Chapter 20

Lily

Chapter 19

"The nursery looks amazing, Lily," Syd gushed.

"Thanks. I'm really happy with how it turned out."

"I hate that you gave up your office for it though. What will you do?"

"Work out of the kitchen or something. It's not that big of a deal."

"I don't know, as the girls continue to grow, you seem to be outgrowing this place. Have you considered moving or expanding?"

"I can't expand right now. So many other things take priority to that. We'll be fine. It's not so bad. Cozy even."

"You're the Alpha and Pack Mother, your home shouldn't have to be cozy."

"I'm not sure I could stand to live in it if it weren't."

"Girl, you know what I mean."

"I love this place Syd. We'll be fine."

It really was getting to be too small for our soon-to-be family of seven, but I wasn't ready to consider moving anywhere else. Not having an office wasn't the end of the world and once this new baby was big enough I could always set up an office at the Alpha House. I knew that wouldn't be for several months still, but in time it was definitely an option.

And when all the storm repairs were finished and if we were in the position to do so, I would talk to Thomas about maybe adding and addition.

I was blessed in that the Alpha House I grew up in there was enough rooms for all of us to have our own. The Collier Alpha House was even bigger than that as I knew all seven Collier kids had their own rooms, plus at least two additional guest rooms. But Zach and Cora were still there and it was so much a part of them that I couldn't imagine them not living there. Besides, Thomas had hinted more than once how he hated growing up right there in the middle of town with people coming and going at all hours. I liked to think that wouldn't be the case with us because we set boundaries with our Pack that his parents hadn't. But it wasn't something I was comfortable with pursuing either.

Eventually we'd put a large addition onto our home or we'd build elsewhere within our territory. But for now, I was so pleased with how the nursery had turned out and I could not wait to meet my newest daughter, or perhaps my son.

I still worried about what a true male heir would do to Cammie though.

"Give that back right now!" she yelled down the hall.

Sydney sighed. "Hunter!"

"It could be one of the girls messing with her stuff."

"Doubt it. I swear that son of mine goes out of his way to torment Cammie. If they weren't practically brother and sister who have always fought like cats and dogs, I'd swear he was going through some sort of awkward crush on her or something."

"Don't you be getting my hopes up," I teased.

It was true. For whatever reason, Hunter and Cammie had either been thick as thieves or ready to murder each other pretty much since the first moment they met and I laid my tiny girl in his little outstretched toddler arms. He'd leaned down and kissed the top of her head and then promptly pushed her off his lap so fast that he nearly gave us a heart attack as Sydney and I both scrambled to catch her. No harm had been done, but it was still an accurate portrayal of their relationship even today.

Neither Sydney, nor I bothered to intervene. If it had been one of my daughters, I'd have heard the tell-tale signs already.

"Well, next summer should be interesting."

"What do you mean?"

"Thomas is sending Cammie to Alpha Camp. And I don't know if he's mentioned it or not, but he'd like to send Hunter too. A lot of Beta kids are going and if things had worked out differently, Hunter would be an Alpha in his own right. It's in his blood. But it's also not just future Alphas that attend. It's all the Alphas' kids, plus those of high ranked wolves. For some of the smaller Packs and those with unmated Alphas, they are even given a percentage of kids they can send each summer. Not to mention the fact that my brother is pushing for them to open it up to a more inclusive camp and not just wolves."

"Why?"

"Because thanks to Westin Force he has a lot of shifters that aren't actually wolves and he has a few of their kids he'd like to send. I think he's really pushing it for my nephew's best friend. Macie is a bear and quite the spitfire. He thinks it will do her some good. But we'll see."

"With Archibald Reynolds all inclusive, it might not be a bad idea, I guess."

"That was kind of my thoughts too when Kelsey mentioned it to me."

"Do you really think Thomas would want to send Hunter?"

"Absolutely. You know we consider you family. Hunter's like the son my poor mate will likely never have."

She reached over and patted my stomach. "Maybe not."

I smiled. "We'll see soon enough, but I'm serious this time. Five is perfect to me."

"That's because you're one of five, but your mate is one of seven. Why not split the difference and go for six."

"I don't think so," I said with a snort. "Five is good."

"You do know you said that at four, right?"

"Girl, I said that at two, but this time I'm holding firm. Thomas already knows it, but I asked Sam if he could go ahead and tie my tubes after this one."

"You're serious?"

I nodded.

"You suck. I was hoping for at least one more shortly after this one."

"Why?"

She gave me a sheepish look. "Because I'm pregnant and there's going to such a big age gap between Hunter and this one that I thought it would be nice to have a couple of Collier's on either side of him or her."

"Syd, that's great!"

I hugged her.

"Wow. You and Elise. If I wasn't already knocked up you two would give me baby fever for sure. But I am. Our kids will still be close in age, like Hunter and Cammie."

"Hunter, I'm going to kill you!" Cammie yelled.

"You have to catch me first, slowpoke," Hunter challenged.

Sydney groaned. "Because that worked out so well the first time."

We both laughed.

"What is all the commotion in here?" Luke asked.

"He did it!"

"No, she did it!"

"Enough!" Thomas bellowed.

"Sorry, Dad."

"Sorry, Thomas."

"Why can't the two of you just get along?" Luke asked them.

I heard Hunter huff. "We'll try, Dad. Promise."

"Wanna bet on how long that promise lasts?"

"I'll be twenty down that they break it before you leave tonight."

"That long? I give no more than twenty minutes."

"You're on."

She set a timer for twenty minutes and we shook on it.

Meanwhile I got up, not an easy feat these days, and waddled into the kitchen to finish dinner.

"You should have just let me bring something or pick up from Kate's."

"It's okay. I don't mind. Everyone's already slowed my commitments and I need something to do or I'll go crazy."

"Lily didn't you clean out your office and setup the nursery literally today?"

"That doesn't count. I need to stay busy."

"Oh my God. Thomas was right."

"Right about what?"

"You're nesting."

"I'm not. I'm just organizing and preparing. It's not the same. I have five other people to worry about this time. I just need to get things ready."

I rubbed my lower back while stirring the spaghetti sauce I had cooking on the stove. It was nearly done so I put a pot of water to boil and prepped some garlic bread and a big fresh garden salad. It wasn't fancy, but I knew it would be delicious and made it easy to quickly feed a crowd.

"Can I at least help?" Syd asked.

"Sure. Grab the rest of the bags of veggies. I already chopped everything. It just needs to be tossed together."

"You are amazing, you know that right?"

"I suspected as much," I teased, then started laughing.

A trickle ran down my leg.

"Dammit, Sydney. You made me pee myself."

"Oops sorry."

"Don't worry. Payback's coming soon."

"Well, in about seven months. I just hit the eight week mark."

"Soon enough."

We both laughed again and I felt the warmth flow down my leg.

"Gross! You made me do it again. I need to go change."

I took two steps and then froze when I heard a pop followed by a gush.

In shock, I looked down to see I was now standing in a puddle on my kitchen floor.

"Uh-oh."

"Thomas!" Sydney yelled. "I told you that you were nesting."

"You're going to rub that in now? Really?"

"Thomas!" she yelled again.

"What?" he asked, walking into the room.

He froze and his jaw dropped.

"You might want to call Sam," I suggested.

"No! It's too soon, Lil."

"Well what am I supposed to about it now?"

"Why didn't you tell me you were having contractions?"

"Because I'm not."

"You've been rubbing your lower back a lot since I got here," Sydney said.

"That's just because it's sore from where I overdid it today."

"Or you're having some mild back contractions."

"I never get those. Only ever in the stomach."

A fresh cramp hit me and I moaned as I rubbed at my lower back.

"That," she said. "That sure looked like a contraction to me."

"Well, it wasn't," I insisted.

"I heard," Luke said as he joined us in the kitchen. "Sam's on his way and I called Zach to have them pick up the girls."

"Thanks, Luke," Thomas said.

"I'm pretty sure I just peed."

"You did not. I heard your water break and stood here and watched it happen."

"I don't know what you're talking about. I'm fine and dinner's almost ready."

I rubbed my back again.

Cora and Zach walked in to find me standing in a pool of fluids cooking dinner.

"Lily dear, what are you doing?" Thomas's mother asked.

"Just finishing up dinner. There's plenty here if you want to stay."

I dumped the spaghetti noodles into the now boiling water and tossed the garlic bread into the oven.

"Are you going to toss that salad or not? I'm sorry Syd. I didn't mean to snap at you."

I started to tear up rubbing my back. The pain was increasing like a giant knot had set into my muscles there. I'd delivered four freaking kids. I knew what labor felt like and this was not it.

When Sam arrived, I was growling and snapping at everyone, but especially him.

"I do not need to be checked because I am not in labor."

"But maybe it's best if we just let him take a look while he's here. Please, Slugger? Just appease me on this. I'm not sure my wolf will settle until I hear him say you're both okay."

"Fine, but watch your step. I peed."

"Pee, huh?" Sam asked skeptically.

"That's what I said, didn't I?" I snapped.

"Let's just go to the bedroom and take a quick look then. As long as everything's okay, you can come right back to finish off this delicious smelling dinner."

"Yeah, fine. But only because I know Thomas is feeling agitated. Syd, can you keep an eye on the noodles and bread?"

"Is Mama okay?" Willow asked.

"She's fine, sweetie," Sydney said as she swooped her up.

"I'll just get this cleaned up," Cora offered.

I felt terrible for it. No one should have to clean up my pee. It was embarrassing enough that it happened at all. But I didn't stop her and let Luke and Sam escort me back to my bedroom just to appease my mate.

My breath caught as I got yet another back cramp. This one was stronger and from the look on Thomas's face I suspected he felt it too.

"Her contractions are seven minutes apart," the traitor, Sydney, said.

"I'm not having contractions," I stubbornly insisted.

"We'll see," Sam said.

"I need to make a phone call," Thomas blurted out and left me alone in the room with Sam and Luke.

Thomas

"Kyle?" I asked when he picked up on the fourth ring.

"Thomas? Is everything okay?"

"No. Yes. Probably. I know you're probably busy. But this cannot wait."

"Tell me what's going on."

"It's more like some questions I have."

"Okay."

"When Kelsey had the boys, did you feel it all?"

"What?"

"Did you have to go through labor with her? Like all the pain and everything? You were already fully bonded by then, right?"

"Well, yeah, but it doesn't really work that way."

"It doesn't?"

"Nah. I guess you could say Mother Nature takes care of it all. I felt bits and pieces here and there, but far more muted. I didn't even realize she was in labor at first."

"You didn't?"

"Nope. Maybe with Jason. We were far more in tune with each other by then. But with Zander someone had to actually come and tell me. I realize in hindsight that I did feel something, but no, I didn't go through the pain of labor with her. I guess God knows men really aren't cut out to endure that level of pain."

"Oh, thank God."

"Why? What's going on?"

"I think Lily may be in labor."

"Already? Isn't it too soon."

"Yes, it is. Tell everyone to pray and send positive vibes just in case, but it sure looked like her water broke while she was fixing dinner. Sam's checking on her now, but I had to know first."

"Thomas, have you sealed your bond with Lily?"

"I think so. All the signs are there."

"When?"

I smirked into the phone even though he couldn't see me.

"Last weekend at your place."

"What? Why didn't you say anything?"

"I don't think either of us wanted to take away from the weekend and family time. And then the whole Oscar incident."

"What Oscar incident?"

"Shit! They didn't tell you?"

"Tell me what?"

"You really need to talk to Liam and Maddie about that. Sorry, but it is not my place. Let's just say I've never seen Lily so mad at either of them before."

"Unless you need anything else, I'm going to let you go and be with your mate and I'm going to call my brother and find out what the hell you're talking about."

I cringed. "Let him know I wasn't trying to rat him out. I genuinely thought you knew."

"Keep us updated on Lily, okay?"

"Yeah, don't sound the alarm just yet. I'm waiting to hear what Sam says first. You know how the family can be in situations like this. No need for a false alarm."

"But you don't think it is. I can hear it in your voice."

"No, I don't, but she's seven weeks early, Kyle."

"You're both in our prayers."

"Thanks."

I disconnected and walked back to the bedroom.

Lily moaned in pain.

"My back hurts so bad."

"Just breathe through it just like any other contraction."

"She's in labor, isn't she?"

"Yes, and this kid is coming fast."

"Sam, tell me they will be okay."

"I have a room waiting for her at the human hospital with a full NICU at our disposal."

"No hospitals."

"Lil, it's so early. Don't you want to give our kid a fighting chance?"

She started to cry and I hated seeing her like that.

"You saw what it did to Kate having her babies stay there."

"I know, but in hindsight I guarantee she would tell you it was worth it."

"Could you call and ask her?"

"Lily!"

"Please?"

I shook my head but dialed Kate's number. She answered right away.

"I saw the nursery pics. Is she in labor?"

"Yeah, she is and she doesn't want to go to the hospital for fear the baby will end up in NICU like the quads. She wants your advice."

"Can she hear me?"

"Yes, you're on speaker."

"Lily, get your ass to that hospital. If there is any chance that the baby's lungs may not be strong enough, you need to get there before it's too late. It's not easy. I won't lie to you about that, but I wouldn't have my kids without them. And you're stronger than I will ever be."

She nodded, but tears streamed down her face.

"Thanks, Kate."

"Want me to notify everyone."

"That would be great."

Within seconds of hanging up, my phone dinged with a group text from Kate.

James called me immediately.

"I guess you called it. What's the plan?"

"We're heading to the hospital now. We could use a lift."

"I'll send the ambulance over."

"Thanks."

"She's going?" Sydney asked as I hung up the phone."

"Yeah. She's not happy about it, but Kate convinced her."

"Good. Does she have a bag packed?"

"No. She's always delivered here at home so why would we?"

"I'm on it. Luke and I will follow you over. Cora offered to take Hunter too."

"Let's just hope they can't handle him and Cammie together." I chuckled, despite the situation or maybe in spite of it.

Individually, those two were the easiest kids ever, but together was a whole different story.

I felt a gnawing ache in my lower back.

Lily!

Kyle damn well better be right about this labor stuff. I needed to be there for my mate, not suffer along beside her.

*****

Four hours later and it was go time whether we were ready or not.

"I see feet," I said. "That's not good."

"We suspected as much. It's going to be okay. Just take it slow, Lily," Sam instructed. "I need to just keep an eye as her head comes through."

"Her head?" she asked.

"It's a girl!" I announced proudly. "We have another beautiful little girl, Slugger."

"Don't push Lily.

Lily groaned as she fought against the urge while Sam insured our baby wasn't tangled up in her cord or anything.

Kyle had been right. I could feel sensations here and there, but the only pain I truly had to endure was that of Lily putting a death grip on my hand.

"She's clear. Give me one last big push."

She started to push.

"Wait!" Sam ordered. "Her arm is up by her ear. I just want to ensure her shoulder doesn't dislocate. I know it's hard and you want to finish pushing, but just let me deliver her. Try hard not to push, Lily."

"I really need to push," she said through gritted teeth.

"It's okay, Slugger. You've got this. It's almost over."

I love you so much and I promise our baby girl is worth it.

Don't you think I know that? she snapped in my mind.

I felt helpless as I watched Sam deliver our daughter into the world, but I tried so hard to keep Lily from hearing my thoughts or even sensing my fear. She seemed to be in too much pain to really take notice.

"I can see her face," I said, giving Lily a play by play. "She's gorgeous, babe."

"Almost free. The worst is over," Sam assured her, but as he carefully pulled the baby out, a second hand followed.

"What the hell?" I blurted out.

"What? What happened?" Lily asked. "It still hurts like I need to push again. Where's the freaking relief?"

I looked at Sam who shrugged.

"I have no idea how I missed this. I'm so sorry. Hang in there Lily. We aren't done yet."

"What is going on?" she yelled.

"Come on baby girl, let go and let me do my job."

He had to pry her hand off, and then passed her to me. She cried in my arms and my heart lifted.

Lily looked up at us, her eyes filled with tears.

"She's okay?"

"She's perfect. We're going to let the nurses check her over, but she's amazing."

"Can I hold her?"

"Not yet."

It still hurts , she whined through our bond not wanting to show weakness in front of anyone else.

I know. There's a twin.

"There's a what?!?" she blurted out.

"Give me a big push, Lily. The second baby is crowning."

She pushed with all her might.

"Stop!" he yelled. "Shit! Keep her calm, Thomas and do not let her push again until I say so."

"You've got to hold it together just a little longer, Slugger. You can do this."

"Another baby? Twins?"

"Looks like it."

Sam's face was filled with fear, but he didn't say a word.

I carefully guarded those thoughts from Lily. She didn't need the added stress right now.

"Luke, I know my family is all out there in the waiting room. Please go and get Peyton," I said, sounding calmer than I should have.

The door opened and my sister ran in despite the protests from the human nurses waiting to check on my daughter.

"I need you to take the baby. It's a girl. The nurses will check her over, but I need you to stay with her for me."

"Of course."

She didn't ask, though I knew she wanted too. Instead, she took my little girl and cradled her close to her chest. I had no doubt that my baby was in the best care possible. No way would Peyton ever allow anything to happen to her.

Before leaving the room amidst protests that the baby should be in a bassinet and wheeled down the hall, she looked down and saw the head of the surprise baby. For a moment she looked at the baby in her arms and then back down.

"Twins?"

"Looks like it."

"Please?"

She nodded in understanding and took my newborn daughter. The child wailed as Peyton whisked her away with a team of nurses following.

Lily's face filled with pain. I desperately wanted to reach her, but there was some sort of block between our bond. I didn't understand it. I couldn't feel her pain fully when in labor. It was like magic. Any other time if she got so much as a paper cut, I seemed to feel every second of it, but not this. And even though I'd been able to communicate with her just a moment ago, she was blocking me out of her thoughts now.

I wished I could take her pain away and bear it myself.

"No, you don't," she said through gritted teeth.

"What?"

"You don't want this pain. It's mine to bear."

Sam nodded encouragingly as he kept working. I knew it couldn't be good. The baby shouldn't be stuck in there like this for so long.

"Clear," Sam finally announced, relief evident on his face. "One big push."

She grabbed my hand and bared down.

The tiniest baby I'd ever seen shot from her. He was an unnatural shade of blue and didn't look quite right.

"It's a boy," I whispered in my shock.

The room was deadly quiet.

"No, no, no," Sam said as he started clearing the babies mouth and pressing on his little chest with two fingers.

"What's wrong? Thomas, what's wrong?"

I didn't know how to respond. We'd lost one child to miscarriage and it had nearly destroyed her. We couldn't lose another child.

As panic started to set in, a pitiful little cry sounded and I saw the baby wiggle.

"He's struggling. Nurses, get him into NICU and stabilize him quickly." The baby wrapped his finger around Sam's and held on. He smiled down at him. "He's strong, a fighter. The next few days will be critical."

Lily started to cry. "Can I hold him?"

Sam nodded and passed my son to my mate.

My son.

I had a son.

I had an heir.