“Sure,” agreed Colton, “but remember, I’m not a doctor and haven’t even finished my nursing degree yet. I can give you a list but I’d feel better if you had a doctor look it over.”
“I’m planning to ask my mother for a name of a doctor who’d be on call for the birth,” Steel said, and then quickly added, “I don’t have any doubts about your abilities; Jackson has sung praises about your healing skills repeatedly and I know he trusts you implicitly.”
Colton was inwardly pleased at the compliment but reiterated, “I appreciate your faith in me but I want what’s best for my brother and that’s a doctor handling the birth of your pup.”
Nodding in agreement, Steel said, “Jackson wants to ask my mother some questions about his pregnancy and thought you’d like to sit in on the meeting. It would be your chance to get answers to any questions you might have.”
Colton’s face lit up with a wide smile, already thinking about questions to ask. “Gosh, thanks, I’d appreciate that. When are you getting together?”
“I have to find my mother to see what she’s planned today, but I’d like to do it as soon as Jackson is up and before his morning sickness kicks in. Okay with you?”
“Yup, I’ll start writing down my questions now.”
~/~/~/~/~
Sitting next to Steel, Jackson interlaced his fingers with his mate’s while waiting for Oracle to join them. He looked over at his brother whose lips were moving as he reviewed the questions he wanted to ask.
During his shower this morning, Jackson noticed his normally flat stomach was now very slightly rounded—visual proof that he was really pregnant. And at that moment, with the water streaming down on him, a sharp and deep yearning coursed through his heart for his unborn pup. Caressing his wet belly, he realized he already loved his baby with his entire being and would do anything to protect it from harm. His knees buckled at the revelation, and he had to lean against the shower wall to steady himself.
Now, looking up, he watched Oracle sit down across from them. Her gentle smile greeted Jackson. “You are looking fine this morning, dear.”
“Thanks, I feel pretty good but I tire easily which is very unusual for me. I’m hoping it’s only the pregnancy responsible for that.” He could feel his mate squeezing his hand and, through their mind-link, chastising him for not telling him. Jackson looked at Steel, murmuring, “I was going to tell you last night but I fell asleep.”
“Yes,” he heard Oracle say, “the pregnancy is causing your tiredness and it will disappear after two months, as will the morning sickness. The rest of the pregnancy should be easy, other than some water retention and backpain. There aren’t many problems with a Dire Wolf pregnancy, but it will take a toll on your body.”
Colton asked, “In what way?”
“A Dire Wolf pup,” explained Oracle, “will be larger than a Timber Wolf pup and your body will struggle to provide everything the growing pup will need. Don’t be shocked at the amount of food you consume once you are past the morning sickness stage. And of course, you will not be able to shift during the last two months as it would be very dangerous for the pup.”
“What will I need to help Jackson with the birth?” asked Colton.
“Jackson will not be able to give birth in the normal way because a Dire Wolf pup is almost twice the size of a Timber Wolf pup. He’ll need a Caesarian delivery when the baby is ready to be born,” Oracle replied.
Colton, shocked, looking at Jackson, said, “Bro, I’m not qualified to operate. You’re going to need a doctor for this.”
Steel spoke up. “Mom, do you know a doctor who’d agree to stay here for the last few months of Jackson’s pregnancy?”
Oracle thought for a minute. “Hmm, I think so, but let me make some calls first. Any more questions?”
Colton replied, “No, not right now, but I may have more later. I think the most important thing for me is to focus on working with a doctor to set up the mini hospital that Steel wants. So, let me know when you’ve found a doctor.”
Jackson’s mind was in turmoil about everything Oracle told them. Steel was worried, listening to his mate’s thoughts. Wrapping his arm around his mate’s shouldersto pull Jackson into his chest, Steel gave him reassuring caresses.
Bending down, Oracle kissed Jackson’s cheek. “We’ll take care of you, Jackson. The best advice I can give is just take it easy for now.”
Feeling numb and alone, Jackson watched Colton and Oracle leave the library. Then, without warning, Steel scooped him into his arms, settling him on his lap. Safe within the circle of Steel’s arms, Jackson buried his head against his mate’s chest listening to the strong, steady heartbeat and inhaling his addictive scent, which calmed him considerably. Suddenly, this was very real to Jackson, almost frighteningly so. But that thought was fleeting—he knew that wasn’t him. He faced problems head-on and that’s what he’d do now.
Thinking about what he’d learned, he turned to Steel. “Did you know I’d need a Caesarian? Is that why you want to set up a hospital?”
“No,mo chroí,”answered Steel. “I decided to do it prior to this meeting. I wanted to be prepared for anything. I asked Colton this morning to give me a list of equipment we should have.”
Feeling his heart swell with love for his mate, Jackson recognized Steel had been working all along to make sure he and their pup would be safe, even before knowing he’d need the procedure. “I love you so much, my love,” Jackson said, lifting his lips to kiss Steel.
~/~/~/~/~
Rudy knocked on Alpha Silver Point’s office door, waiting for permission to enter. He wasn’t in any hurry because he knew Josiah, his Alpha, would become incensed when he heard what Rudy learned.
“Come in,” barked Josiah.
