“Cody,” Cara interjected. “Can you go and boil us some water, just in case? Zach has some big pots in the lower cupboards. Fill them, put them on the stove, and then make us all a cup of chamomile tea. The pot is on the counter.”
Cody stared at the woman with an incredulous expression.
“Cody,” Kitani hissed. “Go. I’ll be fine.”
“C’mon Cody, I’ll help,” Zach said.
“And put some clothes on,” Cara suggested.
Cody growled. A low, desperate rumble. But he followed Zach out.
Cara returned her focus to Kitani. “Okay, my girl. Nice and slow.”
Kitani nodded and continued the shift. Unsure how to help, Jessie pulled a sheet off a cot and wrapped it around the woman.
Sitting for the transformation was awkward, as the pelvis and shoulders had to realign to adapt for two-legged movement. Kitani’s swollen belly moved as well, dropping lower. Her thighs and arms shrank slowly to human proportions, the bones altering with odd clicks.
“That’s it. Breathe.” Cara had her hands on Kitani’s belly, her eyes closed, as she alternated between speaking and humming. “They’re doing fine. Nicely finishing their shift.”
Kitani took a deep breath. And then another. She frowned. “The contractions—they’re gone. They were almost on top of each other. Now, nothing.”
Cara grimaced. “Yeah. I think Zach’s power punch may have upset the kids.”
“I did this?” Zach stood in the doorway.
“It was powerful,” Kitani admitted. “Dropped me like a stone.”
“Oh, god, Kitani. I’m sorry.” Zach’s eyes were huge.
“It’s okay,” Cara said. “False alarm. They’re settling now. And still not in position, so it’s not yet time.”
Jessie didn’t have to be an Empath to see the relief on Kitani’s features.
A muscular, auburn-haired form darkened the door. Ryan rushed to his mate, and behind him stood Kade. Cody hovered in the background, his eyes flaring copper.
All three Weres were completely naked. The room overflowed with worried male muscles. They were also, Jessie noted, bleeding all over the floor from multiple fresh claw marks.
Zach had stiffened, staring at Kade. But Kade’s concern was all for his sister.
“Is she okay?” His voice had deepened to a rumble.
“She’s fine, Kade. Now will you and Ryan please help Cody in the kitchen? Tea and sandwiches all around would be good.”
“And clothes.” Zach traded glares with Kade.
Yes. Clothes, Jessie silently agreed. Far too much scenery to look at. It was increasingly difficult to stop her eyes from straying to where they shouldn’t.
Kade’s incredulity caused him to rip his gaze from Zach and stare at Cara. “Sandwiches?”
“Yes.” Cara gritted her teeth. “There’s lots of water boiling for tea. Out. Please.”
Kade’s breath expelled in a loud huff of hot air. He turned his back on them, giving Jessie an eyeful of sculpted butt sporting five parallel claw slashes.
The big Were gestured to Ryan. “Okay, Ryan. Let’s make—sandwiches.”
Ryan hesitated, but when Cara pointed, he trailed after Kade and Cody. When Zach turned to follow, she called him back.
“Zach, come here, I want to try something.”
