Mel winked at Bram. “We’ll be back soon. Then Tristan, Fraser and I can watch Murray while you focus on Evie.”
Bram didn’t want to admit it, but Melanie was right. As much as he didn’t trust Fraser, Melanie and Tristan would protect wee Murray with their lives.
He nodded. Mel and Fraser left the room.
The second they were alone, Bram let his collected exterior down. “Tristan, how did you do it? Evie’s nowhere near birthing our child and both my nerves and dragon are frazzled.”
Tristan remained quiet for a second before replying, “She’ll need you and you do what you can.”
Bram raised an eyebrow. “You can pretend to be a distant arsehole with everyone else, but it won’t work with me, Tristan. Stop pretending and just tell me the truth. I’m your oldest friend. I deserve that much.”
“Honestly? You’re going to feel as if someone is ripping out your heart. The few seconds Melanie’s heart stopped beating were the longest and worst of my life. But I never gave up hope. Because the second you do, she’ll feel it and might give it up as well.”
Bram clapped his friend’s shoulder. “Then I won’t let Evie down.” He motioned with his head toward the living room. “I don’t usually drink alcohol, but I think I need some right about now.”
As they walked into the living room, Bram took comfort from Tristan’s presence. If Tristan and Melanie could survive birthing two babies, then Evie would be fine with one. Even if he had to perform CPR himself, he wouldn’t allow Evie to die.
His dragon spoke up. I’m glad you finally agree with what I’ve been saying the whole time.
Sometimes, dragon, a person needs to hear it from a second source as well.
His beast huffed. If you merely listen to me next time from the start, then it will save time. Remember that.
As his dragon retreated to the back of his mind, Bram took out a bottle of whiskey and poured two glasses. Just as he clinked glasses with Tristan, Evie screamed. Every iota of his being urged him to rush upstairs, but he didn’t want to interrupt Sid and Holly, or he’d face Sid’s wrath.
Tossing back his drink, Bram hated the fact he wasn’t able to control the situation.
Chapter Four
Sixteen hours later, Evie’s upper body was strapped to a hospital bed in Sid’s surgery and Bram wasn’t sure how much longer he could handle his beautiful mate contained and in so much pain.
Labor was bad enough, but Dr. Sid had put Evie on a magnesium sulfate IV drip several hours ago and ever since, his mate had trouble focusing and complained of feeling as if she was floating slightly out of her body.
Except for when a contraction hit. Then every straining muscle and stab of pain brought her screaming back.
Bram wiped her forehead with a damp cloth and murmured, “You’re nearly there, love.”
When all Evie did was sigh, Bram’s heart squeezed. What he wouldn’t give for her to have the strength to argue with him. If only he could do something—anything—to help ease his mate’s discomfort.
Sid’s authoritative voice filled the room. “The induction medication has nearly done its job, Evie. Let’s get the baby out so we can get your blood pressure back under control.”
Bram growled. “You need to work on your bedside manner, Sid.”
All Evie could do was squeeze Bram’s hand in hers. “No, I prefer the truth.”
Bram’s face softened and he kissed her forehead. “I just want you out of those straps and back in my arms, love.”
Sid jumped in. “And she will be once the baby is out and Evie’s vitals are within normal levels again.”
Bram ignored the doctor and focused on his mate. His dragon spoke up. I think the baby is ready to come out.
How do you know? You’re not a bloody psychic.
I sense our baby’s dragon. It’s impatient.
Even though a dragon-shifter’s dragon half couldn’t communicate with them until six or seven years old, even a baby sensed their other half lurking in the back of his or her mind. Dragons couldn’t talk with one another, but sometimes they did sense each other’s moods. To be honest, I’m impatient too.
Evie clenched his hand tightly and he focused back on his mate as she whispered, “Another one is coming.”