“Wow,” he said between breaths. “Where the hell did that come from?”
Still panting, Isla said, “I have no idea, but I loved it.”
Fannar tucked her hair behind her ears. “I love you. Thank you for coming back. I don’t want to imagine what my life would have been like without you in it.”
“There’s nowhere I’d rather be, Fannar. Me, you and our baby. You have no idea how happy I am to see you so… active. I was so afraid I’d go into labor and you would not be there with me.”
“I would not have missed it for the world,” he said. He kissed her damp forehead. “I’m here for you both. You’re my responsibility now and there’s nothing I wouldn’t do to take care of the both of you. Trust me.”
Isla’s response was interrupted by a knock on the door. She glanced up just as the handle turned to see a head poking through the door. Mrs. Agdluak took one look into the room and smiled like a child at a toy store.
“Oh, delightful!” she exclaimed. “I was so certain I could feel something… different. I had a feeling, but I wanted to make sure. Welcome back, Fannar. I’m so happy to see that life has returned to your eyes.”
Isla drew the covers up instinctively. She had never felt more embarrassed in her life. Never before had a partner’s mother walked in on her in bed with her son. She was beyond mortified.
If Fannar felt any awkwardness at the current situation, he hid it excellently. “Hi, mom. Don’t know if you noticed, but Isla and I were kind of in the middle of something…”
“Nonsense.” Mrs. Agdluak stepped over the spilled food and broken dishes on the floor and stood at the foot of the bed.”You haven’t as much as spoken a word to me in months. I waited enough and I couldn’t wait any longer. I needed to see for myself.”
“How did you know?” Fannar asked.
“I felt it, as did every other wolf in the pack within a 50-mile radius. I could feel it in my bones that something had changed. Your power returned, and now the pack is safe again.” She turned to Isla. “I’m so sorry my dear, but can you forgive an old woman?”
Isla pushed her embarrassment to the side and laughed. “You have nothing to apologize for. I would have done the same if I’d been in the same situation. This is good news for all of us.”
Mrs. Agdluak nodded. “That it is, and I can’t thank you enough for the part you played in restoring him to us. I don’t believe he could have gotten to this point without you.” She smiled sheepishly at the pair. “In any case, I think I’d give you both some privacy.” She winked at Isla. “Do carry on.”
Isla groaned and opened her mouth to respond, but she stopped short, frowning. She could feel liquid running down her legs, dripping on the bed. At first she was confused, and then it hit her. Isla’s eyes widened and she sat up straight. “I… I think my water just broke…”
Mrs. Agdluak exclaimed. “Looks like the day keeps getting better and beater. You’re going into labor, Isla, and we will need a healer present.” Without waiting for a response, the older woman rushed out of the bedroom.
Fannar wasted no time. He moved Isla into a sitting position. “How do you feel?”
“How do you think?” she asked nervously. “I’m going into labor! Come on, help me get dressed before the healer arrives. You probably should put on some clothes as well.”
Fannar nodded and did as she asked. He helped her into a comfortable armchair and did his best to straighten out the bed while she watched him.
There was only one thought in Isla’s mind. She was about to become a mother. It was the scariest, most exhilarating thing in the world, and she had no idea how to feel about it.
Good thing Fannar was here now, she definitely would have been losing her mind if she’d had to go through this alone. She felt a pain in her belly and forgot about everything else. Her baby was finally here, and she had no idea what to expect.
Chapter 24 - Fannar
Fannar could not have anticipated the chaos that erupted after Isla’s water broke. The room felt charged with nervous energy while they waited for his mother to return with the healer. He didn’t know the first thing about childbirth, and he had never felt more useless in his life.
Isla's contractions intensified, and Fannar's mind raced. He fumbled with his clothes, his heart pounding in his chest. The realization that he was about to become a father hit him like a tidal wave. The conflicting emotions of excitement and fear created a whirlwind within him.
The room exploded into a flurry of activity as his mother returned with the healer and a pair of women, presumably midwives. Their faces exuded a mix of urgency and expertise. Fannar looked around, feeling somewhat lost amid the organized chaos. His mother approached, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder.
“Stay with her, Fannar. We've got everything under control,” his mother said, her voice a blend of calm authority and maternal reassurance. Fannar nodded, trying to find his voice.
Isla gritted her teeth through another contraction, and Fannar took her hand. “It’s alright, Isla. I’m here. You’re in safe hands now.” He locked eyes with her, a silent exchange of emotions passing between them.
Amid the hustle, the healer took charge, giving instructions and assigning tasks to the women present. Fannar watched as they prepared a space for Isla. The room became a makeshift emergency room, and Fannar, despite his initial disorientation, began to feel a sense of security.
As Isla's labor progressed, Fannar became an active participant, guided by the experienced hands of the midwives. He learned to support Isla, providing encouragement and reassurance. The bond between them deepened as they shared the experience of bringing new life into the world.
The room transformed into a haven of controlled chaos as Isla's labor intensified. The air was thick with a blend of herbs, and the bright light dangling overhead cast dancing shadows on the walls. The midwives moved with rhythmic precision, their hands deftly arranging herbs and preparing soothing compresses.