Page 22 of Baby for the Serp General

Epilogue

SEVERAL MONTHS LATER, Natalia leaned against Zath, letting him support her aching back as her mother and Pate undertook the binding ceremony.

Theirs was one of the first under the new system that put the choice in the women’s hands. It was a small gathering, but Rosalie and Pate seemed pleased.

Natalia was thrilled to see her mother happy again. After the loss of her father and the years of fighting the Faction, Rosalie deserved some peace.

Zath nuzzled her neck, his breath tickling her ear. “Are you ready to go home, vrash?”

“Yes, please.” She smiled up at him, her heart full of love. “I’m ready for some quiet time with you.” She was tired and sore from the long day, but it was worth it to see her mother mated to the Grand Admiral.

“I’ll take care of you.” He wrapped his arms around her, supporting her as they left the temple.

“I know you will.” She relaxed in his embrace, trusting him to protect her. As they returned to their quarters, her abdomen tightened again. This time, she wasn’t able to hide it from her mate as she’d done for most of the day, refusing to miss her mother’s ceremony. She winced, her hand going to her stomach.

“What’s wrong,vrash?” His eyes narrowed with concern. “Is it the babies?”

“I don’t know.” She tried to smile. “It’s probably nothing.”

“We should get you to the medical facility.”

“No, it’s fine.” She shook her head. “I’m sure it’s just Braxton Hicks contractions.”

“Braxton Hicks?” He frowned. “What is that?”

“It’s false labor. My body’s getting ready for the babies.” She rubbed her belly. “It’s normal.”

“If you’re sure...”

“I still have two weeks...” She trailed off, wincing at the speed and intensity of the next contraction. It shouldn’t be coming so regularly or intensely if it was false labor. “Or maybe not.”

Zath scooped her up and carried her to the medical facility, shouting for assistance. He was panicked, and she was touched by his concern.

“I’m okay. It’s okay.” She patted his chest, trying to reassure him.

“You’re in pain, and I don’t like it.” He scowled.

“I’m okay, really. It’s normal.” She smiled, her heart warmed by his concern. “I promise.”

“If you say so.” He didn’t sound convinced.

“I do.” She leaned up and kissed his cheek. “Trust me, Zath. I know my body, and I’m fine.”

“All right,vrash.” He nodded, but he kept his arm around her as Quillen joined them.

“Hello, Natalia.” The doctor smiled. “I heard you were here. Is everything all right?”

“I’m fine.” She smiled. “I think the babies are coming.”

“Ah, yes. Let’s take a look.” The doctor scanned her belly with his scanner. “Hmm, you’re right. It looks like you’re in active labor. Your cervix is dilated, and you’re effaced. I’d say you’re about six centimeters.”

“She’s not due for two weeks. Keep them in,” said Zath.

Quillen looked stunned as she giggled. “Earlier labor is quite common with twins, General, especially since your babies are larger than a human infant. There’s no keeping them in now.”

“What can you do?” Zath demanded.

“I can offer her medication for the pain, and I can assist with the delivery, but that’s about it. She’s fully dilated, and the babies are ready to come out.” Quillen gave her a sympathetic smile. “It’s too late to stop it.”

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