Chapter 395
Tristan
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Athena’s hand tightened in mine so hard I felt bones grind. “But they’re not ready. They need more time…
Athena, if we wait, we risk the abruption getting worse. That could cut off blood supply to the babies. It could cause severe bleeding for you. At thirty–three weeks with twins, the risks of continuing the pregnancy now outweigh the risks of delivery.‘
“How big is the risk?” I asked, my voice coming out rougher than intended. To Athena. To the babies.”
“Babies born at thirty–three weeks have excellent survival rates,” Dr. Chen said firmly. “Over ninety–five percent. They’ll need NICU care, probably for a few weeks while their lungs mature and they learn to eat on their own. But they should be fine. As for Athena–a controlled C- section now is much safer than an emergency one later if the abruption suddenly gets worse.”
I looked at Athena. Her face was pale, tears already streaming down her cheeks.
“I’m not ready,” she whispered. “I thought we’d have more time. I thought..
“I know, baby.” I climbed onto the bed beside her, pulling her against my chest. “But Dr. Chen is right. We have to keep you all safe. And our babies are strong. They’re fighters.”
“You’re doing a C–section?” Athena asked Dr. Chen, her voice shaking.
“Yes. It’s the safest option given the abruption. We’ll have the NICU team standing by in the OR. The moment the babies are born, they’ll be assessed and taken to the NICU for care.”
“Can Tristan be there?” Athena asked immediately. “During the surgery?”
“Absolutely. He’ll be right by your head the whole time. You’ll be awake, well use a spinal block, not general anesthesia, so you’ll be numb from the chest down but conscious. You’ll be able to hear the babies when they re born.”
Athena nodded, but I could feel her fear through our bond. Raw and overwhelming.
“When?” I asked.
“I’m scheduling the OR for ten o’clock. That gives us two hours to prep. The anesthesiologist will come talk to you, explain everything. We’ll get Athena ready. And then we bring your babies into the world.”
After Dr. Chen left, Athena completely broke down. Deep, gasping sobs that shook her whole body. I held her, letting her cry, feeling my own tears fall into her hair.
“I’m so scared,” she sobbed against my chest. “What if something goes wrong? What if they can’t breathe on their own? What if…”
“Hey, look at me.” I gently tilted her face up. “Our babies are strong. You’ve been taking such good care of them. They’re going to be fine. And you’re going to be fine. I’m going to be right there with you the entire time.”
“Promise?”
“I promise. Nothing short of death could keep me away from you.”
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09:06 Mon, Feb9 AC
Chapter 395
She managed a watery smile. Don’t joks about death right now?
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“Sorry 1 kissed her forehead, her cheeks, her lips. ‘I love you. So much. You’re the bravest person I know, and you’re about to become a mother. Our babies are so lucky to have you?
“I love you too, she whispered.
The next two hours were chaos. Nurses came in with forms to sign. The anesthesiologist explained the spinal block in detail. Someone brought surgical gowns and booties for me to wear,
Sarah and Orion came into the room, spent thirty minutes with us before we had to prep for surgery.
“You’re going to be amazing, Sarah said, hugging Athena carefully. “Both of you. And we’ll be right here waiting to meet our niece and nephew.”
Or nephews, Or nieces, Athena said, laughing through her tears. ‘We still don’t know what they are.”
Healthy,” Orion said firmly. “That’s what they are. And they’re going to stay that way.”
Derek showed up too, bringing half the pack with him apparently, because the waiting room was suddenly full of Silver Ridge members.
“The whole pack wanted to come, Derek said, clasping my shoulder. “They’re all pulling for you. For all of you.”
“Thank you,” I managed, my voice thick.
At nine–thirty, the nurses came to take Athena to pre–op. I walked beside her gurney, my hand never leaving hers, as we moved through the hospital corridors.
The pre–op area was cold and sterile. They transferred Athena to a surgical table, and the anesthesiologist began preparing for the spinal block.
“Tristan has to wait outside for this part,‘ a nurse explained gently. “Just for about fifteen minutes while we get the spinal in and make sure it’s working properly. Then we’ll bring him into the OR.”
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Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
