Dawn Reclaimed

"Yeah, just a little twinge in my belly."

Mouse analyzed Claire. Her face lips were pressed tightly together. But she didn't seem to be in any real pain. The gasp was more one of shock than pain. "Humph, Braxton-Hicks contractions," Mouse said. Put off by the false alarm, she was ready for the baby to come.

Claire blinked down at the little girl, virtually a walking encyclopedia of knowledge. "Yeah," she answered shaking her head. When she had been Mouse's age. She was playing with Barbie dolls and watching cartoons. She glanced over the arm of the rocker. Huffing. At twelve she sure didn't know where babies really came from and she'd never heard of Braxton - Hicks contractions.

"So Mouse, what do you want for your birthday this year?" she asked, changing the subject. With all these people living here, there should be lots of birthday celebrations. She hadn't seen one yet.

Mouse hopped up and wrapped her arms around Claire's belly. She'd been praying to the goddess long and hard for what she really wanted. She pressed her lips against the thick nap of Claire's fuzzy robe. "I want to see my little cousin."

Claire rested a hand against Mouse's hair. Toying with the end of a thick braid. "I'm not so sure I'm ready for that yet."

Mouse looked up at her and smiled coyly. "I am." She rested her ear against Claire's belly. Through the robe she could hear the baby's heartbeat whoosh-wooshing away.

Grant emerged from the kitchen with a steaming cup of tea in his hand for Claire. He hadn't seen her since early this morning when she left for work. Once she was gone, he'd spent the day with Tristen on all fours. Teaching him the ways of the wolf. "What are my two favorite girls up to?"

Mouse smiled widely. "I'm trying to talk Aunt Claire into having the baby."

Grant chuckled, "How's that working out for you?" He leaned over and gave Claire a peck on the forehead. "Mmmm, missed you." He inhaled deeply. Her scent was off. He inhaled again. Trapping the aroma in his nostrils. "You smell different. Are you feeling ok?"

Claire took a grateful sip of the tea, letting it warm her to her bones. At first she'd hated the taste of the pungent, bitter, mint brew. But, she'd gotten used to it. Mystified by how much better she felt when she drank it regularly. "I'm fine."

"Hmm." He said sniffing her hair. "Are you really sure? Should I get Nana or call Thomas?"

Claire brushed him away like a pesky fly hovering around her head. "Will you quit sniffing me! I'm perfectly fine."

"She's having false labor contractions," Mouse volunteered.

"Labor?"

"False labor, nothing to worry about. And thanks, Mouse," Claire huffed, shooing the girl away. Grant was already hitting speed dial on the cell phone and yelling for Nana. He was reacting exactly how she feared he would. Totally freaking out.

Nana looked up from her crocheting and shuffled over to Claire. Sniffing at her hair, her withered palm pressed to her belly. "Bah, she's fine. Baby is not ready yet," she said dismissively and returned to her crocheting.

Grant was on the phone nervously chatting with Thomas. Snatching Claire's jacket from the closet. Sure, the evening was warm, a balmy seventy something degrees. But, he did not want his wife to be catching a chill. "He wants to see you. Now." He pulled Claire out of the chair and stuffed her into the jacket. "Keys, where are the damned keys?" he stammered. His wife was in labor. He was about to become a proud papa. His hands shook, rattling the keys Mouse found in his pocket between his fingers. "Come on."

Nana looked up from her crocheting. Grant was flapping about like a chicken with his head cut off. "I told you. The baby isn't coming. It'll come when it's good and ready. Not a moment sooner. Do what you will. But, I'm staying here where I am. When its time, I'll know."

"See," Claire said defensively. "Nana says I'm fine."

"I don't care. I'm taking you to get checked out anyway," Grant said dragging Claire out the door. "If you were in labor why didn't you tell me?"

"Grant, I'm not in labor. This whole thing is ridiculous. You're making a big deal out of nothing," Claire stammered as Grant practically carried her down the porch steps and stuffed her into the car.

Grant hustled Claire through the compound and deposited her on the exam table. "Thank you for coming, Thomas." He said, nervously patting Claire's hand and stroking her hair. "Everything is going to be fine."

Claire shook off Grant's stressed grip on her fingertips. "I know. I'm fine. You. Are. Completely. Overreacting." Grant was on her like glue, patting her and stroking her as if she were a cherished family pet. "Stop it! You're making me nervous."

Thomas forced a smile, his most professional smile. He turned to the shaman and asked, "Why don't you take Grant to the rec room while I'm talking with Claire?" Grant was causing his patient distress and upsetting her. He had to admit, he liked having a little authority over the man that had worked his way in and swiped the woman he loved out of his grip. As soon as the door shut and a protesting Grant was led away, Thomas turned to Claire. Checking her vitals. Examining her swollen ankles. "So Claire, what's going on?"

"Nothing. I'm having some false labor contractions. Nothing. He's acting like I'm going to pop any minute."

"Claire, you are." Thomas pulled out a gown and an exam drape. "You know what to do. I'll be back in a minute."

"Thomas...I..." Claire shrugged. She had no words to explain her gratitude to Thomas. She was thankful for the few seconds of peace away from Grant's incessant hovering, and even more thankful for Thomas's unwavering support and friendship. "Thanks."

"No problem," Thomas said pulling the curtain. Retreating to his office for a short respite while she changed. The woman of his dreams stripped down not more than a few feet from him. She was completely naked except for an exam gown and a sheet. He pushed the thoughts of her out of his head. She was a patient who needed him. She was his friend. Nothing more. Not now. Not ever. "Ready?"

A smile crossed Claire's lips as Thomas placed the ultrasound probe against her belly and she heard the steady, rhythmic, whoosh of her baby's heartbeat. The cool bite of gel spread across her stomach as Thomas guided the probe, analyzing the images on the screen. Thomas was a very good doctor and he hid his thoughts behind a mask of professionalism. She couldn't read him.

The baby was bigger than in the last ultrasound. Full term and took up every inch of available space in Claire's womb. Thomas studied the fuzzy image on the screen. The baby was developed enough to be delivered safely. The placenta and the cord were intact. The baby was head first and in position. Claire didn't have much longer to go. Likely the contractions were, as she suspected, false labor. Now, for the part of the exam he hated the most. "Ok Claire. You're going to feel a touch."

Claire bit her bottom lip. Regretting every second of embarrassment and awkwardness she was putting Thomas through as he poked and prodded her in places that she'd rather he didn't see. He was a doctor and a damned good one. But, he was her friend. And he had made no secret of the fact that he wanted more.

"Ok. We're done. Your cervix is thinning and beginning to dilate. Claire, you don't have much longer to go. I'm putting you off work. Now. I can't predict when this baby is going to come. Could be two hours, two days, two weeks... I can't be sure. Sometimes nature has to take its course. If you don't go by after the second week of June, I'm inducing the labor."

"But," Claire huffed as Thomas helped her roll into a sitting position on the table. "Are you sure? I thought you said July?"

"Um... let me think. Belly out to here," he said as he made a wide sweep with his hands. "Baby in position, effacement confirmed, a little over seventy-five percent, ... Yeah. I'm pretty sure. You're going to have this baby sooner than what I thought."

"I really wanted to finish out the week." Claire protested.

"You wanna have this baby at work?"

"No."

"Well, there you go. You're on maternity leave."

Claire groaned, "But I have so much to do."

Thomas chuckled and patted her back. "You'd better get busy. But don't do too much. Do what you feel like doing but don't over do it," He cautioned. Slipping an arm around her shoulders to give her a gentle hug. "The baby will come when its time."

"That's what Nana said." Claire rested her head on Thomas's shoulder, sighing.

"For once, I think she's right. Now get dressed and go calm Grant down. Poor guy is about at wits end. Don't hesitate to call if you need anything."

"Actually, since my schedule is wide open. I could use a shopping buddy tomorrow. Wanna go? I'll buy lunch."

Thomas grimaced. He couldn't put himself through any more. At least this time, he'd kept his mind off of her silky skin and on his job. He had to keep as much distance between himself and Claire as he could. "Sure." He blathered like a complete and utter idiot. Like suffering much?

Claire smiled triumphantly. "Great. I'll pick you up at ten."

Thomas tipped his head. Back turned. Pretending to scrub his hands beneath the running water. "It's a date."

"Well, I'd better go find Grant before he drives everyone insane." Claire waited until she heard the office door click quietly shut to hop off the table and dress. She hated to leave Ginger and the rest of the crew at work in such a lurch. But, she wasn't going to regret the opportunity to finish her 'to do' list before the baby came.

Claire waddled through the hallways. She thought she knew where she was going. But one long empty corridor led into another and she was hopelessly lost. "Why don't they put some maps in this place?" she muttered aloud. She walked and turned down another deserted hallway. Finally giving up she cried out. "Hello? Anybody home? Lost pregnant lady here! Hello!"

Her bladder throbbed and she crossed her legs impatiently. What a hell of a time to have to pee. Desperately she started turning doorknobs. Maybe there was a bathroom behind one of them. Did vampires even need a bathroom? She didn't want to think about it. She called out again, amused by the humor of her predicament. "Hello? Lost pregnant lady in need of a commode out here! I'll take a tosspot. I'll settle for an outhouse. A puppy training pad. Anything." She snickered, so much for vampire super hearing. Apparently, no body heard her urgent pleas. The halls remained vacant.

Claire continued randomly turning doorknobs until finally one gave. She breathed out a relieved sigh and opened the door. "Thank God!" She tottered through the spacious bedroom after spotting an immaculate white tiled bathroom in the far corner of the room. She wasted no time making her way to the bathroom and shutting the door behind her. When she'd finished her business she flung open the door and smacked into Grant's brother. Hunter.

Hunter was stretched out on the bed. Hands behind his head as he contemplated what to do next. He was completely healed and had no real reason to stay with the vampires. In fact, he should get back to his pack. Gina was the only reason he had for sticking around and as she'd said herself, in a few days she'd be gone. Why not make it easier on the both of them and disappear? He looked up as a very large pregnant woman darted though his door and made a beeline for his bathroom. He hopped up. Stifling a snicker as she sighed in relief and did her business.

"Oh, sorry. I didn't mean to barge in on you like that. But, it seems that this place is a bit lacking in ladies' rooms," She said embarrassed as she talked into his chest.

Her grin was innocuously cute and innocent. The apples of her cheek were flushed a deep ruby red. A pair of round blue-green eyes twinkled in equal parts embarrassment and humor. Her blonde hair stood out at various angles. Escaping the clip that held it in a ponytail at the back of her head. Her chin tilted up as she looked at him, surveying and determining if he was friend or foe. "Hello," she said sticking out her hand, "I'm Claire."

He took her hand and gently shook it. "Hunter." He'd heard a lot about her from the vampires and the pack. Besides, how many other pregnant women about to pop were running around the compound? She was cute and funny. Inner strength that she probably didn't even know she had exuded from every pore. His brother had chosen his mate well.

Claire tried to hide her look of surprise. She'd heard so much about him, but had never met him. His kids favored him. Tristen had the same hard jaw line and craggy masculine features as he did. Mouse had his wide set brown eyes. And Daniel had the same tilt to his nose as he did. She knew he and Grant were brothers, but the resemblance gave her the creeps. "Good to finally meet you. I've heard so much about you that I feel like we've already met."

"Likewise." Hunter nodded. "What are you doing here?"

Claire sighed and flopped down on the couch. She could use a few minutes off her feet before continuing her search for Grant. "Grant started babbling about how I don't smell right." She snickered. "He thought I was in labor. I tried to tell him that I wasn't but he completely went off the deep end and dragged me over here for Thomas to give the official A-ok. And then I got lost trying to find him. And then I had to pee. And now, here I am."

Hunter chuckled beneath his breath. "That sounds like my brother. You'll have to forgive him for being overly cautious and protective of you. Our mates mean the world to us. Without them, nothing else seems to matter," he said vacantly. Sitting next to her on the edge of the couch, he gave her plenty of space. He'd been where Grant was. Wringing his hands in helpless, useless agitation as he waited for Marianne to give birth. The last few weeks were the worst. Having survived the threat of miscarriage in the early weeks, there wasn't much else to do but wait for nature to decide when it was time...that and worry.

"I heard about your wife, I'm very sorry," Claire said gently. Softly resting a hand on his shoulder.

"That was long ago."

"Yeah, but it doesn't make the pain hurt any less or your loss any less real does it?"

"No, it doesn't." Hunter shirked away from her touch. Focusing his eyes on the brilliantly patterned rug beneath his feet.

"Hunter, if I could say something?" Claire asked timidly.

"Please."

"Your baby girl misses you desperately. Daniel is at an age where he needs your guidance. And Tristen, perhaps he hurts worst of all. He needs you to be there for him, to be his father, a mentor, and his friend. Grant and Nash have tried to fill in the gaps. But, they're not you. Only you can give your children what they need the most, their father."

Claire played with the fringed tassel on a throw pillow. "Grant tries to hide it but, I can see it in his eyes. He's afraid for the baby and for me. He's worried. He needs his brother. He needs you too, we both do. I'd feel better knowing that if something were to happen to the baby or to me, that you're going to be there for him."

The truth in Claire's words burned Hunter to his core. He cleared his throat. Thinking desperately of excuses. They sounded hollow and senseless. There was no excuse for the way he treated his children and his brother. "Would you like for me to take you to Grant?"

Claire groaned. "That means getting up," she said lightly. Her words hit their mark and she had given him plenty to think about. And she'd said her piece. She would never mention her thoughts to him again. What he did with her words was up to him.

"If you'd like I can go fetch him and bring him to you," Hunter playfully threatened.

"God no." Claire took Hunter's hand and allowed him to hoist her onto his feet. She stood for a minute. Gripping his hand. "So we understand each other?"

"We do," Hunter answered. Holding the door for her as she waddled through. He led her along the quiet winding corridors. Until his brother's scent filled his nostrils, "Here you go," he said leading her through the kitchen and into the rec room. Grant casually leaned on a pool cue waiting his turn. Silently their eyes locked and then Grant looked away. Focusing on his mate.

"Where have you been?" Grant asked dropping his pool cue on the floor. Wrapping his arms around Claire, the game completely forgotten. "You took so long. I was worried."

Claire turned to look over Grant's shoulder at his brother. Meeting his stare for a brief minute before she turned her attention to Grant. "I got lost. Luckily Hunter found me or I'd still be wandering around." She scowled and scolded the tall, dark vampire she'd met at Grant's house. It wasn't like it was his fault. But, someone needed to do something about this place. "Haven't you people ever heard of maps and public restrooms?"

Drew nodded in acknowledgment, hiding his grin. "I will do my best to rectify the situation immediately. Sometimes it's easy to forget that others have...special needs."

"Dinner!" a voice called from the kitchen.

"I take it you're fine since you're standing here?" Grant asked. "I should get you home and put you to bed."

"No. No. No. Finish your game. I'm absolutely fine. In fact, I think while you're finishing up. I'll go join the women folk in the kitchen."

"Are you sure? We can go if you feel too tired to stay. Or if you need to rest before we leave. I'm sure there's an empty bed around here somewhere."

Claire put her hands on her once curvy hips. "Grant. Women have been having babies since the beginning of time. If they can do it, so can I. Essentially, childbirth still works the same way it always did. I'm. Fine."

"Yeah, but those women weren't my wife," Grant retorted.

"I'm not your wife, yet," Claire shot back. She strained to hide her irritation with her overly attentive and smothering almost husband.

"Not yet," Grant bristled. She was his wife. A piece of paper didn't automatically or magically make her his. She already was.

"Keep this up and not ever." Claire stood on her toes, thrusting her jaw defiantly up at him. She knew Grant could be pushy and overbearing at times. He was doing so now out of worry. She got that. But, she was not as fragile as he seemed to believe she was.

"Buddy," Patrick said softly. "A word of advice, don't piss off a pregnant woman unless you want to draw back a bloody stump. Leave her alone and let's shoot some pool."

"You might want to listen to him," Hunter said under his breath. He was amused by how well Claire handled his brother and put him in his place.

"Ok. If you really want we can stick around for a while," Grant said, buckling.

"Good." Claire said easing back onto her heels. "Janine has been sending me literally thousands of e-mails and leaving dozens of voice mails. While we're here I'd like to touch base with her and see how the party planning is coming. Enjoy your game." She smiled pleasantly as she sauntered as best as a pregnant woman could back to the kitchen.

"Whew," Patrick teased, "Nuclear war avoided."

Hunter ducked out of the rec room, avoiding the kitchen. Silently, he cast a backward glance at his brother, who pretended to ignore his presence as he aimed for a shot. Claire's words rang in his ears. But, he'd be damned it he knew what to do about them.

Grant felt Hunter's eyes on him and noticed his brother's absence as Hunter slid off into the hallways. There had been no verbal exchange between them. He tread very carefully around his brother. Fearful that he'd say or do something that would set him off and make their bad relationship worse.

"Oh look who has popped in to join us tonight," Anna said cheerfully. Fishing another plate from the cupboard as Claire waddled in, she served up the meal.