Ria’s POV:
“Deep breaths, baby. You’re doing good,” Bastian said, trying to keep me calm through the contractions.
“Oh, why did I think this was a good idea?” I screamed out as I continued to breathe through the contractions.
“Because you love me and find me irresistible.”
I gave him a death glare that kept him quiet for a moment.
Freya: So true, so very true.
Me: I am not talking to you right now. I know you are a part of this somehow.
Freya: What? Little 'ol me?
Me: Don’t play innocent.
The contraction started to subside, and I was able to calm down. I let go of Bastian’s hand for a moment so that he could get some feeling back into it again.
“Thanks, baby,” he said as he shook his hand out.
He came to brush my sweaty hair back and kissed me on the forehead.
“I can’t believe we are doing this again,” he said as he continued to smooth my hair.
“You would think that after six, I would just stay away from you during my heat.”
He started to chuckle.
“At least they were not all back to back.”
I looked at him as if he had grown two heads.
“Uh, the first few were.”
“No, the twins don’t count.”
“What about the three after the twins?”
He contemplated that for a moment before saying, “Okay, true. But the last two pups were spread apart. What can I say, Ria? I can never get my fill of you.” He buried his head into my neck and kissed my mark.
This man of mine.
He pulled his head back and kissed me on the lips.
“And there you go, being all romantic again. I swear, we are going to have to kick everyone else out of the packhouse because it will be filled with all our pups.”
“I would be okay with that if it means you’ll be giving me more pups in the future,” he said with a devilish grin.
Freya: Yes! Absolutely. Happy to oblige.
I rolled my eyes but then pinched them shut as another contraction began.
“Bastian!”
He gave me his other hand to squeeze this time.
“Breathe! You can do it!”
Doc came in. “How are we doing?”
I screamed.
“Doc, please, tell me she’s ready. I don’t know how much more I can take.”
I glared at him.
“You?” I yelled.
“I meant you. Of course, I meant you.”
“Well, let me just take a peek and see how far along you are. Alright, it looks like it’s time to start pushing.”
“Oh, thank, Goddess,” came out of Bastian’s mouth in a whisper.
“Ria, are you ready? Now, push!”
I started to push with everything that I had.
“Alright, here comes the head. Keep pushing. You’re doing great. Just a few more.”
I took a deep breath and pushed again.
“Here come the shoulders. Keep going.”
“Come on, baby. Keep pushing,” Bastian whispered into my hair.
I gathered the last bit of my strength and pushed one last time.
“Alright, almost completely out. Good job, Ria!”
“Doc, what’s the sex?” Bastian asked with enthusiasm.
“Congratulations, it’s a girl!” Doc announced.
Doc quickly handed her off to the nurses to get her all cleaned up, and we waited in anticipation to hear that one reassuring sound, “Wah!”
I felt myself relax immediately as I fell back onto the bed.
“Oh, my beautiful wife. You did it. I love you so much,” Bastian said as he continued to kiss and hold me.
The nurse brought the baby over and placed her in my arms.
“Oh, look at her. She is absolutely beautiful,” Bastian cooed.
“Do you have a name for her yet?” the nurse asked.
I looked up at Bastian, and he nodded his head in agreement.
I looked at the nurse and said, “Yes, her name is…Helena.”