Page 27 of Bunny Be Mine
“That could be true,” Mom agreed. “In the last few years, the elders of the pack did kind of stop paying attention to what the younger generation was doing. They thought they were wise enough to figure life out on their own. I know there are several pack members who now wish they had paid more attention. There were rumors of the behaviors the younger members were partaking in, but no action was taken quick enough in my eyes. I think some elders were afraid to admit the truth. Luckily now they have proof and help in figuring it out, thanks to Patrick and his pack.”
“Marcus and his friends used threats to get what they want and keep their victims silent.” Arley took some ice from his cup and chewed. “I’m just glad that the truth has been revealed now and the pack can move forward.”
“Us too.” Dad sat on the edge of the bed. “Even though we won’t be there any longer, I still want our friends to have a healthy pack life.”
“I think they will now that Marcus and his friends are dealt with.” I was hopeful the pack could rebuild now that the trash was taken care of.
“So, what do we all think of joining the pack here on campus?” Arley put his cup down and stood, wrapping himself in my arms. “Patrick has invited us to become members of the all-inclusive pack, and I think it might be the best move for us all.”
“I do like the idea of it being a mix of different shifter types. I always thought the old pack’s ideas of separation were outdated and needed to be changed.” Mom nodded. “I am all for joining a welcoming pack like the one here.”
“I think you are going to love it here, Mom and Dad. It’s like a family.” I smiled at my parents and mate. “It feels like home.”
Chapter Fourteen
Arley
“Fen,Ithinkit’stime to head to the hospital.” My mother-in-law laughed at the look of shock on my face as I stood by the kitchen table, wide-eyed and mouth agape. “Your babies are about to make their appearance, it seems.”
“What? Right now?” Fen popped his head out of the pantry, cereal box in hand. “Are you sure?”
“No, next week. Of course I mean now.” Mom came and helped me sit back down. At that moment, I couldn’t remember how to move on my own merit. “Go grab the to-go bag from the hall closet and tell your father to warm up the car. We will drive you two there. You can sit in the back with Arley and remind him to breathe through each contraction. It really does help.”
Oh right. Breathe. I knew I was forgetting to do something.
My rabbit rolled his eyes and continued to try to remind me that we weren’t the first omega to give birth and wouldn’t be the last.
We will make it through this.
As Fen ran around, doing the things his mom pointed out needed to be done, I just closed my eyes and tried not to scream.
How were six babies coming out of me? Why did I think this was a good idea? Is it too late to change my mind?
“Yes, Arley.” Mom chuffed and rubbed my back. “It’s too late to turn back now. Breathe.”
Did I speak out loud?
“Yeah, honey.” Fen crouched in front of me and grasped my hands. “You are thinking out loud again and we can hear all those thoughts. And no, I don’t think I would appreciate you pulling on my sack every three minutes so I know the level of pain you are in. But if you really think that will help…”
“Son, shut up.” Dad came in through the garage. “Trust me, this is the one time he might take you up on it and it’s not worth it. Even that wouldn’t show you the level of their pain. Instead of taking the sacrifice, why don’t you help your omega up and we can all get into the car. It’s warmed up and ready to go.”
“Thank the goddess.”
The ride to the hospital was uneventful, at least I thought it was. Between painful contractions and predelivery panic, time swirled past me in a blur. Voices were dulled, lights were dimmed, all my senses were focused on getting through the labor and preparing myself to birth six babies within the next few hours. I guess my body was moving on autopilot because I honestly didn’t recall anything that happened between leaving the house and my obstetrician arriving at my bedside.
Doctor Williams entered the room, smiling and bouncing. I hated him at that moment. No one should be so cheerful when I was about to die from the pain of this labor.
“Can you turn the sunshine down a few notches, Doc?” Fen sat at my side and held my hand. The emotions flowing from me into him through our mate bond had to be overwhelming. My mate looked exhausted. “I think my mate is about to commit murder if he sees your megawatt smile for one more second.”
“Oh, sorry.” Doctor Williams shrugged. “I just get so excited still when we bring new life into the world, I forget how uncomfortable the omegas are in the process.”
“Uncomfortable? Uncomfortable is when you sit on an old couch and can feel the springs. Uncomfortable is when you ate too much and feel bloated. I’m not uncomfortable, Doc. I’m in pain, soul-wrenching, joy-killing pain, and you have three seconds to stop smiling and start helping me, or I swear to god I am going to blow.”
“Let’s check you, then and get this started.” Doctor Williams approached my bedside and I nearly kicked him.
Doctor Williams performed his exam and we waited for his observations. I needed to be done with this already.
“Are they ready to come out, Doctor?” Fen looked at the doctor pleadingly.
