The Woodland Packs

“Great. Where is she?”

“This way.”

Claire directed me up the stairs to the bathroom, where Nevaeh was standing in the shower, naked and moaning softly, her eyes closed.

“Sweetheart, are you okay?”

She didn’t look okay.

“Um… I don’t know.”

She began to groan louder, her head hanging forward as she leaned against the wall with her hands outstretched on the cold tiles.

I turned to Claire. “What’s going on, Claire?”

“Nevaeh’s in the late stages of labour. She’s been having contractions all last night and today, but didn’t tell anyone. She should go to the hospital, but she doesn’t want to.”

“No… I don’t know… what… they’ll be.”

Claire ran her hand down Nevaeh’s back. “Your babies will be like mine. Healthy and human, Nevaeh.”

Nevaeh turned suddenly and grabbed Claire’s hand, her huge, swollen belly rippling under the stream of hot water.

“No. I have you. That’s all I need. Please, Claire… please… I…”

She broke off to groan and I turned away.

I needed Aaron, and Brad.

“Sweetheart, shall I go get the others?”

Nevaeh nodded but didn’t seem to be able to speak.

I turned to Claire. “What do I do?”

She smiled. “I have everything I need. I brought it all here from the hospital when my babies were born. I’ll stay here with Nevaeh, you go get your pack.”

“Okay.”

I stepped into the shower and kissed Nevaeh quickly on the side of her face.

“I won’t be long, beautiful.”

I turned to run, but Claire grabbed me. “Hurry. It won’t be too long now.”

I nodded and ran.

I found Brad at his parents’ place, and Aaron at one of the clothing shops, buying something for Nevaeh.

I’d never been so grateful that the town was so small.

“Quick. We’ve gotta go.”

They didn’t question me, they just followed.

By the time we got back to Claire’s house, Dex and the boys were camped in the lounge.

“Is she…”