The Viking Alpha

A vow

(James POV)

He was in his office going over future plans and extensions for the village.
He thought he'd give mother and daughter some alone time to catch up. Lucas agreed and went off to his cabin to gather some things.
It was almost time to give his speech. He was just about to leave the room and search for Cassandra when his door burst open.
'Cassandra…Deb-borah at Ezris.' He was winded as if he'd just ran a marathon.
'What?! You let them go alone?'
'Boy! Do you think I'm stupid? I just returned when she mind linked me.'
'You're not a witch anymore. How did that happen?'
'I don't know. It must just be our natural bond infused with her side of magic. That's not important. Let's go!'
They ran together. Lucas was much slower and became winded again. He made it to the door angry as hell at her. She just put herself in danger! After all they'd been through you'd think she'd learn.
But he saw her face twisted and in pain. He reached for her when water splashed between her legs onto the wood below her feet.
His eyes widened. Alarm blaring through his frame. He quickly grabbed her in his arms.
'Ezri please get Deborah and Lucas back at the castle.' He barked out.
He ran full speed with her in his arms panting and gripping his shirt.
'It'll be okay, love. You'll both be fine.' He was trying not to just soothe her but himself. Wasn't it too early? He made it to the castle and was about to get up the stairs when she gasped.
'No.' She shook her head and pointed. 'Library.'
He turned and took her there without question. He set her down in her reading chair.
'Send the healer to the library now!.'
What did he do know?
As if she just read his thoughts, she spoke.
'Get Nat and Madga. Ezri will be here soon with mama.' She panted while groaning.
He paused before darting off. He found the two women in the kitchen. Without a word to their wide eyed stares he grabbed them and brought them to the room. To say they were shocked was saying the least. But they both quickly sprang into action. Natalie went to get hot water. Madga went to get towels.
'Bring a bed to the library at once!' He screamed to his servants.
He turned to her. She looked calmer now. Stroking her belly. She weakly picked up her album on the side table and flipped through it. He went behind her and kissed her cheek.
'Won't be long now.'
'No.' She agreed.
'Love, why here? Why in this library do you want to give birth.'
She laughed softly before wincing. 'I think I swore to you I'd give birth here.'
He was stupefied then he chuckled.
'That you did.'
She groaned and dropped the album.
A couple servants arrived with a bed from one of the rooms. James shoved the sofa to the side of the room before picking Cassandra up and settling her on the mattress.
Saria arrived next with her medical bag. He had stocked up on human supplies months ago for Cassandra just in case.
'Okay.' She smiled warmly at Cassandra. 'Let's see how the little prince is doing?' Saria moves the soaking skirt of her dress out of the way before checking. Cassandra groaned and gripped his hand. 'You're about six centimeters. Only four more before you can push your majesty.'
'WHERE IS MY PARENTS?!'
Cassandra screamed while gritting her teeth.
James' eyes widened. 'I'll go get them, Love.'
Natalie and Madga arrived with supplies as he was leaving.
He saw the trio coming up the lawn.
'Hurry! He's almost here.'
They rushed back in. Debora took over for Natalie and dabbed at Cassandra's forehead as sweat soaked her hair and face.
Lucas got behind Cassandra and stroked her hair back. James continued to grip her hand.
'Mama. I'm scared.' She sobbed.
'I know baby. All women are. So was I. But you'll be okay. You've got everybody here.'
'Why is he coming so early and so fast? Something is wrong.'
Ezri shook her head and sat on the side of the bed while petting her leg.
'He's ready Cassi. He just got impatient. Trust me.'
She groaned again before letting her head fall back.
'Get me out of this dress somebody, please? I'm wet and cold.'
Lucas left the room while the women helped strip her into a new gown.
Saria came back to check again.
'Only one more centimeter to go Cassandra. He's moving fast.'
Minutes ticked by to hours painfully slow for everyone.
Ezri was on the other side of the room on her knees rocking back and forth chanting.
'What are you doing?' Cassi asked weakly.
'Casting a calming spell.'
She laughed.
'How about a pain free spell?'
'I'd love to Cassandra but believe me you'll want to feel this. Remember it. Maybe you don't feel that way now but you will. If I had any doubt I'd cast something in a heart beat.'
Everyone seemed to try and comfort her. Deobarah tried to distract Cassandra with her birth story. How it took Cassandra hours before she decided to descend. Lucas listened intently with fascination and sorrow in his eyes.
'I love you, James.' She whispered.
'I love you too.' He felt emotional. He kissed her head and stroked her hair.
When it was time Natalie and Madga held her legs open. Deborah and Lucas held each of her hands while James got behind her and supported her weight.
'Okay Cassandra. On the count of three you need to push. One two three!'
She screamed as she pushed forward for a few seconds before slumping back against his chest.
'Fuck!'
'Take a breath and push again at three.' Saria ignored her outburst.
She pushed and he felt her tremble.
'I see his head!' Saria smiled.
'You do?' Cassandra sobbed.
'Push again.'
Four more pushes and a cry split the room. In Saria's hands was their squirming flailing son.
The world seemed to stop and he was held up for them to see. His scrunched up facial features as he screamed. His legs and arms jerking out.
His shockingly blue eyes blinked open unfocused against the light of the room.
James moved gently and quickly cut the umbilical cord. Lifting him gently supporting his head, he stared into his son's eyes. Time froze. Smiling gently he held him close to his chest. Carrying him over to his mother he gently set her in the waiting crook of her arms. She was laughing and sobbing. Nuzzling his little face as she held him close. All the women cooed. Lucas had a proud smile on his face as he stroked his daughters hair back tenderly.
James could now understand Lucas better. The paternal instinct was instant. He understood the need to protect and want only good for your child. Smiling to himself as he cuddled both his wife and new son as their audience cleaned up quickly before melting away to give the three a moment.
What he held now was his life. His reason for being. What he vowed right now to continue to hold and protect for the remainder of his existence.