Page 117 of The Omega's Bloodlinem: Part Two

Two incubators were already set up and warming, ready for the tiger cubs when they emerged.

With a doctor and nurse handling the medical side of things, Murdoch and I were in charge of comforting the mother-to-be. He sat by her head, whispering sweet words about what an amazing parent she was going to be and how well she was doing. I was tasked with keeping her relaxed.

The cat births I’d helped with had been a lot of lying nearby and petting them. I wasn’t about to climb onto the bed with Calliope, but she deserved some pampering right now. “How do you feel about a brush-down?”

Oh my gods, please. Ilovegetting brushed in this form.

“On it.”

“I’ll get them,” Murdoch offered.

No! You’re not allowed to leave me until every baby is out.

He laughed softly and nuzzled her cheek. “All right, I’ll stay.”

Yelena or Velda, if you have a second, could you please bring me a couple of Calliope’s hairbrushes? I’d ask the others, but I don’t imagine she wants them rooting around in her room.

I’ve got it, babe, Velda replied.

My sweet bear shifter mate arrived a couple of minutes later with a tray in her arms.

“What all did you bring besides brushes?”

“I brought every brush she has, plus some olive oil from the kitchen so we can give her a paw massage and also get her a little bit high.”

Nurse Sarah laughed. “I almost forgot olives affect some cats the same way catnip does.”

“I’ll allow it, but not too much,” Dr. Atling said.

“Fuck yeah, spa day.” Velda pulled up a chair, passing brushes to me, and dipping her fingers in olive oil to rub into Calliope’s paw pads. “How are you doing, sweets? Do I need to give those babies a talking-to?”

I’m okay. Contractions aren’t too often yet.

I ran the first brush down her body, triggering her purr. Regular tigers couldn’t make that sound, but shifters could, and I loved it.

Velda chatted away, distracting Calliope from labor. “When do we get to find out the names?”

We have a short list of about twenty, but I need to see their little faces before I pick any that suit them.

“You know what, fair enough.” Velda looked over Calliope at me.I’m glad I’m going to get to meet them before…

My heart squeezed.You’re going to do more than meet them. You’ll get to see them grow up.

Velda sucked in a measured breath, closing her eyes while she worked on Calliope’s paw.I want to believe that. I do. It’s hard. I guess it doesn’t matter if I hope too hard. If I die, it’s not like I can disappoint myself at that point.

I stared at the ceiling, willing my tears to stay back. This was all my fault.

I’m sorry, little star.The world warped, launching my spirit into the forest to meet Hecate.

“Why didn’t you tell me? You didn’t warn me at all.”

I didn’t. I made sure Anya didn’t see your message before your heat.

“How could you make me risk their lives? I wouldn’t have bonded them if I’d known.”

And then you would all be lost. I wanted you to be free to make that choice without the pressure of life and death. This is the only way you have a chance.

“That’s not fair.”

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