Chapter 15

Chapter

Fifteen

Triton frowned at their hailee.

Something was wrong with him.

He was sick, and Triton did not approve, not in the slightest. Dragons didn't really suffer from sweats and exhaustion and nausea. So what on earth was going on with him?

He was going to call…the brother? The seer? Both? He wasn't sure how exactly this was going to work.

So he started with Rowan. He knew Elowyn best. He would know if they needed the seer.

He walked down and down and down. Rowan lived deep in the mountain, and he needed exercise. That would work off some of his worry. Make it easier to deal with things.

He didn't want his hailee ill. It scared him. They couldn't lose him, not now. Not when things were going so well.

Triton marched to Rowan's door so he could knock. He should have checked to see if he was home.

He did have his phone. He could call, if Rowan didn't answer the door, of course.

Triton knocked again.

Rowan finally answered the door, eyebrows rising at the sight of him. "Triton. Well met. Is all well?"

"No. Our hailee is ill. I need your help." He frowned, then tried to remember his manners. "Please."

"Ill?" Rowan frowned, stepping back to allow him inside. "Please explain."

"He's sleeping twelve hours a day, he's lethargic, and he's not keeping anything down. He says he's well, but I know he's—What are you smiling about?"

Rowan chuckled. "Well, since dragons don't really get the flu, I assume he's pregnant. That is what the symptoms mean."

His eyes went wide. "Pregnant? Our Elowyn?"

He had to go to Elowyn. Cerran was training. Elowyn and Leilani were alone!

"Wait, please." Rowan waved him to a chair. "If Elowyn is asleep with Lei, they'll be fine. I need to chat with you."

"But—are you sure?" He couldn't lose Elowyn. It would destroy them.

"I am. I mean, I will need to examine him, but he's never been sickly."

"No. No, he seems strong, even if he is small. Can he fly with a child?"

"He can yes. Until about halfway through gestation, but then I suggest grounding him. Just in case. Injuries happen in flight."

"No injuries. How do we make it better? Do we need to put him to bed?"

"Mmm. Well, he'll sleep more than usual to begin with as he adjusts, but what he needs is food he can tolerate and water."

"Okay. What can he tolerate? What do pregnant omegas eat?" He'd never actually known one, personally.

"Well, I don't know." Rowan spread his hands. "Each omega is different. But we can start with dry toast or crackers."

"Dry toast." That sounded unpleasant. "With cinnamon and sugar?"

"Uh, that makes it less than dry…"

"Oh." He chewed his lower lip. "He loves broth…"

"Mmm. Vegetable broth might work. Meat based might have too much fat to begin with." Rowan patted his hand. "We'll find out what eases him, what he wants more than anything."

"Okay. I want to help him, Rowan. He's miserable."

"Well, he's never been pregnant before, hmm?"

"No. No I suppose not." A smile tugged at his lips. "A baby. With Elowyn."

"Yes. You and Cerran found your omega. Congratulations."

"Thank you, brother." he stood, grabbing Rowan up for a hug. "Now, come with me. We need to help Elowyn. It is important."

Cerran, come home. Please. We have a pregnant omega.

What! He felt it when Cerran took the blow across the face. Oof. I'll be right there.

Rowan and I will be home soon. Don't scare Elowyn. He doesn't know.

Ah. I will try not to wake him then. I can tell he's asleep.

Yes. Meet us on the balcony. We need to discuss how to get him food.

Very well, mate.

Rowan put on a pair of shoes and followed him out, trudging along with him. Triton shortened his pace, realizing Rowan was having difficulty keeping up.

"Thank you, brother. I know you're worried, but this is normal for a pregnant omega."

"I believe you, but my heart worries." He tried to bring his shoulders down from his ears. "I have lost much."

"You have, and I'm so sorry." Rowan patted his arm. "But we are here now, and you have a clan that loves you, very much."

"Thank you, sollon. I appreciate it. If he's pregnant, I will see Cain about performing a kaala."

"A ritual of gratitude never goes amiss," Rowan agreed. "Do you want another child? A larger family?"

"I do. I love Leilani so much. I would adore all my children as I do her."

"Yes. Love simply grows, doesn't it?" Rowan beamed up at him. "I'm going to be an uncle."

"It does. I used to think I only had so much. Like a well that would dry up." Now he knew better. "And you are already an uncle, brother."

"I am. I so am!" That laughter filled the stairwell.

They quieted when they got to his and his mates' quarters, not wanting to wake Elowyn yet, if he was indeed sleeping. Cerran had gotten there before them and waved for them to come through to the balcony.

They went to sit, after Rowan gave Cerran a hard hug. There were three glasses and a pitcher of lemonade waiting, and Cerran glowed with joy.

"Do you really think he's pregnant, Rowan?" Cerran asked, grabbing a cookie off a plate he'd put out.

"I do. I'll know more once I touch him, but the symptoms tell me so."

"That's amazing." Cerran beamed at him. "Mate. We're having a baby with our omega."

"Yes. I want him to be able to enjoy it. He must eat."

"Then let's feed him." How hard can it be?

Triton shrugged. We have to trust in Rowan.

Rowan's laugh was still merry. "It's hard to begin with. Until he and the baby decide what works for both of them. Things that he normally loves might not sit right."

"Oh, that's awful! He hasn't liked the sight of eggs in the last few weeks."

"Or the smell of strong tea."

"Yes. So we start with easy things. Crackers. Broth. Then we work up to…pancakes perhaps. Or toast with something on it."

"He likes ice cream too. Pineapples?" Cerran offered.

"I imagine pineapple will be very acidic, especially if tea is a problem."

"Damn."

"We'll let him guide us," Triton said. "And just try everything."

"That sounds good. I just want him to eat. Baby dragons need food."

"They do," Rowan agreed. "So do pregnant omegas."

They heard Leilani start to make her curious I'm-awake peeping sounds, and Cerran hopped up to go get her.

Rowan smiled at Triton, gaze warm. "She's very sensitive, isn't she?"

"She is. She knows when we're here. Or when something is off." Naturally, he knew Leilani was the smartest, most perfect baby. "Do you think she knows Elowyn is pregnant?"

Because that thought made him want to bounce.

He wouldn't, of course. He had his pride, but he wanted to.

"I imagine she does, especially if she was sleeping with him. Babies can tell a great deal through touch and proximity. They hear and sense things we don't."

"I would love to know what she knows. She loves him. That is apparent."

"Mmmm. Maybe we can ask her."

He raised an eyebrow, and Cerran returned a few minutes later with a freshly changed Leilani and a bottle. "He's still out like a light," Cerran said.

"May I feed her?" Rowan asked.

"Of course." Cerran handed her over, and Leilani cooed and waved her hands.

"Yes, hello, sweet niece." Rowan nuzzled her cheek. "Are you hungry? Hmm?" He popped the bottle nipple between her lips, then went quiet, staring down at her intently, and Triton could feel the air stir, could hear the buzz of their mental communication.

Triton closed his eyes, trying to hear them. Can you hear me?

Yes, what do you need, braaken? I'm napping.

Oops.

Sorry, hailee. I was just trying to get through to someone else. Are you well?

Who? I am. Do you need me?

Rowan. He and I were experimenting. Just go back to sleep for a bit. They would call him out once they all had their worry under control.

Mmm…love you. Sweet, amazing omega. Triton adored him.

As I love you. Sleep.

He waited for Elowyn to drop off again, then grinned at Rowan. "Whoops. So. What do we order him?"

"I'll call down and have them send up some things to tempt him and also some to soothe him." Rowan stood, then headed inside to call the kitchens. "Has anything been tasty? Anything he lit up for?"

Cerran tilted his head. "Strawberry ice cream."

"Ah, good. Good." Rowan left them, and Cerran grinned at him.

"A baby!"

"Yes." He had to smile himself. "I am most pleased. But not that he is ill."

"But aren't they always ill? In the books, they are always ill."

"Cerran." He tilted his head. "We want him to feel good and be strong."

"Of course." Cerran shrugged. "But omegas get morning sickness."

"Still…" He hated when Cerran used logic against him.

"You cannot fix everything, my warrior."

"No, but I can try." And he would always do his best for his mates.

Cerran leaned over and stole a kiss. "You do. Always."

"Thank you." He slid his hand behind Cerran's head to take a real kiss, putting all of his joy into it.

"Naughty boys!" Rowan laughed as he walked back in, depositing Leilani in Triton's arms.

He nuzzled her tiny head. "You're going to be a big sister, my love. Oh, how happy you're going to be."

She squealed as if to agree with him, reaching up to grab his nose.

He laughed, the sound almost a roar of happiness, and that made Elowyn touch his mind again. Love?

Laughing with our daughter. Come join us?

Of course, yes! Oh, that was laughter and joy. Elowyn appeared on the balcony moments later, a robe pulled around him. "I'm sorry I slept so late."

"Bah." Triton bounced Lei. "No apologies."

"Brother," Rowan went to Elowyn and hugged him. "How are you?"

"Sleeping. Hard."

"Yes, so I was told." Rowan tugged Elowyn to a chair and eased him down, then began to touch his cheeks, his neck.

"What are you doing? I'm not sick. Just…tired."

Rowan chuckled. "Your braaken are worried. Let me do my job."

Elowyn blinked at Rowan, lips parting. "Your job. But you're a midwife, not a medic…" Then he started. "You don't think?—"

"Uh-huh. I don't have to think."

"No? You mean…" Elowyn's happiness was like an explosion, the light flashing in his brain.

"Yes, I do."

"Oh, gods!" Elowyn threw his head back, laughing. "I was so worried!"

"So were we, hailee," Cerran said. "But now we know!"

"We're going to have a baby," Elowyn whispered, eyes moving between him and Cerran.

"We are," Triton danced Lei around. "She's excited too."

"Are you, my light? Are you excited about a little one to play with? A best friend?"

Leilani made grabby hands at Elowyn, so Triton took her to let her sit on Elowyn's lap. "Be careful, my love. No hurting your sofii."

"She can't hurt me. She's my sweet pea." Elowyn nuzzled her. "We're having a baby, braaken."

"We are." Triton went to plop down next to Cerran. "I—Thank you, hailee."

"You're the ones who did it." Elowyn winked, cheeks pink.

"I'll go get the snacks when they arrive." Rowan took the baby back and went inside.

"Snacks?" Elowyn looked so confused, but then his attention turned back to them. "Are you pleased?"

"We are, sweet. Come sit with us."

"Mmm." Elowyn moved easily, coming to drape across Triton, feet in Cerran's lap. "I do feel better."

"We're glad. You will probably be sick again, hmm?" Cerran rubbed Elowyn's legs.

"Yes. In the mornings mostly."

Elowyn hummed. "It will be easier to bear now I know what it is."

"And I'll give you tips to help," Rowan came back in with a tray of different ice cream sundaes. "Celebratory yummies?"

"Ooh…strawberry?" Elowyn chuckled as Leilani began to wiggle and smack her lips.

Cerran frowned over at their hailee. "What is this?"

"Leilani and I like an ice cream in the afternoon."

"She is eating ice cream? Sneaky monkey!" Cerran looked so affronted.

"She still needs her bottles. She gums it more than anything. Never fear, I won't let you miss milestones. When she starts eating soft food in earnest, we will all begin with her together."

"I just had no idea."

"I got you caramel, Cerran," Rowan said in a soothing tone. "And you butterscotch," he said to Triton.

"Mmm… I want to see her eat ice cream." He scooped up a spoonful of ice cream and offered it to her, and she arched her back, shaking her head.

"Oh, love. Try this." Elowyn offered her a bite of ice cream on his finger.

She sucked it right off, her little lips moving easily.

"Huh." Triton scooped up a tiny bit, knowing his finger was larger than her bottle nipple, so he wanted her to be able to get what she needed. "Like this?" He offered it to Leilani.

His little one latched on, pulling hard, and grabbing his finger.

"That's my lusty eater." She was going to be a fantastic dragon. Strong and brave, and a good flyer.

"She is that," Cerran agreed.

Rowan laughed. "She's making up for lost time."

She fought to get back to Triton, to his ice cream, and Triton took her to feed her another little bite. She didn't need a bellyache, but it was so cute to see her feast.

"Not too much," Elowyn teased. "Or you sit up with her."

"Fair enough. I think she likes butterscotch."

Elowyn wrinkled his nose. "Strawberry is best."

"I know you think so, my love." He could be indulgent now that he knew that Elowyn was not ill. "You are wrong, of course."

The others laughed, and he fended off Leilani, knowing she didn't need any more sugar.

"She is hungry, isn't she?" Rowan scooped her up, dancing her away from the temptation. "How about a bottle, little dragon?"

She squealed some more, grabbing at Rowan's clothing, and they all had a chuckle. "Oh, love. How happy you make us," Cerran said.

"Me?" Elowyn blinked up at him, wide-eyed.

"Yes." Triton agreed with Cerran. Elowyn was a wonder, and had made them both more well-adjusted, easier in their skin, and they smiled so much more. Not that they had been miserable before. On the contrary, they had so much love between them.

But Elowyn was the spark they needed. The perfect piece to finish their puzzle, as Cain would say.

Elowyn blushed a delightful dark rose. "Well, I just try to do my best."

"Mmm." He put his hand on Elowyn's belly. "Do you know Rowan thinks Leilani can sense the baby?"

"Does he?" Elowyn touched his belly, his expression wondering.

"Yes." Triton rubbed gently. "I think he talks to her in their heads too. And she's answering him."

"Rowan has always had a way with babies," Elowyn said. "It's his talent."

"That's pretty neat." Cerran massaged Elowyn's legs. Nothing felt sexual. This was about giving Elowyn comfort, about helping him relax so he could enjoy his ice cream and not get ill.

"I'm meant to care for people on a smaller level. A more personal one."

"And you do it very well." Cerran patted Elowyn's knee. "Do you feel a little better?"

"I do. The ice cream hit the spot." Elowyn leaned on his chest and breathed deeply. "I was hungry."

"Mmm. Rowan says we just need to see what the baby wants as well as you."

"Are you saying our baby wants milk and sugar and berries?" Elowyn's expression was already more peaceful.

"It looks like it." He had to laugh at that. "So we give the baby and you both what you want within reason. As long as your health does not suffer."

"I guarantee my brother will watch me like a hawk now that he knows I'm pregnant," Elowyn said wryly.

"I will, too." Rowan came back to settle with Leilani, her sucking noises hilarious.

"I knew it." Elowyn waved a hand at Rowan. "I understand you."

"Once the morning sickness passes, you'll feel like a new dragon. You just need to get over that hump."

"I know." Elowyn laughed. "I feel so much better."

"I have crackers for you to try first thing in the morning, and ginger ale helps with the cramping." Rowan ticked things off, and Triton paid close attention. He often awakened early, and that was when Elowyn had proven to be most susceptible to the sickness.

Though it could strike at any time. So he would keep all the good foods on hand.

"Just remember to give yourself time. Your body is going through so much change right now. It's hard."

Elowyn smiled at his brother. "I will. I promise."

And Triton made the same promise to himself. He would make sure Elowyn took it easy.

Even if Elowyn didn't think he needed to.