Page 50 of Chomp's Challenge

“That’s good news, my dove,” I reply. “Today’s been a great day, hasn’t it?”

“Definitely. I can’t wait to see what your brothers build for your mom and Chewy,” she says.

“We’re going to add on to the cabin as well,” I tell her.

“Why?”

“Because eventually we’ll have hatchlings and they’ll need to be by the water once they begin shifting,” I reply.

Her eyes widen. “How soon does that happen?”

“When they’re able to walk to the lake,” I admit. “So, relatively quickly.”

“Guess I better learn how to be a gator mama then,” she teases.

We’re gonna teach her! my gator bellows. As if I’d forget he’s already told me that very thing.

I open my mouth to assure Ariel she has nothing to worry about when Callie gasps. Kodiak shoots to his feet and runs toward her, hovering his hands around her body. He’s gotten so wide from all his extra snacks, I can’t see her anymore.

Ariel jumps from my lap. “Callie?”

“My water just broke!”

Kodiak, my usually in control brother, sways on his feet. “There’s water gushing out of my mate!”

I don’t know whether to laugh or smack him so he focuses on his mate as I rush over, joining Ariel as she helps Callie to her feet. We’re all staring at the big bear who looks pale. He’s nearly catatonic.

“Kodiak!” Spike shouts, using his presidential influence. “Snap the fuck out of it!”

Kodiak blinks and reaches down to scoop Callie into his arms. He takes three steps before she lets out a shrill cry, clutching at her stomach. “Mate!” he roars and spins in a circle like he can’t decide which way to go or what the fuck to do.

Somebody needs to smack him. I can’t. Callie and Ariel won’t like it.

But I will, the gator chortles.

I ignore him as Callie groans. She’s obviously in pain. Kodiak looks ready to pass out.

It’s my mother who intervenes. Bless her. “Everyone stop.”

I didn’t notice before now that all the club members looked panicked. All but Spike.

“Giving birth is natural. There is nothing wrong with Callie.”

No one looks convinced.

“Kodiak, carry your mate to an empty bedroom. We’re going to prepare for the arrival of your cub.”

Something seems to click inside his head, and he nods, rushing toward the stairs to climb them quickly, careful not to jostle Callie.

I reach for Ariel’s hand, and we follow as my mother begins giving orders. Soon there’s water boiling, fresh towels gathered, and supplies being brought to my mom as she assists with Kodiak and Callie’s birth. It’s hours before any progress is made.

Ariel is with Callie as I pass a drink to Kodiak. He nearly lost it a few minutes earlier. I had to shove him from the room.

“My mate needs me,” he argues, his voice hoarse.

I can’t imagine what he’s going through. “You need to calm the fuck down for your mate. She can feel your distress,” I remind him.

“Fuck.” He buries his head in his hands. “I need a drink.”

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