Page 64 of Warwick

“Are you still there, Warwick?”

“Yes, sorry. I was looking at Cecil. He’s grinning at me, so I don’t think there is any urgency. But I’m probably wrong.”

Dr. King chuckled. “I’ll see you in a few. Hang tight.”

The call ended, and I was about to call Lev and Alpha Vitomir when there was noise in the doorway. My beast was immediately on edge. When I turned toward the doorway, the absolute last person I expected to see was the goddess standing there.

“Goddess,” I said, lowering my head.

“Goddess? What!” Cecil grunted as he tried to sit up and look around me.

She laughed. “Hello, Cecil. I hope your pregnancy was a good one. No issues?” The goddess looked at me. “You seem more at peace, Warwick. I had hoped that your mate would do that for you. Your beast is less restless.”

“Yes, Goddess.” I had never spoken to her before. I had, of course, seen her before, but she had never come over and talked to me, nor had I ever dared to approach her before.

“That is good to hear. It is what I wish for all of you. To find happiness and peace.” The goddess looked at Cecil. “I owe you an apology. There are many that I have failed. I did not protect you from your parents. That is unfair and should never have happened. I hope that one day you too will find peace with regards to that.”

“I’m indifferent about my parents at this point. My mother is never going to be happy. Nothing anyone does will ever be good enough. That’s just how she is. I’m not sure if she was always like that or if she changed after meeting Father. I really don’t care.” Cecil sighed. “But what I do care about is this six-week gestation. No. That’s just not a good thing. That’s not enough time for anything. You need to change that.”

“Cecil.” We all turned at the sound of Alpha Vitomir’s voice.

“What, Grandfather? It’s true. I’ve barely been mated. And having twins just six weeks later. That’s overwhelming. Who does that?”

“Goddess, I apologize on behalf of my grandson.”

The goddess laughed again. “There is no need. He is allowed to speak his mind. It is refreshing, to be honest.” She looked over at Cecil. “And what would you suggest?”

“Why is it different? Bears have a five-month gestation. Make it the same. Is there a need to have it rapid?”

“The gift was so you wouldn’t have to deal with months of pregnancy issues. Was it really such an inconvenience? I only meant to make it easier. I often forget that my sense of time is different than yours.”

“I would never tell you how to do things, Goddess. But even foxes have two and a half months. That’s four more weeks. But Warwick and I barely got to know each other, and now we’re having babies. It’s just really a short amount of time to wrap your head around it mentally.” Cecil shook his head, then looked around the room. “Dr. King, is it time for the babies to be born? There’s a lot of pressure.”

“It is, yes,” Dr. King said as he came into the room. Dr. Rothwell was with him. I was never so happy to see the doctors. “Are you ready?” Dr. King asked.

“Yes,” Cecil said. I could only stand there and try to offer as much support as possible. I didn’t know what I’d be able to do, but whatever the doctors said, I was going to do. Now was all about Cecil and the twins.

Chapter 22

Cecil

“Cecil, we’re going to have to perform a cesarian section,” Dr. Rothwell said.

“All right.” I didn’t really care all that much as long as the pressure stopped. “Can I go to the bathroom first?” I said, trying to sit up.

“No,” both doctors said quickly. I looked at them with wide eyes. “The chances of you actually having to go is slim. The pressure is the babies. They are ready to be born, but your omega line didn’t open, so we will have to open it for you.”

“Oh.” I lay back down and sighed. I reached for Warwick, who immediately knelt beside me.

“What can I do for you?”

“Just be here.” I grinned at him. “I’m actually scared now that it’s happening. I’m not ready, Warwick. We haven’t even painted the nursery.”

Warwick chuckled. “What color do you want? I’ll have it painted before the boys are even born.”

“That’s the problem, isn’t it? We haven’t decided on a theme. We have neutral colors for blankets and clothing. Do we want that for the nursery?” Did we? I still didn’t know. This was part of why six weeks was too short. It truly was.

“Sweetie, the babies aren’t going to be in the nursery for several weeks yet. And they really won’t care what their room looks like until they’re older.”

---