Heathen

after

Barre

"Barre!!!"

The sound that Elodie makes is otherworldly. It scrapes against my ears like a weapon of destruction. I rush to the cabin, throwing down my work as if it's wronged me. The animal hide and knife I wield go flying as I flee my hunting shed.

Rain pours around me, lightning lighting the sky with brilliant but dangerous light.

My ears strain as I run up the stairs. I knew I heard her call my name. She was desperate, loud. She needs me. And at a time like this, I can't risk anything.

Slamming the door open, I'm immediately met with Salsh, who proceeds to bark angrily at me. I shove past him, thundering through the house even as real thunder echoes my steps from the storm outside.

"Tiny?" I shout, glancing in the kitchen quickly before moving to the living room but my mate still escapes me. I continue to race until I catch her clutching the sides of the tub.

Her pale, smooth belly sticks out from the water, her face painted with pain.

"The baby.. The baby is coming." She bites out through clenched teeth. My mouth falls open. I don't know what to do for a moment. Its as if time itself has stopped around me, and I'm the only thing that can get it started again.

I push off the doorframe, my body gravitating towards her. Elodie immediately grabs at my hands trying to get me closer. I bend at the knees, lifting her very pregnant body from the bathwater. Her wet skin drips all over me, making my clothes stick to me.

"Barre, it hurts." She moans, clutching her big stomach.

Over the past months spent growing our kit, the doctor has assured me that it is very normal for childbirth to be painful. The reminder of the doctor has me turning to Salsh.

His ears are set upright, fully at attention as he watches me. At his side is a rasler pup I picked up recently, no taller than Salsh's tail. I decided since Elodie became heavy with child that we were in need of more protection when I'm not able to attend to her fully. Salsh has made it his mission to teach the young pup which Elodie has named Freddie. I tried to not react to the odd name.

"Salsh, fetch Doctor Johnston." I command, and he takes off running. Freddie follows closely behind, tripping over himself.

I carry Elodie to our room, slipping her naked body onto the blankets and pushing her face away from her face. Her orange strands stick to her freckle dotted cheeks. She's panting, and her green eyes are dull with agony.

My teeth clench together as she grips my hand with all her little strength will allow her.

"I wish I could take this pain on myself." I insist, shame gripping me as I watch my mate writhe in pain. I watch helplessly as her body tenses up. Her whole stomach hardens like a rock, the skin pulling across her belly as she tries to control her breathing.

"Aggghh."

"I know, I know." I murmur, petting her forehead. I have felt many kinds of pain, but I'm slowly realizing maybe I have not experienced anything like this. "You are a warrior. You are my little warrior."

She nods her head, but doesnt look convinced.

The door swings open, and my desperate eyes fly to the human female in the doorway. It's the doctor.

She's different from the other females I've met, but that is not a bad thing.

"Did her water break?" She barks the question at me, and I shoot her a desperate look at her.