The contraction faded, leaving Alex trembling and breathing hard.
Lucas carried him before he could attempt to stand on his own—lifting him with careful, practiced arms, mindful of the enormous swell of his belly and the aching looseness of his hips. Alex didn't protest. There was no dignity left to protect when another wave was already building.
The birthing alcove was filled with soft furs layered three deep. Warm stones wrapped in cloth for his lower back. Extra leathers, clean and folded. A small water pool with fresh water. The herbs Sally had received from Moss few days ago in heart-lodge in wolf tribe—the ones meant for pain relief, for slowing bleeding, for encouraging swift delivery—were bundled and ready at the corner.
Lucas set Alex down and Naga's coils arranged around him with the efficiency of long practice. Better lighting. Warmer air. People who knew what they were doing, or at least knew what he needed.
