Chapter 67 Beta’s child

Chapter 67 Beta’s child
Ava POV
Emma entered the room. She had a tray of food in her hands, and for a moment, I forgot everything else. The warmth in her voice, the careful way she balanced the plates, it made me feel cared for.
“Here,” she said softly. “I thought you might be hungry.”
I smiled gratefully, genuinely. “Thank you, Emma. That’s very kind of you.”
She nodded, smiling back but I noticed her eyes. She was watching me, carefully, slowly, as if she was studying every little movement I made. I didn’t think too much of it. Maybe she was just making sure I didn’t drop anything. I picked up the spoon, scooped a little broth and lifted it toward my mouth.
But before the food could reach my lips, there was a sudden banging at the door. The sound echoed loudly, and my heart jumped.
I dropped the tray in shock. Food splashed onto the carpet but I didn’t care. The banging continued, desperate and frantic.
I rushed to the door and opened it. Raven was standing there, her face pale and sweaty, her hands clutching her stomach. Her breathing was ragged, almost painful.
“Raven!” I exclaimed, fear and urgency flooding through me. “What’s happening?”
She tried to speak but only groaned. Her body doubled over, and I immediately understood. She was about to give birth. Right here. Right now. My heart raced. I had to act fast.
“Emma!” I shouted, almost forgetting everything else. “Help! We need to get her to the hospital!”
Emma’s eyes widened and she dropped the tray completely, ignoring the mess. She was suddenly serious, professional, focused. “Right. Let’s move.”
We guided Raven carefully through the hallways, supporting her every step. Her grip on my arm was tight, and I tried to keep her calm while I kept calling for her to breathe slowly.
Ryan arrived, Relief and worry fought in his eyes. He bent down and held her hand. “Raven… it’s okay. You’re going to be fine.”
I glanced at Emma. She was unusually quiet, moving with precise steps, helping with strength I didn’t know she had. Normally she was… different. But in this moment, she was completely focused on helping. There was no hesitation. No softness, no smiles. Just action.
Emma helped Raven lean back, and I wrapped a light blanket around her. Her breathing was fast, shallow, and desperate. The contractions were coming more quickly now. She groaned through them, gripping Emma’s hand tightly.
“I’m scared,” Raven whispered, tears brimming in her eyes. “I don’t know if I can do this…”
“Yes, you can,” I said firmly, pressing her hand. “You’re strong. You’ve got us. We’re right here with you.”
Emma nodded too. “That’s right. We’re not leaving. You’re safe.”
I stole a glance at Emma. Her expression was soft, tender almost but there was something I couldn’t read. Something distant. But I pushed it aside. There was no time for anything else. Raven needed all our attention.
Raven groaned and whispered curses between breaths. I whispered to her, told her to focus, to breathe, to trust us. Emma mirrored everything I said, her hand never leaving Raven’s.
We arrived at the hospital entrance. Ryan helping us lift Raven carefully onto a gurney. She was weak, sweating, and trembling, but she was alive. Emma and I stayed close, walking alongside the gurney, keeping her calm.
Once inside, we followed the nurses and medical staff down the hallway to the delivery room. Every step felt heavy, every sound amplified. I could hear Raven’s breathing, the rush of her heartbeat, and the soft murmurs of encouragement Emma and I gave her. I felt my own heart pounding, my chest tight.
Ryan stayed at the door, pacing slightly, muttering prayers and words of hope under his breath. I joined him outside, keeping my eyes on the closed door, my hands pressed together, whispering my own silent prayers.
Emma stayed behind with Raven, inside the room. I could hear her voice faintly. Calm. Steady. Strong. I couldn’t see her, but I knew she was there, guiding Raven, helping her through every contraction, every breath, every moment of fear. I wanted to step in, to help more, but there were limits to what I could do. I trusted Emma to do her part. And deep down, I trusted her to keep Raven safe.
Time stretched slowly. The minutes felt like hours. I didn’t speak. I didn’t move much. I just prayed silently, pacing back and forth, gripping the railing outside the room. Ryan did the same. Neither of us said much. Words felt useless. Only hope mattered now.
Then, finally, a cry.
It was small at first, weak, but unmistakable. The sound of a newborn. Relief flooded through me like a tidal wave. Tears pricked my eyes. I couldn’t stop shaking. Ryan froze, then broke into a smile so wide it lit up his entire face.
“They’re okay,” he whispered. “She’s okay.”
We waited a few more moments, holding our breath, until the nurses finally opened the door. Ryan rushed in, and I followed him as fast as I could.
Emma stepped out first, her face pale but calm. In her arms was a small bundle wrapped tightly in a soft cloth. I froze, stunned by the sight. My chest ached, but there was no room for jealousy or resentment now. Only relief.
Ryan’s face lit up brighter than I had ever seen. He held his hand to his chest, laughing softly, shaking his head, tears streaming down his face. “I can’t believe it… they’re perfect… she’s perfect.”
I stepped closer, feeling awe and wonder and happiness mix together. Raven was sitting on the bed now, exhausted but smiling weakly. Emma stood by her side, still calm, still composed, but there was something different in her eyes, something I couldn’t place.
And then, without warning, Emma turned sharply and walked out of the room. She didn’t say a word. Not goodbye. Not a smile. Not even a glance. She stormed out, the door slamming behind her.
I froze, confused, staring at the door. “Emma?” I whispered. But the hallway was empty. Just silence.
Raven noticed and tilted her head, frowning. “Was she… mad at us?”
I shook my head slowly, still trying to process what had just happened. “I don’t know,” I said honestly. “I… I think she had something to take care of. But she helped us, Raven. She helped you bring this little one into the world.”
Raven nodded, still smiling faintly at her baby. “I’m… so tired,” she murmured.
Ryan laughed softly, kneeling beside her, holding her hand. “It’s okay. You did it. She’s safe. You’re safe. And she’s perfect.”
I watched them, my chest warm and heavy. Emma’s sudden exit left me with questions I couldn’t answer, but for now, that didn’t matter. Raven and her baby were alive. That was all that mattered.
I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. The fear, the panic, the worry, it was fading. And though I didn’t understand everything that had happened with Emma. 

The feast took hours to prepare, but the maids worked with more excitement than I had