Page 71 of Totally Shipped
It’s at that moment that I hear the scream.
My heart is racing, the sound of my blood rushes in my ears. I’m truly fucking terrified, but push everything out of my mind except moving along the ledge and finding my girls.
The cave is dark, the only illumination is coming from the flickering fire. It lights the sheen of sweat on Daisy’s face. The hollows that are her eyes.
"Daisy?"
Her eyes are unfocused. I put my hand out to Key and she grabs hold, like for dear life.
A moment later, Daisy screams again.
It’s the sound of agony. “Breathe, Daisy…count with me.”
She moans and sways and I try to move her arms away from the cold stone wall and drape them around my shoulders.
“Don’t panic, Key, this is all normal,” I tell the little girl—and myself.This is all normal, right?
Daisy's body is hot to the touch, and streaming with sweat.
“One, two, three, four, five, and exhale.”
Daisy breathes with me, I hear Key doing the same. We are one unit, like we are sharing one set of lungs.
“Killian,” Daisy whispers as the contraction finally releases her. “You came.”
“Of course, and you're doing so good. So good, macushla.”
“I don't think I can do this. I can’t do this.”
“Yes, you can, Daisy. You’re so strong, so amazing.”
“I’m not! I’m not Brooke. I’m just Daisy—and I suck at everything.” She starts to sob and I hold her in my arms.
We breathe and sway together and eventually she calms down. “Are you thirsty?”
She shakes her head. I can’t believe that, but maybe the concept of trying to drink is just too much right now.
“I’m scared.”
“I know, baby.”
“UNCLE!”
I glance over my shoulder and see Rex and Leander frozen in the cave mouth. The next second they are moving. Moving fast.
“What do you need?”
Rex picks Keyara up into a tight hug, Leander starts stoking the fire.
“Wet a cloth, we can moisten her lips.”
Leander has his shirt off before I even finish the sentence. “It's already soaked with rainwater.” He moves close and tenderly offers it to Daisy’s mouth. She has her eyes closed, but her lips part and she started to suck on the fabric.
“You need me to spell you, Killian?”
“No, I’m good for now, but maybe in a while.” I tamp down the urge to get snap at Leander, but feck—I’m Daisy’s support.
“You’re doing so great, baby,” he whispers, stroking her hair, and I immediately feel like a twat. He loves her just as much as I do. This baby is his, just as much as it’s mine.
