Page 95 of Dragon Keeper
Riley called out.Midwife is coming!
Good. She’scoming out whether we’re ready or not.“Can I look at your birthline, love?” Sloan put a hand on that belly again.
“You can. I’m sure I’m all right, though, don’t you think?” Tyr pushed down the covers, showing that splitting line, the birth sac swelling out, still intact.
“Goodness.”She’d better hurry, Ri, or she’ll have nothing to do.
We just landed.
“Is everything okay? You look worried…”
“Not worried. I just think we need the midwife, love. You’re very ready. Very.” The midwife had told him what would happen, but the reality was daunting.
“Very? But she’s too early.”
“She doesn’t care.”
“No.” Tyr finally laughed for him. “I suppose she doesn’t. But she can wait for the midwife.”
“That’s my feeling too.”
“And here I am.” Galial limped into the room, smiling at Tyr, then him. “Goodness. He’s not wasting time.”
“No, he sure isn’t.” Riley looked absolutely horrified staring at Tyr’s birthline.
“Ri, why don’t you go help get some food together in the kitchen?” Sloan winked at his brother. When it was Riley’s mate, he would no doubt take it better.
“Uh-huh…” Riley’s horror was actually comical, and Tyr snorted.
“Riley. Shoo.”
“Kay.” Riley fled, Tor laughed, and the midwife shook her head.
“Let’s get this done, Tyr,” she said.
“Apparently I’m working on that right now, lady.” Tyr winked at her, then leaned hard against his side. “But it’s very early.”
“And you’re very calm,” she shot back.
“What is there to fear? Sloan reminded me that no two births happen the same way, and if she’s ready, she’s ready.”
Galial arched one eyebrow. “Indeed? Are you sure you need me at all?”
“Yes!” Sloan’s eyes went wide. “I need you here. Please!”
She relented with a wide smile. “I was only teasing Tyr. I was there at his and Tor’s births, and he is sassing me.”
Tyr chuckled with her, but the sound was strained. “It’s been hurting a while now.”
“Why didn’t you say something, mate?” he demanded, and Tyr shrugged.
“It’s too early. I wanted her to be ready. I—” Tyr suddenly teared up. “I’m frightened.”
Sloan kissed Tyr’s hand. “I’m right here, my mate. I won’t let anything hurt you, or her. We’re all good.”
Tor nodded. “We’re right here with you, brother.”
Tyr nodded, and then a rush of water sprayed from his mate, and Tyr cried out, the sound sharp and pained.
