Page 32 of Hunting for Redemption

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

AXEL

The last fewmonths have gone by in what feels like a flash. One moment, I’m answering a call from Dakota and the next, I’m impatiently waiting for my baby to be born. It’s incredible how fast Lady Fate moves when she brings two people together.

I’m so thankful she’s brought Jeff into my life. I can’t imagine going back to how things were before he was here. I wasn’t necessarily lonely. But I longed for what I have now. I longed to be loved and cared for. I longed for adventure and trying new things. What’s more adventurous and new than traveling with a bunch of hunters?

Jeff’s been glued to my side ever since I was kidnapped. I don’t blame him. His poor instincts must be going into overdrive the closer I get to delivering this baby. I wake up from nightmares once in a while, dreaming about what would have happened if Jeff hadn’t arrived when he did, but mostly, I’ve adjusted just fine. Life is filled with people who choose to be evil, but I can’t control them. All I can do is trust our crew, and trust that we’re better prepared in the future.

“Do you really think this is gonna work?”

I nod my head seriously as I continue to walk. I’ve been doing everything I can think of to help this baby get out of me. Spicy blood, orgasms, nipple stimulation-- though that last one apparently isn’t going to work because it’s Jeff’s nipples I’ve mostly been playing with. In my defense, see point number two.

“It’s gonna work. This baby is coming today. I can just feel it.”

Ronny hums. “If you say so.”

“I do. Trust me.” Being a vampire means I don’t really sweat, but walking up and down this street over and over is leaving all my limbs tired. My right leg is up on the curb while my left foot is on the street. I’d read online this was a great way to get things going and at this point, I’m willing to try anything.

“I thought you were enjoying being pregnant.”

“I was. But now I’m over it. I’m tired and sore and huge. I want this baby out of me so Jeff can carry them and give me a break.”

Ronny snorts in amusement, walking right next to me and making sure I’m okay. Cooper sits in front of my apartment, a beer resting next to him and a book in his lap. I know the other guys are just upstairs in my apartment, waiting for me to come inside. Joke’s on them, I’m not going up there until it’s time. I will out-stubborn this child.

I look up at my window, finding Jeff there watching us. I give him a giant wave before going back to walking.

I turn around and start walking in the opposite direction, switching which foot is up on the curb. I see someone walking towards me and I put my hands in the front of my hoodie, pulling it forward to help hide my stomach as best as I can. Ronny’s body language changes, being more on alert. My stomach warms, knowing all of these guys love and care about me and the baby. I love them all too.

“Oh. Hi Star!”

The woman walking towards me is a short, older woman that Dakota introduced me to. He promised that she was an amazing midwife and would help take care of me during my pregnancy. True to his words, she’s been wonderful. I recognize her a distance away because of her stark white hair that has the littlest streak of dark purple in it.

“Hello,” she calls out, a wide smile gracing her lips as she walks over to us. Ronny relaxes beside me, recognizing who this is. “It seems I’m a little early.”

“What do you mean?” Ronny asks just before I freeze.

“Fuck,” I blurt out, looking down and watching as wetness spread across my pants.

“Never mind. I’m right on time.”

Ronny and Star quickly usher me upstairs to my apartment. Jeff quickly stands up, rushing over to me. “Did you pee yourself?”

“No,” I say right away, narrowing my eyes at him. “My water broke! I wouldn’t pee myself, Jeff!”

“I hear that’s normal,” Martin says with a chuckle. “Nothing to be ashamed of, Axel.”

“Fuck you, Martin.”

Pain lances through my middle, making me pause and breathe through it. Jeff is by my side right away, holding onto me. I tuck my face against his chest, letting his scent soothe some of the pain away. Knowing my mate is here with me, knowing that Star is here to help puts some of my worries to rest. I’m okay. I can do this with them by my side.

Star and Jeff take me to my bedroom. Jeff carefully helps me out of my wet clothes as Star strips my bed, getting everything ready. My chest warms, realizing just how well cared for I am. I used to be alone and now I’m surrounded by people who love me. Lady Fate has blessed me beyond what I knew to wish for.

“How did you know I would need you?”

Star raises her brow, giving me a small smile. Something about this woman makes me feel small, like she’s all knowing. Yet, I feel completely safe in her presence.

“Call it intuition,” she finally says, “or maybe Dakota mentioned you were ready to use any means necessary to get this baby out.”

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