My Beastly Fertility System Chapter 51: A New Life

Claire couldn't help but laugh. She grabbed Rufus and gently stroked his cheek, her soft hand warm and faintly scented.

"Relax," she said softly. "It's just starting. It only hurts a little right now. It'll be a while before the baby comes. Just do what I told you."

Rufus finally calmed down.

Following her instructions, he helped Claire onto the bed. Then he quickly spread dry grass and soft fur over a smaller stone bed nearby, which they had prepared earlier.

Claire kept giving directions while feeling the waves of pain in her belly.

The contractions came closer together. Each one hurt more than the last.

But Claire stayed focused. In her past life, this was something she had longed for. She had prepared herself for this moment, so she didn't feel afraid.

"Rufus, go get Elodie," she said. "Bring a big fur blanket too. Don't let her get cold."

Rufus rushed out, pushing open the stone door.

To save time, he shifted into a gyrfalcon and shot into the sky. In just a few breaths, he reached Elodie's cave.

Claire shifted her body with effort, adjusting into a position that would help with delivery. It felt like only a moment had passed before Rufus returned with Elodie.

Elodie hurried to the bedside. She placed her dry hand on Claire's belly and checked carefully.

"It should be soon," she said.

Then she turned to Rufus, who was standing there frozen.

"Boil a pot of water. And prepare clean, soft furs."

Rufus nodded quickly and ran off.

Elodie patted Claire's arm. "Don't be afraid. It'll be over soon."

By now, Claire's face was covered in sweat. Her hair stuck to her forehead, and even her eyelashes were damp. She used her last bit of strength to steady her breathing.

"Why isn't Zane back yet?" she asked, trying to hold back the pain. "He said he'd be here before the babies are born. Where is he?"

Rufus didn't say anything more. He turned and ran straight into the snow.

"I'll go find him!"

Elodie held Claire's hand tightly. "It's okay. The storm is probably slowing him down. That happens sometimes. Now, breathe with me. In... out..."

Claire wasn't being stubborn about wanting Zane there. She just hoped the babies would see their dad first.

People always say babies look like the first person they see.

She really wanted a tiny version of Zane.

Claire glanced at Elodie's deeply wrinkled face. She couldn't help thinking, what if the baby saw her first and ended up looking old?

She knew it was silly, but she couldn't stop the thought.

Hang on, little one. Wait for your dad to get here.

Just as she struggled through another wave of pain, the stone door opened again.

A figure rushed in with the wind and snow.

"Claire, I'm back. How are you?"

It was Zane.

He quickly pulled off his soaked fur coat, warmed himself by the fire for a moment, then rushed to her side.

Claire grabbed his hand tightly. Tears filled her eyes.

"You're finally home," she said, her voice shaking. "I thought something happened to you. I even had a nightmare last night... you were covered in blood..."

She couldn't hold it in anymore. She started to cry.

Claire had been so scared since that dream, but she didn't dare say anything. She was afraid it might come true.

She had held it in for too long.

Zane hugged her gently. "I'm here. I'm safe."

"Zane, the babies can't wait to see their dad."

"Okay. You're doing great, Claire. You're so brave."

Just moments ago, she had been calm in front of Rufus. But now, with Zane here, she turned into a soft, clingy girl. He spoiled her too much.

After another contraction passed, Claire suddenly remembered.

"Where's Rufus? He went to find you. Did you see him?"

"I did," Zane said. "I was in a hurry to get back, so I gave him everything and told him to drop it off with Hazel."

Just then, Rufus came back.

He carried a fur pouch filled with supplies—some salt, a few bone needles, a small bundle of thread, some fruit the clan didn't usually have, and a chunk of frozen meat.

He laid everything out neatly, then moved to Claire's side.

Seeing her in pain, his heart tightened.

So this is what it's like for a female to give birth...

Claire's mind grew hazy. She could only follow her instincts and push.

Finally, she felt something slip out of her body.

"It's here! The baby is here!" Elodie cried out in joy.

With one hand, she gently lifted the newborn. With the other, she used a sharp claw to cut the cord cleanly.

Smiling, she brought the baby close to Claire.

"Claire, this is your first baby. Look how cute!"

Claire forced her eyes open.

The tiny little body was pink and soft, eyes still closed, and wriggling slightly.

It looked just like a newborn puppy.