Archive of Our Own

Jeff’s POV

I woke up with an uncomfortable feeling in my lower region. My stomach tightened for a moment, and I moved around, trying to get rid of the stiffness. My stomach and back muscles contracted, and my eyes snapped open when I felt a gush between my legs.

Oh. Oh.

I held on to the bathroom door, my eyebrows furrowed when the fluid kept leaking out.

Was I still peeing!

Wasn’t that too much?

I stomped my foot in frustration but then paused.

The fluid trickled down my legs as I stared at bed. This wasn’t normal. The fluid was clear colourless.

I touched the wet spot with two fingers and brought it to my nose.

It didn’t smell.

When realization dawned, my mouth fell open.

OH!

Ignoring the wet trail I was leaving behind, I waddled inside the bathroom as quickly as I could which wasn’t too quickly.

My belly was huge. Even Doctor said I was really big for my body size.

Alan loved it, though. He showered my pregnant belly with so much love.

He mentioned a couple of times that he loved me pregnant. Because it showed everyone that I was his.

I could never understand Alpha’s and their possessive tendencies.

My back was aching as I stripped off and took a quick shower. After changing into a clean outfit, I walked out.

Slowly, I walked down the stairs. Alan was going to throw a fit, but I had a perfect way to shut him up. I came to a stop on the final step when I noticed the pack members in the living room.

Kenta and Pete were there too. They were both enjoying the argument about the baby.

Perfect. I had everyone in one place.

When Alan noticed me, he immediately stood up.

“Ai’ Jeff! Why are you walking down the stairs alone?” he bellowed, making his way to me. He looked really mad, and I almost flinched at his loud tone.

Alan held me by the waist and half-carried me to the sofa. I planted my feet on the floor before he could push me in a sitting position.

“Wait,” I muttered.

He paused.

I swallowed hard and felt suddenly nervous.

He took my silence in a bad way and started panicking.

“What is it, Ai’ Nu? Is something wrong? Is it the baby? Are you hurt? Are you in pain?”

“No. I’ m okay. Everyone, stay calm. It’s all good and okay.”

He raised an eyebrow and waited for me to continue.

My gaze went to everyone before meeting Alan’s again.

“My water broke.” I could hear the excitement in my voice as I waited for their reaction.

There was about five seconds of shock and silence before everyone exploded together.

“What?”

“Shit!”

“We’re not fucking ready!”

“Oh dear.”

“Oh my God!”

“You’re not due for another two days!”

That last one was Alan. For the first time, he appeared almost speechless.

He looked at me like I had grown two heads. Actually, all the men had the same expression on their faces.

Babe looked like he was about to faint.  North was practically ready for make a run for it. Way was already taking a few steps back.

“You’re not ready. We’re not ready. The baby isn’t supposed to come out now, Dr. Ivy said so! Another two days. We have another two days, Jeff!” Alan rambled.

His eyes were filled with fear when he palmed my very pregnant belly. There was a hard kick, one that I felt in my lower stomach, and my back contracted painfully.

“Ouch,” I muttered, rubbing the sore spot.

“What’s wrong?” Alan’s eyes went even wider with panic. He pulled me closer and pointedly looked at Babe.

“Get the car,” he demanded.

Babe stared at me, not moving an inch.

“I think he’s in shock,” I whispered to Alan.

“Babe!” Alan bellowed this time. I winced and sighed at the catastrophe in front of me.

Charlie snapped back to the present, tripped over his own feet, broke Sonic’s favourite/ gifted vase, and went down in a heap.

He laid there for a second before quickly getting back up and running out of the door.

“North, go get Jeff’s bag. Baby’s bag is in the nursery room,” Charlie ordered as she came to stand by my side.

“Way, can you make sure Babe doesn’t crash into something with the car? I don’t think he can drive at the moment” I told him.

He looked the calmest. Well, as calm as he could be in this situation. If it was his choice, he would have been out of the door by now.

At my suggestion, he nodded and quickly ran out to check on Way.

“Are you having any contractions?” Charlie asked, pushing Alan away.

Alan glowered before coming to stand in front of me.

“No. Nothing yet. My water broke about twenty minutes ago. Or a little less,” I explained.

“Hmm…you’ll probably start your contractions before you reach the hospital,” he continued.

I nodded in understanding. “How bad will it be?”

While speaking, my gaze stayed on Alan.

“It’s different for everyone, dear. I can’t say for sure.” Charlie had done all research about the pregnancy like a mother. He moved in with us, so that I’m well taken care off, followed by Babe who could not stay away from his love.

I hummed in response, watching my man silently freak out at the thought of his mate giving birth. He was already sweating heavily, and I noticed his hands shaking at his side.

Placing a hand out, I waited for Alan to take it. When he did, I pulled him to me. My rounded belly was cradled against Alan’s lower abdomen as I hugged him.

“I’m going to be fine. You need to breathe or you’re going to pass out, and I can’t have you passing out on me, Alan” I said softly against his chest.

I could feel Charlie and Sonic at my side. They were practically plastered against me, not that I was complaining. I was glad for their support. I needed it more than I would admit.

Alan’s arms went around me, hugging me tight. I felt him relax as he breathed out. With my ear over his chest, I could hear and feel his pounding heart.

It matched my own.

I was a nervous wreck inside—panicking but trying to act as calm as I could. If everyone else was freaking out, they needed someone to be calm.

It appeared that the pregnant omega himself was going to be the peacemaker.

“Are you hurting?” he asked quietly. I could hear the tint of fear in his voice.

I shook my head before pulling away. “I’m okay. For now. We just need to get to the hospital.”

“I got the bag!” North practically screamed from the top of the stairs.

“The car is here. It’s parked.” Way came rushing in, screaming too.

“Where the fuck is the baby’s bag?” Alan snapped.

“Huh?” North looked at the bag he was holding stupidly. “I got Jeff’s bag.”

“You are useless.” With a growl, Alan was taking off himself. I watched him run up the stairs as I felt another pain shoot up my spine.

I winced, my hand going to rub at my back.

“What’s wrong?” Sonic asked nervously.

“My back is hurting,” I finally admitted.

Just then I felt my stomach cramp. It wasn’t too painful, but it was enough to make me gasp in shock. It felt like my skin was stretching, and my lower belly felt heavy. It was an uncomfortable feeling.

“The contractions have started, haven’t they?” Charlie said with a knowing look.

I nodded.

“Will you be coming with us? I asked Sonic, with a pout.

He shook his head. “Charlie will be there for you. I’ll stay home and get everything ready for the big homecoming.”

Sonic pressed his palm dramatically to his forehead and sighed. I rolled my eyes because it was dramatic.

“There is so much to do,” Sonic sighed but with a happy, excited look on his face.

“While I get busy here, you’ll pop the baby out. It’s a fair plan, Sonic added.

More like I would be doing the popping.

I shuddered at the thought just as another intense ache went through my back and lower belly. That hurt!

And it was only the beginning.

I felt a slight tremor of fear, and the panic continued to rise. “Charlie, you can’t leave my side, okay?”

He soothingly patted my arm.  “I’m not gonna leave. Even when you threaten to kill me.”

“Okay, good.”

When I was finally reassured, Charlie and I made our way out of the kitchen. I was slow, much slower as each step felt too uncomfortable. It felt like my stomach would drop any second now.

I heard a shout. I furrowed my forehead in confusion.

Alan?

“I got the bag,” he bellowed.

Charlie and I were just walking into the living room when we saw him practically beeline toward the door without even a glance our way.

Huh?

I waddled to the entrance with Charlie at my side. Just when we reached outside, we saw the two cars rushing out of the driveway as if some kind of demon was chasing them.

Wait, what? WHAT?

“Did they just drive off without us?” Charlie growled at the empty parking spot.  “Who’s going to pop out the baby? Alan? Or Babe? Freaking stupid assholes.”

I rubbed my temple tiredly. This was a mess…a total mess.

When another pain coursed through my lower belly and I doubled over, the cars rushed back in.

Alan and Babe jumped out, almost falling in their haste. “What the fuck? Why aren’t you in the car?” Babe snapped.

Alan silently made his way to me, and I glared. There was a sheepish look on his face, and he mouthed a quick sorry.

From the corner of my eyes, I saw Uncle Reval coming from the courtyard. He looked at everyone gathered, and his steps hastened to me.

“What’s wrong?” Uncle asked quickly.

“It’s time. The baby is coming. But he’s two days early. That’s not good. Not normal, right?” Alan rattled back, his hand molding over my stomach protectively.

Uncle’s eyes widened, and they paused with their mouth hanging open.

Great. Just what I needed. Another panicking Alpha scent in air.

“Alan, two days early is nothing. I’m sure everything is good,” I tried to reason.

Uncle’s mouth snapped shut.

“It’s time,” he muttered. “Fuck.”

“It’s okay. We got this. It’s cool. Everyone stays calm. Stay calm,” said Uncle

He was surprisingly calm. Huh?

“Where the fuck is the car?” He suddenly bellowed.

Or not. He was definitely not calm.

“The car is right behind you,” Charlie returned, a look of exasperation on her face.

“Right. Right. Let’s get him in the car. Get going, boys,” Uncle ordered harshly. He sounded out of breath.

Alan swept me off my feet and cradled me to this chest. “I got you, Ai’ Nu.”

I locked my arms behind his neck and held on. He carried us to the car. After placing me on the seat, he climbed in beside me. He wrapped his arm around my shoulder and held me to him before barking out his order. “Let’s go.”

Charlie was half-sitting, his legs still out when the car tore out of the driveway.

“Pull your fucking legs inside,” Babe snapped.

“If you can give me the time, Mama,” he snapped back fiercely.

I pressed my forehead in the crook of Alan’s neck and breathed in his manly smell. Alan’s scent. The scent touched my nose, and I sighed as my shoulders slowly relaxed.

He was tensed underneath me; his legs felt like a rock. One of his hands was fisted at my hip while the other was gently rubbing my pregnant belly.

From my position, I could feel his wild heart and the throbbing vein in his neck. Placing a kiss there, I closed my eyes. “It’s going to be okay.” My voice was quiet, only for him to hear.

His hand paused on my stomach. I felt him take several deep breaths, but he didn’t say anything.

The rest of the ride went quickly and silently. Nobody spoke a word, and the tense air was suffocating.

When Alan helped me out of the car, it felt like I could finally breathe normally. He cradled me yet again in his arms and carried us into the hospital.

“Where is Dr. Cooper?” he shouted inside the entrance.

There were doctors, nurses, and patients all around, and everyone paused at his shout.

“You aren’t supposed to shout,” I muttered. My cheeks heated under everyone’s scrutinizing stares. Alan was completely oblivious to the attention he brought upon ourselves.

“Are you Mr. Alan?” an elderly nurse asked.

“Yes,” he growled, giving the woman a mean look, though she didn’t look at all scared. She just looked pissed that Alan was causing a commotion.

“Dr. Cooper has already prepared a room for your mate. I’ll lead the way,” she continued before turning around without a second glance.

We followed her to the elevator. Getting inside, Alan didn’t relinquish his hold on me. Not even when I tried to wiggle free.

“You can let me down now,” I said softly. “I’m too heavy.”

He glared at me, and I stared back, waiting for him to calm down. “No,” he snapped.

Okay, now he sounded like a caveman.

“I can carry you,” he continued, sounding much calmer now.

With a sigh, I shut up. There was no point arguing. He would win in the end.

When we stepped out of the elevator, the nurse steered us to a room at the corner.

“You will be in this room. Your husband has it reserved for you.”

I stared at Alan, but he was concentrating in front of him as he led us to my room. The room looked nothing like I expected.

It was a huge room. Couches in the corner with a coffee table. The bed wasn’t small, either. It was most likely a double bed. Even the pillows looked too soft. The machines looked dainty next to the bed in the large room.

 I guess Alan really prepared for this.

He settled me on the bed and pushed me back against the pillow. “Where is Ivy?” Alan asked again.

His brown eyes stayed on mine, though.

“She’s doing a surgery right now,” the nurse calmly replied as she fussed over me.

“What? She’s supposed to be here. With Jeff. Who’s going to deliver the baby?” Alan shouted.

I rubbed my forehead as I watched him lose control yet again.

From the corner of my eye, I saw her checking the machines, and then she came back to my side with a syringe.

“This won’t hurt,” she murmured, pushing the needle into my arm. I closed my eyes, refusing to watch what she was doing. I winced, but she was right. It didn’t hurt. Just a tiny prickling sensation.

But Alan being Alan saw my wince and went crazy on the nurse.

“What did you do to him? What are you doing?”

If Babe didn’t pull him back, Alan wouldn’t have probably leap over the nurse.

Oh God. Someone do something. This was about to turn ugly.

“Sir, please would you calm down. I am just doing my job. With that said, your husband has just started his contractions. He won’t give birth for many hours. But then again, that just depends on his body and the baby. I have had a few omegas whose labour went as long as eighteen hours,” the nurse explained as kindly as she could.

But it was obvious she was losing patience. And quickly.

“Your husband is not the first omega to give birth. He’ll be fine,” she muttered before walking out of the room.

“Well, he is my mate. And he’s giving birth for the first time,” Alan retorted back.

“There is a big difference!”

I closed my eyes, my head sinking into the pillow.

This was going to be a long ride.

A long, tiring ride with six overbearing, hot blooded Alphas

Who promptly panicked at the idea of an omega giving birth.

When the contractions hit me again, it was impossible to hold my scream. Letting out a bellowed shout, I tightened my fingers around Alan’s hand.

Maybe I was crushing them impossibly tight. Too tight. I even caught him wincing a few times.

I didn’t have the time to care when I felt another pain in my lower belly. It felt like my stomach was going to burst open any second now.

“Ouch. Ahh…” I cried out as another contraction hit. This time, I was full-on sobbing.

“It hurts...” I moaned, trying to find Alan’s face through my blurry vision.

When something cold touched my forehead, I sighed. So soothing. Charlie had been doing this for a while now.

I was sweating, it was too warm, and it hurt. After wrapping some ice in a towel, he pressed it over my forehead and dragged it softly over my face.

Only Alan and Charlie were with me in the delivery room. Not that it stopped the others from bursting into the room whenever I screamed.

Like now.

“Shit. Is it time?” Babe practically broke the door in his haste.

“No. he still isn’t fully dilated,” Charlie replied, sounding tired.

“Oh, okay,” he muttered, closing the door again.

“Alan, it hurts…too much…” I huffed as I felt another contraction coming.

“It’s okay. Breathe. Breathe. Ivy said breathe,”he said stiffly. I could hear the fear and panic in his voice. His voice was too low, too soft for my liking.

The pain hit me harder than before, and I screamed yet again, bearing down at the pain.

His voice was next to my ear. “Breathe, Ai’ Nu. Breathe.”

“I am breathing!” I screamed at him. Anger suddenly swelled inside of me, and I gripped his hand harder.

He hissed painfully.

That hurt? Huh? Huh?

I was pushing his baby out, and he was complaining about his hand?

I tightened my fingers even more, maybe too much.

“Alan!” I hissed angrily.

Weren’t my contractions coming too hard and too fast?

Alan was saying something incorrigible, and I heard Charlie arguing with him. My ears couldn’t make out the words. The pain was too much.

When Alan let go of my hand, I wanted to cry.

Why did he let my hand go? Was I too mean?

No. Come back!

Opening my eyes, I saw Alan pacing the length of the room. He gripped his hair tight in frustration, and I suddenly felt bad for taking my anger out on him.

For the first time, I noticed that his work coverall loosely tied by his waist, his shirt stained with grease, His hair

lay on his forehead, and sweat masked his skin. He looked as tired as I felt. Like he was feeling my pain.

“Where is Ivy?” he growled for the hundredth time.

Ivy came and went a few times. But because I wasn’t ready and Baby wasn’t ready to make her appearance yet, she went to check up on her other patients.

“Alan, can you help me up?” I croaked out. My throat felt dry from hours of screaming out my pain.

His head snapped to me, and his eyes met mine. Those intense eyes never failed to get all my attention, even when I was in impossible pain.

He hurried to my side again and pushed a hand behind my back, helping me in a sitting position. Ivy said I could walk around; it might make the labor go faster. And that was exactly what I was going to do.

The little smart baby was coming out of me soon, whether he liked it or not.

“Are you sure?” Alan asked quietly. He appeared almost scared to talk to me. I nodded silently as he helped me off the bed, with Charlie always at my side.

They helped me around the room toward the huge blue bouncy ball. With Alan in front of me, he helped me sit on it. He knelt between my legs, his hands on either side of my hips, holding me securely.

I could see the lines of stress on his forehead. He looked like he’d aged by five years in just hours.

I held Alan’s cheeks while softly bouncing on the ball. “I’m going to be okay. Baby is going to be okay too. Have a little faith in me, would you? I can do this. We can do this.”

“I can’t see you in pain like this, Ai’ Nu,” he muttered hoarsely.

Just then, another pain ripped through me. My nails bit into his cheeks before I quickly moved my hand away.

It felt like I was being ripped apart from down there. My breathing was labored, my chest heaving with exertion.

“Oh…oh…” I breathed through the pain as another contraction hit right after the other. Again and again, my stomach rippled in pain. It travelled all the way to my back. It felt like the whole lower half of my body was being contracted in pain.

Alan’s hand went to my stomach, and I saw a flash of pain on his face.

“I’m…fine!”

It was meant to be soothing, but it ended with a shout as another contraction ripped through my lower belly.

My baby wasn’t happy in there any longer. It looked like she was ready to come out even if it meant ripping through my belly.

“Help…me…up.” I huffed through my harsh breathing. “It hurts..”

Alan sprang into action, and in mere seconds I found myself reclined in the soft bed. My fingers found their way around his wrist, refusing to let him go.

I had a killer grip on Alan as the contractions kept coming, right after the other. I had no break or chance to breathe through the agony.

A sudden urge to push ripped through me. My legs fell open, and with Alan helping me sitting up halfway, I bore down on the pain.

Finally, Ivy made her entrance.

I sighed and then shouted. Her eyes widened, and she hurried to me, peeking under my gown.

“Oh. I see the head. A full head of black hair,” she sang happily.

“At least baby isn’t bald,” Charlie mused with a wink.

“My baby isn’t bald,” Alan replied, looking quite affronted that Charlie would even think such a thing.

I was pretty affronted too. But there was no time to think through it when I was hit with another agonized contraction.

“Ahh...”

My scream was probably heard all over the floor. I panted, but still my baby didn’t make his way out into the world.

Stubborn. He was going to be stubborn like his father.

Just what I needed…another Alan.

I felt Alan’s warm breath next to my ear as he whispered soothing and supportive words. He was gentle, kind, and so loving. I fell more in love with him in that moment. But then hated him the next.

When another pain came, he tried to encouraged me with “Breathe, Nu! Push. Just breathe. It’s okay.”

Breathe? Just breathe?

I crushed his hand in mine just when Charlie yelled, “Shut up!”

“Okay. Sorry. Don’t breathe. It’s not okay. Don’t breathe.”

WHAT? WHAT?

That earned him another hand crushing.

Maybe I also bellowed that I hated him and never wanted him to touch me again.

“Phi Alan, just shut up,” Charlie growled when I started crying through the pain. Ivy, from her position between my legs, threw supportive words at me, telling me to push on every contraction.

She had been repeating this for too long now. I had been pushing! But no baby yet. I sobbed with each push. I even pushed Alan away.

I saw the look of panic on his face. He looked hurt. And the fear…it was all over his expression. He was slightly shaking with it too.

My emotions were a mess. One minute I hated Alan and couldn’t bear for him to touch me, while the next minute I cried because he was a few steps away.

“I’m sorry,” I screamed with another contraction. “I am such…a bad… mate. I’m…sorry…come back here.”

Alan was at my side in a second flat. He gripped my hand again, but this time his lips were on my forehead.

He placed kisses over my sweaty face, gentle sweet kisses as I pushed and screamed through each contraction.

Alan whispered against my skin. How much he loved me. How strong I was. He was in awe with me and loved me more every minute.

It made my heart soar, and I even smiled once.

“I love you, Ai Jeff,” he whispered against my lips. Such a sweet kiss. Sweet words. Everything I needed.

“You amaze me every day. Every time. You are my strong baby. I know you can do this. I know you can bring our baby into this world like a true warrior baby. Push. Just one more push,” he said against my forehead.

His arm held me up as I screamed with a push. I felt something wiggle out but not enough for my baby to slip out.

“Arggg,” I gasped and then bellowed.

I was dying. Was it possible to die?

Nope. I couldn’t die. I still had to meet baby. I still had to walk down the aisle to my husband.

“What are you doing? Can’t you see he’s in pain? Do something!” Alan finally screamed, losing his patience.

He poured his fear and anger on Ivy, who just shook her head.

“Alan, stop screaming! They’re going to kick you out!” Charlie snapped, his hands holding mine firmly.

I looked at him, confused, as another pain crashed through me. This time I bit my lips and tried the hardest to breathe through my nose.

A chance to be thoroughly wowed because Alan was still screaming at Ivy. He looked like he wanted to shoot the woman. Or maybe he was plotting her murder in many different ways.

Oh dear. Not good.

“Natural birth is like this, Mr. Hemmawich. Please be patient. One more push and your baby will be here,” she said calmly.

His gaze turned to mine. “You should have accepted the drugs for the pain, Ai’ Nu.”

His eyes were begging me. Just like they did when a nurse came and asked if I wanted the drugs. I screamed a no, and they scurried out of the room.

Alan was hot on their tails, trying to bring them back to put the drugs in me. He almost forced them and dragged one of the women inside.

I refused yet again.

I regretted my decisions some hours later, but it was too late by then.

Another contraction was making its way to my belly. At the same time, Ivy yelled for me to push. With Alan’s lips next to my temple, the words I love you ringing through my ears, I pushed with a shout.

We kept going back and forth like this. An urge to push, a wail of agony, another push. Finally, I felt a hard pressure in my lower region, then something —someone—slid out. It felt weird, but I didn’t have a chance to think through

the pain.

The pressure finally alleviated and then…silence.

For about two seconds.

Because when my screaming ended, my child’s wails were heard.

“It’s a boy!” Ivy announced proudly, holding my baby boy in her arms.

A Son. A prince. A tiny little baby boy to call our own. Someone who we would shower with so much love and care.

“Mr. Hemmawich, do you want to cut the cord?” Ivy asked.

She moved closer and brought our son next to Alan. He looked completely in shock and lost as he followed Ivy’s instruction and cut our baby’s cord, while still holding my hand in one of his. Ivy placed our Prince on my bare stomach while he continued to wail.

A mighty loud wail. One that everyone heard because I heard a shout of victory coming from outside my room.

My baby boy was still wet and gooey with blood, but I didn’t mind. Having him against my skin, actually holding him, it made my eyes blur with tears as I cried.

I was holding my son.

Years ago, I thought I would never get a chance. But now, he was here. I pressed my palm against his bloody rump as his cries slowly started to calm.

Faintly, I noticed Alan kissing my face. Peppering my face with kisses, his lips never left my skin. He trembled against me as I cried softly.

“I love you,” he whispered over and over again. With each kiss, those words were whispered against my skin.

My son was taken out of my grasp. I watched them clean him as he started crying again. So grumpy. So loud. So lovely.

“Alan…” I whispered, my voice hoarse and soft.

“You were so strong,” he said against my forehead.

“Thank you, my love.”

“I love you.”

“I know.”

I heard quiet sniffling beside me and saw Charlie crying softly.

“He’s here.”

I nodded toward the baby.

Charlie nodded. “I’m so proud of you.”

“Thank you for being here with me. I needed you,” I replied, holding his hand tight.

When my baby boy was cleaned and his crying had stopped again, I smiled at Charlie.

“Why don’t you go see him?”

She scurried from my side and made his way to my son. The little prince was placed in his crib.

Charlie peeked at the prince and be beamed happily. “Aww… he is the cutest!”

Did my heart just accelerate a little bit?

Of course, he was the cutest! After all, he was mine and Alan’s baby. I turned my head to the side and faced Alan. “You have to go see him, Alan,” I muttered against his lips.

He kissed me soundly, breaking my words. He kissed me until I was breathless.

Alan still hadn’t seen our son yet. What was he waiting for?

“I’m scared, Baby,” he murmured.

“Of what? The man I know is not scared of anything.”

“I don’t know. It’s just that my chest feels a little weird and too tight,” he replied. His gaze was still on mine.

His glistening eyes bored into mine. Both stared intently, showing the same love.

“He needs you.”

Alan swallowed hard and nodded. He stood up straight just in time for Ivy to bring our son to him.

One second his hands were empty, and the next he was holding our prince.

Well, kind of holding.

He panicked and held the baby out, away from him.

“I don’t…know…what…you…” he stuttered.

“Here,” Ivy explained patiently. She helped him wrap his arms securely around our baby, showing him how to hold him properly.

Alan instinctively brought Prince closer to his chest, and he cradled her

there. His eyes were no longer on mine.

No, his eyes were on our precious Son.

He didn’t blink. He didn’t utter a single word.

Ivy cleaned me up and finished the last stage of delivery. When I was washed

and cleaned, I sunk against the pillow and watched my husband hold our Son.

I watched him watch our Prince.

He was completely lost in him. Mesmerized by the tiny baby in his arms. I saw his arms tighten the slightest bit. Was it a protective hold? Or a possessive one?

Such a sweet sight. My eyes drooped a little as tiredness took over.

Alan’s chin trembled, and I blinked.

A tear slid down his cheek.

I blinked again.

Another tear.

He was crying.

“My Prince,” he whispered gruffly.

His gaze came back on mine. “Our Prince. He is so beautiful, Jeff. So, so beautiful.”

He paused and then frowned. “And too small. Is that normal? Why is he so small?”

Charlie snorted.

Ivy laughed.

I smiled…my heart full with so much love.

Alan was right. Prince was a small baby. He was dainty in his father’s arms. Was Alan’s arm bigger than his tiny body? Yes, probably. He was practically hidden against his chest.

I placed my hands out.

“I want to hold him.”

Ivy left the room quietly. Charlie placed a kiss on my forehead and quietly left the room too.

Alan came to my side and settled on the bed beside me. He placed Prince into the crook of my arm. I cradled him lovingly to my chest.

He shifted around and mewled softly. His forehead was scrunched up, like he was about to cry.

His eyes were closed. I wondered what color they would be?

My baby was wrapped tightly in a soft blanket. He barely had any place to move. His head was covered with a blue hat, just as soft as the blanket. I moved the hat, and my eyes found black hair.

“He has black hair,” I muttered. Leaning down, I placed a sweet kiss on her head. With the help of Alan, we moved the blanket around. Ten tiny fingers and ten tiny toes. Perfect. Absolutely perfect.

He was so small; it made my heart ache. I imagined him in pain, and my heart broke.

No, my son would never be in pain. Not like me.

He had an army to protect him. A vicious army at that.

His father had made sure of it.

His tiny arms flailed a little, his leg kicked out. His little cute pink lips burst in a pout. So adorable.

And then he started crying.

“Aww…no crying, Prince,” I said softly.

“What do you want? Are you hungry? Shhh…Mommy is here,” I soothed when he continued to cry.

Alan quickly wrapped the blanket around him again. “I think

he’s hungry.”

I nodded.

“Can you help?” My head pointed at the gown.

My husband shifted around and unlaced my gown from the front. When my breast was freed from the fabric, I brought Prince closer to my chest.

His head moved around slowly, looking for something. His lips made a suckling sound. He was definitely hungry.

With my hand under his small head, I brought his mouth to my left breast.

He instantly latched onto my nipple and sucked. Hard.

I winced and let out a yelp.

“That’s my boy,” Alan said. Proudly, I should add.

“Seriously?” I huffed as my baby started to suckle, taking in his fill.

Alan’s arm wrapped me as he buried his nose into my neck. He placed a kiss there, letting his head lay on my shoulder.

His other hand came up and rested against our baby’s fat rump. We held our Son, cradling him in our embrace as he fed.

While still suckling, he made a small noise...maybe it was of contentment.

But it sounded sleepy too.

And then he slowly blinked his eyes open.

Oh.

A tiny gasp escaped past my lips.

Then I smiled. So beautiful.

Our gazes locked. And I fell in love for a second time.

Tears blurred my vision.

“He has your eyes, Alan.”

The same exact eyes as his father.

His crying and moving halted. His eyes blinked up at me, framed with thick long lashes.

His little rosebud mouth pursed around my nipple, and I thought he sighed.

Wait did he smile? Was that a smile?

“He smiled,” Alan said, completely enamoured at the sight of our son.

I knew someone would argue and tell us it was caused by gas or that newborn babies didn’t smile…but he smiled. At me.

And then at his father when his eyes met his.

My heart constricted as father and son watched each other. My breath caught, and I sniffled back tears.

When it was clear he’d had him fill and was almost asleep, Alan helped me tie my gown again.

Prince blinked his eyes sleepily, and then they closed. He was asleep in mere seconds.

I pulled him up and buried my nose in his tiny neck. Breathing in his sweet baby smell, I smiled and then whispered ever so gently,

“I love you, my sweet baby.”

I held him for as long as I could. But sleep and tiredness took over me. There was no helping it. I was going under faster than I wanted.

Alan quietly took him out of my arms, and I dreamily saw him carrying him to his crib. After placing his down, he came back to my side.

“Go to sleep, Baby! I will be watching over both of you,” he muttered softly to my ear.

He kissed me on my lips. I savoured his taste before closing my eyes and succumbing to my sleep.

I had no fear. No panic.

Only love. I felt fulfilled.

I felt safe under my husband’s watchful gaze.

I knew he would protect me and Prince. We were both safe and loved by this man.