Page 140

Arlene’s POV

Another contraction grips me as Selena helps me into the passenger seat of her SUV. I brace one hand against the dashboard and breathe through the pressure while Paige settles Damian, Darlene, Milo, and Piper in the back.

“Hee, hee, hoo. Hee, hee, hoo.”

“That's it,” Selena says, pulling away from the house. “Darian's on his way.”

“Is Mommy okay?” Darlene asks.

“She's okay, sweetheart,” Paige reassures her. “Your little brother is coming.”

Damian leans toward his sister. “I remember when you were born. I was little, but I remember waiting for you.”

“Me too,” Milo says. “When Piper was born.”

“Was I little?” Piper asks.

“Very little.”

I smile, but another contraction begins before I can say anything. My fingers tighten around the seat. “Hee, hee, hoo.” The pressure builds, and I close my eyes.

Our pup, my wolf whispers.

“I know.”

He's coming.

I press my hand over my stomach. The last time, we lost him.

This time he will be safe, my wolf murmurs.

I draw in another breath.

“This time.”

The contraction eases just as Selena pulls up to the hospital entrance. “We're here.”

Paige takes the pups inside while Selena helps me into a wheelchair. Another contraction starts, and I grip the armrests, breathing through it as the nurse wheels me through the doors.

“Mommy?” Darlene calls.

I manage a small smile. “I'm okay, baby.”

Paige takes her hand. “Come on, sweetheart. We'll wait inside.”

Selena stays beside me while the nurse helps me onto the bed. The contractions are closer now, leaving me less time to catch my breath. I grip the sheets as another one builds. “Hee, hee, hoo. Hee, hee, hoo.”

“That's it, Arlene,” Selena says, holding my hand. “You're doing well.” I close my eyes.

Darian.

The door opens. “Arlene?” I look up. Darian. I brush a tear from my eyes. He crosses the room immediately, and Selena steps aside. “She's all yours,” she says softly. “I'll go check on the pups.”

Darian takes my hand and kisses my forehead. “I'm here, baby.” I grip his fingers as another contraction begins. He stays close, his forehead resting against mine while I breathe through it.

He's here, my wolf whispers.

“I know.” The contraction finally eases, and I open my eyes. Darian brushes my hair away from my face.