Page 15 of The Healer

She nodded and squeezed Brine’s hand. “Have at it.”

Nyx nodded, pulling down the sheet until Scarlet’s round belly was visible. She placed her hands on either side and peered up at her friend. “Take a deep breath and then slowly release it as I put pressure on your belly to turn the babe.” Nyx applied steady pressure and began to rotate the little one.

Scarlet groaned and panted, and Nyx’s arms began to shake when the wee one didn’t budge. She released her hold and gave Scarlet a break before trying again. Still no change. She gritted her teeth and stood from the bed.

“I’m just going to grab Briggs.”

Brine’s upper lip curled. “He’ll see Scarlet.”

Nyx arched a brow. “You’re the one who called for him. Maybe you should have let me make that call.” Her gaze moved to Scarlet. “Are you comfortable with Briggs being here?”

“I don’t mind.”

Nyx hid her smile when Brine muttered underneath his breath. She moved to the door, opened it, and stepped through. Her traitorous heart fluttered in her chest as Briggs pushed away from the window, his dark gaze intent on her. He seemed to be soaking in the sight of her.

It’s just your imagination.

She straightened as he approached. “I need your help,” she said in a low tone. His eyes flickered to the bedroom and then back to her face. “She’s breech.” Briggs cursed. “We need to turn the babe now but they’re being stubborn.”

“I see.”

“I need you to turn the wee one. Your hands are larger, and you have more control.”

“I’ll wash up.”

Nyx nodded and turned back to go into the bedroom. The back of her neck prickled as Briggs followed her in. She led him to the wash basin, avoiding looking directly at him. Briggs rolled up his sleeves, revealing muscled forearms. She fought a blush and helped him wash his hands without meeting his gaze.

She practically scampered back to Scarlet’s side as Briggs dried his hands. He smiled, his teeth a white flash against his complexion.

“How are you, sweet?” Briggs asked.

A long time ago, hearing her mate call someone else by a pet name would have bothered Nyx. But now as an adult, she knew he was only trying to calm his patient. It was how he treated all females. She no longer coveted pet names. They didn’t mean anything.

Scarlet smiled. “As well as I can be.”

He approached the bed, brushing Nyx’s side and sat on edge of the mattress. He held his hands out. “Is it alright if I touch you to help move the babe?”

“Yes, please,” Scarlet said.

Nyx took Scarlet’s hands. “Now remember what I said. I need you to take a deep breath and slowly release it as Briggs rotates your wee one.”

She nodded her head and did as instructed as Briggs put pressure on her belly. Scarlet groaned, squeezing Nyx’s hands.

“That’s it, sweet girl,” Nyx crooned. “You’re doing great.”

“Hurts,” Scarlet huffed.

“Just keep breathing.”

“That’s right, love. You listen to Nyx. We’ll have you right as rain soon enough,” Briggs said, his voice gentle and calm. “Another breath.”

Scarlet inhaled and then groaned as he rotated the baby a smidge more. By the time he was finished, Scarlet was a panting mess, Briggs was covered in sweat, and Nyx couldn’t feel her fingers.

She brushed the stray strands from her friend’s damp forehead and stood. “I’ll let you rest a little bit. When your next contraction hits, do you want me here?”

Scarlet shook her head. “From what you say, it will be a long while before this babe comes into the world.” She smiled up at Brine. “He’ll help me through the worst of it. I’ll call for you when I need you.”

“Are you sure?”

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