Page 17 of Winter at Stonefire

"Maybe going to the surgery isn't such a bad idea. They do say the second baby usually comes quicker."

"Then let's get to work."

Rafe didn't waste time stripping them both, using a washcloth to clean her up, and then helping her dress. Considering she'd had another contraction during the short time, Nikki was fairly certain their baby wanted to come out and say hello. And soon.

By the time Rafe had her in his arms again, the contractions were too bloody close together. "Rafe, hurry. I don't want to have my baby on the footpath."

He started to run. "I thought you were the stern parent? Tell our second child to wait."

Nikki laughed. "As if that will work."

He winked at her before looking back to where he was going. "It's worth a shot."

They reached the surgery just as another contraction hit. She barely registered Rafe talking to a nurse and then Dr. Innes before her mate carried them to a room.

Once he laid her down, Dr. Innes listened to her heartbeat and then the baby's. After gently prodding and pushing her belly to determine the baby's position, he said, "Do you want Rafe to help you change or Ginny?"

Ginny was one of the nurses on Stonefire. And while Nikki usually loved the tough, stubborn nurse, right now, she just wanted her mate. "Rafe."

Dr. Innes nodded. "Aye, then I'll be back in five minutes to check on you and see how far along you are." He pinned his gaze on Rafe. "And maybe this time, you could avoid calling me a pain-loving bastard when it comes time to deliver your child?"

Rafe almost looked sheepish, no doubt remembering the litany of curses he'd thrown at the doctor when Louisa had been born. "I'll try."

Shaking his head, Dr. Innes left and Rafe helped Nikki change into a hospital gown. Once she was settled on the bed, Rafe took her hand and kissed the back of it. "There went my hopes of a last-minute tumble in the sheets with my mate."

He sighed dramatically, and she laughed. But a contraction hit at the same time and she groaned. She clutched Rafe's hand, but her mate never said a word despite the fact he was human and Nikki was far stronger than him.

Her dragon said softly,We'd never hurt him. Well, unless he deserves it.

Nikki nearly laughed again, but somehow held it back. And once the pain stopped, she said to her human, "Don't make me laugh right now, Rafe. Your spawn is trying to make a memorable appearance and seems to be in a hurry."

He brushed hair from her forehead and then kissed it. "Let me guess—the child is my spawn until he or she is born, and then they'll become yours until they cause trouble again?"

She smiled. "I've taught you well."

Rafe chuckled. "Somewhat."

The doctor returned, checked Nikki, and said, "The wee one is eager to come out and say hello. It won't be long now, lass."

Nikki nodded, grateful for Rafe's hand in hers. She was both eager and anxious to become a mum again.

Her dragon spoke up,Everything will be fine. Our dad and stepmum love watching their grandchild, and will love having another one to spoil.

It's the spoiling part I worry about.

As another contraction came, she clenched her jaw and tried to breathe. But it didn't help as much as she liked. And by the end of it, Nikki felt as if she'd just flown hundreds of miles in her dragon form, with no energy left.

Rafe kissed her forehead and murmured, "Do you want me to sit behind you, and you can brace against me?"

It had been the only position to help the last time, and tears pricked her eyes that Rafe remembered. "Yes, love. Please."

His lips twitched. "I love it when you beg."

She narrowed his eyes, and Rafe laughed.

It took some doing, but Rafe managed to sit behind her, and she sat between his legs, her back to his chest and him holding each of her hands with one of her own. Rafe nuzzled her cheek. "You're one of the strongest people I know, Nikki. You can do this."

His words were exactly what she needed to hear. Especially since in the next fifteen minutes, Baby Number Two was ready to greet the world and Nikki had to push another little dragon-shifter out of her body, screaming as she did so.