The first contraction didn't build slowly. It slammed into her lower abdomen like a physical blow, throwing her entire system into sudden, early labour.
A sharp, ragged scream tore from her throat, completely shattering the quiet of the bedroom. Her large, ultra-sensitive fox ears pinned flat against her blonde hair, trembling violently as she collapsed back into the pillows.
"Felicity!"
Ivan was on his knees beside the large bed before the echo of her cry could even fade. The towering, mountain-built beast-man looked completely panicked. His usual stoic expression dissolved as his massive, calloused hands hovered over her shaking shoulders, terrified that using his raw strength might hurt her.
"Ivan... It's time. They're coming early," she gasped, her spine arching as another wave of pain ripped through her. Her stomach, heavy with the cubs, tightened into a hard knot beneath her dress.
The babies were coming.
Right now.
