Chapter 145

HAZEL

"Hazel!" Ethan’s voice cuts through the darkness. It’s filled with fear and urgency. He and Arnold spring into action, and their faces are filled with confusion as they rush to my side.

"What’s happening?" Arnold asks. There is panic in his tone.

I struggle to speak, but the pain I’m feeling makes talking impossible. Another wave of pain crashes over me. It’s stronger this time, and I cry out again, unable to contain the agony that rushes through my body.

And then, as I try to stand, there is a sudden rush of warmth between my legs. It’s the unmistakable sound of my water breaking. The realization hits us all at once in the midst of the chaos.

"The baby," Ethan whispers. His eyes are wide with disbelief. "The baby is coming."

The room fills with movement as Ethan and Arnold spring into action. Arnold dashes to gather towels and blankets while Ethan goes to call the pack doctor.

The pain grips me in relentless waves, and each contraction pushes me closer to motherhood. Through t