by Olivia Black
“It seems that Rett’s human mate was claimed by another Glecerian before he could reach our planet.”
“What?” Sebastian questioned. “Who?”
“His brother, Lund.”
The other guests laughed, but Sebastian couldn’t seem to find the humor in the situation.
“No.” Sebastian shook his head rapidly. He didn’t care about the Glecerian male. “Which human?”
“I believe the human’s name was George Larson.”
Sebastian dropped his utensil to the table. “Oh my God.”
“What is it, my mate?” Auden asked.
“George Larson…” he said. “Georgie…he’s my friend.”
“Ah,” was all Auden said.
“Tell me everything,” Sebastian insisted. “I need to know what happened to Georgie.”
Sebastian listened closely while Auden started the story, but soon, Tyak took over, finishing the details of the meeting. By the time they were finished, Sebastian’s mouth was hanging open in surprise.
“Well,” Sebastian said as the room fell silent. “At least Georgie won’t be living on Sweshan.”
Chapter Twenty
Five Months Later
Sebastian’s body was stiff and achy. He let out a groan as he struggled to sit up. Over the last five months, his belly had grown, expanding so quickly that he looked as if he might give birth any day. The doctors saw him on a weekly basis, preforming scans on his body to check the baby’s growth and function. Since Sebastian was human, the gestational period varied. Some humans were given a caesarian section at four months while others carried their babies for eight.
Sebastian felt movement inside his belly. He placed both of his hands on his extended stomach, gently stroking his fingers along the stretched skin. The baby moved again, kicking wildly, and Sebastian chuckled. Their son was active, especially first thing in the morning. Sebastian threw his legs over the side of the bed and inched forward until his feet touched the ground. He took his time standing up. Once he was standing, Sebastian stretched out his back.
He went into the bathroom and readied himself for the day. As he stepped out of the bathroom, he saw Auden and Regin walking into their suite. Regin was carrying a tray filled with food. Sebastian smiled. Since the day he started showing, both of his mates had been spoiling him rotten.
“You should be in bed, love,” Auden teasingly chastised him.
“I was only in the bathroom.”
“I know, but you heard what the doctor said. You shouldn’t be doing anything alone. We need to stay alert. The baby could be ready at any time.”
“Then one of you should’ve been here when I woke up.”
“I had a meeting,” Auden said.
“And I was getting your breakfast.” Regin set the tray down on side of the bed. “Now, come over here and eat.”
Sebastian took only one step before halting. He heard a horrible tearing sound, and a wave of agony rippled through his stomach. The pain was so extreme that Sebastian doubled over. He wrapped a protective hand around his stomach, and his hand slipped across the front of his shirt. Looking down, Sebastian saw a stream of blood pouring out from his bellybutton. He screamed, crying out for his mates as he stumbled.
Auden shouted, “Sebastian!”
Sebastian didn’t understand what was happening, but he knew, without a doubt, that their baby was in danger. “Something’s wrong with the baby.”
“Grab him, Regin,” Auden ordered.
Regin caught Sebastian before he fell to the ground. He lifted Sebastian up into his arms, cradling him against his chest. Sebastian panted, trying to breathe through the agony, but it was useless. It felt as if he were being stabbed in the gut over and over again by a serrated blade. The baby thrashed inside of Sebastian’s body, moving around as if he were trying to break free.
“What’s happening?” Sebastian asked, fear gripping his heart.
“We need to get to medical!” Regin shouted as he ran down the corridor.
“Hurry up,” Auden said. “The baby needs to be taken out.”
Auden and Regin shouted back and forth at each other, but Sebastian couldn’t follow what they were saying. He was fading, quickly. The baby kicked and punched, twirling within the confines of Sebastian’s belly. And Sebastian was worried that the baby might not survive long enough for them to reach the medical bay. Sebastian placed both of his hands on his stomach, trying in vain to protect his son.
“The baby,” Sebastian whimpered.
“What?” Regin asked him.
“Make sure the baby lives.”
“You’re going to be okay.”
“Promise me,” Sebastian insisted.
Regin’s jaw tightened. It looked as if he might continue to argue, but he simply nodded. “I promise.”
Black spots flashed before his eyes, blocking out the light. Sebastian blinked repeatedly, trying to stay awake, but darkness pulled him under.
“Sebastian!” Regin yelled. “Sebastian, you stay with me. Do you hear me? Sebastian! Don’t close your eyes.”
Sebastian tried to respond. He fought, trying to keep his eyes open, but it was a losing battle. Sebastian’s head fell back, his body went lax, and he passed out.
When Sebastian woke up, he groaned. The pain in his stomach was gone, leaving behind a dull ache. Moving his hands, he placed them on his stomach. His eyes flew open, and Sebastian looked down at the flat surface of his belly. There was an angry red mark that ran down the center of his stomach, proof that he’d been cut open. Sebastian looked around the room.
Auden and Regin were there, but there was no sign of a baby. A pain-filled sob broke free from his throat, and he started to panic. Where was his baby? The noise alerted both of his mates, telling them that he was awake. Both males quickly surrounded Sebastian.
“It’s okay, love. You’re okay,” Auden said, stroking his fingers through Sebastian’s hair, trying to calm him. “And so is our son. He’s whole and healthy.”
Sebastian sniffled, overcome by relief.
“We’ll need to think of a name for him,” Regin added, taking Sebastian’s hand.
The doctor walked into the room. He placed a small bundle in Sebastian’s arms. Sebastian looked down at his son’s face and instantly fell in love. Tears filled Sebastian’s eyes, spilling down his cheeks. He couldn’t believe it. Even though the baby had been in his stomach, he still couldn’t believe that it was real.
The baby looked like a Glecerian. He had the same snow-white skin and black eyes. He even had a small patch of white hair on top of his head. He did have some of Sebastian’s facial features— a straight nose, plump lips, and high cheekbones. He was a perfectly formed little bundle with chubby little cheeks made for kissing. He yawned as his eyes slowly closed.
“He’s so beautiful,” Sebastian said, looking from Regin to Auden.
Both of the males stood on either side of the bed, staring down at Sebastian and their new son. For the first time since arriving at Glecerus, Sebastian could see real emotion in the depths of their black eyes. Love. Pride. Joy.
“I love you,” Sebastian said to both of his mates.
“I love you, my mate,” Auden leaned forward and placed a kiss on Sebastian’s forehead.
Regin mimicked the action, kissing Sebastian’s cheek. “I love you, too.”
“What happened?”
“The placenta detached,” Regin told him. “The baby couldn’t breathe. You were unconscious by the time we arrived. The doctors performed emergency surgery. They were able to fix the tear and get the baby out safely.”
“So, we’re both okay?”
Auden nodded. “The doctor wants you to stay in bed for a little while. Your body needs time to heal after the surgery. Other than that, you’re both fine.”
“I didn’t know…I didn’t think…” Sebastian wasn’t sure if the baby would survive. The pain had been so intense that Sebastian thought he would surely die.
“What should
we name him?” Regin questioned, changing the subject.
Sebastian looked down at his son and said, “Jacob. I want to name him Jacob after my father.”
“That’s a good name.”
“Prince Jacob Q’Tal-Priq’aq,” Auden said with a smile.
* * * *
After a week living in medical bay, Sebastian was happy to finally be back at home. He held Jacob in his arms, gently rocking his son to sleep inside the nursery. The room had been beautifully decorated in dark colors, blues and purples. There was a giant mural painted across the stone walls depicting space with star systems and planets. It was truly magical.
Sebastian stood up and walked over to the crib. He carefully placed Jacob inside and covered him with a light blanket. Sebastian stared down at his precious little boy, watching him sleep. Every time he looked at his son, Sebastian became speechless. He could hardly believe that Jacob belonged to him.
After several minutes, Sebastian left the nursery and walked down to the bedroom he shared with his mates.
As soon as he stepped over the threshold, Sebastian removed his clothing, dropping the articles to the floor. He climbed into bed, placing himself between both of his mates. Even in sleep, his mates seemed to be able to sense his presence. Strong, muscular arms wrapped around Sebastian, holding him in a tight embrace. Sebastian blew out a heavy breath and closed his eyes.
Sebastian had originally volunteered to come to Glecerus to reconnect with his brother, Jason, but he had gotten more than he ever imagined. He’d gained a loving family. And now, Sebastian was looking forward to the future with his mates and his son.
THE END
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Olivia Black writes contemporary and paranormal gay romance with Siren Publishing. She lives in San Diego and spends most of her time writing and drinking coffee. Olivia is a hopeful romantic and believes everyone deserves to find their happily ever after. You can contact Olivia Black at [email protected].
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