Page 71 of Matched into the Mob

Nope. I wasn’t going to endure labor while being bitten by ants and swatting away mosquitoes.

“Can I help?” Treyton stood on tippy toes, his body shimmering with anticipation, reminding me of an excitable puppy waiting for a new toy.

I couldn’t crush his enthusiasm, but I needed Ranger, not someone I’d just met. I sensed the tension in my mate. His body was practically whirring. Being about to give birth, I shouldn’t have to manage two wolf shifters, one of whom was my mate who was posturing over the younger shifter.

“I want Ranger with me, but if I need help, I’ll ask your advice.”

Treyton now reminded me of a trained seal as he did a clappy dance.

I grunted as another contraction took hold of my belly. I hummed, the vibrations blunting the cramping pain a little.

When it was over, Ranger led me into his dad’s room, and Rudy scooted in before my mate could close the door, holding a cooler.

“Hey, not fair,” Treyton grumbled from outside.

“I was with Tony during both his labors,” Rudy insisted.

Gods, if I had to separate Ranger and his dad, I’d lose it.

“Are we planning a party?” I jerked my head at the cooler.

“Ice chips.” Rudy grinned.

“Give me, please.” I allowed the ice to melt on my tongue.

Rudy gave me an oversized T-shirt, and my mate helped me out of my paternity clothes. I rested my head on Ranger’s chest, not knowing whether I wanted to walk, crouch, or lie on my back. I chose walking because I imagined the movement helping to get the baby closer to birth.

“What’s happening?” Treyton yelled.

“Contractions,” I shouted back.

“Do you want me to scare the shit out of him?” Ranger was already headed for the door.

“I heard that, and ewww, that would be messy,” Treyton shot back.

“He reminds me of you.” Ranger slapped a hand on his brow. “Always with an answer.”

“Is that a compliment?” Treyton mumbled.

After much more cramping, pain, and walking, the sun set, and Rudy closed the curtains. The carpet from the bedroom door to the bathroom was flattened. The contractions were closer together and more painful, but I had no urge to push.

I was exhausted, and Rudy insisted I lie down and rest. While I didn’t see how that was possible, I was able to snatch a little sleep between contractions.

“What’s happening now?” Treyton shouted.

“He’s still there?” Ranger was sitting beside me on the mattress feeding me ice chips.

“I’m trying to sleep,” I snapped.

“Oops. Sorry.” Treyton didn’t sound one bit sorry.

“Ouch.” A contraction took hold of my bump, my belly hardening. “That was stronger.”

“Great.” Treyton wasn’t going away. “You’ll be holding your baby soon.”

I yanked off the tee and studied the mattress. Nope, not that. Squatting was what I needed.

“Help me down.” Ranger supported me while I got on my haunches, and he squatted in front of me. Rudy got behind me. I rocked back and forth and moaned.

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