Page 83 of Alpha Awakening
“I just want you to know that I’m aware that we don’t know each other well, so I’ll take the backseat if that is what you wish.”
“Please don’t, that would terrify me!”
“I’m right there with Niev,” Blake admitted.
That made Natalie giggle. “I’ll be there every step of the way. I’ve started to prepare for a twin birth but because we are going in slightly blind, we’ll have to prepare for multiple scenarios. I’m not sure if the girls share a placenta or how your body will differ from someone else’s. Your gift might change a few things, but it would also be a blessing and help reduce your complications.”
Niev sighed, relieved. “I hoped as much.”
“I wish I could give you more stability, but I think honesty is best in this case.”
“I appreciate that.”
Blake listened carefully as Natalie explained all the different birth types, from water births to ones in bed. Not only did he listen to Natalie, but he also listened to the bond, trying to discern which one Niev liked and which ones he should try to prepare for.
At the end, Natalie offered for them both to come by every so often for birth preparation such as breathing techniques and the training of certain positions. He and Niev both walked out of Natalie’s home overwhelmed, but also much more at ease for the upcoming months.
They took a stroll around the lake, trying to process all they’d heard and talked about the things that they liked and disliked. It seemed as if they finally had a few moments to talk things through rather than having a dozen other things they needed to prepare for.
In the late afternoon, around two hours before the ceremony, a knock on the door paused their unpacking. It was Raymond.
“I thought I should talk you two through the ceremony. I know I have already talked to you, Blake, but I didn’t want Niev to feel left out.”
Niev seemed overjoyed. “That is very kind of you.”
“Please come in and sit.”
Niev looked around her cheeks reddening at all the open boxes. “Please ignore the mess we’ve made.”
“No need to apologize. After all, I have interrupted you two.”
Niev and Blake sat down on the couch while Raymond chose a chair that was standing close by.
“I will address the pack and then call you to step before the crowd. Though the pack already knows who you are, I’ll start by introducing you both. Then I’ll welcome you into the pack. It’s a short ceremony but if you two feel up to it, the pack is eager to get to know you both afterwards. Of course, we know that the past few weeks have been a strain on you and if you prefer to rest tonight, no one will be upset.”
“Blake said he met some of the pack while he was here to prepare for our arrival, and I would like to meet them too.”
“They’ll be very excited, but I’ll make sure they won’t overwhelm you.”
“Thank you.”
“Your arrival at our pack is quite unusual. Most new members we welcome have a mate within our pack but this time there are two of you. Please let us know if you need anything. Charlotte and I see you as part of our family now and not just because I made a promise to Alpha Tanner. Every member of this pack will help you two where they can and if they can’t they’ll know someone else who might be able to help.”
“Thank you. Niev and I appreciate all you’ve done for us to make us feel at home.”
Raymond stood up and smiled down at them, love and pride radiating from his eyes. “I’ll see you both in a few hours.”
Nervously, they kept themselves busy until it was time to get ready. Blake chose to wear jeans and a dark blue top that matched Niev’s jeans, blouse, and cardigan.
“You won’t be too cold?” he asked, slightly worried about her seemingly light outfit.
“No, I have two undershirts on, and the cardigan is also nice and warm.”
“Are you ready?”
“I am, but I’m also terrified. “
He took her hand in his not only to calm her, but himself too. “I know the feeling.”