Page 49 of Of Wolves and Wives

“Then aren’t we all better off dead anyway?” Rykker replies.

I let out a sigh before admitting, “I don’t like this.”

The other two say nothing. It goes without saying that none of us enjoys the current situation. What’s even worse is this might be the only chance we have. The Grey Prince will never stop chasing us if he founds out Lyra lost the baby while Rose might still carry his. Not to mention we still have a mission to complete.

“To hell with the mission,” I growl.

After a second, Peirce snorts. “Never thought I would hear those words coming from your mouth.”

“Neither did I. Love does strange things, I suppose.”

“You love her?” Rykker asks.

I nod, “I do.”

“As do I,” Peirce says.

“And I,” Rykker adds.

I consider for a moment before sighing and telling them, “If we all truly loved her, then we should at least respect what she wants. No matter how terrifying.”

Peirce and Rykker both nod in agreement. Almost reluctantly, Rykker and I head back to camp. The women are gathered around Lyra, doing their best to soothe her wails. Ms. Thompson and Rose glance at us as we approach.

“We will support you,” I tell Rose. “On the condition that should things get too heavy, we must be allowed to stop.”

Rose nods her agreement, a smile pulling at her lips. I offer her a hand, which she easily takes. Then Rykker does the same. We lead her away from the camp, slipping back into the trees. We say nothing as we find Peirce. He stands waiting next to a soft bed of moss and foliage.

35

Rose

The three of us fall together into the bed Peirce has made. I give myself over to the three of them. They don’t hold back, as I had hoped. Months ago, I’m not sure I would’ve survived the three of them taking me. But now, with the bond between us, it’s easy to give myself over to them.

Even when things get intense, when they hesitate, I push them to keep going. Eventually, it works. Labor pains hit me strong, and I’m left doubled over. The men waste no time in getting me comfortable. Heath takes my hand as Peirce cradles my head in his lap. Rykker hurries off to collect Ms. Thompson and Lyra.

Pain surges through me, causing me to groan. But I bear it.

Ms. Thompson arrives with Rykker at her side. I hold up my free hand to him, unable to form words around the pain overtaking me. He takes my hand as Ms. Thompson sets about ordering about the men.

Pain becomes all I know.

Closing my eyes, I give my body over to it. In the hopes that I survive what is to come.

With a wail, I feel myself split open.

Pain, unlike anything I’ve ever experienced, washes over me.

Shuddering, I start to fear I won’t survive.

Not as darkness calls to me as the pain grows.

I am pain.

36

Rose

Exhaustion weighs on me as I lean into Heath’s chest. I’m barely able to register that we’re still in the trees. My eyes flutter shut several times as Ms. Thompson bustles around us. Finally, she places something on my chest.t Opening my eyes, I stare down at the bundle. Red hair, like mine, greets me.

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