want you taking that away. Especially since she is a little early by a few weeks. She needs a little help still."

"Ok I understand, I was only joking by the way." Alastor said.

My ears went down slightly, "I know, but I'm just worried I guess."

Alastor tilted his one ear to the side, "Worried?"

"I just don't want anything happening to her." I whispered and then just looked up at him. "I now have to think about her. I'd rather do anything for her first before I think about myself."

Alastor just smiled and leaned over to kiss my cheek. "I know my wolf. I'm honestly the same." He reached his hand over to lay it on the baby's back. "She'll be ok. She has us to protect her. I'm sure Rufio will protect her too."

"Speaking of the hound. Where is he? I want him to meet her. Get to know her."

"He is downstairs with everyone else. You want them all to come up?"

"Yes, I think they should meet her. Not right now though. After she's done eating."

Alastor nodded and he leaned against me, his head against mine. He ran his fingers down Elena's back and we said nothing as we watched her. It's not like she was doing anything interesting, but we were just enjoying the moment. Plus I think we both were still trying to get over everything that's happened. How different our lives are and how different they're going to be. Now that she was here.

Alastor broke the silence as he lifted his head a little from mine, "Heart."

I looked over to the deer demon as he looked at me. "Yes Alastor."

He took his one hand and cupped my cheek. "I love you. Don't you forget that. I love you so much."

I leaned into his touch, "I love you too. I would never forget." Looking down, Alastor took his hand away. Then looked at Elena, she was still awake and was happily sucking away. "And I love her."

Alastor ran the back of one of his claws against the small girl's cheek. "Understanding the concept of love more now than I ever have. This is a different form of it. I know I love her as well."

A smile came to my face. I looked to Alastor and I leaned over to kiss the deer demon on the cheek.

Soon Elena was done feeding, the girl still awake but now satisfied. It was just in time to, because there was a knock on the door and Dr. Talon came into the room.

"Heart, I see that you're awake. How are you feeling?" The red wolf demon asked.

"I'm feeling a little better. My back is still sore as well as everywhere else. My numbness wore off finally so I can feel my feet again." I told him.

"Ah, that's good. Yes that soreness will probably be for a day or two." I then saw he look down at Elena in my arms. "How is the little one doing? Is she acting ok?"

"She seems fine to us. We just had our first feeding, so I know we're happy about that." I looked down at the newborn and rubbed my nose against hers. She giggled in response.

"That's good. The first few feedings are always important." Dr. Talon reminded me. "Mind if I take her to look her over really fast?"

"Do what you have to do Doc." I said with a small smile.

Dr. Talon walked up to me beside the bed and I held her out to him as he gently took her from my arms. I heard Alastor give off a small buzzing noise as I did. I looked at him and saw his eyes were slit slightly. I flashed him a warning look. I understood that sometimes it's just parental instincts when your child is away from you, but it was Dr. Talon. It's not like he was going to do anything to her. I could understand Alastor's reaction, but it wasn't necessary.

As Dr. Talon looked over the baby. I saw he had her unwrapped from the blanket now and she was starting to cry. I only knew it was because she wasn't comfortable, but he had to do what he needed. Soon he came back with her all swaddled up again and she was calming down from her crying.

"She is perfect." Dr. Talon said as he poked her nose lightly. "If you want, I can have everyone come up so they can meet her?"

"I'd like that, yes. I would like everyone to meet her." I answered.

"Perfect. I'll tell everyone. I'd be careful of the hound though. We don't know how he'll react."

"Maybe bring him in last, that way we have more people here just in case." I looked down at Elena as she was comfortable in my arms again. "I'm sure Rufio will be fine."

The scientist nodded and headed to the door. "Be back in a jiffy."

When the red wolf demon left, Alastor seemed to calm. I looked over to him. "If this is how you're going to be when someone takes her I will ask you to leave." I told him sternly.

Alastor sighed, "I'm sorry darling. It's just a reaction. I promise I'll be fine."

I gave him a stern look, "If you say so. If you make a move though I will ask you to leave."

"It won't come to that." Alastor reassured me.

Nodding, I believed him. I looked down at Elena again and saw the girl was awake and just looking around and making weird faces. I laughed at her. She looked at me and then started to laugh. She was only laughing because I was. She was already too cute.

Not long after there was a knock on the door again and when it opened there were our friends waiting out in the hall. I'm not sure Alastor was enjoying everyone over the house, but I'm sure he will be over that. They all were here for an important day. I would want them here.

Charlie walked in first with Vaggie behind her. The two walked up to me in the bed, "Aw look how adorable! She's so cute!" Charlie's eyes lit up with so much joy it made me happy to see.

Everyone else kind of filled in behind them but stood on the other end of the bedroom so it wouldn't be crowded. I then noticed that Angel and Russ were standing with the group. Someone must have let them know what was going on and came to the house. Made me glad that they were able to come as well.

"She looks so much like you, Heart." Charlie awed as she looked down at the newborn who was looking up at the princess with a look.

"Although it seems that she has Alastor's color scheme." Vaggie pointed out with a small chuckle.

"I know, it's so adorable!" Charlie jumped a little with excitement. "Is it ok if I hold her?" Charlie asked as she held her hands out.

"Sure, just be careful." I told her as I started to hand Elena over to her.

"Don't worry. I got this." Charlie reassured me as she took the girl into her arms. Charlie never lost the smile on her face. "She's so tiny." She whispered and she just started to make funny noises at the baby.

Alastor reached over and grabbed my hand. I looked at him and saw that he was content but probably just needed something to hold onto so he could be relaxed. I know that he was probably just being worried for no reason. I had to show him that Elena would be ok.

Elena laughed as something Charlie did, and I looked back over to see them all laughing.

Charlie calmed her laughter, "Truly a miracle baby that's for sure. Plus I have something in common with someone now."

I tilted my head a moment, "What's that?"

"Being hellborn." Charlie cheered a little and held the baby close.

A smile came onto my face at that, but something in my mind came to me. Almost made me worry. It was true, Elena was hellborn. Would she be followed by the same principles as such? Especially since she had parents that are sinners. I guess that's something we will have to see in time. Plus something Dr. Talon will most likely be keeping track of. Of course I was worried about her aging. When would she stop? I shook my head a moment. I shouldn't be thinking of that. I needed to focus on the now.

Looking back at the princess she was handing the baby over to Vaggie who was a little worried at first but calmed once the newborn was settled into her arms. Unfortunately for the moth girl, Elena didn't seem to like her. The baby started to whine and fidget a bit. Vaggie got that hint before things got loud and quickly handed her back to me.

"Kids never did like me." Vaggie said with a small laugh.

Charlie put an arm around her girlfriend's shoulders. "Don't worry Vaggie, she's just a baby. Surrounded by a lot of faces right now. It's hard to take in."

Vaggie nodded and just leaned against Charlie a moment.

The two stepped back and that's when Angel stepped forward with Russ.

The spider demon walked up closer, "So this is the little squirt that everyone's been hyped over huh?" Angel crossed his lower set of arms. "I'd hold her but I'm afraid I might drop her."

I chuckled. "Angel, you have many arms. I'm sure you can handle it."

Angel just looked at me with concern. "I know, but I've never held a baby before."

Russ then butted in, "May I hold her first? Maybe if Angel sees how ok it is then he'll be ok with holding her."

I gave a smile. "Sure Russ."

The snake demon took the baby out of my arms as I handed her to him. Angel was watching with interest as his boyfriend held the newborn. Russ just looked down at her in his arms and even his snake tongue snuck out a few times. She seemed to laugh at that. Probably found it weird yet fascinating. Russ laughed as well from her reaction.

"You're a silly little creature aren't cha?" Russ said as he stuck his tongue out again.

Elena laughed at that and it was honestly so cute.

The snake demon then turned to Angel. "You want to try now?"

"I suppose." The spider demon said, he was a little uneasy still.

"Maybe sit-down Angel? Might be better for you." I suggested.

Angel looked at me then back to Russ and did as told. He sat down at the edge of the bed then let out a small breath. "Ok let's see how this goes." He held out his top set of arms.

Russ smiled and then handed the baby over to Angel. He stiffened a moment while his boyfriend put the baby in his arms but then relaxed when he had his arms around her.

"Ok...so maybe it isn't as bad as I thought." Angel admitted.

He just looked down at her. The sneaky thing managed to get her arm out of her blanket she was swaddled in, but she put it right in Angel's chest fluff. She must have thought it was weird under her fingers and kept grabbing at it. She kept pulling it too.

"Hey hey kid, watch the merchandise will ya." Angel warned as he took her hand away from his fluff.

Elena thought it was funny and tried to do it again.

"Oh ya think that's funny do ya?" Angel said as he took her hand away again.

"Angel let her go. She won't do anything. We don't want her upset." Alastor is the one that spoke up. Basically telling the spider to suck it up and let the kid do as she wants.

Angel sighed and just did as told as the newborn kept grabbing at his chest fluff.

I saw Charlie look at her phone and she whispered something to Vaggie who nodded.

Charlie then walked back up to us, "Heart, we want to stay longer, but we have to get back to the hotel. I hope you don't mind if we take off?" Charlie said.

"Not at all Charlie, thank you so much for coming. For being here. It's' more than we could ask for." I smiled at her.

"Yes, thank you. It was an important day. So we are glad for your presence." Alastor added.

"Of course." Charlie then lost her smile a moment. "I don't want to ruin the mood, but I have to tell you because it's of royal duty." She took a pause. "My dad has to know about her. He must know about every child born in hell so that he can work out paperwork for them. I hope you understand."

My smile threatened to leave a moment as she said that. Of course that was the case. It was only a matter of time before someone had to find out. That person had to be the king of all people. It was only fair. Elena had to technically be a 'citizen' now. The king had to know about all his subjects if possible. It's not like I would be able to hide her forever. Plus I knew she needed something like this done if she was going to go to school in the future.

Charlie must have seen my worry, "If it makes you feel better. My dad can't do anything to her. He doesn't want to take the life of a child." She placed her hand on my shoulder. "She will be safe. So even though she was born from two sinners, it won't matter. What's done is done. I'll also make sure Dr. Talon is safe as well because his experiment is going to have to be explained for him to know how she came to be."

Alastor was giving off a loud static noise. "You better be right about that Charlie. Because even if he is the king, I will do whatever it takes for my daughter. If that means fighting him then so be it." I looked over to him and saw his eyes were a glow a moment from his anger.

"It shouldn't come to that Al." Charlie reassured him. "I'll even try to be there for you guys, just in case when he does. Because I'll protect you as well."

"Thank you, Charlie. It was best you told us now then us to find out later." I said.

The princess nodded. "Nothing will happen. I promise." She tightened her hold on my shoulder a moment before taking it back. "I know what you guys had to go through to get to this point. I won't let it all go to waste."

All I did was nod. Alastor took my hand into his again. I looked over to him and he just gave me a reassuring smile with a nod. Everything will be ok. I know it will.

Charlie and Vaggie said their goodbyes and headed out. Angel handed me Elena back and told me that I had a cute kid. We just talked a little while until Lizzy popped in. Rufio on a leash in tow with her. The hound looked frantic still and wanted to come over to the bed, pulling on his leash.

"Rufio. Heel boy. Calm down." Lizzy said as the hound pulled on her.

This was the last obstacle I had to face. That was Rufio and how he would react to Elena. I felt the hound would be ok, but you never know. Always expect the unexpected.

"Slowly bring him over here Lizzy." I told her.

The wolf girl had a little trouble, but soon Rufio was by the bed. I looked down at the hound and he wagged his tail. Excited to see me. I handed Elena to Alastor a moment so that I could reach down to pet the hound.

"Were you a good boy? Hmm?" Rufio gave a bark. "I'm sorry if I worried you. I've been a little busy." I gave a chuckle at the last part. I patted the edge of the bed. "Rufio, paws up."

The hound did as said and jumped a little to put his front paws on the edge of the bed. I saw him look over to Alastor and I heard him sniff then turn his head to the side.

Grabbing the hound by his muzzle, I made him look at me. "Rufio, I need you to behave yourself ok. If you're a good boy I'll give you something nice, but you have to behave." I let go of Rufio and turned to Alastor. "Bring her closer."

The deer demon was hesitant for the moment, but he did as told and shifted so that the hound could see the newborn, but I was still between him and her. Plus Lizzy still had a hold onto his leash. Rufio just looked at the baby and then leaned in more to sniff her. He probably didn't know what to think.

"Rufio. Look at me." The hound looked at me for a split second before going back to the baby. "Rufio." I said again and the hound looked at me a little bit longer but turned back. I grabbed the hound by his muzzle again and had him look at me. "Rufio, this is Elena. She is part of the family now. Ok?"

Rufio looked over to the baby again and I let him get a little closer to her. He sniffed her again. Since Elena's one hand was still out of the blanket, she reached out for him. Rufio continued to sniff her then sniffed her hand. I watched as the hound then licked her small hand. The baby laughed from the action. I watched as Rufio's ears went up fully and then wagged his tail.

The hound licked her hand again and she laughed louder. His tail wagged more, and his tongue hung out as he panted. Rufio tried to get up into the bed but I told him no and to stay down. I took Elena into my arms so that the hound could see her better. He started to sniff around her head. The baby grabbed his fur on his neck, and he didn't react at all. He didn't seem to mind.

"Rufio, you have to protect her just as much as you protect me. You understand?" I whispered to him.

The hound looked over to me and then back to Elena. He just took his nose and put it against her for a moment. She continued to pull on his fur a little, but he didn't react at all. He was behaving himself and it looked like he understood me. Just from his actions he seemed to already be ok with the baby. At least I didn't have to worry right now.

Angel walked up next to Lizzy, "Hey babe, we are going to have to get going. Russ has to be up early for practice for his new musical."

"Ok, thanks for coming out you guys. It was so nice to have you around." I said to him.

"We wouldn't want to miss it." Angel smiled.

Russ wrapped an arm around Angel, "If you need help just call us ok? We'll be here for you."

"Thanks guys." Angel gave me a small hug. "I'll be seeing you."

The two said their goodbyes and headed out of the bedroom. Lizzy was left with Rufio and Alastor still sat next to me in bed.

"Lizzy, you don't have to, but can you maybe stay the night tonight? Watch over Rufio for me?" I asked her as I petted the hounds head.

"I don't mind staying. I'll give you guys an extra hand if you need it." She answered with a smile.

"Thank you. I really appreciate it. Kota can stay if he wants to as well." I told her.

"I'll see, but if he doesn't, he knows the way home." She said.

Soon I felt someone getting fussy in my arms and now had both her arms free from the blanket. We couldn't have that now could we. I'll have to fix her swaddle since she was passed around so much. I'm sure she was tired too.

I rubbed my nose against the newborns. "I think it's time for someone to take a nap, but we have to fix this blanket first." I looked to Alastor. "Al, why don't you go help Lizzy get settled for the night? Maybe Dr. Talon to if you see him. I'm sure he'll want to stay."

Alastor seemed to not want to, but eventually nodded. "Ok, I'll be back soon."

He kissed my cheek and then got out of bed. Lizzy said good night to me, and I said goodnight to Rufio and the three walked out of the bedroom.

Leaving me alone with Elena.

I laid her down on the bed in front of me and I started to undo the blanket. "Let's get you all fixed here pup. You are just a wiggle worm."

Once I had the blanket all undone, someone started to not be very happy to be let down then unwrapped from the warm closeness of her blanket. She started to whine a little. I just looked at her a moment and saw her ears pinned back. Then her little red tail just flicked in annoyance under her. It made me chuckle.

I would have put something on her, but I didn't worry about it right now as I'd have to go downstairs, but I think she would be ok for today without something on. Just her little diaper she had on will have to do.

Someone was not getting happy as she bawled her hands together and started to cry a little. "Now now, hold still so mommy can fix you." I said to her as I started to fold up the blanket to swaddle her again. "I got to put my practice to the test. Let's see what I can do."

It took me a minute to remember fully and I wasn't used to practicing on something that moved but eventually I got her all swaddled back up in the blanket. As I finished, she wasn't as fussy but was whining a bit as her ears were still pinned back. I picked her back up. I figured that maybe she was hungry again, so I pulled the blanket down I had pulled up on me and pulled out my other breast from my bra that she didn't drink from earlier.

Bringing her back up closer to my chest she had a little trouble with this side but with a little bit of my help we managed to find the nipple. Once she was latched on, I sighed in relief and sat back in bed. I looked down at her and caressed her one ear with my hand. She looked up at me with her red eyes as I did so, not letting go of my nipple still. I just smiled down at her.

Getting lost in my thoughts. Thinking back to how things were. Trying to picture how things would be. It was hard to imagine. Thought back to the time with Valentino, what would have happened? Even though that was a dark time, I was glad it happened still because it showed me that this was possible. That she was possible. I wasn't going to let her go, not so easily.

That stuff with Mimzy, I don't want to blame Alastor for that. The woman was just nuts. Even so, what would have happened if I didn't miscarry then? Would Elena still be here? I don't know. All I knew is that even though the bad things happened up until this point, I was glad I experienced them. That they happened because I wouldn't be where I was now. They say things happen for a reason. Maybe that's true.

Happy and content. Just like I have been these last few years.

Elena was in my arms finally and it was just a journey I couldn't wait to experience with her. That Alastor and I could experience together.

Looking down at the newborn still I said, "You know kid, there were a lot of crazy things that happened before you came around. I know they are only going to get crazier and I feel you are going to make it so." I let out a chuckle. "Even so, I know we can do it. With your dad by my side I know I can accomplish anything. You'll see that soon enough I'm sure. He'll be able to help you through almost everything. Even on those days you might hate us, we'll be there for you. Because we love you and just want to protect you."

Of course I know she couldn't respond, and I knew she had no idea what I was saying, but she let out a small breath of air through her nose. I think she was just enjoying me talking. I also saw her eyes getting heavy.

I leaned down and kissed the top of her head. "Our little light. You always will be. No matter what." I whispered to her.

Soon Alastor returned and I put my finger to my lips to tell him to be quiet. He said nothing as he walked over to the side of the bed.

"Someone tired?" Alastor asked in a whisper.

"Oh yes, we had an exciting day after all. Meeting a bunch of new people." I whispered back.

"And we are only a few hours old." Alastor chuckled.

"Indeed. It's just the beginning." I smiled.

Looking back down I saw that Elena was finally asleep and had stopped sucking. I reached into the bassinet beside me and pulled out a pacifier. I put it to her mouth instead so that she could suck on that. She gladly accepted it and I watched as she started to suck on the pacifier.

Alastor reached a hand out and went to pet the top of her head. "She's already so beautiful." He whispered.

I gave a small laugh, "Are you saying you make cute babies?"

That made Alastor laugh as well, "Maybe I do."

Soon I gave a yawn. I must have still been tired from today and the pain meds that Dr. Talon was giving me also was making me drowsy. Hopefully by tomorrow I wouldn't need the pain meds and I would be better. Time will tell.

"Darling, why don't you try and get more rest? I'm sure you need some yourself." Alastor suggested.

"Maybe, but I want to cuddle." I said as I put my face to Elena's head.

Alastor smiled. "Want me to come sit with you?" I looked back up at him and just nodded. Alastor walked around the bed and sat on the other side of me. He wrapped his arm around my shoulders. "There, now we can all be together."

Laying my head on Alastor, I closed my eyes and let out a breath of content. "This is nice."

I felt Alastor kiss my ear. "It is."

I knew I was tired because soon I felt the tiredness of sleep start to come upon me. Before I finally blacked out though, I managed to mumble out. "I love you, my buck."

Alastor rubbed his head against mine. "I love you too, my wolf."

Before I managed to finally go into darkness. I opened my eyes slightly to see Alastor take his other hand and caress Elena's cheek with the back of his fingers.

Then I heard him whisper, "I love you as well, my little light."

That put a smile to my face before I finally fell asleep.

Awww, so fun to write in baby Elena now. She got to meet a lot of people today. Not like she'll remember them just yet. Also, family bonding *tires not to cry*