Chapter Twenty-Five

Scott

Despite everyone probably being in bed since it was the middle of the night, Dakota and Cardian beat Dara and his medical people to the house. Terrick hugged his brother and said something about them being the first to arrive.

"That's what family does," Cardian said. "Have you had enough blood before this really gets going?"

"I think so," Terrick nodded.

"Blithe and Duke and maybe their mates are coming too. They'll be someone around to make the bloodshakes if we end up needing them," I said, from the tub as Dakota sat on the edge after washing his feet in the shower down the hall.

"How are you holding up?" he asked, tuning out the Alphas' conversation.

"Been achy for three days. Yesterday, I was ready to bite Dara's arm off because he said it wasn't time to induce. My wolf said otherwise," I told him.

"And I told you, nature was close to taking its course and with four babies and you wanting to avoid a c-section, it was best to let nature take its course," Dara announced walking into the bathroom. "Now, as I've said before, the OR is ready. Del and the others are at the ready. If we get one sign of distress from you or one of the babies, we're going there. No, ifs, ands, or buts. You can bite me then if you like, but it won't change things."

"I thought you said he probably won't need a c-section," Terrick said.

"I did and I still believe it, but with four births ahead of us, it's best to lay down the emergency rules ahead of time," Dara said.

I opened my mouth to say again that I didn't want an operation, but a contraction chose that exact moment to double me over. Terrick leapt over the side of the tub and was there, behind me. I gripped his arm as he rested his hand on my belly. We'd spent most of the last few days pacing the bedroom and swaying in place as the contractions grew closer and closer together. My wolf growled into my thoughts and head bumped against my ribs. I had planned to give birth in my human form, but maybe he was more mentally prepared for multiples than I was.

"He's shifting!" Terrick said to Dara, voice trembling.

"I expected as much. It's okay, Terrick," Dara said, kneeling by the tub. "We'll let him follow his instincts unless something needs my immediate attention. Your job hasn't changed. Though, I wouldn't advise that you shift inside the tub. I think your hound is a bit on the large size for that."

When my shift was complete, I leaned against Terrick panting. Shifting doesn't usually rob me of all my energy, but I didn't have much to begin with. Terrick stroked my fur and whispered into my ear. I focused on his heartbeat, strong and steady, and rested my eyes until the next contraction came along.