“I need to push.” Our little one wanted out. “The baby’s coming.”
Dr. Allardi met us at the entrance, her calm voice contrasting with our panic, and I was whisked to the delivery room.
“I was supposed to have a C-section. I don't know how to do this.” I grabbed Riven’s shirt and ripped it as I yanked him close.
“Your body knows what to do.” Dr. Allardi positioned herself at the foot of the bed. “Omegas have been giving birth naturally for thousands of years.”
Perhaps my body knew, but it hadn’t sent me an email or a message and was keeping the knowledge a secret.
“You can do this,” Riven was at my side, his eyes locked on mine as if transmitting a calming vibe. “And I'm right here.”
Another contraction swept over me, and I pushed. Despite my fears, my body took over and made me beardown. When the cramping eased, my mate dabbed at the sweat on my brow.
With each contraction, I pushed, but nothing was happening. The baby was supposed to be here, or so TV dramas had told me. They lied. Each contraction and push was draining my strength, and I couldn’t get the baby out.
“I need a C-section.” I dug my nails into my mate’s palm. “Or you do it, Riven.”
“I can see the head,” Dr. Allardi told me, but that couldn’t be right. “One more push and the baby’s head will be out.”
Riven murmured encouragement, and his hand never left mine despite me crushing it.
“One more big push.” Dr. Allardi’s voice was far away. “And the shoulders will be out.”
But I had nothing left. She’d have to reach up and yank the baby out.
“You’ve got this, my love.” My mate panted and howled, and I joined him, using my last bit of energy. There was more pressure, followed by a blissful release as our baby slid into the world.
A cry filled the room. Was it mine? I didn’t think so.
“It's a girl!” Dr. Allardi placed our daughter on my chest. “A healthy little girl.”
After all the pain and sweat and yelling, I couldn’t quite believe I’d done it. I’d given birth to our little one. She looked up at me.
“Her eyes are the same color as yours.”
Riven cradled us both, his tears mingling with mysweat as he smothered us both with kisses. “You were amazing.” He pressed his forehead against mine. “You incredible human.”
Our daughter’s tiny hand gripped my finger.
“Hello, little one,” I whispered. “We've been waiting for you.”
“What should we name her?” Riven stroked her tiny cheek with one finger. “We had ideas, but we could never agree.”
I studied her face, taking in the features that somehow combined both of us. “Selene,” I suggested. “For the moon.”
“Selene,” Riven tested the name. “I love it.”
After we were moved to a recovery room, Dr. Allardi said many people were waiting to congratulate us, and the next hour passed with first Uncle Lionel.
“She is so beautiful and the heir’s heir.” He brushed a hand over her damp head.
When he left, other pack members brought flowers and congratulated us.
Dr. Allardi wanted me to stay the night at the clinic, but I was anxious to get home. The nursing staff were professional and kind, but I needed to be in my own bed with our daughter in her handmade crib beside me. The doctor agreed to let me go as long as I came straight back if I had a fever or was in pain.
Riven had been practicing putting in and adjusting the baby’s seat in the car for weeks. He was now a pro. I sat in the back beside her, my eyes never leaving our little one during the drive home.
When our daughter was asleep, Riven and I hovered over her. I was bone tired but didn’t think I’d dare close my eyes and not watch her.But my mate told me to rest and his wolf would rouse him when she was hungry.
