Chapter Five

Seth sighed softly as he read the data and filled in the fields, every now and then glancing at notes he had laying beside the computer. He knew it would be complicated to set things up, but was thankful there was nowhere near as much Red Tape as on other worlds. He took a sip from some hot tea as he leaned back in the chair, soft golden light from the lamp illuminating the room. The resin on the walls shined black, glistening in the light. Large, rib-like shapes and columns lined the walls. To someone who had never seen such design, it would appear strange, alien, perhaps frightening, but to Seth, there was no place he felt more at home. Even the chair he sat in followed the design, bone-like structures, ribbed tubing and otherworldly designs flowed with a sinuous grace. The chair was lined with soft silk to cradle his body when he sat for long hours. It was easily the most comfortable chair he had ever known. And it was custom made just for him. Finishing the tea, Seth went back to typing, the soft sound of the keyboard filled the room.

"Ah, damn," Seth muttered as he backspaced and corrected a misspelled word. Seth was no computer expert. Kyle had offered to help, and had already helped a lot, but Seth still had lots he had to do himself. Seth checked the notes again, and filled out the required fields.

It was then that a deep purr filled the room.

Take a break, said Selene as she laid one of her large hands on his shoulder softly. He looked up at her.

"I still have a lot to do. Got four pages to go yet," he replied. She smiled gently as she caressed his face.

It can wait a little. It's not critical. You need to take care of yourself, my love. Come, she said as she pressed the button to save the document. Her thoughts were gentle, but also firm. Seth chuckled lightly and stood up, Selene gently caressing his back with her long fingers as they left the study.

Lights set into the resin provided illumination where needed as they walked through the halls. While slightly textured, the floor was flat. There were doors to close off rooms, small tables here and there. This was not like other Hives. This one had been designed with human comfort and safety in mind. While unusual, this was a safe place. A sanctuary, a home. As large as she was, Selene was easily able to navigate, as they had made the halls a bit over-sized for larger beings. The floors had very light ribbing to them, a design Sophie used when making the resin that coated her and Kyle's bedroom, allowing one to navigate in the dark by feel. The hallways had almost a heart-shape to them, the curves evoking warmth and comfort, as opposed to the harsh straight lines so often used by humans. The soft, golden lights set into the resin gave a gentle, soft warmth to the halls. Here and there, a few paintings hung, most of them made by Kyle.

Outside, the breeze was soft and warm. It was late spring, not quite summer yet. Soft green grass covered the meadow that surrounded their home, blowing gently in the breeze, a few scattered flowers grew here and there. The scent of the sea, mixed with that of fresh grass and trees was calming. Next to their home, a gazebo of woven saplings had been expertly crafted by one of Brennus' fabulous woodwrights, vines and flowers now growing up the sides and onto the roof. Next to that, a greenhouse and some raised beds was where their garden was, modeled on Kyle and Sophie's, but a little larger, and they had every intention of expanding it even more in time. Seth took a deep breath of the calming air, pleasant feelings flowing through him as he sat down in the grass with Selene.

Feelings and sensations flowed back and forth through their Bond as they sat and enjoyed the day. No words were needed. It was one of those magical things about the Bond, and something they were eager to share with others.

Thinking about this, Selene felt the tiny bit of apprehension in Seth's mind, knew the cause as she gently hugged and rocked him.

You will be a fantastic father, my love, she soothed. Seth gave the tiniest of sighs.

I always worry, Selene. I never, ever, want to be anything like my father was. She stroked his hair with a long, dark finger as her tail laid across his legs.

You never will be, Seth. You have dedicated your life to being the opposite of your father in every way. She showed him all the relevant memories, shared all the feelings needed. He felt her warm, tender feelings flow into his mind, washing away his worry and fear. He smiled and leaned his head against hers. This was one of the wonderful things he so treasured. She knew him, inside and out. In both senses of the word. She knew the man behind the quiet, stoic exterior and cold blue eyes. She knew the wounded, sad little boy inside who desperately tried to survive on Berren Prime. She had lived those memories with him, almost as if she had been right there with him. No living being knew him better than she did. Seth smiled softly as he leaned back into her large frame, her smaller arms gently cradling him against her chest. He squeezed one of her hands gently, her returning the gesture as they just enjoyed being close.

XXX

A few days later in Zeraven, Kyle, Sophie and Seth came to inspect the office they would be using to conduct the interviews for the prospective Bonded. Meltias, the Sitha woman who administered Kyle and Sophie's brain-scans was there to help them set up a brain-scan machine and learn how to use and set it up for the various races. Bina, the Milurian from the orphanage was also helping.

"So, you just set and adjust the machine to the species relevant, make sure they're comfortable, and then let it run. It will ask them the selected questions and scan their brain all by itself. You will just have to read the results," said Meltias as she explained, Kyle taking notes, Sophie by his side. Seth was looking at the office proper. They had selected warm, kind colors. They wanted it to be an inviting, calm place. So, they modeled it a bit on the orphanage, and already had some peaceful, calming paintings and pretty silk curtains. Bina happily followed him.

"I'm so happy for you! We're all so excited!" Seth gave one of his rare, soft smiles to the little Milurian.

"Thank you. Since this has never been done before, we weren't sure how to set things up." She grinned and twitched her ears.

"Selene's people will love it here! We are so excited to welcome them to our world. I can hardly wait to meet the little sweeties!" Seth nodded.

"Thank you. It'll be a while yet, but better not to leave things until the last minute." Bina nodded and giggled. They looked up as Kyle, Sophie and Meltias rejoined them.

"Now, here's the manual, but if you need any help, you have my number," said Meltias. Kyle smiled and Sophie purred and nodded.

"Thanks again," said Kyle. Meltias smiled and shook his hand.

"I hope it goes very well for you. This is a very exciting new prospect, murr-oo." Sophie hugged Kyle from behind.

"Yes, we're all looking forward very much to the first Bonding," Kyle replied. Bina cooed happily.

"Oh, it will be such a delight to welcome them here! If you need anything, let us know!" With that, Bina and Meltias left. Kyle looked at Seth and smiled, Sophie purring.

"Well, we're almost ready," said Kyle. He didn't need to ask if Seth was excited. They could feel it through the Bond. Seth nodded as Kyle put the manual on a shelf near the desk and made sure the notes they would need were properly filed away and ready. Seth helped them lock up the office until they were ready.

Outside, they were surprised to find not only Granny Rose and Gur waiting, but Leon, Shiloh, Mac and Sam. "Hey, guys!" Kyle greeted and Sophie purred.

"Well, it seems our family is about to grow," Granny Rose chuckled, Gur whistling and feelers twitching. Shiloh was giggling, tail waving happily.

"Oh I'm so excited for you! This is wonderful! Now Sophie's people can live here in peace." Leon nodded as he hugged his wife.

"Yes, they deserve to be treated like people, and have a happy life," said Leon as Shiloh hugged him back. Mac chuckled and rubbed his beard.

"Same here. Well, I don't know about you, but I'm starved. Let's get something to eat. And Sam's gotta eat for two, after all," Mac chuckled, earning an elbow from his wife, whose belly was visibly bigger. Granny Rose smiled and nodded.

"Yes, and I have a lunch reserved at the Sun Cafe," she said and motioned for them to follow. Kyle and Sophie smiled as they and Seth fell in line.

Selene, do you want anything? Seth asked, reaching out to his mate who waited back in the Talon.

Some vinegared Albarr would be lovely, she replied. Seth smiled and made a note to get a big order to take back for her.

XXX

The Sun Cafe was outdoors, with a lovely garden, flowers, grass, lovely wrought iron tables and even a stained-glass sun room for rainy days. The group chatted over lunch, discussing everything, big and small, but the biggest topic was the upcoming prospect of the first Bonded.

"So, Seth, when do you think Selene will begin laying?" Granny Rose asked.

"The next few days, no later than next week," he replied. Sam sipped her tea from where she sat with Mac.

"Okay, then we'll be ready when you need us. From what I've read, Selene will need to be suspended when she lays," Sam replied. Kyle and Sophie nodded.

"Yes, and A-Mos agreed to help when the time comes. Sophie will do the silk-weaving, and we have something ready and waiting," said Kyle before taking a mouthful of strawberry shortcake. Shiloh looked at Seth.

"Will she be okay? Being suspended and not able to move like that?" Shiloh asked. Seth nodded.

"That's what I'm there for. Normally, the whole Hive helps when it happens, supports and provides for her, but in this case, it falls to me, Sophie and Kyle," Seth replied. Leon wiped his mouth with a napkin.

"I hope it's only temporary, and not like termites and she can't move for the rest of her life. Not to be rude," said Leon. Seth shook his head.

"No, it comes in cycles, but they vary. No way to tell how long until it comes," Seth replied, relaying Selene's information to them. This brought more than a few relieved expressions. Granny Rose looked at Seth.

"If you need anything, dearheart, anything, please let us know. We have many friends and resources if you need," said Granny Rose. Gur nodded and chirped before typing.

"Friends and family, tight bonds, always, forever, trust, warm," Gur said through his keyboard. Seth looked genuinely moved, his eyes a little shiny, but otherwise he kept his normal face.

"Thank you. That means a lot," Seth replied, just a tiny hint of emotion in his voice, but inside, he was fighting tears. Selene felt her mate's inner turmoil, and gently and lovingly caressed his mind, even when her body was far away. She knew how hard it hit him to have genuine friends, when growing up on Berren Prime, the very few friends he had all died very young, some right in his arms. Kyle and Sophie shared the same warmth to him, the same feelings of support and kindness. They were more than friends. They were family.

XXX

Soon enough, Selene's laying cycle began, her egg-sac beginning to form. Seth notified everyone as soon as possible. Within a few hours, Kyle, Sophie, Sam, Mac, and A-Mos were there to help.

"Okay, we're good on this side!" said A-Mos as he and Mac helped set up a large cargo net from the ceiling to hold Selene and her growing womb. The two men were on ladders, while Sophie clung the ceiling, Kyle directing them as per Sophie's directions as Sophie worked on her silk. Selene watched as she stood ready on two large, metal stools. When ready, Sophie dropped down like a spider, a long trail of gossamer silk flowing in her wake as she dropped to the floor, scurried under Selene's tail, then leaped up to the ceiling where A-Mos was waiting to help her attach the silk. This would support Selene's womb directly, and help take weight off the net until they had her fully suspended. "There we go. Ack!" Sophie couldn't help a giggle when A-Mos' finger got stuck to the still-moist silk. She freed him, then gave a positive to Kyle and Seth, who both nodded.

"Okay, everyone! Upsy-daisy!" Kyle called. With this, Selene pulled her legs up as Mac activated the small cargo winch to tighten the net and pull her up. In short order, Selene was suspended from the ceiling of the room. Mac looked to Seth.

"She okay?" Mac asked as Sam watched from a short distance away. Seth connected his mind to hers, and she purred gently.

Perfectly comfortable. Thank you all. Seth smiled gently at this.

"Just fine. Thanks, guys," said Seth. Mac and A-Mos grinned as they got down from the ladders, Sophie purring as she wrapped her arms and tail around Kyle. Sam hugged Mac as Selene lovingly stroked Seth's face with her long fingers.

"Okay, that should do it. Just make sure she stretches her legs now and then," Sam advised. Seth nodded to her. Kyle then turned to them.

"All right. Everyone, something very important: From this point on, only me, Seth and Sophie come in here. Since there will be Cradles here before too long, we can't risk anyone who isn't Bonded getting too close and making one hatch. We want all Bonded pairs to be willing and intended. No accidents. As well, it wouldn't be pleasant, and we want everyone safe and happy on all sides. Okay?" Everyone nodded their understanding as Sophie purred. Selene nodded.

Yes. I want all of my children to have a wonderful, long, happy life with their Bonded Ones. I want no regrets, no anguish, shame or bad memories. An unwilling Bond is nothing short of rape, said Selene. Kyle, Sophie and Seth agreed, though Kyle never for a moment regretted being Bonded to Sophie. He did, though, fully understand what Selene meant, where she was coming from.

"All right. So, we'll head home, but you guys need anything, no matter how small, you let us know, all right?" said Mac. Seth nodded.

"We will," Seth replied. With that, Mac, Sam and A-Mos left through the doors.

Seth turned to Selene, who cooed and nuzzled him happily, Seth genuinely smiling as their feelings and minds intertwined. Kyle and Sophie could feel their feelings as well, and smiled.

"We'll stay the rest of the day," said Kyle. Selene smiled gently as she looked at him.

I appreciate the sentiment, but you have your own little one to look after. We'll be fine here, Kyle. Thank you, though. Kyle smiled at Selene's sweet, loving feelings. She truly was an amazing, wonderful person he was proud to know. Sophie purred, giving Kyle a peck on the cheek before they turned and left, leaving Seth and Selene alone. She purred as she wrapped her smaller arms around him, one stroking his hair, her larger hands softly enfolding him in a tender embrace. Thank you, my love. You are so sweet to me, always, she crooned mentally as her mind enfolded him with utmost warmth and tenderness. Seth hummed softly as he leaned back against her.

But you are sweeter. You're like love given living form. I couldn't find the words in any language to say how you light up my life, Selene. She moaned softly as she rocked him in her arms.

She knew the truth of his words, felt it with every fiber of her being. She knew Seth's painful past, had lived it with him in memories. Every pain, every wound, every tragedy and lost friend. How he longed to be loved and wanted, as Kyle had. Two poor, sad, lonely little boys who had only wanted someone to love them. She pulled him up into her arms as she lowered her purr into the deepest of thrums. As long as her heart still beat, her sweet Bonded One would never experience such pain ever again.

As the days passed, Selene's womb grew more and more each day. Sophie was in constant contact with them, just in case they needed her to come and attach another strap of silk for extra support. Though, Seth was surprised that Selene's womb only grew to be, perhaps a third the size he had seen in Hive Memories. Then, the laying process truly began.

Seth had been worried it would be painful for her, but was glad that it wasn't. In fact, quite the opposite. Her comfort and ease passed through their Bond to him, and greatly helped to calm him as well as her. Then, at long last, the first Cradle was laid. Seth held her hand as her deep thrum filled the room, the tip of her ovipositor stretching down to the floor, flexing with powerful muscles, her whole womb contracting as the first Cradle was laid. Selene gave a great sigh as she rested and her ovipositor retracted. Seth stared in awe as he came close. He looked at her, and she purred and smiled. Seth knelt and touched the fresh Cradle with his hand. A layer of mucus and fluids still coated it, but he couldn't have cared less.

It was pale, about three feet tall or so. A network of tendrils, not unlike roots anchored it to the floor. He stroked the fresh Cradle, all sorts of positive emotions running through him. His first child. Selene smiled and purred lovingly.

It is but the first of many, my love. And I have no doubt at all in my mind they will love you as much as Ellie does Kyle and Sophie. Seth looked up at her and smiled, feeling so proud and excited. He returned and hugged her happily, an action she gladly reciprocated.

This continued for the next few days, until Selene had laid a total of thirteen Cradles. Then, her womb began to harden and shrivel. Her first laying cycle had ended. Seth called Kyle and Sophie to help get her down, and see the beautiful treasures than now were lined up and waiting. Thankfully, they didn't need too much help, and Selene could remove her old womb easily enough on her own, but it did help to have them there, just in case.

Seth could feel their excitement before they even opened the doors to the Laying Chamber. As soon as they did, Sophie trilled at the sight of Selene's first clutch, pure happiness flowing through her Bond to them. Kyle blinked as he smiled.

"Wow. It went wonderfully," he remarked. Selene grinned with pride as Sophie came and inspected the beautiful Cradles. They all were healthy, and she could sense the Seekers inside, growing. Sophie was almost bouncing on her feet with excitement and joy. Kyle came closer, and as they knew, they did not react, sensing only another member of the Hive. Kyle gently touched one, feeling the leathery surface, and how they softly pulsed with life. He smiled at Selene as Sophie removed the silk strap and released the winch on the net, Selene dropping to her feet with hardly a whisper.

Thank you, Kyle, Sophie. You have been so much help to us, said Selene as she stretched her legs and tail. Kyle smiled as Sophie purred, caressing the Cradles with her long fingers.

"We're not even close to done, yet. Now begins our part," said Kyle, Sophie giving a positive.

Yes. Now, we must find those who will be the best Bonded Ones for the little ones, said Sophie. Selene hugged Seth as she nodded.

XXX

Now began the true earnest work. Kyle and Sophie's friends helped to spread the message and fliers about applications for Bonding. For starters, they were keeping it to close people, friends of Granny Rose, Leon and Shiloh, people Barnabas trusted, etc. To their surprise, they didn't have to wait long. They got a call, and arranged an in-person meeting at the office.

Kyle and Sophie were excited as they waited for the applicant to arrive. Kyle smiled at Sophie as they sat behind the desk, everything at the ready, but neither truly feeling quite ready. She held his hand as the bell above the door rang as it opened.

"Hello?" called a soft voice. Sophie purred as she saw him.

He had short brown hair, slightly pale skin, freckles and lovely blue eyes. His voice was soft and melodic, sounding at the same time, shy, but also curious. Kyle smiled and motioned for him to come in.

"Hi! Welcome! Come on in," said Kyle. The young man closed the door and took a seat in front of them, handing them the flier.

"Granny Rose told me about you, and your project, and, well, I thought," he said softly and shyly, seeming to twist in his seat. Sophie thought he was adorable. Kyle smiled and offered his hand.

"I'm Kyle, and this is my wife, Sophie. Very nice to meet you," said Kyle as he shook the fellow's hand. Sophie purred gently as she also shook his hand, gentle and soft as she could be.

"I'm Jeremy," he replied.

Oh, Kyle, he's so sweet, she said. Kyle smiled softly and agreed.

"Wonderful to meet you, Jeremy. So, let's get started." They interviewed Jeremy, asking him questions, why he wanted to be Bonded, and getting to know him. Sophie liked not just Jeremy, but his energy, his scent, voice. Just something about him struck a good chord with her. The same was true of Kyle. Satisfied with the interview, they led Jeremy to the brain-scan machine, set it up and let it run and ask him questions. Soon enough, it displayed the full results of his brain-scan and Psych evaluation on their desk monitor. Kyle and Sophie both grinned at what they saw. They looked at each other, nodded, and then went in to tell Jeremy. Kyle was all smiles when he opened the door. "You pass Phase Two. Now, Phase Three, and if you pass that, you're in," said Kyle as Sophie purred. Jeremy looked at them as they undid the straps and helped him stand up.

"What's Phase Three?" he asked. They smiled.

"You meet Selene," Kyle replied.

XXX

The next day, Jeremy was flown out to Monk's Mountain Island. He was nervous, he admitted. He had no idea what to expect, but he hoped Ms. Selene was as nice as Sophie was. When the shuttled touched down, a soft breeze was blowing the grass, the towering spire of basalt and Coralyte easily visible. A group of Monks were waiting when the door opened.

"Welcome, young one. Please, this way," said a kindly older man. They led Jeremy through the grassy meadow to the gardens. He saw Kyle and Sophie there, all smiles, and he felt a little more at ease to see faces he knew.

"Right through here," said Kyle as they led him through to a large, grassy area with lots of flowers, hedges and benches to sit on. Then, he saw Her.

She was huge, laying in the grass like a giant, black cat, sunning itself in the soft and gentle sunlight. Her highlights were a very dark blue, an elegant crest like a massive crown upon her head. A human man sat with her in the grass. He had short hair carefully trimmed, pale skin, and the most intense blue eyes he'd ever seen. "Jeremy, this is Seth and Selene. The Mother and Father of the Eramore Hive," said Kyle gently. He looked back as Sophie and Kyle smiled and nodded. Jeremy swallowed hard, and walked forward. The man called Seth gave a very soft smile, almost imperceptible.

"We welcome you, Jeremy. Don't be tense, there's nothing to fear," said Seth. He had a lovely, mellow voice. He looked at the large form next to him as she raised her head a little. She was even bigger than she looked, but the feeling she gave was not at all threatening. A deep, resonating purr was heard as she sat up. Jeremy came forward. Remembering his manners, he bowed from the waist, lowering his head.

"It's a honor to meet you, Sir, Ma'am," he said softly. He was surprised when he felt gentle fingers caress his face and make him look up. Her skin was moist like Sophie's, but even softer. Her hands were as large as his whole body. The touch was extremely gentle. He looked up into the eyeless face as she seemed to study him, but he thought he saw her lips curve into a soft smile.

"You don't need to bow to us, Jeremy. We're not Royalty, like humans think of," said Seth. Selene caressed Jeremy's hair, stroking it, touching him. He could hear the sound of her breathing as she brought her face closer. He saw the tiniest glint of her teeth for a brief moment, before a deep purr seemed to rumble through his whole body as she softly wrapped her arms around him, drew him to her chest where her smaller arms enfolded him in a strong, tender embrace. He heard Seth chuckle softly. "You pass, Jeremy. Welcome to our family," said Seth as Selene purred and rocked him in her arms.

"Welcome to our Hive, Jeremy. We'll set it up to have you Bonded whenever is good for you," said Kyle as he came close with Sophie. Jeremy could only nod as Selene continued to hold him.

XXX

A few days later, Jeremy flew out to Eramore island, and got to see Seth and Selene's home. It was beautiful, set inside of a huge Coralyte spire in the middle of a grassy meadow. A pretty gazebo of woven wood had vines and roses climbing it, and nearby was a greenhouse and garden. The door into the spire was round, with huge strap hinges, a decorative bronze bell stood on a post. There was no need to ring it, though, as Seth opened the door and invited him in.

The inside was unlike anything Jeremy had ever seen. The ceiling, walls, even the floor all looked like Sophie and Selene's kind did. Large structures that almost reminded of bones and ribbed tubing formed strange shapes. Either of them could have been curled up among it a few feet away and he would never have seen them. Lights set into the substance gave off a soft, golden glow.

"Come right in. Follow me," said Seth as he led Jeremy deeper into their home, their Hive. Kyle and Sophie were waiting a little further inside.

"Welcome, Jeremy. This is the Hive. This is home, for all of us. And now, it is for you, too," said Kyle as Sophie purred and nodded.

"Wow. It k-kinda reminds me of Trevor Stone's work," Jeremy mused, making Kyle chuckle. He looked at him as Kyle smiled, seeming to know something he didn't. "Yeah, it influenced him, without a doubt." Jeremy stared at him.

"You know Trevor Stone?" he asked. Kyle chuckled as Sophie purred and hugged him.

"A little. Maybe I can help you meet him," Kyle said with a wink. Sophie purred and nodded, also seeming amused at something Jeremy was not aware of.

It was then that another person came in, a human woman with cinnamon skin and black hair, who was visibly pregnant.

"Hello, Jeremy. I'm Doctor Samantha Singh. I'll be doing your Bonding surgery," she said as she shook his hand.

"Nice to meet you," Jeremy replied. Kyle, Sophie and Seth watched.

"Well, let's get your stuff set in and you settled, and then we'll explain what we'll be doing," said Seth. Jeremy nodded as they led him to where the beds were to set his things down. He was surprised to find Selene there. As soon as she saw him, her deep purr filled the room as she came over and gently caressed his hair. She motioned to a bed with a nightstand next to it, the light on. What surprised him, was a teddy bear, sitting on the pillow. "This is your bed," said Seth softly. Jeremy came over, set his bag down and stared at the soft, cuddly plush. He looked at Selene, who purred and nodded. He picked it up, and she purred as she softly laid her hand on his shoulder. He looked up at her, a warm, soft smile greeting him.

"Thank you," he said softly. Selene purred and rocked him. Jeremy set the bear back on the bed, and followed them. Sam explained the process, how they would put him under anesthetic while the Seeker implanted his partner in him, the process how it would work, how long the gestation would take, and the details of the surgery. They had a full surgical suite right in Seth and Selene's own home, and Sam would be staying there and on call twenty-four hours a day until it was time for his partner to be born. What's more, Kyle and Sophie would be with him full-time until the birth as well. They were leaving nothing to chance, and his safety and well-being were top priority.

Once they were ready, Sam prepped Jeremy, put him under with anesthetic, and once he was asleep, everyone aside from Kyle, Sophie, Seth and Selene left. Sophie carefully brought one of the Cradles, and set it next to Jeremy's sleeping body. As the Cradle opened, Selene crooned softly. She mentally urged the Seeker in the right direction, and to be gentle. There was no need to rush, subdue or fight. While it had a very simple mind, the Seeker obeyed its Mother, being very careful and gentle as it settled over Jeremy's face, merely wrapping its tail around his neck, no need to constrict. Once it was on, Sam checked Jeremy's vitals, and gave him a quick scan. As well, Sam was using this opportunity to learn as much as she could about the biology of Sophie's people, to better help with future Bondings, and ensure the health and safety of everyone. Selene wholeheartedly agreed, and was happy to help Sam in this endeavor.

The Seeker dropped off a day after it attached, and Sophie gently took it and placed it back into the opened, spent Cradle to be cremated later on. Jeremy woke up later that day, Kyle and Sophie right there with him, Sophie purring and holding his hand. His throat was a little raw, but he otherwise felt okay. Kyle explained his own experience to Jeremy, what to expect, what he might feel, and assuring him he and Sophie were going to be right there for him every hour until his partner was born. One of them would always be nearby, just in case. Seth and Selene were also nearby, and Sam was also staying there, on full standby and ready to take him to surgery as soon as the first signs of the Birth showed. Jeremy was so moved, felt hot tears stream down his face as Sophie purred and hugged him.

Kyle also explained that his emotions might run around, and this was perfectly normal. He told him he may have dreams, and these were his partner communicating with his mind, first establishing their Bond. It was nothing to be afraid of, and how the mental barriers humans spent a lifetime building up would come crashing down, as they simply couldn't exist with the Bond. Kyle was right, and Jeremy felt this wonderful, warm sensation when he dozed, dreams of being wrapped in sweet warmth, a lovely heartbeat as a lullaby. Sometimes when he would wake up, he would have tears in his eyes. However, unlike Kyle's experience, he had two caring people right there with him, sharing, talking, understanding and being his friends. Never did he feel afraid, scared or alone. His tears were of joy and pure positive emotion. Sophie called it "Unchaining the heart".

Three days after Jeremy was implanted, as evening was setting in, Sophie's head snapped up as she stared at Jeremy. Kyle stopped mid-sentence as he also looked at Jeremy's chest.

"It's time," said Kyle as he used his PDA to message Sam and alert everyone. A buzzer sounded in the Hive as Sophie held Jeremy's hand and purred. "Jeremy, stay calm, okay?" said Kyle as Sam rushed in with a stretcher, Seth helping, Selene waiting nearby. They helped Jeremy onto the stretcher and hurried him to the surgical suite, Sophie right there, holding his hand every step of the way, even coming into the surgical suite with Sam, who quickly washed and donned medical clothes.

"Don't you worry, Jeremy. When you wake up, she'll be right in your arms," said Sam as she took the mask and put it over his nose and mouth, and instructed him to count backwards from one hundred as Sophie turned on the gasses. He didn't make it past ninety-four before he was asleep.

XXX

The first thing Jeremy awoke to was a wonderful, warm feeling. Next, as his hearing came back, he heard a purr, but not the very deep one of Sophie or Selene. His eyes slowly opened. Dim, soft lights were easy on his poor eyes. He heard a heart monitor beeping. He felt a very tiny pain in his back, and a weight on his chest. He looked down, and curled in his arms, was a little form. It was pink, a long tail curled up, two tiny arms curled against it. He could see it pulse as it breathed. A soft, silken sling of a sort was also wrapped around his torso, the little one resting comfortably inside of it. He softly brushed it with his fingers, and the little head looked up. She gave a gurgling coo, and Jeremy's eyes flooded with tears.

"H-hi, little girl," he said. She cooed again as she slithered up and looped herself around his neck, nuzzling her face against his as he held and rocked her, pure, unrestrained joy flowing through every fiber of his being as he felt the tiny, beautiful little mind connect with his in full. Feelings of warmth, happiness, comfort and love flooded into his mind as this beautiful little life intertwined with his.

Jeremy somehow felt someone, looked up, and saw Kyle and Sophie smiling at them.

Welcome to our family, Jeremy, said a female voice in his head. Jeremy blinked.

"S-Sophie?" he asked. She nodded as she and Kyle came close.

It's wonderful to talk to you at last, Jeremy, said Sophie. He thought her voice was beautiful. Kyle smiled at them.

Yeah, it's really something, being able to speak with your mind, isn't it? said Kyle in his head. Jeremy was a little surprised to hear Kyle's voice in his head, but not see his lips moving. He smiled and nodded as the baby gurgled, cooed and chirped. Jeremy rocked her in his arms. A team of plastic surgeons couldn't have removed the smile on his face. That was when he heard a new voice.

Hello, my beautiful little ones, crooned the most elegant, beautiful and tender voice he had ever heard. He looked up as Selene smiled from where She stood in the large doorway, Seth by Her side. The baby chirped happily. Kyle and Sophie smiled as they moved back and let Selene come in. The most soft, warm, loving feelings gently flowed into Jeremy and his partner's minds, like warm water. It was so beautiful, his eyes flooded with new tears. She settled down around the bed, Her large, powerful arms gently lifting Jeremy up, Her smaller arms encircling both of Her children. Jeremy sniffled as he nuzzled his head against Her mighty chest. Selene purred as She rocked them in Her arms, Seth watching, tears in his own eyes, so proud of his wife and mate. As she rocked them, She began to croon. To the ears of those not Bonded, it sounded like a pretty tune, but to the Bonded, it was nothing short of a heavenly lullaby. It was a song Selene had heard and liked. She smiled, kissing Jeremy and his partner, urging him to rest his head close to Her heart, and they would never part, as She lovingly called him "Baby of Mine".

Happy Mother's Day