by Rayna Tyler
Mitch
The hospital in Hanover had a special floor designated for treating shifters, one very few humans knew anything about. Over the course of Leah’s pregnancy, I’d learned quite a bit about what to expect. Other than a shorter gestation period—usually around seven months—and a quicker delivery time, birthing was no different than it was for humans.
Bryson had arrived shortly after we did, looking excited yet pale. He hadn’t been happy when I’d called and told him Leah had accompanied us to the Bradshaw residence. He’d muttered something about crazy relatives before ending the call with a growl. I was afraid he’d be worse by the time he arrived at the hospital, and was glad when one of the nurses ushered him into the private delivery room with Leah.
Berkley was currently on the phone chatting with Jac. She’d already talked to Preston and Reese to give them an update. Hannah and I were glad when she’d told us the males had volunteered to go by my house and collect Avery so we wouldn’t have to deal with her once we got home.
Nick had miraculously found some shoes during the drive. No doubt he kept the pair of slip-ons in his truck for emergencies. It was common knowledge within our group that he didn’t do well around crowds, mostly because of his wolf. After catching him glancing at the exit as if he wanted to bolt, Mandy planted herself on his lap to keep him distracted.
I had no idea why the Bradshaw brothers thought they needed to be here. Distant relatives of Bryson’s or not, I’d been informed by Leah that they were family and were welcome to come along. I was pretty sure Cooper made the trip because of his interest in Sydney. Though it wasn’t clear why the two of them had spent the last half hour sitting on opposite sides of the waiting room, glaring at each other.
I got the impression Nash didn’t want to miss out on any excitement and came along so he could flirt with the female staff. At the moment, he was leaning on the counter of the nurse’s station, charming a young blonde who giggled every now and then at something he’d said.
Ryder, the oldest of the three brothers, hadn’t said much after showing up with Bryson. He was still wearing his ranger uniform, back braced against a wall with his arms crossed, his expression somber. The few times I’d caught him glancing in Nash’s direction, he was shaking his head.
The only reason Bryson’s parents hadn’t shown up to wait for their grandchild to be born was because they’d been on their way to the airport in Denver to pick up Dora. They wouldn’t be getting back until late, but things were certain to be a lot livelier tomorrow after I introduced Hannah to my mother.
“Are you nervous?” Hannah was sitting in the seat next to me, tucked under my arm with her head resting on my shoulder.
I pulled her closer. “No, I’m actually looking forward to being an uncle.”
She groaned and pursed her lips. “I meant about you and me.”
“Totally terrified.” I laughed.
She straightened and smacked my chest. “I’m serious.”
“I know you are.” I placed my hand over hers. Shifters had exceptional hearing, and I leaned closer so only she could hear me. “I have been waiting my whole life for you.” I kissed her forehead. “Now that I know you’re my mate, I can’t wait to get you home.”
Bryson burst through the door he’d disappeared behind earlier, his grin the widest I’d ever seen it. “I’m a father.”
“Bryson, wait,” I called when he turned to leave again. No one in our group seemed surprised that the male had reverted back to saying only what he thought was necessary. I at least wanted to know if I had a new niece or nephew. “Is it a boy or a girl?”
“Megan is a girl.” It was a beautiful name, and I couldn’t wait to find out if she looked like her mother.
The nurse who had come up behind Bryson jumped out of his way to keep from being knocked over. She addressed us as soon as he disappeared down the corridor. “Baby and mom are doing fine, but they’re resting, so you’ll all have to come back tomorrow during regular visiting hours to see them.”
The room filled with disappointed moans. I was surprised we’d been allowed to stay this long. Thanks to Berkley and her connections, no one had asked us to leave. I had no doubt we’d all be back first thing in the morning to get a glimpse of the newest addition to our family.
I got to my feet and pulled Hannah with me. “You’ll have to excuse us,” I said to the group, then grabbed Hannah around the waist and tossed her over my shoulder.
She squealed and grabbed the back of my shirt. “What do you think you’re doing?”
“Taking my mate home so I can claim her.” I wrapped my arms around her legs to keep her in place.
“And I have it on good authority that this is part of the ritual.” Nick was notorious for carting Mandy off in a similar method. I gave him a conspiratorial wink on my way to the exit, my mind already filling with the numerous ways I planned to make my bond with Hannah permanent.
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Books by Rayna Tyler
Seneca Falls Shifters
Tempting the Wild Wolf
Captivated by the Cougar
Enchanted by the Bear
Enticing the Wolf
Teasing the Tiger
Ketaurran Warriors
Jardun’s Embrace
Khyron’s Claim
Zaedon’s Kiss
About the Author
Rayna Tyler is an author of paranormal and sci-fi romance. She loves writing about sexy alpha heroes and the sassy heroines who turn their lives upside down. Whether it’s in outer space or in a supernatural world here on Earth, there’s always an adventure filled with suspense.