11
Charlie
It was a sudden,sharp pain that rocked me to thecore.
Everyone stopped and stared atme.
I knew instantly that the baby was coming. I was vaguely aware of telling Flint before another wave of pain came over me. I groaned and leaned back in the chair, gritting my teeth. It was all happening so fast. My breathing came out rapid andshort.
Immediately, Ken rushed to my side. I was so happy to have a doctorhere.
“Let’s get you into the bedroom,” he saidfirmly.
The other alphas helped pick me up and carry me to the bed. I didn’t notice it before, but Ken was carrying a leather briefcase with him. Flint noticed it too, and commented, “You knew he was going to have the baby tonight, didn’tyou?”
“I wasn’t totally sure,” Ken said. “But I had a feeling. I’m glad I brought it withme.”
The pain came in powerful waves. I bit back a groan of agony. The first time I delivered, it was via c-section at the breeding clinic at Scarlet Ridge. But this time I knew it would be a natural birth - I felt the baby coming fast, and there was no time for me to get to surgery at a hospital, even if I wantedto.
Ken was shouting commands at the other alphas, but I was in too much of a pain haze to hear the words. Sweat poured down my brow as pain overtook me, gripping me like a claw. I wanted this to be over - now. Everyone else was banned from the room except for those absolutelynecessary.
I grabbed Ken’s wrist. “Please,” I panted. “Drugs.”
Ken grimaced. “Just give me a minute.” He began rooting around in his briefcase, but it wasn’t fast enough. I moaned in agony and grabbed Flint’s wrist. He was standing next to me, his face screwed up inconcern.
“It hurts,” Imoaned.
“I know,” Flint said, his brows furrowed. He let me grip his hands so hard I felt like I was crushing his bones, but he didn’t protest. “You’re doing great, Charlie. Keepgoing.”
“What do I do?” I cried, my voice rising in panic. “I’ve never done this before! I’ve never given birthnaturally!”
“You’ll be okay, Charlie,” Flint reassured me in a deep, soothing growl. “Omegas have been giving birth naturally for generations. You can doit.”
“Give me your arm,” Ken said. I thrust it towards him and he injected something into my forearm. I groaned and shut my eyes, waiting for the painkillers to hit. “You’re doing fine, Charlie, just keeppushing.”
I nearly ripped Flint’s hands off by the time the pain started tofade.
“I see the baby,” Ken said from down below. “Keepgoing.”
I screamed with effort, pushing as hard as I could to get this damn baby out of me. I was half-numb from drugs and pain, sweating profusely and feeling disgusting anduncomfortable.
But then, a sound I’d never heard before filled the room. The sound of my new babycrying.
“He’s here,” Ken said with a smile. He quickly cleaned him and bundled him up before coming towards Flint and I, holding a tiny baby in his arms. Ken handed him to me. Instantly I felt tears running down my cheeks as I stared down at his tinyface.
“He’s beautiful,” Imurmured.
Flint smiled, wide and proud. “I can’t believe it… he’s really here. Look at his little rosycheeks.”
Indeed, our baby had full, chubby pink cheeks. He looked healthy and strong. I wanted to hug him, but I knew I had to be careful. He wasn’t crying anymore, but instead grunting and making gurglingnoises.
“He’s gonna be a noisy one, just like Casey,” Flint said with alaugh.
“Definitely,” Iagreed.
I brushed back our baby’s hair. “Speaking of Casey, call her in. We promised we would name himtogether.”
Ken went to retrieve Casey, and the rest of the alphas couldn’t help but peek inside. Flint rolled his eyes and invited everybody inside. They started coo-ing at the baby. It was almost funny to see all these grown men turning into mush at the sight of ababy.
