Page 50 of Targeted By Fate
“Okay. Next Friday night.”
There were no medals to pin on my chest, no head to crown. I did have a head, but there were no crowns in the pack. Keane suggested serving cocktails and nibbles. He and I would circulate, introducing ourselves to pack members we hadn’t met, and I’d give a short speech.
“Very short.” He gave me a look. “No one wants to listen to a long one. Trust me.”
That was fine by me. I hated talking in front of large groups of people, though my family disagreed, saying I’d been telling them what to do since birth. So rude!
And now here we were. Headquarters was festooned with decorations, and waiters circled with drinks and tiny bites of food Keane said were nibbles.
My mate was dressed in a dark green paternity suit that matched the color of his eyes. Being very pregnant, he couldn’t stand for long, which was perfect for getting away from groups of pack members who wanted to talk forever about my failings. Not everyone was enamored with what I’d achieved so far.
Keane tucked his arm in mine as we made our way around the room. But he winced and was breathing deeply and stumbling.
I took him aside. “I can have someone drive you home. You should be in bed.”
“No, I’m fine, but there’s not much space in my belly, and it’s uncomfortable for both the baby and me.”
But every few minutes he gripped my arm, and his labored breathing worried me. He’d produce a wan smile, and we continued our rounds of the function room.
“I know that look.” An elderly omega I hadn’t met gazed at Keane’s bump.
“End-of-pregnancy kicks in the ribs.” My mate nodded. I knew my mate well enough, and he was masking his pain.
“No.” He touched Keane’s arm. “You’re in labor, dear.”
“Labor?” My voice echoed across the room, and everyone turned toward us.
My brothers assembled behind Keane.
“What are you doing?” I hissed.
“We’re ready to help Keane give birth.”
“And boil water if needed.”
“Remember, we were present when Luna was born.”
How could I forget Rhodes going into labor in the cinema.
“You’re not in labor, are you?” Surely the process started slowly with a few twinges, but Luna’s birth had been quick.
“Maybe,” my mate panted.
“Think of it this way, Boaz.” Riggs slapped me on the back. “You won’t have to give your speech.”
“Will you stop your little bro fest and pay attention to me?” Keane complained. “I’m about to bring your niece or nephew into the world.”
“Hospital or home?” Thiago tucked his arm in Keane’s, but I elbowed him out of the way. That was my job.
“I won’t make it to either.”
My mind went blank. Where would he go? He couldn’t have the baby with the pack milling about and gawking.
“Your office, Boaz.” Maynard took charge.
“But he can’t have the baby there.”
Keane hissed at me, his cat shining through his eyes. “You may be Alpha, but I say where this baby comes into the world. Your office it is.”
