Page 116 of The Omega's Bloodlinem: Part Two

“We can’t leave the nest undefended and underfunded,” Yelena said firmly. “If I have to be willing to give up the core of myself to this fucking creature, I have to know the nest will be cared for when I can’t do it anymore.”

Logan cried quietly, wrapped in Caden’s arms, Seth clutched in hers. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry.”

I couldn’t think with so many layers of panic stacked on top of me in the bond. I shook myself head to toe, trying to dispel some of it, but there was too much between everyone.

What happens if we don’t give it up willingly?

“Then it might not work. We could all just die and the creature would take what it can, then keep searching for someone to heal it.”

Is there anyone else, though?

“Not that would help us.”

I was going to vibrate out of my own skin at this rate.

“Anya said we have to make peace with this.”

Fuck that. I had made peace with plenty of things in my lifetime, but this was beyond the pale. How could I give up my shifting willingly? I didn’t even know what form I would take. Everything felt more comfortable when I was a wolf, but that would limit a lot of things I could do with my mates. It seemed almost silly to worry about that, but the thought of never being able to kiss them again, to hold them… Part of the reason being a wolf was so comfortable was because I had the option to not be one when needed. Any form could become a cage if I could never change it.

“How soon is all of this going to happen?” Kendrick asked.

“I don’t know.” Logan sniffled. “Soon, before we run out of supplies.”

“This is all fucked. The stupid monster is ruining my groove.” Calliope groaned, pressing her hand to her rounded stomach, her face pinching.

Murdoch was already at her side, but instantly on high alert.

Calliope squeaked, eyes going wide. “Oh, shit. My water just broke.”

Everyone was on their feet in an instant, Yelena dropping down in front of Calliope. “I’ve already alerted the doctor.”

Calliope shifted from human to tiger in an instant, flopping onto her side. I didn’t know anything about human birthing, but I had helped a fair few cats give birth over the years. Could tigers really be that different?

“Murdoch, can you support her head, please,” I said to her mate.

He gathered up her massive head and set it on his lap. I kneeled in front of her, laying my palm on her belly.

“You’re gonna do so great and these babies will be out in no time.”

She let out what I assumed to be a tiger approximation of a whimper. I didn’t have any healing magic that I was aware of, but I stroked her fur, at least lending the comfort of my presence.

Dr. Atling and Nurse Sarah bustled in. “Calliope, we’re going to transfer you down to the clinic. Everyone get in a position to lift.”

We hoisted Calliope onto a gurney.

Dr. Atling looked up at me. “She’d like you to accompany us, if you’re available.”

“Of course.” I wasn’t about to say no if I could help, and it would certainly be a useful distraction from everything else barreling toward us.

I followed after them, letting my mind focus on the task ahead of me. I’d told my mates everything I could for now, and they would have to come to terms with it all in their own time. The bond held a rush of excitement from everyone over the impending birth, temporarily muting the despair beneath it.

We got Calliope settled on one of the jerry-rigged hospital beds more appropriate for larger animals, Sarah shaving down spots for an IV and monitors before hooking up an IV.

“There we go.” Dr. Atling kept a steady hand on Calliope, watching the monitor.

“I assume she’s a tiger right now because it’s easier?” I asked.

“Quadruped births and labor tend to be faster and more comfortable. A lot of shifters choose to give birth this way,especially if they don’t have ready access to a hospital with one of our kind working there.”