If the pain kept getting worse, he would just carry Cosmo upstairs, dammit.
There had been a lot of talk about their baby being born over in the dragonlands where there were midwives and professionals, but Cosmo was absolutely unmoving about this particular subject.
Their baby was going to be born in their home.
Corbin insisted that he had read and trained and practiced. He had even bothered to go and attend births in the dragonlands with other midwives just to make sure he wasn’t going to do any damage.
Hawk guessed that Eagan had done it the first time without anything, so if Eagan could do it, then so could Corbin.
Eagan was a little… fussy.
“Are you ready to move on?” Something was in the air. Hawk could taste it. He wasn’t sure what. But it was urging him to get Cosmo to safety. His protective instinct was on high alert.
“I—” Cosmo looked up at him. “Help me?”
“Oh, love.” He lifted Cosmo gently, and then he hastened to get him back up to the house.
“Don’t feel so good.” Cosmo clung to him, fingers digging into his shoulders.
No, no, he could tell. He had to move faster now.Corbin, I think something might be wrong.
What, did the rocks fall?
No, no, listen to me. Cosmo doesn’t feel?—
Cosmo cried out a sharp, hard sound of pain. And then? Hot liquid seemed to just pour from him.
I think my water just broke.
I think so too.In fact, he would lay money on it.
His water just broke. I think we need towels. And sheets and hot water. I’m sure hot water needs to be involved.Hawk babbled, not wanting to do this alone.
Hawk. Chill. Where are you?Was that laughter in Corbin’s voice.
Hawk realized that he wasn’t sure that he knew. He was walking, and they were heading up somewhere in the basement.
Oh my. A light. It appeared like magic at the top of the stairs. And there was Corbin, staring down at him.You’re in the basement, dear. Come up. Let’s get you cleaned up, all of you. All right? Cullen’s getting the bedroom ready for you.
Cosmo smiled at Corbin, the expression a little pained. “I don’t feel so good.”
“That tends to happen when you’re in labor. Well then, we get you in the bathtub. Water’s supposed to help.” Corbin looked at him.And you? I expect you to get your shit together. Sooner than later.
Hawk nodded.Yes. Of course.He was a dragon of action. He could do this. His mate was in labor. His son was coming.
“Are you mad, love?” Cosmo asked. “Don’t be mad.”
“How could I be angry, sweet? You’re having a baby!”
Cosmo took a shaky breath. Let it out in a huff. “We are. Elliot’s coming. I hope he’s not pink.”
“What? Why? You’re beautiful. You’re perfect. Why, I would love if he were pink.”
“No, no, I don’t want him to be pink. I want him to be just like you. I want him to be perfectly beautiful.” Cosmo began to cry. Hawk told himself this was hormones. That and a touch of fear and some pain, and not to panic.
It was all a lie.
He was panicking. He hustled Cosmo into the bathroom. He got him stripped down and into a tub of hot water. Thank you, Cullen.