Page 29 of Sassy Embrace

“Claude?” she said breathlessly. “Where are you right now? Is Trevan there?"

He grimaced, then turned to leave out the front door. He trailed through the gravel driveway, the sky above a curious chrome gleam.

“I was coming to see you, but the housekeeper said you were going up to the Central Pack. Trevan isn't here. Are you okay?"

“Fuck,” she grunted, then winced. “I can’t get into contact with him. He’s not answering his phone. Claude, I think I’m going into labor."

She chewed on the last word, then let out a shrieking sound that Claude had never been privy to. His cousin was in pain, and he needed to get to her as soon as he could.

“Aria, where are you? I’ll come to you. Don’t worry about Trevan right now.”

“I pulled over just before Central Pack Territory. On the inroad. I couldn’t go any further."

“I’m on my way right now. I will get you to the hospital. Just hold on, Aria."

“I’ll be here," she said with a hysterical little giggle. “Look for the pregnant vampire squirming on the side of the road.”

“Will do."

Claude hung up and slammed his foot onto the gas. All thoughts of Embracedand its negative reaction scattered like spilled marbles in his brain as he blasted toward Central Pack territory. Even thoughts of Leigh dissipated, but only slightly. She remained there lingering like a gentle piece of silk stroking his mind.

He rushed as safely as he could to get to Aria, who was indeed right outside the Central Pack territory. She was sitting with the front door of the car open, doubled over.

It was not a sight Claude was used to seeing from his cousin. She was never one to hide her emotions, but an expression of debilitating pain was as rare as finding a tropical bird flying through Blue Creek.

When she saw him, relief washed over her glassy eyes.

“Claude,” she grunted, smiling forcefully. “Thank God, thank God.”

Claude helped her into the back seat of his car, then revved the engine, soaring his way to the hospital in Central Pack territory. He nearly carried her all the way through to the private hospital room that he called ahead about.

“Did you call Trevan?” she asked, her voice lilting with desperation.

Nurses guided Aria to her bed, but she resisted, waiting for an answer from Claude. Claude stood there, dumbfounded, then yanked his phone from his pocket.

“I’m sure everything is fine, Aria. Focus on yourself, on your baby. I will get a hold of Trevan.”

She sank into the bed as the nurses began to prep her for labor. The glassy look of exhaustion returned. Claude felt an invisible hand squeeze his heart.

He approached her, placed a hand on her leg, and lowered his voice to be reassuring.

“Everything will be okay, Aria. I promise. Trevan will be here.”

All Aria could do was nod and bite down on her bottom lip. Claude left the room to the sounds of his cousin's agonized groans.

He hated seeing her in that state. It was a part of what fueled his anger as he continuously called Trevan, moving from the hallway and back to support his cousin. He still thought of Leigh, wishing she was there with her warm, comforting presence.

Aria was starting to go into labor when Trevan finally answered the call. He sounded tired and irked.

“What is it?” he growled over the phone.

Claude barked back without hesitation.

“Trevan, your wife is in labor. Get over here. She’s at the hospital in Central Pack territory."

There was no time to ask questions. Trevan hung up the phone, and Claude returned to his cousin with the good news. She had placed her feet into the stirrups and was wearing a hospital gown. The birthing process had just begun.

“Aria, Trevan is on his way,” he said into her ear. “Do you want me to stay?"

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