Series: Willow Winters
Total pages in book: 56
Estimated words: 51151 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 256(@200wpm)___ 205(@250wpm)___ 171(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 51151 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 256(@200wpm)___ 205(@250wpm)___ 171(@300wpm)
“We have so much to buy for them. If you’d called us, we would’ve had everything ready.” Jude huffs at the blonde’s joking admonishment. It dawns on me that they must’ve been talking through their pack bond while we were driving. “The guys are gonna watch the pups until we get back. Do you want anything in particular or can I have free rein to shop?” It takes me a moment to realize the question was directed at me. The perky blonde stares at me expectantly. I can’t help my blank stare. I don’t know what I expected, but this wasn’t it. I’m so out of my element and I don’t know what’s expected of me. I’m afraid if I say the wrong thing, I’ll be punished.
Jude’s hands brace my shoulders as he once again speaks over me. “Buy everything they need. Just don’t take too long.”
“Thirty minutes, tops.” She retorts, and her smile dims slightly as she looks back at me but she’s quick to correct it. I can only imagine what they’re saying through their bond.
My eyes focus on the floor as another round of pain settles in my lower back and works its way to my front. I have to close my eyes and suppress the low moan clawing at me to get out. They continue to talk, and I do my best to stay out of the way and stay quiet. I try my damndest to just get through this pain without alerting them.
I don’t know what to say. I’m grateful for their warm welcome, but I don’t understand it and my instinct is to leave. I open my mouth, but words fail to escape my dry throat. I suddenly feel cold, and I wrap my arms around my shoulders. I focus on the floor again, unsure of myself and what I should be doing.
“Would you like a shower, Lulu?” Hearing my nephew’s nickname for me from the handsome, masculine shifter forces a small, sad pang of a laugh from my lips.
After a moment I’m able to answer, “Lena.”
“Lena.” There’s a hint of awe in Jude’s voice and it commands me to look into his silver eyes. They’re soft and they call to me. Small wrinkles form around his eyes to make him look even more attractive. My body wants me to lean into his embrace, but I refrain from giving into the temptation. I’m tired and aching everywhere.
“Would you like a shower, Lena? We have clothes for you.”
Tears prick at the kindness, and I realize I may have thought the worst. I would give anything for a shower.
“Please.” I finally answer his question. He looks back at me with a mix of uncertainty and hopefulness.
“Please what?”
“The shower.” My voice is small as I tear my gaze away from his.
“This way.” His strong hand presses against the small of my back just as another false contraction rips through me. It’s more than irritating at this point. I walk through the pain and do my best not to let it get to me. I need to keep a level head and not get distracted. Jude rubs his hand along my back, and I find it relaxing and comforting. So much so that my eyes start to drift. I follow the sound of his shoes hitting the floor and let him lead me.
“Are you sure you wouldn’t rather have a bath?” His question makes me open my eyes and look up at him. A comforting smile plays at his lips, but concern is most evident on his handsome face.
I shake my head. I’m covered in filth. The river has been too cold for me to wash lately. I really need to clean myself. Of everything. “A shower please.” I can’t help that my words come out as though I’m begging. Quite frankly, I would beg if he asked me to or rather, if he demanded.
I don’t get the sense that he’ll be doing much asking. The thought sends a chill through my body. It’s been so long since I’ve even seen a shower. I’d give anything to be bathed in hot water. My head rocks as a wave of dizziness washes over me. At the same time another bout of pain nearly collapses my body. This one is much stronger than the last few. I have to stop and lean against the wall. Jude keeps his hands on me, and I find myself pushing him away. The pain in my legs makes me crouch forward to put pressure against my thighs. It feels so much better with the pressure from my hands, but my back still fucking hurts.
Jude waits patiently, gently rubbing my back even though I pushed him away. If he’s going to have his hands on me I wish he’d push harder. I need pressure to ease this pain. I can’t open my mouth to speak though, instead I just concentrate on breathing. For the first time I wonder if this is it, but my water hasn’t broken, so I doubt I’m truly in labor. I breathe through my nose as the contraction wanes, and I gain control of my composure again.