Page 61 of Pleasure and Mane
Caius appeared beside them. "How are you holding up, little sister?"
"Better now that Quinn's here." Lavinia managed a smile between contractions. "I need her desperately right now."
Quinn felt warmth spread through her chest at the obvious trust in Lavinia's voice. Building relationships with her shifter patients had been one of the most rewarding aspects of her new practice in Leon. But Lavinia would always hold a special place in Quinn's heart as the patient who'd brought her here—and to Caius.
"Let's get you inside and comfortable," Quinn said, taking charge with calm authority. "This little one's ready to meet their family today."
The delivery room at Quinn's clinic radiated warmth and tranquility. Soft earth tones dominated the space, with dimmed amber lighting that could be adjusted throughout labor. A large birthing tub sat in one corner, while the adjustable bed occupied the center, surrounded by everything Quinn might need for a safe delivery.
Bertram guided Lavinia to the bed with the tender care of a man who'd spent months preparing for this moment. His dirty blonde hair was already disheveled from running his hands through it, and his green eyes held a mixture of excitement and barely controlled anxiety.
"There we go, sweetheart," he murmured, helping her settle against the elevated pillows Quinn had arranged. "Just like we practiced."
Henry bustled around the room with characteristic efficiency, his silver hair perfectly groomed despite the early hour. "I've contacted the pride elders to let them know today's the day," he announced, adjusting his business casual attire. "They're already planning the celebration feast."
Caius prowled the perimeter of the room like the apex predator he was, his blue eyes tracking every detail with Alpha intensity. Despite wearing yesterday's rumpled jeans and a hastily thrown-on henley, he commanded the space with his presence.
This is it,Quinn thought, pulling on her gloves and checking her equipment one final time.
"Contractions?" Quinn asked, approaching Lavinia with her stethoscope.
"Five minutes apart now," Lavinia breathed, gripping Bertram's hand as another wave hit. "Oh God, this one's stronger."
Quinn listened to the baby's heartbeat, strong and steady despite the intensity of labor. Shifter babies were resilient, she'd learned, often handling the stress of delivery better than their human counterparts.
"Everything sounds perfect," Quinn assured them, catching Caius's eye as he stopped his pacing momentarily. "Baby's heart rate is excellent."
The next two hours blurred together in a symphony of controlled chaos that Quinn had come to love about shifter deliveries. Unlike the isolated, clinical atmosphere of traditional hospital births, this was indeed a family affair in every sense.
Henry and Bertram flanked Lavinia's bed, each holding one of her hands as her contractions intensified. Both men bore the evidence of her shifter strength—Henry's knuckles were white from her grip, while Bertram's jaw was clenched against what had to be considerable pain.
"Breathe through it, little sister," Caius coached from his position near her head, his deep voice carrying the same commanding authority he used with his pride. "You've got this. You're the strongest woman I know."
God, he's incredible,Quinn thought, watching her mate transform from possessive lover to supportive brother without missing a beat. The way he leaned down to stroke Lavinia's hair, murmuring encouragement, made Quinn's heart swell with love and pride.
"Easy for you to say," Lavinia panted between contractions, shooting her brother a glare that held no real heat. "You're not pushing a shifter baby through your—" Her words cut off as another wave hit, stronger than before.
"Language, dear," Henry chided gently, though his eyes sparkled with affection. "Though I suppose under the circumstances, we can make exceptions."
Quinn monitored the contractions on her equipment, watching as they grew closer together and more intense. "You're doing beautifully, Lavinia. Your body knows exactly what to do."
When the contractions reached two minutes apart, Quinn positioned herself at the foot of the bed, her training taking over completely. This was her element—the sacred space where new life entered the world, where families were born, and where miracles happened daily.
"I can see the head!" Quinn announced, her voice filled with excitement. "Lots of beautiful blonde hair."
Caius moved closer, his Alpha presence both commanding and comforting. "Almost there, Lavinia. You're the strongest Haider woman who ever lived."
"Next contraction, I want you to push," Quinn instructed, meeting Lavinia's determined gaze. "Big push, everything you've got."
Lavinia bore down with shifter strength, her face flushed with effort while Bertram and Henry anchored her with their steady presence. Quinn guided the baby's head, marveling as always at the perfection of new life.
"Here comes the shoulders," Quinn called out. "One more push, and you'll meet your baby."
With a final, powerful push and a cry that echoed off the warm walls, the newest Haider made her grand entrance into the world. Quinn caught the perfect little body, tears immediately springing to her eyes at the sight of the most beautiful baby girl she'd ever delivered.
The infant's cry filled the room—strong, healthy, and absolutely indignant at being evicted from her cozy womb. Quinn quickly cleared her airways and placed her on Lavinia's chest, where she immediately quieted at the sound of her mother's voice.
"Oh my God," Lavinia sobbed, her hands trembling as she touched her daughter's face. "She's perfect. Bertram, look at her. She's absolutely perfect."
