Page 119 of The Omega's Bloodlinem: Part Two

“And that’s all it takes.” Velda beamed.

The final of five cubs made their way into the world and Calliope slumped with a groan.Freeeee!

Murdoch licked her cheek, the two of them purring together while Sarah and I tidied up the last cub, setting them among their siblings for their first meal.

“They’re so cute, I almost can’t stand it. Calliope, do you mind if I pet them?”

Pet away.

Dr. Atling and Sarah managed the placenta delivery and check-over while Velda, Murdoch, and I fussed over the new babies. I was so curious what they’d look like in their people form. Right now they all looked the same except for different patterns in their fur.

“Hello, sweet angels.” I planted a kiss on the babies I could reach. “You’re so lucky to have such amazing parents. Everyone here is going to love you, and I promise I’m going to do everything I can to make sure you all stay safe.”

It wasn’t a promise I was certain I’d be able to keep, but dammit, I was going to fucking try.

“They’re darling.” I cooed at Calliope’s new arrivals, accepting one bundled up to cuddle. The sweet little ones were milk-drunk and sleeping, distributed to those visiting the proud new parents. “How’re you feeling?”

Million times better now that they’re on the outside.Calliope was stretched out, still in her tiger form, purring up a storm while Logan brushed her.I need to hire this woman to justfollow me around and brush me forever. Feels like I’m at a spa instead of a clinic.

She’s good at making everyone feel cared for. I’m glad everything went well. We’ve been missing you.

Girl, I’ve been missing me too. Sat on my ass more these past few months than I have in my entire life combined.

I kissed the nose of the cub in my arms.They’ll have you run off your feet soon enough to make up for it.

She lifted her head, staring at me with intense golden eyes.You’d better fucking survive this bullshit.Allof you. I’ll find a way to reverse haunt you if you die.

I’d love nothing more than to survive, trust me. I glanced over her to where Seth and Kendrick were being moon-eyed over another baby. Kendrick had never struck me as overly parental, but it was impossible to mistake the cozy warmth from him as anything but affection for these brand-new beings. Everyone was relaxed in the bond, the babies doing a wonderful job of keeping their attention and ensuring the focus stayed on happier things.

Cora popped her head into the clinic. “The pilot isn’t coming.”

Nerves shot through the bond. So much for that.

“What do you mean?” Velda asked. “Why not?”

“Mechanical failure. The replacement part won’t be in until next week.”

Calliope stared at us.What pilot? What’s happening?

“We made arrangements for you, Murdoch, and the babies to go somewhere safe, or at least we tried to.”

You don’t get to make choices like that for me.

“Yes, we do,” I insisted. “You just gave birth. You need to be somewhere safe to recover.”

Her tail whacked into my side.Yeah, I agree with that part, but you still should’ve talked to me about it first. I should get a say in what happens to me.

Velda sighed. “You’re right. I’m sorry. I wanted to have the pilot here by the time the babies were born and I didn’t want to bother you about it while you were in labor.”

So we can’t evacuate now?Murdoch asked.

“Not by air. We’ll see what else we can arrange,” Velda promised.

“Do we have safety harnesses for the little ones?” I asked Nurse Sarah.

“Maybe? We haven’t needed any for a hot minute. Worst comes to worst, they can temporarily be little sardines in a carrier. Not ideal, but it’ll work in a pinch.”

You guys are stressing me out. Calliope flopped her head back down.