Page 33

“Yeah?” He glanced at her, and she could see the concern in his eyes.

“How is Dawn going to handle delivering two babies at the same time?” Becky asked just as another pain started, a little more intense than the last. “Maybe we should call and give her or Slade a heads-up. I mean, is she even set up for this?”

Sloan pulled out his phone and made the call, putting it on speakerphone.

“Buchanan,” Slade answered, his tone all business.

“I'm on my way in with Becky. We're about five minutes out,” Sloan said, then paused. “She's in labor.”

The line went silent for a few seconds, and Becky and Sloan looked at each other.

“Slade, if this is an issue, I'll take her to the hospital and deal with the consequences of this getting out,” Sloan said, his tone direct. “I will not risk her or the baby for a secret to protect us.”

“No!” Becky shook her head. “I'll be fine.”

Sloan cocked an eyebrow at her as he stopped at a red light, then frowned when Slade laughed.

“Why in the hell am I surprised?” Slade sighed. “I want a raise, Sloan. I knew this could be a possibility, which is why I told Dawn to set up two birthing rooms. Good thing she listened to me. Looks like it's going to be a busy night.”

Both Becky and Sloan sighed in relief.

“Am I on speakerphone?” Slade asked as Sid's voice boomed in the background, causing Sloan to roll his eyes.

“Yes,” Sloan replied. “And please tell me these rooms have thick walls because Sid may die before he even meets his daughter.”

“Becky, has your water broken yet?” Slade asked, ignoring Sloan's threat.

“No.” Becky shifted in her seat as another pain started, forcing her to concentrate on her breathing. “But the pains are getting worse. Is that normal? My water broke with Frankie, and then the pain started.”

“Perfectly normal. Each pregnancy can be different,” Slade assured her. “Are you timing how far apart they are?”

“I'm trying, but it's a little hard to focus.” Becky frowned, wishing she could find a comfortable position.

“Okay, that's fine. Are you feeling any pressure or the urge to push?” Slade asked calmly.

“No, not yet,” Becky replied.

“Good. I'll have someone waiting out front to help you guys. Just get here safely. We'll be ready for you,” Slade replied, just as Lana cried out in the background. “Any problems, give me a call.”

Sloan ended the call with a curse.

“Sloan, I'm going to be okay.” Becky knew hearing Lana cry out had bothered him, and she could only imagine what was going through his head. “Women have been having babies since the beginning of time. It hurts, but the life that comes after all that pain is so worth it.”

“I don't want to see you in pain, Becky,” Sloan mumbled as he turned onto the street leading to the compound.

“Well, hate to break it to you, husband, but unless you plan on leaving the room, that's exactly what you're going to see.” Becky didn't want to scare him, but she also wanted him prepared for what was coming. “I'm hoping since this is my second, things will go a little quicker, but I can promise you it won't be painless.”

“Isn't there something they can give you for the pain?” Sloan frowned, obviously not liking what she'd just told him.

“Yes, an epidural, but I turned it down.” Another contraction gripped Becky, forcing her to sit straighter as she concentrated on her breathing. Honestly, the breathing didn't do shit for the pain, but at least it gave her something else to focus on.

Sloan reached for her hand, letting her squeeze it as hard as she needed. “Why in the hell did you turn it down?”

“Dawn talked to me and Lana about it, but she isn't qualified to give epidurals and would have to bring someone else in.” Becky paused to breathe through another wave of pain before continuing. “Neither of us wants to put the vampires or our children in harm's way, Sloan. If people find out there's a way for vampires to have children, all hell is going to break loose. The strides vampires have made in human society, mainly because of the good the Warriors have done, could all be unraveled. Remember the half-breed situation? So, Lana and I decided to go natural with our births.”

“And I didn't get a say in this?” Sloan growled as they pulled into the compound driveway.

“No, and neither did Sid, because we knew you'd both choose us over anyone else.” Becky reached for the door handle as soon as Sloan parked, desperate to get out of the car. But the pressure building low in her belly had her pausing, her hand tightening around the handle.