Because the thought of strangers near her while she was weak, hurting, and giving birth made something inside him reject it immediately. His snake blood did not like it. His mate instinct hated it even more. The more vulnerable Isabella became, the stronger the urge rose in him to coil around her, keep everyone away, and let no one touch her except him.
But Isabella was looking at him with serious eyes.
She was not asking because she doubted him.
She was asking because she was scared.
That realization reached him properly.
His expression softened, though his reluctance did not vanish. "You want females you can ask questions."
"Yes," she said quickly. "And females who have done this before. Experienced ones. People who can tell me what is normal and what is not. I know this is normal here, and I know males can help, but I will feel better if women are there."
Cyrus lowered his eyes.
For a few breaths, he said nothing.
