Athena
"I apologise for the other day, Tristan," Sebastian uttered, "Thank you so much for coming here today. It means a lot."
Tristan offered us a smile infused with understanding. "There's no need for apologies, Sebastian. I can understand what you both are going through," His voice, gentle and calm, "These are tough times, both for you and your partner. Please believe me when I say that I am here to offer my assistance in every possible way."
"Thank you, Tristan," I managed to muster a smile, although turmoil consumed me from within.
Selecting this path had been an arduous decision for Sebastian and me. But we had to save our little one—this battle for survival had become inescapable.
"Don't express gratitude for what should be my duty. It's my job," Tristan's smile waned slightly. "However, there is something I want both of you to understand. I will invest my utmost effort, fighting tooth and nail against the complexities to ensure safe delivery and prevent any unforeseen complications. But the outcome ultimately rests on fate. Delicate cases such as yours require to be handled with caution, and the chances of survival often decrease as the delivery approaches. So we have to keep these things in mind before we start the treatments."
His words resonated with a truth that I had reluctantly acknowledged deep within, yet it caused my heart to sink. Disappointment and despair painted my eyes, impossible to conceal.
However, as Sebastian gently held my hand, a sense of comfort washed over me, easing the weight of our concerns. At that moment, hope dissolved my worries into the distance.
"We get it, Tristan. We've thought about it a lot," Sebastian said, his voice tinged with desperation. "Doctors often choose a C-section to prevent complications during childbirth. Athena's situation seems similar. So, could a possible early delivery through a C-section be a solution for us?"
"I considered that too after you both left the other day. But I've reviewed the reports on your baby's movements in the womb. The risks would be even higher if we attempted a C-section," Tristan explained. "As I mentioned before, your baby's carnivorous instincts are remarkably developed compared to most fetuses. She needs to go through labour to ensure the child is ready to enter this world. Only then can we consider other options, like a C-section. For now, we must focus on ensuring her survival until delivery."
"So, we have to wait the whole time, pretending everything is normal?" I asked, a hint of confusion colouring my words.
"Kind of, yes," he sighed, "You'll need to take medications to slow down the rapid growth of your baby. However, it's crucial for both of you to understand that a significant part of this pregnancy relies on you, just like any other mother. Your child will only feel safe if you feel safe. It can sense your emotions, so you must ensure that the environment you choose is one where you feel the safest."
"And even if we do everything right, the chances of a successful delivery still remain slim?" Sebastian voiced the question that mirrored my own thoughts after Tristan's earlier statement.
I noticed a change in Tristan's expression upon hearing Sebastian's question. A fleeting hesitation passed through his eyes, and he seemed to grapple with his response. "I don't know, Sebastian. I can't make any guarantees. Sometimes, even when everything is done right, something terrible happens anyways. We can only hope for the best and do our utmost to avoid sacrificing one life to save another."
This time, I witnessed Sebastian's expression falter, transforming into a mix of disappointment and worry. He appeared torn, stuck between two opposing paths—a decision he had to make.
And I couldn't bear to burden him with that weight, all alone.
If Sebastian were to be the one to agree to this decision, and if something were to happen to me in the end, leaving only one survivor between myself and our child, I knew he would forever blame himself. I refused to let it be that way.
"Okay. Let's proceed," I stated, glancing at Sebastian and offering him a small smile before shifting my gaze to Tristan. "We're ready for this."
Sebastian returned my smile, though a touch of melancholy danced in his eyes told me that he knew why I'd responded to Tristan before he could.
"You have to give it your all, doc," Sebastian addressed Tristan, his gaze unwavering. "Remember, my entire life is in your hands."
"Don't worry. I will give it my best," Tristan replied, flashing a reassuring smile.
*****
Well...Well....
I was bored. Extremely bored because my mate kept himself occupied— fully engrossed in his newfound task.
Ever since the doctor left and prescribed some medicines, he had been tirelessly organising and instructing the maids to clean every nook and cranny of the room. Within half an hour, the room was transformed, smelling solely of disinfectant. He arranged medicines, water jugs, snacks labelled as healthy, new bedsheets and pillows, dimmed lights, comfy shoes, and even a new set of books—And when I tell you this was the least of what he had done, trust me, this was actually the least.
"Do you really think all of this is necessary?" I finally broke my silence, my frustration mounting as I fought the urge to slap some senses into his head.
"What? You think it's too much?" He chuckled, glancing at me with a hint of disbelief before striding to the other side of the room. He barked orders at the guards stationed on the balcony, demanding a thorough cleaning. Once finished, his gaze returned to me.
"Athena, you have no idea what I'm about to do," he said, joining me on the bed and retrieving a roughly drawn decoration plan from his pocket. "Look at this. This is just the beginning."
"Where? Let me see," I snatched the paper from his hand.
"Wait, my plan—"
Without another thought, I crumpled the paper into a ball and flung it away.
"Well, it's gone now," I shrugged, my indifference on full display, "So much for your plan."
"This is absolutely ridiculous, Athena," he groaned, sounding like a child as he stood up to retrieve the paper. Sensing an opportunity, I quickly took charge and commanded the maids to leave.
"Enough work for today, guys," I clapped my hands. "You can all go now."
I could swear I saw those poor women breathe a sigh of relief. "Thank you, Luna," they chimed in unison.
Sebastian, however, had a different agenda. "Wait, no. The work isn't—"
"Don't mind him. Your Alpha is a bit stressed today, so he's saying and doing nonsensical things," I reassured them with a smile, encouraging their departure. "You can go now."
Apparently, that was all it took for the exhausted maids to abandon their tasks. And just as Sebastian was about to chase after them, I seized his hand and pulled him down onto the bed with me. He tumbled beside me with a thud, and I took the opportunity to straddle him, ensuring he wouldn't have a chance to escape again.
"Enough with your stupid precautions," I asserted, gripping his jaw and leaning closer to his face. I watched as surprise flickered in his eyes. "Both I and our baby don't need all these extra steps to feel safe, okay?"
"But, it's—"
"It's completely unnecessary, Sebastian. Everything is fine just the way it is," I said, my gaze softening. "Why are you stressing yourself out for no reason? Do you even understand what I and our baby truly need to feel safe?"
"What do you need?" His voice now carried a sense of urgency. "Just tell me, and I'll go and get it right—"
Before he could continue, I placed my finger gently against his lips, silencing his words.
A chuckle slipped past my lips. "Dummy." I playfully tapped the side of his head, causing a frown to settle on his face.
"What was that for?"
The confusion in his voice genuinely tempted me to laugh.
"This," I poked his chest. "This is where I feel safe. Do you understand now?"
Realisation dawned on his face, and a smile spread across his lips. "Well...I certainly didn't expect this."
"Then it's your own fault, Alpha. Because the only place I feel truly safe is here," I mumbled, burying my face into his neck, savouring his intoxicating scent; God, he smelt too good, "And I refuse to let you take my safe haven away from me. Understand?"
"Yes, madam," he chuckled, his fingers tangling in my hair as his hand rested on the side of my hip, "Your safe place won't be invaded by work anymore, but I'm still changing the lights."
"Arrogant," I huffed, before returning to inhaling his enticing scent. My fingers traced the contours of his jaw and the delicate blue veins on his neck—there was something strangely attractive about them.
"And what should I call you?" he laughed. "Feisty? My feisty Luna?"
"I am not feisty."
"Well, that's debatable."
"Sebastian..." I began with a warning, but as soon as I looked at him, he silenced me by pressing his lips against mine.
"Finally," he murmured against my lips before sliding his tongue inside my mouth. Sparks ignited and a delicious heat consumed me. It felt incredible—truly, intensely good. He broke the kiss, leaving me breathless and wanting more.
"Did I manage to help with my mate's temper?" he asked, chuckling.
A blush crept up my cheeks, and I playfully slapped his chest. "Cheeky dog!"
As I tried to get up, he grasped the sides of my hips and halted me. "I have some good news for you."
"What is it?"
"I may have arranged for someone to meet you," he smiled. "Any guesses?"
"Is it Aaron?" The words escaped my mouth before I could think twice. His name was the only thing that crossed my mind, perhaps because... because I missed him.
Sebastian's expression faltered, and at that moment, I realised my mistake.
Shit!