Page 190 of King Luna

Biting back laughter, Noah grips me to keep me upright. “Thank you, Mrs.—”

Mrs. Jensen smacks Noah’s arm. “Don’t laugh, Alpha! It’s a beautiful thing!”

“Sorry, sorry,” Noah giggles, cuddling me close. “Come on, Luna—”

Noah can’t finish his sentence, hissing beneath his breath as my claws extend on instinct, digging into his skin. “Shit, are you—”

I let out a sharp cry, doubling over as Amy and Noah support my arms; if I thought my contractions hurt pre-water break, this one rips through me, bringing tears to my eyes. Clasping my tensing belly in both hands, I blow out strained, shaky breaths.

Yasmine’s head pokes in. “How’s it going?”

“It’s hurtingwayworse.” Noah’s voice trembles as he speaks my thoughts. It’s the first hint of fear I’ve heard in his tone since this began.

“Yep, we’re leaving!” Amy hoists my birth bag over her shoulder, backing through the door. “I’ve got the minivan, Alpha.”

“Thank the Goddess,” Noah mutters. “We’re getting you to the den, Luna.”

Nodding, I huff through a surge of anxiety; I have an indescribable feeling we’ll be holding Ari soon.

Chapter 43

By the time everyone helps me hobble out to Amy’s minivan, another contraction stops us at the doors. But with Noah’s coziest black T-shirt draped around me, hugging my tensing belly along with the hands of my dearest people, I close my eyes, breathing through it. Noah pre-scented the T-shirt for my birth bag, leaving it with the sweetest blend of excitement, adoration, and calming comfort for me, but I don’t need it as much as I expected to; the gorgeous, flowery blend of my best friends rooting for me smell just as delightful, ending each vicious contraction with pleased tingles down my spine.

In the back of Amy’s minivan, I nuzzle against Noah’s shoulder, phasing in and out of awareness of the outside world as instinct overcomes me. Kira and Amy chat in the front of the van, their voices low and soothing as they escort us safely to our den. Yasmine leaves us be for the most part, only chiming in with quiet jokes that ease the tension between Noah’s brows. Noah’s palm sweeps circles over my belly, loving on Ari with me.

But his breath quivers as he kisses my head.

Stopping his hand low on my belly, I laze my eyes open. Swollen, terrified eyes stare back. But for some reason, I don’t lapse into fear with him.

Giving Noah a soft smile, I brush the tip of his nose with mine. “I’m in pain, but I want to be for this pup you’ve given me. Thank you.”

Noah’s chin quivers just before I kiss him, tugging at my heartstrings. As his hand immerses itself in my hair, drawing meinto a deeper kiss, my stomach flips at the cushy pressure of his swollen lips; he’s gentle with my body, but not my mouth, his tenderness encompassing my being with his love. I hum in bliss, urging him closer. When my belly tightens beneath his palm, Noah flinches, tempted to pull back. But I lean in, kissing him harder.

Huffing through the pain with our lips locked, I cup Noah’s sweet face. Noah’s tears slip down my palm, but Noah pulls me in tighter, his breath hitching as his mouth opens for a deeper, tonguing kiss.

I know you signed up for this, and so did I, but it kills me to watch you suffering in my arms when I can’t do anything. I love you more than anything.My poor mate whimpers against my lips, the desperate sound squeezing my heart.

Breaking our kiss, I heave through the end of the contraction, pressing our foreheads together.Feel into me, Noah. I was so scared earlier, but I’m in some sort of meditative, determined state now—all thanks to your love.

Noah lets out a sharp exhale. I open my eyes to find him gushing with tears around a wobbly smile.

Caressing his wet cheek, I nod.We’re okay. And I just love you to pieces. My heart can hardly contain it already, so I can’t imagine how striking it’s about to be to see you holding our child. You reminded me to think of Ari, so it’s my turn: let’s think of them together.

“Thank you,” he whispers against my lips, giving me another soft kiss. Scooting in as close as he can in the back seat, Noah cuddles me as devotedly as he cradles Ari in our bond, his wolf panting with nerves between licking Ari’s little soul with soft, adoring whines.

I stare into Noah’s eyes, clinging to his hands. His unwavering faith in my strength outweighs his fear, his wolf shining through as he coaxes me through it. Every inch of meloves him. Ari isn’t here yet, but I see someone new in Noah already—the sweet father of our Little Wolf. Beside him, I can manage this.

I can’t bear to let go of Noah, not even after we successfully exit the minivan. It’s a slow, agonizing walk, leaving me a mere minute or two to hobble forward before I stoop against a tree to shudder through another contraction. I’ve never felt pain to such an unbearable degree, unable to keep from screaming.

But my dearest friends aren’t deterred.

“Goddess, you’re fucking incredible.” Noah massages me all over.

Amy rubs my back with him. “Seriously. You’re a goddamn rockstar, A.”

Yasmine chuckles. “I’m honestly afraid of how tough Ari is going to be.”

“Dude, same, what the fuck,” Kira hisses.

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