Page 96 of Alpha Awakening

“How about we go see if Lyliann and Mayra are at Ann’s? We should fill them in,” Blake suggested.

“Okay,” Niev sighed.

Though Niev’s mind was swirling, her body was moving slow. The day had been lingering like a dark cloud over her mind for months. She’d hoped that she would get used to the thought of it all, but it had never happened.

Blake knocked and held the door open, letting her step in before him. Niev paced in the background, not wanting to risk the contractions easing again while Blake explained what was happening.

Niev could feel the excitement fill the air and tried to match her facial expression to everyone’s cheery mood. She was glad they were happy and eager to help and meet the girls. Even though she couldn’t be as joyous as them, it lightened her gloomy mood when Mayra’s face beamed at the thought of holding her grandchildren. They all decided to follow Natalie’s advice and went on a little stroll.

When they got back to their home, Natalie had already set up everything. The bed had a waterproof sheet that Niev had insisted on, the doppler was right there and snacks were set all around the house, with most of the furniture pushed back so Niev had enough space to pace or position herself however she needed. A yoga ball was in the corner with the birthing chair right next to it.

“Whenever you are settled, I would like to examine you.”

“Does the bed work for you?”

“Of course.”

“Okay, just let me change.”

Blake helped her out of her clothes and handed her the knee-length black dress that she’d chosen to wear. It would be comfortable for herself and easy for Natalie to examine her throughout her labor.

“Are you still comfortable with everyone around? Should I ask them to take turns, so it’s not too crowded?”

“I like it this way. It keeps me distracted and it lightens my mood to hear how excited they are.”

“I felt that, but just wanted to make sure that’s what you want.”

She got on her tiptoes and pulled Blake into a kiss. “I’m apologizing now for the things I’ll be saying to you later.”

“I hope I can take it with grace,” he chuckled.

Just as she laid down and Blake went to get Natalie, another stronger contraction came along. Niev closed her eyes and tried to remember what Natalie had taught her about breathing.

“Are they getting stronger?” Natalie asked as she came in after Blake.

“Yes.”

“Do you still prefer me not telling you how far dilated you are?”

“Am I being silly?”

“No, I have seen a lot of times how disappointing and discouraging these numbers can be.”

“Just tell me when it’s time to push.”

“I assure you, you’ll know too.”

“I wasn’t even aware I was having contractions. I was expecting them to be lower.”

“Would you like me to explain why that is?”

Blake settled beside Niev and ran his fingers through her hair.

“Yes, it might help me relax if I understand what is happening.”

“So, your uterus is a huge muscle and to enable the baby–or in your case babies–to come out it contracts and presses on the girls from above.”

“To push them out?”