A New Family

After feeding the baby, Taw had to change the diaper and discovered that she had a daughter. She smiled.

“She’s perfect,” Jasper said as he helped Taw. They had been welcomed into the Underground with open arms and instantly taken to a nursery where many mothers and fathers were caring for their own children.

Taw was glad that Jasper was so accepting of her daughter who obviously was not his, she was not even sure if she was from Duuk because he let so many other metas rape her. She rested in a rocking chair, cradling her daughter as she slept. She looked at Jasper. Since she was a child it was determined that she would grow up to be the mate of a high ranking meta because her own parents had both been so powerful before they died. When her powers manifested it was decided she would become Duuk’s mate when she was an adult. So she never had a chance to even think about a relationship with anyone else, especially not a low ranking meta like Jasper. That didn’t keep her from wishing she could, he was kind and she sensed he had feelings for too. “I told Nilima to ask you to be her mate.” She said.

Jasper blinked for a long moment. “Why?” He asked. “You’re free now, Taw. You can do whatever you want with your life now.” His hand was gentle as how brushed her hair out of her face. “I want to be here for you and your daughter. I have cared for you from the first day we met years ago. You don’t have to love me back or give me anything. I want to be here for you and whatever you name your child. I don’t need anything in return so long as you’re happy.” Every word was true.

“Not today. I told her last year. Before… I was hoping she could avoid the Conversion if she chose a mate. I knew you wouldn’t hurt her. She didn’t want to make you be stuck with her.” Taw sighed. “We didn’t have any choices back then. Now though…” Taw smiled. “I think I love you too.”

Jasper’s face flushed as he smiled back. “I’ll do everything to keep you both safe.” He promised.

“I know.” Taw said, holding her baby to him. “Do you want to hold her? I’m thinking of naming her Whisper.” Fuck whatever Duuk was going to call her.

“Whisper,” Jasper said with a smile as he gently took the little girl and held her, love in his eyes. “I love it, Taw.” It was the most perfect name for such a perfect little girl in his eyes.

Taw stood up. She chose the name because it sounded a little like Jasper. She put her arms around Jasper, almost shyly hugging him.

Jasper leaned into the hug a little. This was the best day of his life. He was with these two perfect girls and never wanted to lose them.

Taw smiled and sat back down. “You’re okay with taking things slow?”

“Always,” Jasper said as he looked at Whisper again. He couldn’t get over how sweet the baby was. “She has your eyes, you know.”

“At least she looks like me.” Taw was not ready to talk about Whisper’s questionable paternity. She was not sure if Jasper knew that Duuk wasn’t the only one, how he frequently let others use her, she was not ready to voice it.

Jasper understood her vague answer and chose to let Taw rest for now. He’d be here.

Taw leaned back in the chair, closing her eyes. She felt herself dozing off.

Jasper would stay awake and keep watch, despite them being safe. He was going to stay true to his promise.

Of course Taw could not sleep for long before Whisper would start to get hungry and cry. Taw’s eyes snapped open.

“I think she wants you,” Jasper said as he gently handed Whisper over to her. “Do you need anything? You haven’t drank or eaten anything since we got here.”

Taw took Whisper. “Some food and water would be good.” She said, cradling Whisper, giving Jasper time to go before feeding Whisper. She felt shy about it now.

Jasper would take some time, wanting to give Taw a little space so she could be with Whisper for a bit. He also had to ask a few people about the location of the cafeteria anyway…