The Lost Pack (Paige) novel Chapter 232

** Paige’s POV **

Callen is already moving, like the baby might come out in the next few seconds. “Okay, everyone stay calm. Parker, get the bags. Ryder, you take Jax to Regina’s. Remy…

Remy do something useful!”

“I am useful,” Remy growls.

Ryder’s voice is too steady. “Paige, tell me what you’re feeling.”

I inhale slowly, trying to read my own body. Just when I’m about to tell them it was a false alarm, another tightness – rolls through me, stronger this time, making my breath catch.

“Oh,” I breathe.

Parker is beside me in an instant, his hand steady against my lower back. “Was that a contraction?”

Callen points at Parker. “Don’t say that word like it’s casual!”

Jaxon sprints back to the kitchen wearing his coat and one boot, whilst clutching the other to his chest. “I’m ready!”

“That’s my boy,” Ryder laughs.

Remy comes to stand in front of me and cups my face gently, forcing my gaze to his. “Paige.”I try to swallow down the unexpected emotions, but excitement, fear, and awe swirl through me as I finally accept this is it, it’s really happening.

“I think it’s time,” ladmit, my voice shaking with nerves as flashbacks of the pain of Jaxon’s birth rush in.

Isn’t it strange that I’d totally forgotten just how painful it was until right now? I remember it not being easy and hurting a lot, but now I remember just how much, and that scares me a little.

The bond flares bright, steady, and unbreakable. Like it’s reminding me I’m not alone this time as my mates flood me with strength and a cool, calm energy.

Callen goes pale. “Oh my goddess. It’s happening.”

“We’re having a baby,” Parker grins.

“Finally,” Ryder beams as he helps Jax into his second boot.

Remy presses his forehead to mine, looking vulnerable for the first time in months. “You’re safe,” he whispers. “We’ve got you.”

Another contraction hits, and this one makes me grip the counter, a gasp ripping from me before I can hold it back. I don’t remember it progressing this fast with Jaxon.

Callen makes a strangled kind of sound and shakes his head. “Nope. I hate it. I hate that you’re in pain. Tell me what to do, I’ll fight the universe to get you out of pain if Ihave to.”

I laugh through the discomfort, because of course he would, he’d do anything for me.

“Callen,” I manage, “if you fight the universe, who’s going to hold my hand?”

He freezes, his eyes going wide, then rushes to my side like he’s been summoned. “Me. I’m holding your hand. I’m holding both hands. I’m holding whatever you need me to.”

Remy grabs the go-bag from by the door like he’s been waiting for this moment since the day we found out.

Parker is already calmly checking his phone and counting timing under his breath. Ryder crouches down to Jaxon’s level and whispers something to him that makes Jaxon’s face go serious in the sweetest way.

“Okay,” Jaxon nods. “I will be brave.”

My heart swells so hard it hurts.

I breathe through the next contraction, then lift my head, looking at my guys… my mates, my son, and I feel it. The future we fought for. The life we carved out for ourselves, and now it’s here.

“Okay,” I say, my voice shaking a little. “Let’s get to the healers cabin before I decide I need pickled onions again.”

Callen looks a little lost as he looks between me and the door. “Should we carry you?””No, I can walk,” l insist, taking a cautious step towards the door.

“Would it not be easier to…” Remy starts.

“I can walk,” I insist again, even as Callen’s hands hover like he’s one bad step away from scooping me up and sprinting into the woods.

I make it across the hall and Parker pulls open the door, a warm breeze brushes over my skin, and then…

“Oh.”

It’s not pain at first. It’s a release of pressure followed by warmth. It’s sudden, unmistakable, and completely mortifying. I freeze… everyone freezes. There’s a beat of silence where my brain refuses to catch up with my body.

Then I look down at the spreading wetness at my feet.

“My waters just broke,” I whisper.

Chaos. Actual, full-blown chaos as they all move around me in a blind panic.

“The baby is coming! It’s coming now! Someone get towels, and hot water, and… what else do we need?”

“Paige, are you sure?” Ryder asks cautiously.

“Yes,” I hiss, as another contraction slams into me without warning. This one is brutal, stealing the air from my lungs.

Another contraction hits, and I can’t stop the cry that tears out of me. My hands clutch at Ryder’s arms, my nailsdigging in.

Remy swears. “She’s not waiting minutes.”

As if summoned by panic and fate combined, the door bursts open and Jake skids to a halt, his eyes taking in the scene. “Well, this escalated quickly”

“Fix it,” Callen pleads. “Please.”

Jake drops his bag and moves fast. “Paige, hi. Okay, I need you to tell me exactly what you’re feeling.”

I swallow, tears burning my eyes. “Pressure, a lot of pressure.”

“Yep. That will be baby-on-the-way pressure,” Jake grimaces sympathetically.

Callen looks like he might faint. “Is this a bad time to say I don’t feel good?”

“Yes,” Ryder snorts.

Jake snaps on blue, latex gloves. “ALl right. Someone get . her pants off, I don’t think this baby is waiting.”

Before anyone can move, the door opens and Leo steps inside, taking in the scene in one quick glance. He looks concerned for a second, but then his gaze softens when it lands on Jaxon.

“Hey, buddy,” Leo says gently, crouching down in front of him. “Why don’t you come with me for a minute? We’ll get your mum a drink. It’s really important that she stays hydrated for the baby.”

Jaxon looks between me and my mates and I force a smile through the pain and reach for him. “That would be a great help, Jax. I’ll see you really soon, okay?”

He nods, swallowing hard. “Okay, I’ll be fast.”

Jake exhales. “Okay: Now we can focus. Paige, when the next contraction comes, I want you to push, but only when I tell you. Can you do that for me?”

I nod, clinging to Parker’s hand like it’s an anchor as Ryder pulls my leggings and underwear from me. “Okay.”

Remy presses his forehead to mine, his voice rough but steady. “You’re incredible, Paige. I’m going to be right here with you every second.”

The bond surges, warm, bright, and unbreakable, wrapping around me like a shield.