Blue solace complete ser.., p.79
Blue Solace: Complete Series Boxset, page 79
Leti squealed and did a little dance in the doorway.
Meggie winced. “My scan analyzes DNA as well. Would you like to know the gender and genetic make-up of each baby?”
“Your scan does that?” Beol leaned back against Wolfe and let his brother press a wet cloth to his head.
Meggie nodded and spread her hands wide, dramatically framing her face. “Mom had ideas when they designed me.”
“What can you tell us?” Wolfe looked completely dumbfounded, and normally, Beol would have found that hilarious. Unfortunately, he was shell-shocked himself.
“Two boys. One has more of your genetics while the other will be a hell of a lot like Beck. You’re just over a month along, and the babies are doing just fine.”
“Fuck.”
“At least, I think they are. I’m not really a doctor, you know.”
“Wow. We feel so much better now, Meggie,” Wolfe signed and gave her a dry look.
“You need to work on your bedside manner,” Leti added.
She ignored them and patted Beol’s head. “You, however, are dehydrated and need food to stay in your belly. Poor, grumpy kitty.” She injected him with something. “This will help your nausea, and then we can get some fluids in you.”
“Twins,” he repeated, completely drained. “Two boys.”
“Beck told us he wants a bunch of kids.” Meggie grinned again. “This is a good start.”
“Meggie, you’re wonderful, but your smile makes me want to cut you.”
She rocked back on her heels, cackling like a hyena.
“What’s going on in here? Beol, sweetie, are you alright?” Ma stood behind Leti in the doorway, looking them over. “Meggie, love, what is wrong with you?”
“I’ve asked myself that same question several times the past ten minutes.” Beol groaned as Wolfe helped him to his feet. “Ma, I need you.”
The large yellow Grell smiled wide.
In moments, Leti, Wolfe, Meggie, and Bloop were out the door, the toilet was flushed, his face was washed, and he was in the process of brushing his teeth.
When he finished, Ma pulled him into her soft arms, and he rested his head against her ample chest. “What’s wrong, sweetheart?”
“Beck is still upset about Brinanda. I’m scared to tell him I love him. It’s hard to trust people because my mom was a fucking asshole. It’s my fault Icarus almost got taken and Bloop, Nala, and Gregor were hurt. I feel like shit, and I’m pregnant with twins.”
Ma’s mouth hung open. She shook her head and took a deep breath, slowly letting it out.
“There’s a lot running through your head, isn’t there?”
“So much.” He sighed.
“Now, I know the Brinanda thing shook us all up. Beck just has to process his own feelings, just like everyone has had to. He’ll get there.”
“I don’t like seeing him upset.”
“He’s been lucky in family and friends his whole life. Betrayal hurts. He still has us though. Doesn’t he?”
“Yes,” Beol said, rubbing his face against her shoulder.
“As for you, sweetie, you trusted me enough to tell me all of this. I think you’re learning there are a lot of people around you that love and respect you. Give it time. Honestly though, you already do trust my Beckie Boo. You’ve moved him into your home, share his bed, and accept his son as your own. You trust him with your brother and your guild members. Now, you need to trust him with your heart. You know he already has it, so what will saying the words actually change?”
Beol closed his eyes and soaked up her affection. She was right. Beck had already invaded his heart and home. There was no going back, and he didn’t regret it.
His home was so much warmer with Beck and Icarus there. Then there was Bloop and Tinker. The two brightened his day, just by existing.
“Okay. I can do it. I’ll tell him I love him.”
Ma stroked his hair. “Good, sweetheart. Now, tell me about your mother.”
Surprisingly, the words practically flew out of his mouth.
“I adored her when I was little. She would read me bedtime stories and spend time with me. My father barely looked at me, little less spoke to me, but Mom seemed to love me.”
“What happened?”
“When I was about six, I met this nice woman named Lolita. She had a shop in our neighborhood. Every time I went in, she would sit me down and feed me this bread. What did she call it? Oh, yeah. Bredell honey bread. Anyway, she had this big fluffy cat, and I would sneak away from home and go visit all the time. I’d sit and pet Moodle and eat bread.”
“Why did you have to sneak? I would think your mother would like Lolita.”
“I was homeschooled so I could be properly trained. Father didn’t like me to be around strangers.”
“Oh dear. What happened to Lolita?”
“One day, I brought some of the bread home with me. That night, I threw a fit and demanded to go to school like a normal person. My father was pissed, but Mom calmed him down and put me to bed. She said she’d talk to him, and I was so happy. I gave her my bread and told her about Lolita.
“The next day, Mom took me to the store, but Lolita wasn’t there. It was closed. One of her grandsons was there to pick up Moodle. He told us Lolita had been murdered, and the store was closing. Mom acted so sad, but when we got to the house, she sat me down and asked why I didn’t tell her about the cat. I was so confused. Why would that matter?”
Ma kissed his cheek and wiped the tears from his face.
“Mom told me that I would train with Father and that I wouldn’t complain, or she would go back for the cat and kill him like she did Lolita. I knew then. She was even worse than him. She could make you love her, then smile as she tore your heart out.”
“Is she dead?”
“Yeah. She died during a mission. I think Hay was in love with her. He worshiped the ground she walked on, but after Wolfe was born, she became more blatant. He was shocked by how she treated us.
“He’s always been there for Wolfe and me, and I thought it was for her, you know? Then they went on a mission together and she died. He didn’t seem that upset, and I always wondered what happened. If anything happened.”
“I’m glad she’s dead, and if Hay had a hand in it, all the better.” Her arms tightened. “No one hurts my babies.”
“Ma, I’m not your baby. I know I’m Beck’s mate, but you don’t have to act.”
He tried to pull away. Damn, he was embarrassed. Here he was, spilling his heart all over the poor woman.
Ma growled. “Don’t be an idiot, Beol.” She looked down into his eyes. “Do you know when you became mine?”
“When Beck met me.”
“No. When I met Pris and little Darya.” Ma cupped his face. “She told me all about her beloved Guild Master and how he stepped up and killed his father because he wanted her and Otto to have the chance to raise Darya in peace.”
“Ma.”
“I knew then that you belonged to me and Pops. I know it’s hard to accept love. I see you struggle with loving Wolfe and you two are brothers. Soon enough, you’ll figure out that the people around you are your family, and we will be there for you until the day we die.”
He buried his face against her shoulder. This woman gave seriously good hugs. “Love is the most frightening thing I’ve ever felt.”
“Nothing hurts worse than a broken heart, but trust me, it’s worth the risk. Even if it were to just last seconds, it’s worth the risk.” She set him back and shook his shoulders. “You’ll tell Beck you love him when it feels right to you. Now, what’s this nonsense about that whole Equinox attack being your fault?”
“I was supposed to protect Icarus and the others. It’s my responsibility.”
“You did protect them. You’re overthinking it, sweetie pie.”
Beol shook his head. “Did you see Beck? He saved the day.”
Ma laughed, and her whole body shook. “My boy sure likes his toys, but Beol, you were there fighting too. Do you really need to be the flashy hero to feel like you got the job done?”
He winced. “Am I really being that arrogant?”
“It happens to most men one time or another.”
He laughed, voice hoarse. “Okay. Are you even going to mention the twins?”
“I’m still wrapping my head around that one, sweetheart. My mama and grandmamma both had a set of twins, so I don’t know why I’m so surprised.”
“Ma, do you have Beol in there with you?” Beck’s voice came through the door.
“We’re having a moment. Leave us alone,” she yelled back.
“In the bathroom? There’s a whole house out here.”
“Oh, go make a glitter bot or something, son. You’re ruining our moment.”
“Hmm, that’s a really good idea. Bloop and I will be in the workshop if you need us, Beol.”
Beol laughed against Ma’s shoulder. “I really do love that man.”
A few minutes and a few tears later, Beol sat at the kitchen table.
“Here’s a nice bowl of soup, Dad.” Icarus set a steaming bowl in front of him, then leaned down and gently hugged him. “I can’t believe I’m going to be a big brother. I’m going to take such good care of you and the babies.”
Beol took a bite and enjoyed the warmth settling in his belly. Two years ago, he never would have imagined he would have a mate, a son, and two babies on the way. Change happened fast, but he was adaptable. It had saved his life more than once, and now, it would help him enjoy that life.
Chapter 11
Beck growled as another request came through his comm. “I swear, Bloop, if I had known everyone would want to have a neuro-control implant, I wouldn’t have invented it.”
“Woof.”
“Okay, okay. I definitely would have, but I would have made it seem like it was a lot harder to make. That would have made them think twice. Right?”
“Woof.”
“I agree, Bloop. Beck is just being a big baby,” Gregor said as he walked into the workshop.
Beck looked up from his workstation. It was unusual to see the man without Ninetta. The two had become inseparable since the attack from Equinox. Beck had the feeling it was more than just gratefulness on Ninetta’s part.
“Hey. How are you feeling?”
Beck’s friend sat, panting a bit from the walk. “I’m getting better every day, but I miss my girl. Selene stole Sax from me.”
Beck snorted. “Sorry, man. Selene has a mind of her own. You know she stole over half Beol’s weapons, right? He’s never getting those back.”
Gregor smiled and shook his head. “She makes a good mentor though.”
“She does.” Beck nodded. “She makes a good mother too. Rus adores her and Xu, both.” Beck watched him from the corner of his eye. “What’s wrong, Gregor? You’re acting all squirrelly.”
“Do you think Ninetta only likes me because I got shot helping her?”
“No.” Beck shook his head. “Honestly, I think you caught her eye because you got shot helping her. Now? Now, she really likes you. She got to know you, and I can see she’s smitten. Clear as day.”
“Smitten?” Gregor smiled. “I love your way with words, man.”
“How do you feel about Ninetta?”
Gregor rolled his eyes. “I’m smitten. How could I not be? The woman is amazing. I wish humans could somehow tell if someone was their life-mate or soulmate, whatever you want to call it.”
“I have to admit, it helped knowing right away that Beol was mine. It gave me the little bit of courage I had to court him.”
Beck’s comm chimed, and he looked at it. “Uh oh. Hack says we need to meet at his house.”
“The Queen and HF?”
“Probably. They’ve been quiet the last few weeks, but that can’t last long.”
“I’ll stay here with Icarus.”
Beck sighed. “Thank you. I know I’m being crazy. I haven’t let him leave the house without a guard or stay home by himself since the attack. That’s not fair to him, but I can’t seem to help it.”
“He understands, and it’ll get better, Beck. Soon the Council will finish determining their sentience and take the vote about citizenship.”
“Beck?” Beol came into the workshop. Beck’s mate looked pale and tired.
“Are you alright?” Beck rushed to him and cupped his face in his hands. “You don’t feel warm. Do you need some soup? I’ll call Ma. She’ll know what to do.”
Beol closed his eyes and gripped Beck’s wrists. He pressed his cheek into Beck’s hand and practically purred. “I’m fine. Don’t move. I love it when you touch me.”
“Uh, should I leave?”
Beol didn’t even open his eyes. “Don’t bother. We have to go see fucking Hack. Would you mind staying with Icarus?”
Gregor grinned. “I planned on it. You two are good dads.”
Beol smiled and leaned into Beck. “Ninetta’s on her way too. She’s enjoying her new leg.”
Gregor blushed.
“Don’t make out on our couch,” Icarus said from the door. “That’s my dads’ spot.”
Beck shared a grin with his son. They were both hoping Gregor and Ninetta became a couple.
“I’ll make dinner while you’re gone. Juniper’s coming over to show me a new recipe.”
Beol finally opened his eyes. “You have your extra shields, phasers, and vibro-blades?”
“Yes.” Icarus nodded. Beck knew Icarus wasn’t afraid to jump in and protect the ones he loved, and that made him even more nervous.
“We’ll be back soon hopefully.” Beck tugged on his mate, and they left the workshop.
Bloop met them at the door with his leash in his mouth, and Tinker perched on his head.
“I guess these two are coming with.” Beck snapped Bloop’s leash on, and Tinker flew to Beol’s shoulder.
They opened the door to find Sax, Becca, and Meggie whispering to one another. They all looked up, startled.
“Oh. Hi, Beol.” Becca swallowed and looked straight at his belly. “Have you spoken to Beck yet?”
Beck looked questioningly at his mate.
Beol sighed. “Not yet. I’ll tell him on the way home.”
“We’re going to stay with Icarus until you get back.” Sax pushed by them, then looked over her shoulder. “Oh, I told Selene already. You should tell Beck on the way to the meeting.”
“Meggie, did you have to tell everyone?” Beol glared at the woman.
“Yes.” She nodded and grinned. “I really did.”
“Okay? What’s going on?” Beck was starting to worry. Despite keeping Icarus and the girls a secret for so long, he really didn’t like secrets being kept from him.
“Come on.” Beol took his hand, and they walked toward the tram.
He was silent for a moment. They let Bloop sniff around one of Rus’s freshly planted flowers, while Tinker chirped softly in Beol’s ear.
“I love you, Beck.”
Beck froze and a grin slowly covered his face. It felt like he had waited years to hear those words instead of a couple of months.
Beck picked his mate up and hugged him tight, Beol’s feet dangling off the ground. “I love you so much, Beol. We’re mates now, right? Can we get married?”
Beol wrapped his arms around Beck’s neck and buried his face against Beck’s neck. “Anything you want. As long as I’m with you, I’ll be happy.”
“You two going to make it to Hack’s house?” Bendix and his Fyrling stopped to watch them.
Bendix had named the small hippogriff Fyrling Murphy, and Beck was surprised how similar the two were to one another. They were both snarky, tough, and a tad bit arrogant.
“We’re going,” Beol finally answered him.
“Are you sure? You guys should be celebrating. I mean, come on, boss man. Twins? That’s awesome.”
“Twins?”
Beol’s guilty wince told Beck he hadn’t misheard, and he felt lightheaded. Black spots danced around him, then he fell.
Beck woke up slowly. Beol’s voice sounded worried, but Meggie was reassuring him. Why was he lying down?
He remembered suddenly, and his eyes popped open. “Beol? We’re having twins?”
Beol bent over him, concerned. “Are you alright, Sparky? You went down hard.”
“Twins?”
Beol gave him a nervous smile. “I just found out.”
Beck sat up and hugged Beol, pulling him into his lap. “I can’t even find the words, Beol. I’ve always wanted kids.”
“Now we’ll have three.” Beol stroked his cheek.
Icarus crouched beside them. “I’ll be a good big brother, Dad. Xu says I’m great.”
“So,” Bendix said slowly. “Go home and celebrate. I’ll let you all know what Hack says.”
“No. I’m okay.” Beck grinned. “I’m really, really okay.”
Beol arched a brow. “You want to tell everyone, don’t you?”
Beck nodded enthusiastically.
“Come on, Sparky. Let’s get moving.” Beol helped him up.
Beck picked Beol up and headed for the tram.
“Uh, why are you carrying me?”
“You weren’t feeling good earlier.”
“I’m alright now.”
Beck nuzzled his neck. “I like carrying you.”
They got on the tram, and Beol smacked Beck’s chest. “I’m not being carried into a meeting with Hack.”
Beck groaned but set Beol down. “It’s not a meeting if it’s at Hack’s house.”
“It’s a meeting.”
They arrived at Hack and Leti’s, and Beck’s happiness started to fade. They gathered in the backyard like usual, but there were too many grim faces. Leti sat beside Hack, looking furious and close to tears. The older kids were in school, and the yard looked oddly empty without them running around, adding more tension to the atmosphere.
Beck found a seat next to Selene and squeezed Beol’s hand tightly. Something was definitely wrong. Bloop pressed against his leg, and Tinker cuddled into Beol’s neck.
Fasi stood, Pepper perched on his hip. He cleared his throat. “Thanks for coming. We have some news, but we need to keep this all as under the radar as we can.”
