Rick smiled at the two she-wolves. "It's been slower going than our Luna and Alpha would like, Rain, but Ophelia here has just entered that middle phase of labor, what we call bridging. She's currently at just about four centimeters, and her cervix is still thinning." He paused and locked eyes with the elder she-wolf before dropping his voice. "She won't be pushing for a while yet, so Rain, you know how this all works. Try to keep her relaxed and calm. If she wants to move around, let her, because that will encourage her body to do its thing. Really, we're all just playing the waiting game now." Then raising his voice again, he smiled warmly at the Luna. "Both mother and pup are doing great, so there's no reason for concern whatsoever. Some labors just take a little more time, that's all."
The Alpha gestured toward the bedside table and two bottles. "The oil?"
"Whenever you like," the doctor shrugged. "As you know, it should help her, but it will be some time yet. You don't want to start prodding her too early or she will be annoyed long before the time comes." He paused to consider his next words and then continued. "Our Luna has expressed that her contractions are already quite painful, so I would caution you not to begin anything that might stress her further right now. Let her adjust to being in labor before you begin to prod her."
Chris nodded. "Understood. Thank you, Richard."
Once the doctor was gone from the room, Rain smiled warmly at the Luna. "How are you feeling right now?" Seated in a chair beside the right side of the bed and clutching Ophelia's hand for support, she tried to speak in her most calming but assured tone. "How are you handling the contractions?"
"They feel like terrible, horrible, no good cramps," the Luna sniffled.
Rain grinned. "I know exactly how you feel. But," she pressed gently, "they're bearable, right? You don't feel like you can't walk or talk to me, right?"
"Well, of course I can talk," the Luna scoffed. "I could probably walk, sure. My legs aren't broken!"
Rain ignored this and continued. "When I was in labor with Christopher, going for a walk really helped me a lot. It grounded me and allowed me to focus on nature and the sunshine, and it ultimately really helped my body to move things along." She paused to allow her words to sink in and then inquired, "Would that interest you?"
Ophelia considered the other she-wolf's words then shook her head slowly. "No, I don't think I would like that very much."
"What can we do for you, little mate?" Chris asked her, taking a seat on the bed beside her and gently running his large hand over her abdomen. If Rain was being honest, he did look more nervous than usual; dare it be said a bit scared.
Ophelia shrugged. "I'm fine right here."
Taking the lead, Rain asked: "On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the worst pain you've ever felt, how bad is your pain right now?"
YOU ARE READING
White Lightning
Werewolf[Ongoing Serial Novel][Werewolf] [MIW] In our world, for every female pup born there were five very eager and wanton males waiting for her to turn of age. Some packs considered their females to be ripe at sixteen, but my great-grandfather had establ...
