Page 40 of What's Rogue Got To Do With It

“And I’ve delivered babies.” Auden looked so pleased with himself as he placed an old bag on the table. Perhaps he and Colin had brought snacks and they’d eat while I screamed.

“The contractions are about five minutes apart.” My mate had been paying attention and timing them. “His water broke maybe twenty minutes ago."

Auden pulled out gloves, towels, a pic of a sunny beach, rolling pin, ice chips and a kettle from his bag. They were going to make tea and enjoy it while I labored. Lucky them.

“We have our own kettle,” Creven pointed out. “If you’re thirsty.”

Auden and Colin shared a glance and laughed, making me want to stamp my foot and tell them to keep it together because I was bringing a child into the world.

“The soap operas always have people boiling water, hence the kettle,” Colin added. “So we had to bring one.”

Despite my irritation and another contraction looming, I giggled. My belly jiggled and I grunted as the cramp took away my ability to speak, leaving me only able to shriek.

Creven breathed with me and Colin and Auden joined in. I hoped the baby could hear how the entire pack was helping.

“How do you want to do this?” My mate’s cheeks were as pale as the world outside the cabin. But he wasn’t freaking. Instead, he looked directly at me, making me understand we were united and I could do this, even without a doctor.

We’d discussed birthing positions but now that I was laboring, getting on all fours wasn’t what I wanted. Or maybe it was. Perhaps the baby should decide.

“Not sure. When I want to push, I’ll let you know.”

My pack mates took turns to wander with me around the cabin, pausing while a contraction took hold of my body. Creven made tea for the other two and gave me ice cubes to suck on. It was weird having ice in my mouth when outside the path to the shed and the road were covered in the stuff.

I reminded myself that shifters had been giving birth without a doctor present for hundreds of years. That was fine in theory because it happened to other people. But my pack was acting as if giving birth during a blizzard on a mountain without a doctor happened every day. That prevented anxiety bubbling out and me being unable to push the baby into the world.

Thank gods my labor was progressing faster than the literature said it would for a first baby. If I’d been in labor for thirty-sixhours, I might have told everyone to go home and return another day when I was calmer.

“You’re doing so well, my love.” I was on the bed, naked, and my mate was using a rolling pin on my back. Who knew a kitchen implement would be so useful in easing my aches.

“Help me up.” I had a desire to push and didn’t want to be prone. “Put a quilt on the floor and cushions.” I wanted to squat and wondered if Auden had a mattress in his little black bag.

But my mate dragged the mattress off our bed and I got on my haunches as he supported me. It was owie, and going to be more owie, but this position felt right.

I grunted and pushed, thinking maybe the baby would pop out. Nothing happened and I leaned my head on Creven’s shoulder where his pack mark lay on top of his old rogue one.

“Push with me, babe. Not sure I can do this by myself.”

Everyone groaned and panted, not just Creven, as each contraction gripped me.

“Picture each push as bringing the baby closer to being born.” Auden was crouching, hoping he could see the head.

“Anything?” I yelled, using most of what was left of my energy.

“Soon.”

I cried out and everyone panted and pushed some more.

“Now, I can see the head.” Auden hugged Colin. Great, they were congratulating one another while I was doing the hard work. “The little one has a lot of dark hair.”

I squeezed my mate's hand hard enough to break human bones. Thank gods he was a shifter. “I want you to hold the baby as I give birth.”

Creven changed places with Colin and told me he was touching our baby’s head. His voice wavered and tears streamed over cheeks. I bore down and the head was out. More pushing brought the shoulders before our little one slid into the world. Gods that was the best feeling, I couldn’t describe the relief of no longer having to push.

“We have a son, Larkin.”

Our baby's first cry was strong but I was convinced he was complaining. If I’d been evicted from a warm, safe place, I’d cry too.

Colin helped me onto the quilt and Creven placed our son on my chest. Our two pack mates blew me kisses and left.

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