Page 11 of The Alpha: Part Three
“We haven't gotten that far in our planning,” Ben says. “It won't be hard at all for Desie to get on at a hospital, but Michael and me are going to have to start all over. We've got some savings, and apparently Seth isn't hurting for money, but we can't sit on our asses all day. We need to try to get on at one of the stations over there.”
“No,” I bark, then repeat in a softer tone. “No. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to sound like an asshole, but no more fires. I can't stand the worry. Neither can Desir'ee.”
“Seth,” Michael starts, but Desir'ee interrupts.
“We can talk about this later. Nobody needs to hear us argue about you and Ben trying to kill yourselves putting out fires. And Talia needs everybody to leave soon.”
Michael sighs and nods. “Okay, but we need to make a choice about the dual seat now so that we can get the ball rolling on that. We don't know how long Talia's pack will be here after she pops and there won't be any more meetings here after she has the baby. What do you think, Seth? I think it's a good idea. And I think it would be good for us to go back and forth like that. I don't want to move Desie away from her family and if there's an option to not have to do that then I'd like to take it. Unless you really hate the idea that much.”
Ultimately, the little spark of hope that trickles down my bond with Desir'ee makes the choice for me. I can split my time between two councils if it means she gets to keep her family and be happy. I can do it if I have her and the twins with me.
“What do you think?” I ask Corso. I watch Talia squeeze his hand again and know her hope has made his decision the same way Desir'ee's hope made mine.
He sighs and brings her fingers to his lips. “A part time seat is far better than a full time seat.”
Minos slaps his hands on his thighs. “Excellent! Thank you. This will be a very good thing, you'll see. Mallory, my love, let's take our leave. I've pushed enough on these two packs without prolonging my presence.”
Talia's relief is heavy in the air after Minos and Mallory walk out the door.
“Let's get you upstairs, tesoro,” Corso purrs, lifting Talia from her chair.
“What's wrong? What happened?” I glance quickly from Talia's swollen stomach to Corso and Jasper.
“Nothing, Seth,” Talia says tightly. “I'm just fairly confident that I've started having contractions.
“Shit.”
“Shit is right,” Trent clips. “I'm glad you're here, Desir'ee. Alex, will you get Obi on the phone?”
Chapter seven
Desie
“Okay, Talia. When the next contraction hits, I need you to push. Push hard.”
She nods with her eyes closed and leans against Corso. She's amazing, but she's getting tired.
“You've got a warmer ready?” Obi says through the phone. Talia insisted on him being a long-distance birth attendant. I'd be happier about the additional support if it didn't feel like he was micromanaging me.
“I have a warmer ready and a team on standby if she needs transport, Obi. My pack is here, as well as my brother's pack. I'm not going to let anything happen to Talia or her baby. I promise I know what I'm doing.” I've only been through years of training and education, not to mention the hands-on experience I have on the floor at the hospital.
“I don't doubt your capabilities, Desir'ee. Talia is essentially my sister. I'm just a little worried,” he says. I get it. I really do. I just don't enjoy being second-guessed.
“It's starting,” Talia whispers. “Jasper?”
“I'm right here, cupcake. You're so strong.” Jasper pushes a few strands of hair off her forehead. “It's almost time to rest.”
Forty-five minutes later, there's a brand-new baby boy curled against Talia trying to get the hang of nursing while Alex feeds her bites of the arroz con leche that Amber made. Corso is laying on the bed next to Talia, staring down at both her and his new son with so much joy radiating from him that I can almost feel the warmth on my own skin. It's beautiful.
I want it.
I want to be pregnant with my alphas' babies. I want to cuddle my baby in a nest surrounded by my pack. I want Seth to make me those awful sandwiches they all like so much and I want the twins to tell me how strong I am while they look at their baby just exactly the same way Corso is looking at his. I want it so badly that I forget to breathe for a few seconds.
I turn my head toward the door when a soft knock interrupts the quiet.
“Dutch was worried about his mama,” Seth says barely above a whisper.
“I'm much better now that he's here,” Talia smiles, reaching a hand out for Dutch.
