Matilda's POV
Few days after we left the hospital,I let out a long sigh, staring at the ceiling as Marco fussed over me again, tucking the blankets around me as if I was made of glass.
"Marco, I'm fine," I groaned, shifting under the covers.
Marco shot me a sharp look, his golden eyes deadly serious. "You just gave birth, Matilda. You're not fine. You're on bed rest until I say otherwise."
I rolled my eyes, but before I could argue, the door burst open, and in came Lena, Ana, and Elera, all bubbling with excitement.
"Lunaaa!" Lena practically squealed, rushing to the bedside. "You did amazing! Where's our little prince?"
Ana crossed her arms with a smirk. "More importantly, what's his name?"
I blinked, suddenly realizing I hadn't thought of a name yet. My gaze flickered to Marco, who was now cradling our son in his arms, his expression softer than I had ever seen.
"I... I haven't decided yet," I admitted, feeling a little guilty. "But Marco will."
Elera clapped her hands together. "Ooooh, this is gonna be good. The mighty Lycan King choosing a name for his heir."
Lena giggled. "Better not be something scary."
Marco gave them a dry look before sitting beside me, carefully placing our baby in my arms. "I already have a name in mind."
I raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And you didn't tell me?"
He smirked. "I wanted to make sure it fit him first."
I looked down at our son, his tiny hands curling into fists as he slept peacefully. "So? What is it?"
Marco brushed his fingers along my cheek, his voice gentle yet firm.
"His name is Lucian."
I smiled down at our son, whispering his name softly. "Lucian…" It felt right. Strong yet gentle just like his father.
Lena gasped dramatically. "Lucian! Ohhh, that's perfect. Future Alpha Lucian Draven!"
Elera grinned. "Yep, that name definitely suits him. He already looks like a little warrior."
Ana chuckled. "Well, considering who his parents are, he's going to be a handful."
I laughed weakly, feeling exhaustion creeping in, but the warmth of my friends' presence made everything feel lighter.
Lena flopped onto the edge of the bed. "Sooo, Matilda, now that you've given birth, does this mean Marco will finally let you move again?"
I let out a dramatic sigh. "Nope. I'm trapped."
Marco crossed his arms, standing beside the bed like an overprotective wolf. "You just had our son. You're on strict bed rest."
Elera snickered. "You are acting like a guard dog."
Marco shot her a glare. "I take no chances when it comes to my mate and pup."
Ana smirked. "Translation: Marco is terrified and will keep Matilda in bed for as long as possible."
Lena giggled. "Poor Matilda. Looks like you're stuck."
I pouted. "This isn't fair."
Marco leaned down, kissing my forehead. "It's necessary. You need to heal, my love."
I sighed, knowing he wouldn't budge. Stubborn wolf.
Lena yawned, stretching. "Well, as much as I love annoying Marco, we should let you rest."
Elera winked. "Yeah, before he growls at us."
Ana laughed. "Too late,he's already glaring."
Marco exhaled sharply. "Out. Now."
They giggled but obeyed, hugging me gently before heading out.
As the door closed, Marco sat beside me, stroking my hair. "Sleep, Matilda. You need it."
I sighed, snuggling into his warmth. "Fine… but only because I'm exhausted."
He chuckled, pressing a kiss to my temple. "Good."
And as I drifted off, I felt safe,wrapped in Marco's love, with our son sleeping peacefully in my arms.