Page 48 of Alpha's Unclaimed Mate

“None. But I’m kinda enjoying it that way,” I reply, swirling the chocolate around my tongue. “I can’t really do court hearings and client meetings right now. I mean, I could, but I’m relieved I don’t have to. I’ve been getting to know people from the IRS, SEC, and other regulatory bodies. It’s been interesting.”

She hums thoughtfully, her gaze drifting away. “Yeah, but Ibet Dade and the partners meet with the main guys from those bodies, right?”

“Sure, they do. But I’m the go-to person for contracts and follow-ups. I see a future in negotiating deals and influencing policy. If not at Dade’s firm, there are large corporations that definitely need someone with my skills and contacts.”

Her noncommittal hum lets me know how she feels, but I smile. She’s always been old-school, and to her, being a lawyer means battling it out in a courtroom, not building relationships behind the scenes. I don’t necessarily agree. I also think getting out of Mammoth Hills has been the best decision of my life, even if my job doesn’t look like how I originally thought it would.

The next couple of weeks pass in a rush. My tiny studio apartment slowly starts filling up with beautiful things for the baby, including the swing that Jane convinced me I’d need to help him sleep.

Everything is going great. Work is sorted. I got confirmed as an employee at Cushman & Sedgwick a month ahead of time. My boss is pleased with my work. My apartment feels like a large and well-prepared nursery. I haven’t had any of the morning sickness that everyone talks about. I have zero mood swings and no crazy cravings, just a massive appetite.

But it is, after all, a hybrid baby. During my thirtieth week of pregnancy, at a routine check-up with my doctor, a sudden, sharp pain slices through my abdomen.

I’m spread-eagled on the examination bed with my doctor examining me. There couldn’t be a better place for something to go wrong. But a deep sense of dread fills me as the pain hits again. This time it’s much more vicious, stealing my breath and blurring my vision.

“Seren?” Dr. Patel’s voice cuts through my pain. Her eyes widen as she turns to me. I follow her gaze downward to see the white sheet swiftly turning red.

I feel like someone is cutting into my insides with knives and scissors. I know my baby is coming two months ahead of time, and I’m alone except for my doctor.

As I’m being wheeled down the hallway, the nurse says, “Your emergency contact is not answering their phone. Is there anyone else we can call?”

I’m in the middle of deep inhale and exhale despite the pain ripping through me, and I remember Jane is supposed to be traveling for a case in Philadelphia. Of course, she can’t answer her phone in court.

“Ethan. His number’s on my phone. The passcode is two-three-one-two,” I manage to tell a nurse before I’m wheeled into the delivery room.

Dr. Patel appears calm as she gently rubs my arm. “Seren, the bleeding indicates that your placenta might be detaching from the uterine wall, which means the baby is coming right now.”

I close my eyes. I know something is going to go wrong.

“I know this is scary, but we’re ready for this. I just need you to focus on your breathing. We’re going to do everything we can to keep both you and your baby safe,” she assures me.

“I’m scared. It feels like…” I whisper, tears flooding my eyes. Once again I’m alone, and I don’t know what’s at the other end. I don’t think my baby will make it. It’s too early.

“We’re all here for you,” she reassures me as she hooks me up to a monitor. “You’ve got this.”

I try to force a smile, but a sob escapes me as an even higher intensity pain hits.

“I need you to push with the contractions,” Dr. Patel says once she moves to the other end of the table.

The intensity keeps building until I’m sure I can’t take any more. The doctor and the nurses keep trying to motivate me.

“You’re doing great! Just a few more pushes and you’ll have your baby in your arms.”

My strength is dwindling. My body is covered in sweat and the pain is unbearable.

“I can’t...I can’t do this,” I breathe out.

“Just one more push. I see his head. Please. Push.”

I grit my teeth and try one last time before my vision goes dark.

A soft wet rag running over my face wakes me up. I’m not sure how long I’ve been asleep, and while the intense pain is gone, there’s still a dull ache. A familiar man in scrubs is wiping my face. The sterile scent of antiseptic is heavy in the air.

“Hey! You did so well.” Despite the surgical mask, I recognize the voice instantly. Ethan came. He removes his mask before leaning in and gently kissing my forehead. “Congratulations!”

“What happened? Where’s my baby?” I ask, looking around frantically.

“It’s a boy!” Dr. Patel announces, lifting the wrapped-up baby for me to see. “Eight pounds, fourteen ounces—big and strong.”

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