Selling Myself To The Alpha
Chapter 98

Liana

POV

"And you're sure it doesn't bother you?" Axel asks sceptically after I tell him about my conversation with Mother as we drive back home.

"Yes," I smile brightly at him. "Do you remember as a kid how you struggled to tie your shoes and one day it just slipped through, and you have a knot? It was like this. For years I've been struggling with worthlessness and doubt. I tried to fix it, over and over. I talked about it, I cried about it, but I just couldn't get passed it. But today it just clicked. She couldn't love me because she never wanted me. And I accepted it for what it is."

"Just like that?" He grins and glances at me.

"Just like that," I smile. "And I ... oof!"

"What?" Axel nearly jerks his head off as he looks at me. "What's happening?"

"It's fine," I exhale long and deeply as I rub my stomach until the pain subsides. "Wolfie just decided to kick me in the ribs."

"You scared the shit out of me," he says relieved.

"Ah, dammit, Wolfie," I moan and sit forward. "Stop kicking me like that."

"Is this normal?" Axel asks concerned. "I don't recall him kicking you so hard before."

"It's not the force he's kicking with," I laugh. "It's where he's kicking. So, anyway, as I was saying. I want to arrange for the best care for Mother during her last days. Initially, I told her I would do it out of spite. But now I want to do it because she's my mother and she's dying. She has pain and discomfort. I want to make her last days as comfortable as possible."

"I'll ask Michelle for hospice recommendations," he reaches over and takes my hand in his. "She'll know all the best facilities."

"Oh, dear goddess," I grunt and squeeze his hand painfully hard. This is not a kick. This is pain.

"Another kick?" He asks sympathetically.

"Nope," I moan. "A contraction."

"What?" He gapes at me in utter shock and disbelief.

"Keep your eyes on the road, Axel," I say patiently. "It could be Braxton hicks, there's no need to panic yet."

Axel firmly gets hold of the steering wheel, and his mouth pulls into a thin line. I am fully aware that he is fighting the panic, and frankly, so am I. It does not matter how much research you do; you are never fully prepared when it is your first time. "Ten minutes," I groan as I look at the car's clock when another contraction hits me, and I inhale deeply.

"You need to be more specific," Axel grunts frustrated. "Ten minutes to what?"

"My contractions are ten minutes apart," I sigh.

"I thought you said it's Braxton hicks?" He holds on tighter to the steering wheel and accelerates.

"Braxton hicks are contractions," I reason softly. I have no idea if I am in labour or if this is a false alarm. "And my water hasn't broken yet. We're fine."

He does not argue with me but when I double over in pain with the next contraction, he glares at me.

"Liana, I love and trust you," his words are calculated. "But I don't give a shit if it's Braxton hicks or hiccups, I'm phoning Michelle."

"Good idea," I reply as I fight to stay calm when I feel the wetness. "Forget everything I said. My water just broke."

It takes every inch of self-control not to panic when he gives the voice command to phone Michelle. Yes, childbirth is the most natural phenomenon but nothing about this pregnancy has been straightforward.

"How long until you're here?" Michelle asks calmly after Axel informed her about our situation.

"About forty-five minutes," he replies. "But I can push for thirty."

"That's not necessary," Michelle says. "There's no need to endanger anyone with speed. There's enough time and I'll be ready when you get here."

There is a moment of silence after he disconnects the call before the next contraction hits me.

"We should phone your parents," I try to think logically and push the pain to the back of my mind as I lean back against the seat. "And Drew and Carol. They need to bring my hospital bag."

"I'll do it," he grunts. "Just concentrate on keeping Wolfie inside until we're at the hospital."

Axel POV

My heart is racing by the time I stop at the hospital. I wanted to hyperventilate every time Liana had a contraction. I have been looking forward to this moment ever since she told me she was pregnant, but now that the time has come, I worry about losing them both and it scares the bejesus out of me.

Michelle opens the door before I can kill the engine and helps Liana out.

"We'll be in room one," Michelle says to me, and I nod before I park the car.

"Are we too late?" Dad comes running towards me with Drew and Carol on his heels.

"No," I force my strained facial muscles to smile. "They just took her to room one."

In silence, we walk to the room, and I am surprised to see Mother waiting for us. The nurse allows me inside while Mom, Dad, Drew and Carol are friendly being requested to wait outside. "What's all this?" I ask as I look at all the monitors in horror. I might not know much, but I do know this is not standard.

Liana looks slightly panicked as she is lying on a medieval contraption of a bed with her legs spread open. I rush to her side and take her hand in mine as I kiss her on her forehead. "We're monitoring both mom and baby," Michelle replies as she takes a seat in front of Liana. "Whether you like it or not, this birth is medical history in the wolf community." Liana cries out as a contraction gets hold of her and it feels like she is breaking every bone in my hand.

"You're doing great, love," I comfort her as I try to restore blood flow to my fingers.

"Can't you give her something for the pain?" I ask as I stroke Liana's hair.

"No time, Alpha," Michelle says urgently. "This baby is in a hurry. It usually takes much longer from first contraction to birth, but this little guy is eager to meet you."

"Is that good or bad?" I shout over Liana's screams.

"Luna," Michelle ignores me as she looks at Liana. "You're fully dilated, it's time to push, okay?"

Liana nods tiredly before she leans forward and pushes. I shout louder than her when she squeezes my hand.

"I see the head," Michelle says excitedly. "Another push."

Liana obeys and I feel hopeless that I cannot help. I hate seeing her in so much pain.

"One last big push," Michelle encourages and Liana groans as she pushes once more.

"It's done," Michelle laughs. "It's over, Luna."

Liana cries softly and she lays back in exhaustion.

"Come cut the umbilical cord, Dad," Michelle looks at me.

In awe, I walk closer and look at the messy bundle in her arms before I cut the cord. I feel dizzy and have lost all sensations in my hand as I watch the nurse take Wolfie to get cleaned up.

"Is that it?" I ask flabbergasted as I sit next to Liana and take her hand.

"What do you mean, is that it?" Liana glares at me. "It was fucking painful."

"No, no," I protest hastily as I kiss her. "I thought it was going to be longer."

"It usually is," Michelle replies. "Especially for the first time. I must admit, I didn't think it would go so smoothly. I have the OR on standby for an emergency c-section. You did good, Luna, really good." "Thank goddess this is over," Liana closes her eyes and relaxes.

"I'm so proud of you," I mumble emotionally as I lean over to kiss her. I have never felt so overwhelmed before in my life. Whatever Liana asks from me, I will give it to her. I will never be able to master the words or actions to tell her how grateful I am for the son she gave me.

"Excuse me," Michelle interrupts us, and I look up into the face of my son.

I laugh and cry simultaneously as Michelle places Wolfie into Liana's arms. She laughs happily as she nestles him closer to her chest.

"Does our young alpha have a name?" Michelle asks as she steps away.

"Connor," I mumble as I touch my son's cheek. "It means lover of wolves."

"Welcome to the world, Connor," Michelle smiles. "We'll give you a moment before we allow the grandparents to come in."

"Thanks," I mumble absentmindedly as I stare at Connor.

"He's so beautiful and perfect," Liana sighs as Michelle closes the door behind her.

"Just like you," I wipe the tears away before I lovingly kiss her.