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“That’s a good thing,” Healer Sage says. “I see your water broke. How far apart are your contractions?”

“Six or seven minutes. Maybe more. Maybe less. I don’t really know.”

“Understandable. Come on in and we’ll get you settled. I suspect we might be in for a long night.”

“We’ll be available if you need anything at all. Just ask for it,” London tells us.

“Thank you, Shefira.” I dip my head.

“Yes, thank you, London,” Iris echoes.

Healer Sage guides us into the tent and I stand aside while she helps my mate up onto a raised platform. The healer turns toward us and her gaze lands on Sorin. She smiles widely.

“Come here, and give me a hug.”

He complies instantly and wraps his arms around her. She strokes his floks and tightens her embrace before releasing him.

“Talek, Cecily, and Carter are down in the training arena. I told them I’d send you to meet with them when you got here.” Shemakes a sound when he tries to say something. “No arguing, please. We’ll come and get you after your brother or sister arrives, but until then, you can’t be in here. I’m sorry.”

Sorin huffs his disappointment, but bobs his head. “Yes, Healer Sage.”

“Thank you.”

He rushes over and carefully hugs Iris. “I love you, Momo.”

“I love you, too, sweetie.”

My hug comes next. “I love you as well, Gogo.”

“My hearts beat for you.”

Sorin releases me and casts a final glance at Iris before he runs out of the tent. Healer Sage turns back to us.

“Let’s do this.”

The first moon is high in the sky, and still the kit has not come. Iris is soaking wet as she leans against me, and I wipe away the water that spills down her brow with a cloth. She is unclothed beneath the fur the covers the upper half of her body.

Fear has become a permanent resident within my body and soul. I have tried to hide it, but I do not believe I have succeeded. Healer Sage remains calm, but I still sense the worry that she too is unsuccessful at keeping at bay.

“You’re doing great, Iris. Just a little bit longer.”

“That’s what you said two hours ago,” my mate cries out and then releases another scream that curdles the blood in my veins. It sounds far too much like the screams of the stolen females while they gave birth.

“This time, I really mean it.”

Iris actually chuckles. “You said that two hours ago, too.”

Healer Sage lifts her head and grins back at my mate. “This time I really,reallymean it. I can see the head, and on the next contraction, I need you to push.”

My mate nods, and the grip she has on my hand tightens.

“Push, Iris.”

She does as instructed. There’s a loud grunting sound and heavy breathing. It ends on another scream.

“Again. Push.”

Healer Sage stares intently and then a flash of relief crosses her face. It is followed by two screams; a familiar one I have been hearing half of this turn and a new, far more shrill one. Iris cries and sags heavily against me, her breaths coming fast. I check her over swiftly, and the pain that has filled her eyes appears to be gone. Her gaze is focused in the direction of her feet.