“I’ll teach you what to do, Quillan. In case it happens again,” Roarke appeased, clapping his brother’s shoulder.
I frowned, a pit forming in my stomach when I realised that it very well could happen again. Then I reminded myself that what used to be a regular occurrence had only happened once in a matter of weeks. I straightened up and reached for my mate’s hand.
“What triggered it, my mate?” Quillan asked softly, helping me to my feet, his arm slipping around my waist.
I swallowed. Roarke watched me, waiting for an answer that I didn’t want to give but I had the feeling neither male would let me dodge the question.
“I was thinking about who would be the one to…” I let the sentence hang as the words caught in my throat.
Roarke and Quillan shared a look and I had the feeling that this had been something they’d discussed between themselves before, something they had fought over. It shouldn’t have surprised me really.
“I should. I’m Alpha,” Roarke answered, a warning shimmering in his eyes as my mate stiffened.
I knew then that Quillan wanted to do it. His instincts demanded it of him, for him to deal with what had hurt his female. I looked up at him, noting the tense line of his jaw. I didn’t want him to do it, I didn’t want my father’s blood on the hands of my mate. Hands that held and caressed me so gently. It would haunt me with his every touch. Black eyes bored into mine, and I think he could understand. Quillan bowed his head towards his Alpha, allowing him to take this burden, as was his duty.
I opened my mouth to thank Roarke again, for far more than just helping me through a panic attack, when Cathwulf’s cursing loudly cut through the house.
Chapter 26
Raeghan Ava Lyall
I was almost trampled to the ground by Roarke as he pushed past me to run upstairs. Bumping into my mate, he steadied me before quickly following his Alpha, and I him. Cathwulf was standing at the bottom of the stairs, doubled over with a hand rubbing her bump. At first I worried she’d fallen as Roarke checked her over but there was no sign of any injury.
A crowd had gathered around her, females pushing forth as instincts urged them to protect their pregnant Alpha Female. I pushed through with all the confidence of my position as healer, my eyes scanning over her form again.
“I think it’s best if you all return to your homes,” I advised, meeting the eyes of anyone who looked like they wanted to argue.
One by one they slunk away, peeking back before they left. Brighid and Flidais lingered, looking uncertain. I didn’t mind their presence. Cathwulf snatched my hand, her expression strained and face pale. Quillan pushed past me to Cathwulf’s other side and I wanted to roll my eyes. Roarke and Quillan were going to get in my way, I had no doubt.
“Give her some room to breathe,” I ordered, giving them both a stern look. “Let me take care of her.”
Brighid stepped up to take Cat’s hand, giving her a comforting smile. Quillan stepped out of my way, his body tense. It was the first time I’d ever seen my mate look like he wanted to flee.
Only Roarke hesitated, his face creased in concern. “Is she okay?”
“I can speak for myself,” Cathwulf growled, making me raise an eyebrow. “I’m fine, the pup just kicked a little—”
She choked on her words, doubling over again, her hand squeezing mine with a grip that made my bones creak. Brighid looked like she too wanted to cry out in pain as her hand was crushed but she grit her teeth. My other hand moved over her bump, pressing gently to feel it hard under my touch. I eyed my friend with a disapproving look.
“How long have you been having contractions, Cathwulf?” I asked, watching guilt make her cheeks flush red.
Roarke made a noise, stepping closer once more. “You’ve been having contractions and you never said anything? Why? Cathwulf, this is our pup!”
“You had far more important things to deal with!” she snapped, her gaze flicking to me. She’d kept quiet for me? Gods above. I would have been more than happy to delay this morning’s proceedings to welcome a pup into the world.
“How long?” I repeated, allowing her to lean against me.
Her face scrunched in thought. “A few hours maybe, but my waters haven’t broken, so I thought there was time before I needed to say anything.”
Unable to help myself, I rolled my eyes at my stubborn friend and looked to Flidais. “Can you go get Sam?”
She nodded and bolted, shoving herself between the two hovering males, who seemed glued to the spot. I had the feeling Flidais was more than happy to be given a task that took her away from this, she didn’t seem as comfortable in this situation as her sister, who was rubbing Cat’s back in soothing circles.
“Let’s get you to your room,” I said, eyeing Roarke and Quillan.
I wasn’t sure what Cathwulf wanted to do with them, but before I could ask if she wanted her mate in the room, she yanked herself away from Brighid and I. Her eyes were glowing and panicked, shimmering with tears.
“No, this can’t be happening. My mum, she’s meant to be here. She left to come today, I just have to wait,” she protested, holding her hands up to ward us off.
I understood her fear, her need to have her mother around. Holding my hands up, I allowed her to keep her distance as I tried to reason with her. She only allowed Roarke to move closer, almost drawn into his side.
“That’s not how it works, I’m afraid, Cat. There’s not really a pause button during labour,” I teased, giving her a smile in the hopes to ease the tension.
She shook her head wildly, auburn curls flying around her. “Well, that’s just how it’ll have to work for me!”
Roarke hushed her, his hand sliding down her back and she settled a little. Gently, he managed to guide her up the first step.
“Let’s take this one step at a time, my Female. We’re just going to go to our den, that’s all for now, okay?” he murmured gently by her ear, as if speaking to a startled animal.
She relaxed further. “Okay.”
Brighid looked over at my mate, then at me, and shifted on her feet before calling up to Roarke. “Is it safe for Quillan and I to run closer to the western border?”
Roarke paused before nodding, eyeing the tense set to Quillan’s shoulders. He was terrified, I realised, frozen to the spot, staring at Cathwulf as she groaned in pain again. I frowned. Why was this causing him so much worry?
“I’ll be right up, Alpha,” I said, taking Quillan’s hand and pulling him a little farther down the hall.
Brighid made her way outside to wait and I was glad she would keep my mate distracted while Sam and I worked. Stroking my fingers up his arm to gain his attention, the cold fear I saw in the darkness of his eyes sent a shiver up my spine.
“What’s wrong?” I asked, concern growing when he roughly tugged me against his chest.
He was quiet for a moment, and I could hear the shake in his breath. He swallowed, and finally his gaze met mine. “My mother lost a pup in labour,” he admitted quietly. “She never quite recovered.”
I almost fell against him, my heart skipping a beat. How many horrors had my mate seen in his life? He carried as many emotional scars as I did and I wished I could kiss each one. I cupped his cheek, making sure he could see the honesty in my expression.
“Cathwulf and the pup are both strong and healthy. We have medicine, herbs, and if worst comes to worst, she can go to hospital. Both she and the pup will be absolutely fine, I swear. I won’t let it be any other way,” I vowed.
He didn’t look like he believed me as he turned to look towards the stairs but he eventually nodded. Hand against his chest, I stretched up to give him a kiss, rising to nip his lip. Running with Brighid would be good for him, it’d hopefully keep his mind occupied. Hunting even more so.
“I want a stag,” I announced suddenly, drawing his attention back to me.
His lips twitched before he bowed his head low. He knew very well what I was doing. “Then I will bring you back a stag
, my mate.”
I grinned and watched him swagger his way out the door, lost in my adoration of him until Cathwulf’s groan reached my ears. A car door slammed outside and I was about to run up when Sam ran in with her black doctor’s bag in hand. She looked like she’d barely woken up as she spotted me, dark brown hair in a bun on top of her head and cheeks flushed red. I didn’t have time to wonder how she’d gotten here so quickly.
“How’s she looking?” she asked, stopping beside me to catch her breath.
“Like she’s going to give us both hell.”
Sam snorted and nodded, heading for the stairs with me on her heels. I had to mentally prepare myself for what I was about to see. While I’d seen Cathwulf naked hundreds of times, this was going to be a little more intimate than either of us were used to. But I was healer, I reminded myself. This was all clinical. Athena had trained me for this.
Cathwulf was doubled over by the bed with Roarke rubbing her back as she whimpered. I’d never seen anyone give birth before, but I’d heard the cries of many females in labour. My friend was strong, an Alpha Female, she’d be okay, and I forced any worry I held away.
Golden eyes glared over at Sam and I, fangs peeking from behind her lips. “You both took your fucking time.”
I tried not to laugh as Sam’s gaze met mine. I had warned her. Cathwulf had a temper at the best of times, add in hormones and pain, and this wasn’t going to go as smoothly as Sam probably hoped.
“Be nice, my Female. They’re here to help, put your claws away,” Roarke scolded, only for her glare to be aimed at him.
I swear our Alpha almost physically flinched and he quickly went about rubbing her back again. Poor Roarke. Who would be here to support him?
“How far apart are the contractions?” Sam asked, her demeanour shifting to serious as she took on her role as doctor.
“The last two were only a minute or two apart,” Roarke replied, his eyes never leaving his mate.
Sam murmured to herself and went to Cathwulf’s side, checking her vitals before suggesting she get into bed.
“I’m too hot,” Cathwulf muttered, closing her eyes, rocking on her feet and tugging at her clothes.
“Why don’t I lend you one of my nightgowns? They’re light and it’ll make things easier, give you a little more modesty.”
Another glare thrown my way at suggesting this would be made at all easier before she nodded jerkily. By the end, I was sure modesty would be the last thing on her mind but for now I’d do everything to make her comfortable. When I turned to run to my room, Cathwulf called my name. There was fear in her eyes that tugged on my heart and had cold fingers stroking along my skin. I felt like she knew something was going to happen, and that was why she was reacting so violently. Cathwulf had always had a strange sixth sense, as had her mother. I did my best to make sure her fear wasn’t mirrored in my face.
“Don’t leave, okay? I want you here,” she said, desperation in her tone.
Roarke frowned at her, probably feeling the same sense of trepidation that I was. All first time mother’s felt like this, I told myself. Of course she was scared. She was bringing new life into the world.
“I’m just going to get the nightgown, then I’ll be by your side the whole way through it all. I promise.”
She nodded, looking a little more relaxed for a moment before her whole body seemed to shudder and curl in on itself. Her groan of pain was low, almost a growl, and I had to force myself to leave. I almost fell down the stairs in my rush to get to my room and I grabbed the first nightgown I could see, uncaring if it was one of my more expensive ones. On my way back, something stopped me in my tracks. My back tingled with the awareness of eyes on me but there was nobody else in the house. Even Ben and Liam had left, I assumed to give Cathwulf privacy. Turning slowly, my hearing strained for any sound of the guard that would be by the basement door.
Nothing. . .and then the laughter of Ruiraidh followed by Flidais’ voice. Shaking myself, I rolled my eyes. Perhaps I was a little on edge. Steeling myself, I ran back up the stairs to help my niece come into the world.
***
“She’s so beautiful, Cat,” I gushed, stroking the red cheek of the little pup.
Pale green eyes stared up at me, and the few strands of hair she had were flaming red. Cathwulf gave me a sleepy smile, nodding in agreement. “She is, and so much like her father.”
Roarke chuckled from where he sat with his mate tucked securely against his side so he could safely see his pup. I hadn’t gotten the chance to hold her yet, the Alpha pair were a little overprotective of their firstborn and both were still trying to thoroughly coat her skin in their scents. I didn’t mind, I was happy sitting beside them, it was an honour to be allowed in their den.
Sam had left, giving me instructions to keep a close eye on both mother-wolf and pup. It had been a short and easy labour once things got moving, at least that’s what Sam had said, and it had earned her a death glare from Cat.
“Have you chosen a name?” I asked, my heart clenching as the little one yawned.
Cathwulf and Roarke shared a look, and my friend gave her mate a subtle nod. Roarke gently took the almost sleeping pup from Cathwulf’s arms and I almost protested at his intention. I didn’t want to hurt her, or worse, drop her. Of course I’d held pups before, I’d helped Kerra when she’d given birth to Everett, but this pup was so much smaller than he was.
“Just make sure you support her head, I trust you,” Cat guided, helping me move my arms into the right hold before Roarke placed the pup in my arms.
My breath caught in my throat, my whole being focused on her as she wriggled a little. She was warm, almost burning, but that was a trait of all baby Wulvers.
“Raeghan Ava Lyall, your niece,” Roarke introduced, his fingers lingering on his daughter’s arm as he smiled at me. “My mother’s name was Avaria. Everyone called her Aria, but she told me once she wished they’d shortened it to Ava instead. I promised her one of my pups would share that name.”
I smiled back before looking down at the little one on my arms once more. My heart swelled, tears blurring her. In this moment, with my best friend, her mate, and their pup, there was only one thing missing that would have made it perfect. Quillan.
Stroking Raeghan’s cheek and rocking her gently, I wasn’t sure I’d ever be able to let her go. I did want pups of my own, I decided in that moment, but not right now. I wasn’t anywhere near ready or stable enough to be responsible for someone in that way. For now, I was happy being the aunt and Guardian of this beautiful little she-wolf. A she-wolf that if Cathwulf had her way, would grow to be the world’s first ever female Alpha.
“I need to sleep,” Cathwulf mumbled, curling against her mate’s side.
Roarke kept her close, kissing the top of her head. “Then sleep, my Female. I’m sure Oria doesn’t mind looking after Raeghan.”
Cathwulf considered me a moment, watching the way I fawned over her pup. She nodded before closing her eyes again. In mere seconds, the room filled with her gentle snores and I knew Roarke wouldn’t leave her side.
“Nobody else is allowed in the house until I’ve said so, only those that live here. Take care of our pup, Beta Female,” Roarke said, a glimpse of his fur peering at me through his eyes.
I bowed my head, protective instincts rearing up. “I’ll protect her with my life, Alpha.”
He nodded but still seemed a little unsure about leaving her alone with me. I could understand that, this was the most precious thing to both of them now. Ever so slowly, I stood to give the two mates privacy.
“I’m sure Quillan will be back soon and eager to meet her. You’ll hear me downstairs. I won’t leave the house,” I promised by the door, waiting for his permission.
He bowed his head, a small smile curling his lips. He shifted to lay down and tug Cathwulf to his chest, his fingers stroking through her hair. “You can put her in her crib if you get tired.”
I laughed and shook my head. “I wo
n’t be letting her go until Cathwulf demands her back.”
He chuckled, grinning now, and I grinned back. I felt completely at ease with him now as my Alpha, my friend, and my brother. His trust in me gave me great pride. I left the room, closing the door gently and made my way downstairs.
Raeghan wriggled again, her small hands furling and unfurling. The little noises that left her almost had my chest combusting. She truly was the most adorable little thing in the world. I used my foot to open the living room door and sat comfortably on the couch, sticking the TV on despite knowing I would pay it no attention. When her little face scrunched up, I hushed her gently. Making sure nobody else was around, even though I could hear and smell nobody, I took a deep breath. Bravely, for the first time in a long time, I sang with someone else in the room. Raeghan settled, staring up at me with those beautiful pale greens. I smiled as I sung the old lullaby that I never knew how I’d learnt, rocking her gently in my arms. Her eyes fluttered shut again, but I kept going, happy that she found my voice soothing. I was caught up in thinking about how I was now a Guardian to a pup, a position of great importance, all the things I would teach her. When she began to wriggle again, I went back to singing, not even hearing the click of the front door opening.
“I’ve never heard you sing before.”
Jumping, I twisted to see my mate. He stood topless by the door, his skin flushed from exertion. I could smell the musty scent of deer on his skin and grinned, certain he’d brought back my stag. My eyes trailed over his tattoos, lingering over the runes that ran down his side.
Even with mud smeared over them, the runes for Fenrir suited him, alongside the tattoos he’d earned from Weylin that showed his skills as a warrior and tracker. My skin would never hold those tattoos.
“I don’t do it often, but this little one is special and she seems to enjoy it,” I said softly so as not to wake her, standing slowly. “Cathwulf is fine, just so you know. There were no complications and she and Roarke are resting upstairs.”
Way Of The Wolf: Endeavour (The Wulvers Series Book 3) Page 29
