18. Drew

Ireally liked Sebastian’s brothers. Both of them. And despite the fact that I knew Lorenzo thought I wasn’t that fond of him, I actually really liked the alpha. And that was unusual for me. But Lorenzo was safe. He was my mate’s brother, and that meant he wasn’t going to try anything with me.

They had stayed for a week and then gone back to Spain. I was a bit surprised when they didn’t stay with us though. Sebastian had said they always stayed with him. In fact, he had two spare bedrooms set up. One for each of them. But this time, they stayed elsewhere. I felt bad that they weren’t staying with us until Sebastian told me it was simply because they were giving us privacy. That made sense and helped me to feel better about everything.

“Are you ready?” Sebastian asked. I looked over at my mate and grinned. I couldn’t help it. Today was scan day! We were going to go see Dr. King, and he was going to do our ultrasound. I had what Sebastian called the cutest little baby bump now, and he wasn’t wrong. I was definitely showing when I was naked. When fully dressed, I could definitely hide my bump with a baggy, untucked shirt. Not that I needed to hide my bump here on the mountain. It wasn’t unusual to see pregnant omegas around all the time, apparently.

“I’m more than ready. I can’t believe we get to see our baby.”

I knew Sebastian already knew what we were having. He was a warlock and, come to find out, a pretty powerful one. He and the rest of his family had the ability to tell the sex and species of babies very early on. So he’d known all along what we were having. I had no clue, only that we had a little baby inside me, and I couldn’t wait to meet him or her.

“Still on the team no for knowing what we’re having?”

I nodded. I honestly didn’t want to know. I was going to wait until our baby was here before I knew what we were having. I had left the decorating of the nursery up to Sebastian. I’d picked out a baby girl theme, as well as a baby boy one. Sebastian then took over and decorated the nursery. The door was locked, and I was perfectly fine with that. I didn’t need to see it until we had our little bundle in our arms. “I’m not going to change my mind. I want it to be a surprise. I know that Caspian knows and probably told Lorenzo.”

“He does.” Sebastian chuckled. “I think that at this point, you are probably the only one who doesn’t know what we’re having.” Sebastian helped me stand from where I had been sitting at the dining room table. He was such a gentleman all the time. “Are you certain you’re up for walking?”

I grinned. “I am. Seriously, I’m feeling so much better.” It had taken some time, a bit more tea, some supplements, and a whole lot of snacking, but my body finally seemed to be accepting the fact that I was carrying Sebastian’s baby. Knowing my luck, I was so sick because I was carrying another little warlock, and my cheetah was being a diva. If that truly was the case, first, I would adore our little warlock. But I would definitely have issues with my cheetah. “I’m ready,” I told him once I had my feet stuffed into my shoes.

Sebastian looked like he wanted to say something, but he didn’t. I looked down at myself and sighed. “I can’t help it. My bump is growing, and none of my pants fit anymore. So it’s sleep pants. They’re the only thing stretchy enough to fit around my stomach.”

Sebastian tilted his head to the side, then flicked his fingers at me. I looked down at my legs that were now encased in jeans. But not just any jeans. These were so comfortable. More comfortable than any others I owned. I lifted my shirt and saw why. They had a wide navy-blue knit band all around the top of them. “Oh, what are these, and where have they always been?”

Sebastian chuckled. “They are maternity jeans.” My gaze flew to Seb’s. “For omegas,” he told me. “They were in the book Dr. King gave us?” Sebastian raised an eyebrow at me. Yeah, I’d read some of it, but for the most part, I was just winging things. Maybe I shouldn’t.

“All right. Well, maybe I should stop by the store and let Monroe know about these. The store needs to carry these in there for all of the omegas. There could be a little corner that has pants and shirts for us? Wouldn’t that be amazing? Then we could shop after getting our checkups since the clinic is behind the store.”

Sebastian chuckled. “We can certainly stop if you wish.” Sebastian held my hand while we walked out the door. He pulled it shut behind us, and then we were on our way. It was gorgeous out. It was mid-August, and although it was crazy hot down off the mountain, it was nice up here.

“Let’s just see how I’m feeling? Will that work?” I knew that Sebastian was still incredibly worried about me. Rightly so, really. I had been really sick there for a while, and it wasn’t until I left what would be considered my first trimester and moved into my second that I finally started feeling like I could do things again. “It’s gorgeous out, isn’t it?”

“It is indeed.” Sebastian looked as if he wanted to say something else but stopped himself.

“What? You want to say something, but you’re holding back. What is it?”

Sebastian sighed. “So about my parents.”

There it was. “Yes. When are they coming for a visit? I know that, of course, your brothers were going to tell them, so you were forced to let them know you found me.” I tilted my head to the side to look up at him. “I’m not upset if they want to come visit. I’d like to meet them as well.”

Sebastian seemed a bit relieved. “That’s good. I know that Papa will want to visit for an extended stay,” Sebastian told me. “They won’t stay with us though. They’ll stay in a cabin down in Honey Creek, or knowing Master Edison, he’ll put them up somewhere here on the mountain. Or maybe they’ll even stay with Rainier and étienne. I’m not sure though.”

“Then we need to invite them. When did you want to do that?” I asked. I could tell that Sebastian was still hesitant. “What’s wrong?”

Sebastian sighed. “I’ve disappointed them. They’re upset because they feel I didn’t trust them enough to let them know right away that I met you.”

“Is it really a requirement? Is there some rule somewhere that says we have to announce mates and claimings immediately? Aren’t couples allowed time together? You said as much to your brothers. I heard you.”

Sebastian sighed. “Yes. But my parents aren’t with the council. They’re not bad people, and please don’t think they are. They are both incredibly happy for us. But they’re upset and hurt that I didn’t mention it to them that I’d found my One. They felt that I could have found a moment to send a text to them at some point since I’ve claimed you.”

“Did you tell them I’ve been sick and that you were busy taking care of me?”

“I tried. Father said that was all the more reason to call them. They could have helped. Would have gladly helped.”

That really upset me. “And what if I didn’t want them helping? What if I, the pregnant omega that’s growing their first grandchild, didn’t want two complete strangers hovering around and taking care of me?” I asked. I had my hands on my hips at this point, irritated. I wasn’t upset with Sebastian. I was upset on his behalf. His parents were being a bit unfair, and that wasn’t right. Nor was it their call to make such choices.

Sebastian grinned. “I really do love you, you know that?”

Immediately, I softened. “I love you too. Now, can we go to our appointment? Just thinking about them is making me upset, and I’m not supposed to be upset.” I realized I shouldn’t have said those words the moment they left my mouth. Sebastian’s brow furrowed, and I tried to backtrack. “I’m fine,” I said, holding my hands up. I placed them on his shoulders, hoping he wouldn’t be upset. I just need to try and explain everything better. “It’s just I’m frustrated for you. They’re being unfair.”

“Yes and no. I could have sent them a message to let them know I found my One and that we needed time alone. They would have understood and respected my wishes. Instead, I chose to not, and that upset them.”

I was getting more frustrated. “Who cares?” I said finally. Sebastian seemed to be surprised. “Let them be upset. They’re not in this relationship. We are. They have zero say in when and where we announce our mating. None.”

I was done with this conversation. At least on my side. Instead, I turned and started walking toward the clinic. I knew where it was. I’d seen it every day for who knew how long. It was directly behind the council building. You couldn’t miss it.

It didn’t take but a few steps for Sebastian to catch up with me. When he did, he wrapped his arms around me from behind, gently pulling me into his chest. “I’m sorry, Drew. I didn’t want to upset you, and that’s exactly what I’ve done. I hurt you, and I’m sorry.”

I sighed. I looked up, but that was uncomfortable. Instead, I turned and then looked up at my mate. “You haven’t hurt me. I’m simply upset on your behalf. I understand that yes, you could have messaged them. Sure. But you were otherwise occupied, and then our lives kinda got turned upside down. What do they expect? You to just be so focused on oh, I need to message my parents and let them know I’ve found my One instead of being busy taking care of your sick and pregnant One?” Sebastian stared down at me, his eyes showing his shock. “Yeah, see? No. You were busy. They need to get over it. If they never had to experience severe pregnancy sickness, lucky them. Well, it sucks balls.”

Sebastian slowly smiled. “Damn, I really love you.”

I couldn’t help it; I laughed. I wrapped my arms around Sebastian’s chest and held on tight. He swayed back and forth with me a few times before my stomach did that flip thing. I closed my eyes tight at the sensation, and thankfully, my stomach agreed to stay where it was. When I opened them, we were now standing in front of the omega clinic. I didn’t mind. I truly didn’t. But I had to wonder why Sebastian had decided to use magic instead of us walking the rest of the way?

“We’re going to be late for our appointment if we don’t hurry, and you’re getting quite worked up. Let’s get you inside and see if we can get a peek at our baby.”

I smiled. I wanted that very much. Sebastian opened the door for me, and I stepped through. Cecil’s happy smile greeted us, and I waved to him when he said hello.

“Here for your scan?”

“We are,” I told him. I walked up to the counter and wondered again about him. I wasn’t going to ask any questions because that was rude. But he was so sweet, which I didn’t understand. Not the sweet part. I understood that. A lot of omegas were sweet. But Cecil was a bear shifter, and a lot of the bear shifters at the council were cranky.

“Something wrong?” Cecil asked when he noticed I was studying him as he typed on his keyboard.

“Nope. Just waiting. You’re a bear, right?”

Cecil grinned. “I am, yes. I’m a polar bear.”

“Ah. Okay. I don’t think I’ve met a polar bear shifter.” I looked to Sebastian. “Do you have bears at the council?”

Sebastian chuckled. “Yes, cutie. We have bear shifters.”

I looked back at Cecil and shrugged. He turned his face toward his screen and nodded. “Dr. King is ready to see you.” He stood, and I realized he was kinda tall. Then again, everyone was tall around me. I was short. I wasn’t as short as Eli, but I wasn’t much taller.

We followed Cecil down the hallway, where he passed a door and then abruptly stopped. He gestured to us to enter, where we found Dr. King. He looked to be organizing things.

“Good morning. How are you feeling, Drew?” Dr. King asked. “Your aura looks a little reddish.” Dr. King looked up at Sebastian, who sighed.

“That’s my fault. We were talking about my parents on the way here. They’re upset with me, and Drew is upset on my behalf.”

Dr. King glanced between the two of us and nodded. “As it should be. Shall we get started with the scan? We’ll see about getting you a bit more relaxed as well.”

I was going to argue that I didn’t need to relax, but Sebastian was helping me up onto the table.

Once there, a ball of green light flew into the air and then seemed to explode. I was so busy watching all of the little sprinkles of what looked like green pixie dust sprinkle down on me that I hadn’t realized that Dr. King had let a magical ball out, and all of a sudden, I felt much more relaxed. Dr. King looked at Sebastian, who was on the other side of the table where I was lying.

“Now that his heart rate is where it should be, as is his blood pressure, shall we do the scan?”

Sebastian nodded, and I looked over at Dr. King. “Was my blood pressure really that bad?”

“It wasn’t great, Drew. So far, it’s not been an issue. If anything, it’s been a little low for my comfort. Today, it was elevated more than it should, but I have just the thing to help keep it on the lower side, aside from a little bit of magical intervention.”

The lights in the room lowered, and then in the air in front of us, there our baby was. Sebastian grabbed my hand, and then I felt him kiss it before he lowered it back to the padded table below me.

“Is that our baby?” I asked when the outline of a baby’s face suddenly appeared in front of us in the air.

“It is. I know that you do not wish to know the sex or species, so I’ll make sure to keep that part out of the scans. But yes, there is your baby.”

I could only stare. That was our baby. Our little booger that had made me so sick.

Sebastian started laughing beside me. Dr. King froze and looked at the pair of us. “Is something wrong?” he asked.

“No. I apologize. It’s just that Drew nicknamed the baby little booger early on because the baby made him so sick. He’s just mentioned that in his mind.”

Dr. King seemed surprised but then chuckled. He gave me a look. “Really? Little booger?”

“What would you have me call the baby? Little alien? My body did not like having a baby in it. Why was I so sick?”

“Hormones. The imbalance of them, actually. That and all of the changes within your body. You will possibly have a repeat with your next pregnancy. Or it’s a possibility that your next pregnancy will be seamless and you won’t experience any sort of ailments. We never know. Every pregnancy is different. But there is a larger chance that you will be sick again.”

I sighed. “Figured. But at least we know though, right?”

“Yes.” Dr. King started doing something, and suddenly, the image in front of us moved. “Let me just get some measurements, and then we’ll grab some pictures for a keepsake.”

The screen moved more and even at one point spun completely around. There were tiny toes in view and then legs. Then the image moved up to fingers that were near the face. How adorable was that?

Then the noise came. It was quiet at first, and then it got louder. I looked to Sebastian when I realized that I knew that sound. It matched the sound of our baby’s heartbeat that I could hear. Only now it was so much more audible.

“Is that…that’s our baby’s heartbeat,” I said in awe.

“It is.” Sebastian kissed my hand again. He leaned down and then kissed my forehead before he stood back up.

“The baby looks healthy. Everything is as it should be for this stage in gestation,” Dr. King said. “I’m putting your due date at the fourth of October. Some first-time carriers go to their due date and beyond. Some don’t make it that long. So far, I have no estimate for where you will fall. Your date of your heats, put in with the size of the baby, I’m saying that is a good date. Most likely a little before though, if truth be told.”

I looked to Dr. King, who was grinning at his computer screen. “Yeah? So late September or early October?”

Dr. King nodded. “Yes. There is a possibility that you will go past your due date, but I just don’t see that with you.” Dr. King tilted his head to the side. “The measurements are all good, the organs are developing where they should be, and your amnionic fluid level is good. You’ve read the book I sent with the tea when you first became pregnant?”

“We have,” Sebastian said. He’d read it more than once, and I’d read it with him a second time. Well, most of it. Sebastian had read a lot of it to me while we were cuddling on the couch when I was so sick.

“Good. Then you know what signs to look for with his omega line. I would suggest you start checking it the second week of September to be safe. Once a day is fine. All of the information is in the book though. Sex is all right as long as you feel good about it and have the energy. When it hurts, don’t have it. Eat healthy if possible. Snacks several times a day are usually better than large meals.” Dr. King shrugged. “I understand that’s not necessarily the most exciting thing you want to hear, but it’s what I have.”

“It’s great,” I told Dr. King. The image of our baby moved farther away, and when the lights brightened in the room, I was sad to see the baby’s image disappear. Sebastian helped me to sit up from where I was reclining a bit.

“Thank you, Dr. King,” Sebastian said. “For everything. From the beginning until now.”

Dr. King smiled. “It’s what I’m here for. Sadly, I cannot devote all of my time here at the clinic. I would love to be able to spend more time here, and I do make the pregnant omegas a priority when they are close to their due dates. But sadly, you enforcers keep me busy. It’s a very good thing that so many are being rescued. It’s heartbreaking that they need to be.”

I had seen some of Sebastian’s missions. Some were worse than others. I myself knew just how lucky I was that I’d never been put on that truck which would have put me on a boat. If that had been the case, I most likely wouldn’t be here.

“For you,” Dr. King said. He was holding a long strip of paper. I reached for it and gasped when I realized what it was.

“These are for us?”

“Yes. Some parents put them in frames, others put them into scrapbooks. They’re yours to do with what you please. Now, same as it was. I already gave you the sex talk, the food talk. Now the labor talk. Labor will start whenever it wants. If your stomach starts tightening and then loosening, that might be contractions.” Dr. King looked directly at Sebastian. “When his omega line goes from silver to pink, it’s getting ready. Pink to red is when I need you to let me know it’s red. When it’s red, check it a couple times a day if at all possible. When it starts opening, I need to know so I can make sure I’m available at a moment’s notice.”

“I’ll do that. I’ll make sure I watch it closely.”

“Good. Now, this is where I say go and enjoy your day. I’m not sure if you’re going back to work or not, but I’ve been told it’s a beautiful day outside.”

I grinned. “It really is. We’re going to enjoy our walk home,” I told him. And I would.

“Good. Enjoy the fresh air. It’s good for you,” Dr. King said.

Sebastian helped me off the table, and I held his hand while staring down at the pictures of our baby. I would have run into the wall if not for Sebastian’s guidance. I absently waved to Cecil as I was led out of the office and then into the bright sun. I wanted to glare at it, but it felt amazing. I carefully folded up the images and then let Sebastian lead me away from the clinic. When we were beside the store, I caught the scent of the bakery, and my mouth started watering. “Can we go to the bakery?” It had been so long since I’d had one of their cupcakes.

“We can.” Sebastian and I walked that way, and when his name was called from behind us, Sebastian turned and sighed. “Did you want to go with me? I need to talk to Warwick really quick.”

“Naw. You go talk to him. I’m going to be in the bakery picking out a few treats.” I glanced around Sebastian’s arm and shook my head. Yeah, nope. I did not want to go chat with that beast of a man.

Sebastian kissed me quickly and then took off in a jog toward who I knew was one of the hellhounds. I sighed and then turned to go to the bakery. I felt a sudden breeze and then a warmth swirl around me. I couldn’t help but grin. Eli had told me about this. So had Sebastian. In fact, I’d been terrified about it, but just as Eli had said, I didn’t feel threatened. If anything, I felt safe and secure.

“Hi,” I whispered. “I wish you would say hi, but I understand. Do you like the omegas? Or the babies? Or is it both?” I shrugged. “No matter. Thanks for the hug and saying hello,” I told it. I didn’t know what it was, but yeah, definitely not a threat. It suddenly left, taking its warmth with it, and I got a quick chill before I sighed. I was still grinning as I entered the bakery. Oh yeah. Those were some amazing scents. My mouth was already watering.