Page 69 of Hell Yes

“When are you due?”

“One week.”

“Have you had any contractions?”

Rochelle shook her head. “I don’t think so. Twinges her and there, but I’m assuming that’s just the aftereffects of the flu I had. It feels like period cramps.”

Val looked at Avery and then back at Rochelle. “The women in my religion always had home births and I helped out with quite a few. Sudden back pain and cramps are a sign that you might be ready to deliver soon.”

Rochelle quickly grabbed hold of her belly and sat down on one of the stools. “Are you sure?”

“It could be days, though,” Val quickly reassured her. “And I’m no doctor, so don’t take my word for it. Have Jesse check you out before he leaves.”

But Val had a feeling she was right. And the timing couldn’t be helped.

One thing she knew for sure, the drama was just beginning.

CHAPTER 25

JESSE

He and Xander were busy loading up the SUVs with their gear when Val suddenly appeared.

“Before you leave, you need to check on Rochelle.”

“Is she okay?”

“She is, but I think she might be starting labor. She’s got back pain and cramps.”

Jesse nodded. “Is she still at the clubhouse? Can she walk back to her house?”

“She can, I’ll go with her.”

“Go to the cottage first and grab my kit. I’ll get Nate and meet you back at their place,” Then he turned to Xander. “You might need to head off with the rest of the guys, without me. I’ll see what’s up with Chelle and determine whether or not I can leave.”

“You do what you need to in order take of our own,” Xander replied and gave Jesse’s waist a squeeze. “Me and the rest of the guys have got the Krypt situation in hand.”

“Rochelle insisted she’s not having contractions, so I think she’s still a long way off,” Val added. “And since I’m staying here, I’ll keep a watch on her. I’ve assisted with births back home.”

“Thanks, baby,” Jesse replied and leaned over to kiss her.

Then he watched Val head off towards his cottage and turned to Xander. “We are so out of our depths here, aren’t we?”

Xander bit his lower lip and nodded. “Yep. But that woman is incredible. And so are you.”

Jesse waved him off, not comfortable with compliments. Even from his lovers.

“You are, Jess,” Xander growled and grabbed him. “So damn smart, protective, ruthless, sexy. I could go on.”

“Don’t,” Jesse leaned in and gave him a kiss. “I need to focus. And tell Nate that in no short order, he’s gonna be a dad.”

Xander stepped back and started loading up the truck again. “Things are really going to be crazy around here.”

“We could fight it but why bother? We love crazy, that’s how we roll,” Jesse quipped. “I’ll check on Chelle, then I’ll text you what’s up.”

Xander nodded.

“You’re the same, you know,” Jesse replied over his shoulder, as he walked away.

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