I reacted

Nolan’s POV

Minx drove me crazy as I tried to avoid Emily. She was close to giving birth, and being near her would only make it harder to let her go when the time came. Every instinct urged me to stay, but I thought distance might help us both. Still, it tore me apart.

You’re making her sad, Minx said

"How would you know? Do you feel her wolf?" I asked Minx.

"I feel something!" he shouted at me.

Minx, leave me alone. I bolted through the forest. Snow lingered but mostly melted. Purple flowers poked through—I picked one for her and slipped it in my pocket.

I walked back to the room. Inside, she was curled up, sleeping. I threw a few more logs on the fire, then took my jacket off and placed it over her blanket.

I was tense—once she gave birth, Kaden would take her. I had a bad feeling, and Hunter still hadn’t told her the plan. He won’t escape with her. He’ll choose the pack.

She’ll be devastated, and I’ll have to pick up the pieces. I covered my face, lowering it—she stared back at me.

Nolan, please help me get up. I walked to her and helped her stand up. She grabbed her belly and squeezed my hand. Then the water broke.

Emily looked at me, please take a deep breath, I lay her back on the bed, and she screamed in pain. Minx was growling, and I bolted outside, screaming for a midwife.

I saw Kaden’s face as he was passing by. A smirk on his face. I wanted to lunge and beat him bloody.

Two elderly women walked in briskly, their concern evident. I followed them back inside, holding her hand. "Nolan, don’t leave me," she begged.

I will never leave you, Emily, I said, moving the hair off her face. She screamed again, holding my hand tight.

The midwives were talking to each other; they spread her legs. Okay, honey, push, baby is coming, one of them said to her.

I held her hand and met her eyes. She pushed, then sank onto the pillows. I wiped her sweat away.

Come on, Emily—one more push. Hold onto me. She screamed and pushed again.

How long is this taking? I shouted at the midwives after fifteen minutes. Minx growled in my head. I was irritated.

After three more pushes, the baby was out, and Emily looked exhausted. The small cry filled the air.

It's a boy, the midwife announced, handing her Hunter’s baby. I won’t lie, I’m jealous, I admitted to Minx.

Emily, he sighed. Mate.

"What the fuck, Minx, do you feel her wolf?" I asked.

"Yes," he said, and I paled. It seemed the air in the room wasn't enough. How is that possible? How did she give birth if she was a wolf?

"Minx, listen to me, tell me exactly what you feel." My thought got interrupted by Kaden.

A boy, great, next she’ll have mine, Kaden said. And then I reacted. Minx let out a growl, and I pushed him. Fuck. He stumbled, then got his balance back.

"Nolan, what the fuck is your problem? Do I need to…" Kaden said.

No, sorry, alpha. You’re right, I said, humbled. I just hoped he’d forget what happened.

"Kaden!" Isabella was calling him. "What are you doing?"

"I’m coming!" he shouted. "You need to chill, Nolan, and report to me every day. One month, she’ll recover; she’s mine." Then he left. And the midwives.

Once they were gone, I walked back into the room to see her breastfeeding the baby, her breast in his little mouth. I couldn’t look away. It felt so natural, so peaceful, but I hated myself for staring. I wanted to respect her, but some twisted hunger coiled in my chest. Was this how a mate was supposed to feel? Or was I crossing a line? Shame burned in me as I forced myself to look away. I wasn't sure if I hated myself more for my feelings or for not understanding them.

"Nolan," she said. Did you tell Hunter?"

Yeah, Ted told him. I placed another log on the fire. When I turned, she and the baby were asleep.

I took the baby and covered her, then moved him into the little wicker bassinet and covered him.

I collapsed on the mattress, mentally exhausted. Minx, what’s happening to me?

He sighed. I closed my eyes. Emily’s smiling face appeared. The dream was too good—I kissed her and touched her breast, unable to stop. Then the baby cried…

Through the blur, I opened my eyes. The baby was awake and hungry. I picked him up and sat on the bed. Emily, I softly touched her head.

Hmmm, she said, turning as her breasts were exposed. My breath caught, and I looked away, fighting the surge of want. I craved her, but guilt twisted inside. She needed care, not someone who couldn't control himself. I stared at the wall, ashamed, wondering if this was what it meant to be a mate, or if I was failing her by letting my feelings interfere.

Minx was thrashing inside me. Mate. Mine.

Emily, I said as I put the cover on her. Her eyes opened.

Nolan, thank you, she said, and took the baby, putting him on her breast as I stood there watching. Her eyes met mine, and her cheeks were turning pink.

I will give you privacy, I said, standing up.

"No, it's cold outside, stay. I will need a little blanket to cover…" she murmured.

I gave her an old, clean T-shirt of mine. Then went to the mattress and turned. No way I could sleep. It was silent. I got up and looked.

"Come sit with us, Nolan," she whispered. "Thank you for keeping me warm."

I reached into the pocket and gave her the flower. That smile she gave me was worth everything.