Orpheus hopped closer. The den was tight, just large enough for a slinky fox to move around in, but Orpheus was smaller than me in his raven form.
Good thing my fated mate wasn't a bear or something,I thought.
Orpheus cocked his head at the bag of utensils. "Are those my spoons?" he asked, amused.
I growled.
"Okay, no more questions about those. Got it. Anything I can do, angel?" Orpheus asked kindly.
All I wanted to do was have this baby. But I had to admit, the thought of his company was nice too.
"Just sit with me," I managed to say through my teeth. I didn't mean to sound nasty, but the pain was getting to me.
Orpheus didn't mind my grouchy mood. He strutted to my side and nestled into my fur. The warmth of his body and the sleekness of his feathers were pleasant against me. An urge took over me and I leaned over to lick his head.
"Feeling parental?" he teased.
"Shut up and let me do it," I muttered.
Orpheus let out a smallcawof laughter. After I finished grooming his feathers, I slumped back on the ground with a heavy sigh. Giving birth was harder than the other omegas made it look. Or maybe it was easier for wolf shifters.
"If we ever have another baby, it had better be an egg next time," I warned Orpheus.
His beak clacked in a grin. "I'll try to make it happen. Why don't we focus on the baby we're going to have now?"
"I'm tryingnotto focus on it..."
Orpheus examined me as if concerned. "Shall I fetch the omegas? They might be able to help."
"No. I don't want them. Just you." The thought of him leaving me was terrible. "Stay."
"Of course, angel."
I shut my eyes and rode out the next contraction. When it passed, I became aware of an odd tickling sensation. I glanced over my shoulder to see Orpheus grooming me with his thick beak. He was picking out stray grass and debris from my fur. It melted my heart. Even now when I was being a huge bitch, he cared for me.
A pulse of agony. I whimpered, clenching my muscles and pushing.Just ride it out...
"That's it," Orpheus soothed. His deep voice calmed me. "You're doing fantastic. Don't give up now. You're so close..."
I don't know how long it went on like that. Time was a blur, a chaotic mix of pain and relief. All through it, Orpheus stuck with me, grooming me and reassuring me with his words.
A sharp pang of pain made me shiver violently. I gasped as something wet slipped out of me. The pain stopped.
Was it finally over?
Instinct seized me. I twisted my head and found a wet bundle of dark fur, barely the length of my forearm. Ancient knowledge clicked on in my mind like a puzzle falling into place. I gently picked it up with my mouth and licked it clean until its fur was dry and warm.
Orpheus watched in amazement. His beak hung open and his eyes glittered with pure happiness.
"Red," he murmured. "That's our baby."
I gazed down at the tiny mewling fox cub, feeling a deep sense of joy. "A baby boy."
"We have a son?" Orpheus asked, eyes widening.
"Yes. Come see him."
My grouchiness was rapidly easing. Orpheus took a step closer. "Oh, Red... He's perfect."
