Page 7 of Drive me Wild (South Island Shifters)

She nods. “I’ve actually watched her deliver a baby once before, and she is the most caring, calm person you’re going to find.”

“She’s still a human,” Brendan says.

“I don’t like it, Decy. You can’t possibly let her on the lands,” Tammy says, coming over to me and trying to stroke my arm.

I pull myself away to stand and stare out the window. I have to do something to help my sister, and the clan will just have to deal with it.

Turning, I look at Liliana. “Bring her to me.”

“What! You can’t!” Brendan fumes.

“I can. I will. I am. My word is law,” I say. “Liliana, I want you to ring this midwife friend and get her to come directly to Ravin’s house, where I will meet her. You are to greet this woman at the end of the driveway and bring her to the house yourself.” I hope I’m not making a huge mistake bringing a human here, but if she helps my sister deliver a healthy baby, I honestly don’t care.

Brendan nods while Tammy says, “I’m here for your family in case something happens.” Tammy has made things very clear that she hopes she and I might be together one day. But after this morning’s encounter with Winter, I know there’s no way in hell of it happening. Fate has intervened.

“Lily, what did you say this midwife’s name is?” I ask.

“I didn’t. It’s Winter Dallow.”

What?

Could she be the same Winter I met this morning? Nah…surely this is a coincidence.

Three

WINTER

I’m pouring a glass of wine while my dinner heats up in the microwave—leftovers from the chicken casserole I made yesterday—when my phone rings on the kitchen bench-top beside me. Looking down, I see Liliana’s name flashing across the screen.

“Hey, girl. How are you?” I ask.

“Hey, I need your help,” she replies, her tone a little shaky.

“What’s up?” I ask, my concern growing.

“It’s my friend Ravin. She’s in labour with her first baby and has been for about four hours now. I’m worried there is something wrong with the baby or her. We can’t get hold of her midwife or backup midwife. She’s freaking out, and I recommended you to her family.”

“Okay. Can you tell me if her waters have broken?” I ask.

“No, I’m actually not with her at the moment. I’m with her brother and the manager of the CE Estates Winery.”

“Okay, I’m coming to the rescue. Where am I going?” I ask. I don’t want to waste more time mucking around with this phone call. I’m not sure how far apart this woman’s contractions are or how dilated she may be. It’s imperative that I get there and fast.

“Head to the entrance to the driveway leading to my place. I’ll meet you there, climb into your car and then direct you towards Ravin’s house.”

“Are you telling me I’ll finally get to see this elusive estate you live on? Can I see your house?” I ask. I’ve always dropped her back at her place in the morning after girls night, but I’ve never been allowed up onto this elusive property she lives on. Whenever I’ve asked her about seeing her house, she conveniently changed the subject.

“You deliver this baby healthy and happy, and I’m pretty sure Declan will agree to just about anything.” She laughs.

Declan?I brush the familiar name off as a mere coincidence.

“Alright, I’ll see you soon.”

“See you soon.”

I hang up the phone as Autumn walks into the lounge. “Dinner is in the microwave, and wine is served. Enjoy.” I pick up my handbag and jacket.

“Where are you going?” she asks.

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