Meeting Destiny; Lachlan’s Story (Annalese and the Immortals) by Annie Buff

are ye OK? Is there pain? Christ, what canna I do?” He was going 100 miles an hour.
    “OK, Lach, first and most important: calm down. Vlad, where’s the booze? Give him the whole bottle. And you, Pops, better get one too. You look pale. Nico, are you there?”
    “Yes, Lese, I’m here. I’m dying to meet this baby.”
    She smiled. He’d certainly changed a lot over the past few months. “Good, your job is to keep those two,” she motioned to Vlad and Lachlan, ”calm. Babies are born every day, and this one is no exception. My water broke hours ago and I’ve been timing the contractions. I’m guessing another hour and Michael will arrive.”
    Vlad raised an eyebrow. “That’s the first time I’ve heard his name. Michael. I like that. Where did you take it from?” Vlad thought biblical.
    “Lachlan’s middle name. He wouldn’t let me name him Lachlan, so I chose Michael.”
    “And the rest?”
    Sophie appeared in the doorway.
    “It’s a secret until the ceremony. Better call Mehmet.” She winced. A contraction. Breathe, one, two, three, exhale . OK. Over.
    “And my girl parts are not going to be on display, so that means guys, if you’re staying, you sit up here by my head. Otherwise, get out!”
    Lachlan didn’t move from her side. He planted soft kisses on her forehead and rubbed her belly. “Oh angel, gods do I love ye. I’m so sorry for the pain yer in, I just wanted a child so much I didna think.”
    Lese put her head on his chest. “Lach, it’s okay. It’s natural. Childbirth is painful, but it’s all worth it. Your son will be here soon. You OK there, Daddy?”
    “Aye, hell no! But I willa be. As soon as Nico brings that scotch.”
    Vlad sat beside her opposite Lachlan. What a sight. Two huge, scary Vampires who were both petrified of childbirth.
    Vlad spoke. “Annalese, I know you said you didn’t want your parts on display, so say no if you need to, but I’m six hundred and fifty-six years old, and have never been witness this miracle. Can I please be honored to help bring my grandson into this world?”
    She looked to Lachlan and got the nod. “Of course, Vlad. You need the practice anyway if you two are going to try.”
    Less than an hour later, Michael made his debut. Seven pounds, seven ounces, and twenty-one inches long. He was perfect, and just like Lachlan, black hair and sapphire blue eyes. Vlad and Lachlan both swooned over Michael.
    “Aye, angel, me son is perfect. You did so good, Annalese. How you could go through that and not cry out I’ll never know. You are so strong, me love.” He held her, kissing her. Vlad played grandpa.
    Sophie was in love with Michael, and Gary and Nico waited patiently.
    “Vlad, I know you’re having fun being Pops, but I think Nico wants to see him too.” Lese waved him in and everyone gathered around the bed.
    “Nico, meet Michael.” Lachlan spoke. He had really started to like the SOB, God help him. Nico adored Annalese, Lachlan knew that. But even more, he valued her as a friend and wouldn’t cross the line.
    “Damn Lach, he looks just like you only he’s gorgeous, and you my friend are not even close.” Nico just held Michael, staring at him, then passed him to Gary to do the same. Before long, Sophie took him.
    “OK, Mommy and Daddy, Auntie Sophie has him. Get some rest, clean up. Do whatever you need for a few hours. This baby is coming with me.” And with that she left.
    “Well angel, how about a bath? I’ll wash your hair for ye.” He was still beaming. Everyone left the new parents alone to relax awhile. Lachlan bathed Annalese with such care. There was no way not to see how much he loved her.
    A knock came at the door. They assumed it was Sophie. “’Tis open. Come in.”
    In stepped Mehmet. “Lachlan, Lese, congratulations. I’ve seen Michael. He’s perfect. Vlad is making arrangements. Do you realize he is the first hybrid in one hundred and fifty years? He truly is a miracle. Now, have you decided on his