Page 39 of A True Mate Bond


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“I think that is a wise choice.”

“Do you mind if I take these two books with me while you’re gone?”

“Take as many as you like.”

Niev stood up and grabbed the books: one about wounds and herbal remedies and another about pregnancy, labor, and the healing after birth. “Safe travels.”

Niev left the cabin and walked toward the village and Layla’s house. After the incident at the main house, she hadn’t seen Lyliann and she wasn’t sure how to approach the whole situation. She wanted to stay out of it, but at the same time, she wanted to talk about it and clear the air between them. She liked them both and didn’t want to lose them as friends. She was uncertain, and even a little insecure, about going any further.

She arrived at Layla’s door and gently knocked before popping her head inside. Even though Layla told her to come inside whenever she wanted, Niev felt weird doing so. She quietly shut the door behind her and saw Layla walk out of one of the bedrooms.

“Perfect timing. I just put Alizia down for her nap and now it’s time to feed Aaron.”

“Do you need help cleaning up the lunch mess?”

“No, Alizia was a good girl and actually helped me today, so no need.” Layla walked to the loveseat, sat down, and started breastfeeding Aaron.

Layla had been great in relieving Niev’s anxiety when it came to motherhood, at least to some degree. Layla let her change Aaron’s diaper and clothes and they bathed him together. Niev sat on the couch across from Layla and opened the book about pregnancy, labor, and healing after birth. She hoped knowing what would happen would ease her nerves. She was afraid of the labor, especially since it wouldn’t take place in a hospital.

Up until that point, she’d always pictured herself having a pain free birth with an epidural and all kinds of other drugs. She wasn’t ready for the pain of a medication free birth, no matter how often she kept telling herself it would all be worth it. Not only was she afraid of the pain, but also that something would go wrong. A hospital was equipped with all kinds of things for the worst-case scenario. Here on the other hand, she only had Christa and the other women to help her.

“You seem worried.” Layla’s tender voice pulled Niev out of her thoughts.

“I’m worried about labor.” A few days ago she would’ve had trouble admitting as much, but Layla had been so sweet and caring that Niev trusted her more than anyone else when it came to those things.

“What worries you about it?”

“Please don’t get me wrong, but I always pictured my birthing experience in a hospital and pain free.”

Layla paused as she thought about her words and adjusted Aaron in her arms who was still feeding. “Does the pain scare you?”

“I think if it was a quick pain, it wouldn’t scare me, but some labors take days.”

“Our way of labor and how we go about it must be very different from what you imagined.”

“It’s not just the pain. What if something goes wrong? What if the babies need medical assistance after birth? Christa is wonderful but I don’t think she can replace a whole team of doctors, midwives, and modern medicine.”

“No, she can’t, but keep in mind you’re not birthing an average human. Your children are gifted with Selene’s magic, and they have you as a mother.”

“I know and I still can’t help myself. I’m just terrified.”

“Maybe with your gift, all the medications you would get in the hospital wouldn’t work anyways. Remember they wear off much faster with those who carry wolf blood, and your healing ability is even greater than ours.”

Niev hadn’t thought about that. Of course it made sense. It was probably the reason why she got pregnant in the first place. If Layla was right, her birth control pills wouldn’t have worked because her body wouldn’t have processed them like a human would have. She sighed and looked back down at the book. It seemed like she had no other option butto go through a torturing labor.

“What else is on your mind, Niev?”

“I’ll be having twins.”

Layla smiled a little amused. “Yes, you will.”

“I’m afraid to be stuck in the house all day long. Anywhere else I would just buy a stroller for two babies, but here I wouldn’t even make it off the porch.”

“I know some of the mothers here use cloths to carry their babies around while doing their chores. There must be a way of carrying two at the same time. I’m sure we can help you figure that out.”

“Thank you.” Niev had never been so grateful to have another woman to talk to about these things.

Layla got up with a sleeping Aaron in her arms and walked toward Niev, laying Aaron in her arms. “I know all of this seems scary to you, and I can only help you with your fear to a certain point but try not to think about it too much. The more you worry the more you’ll increase the angst for it.” Layla took a step back. “Will you be fine with him for a few minutes while I take a shower?”

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