Berrr moved to Shanna’s side as they watched Ral gently lift the much smaller Ariel carefully into his arms and place her on the gurney. He took her hand, lifting it to his lips to place a kiss on her palm, their gazes locked.

“I am with you, Ariel.”

Her contraction passed. “Just keep hold of my hand and be calm for me, okay?”

“I would do anything for you. I love you.”

Ariel smiled. “I love you too.” Her focus turned to Ahhu. “Let’s get this show on the road. I think this baby is as impatient as Ral usually is.” Everyone disappeared except for the four guards, Berrr and Shanna. She turned her full attention on Berrr and noticed the tense lines on his face, revealing that he was really worried. She inched closer to him, putting one hand on his arm and one on his stomach. He lowered his head as his blue gaze locked with hers.

“This kind of surgery happens with humans often enough and they usually turn out fine.”

“We aren’t human and this will be Ahhu’s first major surgery on one of your kind.

My son will be inconsolable if something happens to his bound. I fear that all three lives will be lost if Ahhu can’t save the lives of his bound and his offspring since he would die in his grief for both of them.” Berrr looked sad. “She is the reason he breathes life every day.”

Shanna could tell that Berrr was truly worried so she inched closer to him, burrowing into his chest, her arms sliding around his waist to give him a hug. He hesitated for a second before he wrapped both arms around her to hold her tight.

“It’s going to work out.” She just wanted to comfort him.

He lowered his chin to the top of her head, nodding against her, and held her a little tighter. “Thank you, Shanna. I need to contact my other two sons to let them know what is going on. They will be greatly concerned since both of their bound humans are carrying offspring.”

Releasing him, she let him go and stepped back to stare up at him. He was worried and she wished that there was more that she could do. He met her gaze and then looked away to study the four guards.

“Guard her with your lives until I return shortly. Give her anything she wants.” He showed teeth. “No other males go near her, talk to her or even glance at her.” Berrr looked down, meeting her shocked gaze. “I will only be in the next room contacting my sons so they hear this news from me. Have a seat and they are yours to command until I return.”

Shanna watched Berrr stride back into the room he’d been in minutes before but sensed his men watching her. She slowly turned around to find four confused and stunned males staring at her. She gave them a forced smile before she walked to the chair that Ariel had been in to sit down. She studied the men again and grinned. She’d never had leather-clad guys under her command before.

“Do you need anything?” One of them arched an eyebrow.

“I’m kind of thirsty.”

He turned his head, nodding at one of the men, and to Shanna’s shock, the guy took off at a jog down the hallway out of sight. Minutes later he returned with a tray carrying a drink on it and snacks. The guy slowly approached her and then placed the tray over the arms of the chair, making a table for her where she sat. He bowed his head and backed up.

Shanna glanced at the food, looked up and grinned at all four of them. “Damn, this is so cool. Thank you very much.”

They watched her back, not speaking until she finally looked away. Okay, maybe they didn’t think it was as cool. She ate the fruit and what she suspected was cheese.

Whatever it was, it was good. Her gaze kept going to the open door of the room Berrr was in, worried that he was taking longer than she thought he would to talk to his sons, and hoped everything was fine. He finally walked out of the room.

Shanna put the tray aside and stood up, going to Berrr instantly. She noted that he still looked tense. “How did it go?”

“I talked them into staying at home and vowed to let them know as soon as I know anything.”

“Have a seat, Berrr, and try to relax. I’m sure everything is going to be fine.” He nodded, letting her lead him to the chair she’d vacated. He sat and then to her surprise, grabbed her around her waist and hauled her onto his lap. His arms wrapped around her, tugging her tightly against his chest, where he just continued to hold her.

She relaxed into his arms. If he didn’t care that four men were watching them cuddle then she sure as hell wasn’t going to let it bug her.

“Humans are just too frail,” he sighed.

“We’re a hell of a lot tougher than you give us credit for.”

“I just hope all turns out well.”

“It will.” She silently said a little prayer.

They sat there for what seemed like hours, Shanna on Berrr’s lap, holding each other. He finally stirred, lifting her up to stand. Shanna turned, following where Berrr stared, to see Ahhu coming down the hallway alone. The woman looked worn out but she smiled. Next to Shanna, Berrr sighed with relief.

“It is a female child and both are doing very well, Hyvin Berrr. You may come with me to inspect your newest blood member.” Ahhu chuckled.

Berrr nodded as he grabbed Shanna’s hand. “Is the female human or Zorn?”

Ahhu hesitated, staring up at Berrr with a frown. “She’s both, of course, but she looks mostly Zorn. She has the human sexual anatomy of her human mother and while I doubt she will be as tall as our women, she won’t be as short as Ariel. She was a healthy twelve pounds and while not as long as our typical offspring, she is not as tiny as we feared the child may be.” Ahhu glanced at Shanna before turning her full attention on Berrr again. “Her facial features are Zorn and she looks a lot similar to her father. She is healthy and strong so I would deem their breeding of offspring was very successful, Hyvin. It is a joyous occasion. She is very healthy with no flaws.” Berrr’s entire body relaxed as a grin curved his mouth. “Take me to them.” Shanna expected him to leave her behind but he kept hold of her hand, tugging her after him. They walked down a hallway, took a few turns, and then Ahhu led them into a large room. Ral was sitting in a chair next to a bed where Ariel appeared pale but happy. Ariel smiled at them both before her attention returned to her husband. Ral turned a little in the chair to proudly display the small wrapped bundle in his large muscular arms.