Page 46 of Call Don't Fall

“No, but I think most people have a preference for their first born.”

“A wolf,” I shrugged. “That’s my preference.”

“Well, unless you’re hiding a tiger or something in your genetics, you’ll get your wish.”

“Not that I know of,” I laughed. “Does it matter to you?”

“No,” he shook his head. “Boys pee everywhere, though, when you change their diapers.”

“Rude,” I laughed. “So you want a girl?”

“Yes. I mean, if they’re a girl. I just want my baby out.”

“Me too,” I said, leaning over his stomach and kissing it. “You hear that. We’re ready to meet you. We’d prefer not to be peed on but I don’t think we remembered to put that in your contract.”

Chasten laughed as Doctor Dreala knocked on the door before entering the room. She wore a bright smile and coconut scented pheromone blocker spray.

“You two are in good moods today. How’s the leg holding up, Kirk?”

“Better than ever.”

“And how’s your wolf’s temper?”

“In general, or about this?” I teased her and she shot me a look that said she wasn’t here to play around.

“He’s not angry. Territorial, yeah, but if he wasn’t I’d worry.”

“That’s good to hear,” she nodded. “Now are you going to move aside and let me see Chasten or will I be performing the ultrasound through you and hoping for the best?”

My wolf growled at her smartassery. Okay, so his temper wasn’t the best right now. I moved out of her way and took up my usual spot on the stool next to the table. Chasten took my hand in his as he and the doctor exchanged the usual small talk and symptom checking. She checked his ankles and legs and asked about his blood sugar.

“I feel as if I’m running out of fingertips. Sorta hurts to draw some days,” he admitted, holding his palms out toward her as proof.

“After you have the baby, we’ll probably be able to ease off checking it so frequently,” she reassured him after a quick glance at his fingers.

“I hope so. Soon, he’ll be pricking my bones,” Chasten said and scrunched up his nose.

“Not much longer now,” I said.

“Probably three weeks but let’s grab some measurements before we get down to business,” Doctor Dreala said.

She worked in silence recording the results on her clipboard. Her brows moved as if she were talking to herself with each scribble she wrote down.

“And you’re doing the stretches at home?” she asked.

“Yes,” Chasten nodded and glanced at me. “He makes me do them every morning and every evening.”

“That’s the doctor’s orders,” I laughed.

“You’ll be grateful come time to push.”

“What about my home birth?” Chasten asked as he did each time we visited Doctor Dreala.

“Probably,” she nodded. “And I’d say probably a little less than three weeks. On the safe side, I’d go ahead and prepare a birthing room at home. I’ll double check it for safety issues the week before the pup is due.”

Chasten scrunched up his nose. Over the last week or so, he’d stopped wanting to have anyone over to the house and even insisted I meet the food delivery person at the edge of the driveway.

“It’s part of a home birth these days,” Doctor Dreala said, pressing her lips together.

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