“I see things are progressing,” Ian called out as he walked into the room. He walked up to the bed and glanced at the monitor before focusing on Kian. “How’re you doing?”
“Apart from the whole insides being twisted?” Kian smiled was pained. “They’re definitely getting stronger.”
“Looks like your little ones are anxious to meet you two, like their dad, always ahead of everyone else,” Ian teased, but before I could reply, another contraction crept up on Kian.
Kian moaned and squirmed on the bed as the contraction hit.
Ian checked the fetal monitor. “Everything looks good,” he said as he sat on the side of the bed. “And how are our dads holding up?”
I met my friend’s gaze. “Waiting for my family to be safe. Hoping my mate isn’t in pain for long.”
“I know.” Ian smiled. “Good job, alpha, keeping your bear in check. I know what it’s like watching your mate go through this. Feeling helpless…” He shook his head.
“Took the words out my mouth,” I muttered.
I had a whole new appreciation and respect for my mate and every omega. I kissed Kian’s forehead.
He gave me a weak smile.
Ian pushed the cover covering my mate’s lower half. He winked at me. “Try to keep your bear in check; I need to check your mate’s dilation status.”
“Don’t worry, doc. I’ll smack him if he misbehaves,” Kian got out before taking several deep breaths. I focused on Kian’s face, not looking at what was going on down there. My bear was barely holding on.
“You’re almost there, Kian,” Ian announced. “Now, we just gotta wait for one of your little guys to find their way into the birth canal, and soon, you’ll be holding your babies.”
The intensity of the contractions didn’t let up. I had a feeling we were just getting started.
A contraction racked my mate’s body, and he screamed. My bear roared, wanting to protect our mate but not knowing how.
Less than forty-five minutes later, it was time, and Kian was very vocal.
“It hurts,” Kian cried as his legs were lifted into the stirrups on either side of the bed, ready for delivery.
“That means your little guys are about ready to get this show on the road,” Ian said.
Kian moaned and whimpered, thrashing his head from side to side. “Oh! Oh! Oh!” he repeated over and over, squeezing my hand for dear life.
“I need you to push for me, Kian,” Ian said softly.
“I’m not ready.” Kian shook his head. “Not ready. Hurts bad. So bad.”
“Ian,” I growled. “What about the epidural?”
My friend shook his head. “Too late to give him anything. But his body knows exactly what to do. And once they’re out, no more pain.”
I clenched my fist at my side. Fuck! I hated not being able to fix this for my mate.
“Kian,” Ian said, “the faster you get to pushing, the faster you can hold your babies.”
“You missed the part in between, doc.” Kian tried to joke, but it was followed by a groan so deep I felt it in my heart.
“Baby,” I whispered against his head, my hand rubbing his belly. “You can do this. You’re so strong, Kian. So damn strong.”
Kian cried out as another contraction hit.
“Okay, Kian, on the count of three, you’re going to give me a push. Okay?” Ian instructed.
Kian nodded and shook his head at the same time. “One…two…three, deep breath, Kian, and give me a push,” Ian demanded.
