Chapter 16

They were both so tired they slept through dinner and woke early next morning both feeling ravenous. Chrissy looked even weaker than she had the day before and let Nicolas help her bathe and get her ready for the day.

When she was ready he settled her on the bed downstairs and organised breakfast. Chrissy couldn’t seem to eat too much at one sitting so Nicolas made sure she had plenty of healthy snacks throughout the day. Christian came by with a casserole Gilbert made for them and stayed with Chrissy while Nicolas saw to a few things.

When he got back Chrissy was sitting in the back garden. Christian had surrounded her with cushions and covered her with a light blanket. Her eyes were closed and she was smiling softly.

“I’m talking to Kyle. Don’t laugh he stopped kicking me when I started talking to him.” Nicolas grinned and crouched in front of her so he could rest his hand on her stomach.

Chrissy opened her eyes and saw Christian about to disappear, “Thanks Christian!” she called after him.

Nicolas scooped her up and carried her inside. She thought he’d put her on the small bed downstairs but he kept moving up the stairs and didn’t stop until she was sitting comfortably on their bed.

“I have someone I want you to meet, someone you should have met some time ago.” Chrissy wasn’t sure who he meant until he started unbuttoning his shirt then she sat up wide eyed.

Nicolas tossed his shirt on the chair in the corner, kicked his boots off and undid the button and zipper on his jeans. Chrissy could feel her face flush but didn’t take her eyes off him.

He bent down and pulled off his socks then pushed his jeans down, kicking them aside. Commando never looked so good and Chrissy heard herself gulp! Nicolas must have heard her too because he was grinning at her.

“Chrissy you’re used to the little ones at the nursery shifting right?” she nodded and he continued, “it’s a little different with a full grown Were. You need to remain very still, no sudden movements and wait until I come to you. Hold your hand out and I’ll nuzzle it then you can pet me?”

She couldn’t find her voice so nodded and within moments a very large Wolf stood before her. He was dark grey, almost black and she could see a splotch of white on his belly. She did as he said and remained still. When he came closer to the bed she slowly lifted her hand and he nuzzled it.

Chrissy couldn’t help herself; she laughed and moved around so she could wrap both arms around him. He felt so soft and smelt just like Nicolas. She rolled her eyes knowing she was being silly and moved back onto the bed so he could join her.

Nicolas had wanted to share his Wolf with Chrissy for so long but he was worried she’d be afraid so he held off. He looked up at her and saw awe in her eyes. When she laughed and was clearly happy with what she was seeing he jumped onto the bed beside her and pushed her down onto the pillows so he could snuggle up with her.

Chrissy stroked his fur and wondered why on earth she’d been so afraid. “You are so beautiful Nicky. I’m sorry I was afraid of this side of you. They stayed that way for some time then late in the afternoon after they’d had a late lunch Nicolas sat beside her on the bed in the living room.

“Chrissy do you remember I said I hadn’t bought anything for you or the baby?” she nodded and went to speak but he held a finger to her cute little mouth. He kissed her nose, “I have a gift for us both. The reason the crib and cot weren’t brought here was because Eli and Nate are putting them in Kyle’s nursery in our own home. It’s finally finished and tomorrow we can start moving in.”

Chrissy squealed and wrapped her arms around him, “Our own home! Thank you Nicky, thank you so much,” then she kissed him with as much passion as she had in her, which considering her condition wasn’t a whole hell of a lot but Nicolas appreciated it.

Chrissy was so excited about their having their own home she wanted to start packing right away but Nicolas told her there was plenty of time. He’d organised for Christian, Eli and Nate to help.

That night they were in bed early not that they were really tired; they just wanted the closeness it gave them. Both seemed starved of it and basked in being together, being able to touch and hold each other.

Next morning they were up early and were already packing when Eli, Nate and Christian arrived. It wasn’t long before Taylor and Leith showed up too and they kept Chrissy company while the others moved their belongings into their new home.

Chrissy was surprised when they took the small bed in the living room until Nicolas explained that they were setting up a room downstairs for when she had the baby. She wasn’t sure how she felt about that but was grateful he’d thought of it.

In no time at all the men had everything moved and Chrissy was getting hyped about seeing the house. When Nicolas finally wrapped a quilt around her and scooped her up into his arms she squealed with excitement. Everyone laughed and followed them to the house; they’d all helped in building it for Chrissy and wanted to see her reaction when she saw it for the first time.

The house was set back in a small clearing close to the bush that backed onto the main area of the Compound. Chrissy gasped when she saw it then laughed and kissed Nicolas on the cheek, “A white picket fence and a front garden! It’s beautiful; I can’t wait to see inside.”

Chrissy found inside to be even better than she thought it would be. The living room was large and comfortable with overstuffed couches and arm chairs with scatter cushions on them. There was a smaller room just off the living room that had been set up for when Chrissy had the baby, she walked past it not wanting to think about giving birth just yet.

The kitchen was spacious and also light and airy making her smile. She loved the kitchen already and knew she’d spend a lot of time there cooking and baking. She stopped walking, froze in her tracks as the thought came to her, I might never get the chance to truly make this place mine… ours.

Nicolas sensed what she was feeling and whispered in her ear, “Wait until you see upstairs my little gem.”

There were three bedrooms upstairs the master, the nursery and a guest room. Chrissy made a b-line for the nursery and as she moved around touching the crib and the other furnishings tears sprang from her eyes.

“Thank you so much all of you this room is perfect.” She turned and found Nicolas behind her and rested her hand on his chest for a moment. When she pulled back from him she saw everyone watching her, a smile on each of their faces. Then she heard a familiar voice calling from downstairs.

“Chrissy, Nicolas we’ve come baring gifts… well lunch that is. Come down while it’s still fresh.” That kind of cleared the hallway up stairs and Nicolas lifted Chrissy and carried her down to kitchen where everyone had gathered.

Braedon and Gilbert were waiting to greet her and she gave them both a hug before they all sat at the kitchen table to help themselves to the array of sandwiches that Gilbert had prepared. She leaned into Nicolas beside her, “This is the best housewarming ever!”

Chrissy avoided Braedon’s eyes knowing a part of her would have wanted both Kasey and Jaz there. She looked around the room and realised that these men and boys had become her family and she felt blessed.

Chrissy spent the next few days getting to know her new home. Nicolas was there as much as possible and when he had to see to business he made sure someone was with her at all times. She seemed a great deal calmer now and Nicolas worried that she’d accepted her fate, a fate he wasn’t about to let happen.

When Chrissy had settled in to her new home she started thinking about what was to come, she needed to make some decisions and she needed to talk to Nicolas about them. When they were finally alone one afternoon she pulled him to the couch and had him sit next to her.

“Nicky we need to talk about what’s going to happen when I have the baby.” She waited for him to say something and when he just nodded she kept going.

“If… I mean after I have the baby I’m not gonna be in any condition to look after him, so I was thinking maybe we should have someone move in to take care of things. Just until I’m on my feet again, what do you think?”

“I think that’s a good idea. You need to rest as much as possible, so perhaps we could get someone to help out now. That way you can relax and not worry about what you can’t do.” Chrissy nodded and he continued, “I’ll have Elena come see you she may know of someone.”

“Thanks Nicky,” she snuggled up closer to him needing his closeness and he stroked her hair and watched as she slowly drifted off into a light dose.

Nicolas sent a silent message to Elena asking her to visit with Chrissy as soon as possible. He only hoped she’d know of someone Chrissy would feel comfortable with then he carried her up to bed and sat beside her just watching.

He was terrified about the upcoming birth, he knew she wanted to stay human but if it came to it he wasn’t sure he could let her go. He’d waited several lifetimes to find her and he wasn’t about to lose her now that he’d finally found her.

Elena arrived late in the afternoon and insisted on making tea for them both. They sat and talked for a while catching up and Chrissy realised how much she’d missed her, “I’m sorry I shut you out of my life Elena, things have been so…”

“Don’t give it another thought Chrissy, I’m here now and I want to help however I can. What do you need?”

Chrissy was overwhelmed and moved to give her friend a hug, “Thank you. I need someone to help me here at the house, someone who’s willing to live in. I umm,” she sighed, “I don’t know how things are going to play out when I have the baby and I need someone I trust to look after him.”

Elena looked at her then, really looked and realised the situation for what it was. “My niece Erica has recently returned to the Pack, she’s cared for families in several different Packs. I’m sure she’d be willing to help out.”

 “Would she be willing to move in now?”

“How about we find out?” she was quiet for a moment then, “she’s on her way.” So they sat quietly sipping tea until there was a knock on the door.

Erica turned out to be exactly what Chrissy needed and they seemed to connect right off making it easier for her to make a decision. “I’d like you to work for me… for Nicolas and I. You’d have to move in now and to be honest I’m not sure how long…”

“I’d be honoured to work for you Chrissy and if you like I can move in first thing tomorrow?”

“I need to know I can trust you Erica, that no matter what happens or what is said in my home or with my family that it’ll go no further?”

“I know how to be discrete Chrissy, when I work for a family I behave as though I’m part of that family and that’s where my loyalties lie.”

Chrissy smiled, “I’d like very much if you moved in tomorrow Erica. Why don’t you go take a look around the house, get yourself familiar with the place?” and she did just that.

The next two weeks seemed to fly by. Erica quickly settled into their routine and both she and Nicolas worried at how badly Chrissy’s health was deteriorating. Everyone was worried about her and kept a closer eye on her.

Nicolas made sure she had someone by her side at all times and even Kasey tried to make contact with her through their private mind link but was unable to do so. Chrissy had been blocking her since the last time she saw her, she missed her friend but was nowhere near ready to forgive her.

Nicolas had taken to going about his duties each morning then spending the rest of the day with Chrissy. Eli and Nate were taking up the slack and would do so until Nicolas was ready to return to his duties fulltime. It was during one of these mornings that Chrissy asked Erica to get a message to Braedon letting him know she wanted to see him.

Braedon got there as quickly as he could hoping she was alright. When he arrived he was relieved to find Erica making tea for them and Chrissy sitting at the kitchen table waiting for him.

“Chrissy you wanted to see me?”

Erica placed a pot of tea on the table and announced she was going for a short walk then left them alone to talk. Braedon sat down opposite Chrissy and watched as she poured tea for the both.

“Thank you for coming Braedon, I needed to talk to you without Nicolas here,” she looked up at him and he saw worry in her eyes. He nodded and waited for her to continue, “I can’t talk to Nicolas about what might happen, he won’t talk about my… my death.”

She looked him in the eye, “We both know I have a slim chance of surviving the birth. I don’t want your Enforcers to have to hunt him down if I don’t. I need you to do whatever you have to do to keep him focused on the here and now. He’ll have a son that’s going to need him…”

“Chrissy I promise I’ll do whatever it takes to keep him with us. He’s my brother and I don’t want to lose him either.”

Chrissy nodded and handed him an envelope. Braedon looked at her curiously, “If I die Nicolas won’t be in any condition to know what to do. I’ve written down what I want, where I want to be buried, what music I want played and messages to those I love.”

Braedon was speechless; he looked from Chrissy to the envelope and back again. “It’s alright Braedon I’ve pretty much accepted what’s going to happen and I trust you to follow my final wishes. I know I’ve never said anything before but you’ve kind of been like the big brother I never had. It was nice to feel like I was a part of your family for a while… thank you.”

“Chrissy you sound like you’re saying goodbye,” he shook his head. “I’ve told Nicolas and now I’ll tell you, if anyone can survive this I believe it’s you.” He grinned wickedly, “you are far too stubborn to let this take you.”

Chrissy smiled which is what he wanted then they both sat quietly and sipped their tea. After a few minutes Braedon reached over and took her hand. “How is Erica working out?”

“She’s been wonderful; she keeps the house in order and even manages to boss Nicolas around at times. She’s attentive and caring and trustworthy. I’ve asked her to stay on and care for Kyle after I’ve gone. She’ll be at the birth and will take charge of him as soon as Jaz gives him the all clear.”

“Nicolas?”

“He doesn’t know; I’ve put that in the envelope as well. You’ll probably have to fight Kasey but this is how I want it.”

“I’ll make sure your wishes are followed Chrissy but I’m hoping there won’t be a need to even open this envelope.”

They finished their tea in silence and when Braedon stood to leave Chrissy got up to walk him out. Erica had returned and Braedon needed to attend to a few things. He gave her a hug and promised he’d do as she asked.

That afternoon Erica was making a fuss of Chrissy wanting her to look her best for when Nicolas came home. Chrissy was not ever going to feel her best not until after she had the baby but Erica had been so helpful that she didn’t have the heart to dampen her enthusiasm.

So it was that when Nicolas came home that afternoon she was looking the best she was going to look with a beach ball for a stomach! Nicolas had a huge grin on his face looking suspiciously like he was up to something; she raised a brow and waited.

“I have a surprise for you my little gem,” then he turned to the door and Father Joseph moved into the doorway. For a moment she froze in place then squealed!

Father Joseph came forward and gave her a hug and a kiss on the cheek, “I was told you wished to be married before you had your baby?”

Chrissy looked from Father Joseph to Nicolas and burst into tears. Nicolas was there immediately to comfort her. “I’m sorry Chrissy the last thing I wanted to do was upset you.”

“You didn’t upset me Nicky, I’m just so happy that you did this for me,” then she pulled him to her as best she could and held him tight.

Father Joseph married Chrissy and Nicolas that afternoon. Erica, Christian, Eli, Nate as well as Taylor and Leith were there as witnesses. Chrissy had always wanted to have Kasey with her when got married, just as she’d been there for her and it saddened her that things had turned out the way they had.

Chrissy looked at Nicolas then the others there and smiled softly, this was enough. Nicolas would know she loved him and her son would have his name. Father Joseph left that evening but not before promising to Christen Kyle when he was old enough to bring to Sydney.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Over the next few days Chrissy became increasingly agitated, she was getting a great deal of back pain and couldn’t get comfortable no matter how she sat or laid. Nicolas massaged her back and did his best to sooth her. She was losing weight which was making her weaker and both Nicolas and Erica were at a loss as to what to do for her.

Nicolas was up early intending to go speak with his sister about Chrissy. He’d just finished dressing when he heard Chrissy moving around, she sounded like she was in pain and he rushed to her side.

“Chrissy what’s wrong?”

“I’m just uncomfortable Nicky and my back hurts.”

Nicolas sat on the bed and massaged her back until she settled. He wasn’t sure if he could take much more of her like this, but feared more the upcoming birth. He finally settled Chrissy downstairs on the couch and made sure she ate something. He was more than pissed that he’d been called to the training centre to deal with some issue and waited quietly for Taylor and Leith to arrive.

Erica had headed out early with a few of the women to get groceries; she wanted to stock up while she had the chance. The boys took advantage of the situation wanting to spend time with Chrissy and took care of her every need. They even carried her up to the bathroom when she needed to go, although they would deny ever doing so if asked.

Chrissy was restless, she wanted to go for a walk and when she tried to get up off the couch both boys rushed to her aid. They were both careful with her and she let one of them help support her as she walked around. Chrissy’s back was hurting again and no matter how she sat or laid the pain seemed to get worse.

She walked or perhaps waddled was a more accurate description around the living room and then through to the kitchen. As she approached the kitchen table she bent over in pain grabbing hold of the side of the table and tried to control her breathing. Both boys approached warily.

“Chrissy are you alright?” they both spoke softly worried that something was wrong.

Chrissy gasped and kept trying to breathe through the pain not able to answer either of them. Suddenly they heard a gushing sound and Leith took a couple of steps back.

“Shit!”

“What?” Taylor asked.

“Look at the floor man. It’s amniotic fluid!”

Taylor looked at him as if he were crazy. “What the hell does that mean?”

“Chrissy’s water broke, she’s gonna have the baby!”

“Dude, how do you even know that word?”

“I’ve been reading up on it… just in case.”

“Hey! I’m still here guys and I could use some help.”

They immediately turned back to Chrissy and even though they were both freaking out they stayed as calm as they could. “What do you want us to do?” said Leith.

“Taylor rub my lower back. Leith mop the floor so no one slips and hurts themselves.” They looked at her all but frozen to the spot. “Now!” she all but yelled and that’s when they moved.

Chrissy called out to Nicolas through their mind link and for the first time in weeks she opened herself to Kasey. It’s time!

It was all she could manage but those two words brought everyone that mattered into action. Kasey sent out the same message to the entire Pack and Braedon, Jaz, Jacob and several of the Enforcers made their way to Chrissy.

Moments or what felt to Chrissy like hours later Nicolas came barrelling through the front door and came to an abrupt halt at what he saw. He looked first at Leith who was busily mopping the floor then to Taylor and what he was doing to his mate.

Nicolas growled and not softly. “Why are you man-handling my mate!”

“Nicky I swear to god if you hurt him I’m gonna thump the shit outa you! Taylor keep rubbing!”

Nicolas moved to her side, “Jaz and Kasey are on their way. What can I do?”

Chrissy looked up at him with big sad eyes. “I don’t know Nicky, I hurt so owwww…” she screamed and Taylor held her hips to steady her until the pain passed. He looked up at Nicolas unsure if he should move away from Chrissy or not.

Nicolas saw fear in his eyes and took a step back from them both. “You’re helping Chrissy Taylor, keep it up. I’m so nervous at the moment I’m afraid I might do more harm than good.” Taylor smiled and went back to gently rubbing her back.

A moment later they heard audible gasps and Nicolas turned to see Eli, Nate and Christian all standing in the doorway watching in fascination as a juvenile massaged Chrissy’s back. Nicolas knew when this was over he’d never live this down but right then he didn’t care.

He shook his head trying desperately to stay in control; he turned to see if Leith was finished, “What did you spill on the floor?”

“Umm…” Leith looked at Chrissy and his face turned scarlet.

It took a minute but everyone clued into what had happened and exactly what he’d been mopping up. He opened his mouth to say thank him when Jaz, Kasey, Braedon and Gilbert rushed in. Chrissy looked up and saw everyone. She rolled her eyes, “The only one missing is Jake.”

She shook her head knowing she’d spoken too soon because Jacob came through the back door almost slipping on the still wet floor. Chrissy couldn’t help it she started to giggle then Leith and Taylor joined her.

Their laughter was cut short by another contraction; the pain now moving from her back to her front and Chrissy almost collapsed with the severity of it. Jaz moved forward and spoke softly to her.

“Chrissy when the pain eases off I’m going to get Nicolas to carry you into the room he prepared for the birth.” She nodded still trying to breathe through the pain.

Once Nicolas got Chrissy settled on the bed she took his hand and gave it a squeeze. “The boys, they were so good Nicky they did all the right things. I know you’re gonna tell them to leave but I want to see them first.”

He nodded and a moment later Leith and Taylor came in and stood beside the bed. “Thank you both you did good.” She smiled and as she reached out to them they each took one of her hands. “You’re gonna make great Uncles. I’m depending on you guys to show Kyle how to have fun.” Then she whispered, “just not too much fun or his other Uncles will be chasing after all three of you.”

She saw tears in their eyes and gave their hands a squeeze. “You better go so we can get this show on the road.” They moved forward then and hugged her as best they could. “I love you both, don’t ever forget that okay.” Then they were gone.

Chrissy looked towards the doorway and saw Kasey ushering everyone else out of the room. She turned to Nicolas. “They’ll wait out on the porch; no one will want to leave until they know both you and Kyle are safe.” She nodded then grimaced as another contraction hit.

Nicolas was pushed aside so Jaz could checked her over and tensed up when she realised how close she was to the actual birth. Things had moved along a lot faster than she’d anticipated… too quickly if Chrissy was reading her right.

“What?” Chrissy needed to know what was going on, what to expect and so did Nicolas. He growled and Jaz turned to him realising she had to be as open and honest about what was happening or she might just lose her brother and his mate as family completely.

“Chrissy shouldn’t be this far along.” She turned back to Chrissy, “How long have you been in pain?”

Chrissy blinked unsure of what to tell her, then Nicolas spoke, “She’s been in pain for days now but it was her back that was hurting, she wasn’t getting contractions.”

Jaz sighed. “Sometimes a woman will get back pain instead of the normal contractions. Chrissy your about to have your baby.” She smiled down at her friend and sadness swept over her knowing that she might not make it.

“Nicky stay with me?”

“Always my little wife!”

Nicolas ignored the looks he got from Kasey and Jaz; they needed to focus making sure both Chrissy and Kyle were safe. Jaz did an internal examination and realised that the baby wasn’t in the right position, he was breach and it also felt like the cord wasn’t where it should be. She looked at Kasey and Nicolas growled. “Tell me!”

“The baby is in the wrong position and… and…” she sighed, “I think it will be safer if we do a caesarean. I don’t think Chrissy will be able to handle a natural delivery.” She turned and as if on cue Chrissy cried out in pain.

Nicolas nodded. “Do what you need to do.”

“Don’t knock me out Jaz; I want to see my baby born. I want to hold him just once before… owwww…”

“Kasey can you help with the pain, there’s no time for an epidural?”

Kasey came up next to Chrissy. “Hey,” she began, “I need to hold your hand so I can keep as much of the pain away as possible. You okay with that?”

Chrissy turned to Jaz, “Tell me,” she all but whispered.

“I need to cut you open Chrissy. It’s the only way I can be sure that you will both be alright.”

She turned back to Kasey. “Do it!”

As Nicolas took her other hand Chrissy saw Erica slip into the room and gave her a slight nod. “Chrissy look at me, keep your eyes focused on me and I’ll let you know when you can hold our son. That’s it my little gem, hold steady and this will be over very soon.”

“Nicky!” she screamed and Nicolas had to hold her down as Kasey tried to stem the pain and Jaz worked as quickly as she could to open her up and remove the baby.

Nicolas never took his eyes from hers, he held her down knowing that whatever Kasey was doing it wasn’t enough. He saw the pain in his little mate’s eyes as she did her best not to cry out, but in the end couldn’t stop the screams that erupted uncontrollably from her.

There was so much blood even Chrissy could smell it and panic set in as she began to feel as if she were floating away from everyone. “Nicky!”

Then she heard it, Kyle’s first cry! He was alive, he was safe and that was all that mattered to her in that moment.

She heard a Wolf howl first one then another and another. “Nicky?”

“They are greeting our son Chrissy, they are welcoming Kyle to the Pack.”

Chrissy started to look around her and Nicolas realised she wanted to see Kyle. “Jaz have you finished with him?” she nodded and handed the baby to Chrissy.

“Oh my goodness Nicky look at what we did!” she smiled softy and tears streamed down her face. “My beautiful baby boy he looks like a Kyle doesn’t he?”

“Yes Chrissy he does and I’m sure he’ll grow into his other names also.”

Chrissy could feel herself falling and turned to Erica. She moved to Chrissy and Nicolas move back enough so she could take hold of the baby. “I will watch over him for you with the utmost care.” then she kissed Chrissy on the cheek before taking the baby and leaving the room.

Both Kasey and Jaz looked at Nicolas in shock but kept working on Chrissy. Nicolas hadn’t touched the baby and he let someone other than family take the boy from him.

Nicolas kept his entire focus on his mate. He would not lose her and when he sensed Jaz tense up his heart actually stopped beating. He growled low and deep and Chrissy heard buzzing in her head and knew things had gone badly.

“Nicky it’s alright. Kyle’s safe, that’s all that matters.” She smiled up at him, “you have a son Nicky. He’s gonna need you.” She laughed, “Who else can tell him so much about his mother.”

She shook her head, “I’m sorry I wasn’t strong enough…” she saw darkness at the edge of her vision and caught her breath, she didn’t want to go yet, she wanted just a few more minutes.

Nicolas sat on the edge of the bed ignoring the blood and pulled Chrissy into his lap, “You are my mate, my wife and I won’t let you go so easily… forgive me my little gem,” then he lowered his face to her neck as he brought his Wolf to the fore.

His jaw elongated, his fangs protruded and he bit down on her neck so quickly and with so much force that no one not even Braedon would have had time to stop him. He had expected her to cry out in pain or to yell at him to stop, but she didn’t. Chrissy lay in his arms and feel into a darkness no one truly expected her to come back from.