“No,” said Ian, “This is just precautionary on my part. There’s a condition wolves can get that’s similar to what in humans is called preeclampsia and the blood tests will help me determine if you have it.”
Steel could hear the panic in his mate’s voice as Jackson asked, “What does it mean to my pup if I have it?”
“It means nothing more than closer monitoring for you and the pup. Before you worry more, let’s wait for the blood results. However, I want you to stay overnight in the hospital so I can keep an eye on your blood pressure.”
Jackson’s eyes widened as he looked at his mate.No matter what Ian says, it doesn’t sound good if he wants me to stay overnight.His hand rested on the pup, relaxing a tiny bit after feeling it move and kick.
Colton spoke to his brother, “Jackson, please don’t worry. Ian is erring on the side of caution and I’ll be here all night with you.” After drawing the blood, he asked, “Would you like me to arrange for an extra bed in your room so Steel can stay with you tonight?”
Jackson nodded, “Please.”
“I’ll get everything set up and then be back to get you, okay?”
“That would be great, Colton,” Steel said, taking over for his mate.
Colton hurried out of the room and headed for the extra hospital equipment. He’d planned for this when it was time for the pup’s caesarian birth knowing that Steel wouldn’t want to leave his mate alone after the pup was born; his need to protect would be overpowering. Not wanting to think of the possible danger Jackson was facing, Colton kept himself occupied, making sure everything was in place to monitor Jackson.
Once the spare bed was in place and his equipment was set up, he turned on the computers at the nurse’s station where he’d be spending the night. After double checking to make sure all monitors were operating properly, he grabbed a wheel chair and hurried back to the exam room to get Jackson.
Entering, he saw Jackson lying on his side with Steel hovering over him. “What’s wrong?” Colton asked Ian.
“Nothing.” Ian said. “Jackson was tired so I suggested he lie down while you got the room set up,” Moving his hand around on Jackson’s belly to check on the pup, he said, “Everything feels normal so no worry there. Okay Jackson?”
“Then let’s get you into bed where you can be more comfortable,” Colton said, helping Jackson up and into the wheelchair. Wheeling his brother into the hospital room he’d prepared, Colton kept up an endless stream of small talk about the nursery. Once inside, he helped Jackson get undressed and into a hospital gown but not before wrapping a belt around his abdomen.
“What’s that for?”
“It allows us to monitor the pup’s heartbeat. This way we can check the pup without waking you.” After getting Jackson comfortably settled, Colton attached monitoring wires to the belt.
“Crap, is all this necessary?”
“Yup, I don’t know why you’re complaining. I’ll be up most of the night staring at my screens,” Colton teased until he saw the stricken look on Jackson’s face. “Hey, bro, I was just teasing,” he said softly, “I love taking care of you. You know this is my dream come true so let me do what nurses do…they bitch as they enjoy every minute of helping their patients.”
Jackson smiled wearily as he laid his head on the pillow. “Thanks, bro. You’ll never know how much it means to me that you’re along on this crazy journey. And I promise, I’ll find a way for you to complete your degree.”
Colton tucked the wires out of the way and covered his brother. “I’ll be back in a minute. Anything else you need?”
“No, I’m fine…” Jackson murmured as he fell asleep.
Frowning, Steel asked Colton, “Is my mate going to be okay?”
“The only answer I can give is ‘I don’t know’. If Jackson has what Ian suspects then it’s serious. But on the bright side, if it’s diagnosed early, it can be treated…with a better outcome. I’ll be right back with a pitcher of water for each of you. Is there anything else you need?”
“No, I’m going to run upstairs and get my pajama pants to sleep in. Please stay with Jackson in case he wakes while I’m gone.”
“No problem.”
Steel leaned down and gave his mate a gentle kiss on his forehead, “Sleep well, babe, I’ll be right back.”
~/~/~/~/~
Logan and Cody sat in the great room, waiting for Jackson and Steel to come upstairs. When they saw only one, both jumped to their feet, rushing over to Steel.
“Where’s Jackson?” Logan demanded.
“Is something wrong?” Cody asked.
Steel held up his hands and said wearily, “Ian thinks Jackson might have a condition related to his pregnancy. He did some blood tests and wants to monitor Jackson overnight so he’s now sleeping in one of the hospital rooms. I’m staying with him and Ian and Colton will be monitoring him all night. That’s all I know right now. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to get some pajamas.”
