Page 43 of Wanted By the Cartel

His smile was worth everything. "First, update me on everything that happened. Then we can plan how to handle the aftermath—together, but within Mae's medical guidelines."

So I did. I told him about the battles, the shifting alliances, and the way his intelligence had saved not just our people but our entire organization. He listened intently, occasionally offering insights that I knew would prove valuable in the coming days.

"We need to make changes," I said a few minutes later. "In how the cartel operates, how we handle intelligence." I touched his stomach, my fingers gentle. "Especially with the twins coming. We need a system that allows you to use your abilities without putting yourself in danger."

"You mean that?" He studied my face, eyes narrowed and assessing what I was truly thinking. And it wasn't like I could hide anything from him, so he was going to find the information he was looking for. "No more restrictions? No more cages?"

"No more cages," I promised. "But proper protocols, medical monitoring, and clear boundaries—that we set together. I won't lose you, Lyrian, but I won't diminish you either."

He pulled me close, our foreheads touching. "That's all I ever wanted. Partnership. Trust. The freedom to be who I am, with you beside me."

The twins moved between us, a reminder of everything at stake. But for the first time, I didn't feel only fear when thinking of the future. I felt hope.

Everything was going to be better.

"Rest now," I said, noting his fatigue. "Tomorrow, we'll start building something new. Something better."

Chapter 19

Lyrian

The first contraction hit while I was reviewing security reports. The pain wrapped around my abdomen like a steel band, different from the practice contractions I'd experienced before. This was real. This was happening, and I didn't know what to do. Desperation soon took over my whole body.

I pressed my hand against my swollen belly, trying to steady my breathing the way Mae had taught me. I was hopeful it was going to work.

The twins' emotional signatures pulsed with anticipation and anxiety, mirroring my own feelings. After everything that had happened—my overexertion during the gang war, the strain on my body—I knew this wouldn't be easy. It was actually going to be the most difficult thing I faced in my life so far.

"Zoren," I called out, my voice steadier than I felt. He was in his office next door, coordinating the aftermath of our victory over the rival gangs.

He appeared right away, his protective instincts already flaring. Even when he was busy, he always set aside everything he was doing to come to me. "Is it time?"

Another contraction answered for me, stronger than the first. I gripped the edge of my desk, nodding. "Get Mae. But first—" I gestured to the reports. "The Vipers are regrouping in the east district. We need to—"

"We need to get you to the medical wing," he interrupted, already moving to help me up.

"No." I caught his arm. "Listen to me. The Vipers are desperate after losing their allies. They'll try something bold. We can't ignore this, even now." The words ended in a grimace as another contraction hit. They were coming faster than they should. Too fast.

Zoren's face showed his internal struggle—the need to protect warring with our new understanding of partnership. Finally, he nodded. "Chen," he called out, and our lieutenant appeared in a flash. "Get Mae. Tell her it's time. And bring the latest intelligence updates to the medical wing."

I smiled through the pain, grateful he understood. This was what we'd been working toward—true partnership, even in crisis.

Mae arrived as another contraction gripped me. Her face turned serious as she checked the monitors. "Blood pressure's elevated. The twins are stressed." She shot me a look. "This is what happens when you overtax yourself during pregnancy. I told you to take care of yourself."

And I knew what she was thinking, but wasn't going to say to me. She was thinking that I was stubborn and a fool. But it was okay. I was going to be okay because she was here to help me.

Guilt stabbed through me, sharper than the contractions. If I hadn't pushed so hard during the gang war, if I hadn't overextended my abilities... "I'm sorry," I whispered.

"Not now," Mae said firmly, helping me onto a gurney. "What's done is done. Let's focus on bringing these babies into the world safely."

The medical wing had been prepared for this moment. Extra security lined the corridors, and Mae had converted a large private room into both a delivery suite and a temporary command center. Monitors showed both medical readings and security feeds. It was exactly what we needed.

"Eight centimeters already," Mae announced after examining me. "This is moving fast. We need to be just as fast as it is."

Another contraction ripped through me, and I reached for Zoren's hand. He took it right away, his strength anchoring me. "The twins," I gasped. "Something's wrong. I can feel their distress."

Mae checked more readings. "Baby A is in position, but Baby B is showing signs of distress. We might need to consider—"

An explosion rocked the compound, cutting her off. Security alarms blared. What was happening? Oh, not now.

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