Chapter 254 - His Mate or His Girlfriend

“You’re doing so good Mel,” Josie said encouragingly as Melanie arched her back in pain as a contraction hit her.

“I quit,” Melanie finally huffed out breathlessly, her black hair sticking to her forehead and face thanks to the mixture of sweat and tears.

“Yes you can,” Josie urged.

“No I can’t,” Melanie sobbed out.

Everytime a contraction hit, the baby’s heart rate would drop. Nurses were running in and out while Dr. Danvers had decided to give Melanie a little bit more time before deciding to take her into emergency surgery. It would be a c-section which wasn't necessarily a bad thing but they were in a middle of a war. And Melanie knew surgery would mean a longer recuperation time instead of the immediate healing that would occur if she gave birth naturally. However, she'd go along with whatever was best for the baby. At this point, she was ready to throw in the towel and demand a surgery. Her energy was completely depleted.

“Look, the baby’s small,” Josie reasoned. “He’ll come right out if you give a few good pushes.”

“I don’t think I have-aahhhhhhhhh!” Melanie shrieked as three contractions hit one after the other.

Dr. Danvers was by her side in no time. He checked her over and declare that Melanie needed to push. But when her next set of contractions hit, Melanie tensed up, arching her back and gritting her teeth as she prayed for his excruciating pain to pass.

“She’s not pushing properly,” Dr. Danvers said grimly. “We can’t wait much longer. This isn’t good for the baby.”

“I can’t,” Melanie choked out, tears streaming down her face.

“Sure you can,” said a new voice, striding towards her.

Melanie’s heart soared as she saw Brad walk into the labor room. He was wearing scrubs and had washed up as quickly as he could.

“We’re gonna do this Mel,” Brad said softly, taking his mother’s place and holding Melanie’s hand. “Together.” He kissed her fingers as Melanie looked at him gratefully.

A million questions ran through her head about Sybl, about the demon summoning, about if everyone was O.K. but again the contractions overwhelmed her. Her entire body tensed, rebelling against the pain.

“Throw down your mind-block,” Brad instructed swiftly.

Melanie complied and suddenly felt as if the pain was a bit more bearable. He was channeling his calming emotions into her. He was making her stronger.

“Together,” Melanie whispered, closing her eyes once the contraction had passed. She suddenly felt like she could take on the world and win. It was Brad. He was making her feel this way.

She let his calmness fill her.

“Let’s finish this so we can go home,” Brad said gruffly.

Melanie nodded. Home. His cabin in the woods.

“Home with our baby,” Melanie added in reverence.

"Home with our baby and as mates," Brad said softly with a smile. An infintismal amoutn of happiness filled him. It was over and they were going to go home together as a mated couple, their pup in tow.

And the next time her contraction hit, instead of tensing up, Melanie allowed the pain to wash over her. She used the pain to fuel her strength and she pushed. Dr. Danvers praised her, giving her encouraging instructions.

“One more,” Dr. Danvers instructed.

“You’re doing awesome Mel,” Brad praised.

“Is it bad that I’d rather be facing down Sybl right now?” Melanie joked weakly.

Brad didn't respond. His stoic silence made Melanie open her mouth to ask what was wrong but before she could her contraction took over. She pushed one last time and Melanie let out a relieved groan as their baby came out. Finally, Melanie closed her eyes deciding she wanted to sleep for five days after what she'd just been through. She waited expectantly for a Dr. Danvers to place the baby in either her or Brad's arms. But he didn't.

And instead of the customary cheerful exclamations, there was a grim quietness as Dr. Danvers instructed to nurse’s to take the premie infant to the neonatal ICU and hook the baby up to a ventilator.

“What’s wrong with him?” Brad asked sharply as Josie followed the nurse out, worried about her newest grandson.

“He’s not breathing properly,” Dr. Danvers said as he began making sure Melanie was O.K. “Don’t worry, he’s a fighter like his parents.”

“What’s going to happen to my baby?” Melanie asked fearfully, her voice laden with guilt that Brad felt rolling off of her in waves. This was her fault. Her baby had come early because she overexrted herself. How was she ever going to be a good mother if she was constantly putting herself and her child in danger? She was no better than Sybl...

Brad interrupted Melanie's dark thoughts by placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

“Nothing is your fault. You didn't do this on purpose. The doctors will do a great job making sure he's going to get through this. Place your faith in them and the moon goddess.” Brad's words were solemn yet full of conviction. He was certain all would turn out right in the end.

“All this power as a hybrid earth witch and I'm helpless to save my own son,” Melanie stated in a trembling voice as fear gripped her heart.

“He’ll be fine,” Brad consoled, taking Melanie in his arms.

He had to be strong for her. A child was a mother's greatest weakness. That was all too evident and what he saw today further proved it. So he concentrated on pushing all his doubts and fears into the far recesses of his mind where Melanie couldn't pick up on them. Instead, he filled his mind and hers with positive thoughts.

But he stiffened when Xavier mind-linked him.

We have a problem,Xavier spoke in his brain.

Brad heaved a sigh. Ofcourse they did.

A/N:Next update is FRIDAY