Page 39 of Finding Forever with the Alpha Pack

I collapse against him, snuggling into his chest as I lay on my side, my head resting on his chest, listening to his heartbeat. "Favorite mate today," I mutter with a half-hearted smile.

“Did we miss it?” Conrad’s voice rings out. Before Lorcan can respond, the sound of hurried footsteps thunders down the hallway, followed by a squeal and a thud. Ethan’s bellowing laughter echoes after the commotion. I glance up to see all four of my mates trying to cram through the door at once. By the looks of it, Griffin was the one who took the tumble.

"No, you silly boys, it’s just starting. I’ll call the midwife and clean up the hallway," Ruby says, pushing past them like a seasoned pro.

Ethan kneels next to the nest, reaching out to touch me with a hesitance I rarely see in him. "How are you feeling?"

"Better," I say with a weak smile, though my eyes linger on Lorcan. "He’s my favorite right now."

"I’m nae doin’ anything special, lass. Just takin’ the pain from ye." Lorcan kisses the crown of my head and I sigh in relief.

"It’s phenomenal," I admit, my voice light with the tension finally easing. "Natural birth is painful as all hell, and I have to do it three times today." I force a laugh, watching as my mates cringe in unison.

"I’ll be right here with ye the entire time, lass," Lorcan promises, his voice soft as he rests his cheek on the top of my head. I can feel the steady rise and fall of his chest as he holds me through each contraction, the pain now a distant whisper.

What feels like ten thousand hours later, the unbearable pressure in my crotch intensifies, and I know it’s time. The urge to push is overwhelming. I shift again, trying to find some relief, but it’s no use.

“What do you need me ta do, lass?” Lorcan’s voice is gentle, but there’s a tension beneath it. He adjusts his position to mirror mine, bringing his knees up on either side of me for support, his body close enough to be my anchor.

“I don’t know...” I whine, my frustration bleeding through every word. Barrett slides in beside me, taking his place with a determined look on his face. Unfortunately, the midwife’s presence grates on my nerves—her unmated scent makes her feel like an intruder in my nest, and I can barely tolerate it.

“Gracie, I’m going to look and see if I can see the baby,” Barrett says gently, but there’s an edge of excitement in his voice. I shift again, trying to get more comfortable, though at this point, nothing really helps. Barrett lifts the sheet, and a grin spreads across his face.

“I see hair! Can’t tell if it’s dirty blonde or red through the goo,” he says with a laugh, and my heart flutters despite the pain. Ruby and Agnes move around the room like clockwork, handing Barrett towels and other supplies. Barrett’s taken this whole thing seriously—after the last pregnancy, he went and took classes on being a midwife. Or is it a mid-husband?

“Next contraction, give me a good push,” he instructs, his voice steady. Griffin and Ethan lean in, each one bracing my feet in preparation. Their presence calms me, but the pressure is still building, unbearable and urgent.

The tensing begins, the contraction hitting like a tidal wave, and I curl forward, pushing with everything I have. A deep growl rumbles from my chest as I feel the baby shift, moving lower. The sensation is intense, every inch of movement magnified.

“One more time, Gracie...” Barrett’s voice reaches me, distant but reassuring. I feel his hands moving, suctioning the baby’s nostrils, and I gather my strength. As the next contraction surges, I bear down again, gritting my teeth and pushing with everything left in me.

Then, relief. The baby slides free, and I collapse against Lorcan, panting. Agnes offers me a small sip of ice water, and I take it gratefully, the coolness soothing my dry throat. I barely register what’s happening as I flop back onto Lorcan, my body exhausted, but a sudden cry fills the room.

“It’s a girl, Gracie,” Barrett announces with a smile, and my heart nearly bursts. I reach for her, holding my daughter close, and sniff at the crown of her tiny head. The smell of new life fills my senses and tears well up in my eyes. I look down at her perfect, tiny face, and as her emerald eyes meet mine, I can’t hold back the tears any longer.

I glance at Lorcan, gifting him my vision. “Meet your daughter, Lor. She has your beautiful green eyes.”

A stuttering breath escapes his lips, and he kisses my temple. “I have a wee one?” His voice cracks, full of wonder and emotion, and he reaches out to touch her, his fingers gentle. “Maeve,” he whispers. “I wanna name her Maeve, if it’s alright with you, lass...” He presses several kisses to my temple, his joy radiating through every touch.

“Of course, Maeve, it is,” I sigh, my heart full as I hold our daughter for a moment longer. The world around me fades, just the three of us in this quiet, perfect moment. I feel the weight of everything slip away.

Soon after, I pass the placenta, and Ruby steps forward, bringing the cord to Lorcan. He bites through it, following tradition, as Barrett finishes up. I close my eyes, content and at peace, holding Maeve close.

I don’t get much of a break after Maeve is born. The room buzzes with movement as Nicolai carefully takes Maeve from my arms, allowing me to focus on delivering the next baby. My body is already exhausted, but there’s no time to rest—another little life is waiting.

Barrett’s gentle touch grounds me as his hand strokes my thigh. “You can do it, Grace. One more big push,” he encourages, his voice soft but steady.

I grit my teeth, bearing down with all the strength I have left. A growl escapes my throat as I push hard, feeling the baby’s weight shift. And then, the sound I’ve been waiting for—the baby’s cries fill the air. I let out a deep, exhausted sigh, leaning back against Lorcan’s solid frame. Agnes is there immediately, offering me water and wiping my brow, while Barrett is already busy cleaning off the baby.

“A beautiful baby boy,” Barrett announces, his voice full of pride as he passes our son to me.

I stare down at the tiny bundle in my arms, my heart swelling with love. I nuzzle the crown of his platinum blonde head, inhaling the sweet scent of him, a laugh bubbling out of me as I watch Barrett moving around, preparing for the next baby.

“Hey, Daddy,” I tease, a playful glint in my eyes.

“Hmm?” Barrett glances up, clearly puzzled.

“Mind cutting the cord?” I ask, grinning.

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