Chapter 215
Asher
I pulled out my notebook, using the familiar ritual to center myself. "What blood tests specifically, Doctor?"
"Standard panels. Complete blood count, blood typing, ferritin levels, thyroid function, and pregnancy hormone levels. All routine for first trimester."
I began making notes, documenting everything. Through the bond, I felt Blake's foot connect with Kara's, felt her urgent response.
I don't want blood drawn.
Every protective instinct roared to life. My pen stilled as I fought the urge to immediately agree, to tell the doctor we'd skip it.
But I couldn't. I couldn't let my need to protect her from momentary discomfort override what was necessary for her and the baby's health.
These are necessary tests, Kara, I sent back firmly. We need to make sure both you and the baby are healthy.
She turned desperately toward Cole, squeezing his hand hard enough that I sensed his wince. Looking for an ally.
"It's not scary at all, Kara." Cole's voice was gentle, his thumb stroking her knuckles. "Just a small needle, and it's over in seconds."
Blake's mental laughter rippled through our connection. Then why do you cry every time? You sat outside the doctor's office for ten minutes last physical.
Cole flushed. "That's because—because I don't like needles! But that doesn't mean it's actually scary." He squeezed her hand. "And I'll be right there with you. We can be scared together."
Through the bond, I felt Kara's tension ease slightly, felt the small smile she gave him.
Well played, I sent to Cole.
I'm not playing, he responded seriously. I really am terrified. But if admitting that helps her feel less alone, it's worth it.
"Kara, do you remember when your last menstrual period started?" Dr. Martinez asked, tablet ready.
Kara shook her head, embarrassment coloring her cheeks. "I... I don't really remember."
"January seventeenth."
Blake's answer was immediate and certain. I turned to stare at him along with everyone else.
Dr. Martinez raised an eyebrow. "You're certain?"
Blake shrugged, satisfaction palpable through our bond. "When she's on her period, we can't have sex. Of course I remember. Those days were torture."
Blake! Kara's mortification spiked through the bond. Can you not say things like that in front of the doctor?
I was already flipping through my notebook. Blake was right—January seventeenth. I'd noted it myself, along with duration and symptoms, everything carefully recorded.
Though your delivery was crude, I sent to Blake dryly, the information is useful.
I recorded it precisely: LMP - January 17.
Dr. Martinez smiled warmly. "Alpha partners often have excellent recall of their Luna's cycles. That puts you at approximately eight to nine weeks gestation." She gestured to a small bathroom. "If you could provide a urine sample first, we'll run a quick test strip."
A nurse handed Kara a sterile cup. She took it with trembling fingers, and I had to physically restrain myself from following her.
She needs privacy, I sent firmly to Blake, who'd started to move.
But what if—
Blake. I let my mental voice carry Alpha command. Wait here.
The bathroom door closed, and for those few minutes, Kara was completely out of sight. Every instinct screamed at me to verify she was safe, but I forced myself to remain still.
This is going to be a long pregnancy, Cole observed with dark humor.
We'll manage, I replied. We have to.
When Kara emerged, Blake immediately pulled her against his side. The nurse took the sample and returned quickly.
"The urine pregnancy test is positive," Dr. Martinez announced. "And everything looks normal—no protein, no glucose, no signs of infection."
I made a note: Urine test: positive, no abnormalities.
"Now let's check your vital signs."
The nurse approached with a blood pressure cuff, and I watched Kara's body go rigid. The squeeze of the cuff—too much like restraints—and I remembered with sickening clarity all the times we'd held her down.
Cole's hand found hers immediately. I moved behind her, close enough that she could feel my presence. My ebony-and-tobacco scent intensified, trying to blanket her in safety.
"Blood pressure 110 over 70. Temperature 98.4, pulse 72. All within normal ranges."
I recorded each number, comparing them to baseline readings. Everything was good. Everything was normal.
But the blood draw is coming, my wolf whispered darkly.
"Now, if you're ready, we'll do the blood draw."
Kara's terror spiked so sharply through the bond it made my heart race. I positioned myself behind her, hands settling on her shoulders—not restraining, just present.
Blake positioned himself where she could see him. "I've got you."
Cole kept hold of her hand, his other hand cupping her face, turning her attention away from the needle. "Just look at me, okay? Don't watch."
The nurse was quick—alcohol swab, tourniquet, the sharp pinch. Through the bond, I felt Kara's pain as my own, felt her clench her fist, bite her lip hard enough to draw blood.
Cole's hand trembled in hers, his own fear of needles warring with his need to be strong. Blake growled low, protective instincts flaring. I tightened my grip on her shoulders, using my Alpha presence to ground her.
"Almost done. Just one more vial."
Just one more, I echoed through the bond. You're doing so well.
"All finished."
Kara sagged back against me, heart still racing. Through the bond, Cole's relief made him dizzy, Blake's anger simmered that she'd endured even that small pain.
Never again, I vowed silently. Never again will she face this alone or afraid.
"We'll run these through our emergency lab. Results in about ten minutes." Dr. Martinez gestured to the examination table. "In the meantime, let's listen to your baby's heartbeat."
Blake lifted Kara onto the table before she could try, settling her with exquisite care. His hands lingered, his wolf crooning precious, protect, mine.
"May I?" Dr. Martinez's hand hovered near Kara's dress hem.
Kara nodded. The doctor helped her pull the fabric up, and immediately Blake draped his jacket over her legs with aggressive protectiveness.
Cole dimmed the lights without being asked. The thoughtfulness made my chest tight.
"This might feel a bit cool." Dr. Martinez squeezed warm gel onto Kara's stomach—she'd heated it first. Small details. Everything mattered.
She picked up the Doppler and pressed it to Kara's abdomen, moving it in slow circles. For a long moment, only soft static. I held my breath, hand unconsciously moving to rest near Kara's head. Through the bond, Blake and Cole froze in identical anticipation.
Then—
Thump-thump-thump-thump-thump
The sound exploded through the speaker, impossibly fast and strong, like galloping horses. My breath caught.
That was our child. That rapid, powerful rhythm.
"That's..." Blake's voice came out rough, stripped of bravado. "That's our baby?"
"That's your baby. Very strong heartbeat—"
She paused. My entire body went on alert. Her brow furrowed as she moved the Doppler, focus intensifying.
Something was wrong. We'd lost her once, and now—
"What?" Blake's voice came out sharp, almost aggressive. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing's wrong." But she was moving the Doppler again, concentration absolute. "I'm just... let me confirm something."
Through the bond, Blake's panic rose, Cole's medical training kicked in, my own heart hammered with fear so profound it threatened to choke me.
Please, I prayed. Please don't take them from us. Not after everything.
Dr. Martinez set aside the Doppler and reached for the ultrasound wand. The screen flickered to life, showing shadows my untrained eye couldn't decipher.