“Because of my age,” Niko finished, cutting me off. “I know. I know I’m not a twenty-something spring chicken of an omega.” He rolled his eyes but he was smiling through the pain. “Don’tworry.”
I couldn’t help but smile back. “My mate’s got a better head on his shoulders thanIdo.”
Wesley chuckled. “Isn’t it alwayslikethat?”
“You said it,” Niko said withawink.
The front door burst open and a stream of people came inside and up the stairs. Soon the room was filled with our friends. Instantly Charlie and Mason joined Wesley in reassuring and comforting Niko. Knowing he had omega friends to talk to was a relief, because none of the alphas - including Ken - could ever share that knowledge andexperience.
Meanwhile, Jericho and Flint were standing around awkwardly, not sure what to do even though they’d both been through this before. I rolled my eyes and summoned them closetome.
“Man, this is exciting isn’t it?” Jericho asked, although he looked equally nervous. “It drives me nuts that I don’t know what to do,though.”
Flint nodded in agreement. He had his arms crossed tightly and was fidgeting with hisfingers.
“Not much any of you can do, I’m afraid,” Ken said. “At this point it’s all up to Niko. All we can do is be thereforhim.”
“It’s a good thing our mates are here,” Jericho said, gazing at Mason fondly. “They know all this childbirth stuff better thanwedo.”
Wenodded.
Suddenly Niko let out another sharp cry of pain. Ken and I both rushedtohim.
“It’s another contraction,” Kenmuttered.
Niko shut his eyes tightly and grasped my arm so hard that his nails dug into my skin. All I could do was bear it; I knew any pain I was experiencing was nothing close to what he must befeeling.
“Just breathe,” Isoothedhim.
“Iambreathing!” hesnapped.
Another shock of pain made him twitch and curl up tightly in a ball, groaning. I felt horrible knowing there was nothing I could do for him. Frustrated, I asked, “Ken, can’t you dosomething?”
He shook his headsadly.
“Maybe the rest of us should go,” Charlie offered gently. “Would it be easierforyou?”
“No,” Niko muttered. Sweat dripped down his brow. “I want youallhere.”
We all exchanged glances and a mutual understanding rippled through the group. We would all be here for Niko, no matter what. We were one pack - onefamily.
Niko cried out in pain. He clutched my handfiercely.
“The baby’s coming!” Ken announced. “Niko, do not stoppushing!”
“It hurts!” Nikoyelled.
“I know, Niko. It’s going to be over soon, just don’t stop,” Ireassured.
“This is the worst part,” Charlie chimed in. “After this, it’s going to bebetter.”
“Come on, Niko!” Masonencouraged.
The room filled with his pained cries. All of us felt terrible for the agony he was in, but at the same time we were excited and anxious for the baby to be born. For my mate’s sake, I hoped this would be over soon. I couldn’t stand seeing him like this. I wished I could share some of the pain with him. But as an alpha, I could donothing.
Niko let out a loud, sharp, agonizing cry. Then another cry filled the room - one with a brand newvoice.
“The baby’s here!” Ken said excitedly, then added, “Wait. Don’t crowd around, I need to make sure she’shealthy.”
