Page 431

Alpha Denzel quickly wrapped his arms around her. "I will carry you to the hospital."

Trying to comply, Valerie held him back. "Yes, I was hoping to get something for the labor pains," she said honestly, hoping that Raven would be able to provide her with some herbs to alleviate the pain she was experiencing.

The pain she was enduring at the moment reminded her of the time she walked on coals. There was no hope of her wolf healing her, and at this time, there was no hope for her.

She had to rely on her human strength to go through the labor, a pain she had no control over. Alpha Denzel took deep breaths to calm himself.

"Alright. I will call both Raven and the pack doctor and midwives over."

Valerie never liked the hospital environment, and the initial plan was for her to deliver their pup at the cottage. However, since they were stuck in the pack house during a snowstorm, their pup would be delivered there and then.

A few minutes after the mindlink went out, Raven was the first to arrive because she lived closer to the pack house.

Not even the snowstorm could delay her in making it on time, as she quickly rushed to Valerie’s side. "Luna, Are you okay?"

She knew her question sounded stupid as Valerie did not look okay, but she was inexperienced in situations like this.

"I think I’m in labor. Is there anything to manage the pain?" Valerie was taking deep breaths, just as the midwives had taught her during the few times Denzel made them check on her to ensure that she was on track.

"Yes, there is," Raven said, lowering the backpack she had brought along but suddenly stopped. Valerie was getting upset due to the pain she was going through, asking in annoyance.

"So, what are you waiting for?"

Alice hesitated before revealing. "Luna, it will slow down the labor process. It’s your first time, meaning it would take time, so if you add that herb to it, you might end up delivering your pup in three to four days."

Raven analyzed her abilities. Humans took longer to deliver their first baby, so if her Luna could not endure the pain, then things were bound to be different.

Valerie was now breathing through her mouth and exhaling out of her nose. "Is there a way to make it faster?" She knew of her ability to endure pain if she put her mind to it, but Raven hesitated once more before responding.

"Yes, but that also means the pain would increase."

She was hoping that her Luna would just endure the pain and get it over with between eight to eighteen hours, but she was amazed by Valerie’s choice.

"I will bear it. I want it faster," she said with determination as Denzel countered. "You can prepare the herbs, but we have to be sure she’s really in labor and..."

He paused when he heard a knock on the door. It was the pack doctor and two midwives. Denzel was glad for the timely intervention, as he wanted to ensure that Valerie was indeed in labor before allowing anything to be given to her.

The doctor checked on Valerie and smiled. "She’s dilating. You can set up," he informed the midwives and began to set up the tub as she had requested.

Provisions were made a month ago for any emergency like this, so as soon as Alpha Denzel’s mindlink zapped through, they moved with everything needed.

It was amazing how none of them allowed themselves to be hindered by the snow.

Denzel gently lowered Valerie into the warm water before Raven brought the herb to her, and after just a sip, her discomfort increased, though comforted by the warm water.

"I feel worse," she said honestly as the labor had been induced. Faster meant increased pain, and there was nothing more Raven could do except to encourage her.

"Sorry, but that means the labor will quicken."

Valerie was sweating in the warm water, her pains doubling with it. Denzel was rubbing her back and bump, doing whatever he could to help, wishing he could carry the baby for her.

"It hurts more because your wolf isn’t with you," the doctor encouraged her, having delivered a lot of pups. He knew that their Luna’s case was different and only hoped there would not be any complications.

"She’s a strong woman. She will make it," Alpha Denzel said confidently. Valerie walked on coals without her wolf, and since she knew the consequences before opting for this method, Denzel was certain of a positive outcome.

Two hours passed, and Valerie could not take it anymore, a shrill tore from her throat.

A knock was heard on her door, and Alice barged in with Burke, both of them freezing at the door.

"Sorry. I thought my help was needed," Alice said nervously. Hearing the scream, she knew something had happened but had no idea Valerie already had help.

"No, our Luna is in labor. Both of you should go enjoy yourselves," Alpha Denzel forced a smile and dismissed them, but Alice did not want to leave, though shy about Alpha Denzel using the word ’enjoyment.’

How could he expect them to mate when their Luna was in so much pain?

"Are they mates?" the doctor asked, Raven was equally surprised and desperate to know. Then she suddenly remembered something.

"Is that why you told me to give her the dress?"

"He bought it?" Alice asked, amazed by Burke’s kindness since she was still wearing the dress.

The conversation distracted Valerie from the pain until she felt a strong movement inside her belly. She groaned with her face beaded with sweat.

"Arrrrhhhhhh."

The doctor quickly checked her dilation again. "Splendid. She’s already ten centimeters dilated. Luna, you have to push harder," the doctor encouraged her, but when his eyes met with Alice, he wanted to laugh.

"Alice, you don’t have to be scared."

Alice was as pale as a ghost. Alpha Denzel hugged Valerie from behind, his hands resting on her bump, but what happened next brought tears to their eyes.