Marked by the Alphas

Chapter 64: Chapter 64

Katie POV

Curiously, I look from the High Guards to Mason. What a peculiar night. First, everyone mistakes me for Elara, and now this. Mason’s expression indicates that he does not enjoy this one bit.

“I don’t ...”

“Oh, dear Goddess,” I exclaim, interrupting Mason and grabbing his arm when a sharp pain rips through my belly. My vision blurs as another stab of pain steals the air from my lungs.

“Katie, what’s happening?” Mason asks urgently. “Are you okay?”

“No,” I groan, and the wind picks up again, blowing forcefully through the trees.

“What’s up with the wind?” Mindy shrieks. “Is there a storm coming or something?”

“Mason,” one of the High Guards, approaches us. “Do we ...”

“Not now, man,” Mason snaps, picking me up effortlessly. “I must get her to a doctor.”

“You’ll be okay,” he murmurs, carrying me to Asher’s car, laying me across the backseat as another stab of pain shoots through my middle.

“Can we get her there in time?” I hear Mason asks in a low, anxious voice.

“This wind isn’t ideal,” Asher responds. “We do our best and pray.”

“Just go,” I whimper, the pain getting more intense with each strike.

“You heard her,” Mason snaps. “Move.”

I close my eyes, cradle my belly and inhale deeply.

“Come on, Lily, I need your help,” I urge my wolf.

I concentrate on taking deep breaths and clearing my mind.

“Think happy thoughts, Katie, happy thoughts,” Lily mutters, and slowly, I feel myself relax. The pain is still there, but it is bearable.

“How are you doing, Katie?” Mason leans over the seat.

“Better,” I exhale deeply.

“The wind has also quieted down,” Asher says. “We’ll get there faster now.”

I nod and concentrate on breathing, but my nerves are eating me alive. I hope there is nothing wrong with the baby. I do not know what it feels like to give birth, but this pain is intense.

“We’re here,” Asher announces, and I want to cry in relief.

“This isn’t a hospital,” I frown when Mason picks me up.

“It’s my mother’s house,” Asher replies. “She’ll know what to do.”

“But she’s a teacher,” I protest as Mason rushes me inside.

“She’s also a healer,” Asher explains.

“What happened?” Quinn gasps as Mason rushes me past her to a bedroom.

“I don’t know,” Asher replies. “We came as fast as we could!”

“Boys, get out,” Sable, Asher, and Quinn’s mother orders.

They look concerned at me before they reluctantly leave.

“I’m right here,” Quinn smiles, taking my hand, and I smile appreciatively at her.

“Okay, sweetie,” Sable’s voice is soft and comforting as she lifts my dress. “Let me see what’s happening.”

I close my eyes, take a deep breath, and listen to the wind howling.

“Katie, you’re going to be okay,” Sable says, looking at me. “But I might ask you to push soon.”

“Push?” I stare at her like an imbecile.

“You’re partially dilated and definitely in labour,” Sable says as she pulls down my dress. “So, we’re going to make you comfortable and prepare.”

“Really?” I swallow hard and sit up. I do not think I am ready for this.

“It’s alright, Katie,” Sable smiles reassuringly. “Soon you’ll be holding your baby.”

“I’ll help you undress,” Quinn offers, and starts with my sandals.

“Good,” Sable nods. “I’ll send Asher to buy diapers and things while I prepare the rest.”

“I’m scared,” I blurt the words out as Sable leaves the room.

“Every she-wolf feels like that with their first,” Quinn says sympathetically as she helps me out of my dress and into a hospital gown. “But my mother knows what she’s doing, trust me. She has helped more women than I can count.”

Even though her words are reassuring, I cannot fight the panic and nerves building inside me.

“Geez, the wind’s really picking up,” Quinn frowns as she helps me to lie down again. “I must say, as far as first dates go, this one is right up there.”

“Poor Asher,” I smile, grateful she is trying to distract me with small talk. “He’s definitely not scoring tonight.”

Quinn laughs heartily, and Mason enters the room.

“Ice on order,” he smiles, placing a container on the side table. “How’s our mother-to-be?”

“Oh, Goddess,” I grunt, grabbing my stomach when another contraction hits me.

“Fucking peachy,” I growl, and inhale deeply.

“We’re here for you,” Mason says, taking my hand and sitting beside me. “Squeeze as hard as you can, okay? If I don’t have broken fingers, you’re not doing it right.”

“You know what’s fucked up?” I glare at him. “I can’t even remember if the sex was worth it.” fɾeeweɓnѳveɭ.com

“Yes, that’s a problem,” Mason chuckles.

“But once you hold the little one, you’ll forget all about this,” Quinn smiles.

“I seriously doubt that,” I scream as a contraction rips through me.

“I’m getting Mother,” Quinn says quickly. “Your contractions are getting closer.”

“Ah, fuck,” I grunt when another contraction hits and my back arches involuntarily. I squeeze Mason’s hand hard, but he does not even flinch.

“I think I might really mangle your hand,” I say breathlessly.

“Don’t worry,” he laughs, flexing his arm muscles, “I can take it. Plus, there’s no way I’m experiencing anything close to what you’re dealing with right now.”

“You don’t have to stay here,” I tell him. “I have Sable and Quinn.”

“Nope,” he shakes his head. “You’re stuck with me, Katie. I’m right where I need to be, and my wolf agrees.”

His words ignite a thousand butterflies, and I enjoy the one second I am not consumed with pain.

“You might change your tune once this pup shoots out of me,” I say.

“Shoots?” He smiles deviously. “Then I guess this is a good time to tell you that I’m a pretty skilled catcher, too.”

“What can’t you do, Mason?” I laugh softly, just to stop abruptly when pain jolts through me again.

“I’m the son of an Alpha,” he shrugs. “We’re born to handle just about everything.”

Wait, what? How did the son of an Alpha end up in rogue territory?

“Mason, you didn’t tell me ... oh, shit,” I pant. “Something’s happening.”

“Sable!” Mason yells, then turns back to me. “Breathe, Katie, breathe.”

Sable and Quinn rush into the room. Quinn takes my other hand, and Sable settles between my legs.

“It’s time to push,” Sable instructs, and I obey. “That’s good, Katie. You’re doing great. Again.”

I grind my teeth and push again.

“Stop!” Sable yells. “The cord is wrapped around the pup’s neck.”