Author's notes: some adult content might make some girls squimish...sorry!
"I would give it all, I would sacrifice. Don't tell me it's not worth fightin' for. I can't help it there's nothin' I want more. Ya know it's true. Everything I do, I do it for you." – Bryan Adams '(Everything I Do) I Do It For You'
Malek and Jared arrived in high spirits for it had been almost ten months since he had last seen Jacob, Selmak, Rhi and Zach. The Tok'ra had fallen on hard times this past year. There had been dissension among the ranks caused by Delek who took his being kicked off the High Council hard. They had managed to control him somewhat but he continued to be a thorn in their side. And Malek's own base had been attacked, coincidentally right after Delek left it!
Malek was able to flee with half his numbers and had since reestablished a new base. With the Tok'ra's numbers dwindling, the Council decided to shut down a base on the outskirts of Goa'uld occupied territory and assign those Tok'ra to Malek's new base. With a greater number of individuals to look after, Malek's responsibilities had kept him extremely busy which is why he hadn't visited his friends more often than he would have liked.
A part of Malek envied Jacob and Selmak. Not for the happiness that they've found, no, Malek and Jared were exceedingly happy for their friends. However, Jacob and Selmak didn't have to constantly look over their backs for fear of being killed by an assassin or by a spy. It was a threat that Malek and Jared lived with daily. As a precaution, Malek doubled his personal guards. The four highly trained, Tok'ra guards went with him everywhere. They were his most loyal companions for they had known him since he had first become a base commander some five hundred years ago. They had even followed him here to the Alpha site.
However, while Malek was here to visit his friends he was also here to perform a couple of duties ordered by his superiors. The Council asked that he have the small Tok'ra contingency that was stationed here bring him up to date on their mission reports. He was also given the arduous task of requesting that Selmak report to the High Council in person.
'You know what Selmak will say, don't you?' Jared asked as Malek was leaving the Tok'ra encampment.
'I have a very good idea. I'm hoping she has calmed down since last year when the Council made a similar request.'
'You can keep hoping my friend. I seriously doubt she's changed her mind. But if you want my advice, try speaking to Jacob this time. Direct the request through him.'
'To be honest, I would rather not ask this of either of them. I know how upset it makes them.'
Jared sighed, his agreement felt through their emotional bond. Then a sudden wave of astonishment could be felt from Malek's host. Malek turned his attention outward again and saw the reason why.
Rhi was in the nearby distance training a very young officer, possibly a new recruit as he looked extremely inexperienced, how to use his medical pack. She exuded such confidence in her words and expressions. And she was looking even lovelier than ever! It appeared that living here with Jacob and Selmak had been the best thing that happened to her.
'I agree, she seems to get more beautiful each time we visit,' Jared spoke. 'No doubt the love she gives to and receives from her husband is responsible for this…this angel before us.'
As if on queue, Jacob came over to where Rhi stood. He said something that made her laugh. Her whole face lit up, as did Jacob's. Malek could see they were still very much in love. Even the young officer laughed as Jacob patted the man on the shoulder and sent him on his way. Deciding it was now the time, Malek moved towards his friends.
Once he was within range that Selmak and Zach would be able to sense him, both Jacob and Rhi looked towards him at the same time. Their faces filled with such surprise and were so happy to see him. He was immediately enveloped in a hug by the both of them before he could even get a word out. He and Jared basked in their dear friends' happiness, not realizing how much they had missed them until this very moment.
"So you're the surprise!" Jacob finally said as he and Rhi stepped back.
"And what a wonderful surprise," Rhi added. "We've missed seeing you and Jared."
"We have missed the four of you as well," he smiled.
"I heard about your base coming under attack," Jacob seriously said. "I'm truly sorry for the people you lost and we are so glad you and Jared are ok."
"Thank you. And how did you know about it?"
"Selmak still has a friend or two in high places," Jacob smiled. "We may be out of contact with the Tok'ra but we're not totally out of the loop."
'Perhaps, now is the time?' Malek asked Jared.
'Best to get it over and done with in my opinion.'
Malek nodded his head.
"Jacob, I hate to bring up the issue but since you mentioned that you are out of contact with Tok'ra," Malek started and paused as Jacob's eyes instantly narrowed and the emotion on his face grew darker. "Jacob, please…I am only doing my job here…the Council is…"
"The Council can go take a flying leap off Mount Everest for all I care!" Jacob snapped angrily, stepping aggressively towards Malek.
'Mount Everest?' Malek questioned.
'Probably a really tall mountain peak or cliff on Earth or something,' Jared replied as he and Malek took two steps back.
"Jacob, please be calm," Rhi suggested, moving between her husband and Malek. "You know Malek as well as I do. It's obvious he doesn't want to do this but knows he must try. And just because the Council wished him to convey a request that doesn't mean you have to follow it. You and Selmak are not under their control. You both have proven that."
Suddenly two Special Forces soldiers appeared with their weapons raised and aimed at Malek. His own guards immediately followed suit and aimed their weapons towards Jacob and his men. A dead silence seemed fall over much of the base. Malek stood his ground, knowing Jacob's men were doing as ordered just like his own men.
"Jacob, please," Rhi reiterated.
Jacob turned and nodded his head. The Special Forces soldiers lowered their weapons but remained on alert nearby. Malek turned and did the same to his men. And everyone else went about their duties.
"Selmak and I are not going back," Jacob stated. "What they did to Rhi and Zach was inexcusable! I was appalled to learn how they lied to you and forced Selmak and I to be in the dark about the mission! You can tell them all that if you want, so long as they understand that Selmak and I are not to be bothered!"
"Very well," Malek sighed.
"Good, now Rhi take care of our friends. I'll see you in a little while," Jacob said then took off running. One of the SFs followed at the same pace but a few meters behind. The other Malek noticed stay with Rhi.
Rhi watched her husband for a moment before turning to Malek.
"He'll be fine, don't worry," she smiled brightly. "He just has to run some of that anger off. Come, Zach and I will get you and your guards situated. I assume you will be staying for the celebration this evening."
"Of course. General O'Neill spoke about drinking 'til I drop," Malek said, still somewhat confused about what the man meant. "He also hoped that I would have better luck drinking Jacob under the table than he did."
Rhi laughed heartily until the tears rolled down her cheeks.
'She obviously knows what we're celebrating!' Jared commented.
"General O'Neill lost a bet last St. Patrick's Day in a beer drinking contest with Jacob," she said. "Don't worry, you can handle it. Zach does quite well with beer. It's the wine that goes to his head! Jacob and Selmak believe in keeping the moral up on the base so we try to celebrate as many as the holidays as we can. We even celebrate a few of the Jaffa and Tok'ra holidays."
"Really, from what I just witnessed I thought Jacob and Selmak would want nothing to do with the Tok'ra."
"They are not against all the Tok'ra," Zach chimed in. "But they do feel as if the Council has let them down. Remember Selmak had been a part of the Council for nearly fifteen hundred years. It was her life and she felt betrayed by them. The feeling of betrayal has not weakened over the past two years. And even though Jacob had been on the Council for a few short years, he is Selmak's host, he feels as she does. I'm not sure the feeling will ever go away…for either of them."
"I understand," Malek sighed. "How can one have trust when the trust has been broken?"
"Exactly."
"But what of us? I thought for a moment he was going to run me through!"
"No, Jacob or Selmak would never do that to you," Rhi firmly stated. "They love you and Jared like a brother. Some times brothers don't always get along. They fight and argue, but their love for each other remains constant."
'She has a point, Mal,' Jared spoke kindly to him.
"Yes, Jacob and I did have a few arguments where we nearly came to blows. At the end of the day, we joked and laughed over a pitcher of ale as if it had never happened."
"It will be the same today, I promise."
Rhi was right. Once darkness fell and Jacob had returned from his run and his duties, all was well between them again. The six of them consumed large quantities of beer and something called Irish Whiskey that made Jared's nose hairs stand on end and his throat burn.
They stayed up late into the night just talking with each other, catching up on all they had missed, reminiscing about old times and embarrassing moments that made them all laugh so hard their sides hurt. Malek and Jared truly enjoyed themselves and didn't want the evening to end. But Malek knew if he and Jared were to wake up without a hangover, they needed to rest for a few hours.
"Rhi, Jacob…Zach, Selmak…it has been a wonderful evening. I'm afraid we must retire. Jared and I will be happy to have breakfast with you tomorrow."
"We'd like that very much," Jacob smiled.
"Tomorrow then," Malek smiled back as he shook Jacob's hand.
Suddenly the grip changed around Malek's hand. Both Jacob and Rhi's head bowed down as Selmak and Zach came fore. Malek was not concerned until the saw his friends' happy jovial expressions disappear in an instant.
"Malek, Zach and I need your help," Selmak said, grasping hold of Zach's hand.
From Selmak's tone, Malek and Jared knew this was extremely important. So he sat back down in his seat. And by the way Selmak and Zach came fore, he knew Jacob and Rhi were being kept in the dark about it.
'First, hear what Selmak has to say before questioning them about Jacob and Rhi,' Jared suggested.
"Of course my friends. What can I help you with?"
"First, do not worry…Jacob and Rhi will believe they've passed out. It wouldn't be the first time. And well…it's actually they who are in need of help," Selmak explained. "You see, it has recently come to our attention that…that Rhi…"
Selmak stopped and looked to Zach. Zach looked unsure of what to say. And Malek and Jared had a brain flash.
"Rhi's not pregnant, is she?" he asked.
"For Egeria's sake, no!" Selmak snapped, her eyes flashing brightly. "Jacob and I are not that irresponsible!"
"Shh, calm down my love," Zach cooed, wrapping an arm around Selmak. "Malek, please…you must help us to help Jacob and Rhi. You see Rhi desperately wants to have a baby with Jacob. She knows it is not possible so she has not voiced her desire to me. I had only just recently found out that she's kept this one secret from me for the past two years."
"And I know, that if Jacob could, he wouldn't hesitate to give her a child," Selmak added.
"But it is forbidden for two Tok'ra to conceive a child," Malek said, feeling Jared's sadness at not being able to help their friends.
"We know," they said together.
"However, I believe it is possible to create a normal human child using Rhi and Jacob's genetic makeup," Selmak continued.
"It's impossible. To do so you would have to remove the naquadah from their genetic structure," Malek said.
"Precisely," Selmak simply said.
Malek leaned back in his chair…stunned and speechless. He could sense Jared's mind racing though their shared memories to see if there was a way to do as was suggested.
"Malek, please," Zach begged, his eyes filling with tears. "Can it be done? We only want Rhi and Jacob to be completely happy and we know a child of their own will do that. You can't understand…the pain she feels in her heart because she can't have Jacob's baby. Most women her age on her planet have had three some times four children by now."
Jared found something and presented it to Malek. He slowly leaned forward, resting an arm on the table.
"If I do this…it will have to be done in secrecy," Malek said. Zach smiled his tears fell as he grabbed hold of Selmak's hand with both of his. "A cavern…we can create a single cavern underground with Tok'ra crystals."
"We know just the spot too," Selmak smiled.
"I will need some equipment."
"Whatever you need, it's yours," Selmak said.
Malek looked at them both.
"I take it your hosts have no idea of this conspiracy?"
They both nodded, looking extremely guilty and hurt.
"If it doesn't work, they will never know and so they will never be hurt," Selmak spoke softly.
"On the contrary, if it does work, Rhi will be told by me," Zach continued. "But the final to decision to have a baby will be hers which she will not refuse…I just know it!"
"Then when the time is right, the responsibility will rest with her to inform Jacob," Selmak smiled.
"Sounds like you have this all planned out," Malek smirked, feeling Jared's amusement.
"Our love for our hosts is as strong and as deep as the love they have for each other and the love I have for Zach."
"And for you," Zach added leaning against Selmak.
'Mal, we have to make this work,' Jared said to him. 'It can be a way to repay them for the hurt we caused them in the past.'
'I was thinking the same thing my friend.'
Malek stood up.
"Very well. I will leave tomorrow shortly after breakfast and return in a few days time. In the mean while, I will make a list of what I need so that you may get the lab ready for me."
"What are you going to tell Jacob when you come back?" Selmak asked. "Or the Council for that matter?"
"In the morning over breakfast, I will tell Jacob that I am returning to change out some of the Tok'ra personnel here with a few from my own base. Some have expressed that they find it difficult working with the Jaffa so I don't think I'll get any argument from those that wish to leave. I will stay remain to make sure the transition goes well and the new Tok'ra assimilate to their new post. I will tell the Council all this, but add that I think with a little persuasion Selmak would eventually address the Council…and I'd be the one to do it."
"You can tell them, but it's not going to happen!" Selmak barked at him.
"Selmak, if we are successful and Rhi wants the baby, the Council will eventually find out. You and Jacob are going to have to face them," Malek gently reminded her.
Selmak glowered for a moment. Zach stroked her face to calm her.
"But when we do…it will be on our terms, not the Council's," Selmak said.
"Understandable. Until morning then…goodnight."
"Goodnight," they replied, getting to their feet.
They embraced and Malek left their quarters. His guards, who had remained posted outside, followed him to his quarters.
'Jared, I don't think they completely realize what they're getting into. Their love has blinded them!'
'Mal, you're talking like a symbiote. See it from my perspective…the human perspective. It is true that having a baby does complicate one's life. However, the rewards are limitless. The joy of carrying that child, giving birth to it and then watch it grow is the miracle of life. Every species does it. Even yours. Although, being that queens can be asexual, when they chose to be, kind of takes the fun out of creating symbiote offspring!'
Malek laughed loudly within his mind with Jared as they entered their assigned room.
'If we're successful,' Malek said to Zach slowly. 'The Tok'ra High Council will most like expunge both Zach and Selmak from the Tok'ra for good. Perhaps worse…they could terminate the pregnancy or take the child from Jacob and Rhi.'
'Then it is our job to ensure that the child be a perfect blending of Jacob and Rhi only.'
'Blending? Interesting metaphor,' Malek smiled. 'And the council?'
'Mal, I honestly think that neither Selmak nor Zach really care about the council any more. No doubt, being thrown out will come as a relief, giving them closure. In the end, all that matters to them is that they have each other. And they have their friends.'
Malek mentally sighed as he settled down onto his bed in the darkness. He smiled as Jared began imagining what the offspring of Jacob and Rhi would look like. Both agreeing that the child was doomed to be stubborn just like it's parents. Both even laughed and poked fun, mentioning that the child was bound to have much more hair than Jacob does no matter whose physical features it inherited!
As the days seemed to slowly pass by until Malek returned, Zach felt more and more guilty for keeping Rhi in the dark. The only thing that kept him from telling her about the plan was that if she knew and the plan failed she would be devastated and heartbroken. For someone so young Rhi had already been through so much with the murders of her family and her people and what she had to endure at the hands of Ba'al, who damn near raped her, and of Gwynn, who brutally beat and tortured her. And Zach didn't have the heart to do that to her.
To this day, Zach's affection had grown much, much deeper towards Jacob and Selmak for rescuing him and Rhi from Gwynn. If not for their love for Rhi and him, they would have lost Rhi forever. And Zach knew exactly how Rhi felt about her husband for when she believed that Jacob and Selmak were dead she wanted desperately to die too. As far as Rhi was concerned there was no life without Jacob and Selmak. She believed that then and still does now. And everyday since the tragedy, Rhi has not hesitated to show her affection or speak of her love for Jacob and Selmak.
"Zach?" Selmak quietly called in the darkness.
"I'm awake," he sighed, his head still resting on her chest.
"We should go, Malek will be waiting."
Selmak gently slid from beneath him, turning the light on as she did.
"Zach, what's wrong?"
"I hope this will not take long. I hate lying to Rhi."
"As do I," she smiled, caressing his face. "Come my beloved. Jacob and Rhi have kept Malek waiting long enough! I honestly didn't think they were ever going to stop!"
"They're happy and deeply in love. You can't blame them for that. And it wasn't like were we encouraging them to stop. On the contrary!"
Selmak flashed a wicked smile at him as he got out of bed. Zach knew her well. She was the instigator the majority of the time with that dirty little mind of hers!
"Get dressed," he ordered, throwing Jacob's BDUs at her. "The sooner we get there the sooner we'll get our answers!"
"Sometimes you're just no fun!" she smiled and then poked her tongue out at him.
Zach simple shook his head and then he quickly got dressed.
By the time they made their way to the secret lab, Selmak's playfulness was gone. Zach noticed she was tense by the way she held his hand. He squeezed it reassuringly and smiled at her as they entered the lab.
"You must have faith my love," he whispered to her.
"You made it," Malek smiled, looking up from his computer console. "Good. Shall we proceed?"
"We're ready," Selmak said.
"I'll start with Rhi, Zach please lay down on the table," Malek said as he grabbed a few Tok'ra medical devices designed for gathering a living being's bio readings.
With Selmak's help, Zach lay down on the hard cold crystal table. It had been a long time since he laid on one of them. He didn't care much for them, as he preferred the softness of a mattress! Right now, he wished for a simple blanket as he could feel the coldness through his BDUs. And he felt a little vulnerable at the moment.
Sensing he needed comfort, Selmak kept hold of his hand while Malek set about collecting the necessary information.
"Has Rhi been eating regularly?" Malek asked.
"She eats like a bird," Selmak replied. "Jacob tries to encourage her to eat more but it's like trying to move a mountain at times."
"Why do you ask?" Zach questioned, trembling inside, afraid of what the answer might be.
"She's slightly underweight but not as bad as she used to be," Malek smiled.
"Is that going to be a problem?" Zach quickly asked, his heart rate beginning to increase along with his fears. "I'll make her eat…I'll eat for her!"
"Zach, relax," Jared said calmly, resting his hand on Zach's shoulder. "Malek and I are going to do the best we can to give Rhi and Jacob a chance at having a child. You have my word."
Zach sighed in relief. He knew if he had Jared's word than all would be well. However, those lingering doubts were still ever present and refused to go away entirely.
"I would recommend trying to get Rhi to eat more protein," Malek said. "Her body will need it if she's to carry a fetus to full term."
Zach nodded.
"Otherwise, Rhi is getting more than enough vitamins and nutrients. What about her menstrual cycle?"
"Pfft! Like clockwork!" Selmak scoffed, sounding a bit annoyed about it.
Zach and Malek looked at her.
"It's just annoying! For five, six days Jacob and I can't touch her the way we want to. And some days we really want too!"
Zach rolled his eyes and Malek shook his head trying not to laugh.
"I see some things never change!" Malek muttered under his breath.
"She never could help herself," Zach smiled quietly at Malek so that Selmak couldn't hear.
"What about cramps? How bad are they?" Malek asked, after clearing his throat.
"Don't miss them one bit! That's one thing about being a woman that I don't miss!" Selmak commented. "Well two…my period and cramps! Well, then there's the cravings, the bloating and the…"
"Selmak, I was talking to Zach," Malek gently interrupted her.
Selmak blushed slightly, turning her face away. Zach squeezed her hand, letting her know he wasn't offended. He knew she was just nervous. He was nervous too.
"I take the pain away but Rhi only gets them on the first day, sometimes the second," Zach answered. "It's quite normal from what I've learned."
"Yes it is," Malek said.
"Malek doesn't miss that aspect of his time as a woman!' Jared quickly inserted as a joke.
Zach smiled. Jared always seemed to know just what to say to make one more relaxed.
"Jared should knowhaving been blended with me for some time now!" Malek countered making both Zach and Selmak laugh. "Well, Rhi is in excellent shape. Her blood pressure is well within acceptable limits. Heart rate…good. Blood chemistry…excellent. The only thing is I think she could put on another ten pounds. Then she would be at her ideal body weight for a woman of her height and bone structure."
Zach internally sighed in relief as he and Selmak switched places. He hated lying on the table like that. He felt as if he were on display! And he couldn't shake that feeling of vulnerability.
"Brrr! You need a blanket on this table…and a few soft pillows!" Selmak commented after she lay down.
Zach shook his head laughing while Malek just rolled his eyes.
"What…even the ones in infirmary have bedding and are soft," she said.
"Funny, you've never complained about them before," Malek smirked, as he began moving the small device over Selmak's body much as he did with Zach. "In fact, you never complained until you blended with Jacob!"
Selmak stuck her tongue out at him and Zach who was hiding his smile behind his hand. It took a few minutes longer for Malek to finish, as Selmak wouldn't keep still. Her mouth was going nonstop and she was fidgeting. Malek graciously kept his mouth shut about it and just continued collecting the necessary information for he knew she was nervous. Once done, Jacob's results were as good as Rhi's.
"Now what?" Selmak asked as she got to her feet.
"I will need viable specimens from both of your hosts. Rhi's will be the most difficult. We should procure hers first."
"How?" Zach asked, as he had no idea how they were going to get any of Rhi's ova.
"With this," Selmak answered showing Zach what looked like a long, thin, slightly flexible tube. "Malek and I have discussed this already and I will perform the procedure. It will be more comfortable for all of us that way."
Zach felt his stomach drop to the floor. Instinctively he covered his stomach with his arms and backed away. Malek nodded at Selmak then left them alone.
"Zach, it's the only way," Selmak insisted. "Look…I found a blanket. You won't feel a thing, I promise."
Zach felt his entire body trembling. Selmak came over and wrapped her arms around him, kissing his hair before whispering into his ear.
"Just think of Rhi…we're doing this for her."
His tears fell but he nodded his head.
"It will be easier if you take your pants all the way off," Selmak gently suggested, hugging him tightly. "I'll put the blanket on the table…ok…then we'll start when you're ready."
Selmak kissed each of his eyes, then his lips before moving away. Thinking only of what this would mean for Rhi, Zach did as he was told. He relaxed as best he could, his eyes rapidly blinking the tears away as he stared up at the ceiling, his hand gripping tightly to the sides of the table. Selmak spoke encouragingly to him throughout the entire procedure. Her words didn't help. He still felt vulnerably lying on the table in such a manner and perhaps a little humiliated because there was nothing pleasant about the procedure. Nothing at all pleasant about it because the fact was that, however unintentional it may be, Selmak's touch was rather clinical and not loving.
"All done, Zach," she smiled, finally pushing his legs down and covering him up.
Zach sat up and threw himself into Selmak's arms. He said nothing but just wept, clinging to her shirt. She quickly moved him off the table and helped him with putting his clothes back on. Zach had learned that being a woman was just so difficult sometimes! He was even more emotional like one now! And he couldn't stop it! Thankfully Selmak never said anything as she sat him in a nearby chair so he could put his boots back on.
"You did wonderful," Selmak whispered kissing his cheek. "I'm going to get Malek. Ok?"
Zach nodded wiping his tears with the sleeve of his uniform. Moments later Malek and Selmak returned. And Zach was feeling much better now that the unpleasantness was over and done with. He didn't think he would be able to do that again.
"Excellent, that should be more than enough," Malek stated placing the small container in what looked like a small freezer. "Now we need Jacob's."
"About that, you didn't tell me how that was going to work," Selmak said and Zach could hear her getting a little defensive. "Cause that tube is not going to fit you know where! In fact, I'm sure it would be extremely painful if you tried to stick it there!"
"Selmak…"
"No, Malek! I mean it! Jacob's been kicked there a couple of times since I've blended with him and it's painful! I had no idea just how painful it could be until that first time! I swear…I couldn't breathe for two minutes!"
"Selmak, for Jacob we require no fancy piece of equipment. Just this," Malek said putting a small cup on the table.
"Well, that's definitely not going to fit!" she scoffed, heading for the exit.
Zach hurried to grab her and stopped her from bolting.
"Malek…let me explain it to her. I used to reside in a man so I have an idea of what needs to be done."
Malek nodded, he couldn't help but smile as he left the lab. No doubt he and Jared were having a good laugh. Zach knew that if their situations had been reversed he'd be laughing too!
"Selmak, I know you understand what needs to be done. Before, when I was a man and you were a woman, you used to do that to me quite often when I was…well let's just say in need and your host was unable to satiate my host and I in the normal fashion of making love. Even Rhi has learned to do it for Jacob."
"But I'm not allowed! Jacob was very specific in the dos and don'ts! I'm not to shave his face, make comments about his hairline, and I am to never relieve my host when he as to go pee no matter how badly! Hands off! It's his number one rule to me!"
Zach smiled, caressing her face. The sheer fright could be seen in those dark eyes that he'd come to love so much. He knew what he had to do. He kissed her slowly, tenderly, affectionately over and over until she started to respond by returning each kiss. Her hands that were so much stronger now that she was within a man pulled him close.
"Allow me to do this for you, my love," he whispered into her ear before nibbling her earlobe while his hand reached to undo her belt buckle.
Selmak stopped him, gently grabbing hold of his hand. The uncertainty and humiliation could be seen in her eyes as she looked at him and then looked away. Zach turned her face back to his.
"You are my mate, my reason for living," he cooed to her leaning his forehead against hers. "There is no shame in this…I love you as I love your host! For you and he are one! Allow me to do for you what you did for me on our vacation. Remember…I have not forgotten how you made love to me."
She slowly nodded as her hand released his. Zach kissed her lips again while his hand finished undoing the belt. He made sure to take his time. He never did this to just her as Rhi was always present as was Jacob. Being that Zach used to be blended with a man he knew it could be a very pleasurable experience for her and did his best to make it so. Some fifteen minutes later, Selmak smiled warmly at him, as she was completely satiated.
"It's not fair," she whispered breathlessly into his ear. Her hand was moving slowly up and down his back.
"What my love?" he asked as he finished doing up her pants.
"That my way be one of pleasure and yours be so uncomfortable."
"They were both done with much love," he smiled, cupping her face with his hands. "The love we have for Rhi and Jacob makes everything all worth."
"And I didn't break Jacob's rule! I don't know if he would have forgiven me for that!" she joked.
Zach laughed, taking hold of her hand.
"Come, we best tell Malek we're done and get back to our quarters."
"Yes, we better hurry too. Jacob's having all kinds of erotic dreams now! I have a feeling he'll be waking up very soon!"
Outside they found Malek and Jared gazing up at the stars.
"Finished?" he asked them.
"For now!" Selmak grinned.
"You two are still disgraceful!" Malek laughed. "But it's nice to see how in love you are after so many centuries."
"Thank you Malek…for all you've done," Zach said. "When will you have an answer?"
"Come to the lab in a few days. By then I should have your answer."
Zach cheered inside being careful to not wake Rhi as they bid Malek a goodnight. It was bad enough she had stirred slightly when he was helping Selmak. Rhi too had been erotic dreams from time to time. Zach was happy, as they were much more preferable to the nightmares they'd had in the past.
It wasn't long after they returned to their quarters, climbed back in bed and shortly after Selmak fell asleep that Zach felt Jacob's touch beneath the covers. His touch was always a little rougher than Selmak's but just as pleasurable.
"Jacob, is it your intention to wake my host?" Zach asked in a playful tone.
"How do you know it's me and not Selmak pretending to be me?" Jacob countered.
"Because, Selmak can't imitate your rough touch! She's too dainty!" Zach laughed.
"Am I really rough?" he asked, Zach seeing the worry in Jacob's eyes.
"No, you're not rough at all. You're a man and you have a man's touch. It is very pleasing to Rhi."
"And to you?"
"Yes, my love," Zach cooed, caressing Jacob's face. "It is most pleasing to me as well. You are a most affectionate lover, never thinking of yourself."
"My love…you've never called me that before," Jacob sighed, pushing Zach's hair back.
"It is what I always call Selmak. She is my mate. You are her host. When I see you I see her…you and she are one. Together you are my husband and I love you with all I have to give."
Jacob smiled as he leaned down brushing his lips softly against Zach's.
"I love you too Zach as much as I love Rhi because I no longer see you as an old man but as a captivating woman."
Zach felt the heat rushing into his cheeks and he quickly hid his face, nuzzling it against Jacob's neck.
"Oh, have I made you blush?" Jacob teased.
Zach tried to bury his face even deeper.
"Selmak is going to tease the hell out of you for that!" Jacob chuckled, tickling Zach in all the right places.
Zach giggled wildly as Jacob learned well from Selmak's teachings. He knew exactly where to tickle Zach. As he knew exactly where to kiss Zach too. Zach did nothing to stop what he was feeling, allowing Rhi to wake if she desired. She did not. Nor did Zach feel Selmak's touch at all while Jacob made love to him.
It was all Jacob, giving his love freely to Zach as he would to Rhi. This was the final boundary to be crossed between the four of them. Rhi and Selmak have been alone together several times, though it was unintentional as Zach or Jacob never woke up. But this was the first time it was only Jacob and Zach. A sign that Jacob only did see Zach as the woman he loved. As Zach only saw Jacob through a woman's eyes and loved him as deeply as Rhi loved him.
The guilt in Zach's heart just doubled. Not only did he feel guilty for hiding his secret from Rhi but from Jacob now too. The weight of his guilt was unbearable and he began to weep. His tears fell onto the hairs of Jacob's chest as he slept deeply clutching his wife's body close to him. Zach did his best to weep quietly so as not to wake Jacob or Rhi.
Rhi had gone about her duties for a few days trying to figure out why Zach was lying to her without confronting him about it. She had hoped that he would come clean and tell her. Still, two weeks later and he repeated to say that there was nothing wrong yet she could feel his guilt. And still, she wanted to give him a chance to tell her. She knew he could be stubborn at times.
At first she thought the reason was because him and Jacob had finally taken the last step in the relationship and that his guilt was for not including her in their lovemaking. Rhi couldn't have been happier for Zach to experience what she had on so many occasions…to feel Jacob's love as intensely as she felt it during such an intimate and pleasurable moment.
Zach's guilt continued and Rhi worried even more. She began thinking that there was something wrong with him. In fact, she was heading across the base to where Malek was to enlist his help because she didn't want to worry Jacob or Selmak. Only Zach abruptly took control of her body when he sensed what she was about to do and headed off in the other direction.
'Zach! Stop it! Now!' she yelled at him and she was suddenly back in control, his guilt overwhelming her. 'I'm sorry Hon. Zach, please…just talk to me.'
'I can't…not now,' he replied.
'Then when?' she gently asked.
'Tonight…I promise tonight, after Jacob's gone to sleep I will tell you everything…regardless of the outcome.'
'Zach…what have you done? What outcome do you mean?'
'Rhi, I swear on the love for our husband that I will come clean and tell you everything. But not until tonight.'
After that Zach withdrew to leave Rhi alone with her thoughts. And he refused to communicate with her when she pushed the issue. Instead, she backed off and went about her duties. She trusted him because he gave her his word.
The rest of the day dragged on, as Rhi had nothing to do. Jacob and Selmak on the other hand were so busy they didn't have time to eat lunch with her or dinner. Luckily, Jacob wasn't in a bad mood when he finally sauntered into their quarters with an arm behind his back and a huge grin plastered all over his face.
"I have something for you," he smiled, as she came over wrapping her arms around his neck.
"What…no kiss? I haven't seen you all day and you come in grinning that you have something for me without so much as a little peck on the cheek!" she said playfully.
"Well…the kiss usually comes after…these!" he said pulling his arm out to reveal a dozen roses neatly clipped and tied together.
Rhi gasped, "They're beautiful!"
She even felt Zach's excitement over the flowers. He had been a sucker for flowers since he blended with her.
'How did he manage to grow them? Jacob and Selmak tend to kill plants!' Zach pointed out, making Rhi laugh. 'I've seen them with my own eyes! Two brown thumbs…four actually!'
"What's so funny?" Jacob asked, giving her that kiss.
"Zach wants to know how you managed to grow them," she replied.
"Well, Zach can start asking his own questions instead of hiding behind you! For your information, I didn't grow them! I stole them from the arboretum we built last year! I figured since I helped build it, I was privy to take a few flowers from time to time for my wife!"
Rhi felt Zach give her a nudge and she obliged letting him fore.
"So, why the flowers…what did you do?" he asked, grinning from ear to ear.
"What, can't a guy give his wife some flowers with no reason?"
"No!" Zach stated, putting his hands on his hips. "Jacob, don't forget, I used to be a man! Just because I have a lovely figure doesn't mean I've forgotten how a man thinks!"
"Alright…they're a peace offering," Jacob frowned. "Our weekend in Kendarra has to be postponed. I'm really sorry. I know you were both looking forward to it. But the Pentagon is sending in some high ranking official to inspect the base. I only just found out about it today."
"That's ok," Rhi smiled, taking the flowers. "The flowers are beautiful and I still love you!"
"You're not mad at me?"
"Jacob, you have no control over what your superiors do. It isn't you fault. Now come, sit down. I brought you a sandwich because I know you haven't eaten. I'll make you some tea."
"What about dessert?"
"There's a piece of chocolate cake on the table with your sandwich," she smiled moving to the small sink and filling the kettle. She giggled to herself as she heard Jacob mumbling something like 'That's not what I meant!'
Zach chuckled for that's exactly what Jacob said. By the time the cups of tea were done, Jacob had already finished his cake and was just starting his sandwich. Rhi gave him a look.
"What? Selmak ate the cake, now I'm eating the sandwich," he said, looking innocently up at her.
She didn't argue as he was probably telling the truth for Selmak had a big enough sweet tooth for the four of them put together. Rhi just kissed him on top of the head and gave him his cup of tea. She joined him in a drink listening as he reported on the day's events as he always did when they retired to their quarters. From there they'd shower, sometimes alone, sometimes together depending on how tiring of a day they had. Rhi knew Jacob had a tiring day despite his playful banter. She could see it in his eyes as he finished his sandwich.
"Why don't you take a long hot shower," she said taking his empty cup away. "Afterwards I'll give you a massage, you look like you need it."
"Hmm, a massage sounds good," he sighed rubbing the back of his neck. "Might give Selmak a chance to stretch out a little." He got to his feet and gave her a kiss on the cheek. "Thanks for the suggestion."
A minute later she heard the water running. Since the living area was now cleaned, she went into the bathroom and picked up his dirty clothes off the floor, leaving him a clean pair of his boxers near the towel. He had a bad habit of walking out of the bathroom with the towel around his waist then leaving it on the floor in the bedroom, especially when it was a clean towel she had just put in there. Whereas if she put his boxers in there he would at least hang the towel back up.
'At least his first wife had him trained well to put the toilet seat down when he's finished!' Zach commented making her chuckle.
"Rhi?"
"Just straightening up a little," she shouted over the sound of the water as she picked up his boots off the floor.
It wasn't like she was a little housewife or like the servants on her world. On those days when she had worked late, Jacob and Selmak cleaned up and had snack for her. It was he who taught her about the pleasures of a massage. Rhi had passed out from her very first massage. She hadn't intended to she was just so relaxed that it happened. Then she learned how to use the massage as a prelude to their lovemaking.
Which she wouldn't mind doing tonight, thinking that it might bring Zach out of his melancholy. Only Zach didn't seem to be in the mood for much of anything today! He didn't even want to join their husband in the shower as Rhi's thoughts hinted at. This only made Rhi worry even more as she changed into her nightgown. She continued to try and comfort him but he only withdrew even further. Perhaps later, as he suggested he would be more forthcoming.
Rhi stood before the mirror, brushing her hair. The familiar tingling feeling within told her that her husband had entered the room. Sure enough, soft classical music suddenly started playing. Rhi turned to see Jacob already lying on his stomach, waiting her. After lighting a few candles beside their bed, Rhi turned the lights off and climbed onto the bed, straddling his lower back. As was the norm, she started up around his neck and shoulder muscles.
"Jacob…poor Selmak must feel like she's stuck inside a rock!" she exclaimed feeling how tight his shoulder and neck muscles were.
"Sorry, Selmak and I had a really rough day."
"The Jaffa and Tok'ra again," she said, knowing only they could cause him to be this tense, as she was slowly working out the knots.
"Yeah, I honestly think the Jaffa need their own bases. They don't know what it's like to be free. And the only way they'll learn is if they have their own bases or communities."
"You should suggest it to them."
"I'm the last person they'll listen too. They still see me as Tok'ra. And the only reason they listen to me now is because of Bra'tac and Teal'c."
Rhi heard the sound of Jacob's voice. He was not at all happy about being called a Tok'ra. So she decided to change the subject.
"Got a message from Sam today," Rhi said, as her hands moved lower down his back. "She's planning a surprise Birthday party for Mark next month and wants to know if we'll be going."
"Of course, we'll go," Jacob sighed. "We're staying the whole week so we can also celebrate Memorial Day. I want to see my baby granddaughter again before she grows up!"
"She was adorable," Rhi sighed, remembering how wonderful it felt holding Emily in her arms.
Rhi remained quiet after that. She was afraid Jacob would hear the emotion in her voice. Instead she concentrated on working the muscles loose in his back. After a while when she'd worked her way up his back she heard what sounded like snoring.
"Jacob?" she questioned, leaning down.
Sure enough, he fell asleep. Oh well, at least he was relaxed. Rhi gently lay down beside him; her hand slowly caressed his shortly cropped hair as she stared at the relaxed features of his face. Her thoughts lingered about how much she loved him. She was suddenly overwhelmed by Zach's guilt. She heard him whisper that he was sorry as everything went dark.
Sometime later, Rhi heard a voice in the darkness.
'Rhi, wake up!' Zach said excitedly.
'Zach! That wasn't very nice!' she yelled at him. 'Putting me to sleep like that…I can't believe you! What has gotten into you lately?'
'I know, I'm sorry! But I had to!' he said excitedly.
Rhi looked around. Her stomach plummeted as she immediately recognized the crystal structure of a Tok'ra lab.
'It's not what you're thinking we're still at the Alpha site,' Zach told her.
"Rhi?"
Rhi turned around to see Malek and Selmak standing there. Needless to say, she was absolutely confused about what the heck was going on! One thing she did know…Zach was giddy again! In fact he wouldn't shut up with his laughter!
"Does someone want to tell me what's going on?" she asked, suddenly realizing she was wearing her uniform and not her nightgown. "And why Zach is laughing his fool head off!"
"Zach, you were supposed to tell her!" Selmak chided.
"Tell me what?"
'Sit down!' Zach said excitedly.
She almost had no choice. Zach was wiggling about so much that her stomach was a little queasy.
'Ok…is this what you were planning on telling me?'
'Yes! Sit! Sit!'
Rhi found a chair nearby and sat down. She was still confused. But the news must not be that bad as Selmak and Malek were grinning from ear to ear.
'Ok, first I want to apologize for keeping this secret from you,' he said. 'But we had to be certain it was going to work. It took a little longer than planned.'
"Zach, get to the point!" Selmak ordered, making Rhi laugh.
'Tell her to put a sock in it!' he shouted. 'This is my job and I'm going to do it right!'
"He says to put a sock in it," she grinned at Selmak. 'Go on, Zach.'
'Again, you are aware of my guilt for hiding this secret from you. I was so worried that it wasn't going to work and I never liked hiding things from you. But if it didn't work…I knew you would have been devastated. Rhi…I know of your secret desire…I figured it out when you were holding little Emily Rose.'
Rhi hugged herself trying to keep control of her emotions. Zach, being very experienced with her now waited for a moment as she gathered herself.
'I know…Jacob and I can't have a child,' Rhi finally sighed.
'I know you know that. But what if I were to tell you that Selmak and I figured out a way for you to have what you wanted and that it was Malek and Jared who made it possible.'
Rhi held her breath, not sure if she heard Zach correctly but hoping she did.
'You heard right. You can have Jacob's baby! A normal baby with no naquadah in his or her systems. And no fear of the baby being harcesis.'
Rhi's eyes filled with tears. She never dared to hope that it would be possible.
"How?" she asked Malek and Selmak.
"It took time but I was able to remove the naquadah from the relative components," Malek explained. "Once that was done, the egg was fertilized. It took a few tries to get a viable embryo but…" he paused holding up a small vile. "Within this is yours and Jacob's child. Only one final step needs to take place."
"From your bio-readings, the time for insemination is perfect," Selmak said. "I just need to know what your answer is before we can proceed."
"Wait…you're saying that I can be carrying Jacob's baby…right now…if I want?"
"Yes," Selmak smiled excitedly.
"This is all happening so fast," Rhi gasped, covering her mouth.
'But it's what you want,' Zach said. 'I told Selmak about it. She's been keeping it a secret from Jacob. She came up with the plan for this baby to exist. She brought Malek and Jared here for it to happen…Rhi…Selmak and I did this for you and for Jacob.'
Rhi wanted to pinch herself. She had to be dreaming.
'This is no dream…in nine months you could be holding Jacob's child in your arms,' Zach told her.
The image filled Rhi's mind and her heart filled with joy at the thought.
"What do you need me to do?" Rhi asked, getting to her feet, her knees wobbling from excitement.
"Really?" Selmak asked.
"Yes, really," Rhi smiled.
"I'll leave you alone," Malek smiled. He came over to Rhi, taking her hands into his. "Congratulations, I wish the four of you the best of luck."
"You have to go?"
"My task here is done. I must return to my duties. I promise, I will see you all again."
Selmak waited until after Malek left before she hugged Rhi tightly.
"This will make Jacob so happy, I know it."
"When will you tell him?"
"Oh, no my dear! That's your job. But we can't tell him yet. We must wait a few weeks to be certain the embryo is not rejected by your body."
"Rejected?" she asked, trembling.
Zach hugged her tightly, 'Relax Rhi. This is a possibility as with all pregnancies. Just have faith that this baby will be fine. Eat right and exercise properly. You will have to listen to Selmak. Be sure, when you tell Jacob about his baby that he's sitting down. He might faint! I know I would…well…I almost did when Malek showed me!'
'Why are you talking as if you won't be here…Zach…you're not leaving me?'
'No, Hon! No. However, in order for you to carry the baby to full term I must remain dormant. But you won't be alone. Selmak and Jacob will be with you. As will Jacob's family. You'll see…this baby is going to change our lives so much…I can't wait to see him or her.'
'I'll miss you Zach,' Rhi wept hugging him.
'I'll dream a wonderful dream while I'm dormant. For I am so proud to be a part of it,' he cried.
'How will you know when to wake?'
'The moment the child is born, I'll know,' he whispered. She could already feel him going.
'Zach!'
'Shh…everything will be fine…I promise,' he cooed to her. 'Please, give Jacob my love for me.'
'Of course.'
Rhi couldn't stop crying as she felt Zach regress into his deep sleep. She could feel him but she couldn't hear him and it scared her. After two years she had become so accustomed to his constant presence. Even when he wasn't talking to her she could always sense his thoughts.
Now…she was alone in her mind. The last time she'd been alone like that was when Gwynn had tortured and beat her.
"Rhi, Zach will be fine. It's nothing like before," Selmak said, sensing Rhi's thoughts. "Jacob and I are right here and won't leave you. I promise."
"It's so quiet in my mind," Rhi wept, hugging herself.
"To make you feel better, I will monitor Zach throughout the pregnancy for you," Selmak smiled, wrapping her arms around Rhi. "Shall we proceed?"
Rhi nodded.
"Here, lay down on the table. I have put some padding and a pillow on it to make you comfortable," Selmak said, then helped Rhi up onto the table. "Just lay flat and try to relax. Later when we return to our quarters I'll tell you everything Zach and I did."
"He said you both did this for Jacob and me."
"Yes, we did. Zach loves you so very much. He only wants you to be happy. As do I my beloved," she smiled, putting a hand through Rhi's hair. "Lift your shirt up for me."
Selmak moved and pulled a piece of equipment over while Rhi unbuttoned her BDU shirt and pulled up her black shirt exposing her stomach. Then she watched Selmak flick on the monitor and the machine. She grabbed a small device. Rhi realized it was an ultrasound machine. She had seen them but had never used one.
"This will be a little cold," Selmak said, putting a gel substance on the device.
Selmak pulled the waist line of Rhi's pants down just a tiny bit before pressing it against Rhi's lower abdomen.
"Ooo!" Rhi gasped, flinching at the coldness.
"Sorry," Selmak smiled, her eyes returned back to the monitor.
"What are you doing?"
"There…that looks like an excellent spot," Selmak said pointing at the monitor. "It's perfect for the embryo." Selmak looked down at Rhi. "Are you ready to become a mother?"
Rhi quickly nodded, watching Selmak intently. Her eyes widened at the sight of the long needle Selmak picked up with one hand.
"You will feel a slight prick then it will feel a little weird as I insert the needle but there will be no pain. You can watch…on the monitor."
Selmak was as gentle as she could be as she inserted the needle and Rhi did her best to relax. On the monitor she watched the needle slowly moving closer and closer to the location Selmak had pointed out moments ago.
"You have no idea how happy this will make Jacob," Selmak whispered, her eyes filling with tears as she proceeded with the injection.
"He is my husband…of course I know," Rhi smiled through her tears.
"There…it is done," Selmak sighed, slowly withdrawing the needle. She carefully wiped the gel off Rhi's stomach then pulled her shirt closed for her. "You must keep still for a short while. Do you need anything?"
"Just stay by my side…please."
Selmak grabbed hold of Rhi's hand and kissed it affectionately.
"How soon will we know if it's worked?"
"Tomorrow night, after Jacob's fallen asleep I take a bio-reading. The chemical change should be seen right away. But you won't feel the effects for a couple of weeks. I will continue to monitor you and the baby on a regular basis."
"When do I tell Jacob?"
"I would wait until you really start feeling the effects of the pregnancy because by then he'll notice something has changed about you."
"I…I don't even know how to tell him!" Rhi said shakily.
"When the moment comes, you will know…I promise you."
The sudden shift of weight on the bed woke Jacob. Only he didn't move as his wife left his side and hurried into the bathroom. He sat up after he saw the light turn on behind the closed door. He was worried for Rhi and Zach as this was the fourth night in a row that they had done this.
But that wasn't all he'd noticed about his wife. For the past couple of weeks Jacob realized he hadn't felt Zach's touch or heard him speak. Selmak insisted that Zach was fine when Jacob questioned her. He wasn't sure whether to believe her or not. He trusted her with all his heart but a small part of him felt like she was keeping something from him.
And Rhi…she pushed Jacob away last night when all he did was laid his head on her chest. Actually, she cried out as if what he did was painful. Then she abruptly disappeared into the bathroom before he could find out if he hurt her. When she returned she snuggled against him and fell instantly asleep. She wasn't faking as he tried to wake her several times before giving up.
Then there was Rhi…eating or not eating! The woman ate like a bird most of the time. But lately she's been eating as much as him. Even this morning she ate a whole cantaloupe melon by herself. Other times she made a face like she was going to puke if he put food in front of her.
A familiar sound of puking came from the bathroom made Jacob hurry to his feet. He had enough. He was going to get to the bottom of this right now!
"Rhi, you ok?" he asked, knocking gently on the door.
"I'm fine," she answered a little too quickly.
At the risk of being rude, Jacob reached for the doorknob. Only to his dismay it was locked! Rhi never locked the door as she knew he would almost always join her if she was showering. Hell, she left the door wide open most of the time even when she was peeing if only he and Selmak were around!
"Rhi! Open the door!" he shouted, while pounding on it. "Please….what's wrong? Is something wrong with Zach?"
'Jacob…what's all the ruckus about?' Selmak yawned. 'I'm trying to sleep!'
'It's Rhi…I think there's something wrong with Zach!' he told her while trying to keep from panicking about his wife.
"Rhi…please…open the door!" Jacob begged, pulling and yanking on the doorknob.
"I'm fine!" she answered as the door opened.
"What about Zach?" he asked, gently grabbing hold of her arm. "I haven't heard from him or felt his touch for some time now."
"We are fine," she said firmly.
Jacob wasn't going to let the subject drop. He knew, he simply knew there was something wrong. And he needed to know what it was so he could fix it. So he did something he normally did with his soldiers, something he's never, ever had to do with Rhi or Zach before. He put on his hard-ass General persona and stared her down.
Moments later, like his subordinates, Rhi began to show signs of nervousness and fidget. She normally stood at his height but she visibly shrank before him. And her voice trembled when she questioned what he was doing. Instead, he folded his arms across his chest, said nothing and continued to glare at her.
A few moments later, Rhi broke.
"First, I need to ask Selmak a question?"
Before Jacob could reply, Selmak chimed in, 'Jacob please, it's very important. But I can assure you Rhi and Zach are perfectly fine.'
Jacob was reluctant but he relinquished control to Selmak as he was in desperate need of the answers. Only whatever they were discussing, Jacob was kept in the dark about it. For when he was suddenly back in control he was sitting on the edge of the bed and the bedside lamp was on. Rhi was standing before him, smiling. He even noticed her lovely green eyes were glistening as if she had been crying or if she was on the verge of crying.
"Selmak suggested you stay seated," Rhi said as Selmak started giggling in his mind.
Jacob rolled his eyes. He started to relax mainly because Selmak was playing around with his hormone levels or something. Whatever she was doing, she was making him feel good.
"So, what's going on?" he asked.
"Something truly wonderful!" Rhi beamed brightly. She quickly sat beside him and took hold of his hand. He waited patiently as she took in a deep breath before saying something that was to change his life forever. "I'm going to have a baby!"
Jacob's stomach dropped below the floor! He could even feel the color drain from his face as he trembled inside. He even felt a little light headed as the gravity of what she announced sank in like a heavy stone falling into a pond.
'A baby…oh my God…how could I have been so irresponsible?' he asked himself.
'You were not irresponsible!' Selmak told him. 'And if you were then I was also! So, trust your wife and listen to her.'
Jacob swallowed hard keeping his attention fixed on Rhi who was literally glowing with joy and excitement.
"Please, don't fret my love," she smiled, through her tears of joy as her hand affectionately stroked his face. "The child I carry is perfectly normal. I promise you this. Zach and Selmak did this for us. They knew how much a baby would complete our lives. And it is something I've desperately wanted but never asked Zach or Selmak. I knew when we married that it was something I could never ask of you."
"But, how can this be? We are not allowed to have children! It's forbidden!"
"I'm not going into all the sordid details right now. Suffice to say Selmak came up with the idea and brought Malek in to create a normal, 100, human embryo. Once that was done, the embryo was placed within me. Zach has been dormant so that no harm comes to the baby. Selmak and I wanted to wait before telling you to be certain the embryo wasn't rejected by my body."
Jacob sat in total disbelief! A baby! His mind racing over the few details she told him. But…
"Wait a second, how did you…?" Jacob started then stopped, turning inward. He yelled, 'Selmak, how could you?'
'I swear! I didn't break your rule! Zach helped me…'
'Stop! I don't want to know how Zach helped you to get that!'
"Don't be mad at Sel," Rhi spoke softly to him. "She and Zach did what they had to…for us. They wanted to be sure it was possible. Only then was I brought into the loop. Then when the time was right, I was to tell you…only I didn't know how!"
"I'm not mad," Jacob sighed, looking down at her stomach, gently cradling it in his hand while trying to take it all in. "It's just that…"
Rhi gently turned his face back up to her. Her beautiful emerald eyes filled with tears.
"Jacob my sweet love…I know our baby wasn't conceived in the traditional fashion. But so much love and affection went into its creation. And that love will continue now between us as your baby grows within me."
He smiled. Rhi sounded so happy. Hell, she looked overjoyed! Zach and Selmak did what they thought was best for Rhi and Jacob. Never mind the fact that it was all done without his or Rhi's consent. Besides, who was he to be upset when both Sam and Mark were accidentally conceived? He wasn't ready to be a father then but his kids turned out fine. And he wasn't expecting to be a father now.
This was a…wonderful surprise…a miracle he had never dared dream of. Selmak's happiness poured through him as he accepted this precious gift with an open heart. Besides, he would do anything…anything to make Rhi happy. And despite his mixed emotions of disbelief and fear Jacob was truly…overjoyed.
"Are you going to say anything?" Rhi asked expectantly.
"I love you Rhiannon," he whispered, leaning into her, kissing her lips, her face. His tears intermingling with her tears. "I love you so much."
Rhi's hand moved around his neck, her fingers affectionately manipulating Selmak. Jacob didn't deny himself this pleasure or her as he kissed Rhi deeply, gently lowering himself onto her. He loved her and Zach so much. And he couldn't wait to thank Zach in…eight months or so. But for now, he would thank his wife by making love to her, being ever so gently with her because she was now carrying his…no their child.