Chapter Twenty-Three (Scythe's POV)

It was a cool night and the moon was full again. Its glow lit up our bedroom with a silvery shade that felt almost peaceful.

I couldn't sleep, though, because the day had finally come. In the morning, we would wake up and go about business as usual, but not for long. That evening, we were going into town, but not for supplies, not for a visit. We were going to park in the Wagner's parking lot and wait for Jack and Ash to arrive to pick us up.

I hadn't slept in days with this thought running around in my head. I knew it was going to come.

At the same time, my heart was squelching in pain and my stomach was churning from nerves. I didn't want to see Zaid get near Jack again, especially now that Zaid was too weak to defend himself.

I rolled onto my back, tilting my head to look at Zaid, who was fast asleep on his side with an arm curled under his head. His belly was huge now and it was so obvious that he was pregnant. He had the beach ball look, his belly swollen with pups. How many were in there? God, I didn't know if I could handle all those pups.

But I couldn't think about myself. I had to think about Zaid.

I sighed, watching him with a sleepy smile on my face. His hair was a bit longer after two months, brushed gently over his eyes and just past his ears. His cheeks were rosy from nuzzling the pillow and his dark lashes brushed his cheeks so gently. He was wearing a large pale lavender t-shirt, but it still didn't hide the lump underneath.

I reached up, brushing my fingertips by his cheek. He murmured something faintly, his eyelids parting for a split second before he slumped back into slumber. I smiled, but it melted as I stared out the window again at the moon that seemed to stare at me accusingly.

I stayed awake all night and watched the sun slowly rise over the tops of the brilliant green pines and oaks. I rose before Zaid, showering and dressing in a pair of leather pants to match the jacket and black v-neck. I pulled my motorcycle boots on and went downstairs for some coffee, relishing at the delicious chicory flavor before I went upstairs to wake Zaid.

I touched his shoulder gently, watching him squirm a little, his hand smacking my hand for me to go away. I smiled.

"Zaid... Uhm, you should wake up now." I said quietly. Finally Zaid's eyes open, revealing tired mint green irises and dilated pupils.

"Get showered and dressed." I murmured. Zaid sighed, tilting his head for a second, then grimacing.

"It hurts." He managed. I tried to smile again, but it hurt to force myself, so I just nodded and helped him sit up. His nails dug into my arms, his teeth gritted as he took a deep breath. He finally stood and I let him do his business as I went out into the hallway to see Kyler coming out of his room at the same time, wearing a black and white striped long-sleeved v-neck and black jeans.

"Hey, cat." I greeted. Kyler cocked a brow, then stuck his tongue out at me childishly.

"Cur." He returned.

"You ready for today?" I asked. Kyler sobered, his expression grim now as he shoved his hands into his jean pockets.

"Never, but we'll do it anyway." He answered.

"What exactly are you going to do?" I asked suspiciously. Kyler had just given me the gist of his part in this whole charade and he was rather reluctant to give me any more information. And as usual, Kyler shrugged.

"Danced the tango, throw in some waltz, try a little hip-hop, then line-dance outta there before Beyonce notices I suck." He responded charmingly before giving me a quick salute and wink before doing a mock moondance to the stairs, then slid down the banister. I rolled my eyes and looked up as Zaid came out of the bedroom, grimacing a little.

"Please tell me we're not doing anything important today." Zaid managed.

"Why?" I asked with a concerned frown, walking over to him as he leaned against the doorframe for support.

"I don't feel right. I keep getting these... tight... cramps or something. What did Holly call them? Well, whatever, I can't remember."

"Does it hurt?"

"Yes." Zaid's expression turned pinched. I held his elbows to keep him steady, his legs trembling for a second as he took a few deep breathes, pausing to whine low in his throat.

"Zaid?" I asked, feeling panic rise in my throat.

Shit.

Not now.

Don't let it happen now.

"Ugh," Zaid whimpered, clenching his fists as his knees seemed to buckle for a split second before he regained control, "It hurts. Scythe, it really hurts." His voice was trembling and I quickly led him to his bed where he laid back on a pile of pillows. I brushed his hair back from his face, cupping his cheeks in my hands.

"Breathe, Zaid. Gently, deeply," I demenstrated, watching Zaid quiver and take shuddering breathes, "Okay, just keep doing that... Uhm, this is probably the dumbest question in the world, but you don't think... You're ready, right? I mean, it's only been two months. You still have time." I think I was mostly trying to reassure myself as I watched Zaid's expression contort in pain.

"I-I don't know! Don't ask me! It- Mngh!" Zaid stopped to cringe, then another whimper slipped past his lips as he shook.

"Scythe, please!" He gasped, sweat forming and dripping down the side of his face. I felt panic rising further inside me.

"Okay, okay, just hold on. I'll get help." I said quickly, letting go of Zaid, who whimpered again, grabbing at the pillows and clenching them in his fists. I went to the door.

"Holly! Thalia! Someone!" I shouted. Holly was out of her room first, quickly rushing down the hallway with Kyler coming up the stairs behind her, making his way over to us. I gestured for Holly to come into the room and she was at Zaid's side in an instant.

"It's happening already?!" Kyler demanded in disbelief. I didn't say anything, just dragged him into the room with me. Zaid writhed in pain, tilting his head back and gasping for a second. Holly was instructing him to breath deeply for a moment. Just when I thought Zaid was going to explode in pain, he relaxed, taking another deep breath.

"I can't quite describe it since a male is different," Holly admitted honestly, "But I think he's close. Not quite ready yet, but very close. I'd say it was a type of contraction. We need to get things ready and he can't be alone."

"Uhm, well, I know someone... who can help," I said slowly, watching Holly look at me curiously, "But he's in town. I'm taking Zaid with me."

"Oh, no, Scythe, you can't toss him around in that truck. Zaid's far more fragile than a woman, no offense," Holly added quickly when Zaid glared at her, "I just mean that the male body isn't built for birth and he's probably going to break the pain levels of a normal birth. It's dangerous to move him."

"And it's dangerous for him to remain here with people who don't know what they're doing. I'm alpha and I say Zaid is leaving." I snapped, surprised by my burst of anger. Holly stared at me, then grimaced.

"Fine, but you need to bring towels and blankets. Make sure he doesn't bounce around that damned truck so harshly. Move quickly, but gently or you'll hurt him." She said at last. I nodded and looked at Kyler, who sighed miserably, stepping forward to help. We managed to get Zaid to his feet, taking him very carefully down the stairs. The whole way he winced and gave a little whimper, his nails leaving red crescents in my arm.

"I hope you can't get knocked up a second time." Kyler seethed. I glanced at him to see the same marks in his arms where Zaid was grabbing him.

"It's not my fault." Zaid whimpered in pain, squeezing his eyes shut.

"Stop harping on him and help." I commanded Kyler, who scowled and muttered an obscene wolf joke under his breath. We finally made it downstairs and headed out to the truck. It was a hell of a time trying to get Zaid into the truck, but we finally managed and I sent Kyler inside for blankets and towels. I brushed the hair back from Zaid's face as he panted for breath.

"It's all right, Zaid, I'm here. Don't worry." I soothed, stroking his hair. Zaid couldn't speak, just kept his teeth clenched and locked eyes with me. I could see the pain swirling in his eyes, the thin film of tears that he was fighting so hard to hold back. I cupped his face in my hands, kissing him gently on the lips before I looked up as Kyler came out, tossing the things at me.

"It's still early." Kyler told me uneasily as I draped a blanket over Zaid, using the towel to wipe the sweat from his face.

"Doesn't matter. We need to go. Jack's probably already in town. He's probably been in town and is one sneaky son of a bitch." I retorted. Kyler shrugged in agreement and climbed in beside Zaid. I went around to the other side and got behind the wheel. Like Holly said, I was careful, but quick to drive down the driveway to the main road, where it was far smoother than our gravel driveway.

"Remind me to get that paved." I grunted as we turned onto the main road.

"Well, so far so good." Kyler said cheerily.

"What's so good about this?" Zaid demanded, wincing in pain as he clasped a hand over his belly, tilting his head back against the seat. Kyler blinked, then blushed apologetically.

"I didn't mean your... Well, I meant the plan. Oh, jeez. Never mind. Just drive smoothly, Scythe. Take your time. Once we get to town, drop me off at the edge. I'm going to hide after that." He replied. I frowned.

"Kyler..." I started, but Kyler reached over to the radio and snapped the music on to drown out my voice. I rolled my eyes, then glanced at Zaid worriedly as he took labored breathes, his eyes screwed shut in pain.

Watching him writhe in agony was driving me insane, especially knowing there was nothing we could do, but wait until Jack and Ash met us in the parking lot. I hated myself for not being prepared further. We should've known that lady luck wouldn't be on our side.

She never was.

I stopped at the edge of town, letting Kyler hope out and give us a quick salute. Before he could close the door, though, Zaid grabbed his wrist tightly, making the leopard jump in surprise.

"Be careful, Kyler. Please." Zaid managed. Kyler stared at him for a while, looking genuinely surprised at Zaid's concern, especially now of all times. His eyes drifted to me and I nodded in agreement, because no matter how aggravatingly awful his sense of humor and sarcasm was, Kyler was part of our family now as much as anyone else. To lose him would be like losing that annoying little brother you've always wanted.

"Kay." Kyler said at last, nodding before Zaid let him go. Kyler shut the door and bolted into the shallow woods, disappearing almost instantly from sight. I drove the rest of the way into town to the other side where the Wagner's sat in silence, closed down seein as it was Sunday and it was rare for anything to opened on Sunday in town.

The only thing opened was The Mockingbird and the inn that Sandy owned.

I was the only vehicle parked in the parking lot. I shut the engine off and turned to Zaid, who seemed to have relaxed a bit.

"How're you doin'?" I asked, concerned as I wiped the sweat from his forehead. Zaid gave me a weak smile.

"Tired... Scythe, I'm really sorry." He said suddenly. I blinked.

"About what?"

"About everything. For getting you into this situation."

"What? No, Zaid, don't apologize for this. You didn't know. I didn't know. No one really knew. And don't feel bad about this. We're going to be parents. It won't be awful. We'll do it together, all right?" I asked for confirmation. Zaid gazed at me for a long time, pausing to wince before relaxing.

That's when it hit me what he was talking about.

"You're not going to die." I stated. It was obvious that he disagreed by the way he looked out the windshield now, gripping the blanket over him tightly. I grabbed his face and made him look at me.

"You're not going to die," I repeated firmly, making Zaid grimace, "You won't. Kyler and I didn't do all of this to let you die. You're going to live. You're going to see your pups and you're going to help me name them. You're going to be right next to me, leading Blood Rain for the next two hundred years of our lives, you hear me?" Zaid blinked quickly, probably to avoid crying before he gave a hesitant nod.

"Good." I managed and let go of his face so he could look out the window again. I did the same, my eyes searching the town.

Now it was just more waiting.

Those several hours passed by painfully slow. I only left the truck twice. Once to grab some food from The Mockingbird and the other for a bathroom break. Otherwise, I stayed by Zaid's side the entire time he napped in the truck. It was about twenty minutes to six when Zaid woke up with a sharp gasp, his hands grasping around for me. I was wide awake, whirling to face him to see him breathing hard.

"Scythe- Scythe, I can't breath." He managed, trying to suck in sharp breathes, but it sounded like he was choking. Panic rose inside me again, and this time, there was no one to call for help. I was on my own and the sheer terror of not knowing what to do was choking.

"I-I don't know what to do." I admitted in agony, watching Zaid's expression twist in agony. He clawed at the seat, tears flowing down his cheeks as he gasped for air. I ran a hand through my hair in frustration, gripping the side of the seat.

Just when I thought everything was going to get worse, I heard a knock on my window and almost leapt through the roof, whirling around to see a familiar man standing outside with a smirk on his face.

Ash.

I glared at him, then quickly looked at Zaid, who gave a small whimper, gripping my arm.

"It's all right, Zaid. At least, I think it is. Hang on." I pleaded, then kicked the door open and almost smacked Ash in the face. He glared at me, scowling before looking over at a white van with tinted windows. It was far too suspicious, so I didn't even budge from the seat.

The back doors of the van flew open to reveal an eerily sterile inside like an ambulance, only far more sinister, especially with the person who stepped out, wearing a black leather jacket that was clipped shut at the throat to match his pants; a white t-shirt poked out from under his jacket. Dark hair was slicked back and blue eyes seemed to glow evilly.

Jack Runningwolf.

"Where's my pregnant wolf?" Jack asked with a hungry gleam in his eyes. I clenched my fists, grinding my teeth together, preparing to spew hate slur at him when Zaid wailed from the seat next to me, making me whip around. He was heaving for breath, his eyes red from sobbing as he tried to catch his breath.

I whipped back around, hopping out of the truck, walking right up to Jack and grabbing the front of his jacket roughly.

"If you hurt him, so help me-"

"Oh, please," Jack crooned with a smirk, shoving me back and straightening his jacket, "I have no interest in harming him. He's a rare, fragile creature that I simply adore. I'd die before hurting him."

"Liar." I accused, remembering the bruises and needle marks on Zaid's arms. Jack's eyes glinted, but he said nothing before looking at Ash.

"Fetch him from the truck, but be as gentle as possible. It sounds like he's early." He ordered. Ash just shrugged and went to the truck, but then I remembered the way he treated Kyler a while back and my instincts kicked in. I growled at Ash, blocking his path.

"I'll do it. Shove off." I snapped. Ash smirked, folding his arms over his chest.

"Orders are orders, wolf. And I can't resist the sound of someone screaming. It's so cute." He teased. I went to grab him and throw him on the hood of my truck, but Jack whistled, catching our attention.

"We're not going to stand out here all night. Get Zaid immediately. If you don't, he'll die. Make your choice, Scythe Rider." He commanded. I glared at Ash, reluctantly stepping side as he surprisingly moved Zaid gently. Zaid was clawing at the truck, his breathing labored as he tried to say my name, but even that was becoming difficult. He could barely stand once his feet touched the asphalt.

Jack's eyes seemed to glow as he stepped forward, studying Zaid from head to toe as Ash and I held him by his arms.

"My, my. Just when I thought you couldn't get any prettier, Zaid." Jack mused, tilting his head as he reached out to touch Zaid's sweaty cheek. Zaid only managed a sob of pain, his knees buckling, but Ash and I held him up.

"Help him!" I managed in agony. Jack nodded and stepped back, gesturing to the back of his van. Ash and I struggled to get Zaid in and comfortable. Well, as comfortable he could be anyway. He was leaning propped against a padded wall while Ash climbed into the front. Jack shut the doors behind him, then came forward.

"Drive quickly, but carefully!" Jack ordered. Ash didn't say a word, just jumped started the van and we were off.

The whole time, Zaid was gripping my arms, breathing heavily.

"I take it your pregnant wolf taught him the breathing exercises," Jack commented, making me glance at him, "Good. So far, he's doing well. We'll need to take him immediately to my lab back at the base. Once we arrive, we need to get sterilized, that includes you, because as much as I hate to say this, you'll need to be present." I cocked a brow at him, but he simply gestured me to sit beside Zaid, who was trembling.

I still let Zaid lace his fingers with mine, his nails cutting into my knuckles, but the pain of that was nothing compared to watching Zaid writhe in agony. Jack knelt in front of Zaid, studying his face and tilting his head back to look into his eyes.

"He's really early," Jack muttered thoughtfully, placing his hand on Zaid's forehead, then trailing it down onto Zaid's round belly, "Well, this could be difficult."

"Please don't say that." I managed. Jack shrugged.

"I have to be honest... But," He paused, his eyes drifting to lock on Zaid's contorted expression, "I'll do what I can. Believe it or not. I really do love Zaid. I'll do more for him than I did for any of the other wolves I held in captivity." I didn't say anything, just glared and kept my lips pursed to avoid saying anything stupid that would make him rethink his plans.

I even resisted the urge to punch him as he stroked Zaid's cheek, his eyes hungry as they trailed over Zaid's belly.

"S-Scy-Scythe... Hurts!" Zaid choked, tilting his head back and gritting his teeth. His hand practically crushed mine, but I ignored it as I leaned in, kissing his cheek, then his forehead as he tilted his head to look at me, tears flowing freely down his sweaty cheeks.

"You'll be okay, Zaid," I promised, hoping I was right as I felt a lump form in my throat, "Just keep breathing. We're almost there." Zaid just choked on another sob, squeezing his eyes shut. I grimaced and looked at Jack, who's expression seemed to be thoroughly interested. Jack rose to his feet and went to speak with Ash, leaving me to try and coax Zaid into calming down.

At first I thought it was helping by the way he was breathing, but then I realized he was struggling to stay conscious.

"Jack!" I barked, patting Zaid's cheek as his eyelids fluttered shut. Jack looked up, frowned, then immediately came over to kneel in front of Zaid, who had slumped against the wall, completely out.

"Shit," Jack muttered, "Ash, let's break a few speeding limits."

"Gladly." Ash replied and hit the gas further so the whole van lunged forward, zooming at speeds that would make a cheetah jealous. The entire time, Jack spent trying to wake Zaid up and finally fetched a water bottle from the mini-fridge that was plunged into the back of the front seats. He unscrewed the top and dumped it on Zaid's head.

Normally I'd protest, but Zaid had to wake up. Zaid shuddered, sucking in a deep breath and his eyes fluttered open before he gave a low whine, grabbing my arms desperately like I was going to disappear.

"Approaching the gates." Ash called back to us. I looked at Jack, who nodded and went to direct Ash as well as input some kind of password. I went back to tending to Zaid as he took deep, even breathes now, looking just a bit calmer than before.

"Scythe, I love you," Zaid said in a shaky voice, "I love you so much. You're the best alpha in the whole world and I know you're going to make your dad proud." Why did that sound like a goodbye?"

"Stop talking, Zaid," I pleaded, "You're going to be fine. Just keep fighting, you promised, remember?" Zaid didn't say anything, just locked eyes with me. The tears were welled back up in his eyes again, but they didn't fall as the van parked outside a very modern looking white building with at least three floors.

Jack opened the floor of the van then, pulling up a stretcher as he opened the back doors, gesturing to help Zaid onto the stretcher. Zaid looked at me helplessly as I lifted him to his feet. Jack gently touched his elbows and we helped him onto the stretcher where he was propped up with a white pillow.

"Help me take him to the surgery area." Jack commanded. I didn't argue and we pushed the stretcher out of the van carefully before wheeling it in through the backdoors that Ash was holding open. I felt like I was diving into a hospital. The halls were pure, snowy white with tiled floors and brick walls. Bright lights flashed by as Jack gestured me to turn down another hallway. We rounded a final corner before coming through a pair of double doors.

Beyond those doors was Hell.