None of this was normal.
I felt my body levitate slightly off the bed just as Shannon and John came rushing into the room. I was so hot at this point that I felt like my blood was boiling.
“Help her!” John pleaded.
The burning was turning into a cold that was beyond anything I’d ever felt. My teeth started to chatter, and I beganshaking uncontrollably. Then the heat started back up, burning my insides once again.
“I’ve never seen anything like this. Some Aurathions will have abilities that act up during labor, but nothing like this. She’s actually glowing.” I could hear the amazement in her voice even through my pain.
“Stop staring and do something about it!” Jesses growled, losing control of his ability and partially shifting. Traces of his wolf evident in his voice.
Shannon squeaked, “Wet towels…that’s what we need. It’ll help bring her temp down. While you’re doing that, I’ll make some calls.”
“No!” I screamed, startling everyone. “No one can know about this.”
“Why?” Shannon asked, panic clear on her face.
My contraction ended, and the craziness paused for the moment.
“I don’t knowwhy, but I feel like it’s important to keep this between us,” I spoke through gritted teeth, narrowing my eyes at the woman in warning.
I couldn’t explain it, but I knew if we told anyone it would end badly for us and our baby. Precognition wasn’t one of my abilities, or at least not one I’d gained up to this point. I hadn’t told my men, but since Rue and Sly's absence, I’d noticed my abilities becoming more and more unstable.
“I don’t have any experience with this, and if you don’t let me contact my colleagues, I’m not sure how much help I can be.” Shannon shrugged her shoulders.
I could tell she disapproved, but I didn’t give a damn. The safety of our baby was all that mattered. I’d do whatever it took to make sure this precious child was protected.
John and Jesse looked at me, then turned to look at each other, communicating in the special way only twins could. Slyused to get pissed at them for not including the rest of us in their mental conversations.
“Please, guys, you have to trust me,”I begged telepathically.
Both of them nodded in unison, then turned their narrowed gazes toward Shannon. I’d seen many a man tremble when they received that look. My two men were beyond intimidating when they wanted to be.
John spoke, “It will be as our Nexus asks. If you disagree, you’re welcome to leave.”
Shannon rolled her eyes, seeming to be made of stronger stuff than I expected. “Of course I’m not leaving. If Adelaide feels this strongly, then I’ll do as she wishes.”
At that precise moment, the pain came back along with the alternating sensations of burning and freezing. I wasn't sure how much longer I could handle this.
Suddenly, I felt intense pressure and knew it was time.
“I need to push.” I panted, giving Shannon a pleading look.
She rushed to the end of the bed. “The baby is crowning. Okay, Adelaide, when the next contraction hits, you can start pushing.”
I nodded my head and grimaced, the next contraction rolling over my body as soon as the last had receded. My men came to stand on either side of my bed and I was grateful for their support.
“You’ve got this Nexus…now push.” Shannon gave me a reassuring smile of encouragement.
I held onto John and Jesse’s hands, gritted my teeth, and pushed with all of my might.
It still felt strange to realize I was bringing a child into the world. I’d never pictured myself as a mother. When I met all of my wonderful men, none of us could have predicted the challenges we would face or how it would end.
My time at Emberhold Academy remains the best of my life, up to this point. It’s wild to think it all began because of my shit roommate and my knack for always being late...
Chapter 1
Adelaide
