Chapter 39

~Aaden POV~

I gripped Derek's hand as yet another contraction hit, lasting for a few seconds before dissipating slowly. "They're getting closer together." He mumbled miserably, laying his head against my shoulder. My first reaction was to snap at him, to tell him that he had no right being miserable when I was the one going through this. But I pulled it back, realizing that he hadn't slept in hours either, and although he wasn't physically feeling the pain, our bond made sure to do a number on him. "I know, but Silas said not to worry about anything until my water broke. It should be soon. Then our son will be here before we know it." "It's going to be horrible," he said. "Thanks for the vote of confidence," I grumbled, "I'm aware of that, just be glad that you don't have to do it. It'll be worthwhile."

Although, I was having trouble remembering that when it felt like my insides were being ripped apart. I guessed, in a way, they were.

Galen kicked me pretty good, making me suck in a breath and squeeze Derek's arm. "I know darling," I said aloud, "It hurts me too." "Kicking again?" "Yeah, he wants out, and I don't blame him. It's not just me the contractions are affecting." As my belly tightened again, Galen delivered a sharp blow to my bottom left rib, making me cry out. "Shh," I murmured, rubbing him and biting my bottom lip. "The closer the time gets, the less I like this," Derek admitted, placing a strong hand on my stomach.

I really wanted to have Silas check everything out again. He'd stated though that there was nothing much he could do until my water broke, and damn I hoped that was soon. According to four hours ago, I'd dilated one centimeter, but Silas wasn't entirely sure that I could have him naturally. If it just so happened, Galen's impatience could seal our deaths. The idea of Galen trying to use his claws to get out of me terrified me, and if he accidentally killed me in the middle of my giving birth, I wasn't sure there would be anything Silas could do.

I tried to relax as another contraction hit, but the pain was nearly unbearable this time. I leaned forward, refusing to cry out, and tried to settle my trembling limbs. But the pain crested, and a painful bubble settled in my pelvic area. I couldn't even call out to Derek, who had risen to go get some coffee. I stood, hoping to ease the cramping, but it remained horrible and I leaned, gripping the edge of the headboard of the bed. I grunted, struggling against the pain, when it released suddenly, and about three seconds later, I felt warm liquid rush down my thighs, covering my feet. Thank God!

I felt scared, but excitement consumed me instantly also. It would be hours before I did the biggest job known to man, and I had more of a chance of dying than anyone I'd ever known, but my son would be here. Suddenly, I wanted my mother. She should have been able to come, but she wasn't even aware of my pregnancy. It was too dangerous.

To distract myself, I stood and went to grab a towel. I cleaned up the mess on the floor and threw the towel in the dirty clothes before stepping out. I was incredibly grateful to see Derek sleepily coming back up the stairs. "Oh, Derek," I said, relieved. "Babe, you need to be resting." He said. "My water just broke," I said, bracing myself for another contraction. "What?!" Alarm colored his voice, his eyes wild with new terror. "My water just broke," I repeated, "please, help me down to Silas's room."

Silently, Derek set down the cups on the little end table outside our door and wrapped a strong arm around me. We walked carefully down the stairs and knocked on Silas's door. "Come in!" He said, sounding anxious.

"Hey again, Silas." I said, trying to smile regardless of Galen's sudden rampant kicking. "Aaden." He said, noticing Derek's paled face, "Has it happened?" "Yes, about five minutes ago now." "Please, lay down." He said, and I obliged, trying to relax. "I need to see how far along you've gotten."

"That's three centimeters now, Aaden, you're progressing quickly." Silas was washing his hands again. "Derek," I said, tired, "Go let everyone know. I need them to be listening out." I mustered a smile. "I don't really want to leave you." He said, not arguing, but more like stating a fact. "Then be quick," I said, leaning up to press a chaste kiss to his lips. I felt his light growl ripple deep in his chest, but he went. It gave me the minute I needed with Silas.

"What are my chances of having Galen naturally?" I asked. Silas's posture went rigid, but he turned to me. "Greatly at this point. I would prefer to just go ahead and give you a cesarean section, but you're progressing too fast. All we can hope is that he'll cooperate."

~Derek POV~

Going to tell everyone that my wife was literally inches from possible death was the last thing I wanted to do. I wanted to be with her until the kid got here, to make sure I could do everything possible to save her. I knew she'd need it, there was no question about that. Galen was too strong. He'd been beating her from inside out persistently for almost a week now, since her little bits of contractions had started.

After I'd made my rounds, my wolves were very aware of the way I was feeling, so they made no small talk or gossip. It was evident that the Luna's life was at stake. I was ashamed to feel a tiny spark of pride at realizing that within hours, their future Alpha would be born. When my time came to step down from leading, I wouldn't forgo my title until I died, as my father had, but Galen would be the one they answered to. The child within Aaden would one day be in my shoes, if we survived this war. Hopefully, though, we'd win and he'd never have to question the good of his pack for the sake of their freedom.

Aaden's shrill scream interrupted every thought I could have had and then some. My wolves came to attention immediately, standing in instinct to defend. "Settle," I told them, sadness suddenly overcoming me, though I didn't show it, "this was to be expected. She'll be like this until the baby is here. I know you can't ignore it, but do not interfere. Silas needs to concentrate and the Luna has a huge job ahead. Aaden could die tonight," I hid my emotions, burying them deeply even though they sliced my heart into ribbons, "I need every one of you to remain calm. I'm aware that yet another full moon is upon us. If you feel like you might lose control, go to the basement pronto. You're my family, all of you, but I will not have the Luna or your future Alpha endangered by bullshit because you thought you could tough it out, and I'll kill you on spot if you change and make your way up there."

My wolves surprised me then. In one motion, all of them sat and bowed their heads in submission. This was a united sign of respect and I stomped down the feeling of being choked up. "Send every prayer up you know guys," I said in a dismissive tone, "your Luna will need it."

I clapped my hand over my forehead, trying to push away the thoughts of Aaden's suffering. If I could go through this for her, I would. I met Farren and Spencer halfway up the stairs. "How is she?" I asked, weary from the answer they had yet to give.

"She's in a lot of pain. She progressing unnaturally fast. Silas just said she's already dilated to four centimeters. He's giving her everything he can for pain, and it doesn't seem to be working." Farren's voice was distraught, her eyes discreetly wet with unshed tears. I sighed. "We knew this was coming Far, there's nothing we can do. All we can do is wait it out."

"I know, but…" Farren completely blew me away by what she did next. I had known her for almost twenty years, and never once had I seen her cry. But she turned, hiding her face into Spencer's chest, and let out the saddest sound I had ever heard in my life. It wasn't quite a sob, but like she was searching for air. She'd never cared so deeply for someone, and now she was facing losing them.

I wasn't the only one who might lose someone tonight.

**Hey everyone. The upcoming chapter won't be a fun one, but we'll get through this! I hope you're all enjoying! R&R and have a good one!**