“Well, it doesn’t tickle. Come on. We need to go. My brother could have his minions in through the front door in minutes. Yes, I know I sound paranoid, but if he does get the baby in some way, file for kidnapping immediately. Call the police, call every hunting alpha, call everyone.”
Eva looked at her and nodded.
“You contracted for a surrogate. There isn’t anything illegal in that. You went through contracts. You paid my brother the monthly stipends that were never used for prenatal care. So financial deception is also an option for charges.”
Thomas asked, “How much do you need to carry a child to term?”
“Me? I do it for snacks. It doesn’t impede me at all. Now, can we go? I don’t have a car, so I will need to catch a lift.”
Rache said, “I know where we are going. Nora’s, right?”
The wife said, “Luna’s. It’s more heavily guarded.”
“Got it.”
Eden chuckled. “I never went to the book club, but I am guessing you are both members.”
Rache nodded. “I am parked around back. We can slip out while everyone stares at the matched set of alphas.”
That was it. Rache got Eden moving with a bag she grabbed from her locker. They got out of the building, flipped off the cameras, and as soon as Eden was settled, Rache drove calmly and efficiently. Eden groaned and whispered, “I am sorry I got you into this.”
“Don’t be. I have already called off work next week for a family emergency. We are going to be out in the sun and enjoying not being here as soon as we can. I have never had a holiday away from home. This is going to be fun.”
Eden laughed. “Just have to finish this business first.”
The gates of the palatial building opened up as they approached and closed behind them.
Safe.
Luna was the midwife, and Nora was on the way. Doulas were great if you needed someone to focus on the mother and not the baby.
Dr. Oriel arrived at hour two and stood by while Eden went through her contractions, walking around and standing straight.
Rache stayed with her and went through holiday spots on Wonder Island. Things that they could see and do.
She laughed between the contractions. She had left her phone at the teahouse.
Eva was sitting near the doctor and watching it all with wonder. “I can’t believe how casual she is.”
Oriel grinned. “Every pregnancy is different, just as every woman is different.”
Luna watched Eden between checks. “You move very smoothly.”
“Oh, thanks. That’s where I met Rache. Ballroom. I also met another fun beta. Haravin. We were competitors, and we reunited as friends. Well, Rache and I did. I am not sure if Haravin is going to forgive me for that last championship.”
Rache laughed. “She’s good with it, and super excited to see us when we arrive. We just have to tell her which ferry we catch, and they will be at the dock, waiting.”
Eden crossed her fingers. “Please let it be a dance off; please let it be a dance off.”
Luna laughed. “Okay, going in for a check.”
There was a pause, and she pulled her hand back. “How do you like to bear?”
“Ideally? Squatting with a rope to hold.”
Eva asked, “You can choose?”
Oriel laughed. “Yup. Back labour is most convenient for the doctor. No animal in nature gives birth on its back. Even other bipeds.”
