Jake’s POV

The clinic smells like antiseptic, sweat, blood, life and birth. It’s familiar and grounding. The kind of controlled chaos I know how to handle.

“Breathe,” I say calmly, keeping my voice steady as I brace my hands. “You’re doing exactly what you’re supposed to be doing.”

The woman in front of me nods, her grip tightening around one of her mate’s hands as another contraction hits. Her mates are both hovering, one trying to stay calm, the other very much ...