Hello! I need to apologize for taking forever to write this chapter and for not replying to your reviews. I incredibly grateful that so many of you are still following this story. Your reviews fill me with energy and help me write faster *hint, hint.
I want to thank Ratts for kicking my behind when I was seriously stuck and going as far as writing a portion of this chapter.
To 'guest" whoever you are, I LOVE YOU. Your messages make my day and give me the enthusiasm to keep going.
Finally, this chapter was supposed to be the second to last but there are just too many loose ends that I need to address and the best parts of the story are still to be written. For this reason I may have to write at least two additional chapters. I hope you don't mind.
Disclaimer: I own nothing except the plot.
Chapter 41
Seth pulled Jacob to his feet unwilling to have him kneel before him. He buried his face into his chest inhaling the scent he had missed so much. He took in everything, the sparkle in his brown eyes, the impish smile etched on his full lips and every curve of his face. Seth parted his lips and closed his eyes inviting his lover to kiss him. They sighed at the softness of their lips and the feeling of warmth that ran between them. The reunited lovers remained in each other's embrace, never wanting to let go. Their hearts were beating as one as their spirits rejoiced.
Seth ignored that while he had graduated with honors from the hardest lesson he would ever endure, the man he swore to marry barely had a passing grade, including the extra credit. He had forgiven so much; Jake knew this and was terrified the sub wouldn't forgive him this time. A long time would pass before Jake would forgive himself. He had the opportunity to show his unconditional love but failed miserably.
The submissive pulled away shyly looking at his dominant through his long eyelashes. "Jake I'm sorry I left. You'd asked me so many times never to leave you and by the evilness of others I was forced to do just that. Please know that there has not been one day when I didn't think of you. Every morning you were my first thought and in the evenings I cried myself to sleep because I missed you so much. I love you more than you'll ever know."
"I do know how much you love me, more than I'll ever deserve. You look so beautiful, like the angel you are." Seth's response was a burst of laughter.
"I feel beautiful but I know I don't look that way." Seth felt tired even though he had been standing for a very short time. "Love, come sit with me, something you'll see is that I get tired quickly. It's a good thing I was not expecting you until tomorrow. By getting here today you made sure I would get a good night's sleep tonight, something otherwise I wouldn't have done."
The couple moved to the sofa where Jake sat first with Seth comfortably on his lap. The submissive molded his body to that of the alpha, resting his face on his chest and his feet on the sofa. There was something Jake wanted to ask but was unsure if he should or not. At the end he decided for the former since he couldn't deny what his heart was screaming for him to do. He needed to acknowledge, love and nurture his unborn child. "Seth… may I?"
At first Seth wasn't sure what he meant by this, but after looking down he saw his lover's big hand hovering over his stomach. "Of course you can, my love." The submissive lifted several layers of clothing to reveal his swollen abdomen. Jacob hesitated before his hand touched his mate's body. He felt so hot against Seth's much cooler skin, a much welcomed and comforting sensation.
A deep sob erupted from deep within him and without warning. This would be the first contact Jake would ever have with his child. The joy was born out of love and ran deeper than he could ever think possible. It was hard to believe that something so good came from him. The baby growing in Seth's womb was the most perfect and pure thing to ever come from him. He hadn't been looking for joy but it still found him.
"They are not moving right now but I'm sure they will pretty soon. After all, they'll want to say hello to daddy."
"They?"
"Didn't Paul tell you? We're having twins or triplets; we're not entirely sure. One thing's certain; there is more than one baby." Seth had been disappointed that he wasn't the one to give Jake the good news but this was a close second.
At first, what Jake heard did not really register; Seth was very amused with the stunned expression in his mate's face. After a second or two the wonderful reality hit Jake. "Triplets? Are you kidding me? You're fucking amazing! How is this even possible?" Jake peppered his mate's face with kisses. He had been given a gift in both Seth and the babies; he didn't deserve it but was happy that somebody out there thought he did.
"Well, you know, when two daddies love each other very much…"
"I know that part, what I don't understand is why now? Why couldn't this have happened when you first phased? It would've saved you so much pain and suffering. You would've been treated like the king you are."
"I don't know why my wolf waited so long but I'm happy that it did. If I had gone in heat when I first phased I would've never met you." Anyone who knew Seth's history could think he was delusional with a touch of masochism but that was not the case. He was genuinely happy that life brought him to Jake. He could've done without the abuse but nobody can choose how life plays itself.
"Baby I don't deserve you." Seth became worried when Jacob wouldn't meet his eyes.
"Love, now it's you who is denying me your eyes. What's wrong?" Seth sought the alpha's eyes but he still he evaded him. He couldn't look him in the eye, he just couldn't. He should've been his protector but he wasn't, instead he held a knife that could pierce his heart and end him.
"Seth you know I love you." Seth's eyebrows furrowed in a combination of worry and concern. "I don't want anything to tarnish our relationship. I need to come clean about something."
In an instant Seth's brain was assaulted with numerous theories as to the reason for Jake's statement. It went from the more benign to the most evil but none was a cause for happiness. "I messed up... again. When you were taken I assumed you had left me. It goes without saying that I reacted in the worst way possible. Ed didn't doubt his mate, they have not been together as long as we have and still he trusted him. When Paul and he left to look for you guys I stayed behind and only joined them a month later. That's how long it took me to get my head out of my ass." Jacob paused to gather his bearings; he feared Seth's reaction to his confession. The last thing he wanted was to hurt him again. They hadn't been together an hour and he was already breaking his heart.
Seth smiled sweetly at him; this made him feel worse than if he lashed out. "It really doesn't surprise me Jake; you're not a trusting person. I have to confess that I expected you to trust me but I guess we'll have many years ahead of us to work on this." As usual Seth was extremely understanding, maybe a little too much. His capacity for forgiveness was something that would always amaze his mate. The alpha knew that was probably the only reason why he had been able to forgive him after everything he put him through.
This didn't mean that it didn't hurt; Seth had never given him any reason not to trust him. Jacob was not totally oblivious and even though Seth was making an effort to put on a brave face he knew what lied in the sub's heart. He should have been searching for him from the moment he learned of his disappearance but instead left him all alone in the wilderness. He had a duty to protect his mate and failed miserably. Instead of doing what he knew in his heart was the right thing he thought the worst. He had been an idiot and the sadness in Seth's eyes made him feel like a big heap of shit.
The worst was that he knew it would get a lot worse. "That's not all of it, um… I asked my father for a new slave." Seth's smile turned into a frown as he scrambled to get off the alpha's lap. Jake didn't stop him or even tried to explain himself. Anything he said would sound hypocritical and fake.
Seth sat quietly next to his mate on the sofa, but Jake felt like he was miles away. Even though he didn't say anything Jake could accurately guess what was going through his mind. People associate silence with peace and tranquility but Seth felt everything but. He was hurt as the betrayal became painfully obvious. The sub balled up his fists so tight that his knuckles got all white and his nails started digging into his palms. He didn't want to feed into the anger, to take comfort on the negative emotions but this was proving to be an impossible feat.
"Please say something." Begged Jacob.
"I don't know what to say, I do have a question though. If you replaced me, what the hell are you doing here?" Seth's word stung, they were the expression of a broken heart.
"I didn't replace you, that would never happen. I won't make excuses. I fucked up and brought you down with me. I'm sorry." Jacob's apology sounded weak and hollow.
"Tell me, is he better in bed? Is he tighter? Younger?" Seth turned to look at the dumbfounded alpha, his eyes nothing more than deep pools of sorrow. Jacob couldn't bear to look into those beautiful grey eyes and see his pain… and to know that he caused it.
"No no no please don't say that. I made a terrible mistake, one of many. Please believe me, it was never my intention to hurt you." Jacob reached for Seth only for him to move farther away. Seth stood up with difficulty and wobbled slightly as his legs threatened to give under him. He needed to get away from Jacob. He felt like he was chocking. Like somebody had punched him in the gut making all the air in his lungs exit his body.
He walked across the living room in the direction of his room with Jacob following his movement. They shared one thought, this can't be happening. The alpha knew this was his fault; he deserved Seth's rejection but was unwilling to lose him. In several long steps Jake reached the sub and made him stop. He gently grabbed hold of the little sub's cheeks, forcing him to look deep into his eyes. "I didn't get the slave, there is no one. I haven't even looked in another man's direction since they took you away."
Seth looked away, at the moment he couldn't stand to look at his mate. Jacob gently moved his face to make him look into his eyes once more. "Look at me, really look, would I do that to you?"
The submissive got teary, he was lost for words. His mind flashed back to the way Jacob once was, the abusive Jacob, the dominant he feared. The man that was incapable of loving or being loved. Looking back at that Jacob, fear made him feel like he suddenly didn't know his mate. He shrugged and mumbled an almost silent "I don't know".
There was a battle taking place in Seth's spirit. Part of him wanted to forgive and forget but another part of him told him to run in the opposite direction and never look back. Since love has no logic, despite his sadness he pulled Jacob to him by his shirt. He wanted, no, needed to be held, to feel the arms of his mate around him. Maybe this would be enough to make him feel loved. He wanted to believe that the man that encased him in his embrace loved him, that he would protect him from anything, die for him if need be. He needed to be reminded that his master was dead and the only people in the room with him were his mate and their puppies in his belly
Seth silently cried, tears soaking through Jake's shirt. "Lie to me, please I beg you. Say that I'm all you need, all you want. I need to hear you say that it will always and forever be just me. Swear that you'll never touch another submissive. Damn it say it! Can't you even give me peace for a minute? Just a lie, is that too much to ask?" Anyone listening would think Seth had lost his mind, he would rather be told a lie than face a painful reality. The truth was that he needed to feel special, to hear he wasn't nothing. That he was not disposable or replaceable, even if it was just a lie. He needed to hear the words said even if they were just a fantasy. His reality was too painful and like he had done so many times he needed his mind to escape.
Outside the door Embry was being held back by Edward. All he wanted was to barge inside the house and kick Jacob's ass. The stupid wolf was upsetting Seth to no end. Edward felt just as strongly about this but he had to be strong for Embry. Even in his weakened state Seth was stronger than Jacob ever would be. He would survive this too.
"I can't lie to you angel, I don't need to. You're all I want and would ever need. If you let me I'll make you the happiest man on the face of the earth. I know I don't deserve to be happy; I've done terrible things... horrendously ugly things that I should never be forgiven for. But lying to you is something nobody would ever be able to accuse me of." He kissed Seth's tears away, holding his head near his. Breathing deeply and trying to swallow the lump that had formed in his throat. "I felt so lost without you, my beautiful submissive. I learned that in the scheme of things I may be an alpha but I need you to hold me together. I need you to tell me how to properly do things and not let my emotions get the best of me. I'm not trying to make excuses but it is what it is. When I asked for a slave I was not trying to replace you. I just wanted someone to take my crazy away. I… I was like a boat being blown all around the stormy seas, so sick and dizzy that I didn't know what was what. I was lost without my compass to point north. A slave was something familiar, it was land. I desperately desired to be grounded because I couldn't stand my flailing... the feel of my heart breaking. My heart ached with the realization that the one person who I've ever truly loved was gone. That you left me, you didn't want me because I am a monster... that I'll always be a monster...even worse, a master. Regardless of my fears, without my compass I couldn't move forward, I didn't know how without proper direction and all I could do was retrace my steps."
"You're not a monster." Whispered Seth. He knew that someone who could love so passionately could not be a monster.
"Oh God I hate this! I hate how I've made a mess of things." Jacob knew beyond all doubt that if anybody should hate him, that if anybody should wish the worst upon him, it's Seth. It pained him to accept that he didn't deserve his submissive; he didn't earn the right to be happy. He would be eternally grateful to his father for knocking some sense into him. In his darkest hour he was thinking terrible things, wanted to do awful things, but had he actually been faced with a submissive the only thing he would have done was beg him to give him what he deserved, to do what he wished every other sub could have had the guts to do, end him.
"Please believe me, I touched no one else, I didn't want to. Even if I had been granted another slave I know in my heart…" Jake took Seth's hand and placed it on his chest for the submissive to feel the rhythmic beat of his heart. "… the heart that you gave me, that I wouldn't have laid a finger on him. I couldn't hurt you like that. I love you, I know I have a really shitty way to show my love but it's real."
Jake didn't feel like he was being totally honest. He wished he could tell him it was his decision not to get the slav, but he couldn't add lying to his long list of sins. Billy was the one who stopped him. His father talked, scratch that; he yelled some sense into him. He also knew that conversation will have to wait. He had dropped a huge bomb on his submissive and didn't want him to crumble from the pressure. "I don't want to lose you but I'll understand if this is the one thing you won't be able to forgive." Stated Jacob sadly.
Seth looked up at him through teary eyes. "I believe you, it goes against all logic but I do." He paused for a moment lost in his thoughts and asked "Does that make me an idiot?"
Jacob had tears by this point, but Seth's question made him chuckle "A think so, at least a little." He answered teasingly. "I doubt anybody loves anyone more than I do, my precious little submissive."
Seth clung to him without muttering a word. He needed the quiet. He just wanted to listen to Jacob's heartbeat and feel his warmth. He smiled a little to himself against his mate's chest. He was special, he realized that now, even if it was just to Jacob, but that's the only person that mattered anyway. The rest of the world could think the worst of him for all he cared. He had everything he needed; friends, a home, a mate, and now a family on the way. He could think of the first day at the Black's and how he thought it was beginning of the end, but now, here in Jacob's arms he realized it was the beginning of the rest of his life. A rough one, a far from a good one, but all the best things are worth waiting for and he certainly had the best now. He was finally happy. His life was not a fairy tale; his prince was far from heroic. But it was better than he ever expected it to be; happiness can rise like the sun over the cliffs of despair.
It was Seth's turn to kiss Jacob. It was a long kiss, a loving and passionate kiss. Perhaps even a bit needy on both their parts. "Does this mean I'm forgiven?" Asked Jacob.
Seth gently grabbed hold of Jacob's cheeks, just like Jake had done with him and looked deeply into his eyes. "Look at me, really look, do you honestly think this will make me push you away from me?"
Jacob timidly shrugged. He was completely self-conscious and insecure. "I surely hope not."
Seth caught a glimpse of the pink tint in his lover's cheeks and laughed a real honest to God belly laugh that shook his shoulders. He had survived against all odds. Jacob was not perfect, he would probably mess up more than once but he was a good man. On his way to regaining his humanity Jake made many wrong turns but this helped him recognize the right ones. There would be bumps on the road but they would make them stronger.
They were so distracted that they didn't see Carlisle, Edward and Embry come inside the house. They had been debating whether or not to intervene but it was none of their business. At least the lovers seemed to be making amends. "Excuse us guys, Seth must be tired and Carlisle needs to examine him" Stated Edward tensely. It didn't escape Jacob that each man looked seriously pissed at him, even Carlisle who was the one wolf that usually kept his temper in check.
"Yes of course, I'm so fucking inconsiderate. Point me to your room angel." Jacob picked up Seth bridal style and carried him to his bedroom where he proceeded to gently place him on the bed.
"Jake please wait outside, I want to examine him. I'll call you in shortly."
"I don't want to leave his side."
"Don't worry, he is safe now." Jacob reluctantly walked backwards to the door; it was almost comical, his eyes never leaving those of his submissive.
Paul, who had been standing by the door, took a step back to allow his alpha to exit the room. He walked up behind him and slapped him hard on the back of the head. "What the fuck!?" Asked Jacob.
"That's what you get for being an idiot. What the hell were you thinking? You hadn't been together for five minutes when I heard him crying. Are you fucking blind? He is so frail, still from the moment he learned you were coming he hadn't stopped smiling."
"I owed it to him to tell him the truth."
"That's bullshit! You did it to clear your conscience. You're going to be a father, stop being so fucking selfish."
"I'm just trying to be honest. Only my father knew what I had done, it would've been easier to ask him not to say anything. But I don't want to lie to Seth, or even worse ask my father to lie for me."
"Nobody is fucking asking you to lie. You could've waited until he was stronger. Right now he is malnourished, pregnant and Carlisle thinks he might have anemia. You didn't stop to think about him for even one second before spilling the beans. You were too focused of getting that weight off your shoulders."
"It would've been worse if I waited and he found out."
"From who the hell was he going to find out? You said so yourself, only your father knew about this. By the way, it was really fucked up of you to ask for another slave, regardless of the motivation. Your dad would've never ratted you out; you should start taking notes on how to be a real dad. Seth is going to need your help, understanding and support. There will be no space for your prima donna attitude." Jacob wanted to punch Paul but he knew everything he was saying was true. He knew his friend was abrasive to say the least but more importantly, his heart was in the right place.
Jacob sighed as he sat down, feeling defeated. He couldn't do anything right, even when he thought he was. "You're right, I wasn't thinking."
"No shit, Sherlock. You won't hurt him ever again; is that clear?" Jacob was amused and intrigued by his beta's change of heart.
"Since when do you care about Seth?"
"Well, my wife and little girl both love him. Edward thinks the world of him. The healer would give his life for his friend. He also managed to do the impossible; he saved you in every possible way a person can be saved. In my book he is an ok guy." Paul answer was more than satisfying; Jake only hoped that once they were back in the house all the others would treat the sub with love and respect.
Embry walked in the kitchen and begrudgingly asked Jacob to follow him. He was really pissed with the alpha, it seemed that he couldn't do anything but hurt his friend. "Carlisle is getting ready to check the babies' heartbeat and Seth asked me to come get you. He wants you to hear your children."
Carlisle made no effort to hide the disdain he felt toward Jake. Once again he failed; he had been a hairbreadth away from repeating past mistakes. Jacob had nothing to say to the doctor. He was about to hear the sound of his children's heartbeat for the first time and didn't want anything to taint the moment. Carlisle smeared gel on Seth's stomach before pressing the wand against it. "There is one of them."
"That whooshing sound is the heartbeat?" Carlisle nodded. Jacob was in awe of the miracle he was witnessing. Big heavy tears rolled down his face at the same time the biggest smile Seth had ever seen on him adorned his handsome face.
"I… Seth…" Jacob was speechless; the emotion rendered him incapable of forming a coherent sentence.
The submissive extended his arm and grabbed the alpha's hand which he hadn't noticed was shaking. "Breathe; I don't want you to pass out. It will give me a great story to tell the babies but I rather don't have you get hurt." Seth was amused with Jake's reaction and even though he hadn't completely recovered from the earlier conversation he decided not to be bitter or contemptuous.
With the exception of Seth, nobody cared if Jake passed out. For all they cared he could eat shit and die. They couldn't understand how he could be so forgiving, it was mindboggling. The mood in the room varied with each person but they all agreed that it was wonderful to hear the babies. "There is another one." Carlisle's voice broke the silence in the room and brought attention back to what was really important.
"This one sounds like someone it's beating a drum underwater" They chuckled at Paul's comment.
"It's also going faster than the first one. They are similar but the sound depends mostly on the position of the baby inside the womb and if they are moving. It determines how the noise is detected." Nobody needed the science lesson but the doctor offered it for Embry's benefit. They had already agreed on the submissive becoming Carlisle's assistant. The idea was for him to become his mentor and teacher. Eventually he could also work as a physician which had always been Embry's dream.
"We're done here; I think Seth should rest for a little while." Embry helped his friend take off his hoodie so he could sleep comfortably.
"What the fuck are you wearing?" Asked Jacob.
"Oh God, kill me now. The day I decide to humor you and wear this stupid shirt." Seth weakly punched Embry's arm for laughing hysterically.
"In my defense there is not a big selection of masculine maternity clothes. This is the best I could find. Actually I think you should wear pink more often; it really suits you and the bunnies give it a ne sais quoi." Seth was glaring at his friend while Jacob tried to hold back and not laugh.
The wolves exited the room in a rush with the excuse of letting Seth rest. In reality they couldn't wait to get outside. Soon enough their howls of laughter reached the submissive's ears. He was just happy to have some joy around him, even if it was at his expense. After dinner the group sat together making plans for the trip back home. They needed to find stations to charge the cars that were inhabited. Even though they had a small army arriving soon to escort them back home they still worried. Seth was to be protected constantly. Not only was he the only submissive to conceive in twenty years, he was carrying the Aleph's grandchildren.
Seth started to doze off and Jacob took him to his bedroom to tuck him in for the night. "Seth, can I stay here with you? I don't have to sleep in the bed; I will be just as happy lying on the floor next to your bed."
"Pfft please, you don't really mean it. Anyway I would never let you do that, it's demeaning." If there was one person who understood this that was Seth. For fifteen years he had been made to sleep on the cold hard floor. He had no intention of allowing Jake or anyone else to do the same. "C'mon get on the bed, you can keep me warm."
Jacob was more than happy to comply and for the first time in three months he slept through the night. The morning found the lovers in each other's arms, Jacob on his side behind Seth. One of his hands resting on his stomach. "Good morning angel, slept well?"
"Yes, the best I've slept in months. What about you?"
"Same, I wanted to get up to make you breakfast but didn't want to wake you up. You must be so hungry." Seth looked at Jake quizzically. "Your stomach was so grumbly I felt it against my hand."
Jake's remark made Seth laugh and it was the alpha's turn to be confused. "That's the babies silly. They move a lot in the mornings. Sometimes they wake me up."
"Wait, you mean to tell me I've been feeling our babies the whole time?" Seth nodded. Jacob's hand was once again caressing Seth's abdomen when he felt a little nudge that startled him. "There it is again, this is so amazing. Hello babies, this is your other daddy. I know you're not familiar with my voice but you will be. I'm going to talk and sing to you all the time. Also I'll let you in a little secret, I'm crazy about daddy. I love him and I'm going to make him very happy."
It was heartwarming to hear Jake's words, even if all the others were still mad at him they had to admit it was very cute. They wondered when the other wolves would get there and kept busy packing and searching for more supplies in the nearby hospital. They were very lucky and hit a jackpot with all the useful materials they found in the small hospital that luckily hadn't been picked clean yet. Carlisle couldn't wait to be back home, especially since he was waiting to be in the safety of the manor before contacting the doctor who had taken care of the last submissive to give birth. He needed his input and experience.
Carlisle wouldn't tell anyone, but he was terrified. There was so much he needed to learn and not much time to do it. Seth's pregnancy would be considered high risk under the best conditions. Unfortunately the conditions were less than favorable, he was not only a male, his first trimester had occurred without any kind of medical care or proper nutrition. The crushing weight of the responsibility was bearing heavily on his shoulders; he was responsible for not one or two but four lives. Seth's pregnancy could cement the foundation for the liberation of all the slaves. If it was proven they could get pregnant at any moment they would move from their subhuman category to being protected and venerated by the packs. In a perfect world it wouldn't be necessary for this to happen, but the world was anything but perfect and the wolves weren't the exception. The babies gave everyone hope, they wouldn't be destined to make the choice of living forever or allowing the human race to disappear. The babies would be the pioneers of a new generation of shifters.
Early in the evening the pickup truck and approximately twenty wolves arrived at the house. "Honey I'm home!" Called Quil from the door.
"Hey brother about time you got here. You took forever." Berated Jacob.
"I know, at least we were able to find an abandoned outpost and a house with working panels to charge the cars. I assumed that when we go back with Seth you wouldn't want him surrounded by strangers. Several guys stayed in each place cleaning it and getting everything ready."
"That was very good thinking, thanks."
Several pairs of eyes turned to look at Seth as he came out of the bedroom. "Quil!" The new arrivals exchanged looks as the submissive walked slowly toward his friend. They melted in an embrace with Quil looking over Seth's shoulder at Jacob with concern written all over his face. It didn't escape anyone how emaciated and sick the sub looked.
"I know what you're thinking. I look worse than I feel, I'm mostly tired but I guess it's to be expected" Seth wanted to put his friend's mind at ease and release some of the tension that had built in the room.
Jacob surrounded his lover with his strong arms, he felt compelled to protect him but a big part of him was possessive of the submissive. Even though he knew Quil would never do anything even remotely inappropriate to the sub he needed to keep them separated. "You'll see, we're going to spoil you rotten. Our babies will be loved and cherished."
"Wait, babies?" Asked Quil.
"Yep, we're not entirely sure without an ultrasound but Carlisle thinks Seth is carrying triplets."
"Man, that's some powerful baby juice!" Shouted Quil excitedly. Several wolves came and high fived Jacob. Voices that the sub didn't recognize congratulated the alpha.
"Nah, I had very little to do with it. Seth is the real hero, my angel is special"
"Way to go mommy!" Exclaimed Quil enthusiastically.
It was clear that Seth didn't like being called mommy but even though he was angry he wouldn't say anything. In his mind he was still a slave, he felt unable to speak up and demand respect from a dominant. This may go away with time or maybe it will stick with him for the rest of his life.
The next morning Seth got bundled up in preparation for the long trip back home. Jacob carried the submissive to the truck were he sat comfortably wrapped in a heavy blanket. Winter had been punishing them with brutal weather, the kind that everybody hates and this morning wasn't the exception. Both submissives were especially excited since they had never ridden in a car. Seth insisted that his friend sit next to him so they could share the experience. All the others would run ahead, beside and behind the truck. He sat in the middle with Jacob to his right and Embry to his left. The submissive snuggled against the father of his children, who was more than happy to hold him close and offer him his warmth. And like that they left the house that had been the submissive's shelter for three months. Part of them was nostalgic for leaving the place where they had lived as free men for the first time in years, but part of them was looking forward to the future.
The trip back took way longer than they anticipated, mainly because Seth wasn't doing too well. They had to stop several times so the submissive could throw up. Quil's idea proved to have been invaluable since the sub needed to rest comfortably to gather enough strength for the following day. Four days after they started their journey they reached the land that Seth had seen for the first time a year and a half before. So many things happened since then, both good and bad. Seth remembered the nostalgia he felt as he was being herded along the Black's land and he saw the house with toys in the yard. He now knew that house belonged to Paul. He felt himself smile at the thought that he would have what he always dreamed of having, a family of his own.
Absentmindedly he rubbed his belly over his clothes. "Babe are you ok? You need us to stop?"
"I'm fine; my mind is just far away from here. I was thinking of the first time I saw this land." Jacob kissed Seth's cheek before pointing out. Seth looked in the direction his finger was pointing at and saw how Emily and Sophia welcomed Paul back home. His opinion of Paul had changed completely, he was proof that men could change.
The truck parked in from of the manse and there was already a small crowd standing outside. The news of Seth's pregnancy hit everyone hard, filling them with excitement, curiosity and hope. There was an audible gasp originating from the crowd the instant Embry exited the car and ran to Edward's arms. Most of them knew of their relationship, what shocked them was the streaks of utter joy they felt coming from the unlikely pair. They couldn't believe that the grumpy cook had found happiness at the arms of a submissive. Jacob stood outside the car and picked up his mate to help him out of the car.
The crowd erupted in thunderous applause when they caught a glimpse of the sub. Instead of feeling happy for the welcome he was receiving Seth felt awkward. Blending in the background was a mechanism necessary for a slave's survival. The moment you were brought front and center you would be in trouble. He tensed in his master's arms and buried his face on his chest to avoid making eye contact with anyone. Billy had enough common sense to wait for them inside the house since it was freezing out. As they walked in it became obvious that there was something very different about the lounge. Every wolf's skin looked shiny with a thin layer of sweat as the two fireplaces, that had never been used before, had roaring fires going. People would have to get used to the fact that from that moment on, everything in the house would revolve around Seth and the babies. If that included some discomfort they would have to deal with it.
"Welcome home!" Greeted Billy, happiness almost coming out of his pores.
"Love, please put me down." Said Seth.
"Why baby? I know you're tired."
"I am but I need to pay my respects to your father." Jacob decided to humor the sub knowing all too well how stubborn he could be. He gently placed Seth on his feet and took a step back as soon as he saw he was steady. "Good afternoon sir." Greeted the sub politely while his eyes remained glued to the floor.
Billy took a few steps and stood before the submissive. He placed his index finger under Seth's chin and lifted his face up, his eyebrows furrowing when he caught sight of his appearance. "You my dear will never again lower your eyes at anyone. As of right now you're the most important person in this house and as such you will be honored and respected."
The Aleph looked around him and repeated the announcement he had made hours before for the benefit of the wolves that just arrived. He wanted everyone to be very clear about the submissives. "Seth is my son's mate and is carrying their child. He not only gave me my son back…" He had to stop to swallow the lump that formed in his throat. "… his unique talent and courage saved his life and if that wasn't enough he managed to do the impossible and conceived a child. Both Seth and Embry are important members of this household, they will be respected and loved as such. They have the same rights and privileges as any dominant. Both Seth and the baby will be protected twenty four seven, the new schedules for the patrols and the guards will be announced soon. Anyone who in any way harms or allows any harm to come to them will be severely punished; worse, they'll have to answer to me." He turned to face the submissives. "Seth, Embry, this will be your home for as long as you want. Within these walls you will be protected and nurtured. I know what you must be thinking and you're in your right not to trust any of us. I'm not saying this transition will be seamless; so many years of prejudices cannot disappear overnight. All I ask is for you to give us a chance, let us show you that we can change."
The submissives choked back a sob that was threatening to untangle itself from their throats. They refused to cry, they had cried enough to last ten lifetimes. They got a new lease on life and intended to take full advantage of this.
Jacob hugged his father and thanked him for his kind words. The Aleph was in for the surprise of a lifetime. "Dad, Seth is not carrying your grandchild." A sudden sadness took over the Aleph's spirit and was reflected in his expression. "Don't jump to conclusions, he is carrying your grandchildren" It took Billy a minute to understand what his son meant, like father, like son. When he did his eyes went wide and his mouth opened comically.
"There are three tiny babies in here." He said while lovingly caressing his mate's stomach. The whole room went abuzz as the news sunk in. This was the best news they heard in a long time and none of those present could stop smiling. They missed the laughter and innocence of little kids around them. They all worshipped Sophia and would continue to do so. Still, the idea of three little ones causing havoc in the manor was something none of them expected and all welcomed.
After a round of congratulations, high fives and pats on the back Seth was more than ready to rest, he was hungry and exhausted. "Jake the room is ready, Seth needs to rest, this trip was not easy for him. Come to the clinic so I can get him situated." Jacob picked up his mate who by then was more than happy to be carried away.
A private room had been set up inside the clinic to take care of Seth for as long as it was necessary. The submissive was apprehensive about staying there; he just wanted to go to their room. Seth complied after Carlisle and Jacob, under Billy's watchful eye, explained to him how important it was for him to be monitored until he was stronger. The alpha helped his mate take off his coat, hoodie and shoes. Not five minutes passed before the soft snores of the submissive reached their ears.
"There is some construction going on in your room, you can take any of the available rooms in this wing. I'm sure he'll sleep for at least a couple of hours." Stated Carlisle while rifling through some drawers.
"No way, I'm not leaving his side. It seems like every time I go away something terrible happens to him. I know dad placed an order on all the wolves but when it comes to Seth I can't be careful enough. I'll stay here with him."
"The bed is not big enough for both of you; it's just a regular hospital bed." Stated Carlisle matter-of-factly.
"No worries, I can sleep on the reclining chair. Dad, can you please stay here with him while I go to our room to get something? You are one of the few people I trust with his care."
"Of course son, take all the time you need. I'm still in shock with the news. You're going to be a father and of triplets nonetheless. I don't remember when the last time I felt this happy was." Billy was ecstatic; never in his wildest dreams had he thought his son could become stable enough to raise a family. Seth achieved the impossible in more than one way, for that and many other reasons the Aleph would be eternally grateful.
"Well get used to it, from now on there will be happiness in this house." Father and son melted in an embrace before turning to look at the submissive who stirred in his sleep.
After Jacob left the room Billy sat beside Seth, he still couldn't wrap his mind around the whole thing. He had felt compelled to touch his son-in-law's belly when his clothes were removed and the baby bump became visible. He restrained himself, afraid of scaring or upsetting him. He noticed Seth's apprehension and nerves when he was brought inside the house and felt ashamed of what he had allowed to happen under his roof. For Seth, Mike and every other submissive that set foot in his house, the manor had been the door to hell itself. That would never happen again, there would never be another slave in his house or any of his properties. He was in conversations with many other landowners and business associates. There was a storm coming and he would be in the eye of it, but he was more than ready. This change was long overdue.
The following weeks the house was a hub of activity. The prisoners that were in the dungeons were transferred to a jail situated hundreds of miles away from the house. It was the consensus of everyone involved that they didn't want the babies to grow up with that threat underneath their feet. Jacob's room was going through a complete transformation. After knocking down a wall they installed a door between his room and the next. The room would serve as the nursery and as the babies grew their fathers could close the door to have some privacy without being far away from their children. The security measures went above and beyond all logic. Iron gates were installed in every staircase that led to the hallway where the room was located and bars were placed on every window of that floor. A heating and air conditioning system would serve that whole area to keep the babies comfortable.
"Hey stranger, where have you been? I haven't seen you in a week." Embry sat next to Seth and interlaced their fingers like they always did. As realization sunk in a huge grin appeared on Seth's face. "You smell different. How was it?"
Embry blushed furiously while gigging nervously. "It was amazing; I never knew it could be like this. Ed is such a gentleman, he was gentle and loving. After the first time I was so happy I started crying and he thought he had hurt me. I had to swear that was not the case and it still took him a while to calm down." The memories of the most memorable night of his life brought a small smile to his face.
"I know what you mean; lady luck is smiling at us at last. Jake only leaves my side to go to the bathroom and to short meetings with his dad. I don't even want to think how he'll behave once the babies are born."
"I think it's great that Jake is taking such good care of you. I think my nephews or nieces will be so spoiled. They are the most common subject of conversation around the house. They are not even born yet and they already have an army of wolves at their feet. How are you feeling?"
"I feel stronger every day. The nausea is subsiding and with the amount of food they're giving me I'll be in a healthy weight very soon. I'm also less tired and achy. Now I'm really enjoying my pregnancy and even like looking at my changing form in the mirror. It also helps that every time I take off my clothes Jake tells me he has never see anyone more beautiful in his entire life. He may be lying but I don't care, I like it just the same."
"What's that?" Asked Embry pointing to the four stuffed animals next to Seth's bed. He didn't recognize one of them.
"Oh you mean this guy?" Seth reached over to grab his childhood toy. "This is cookie; my sister gave him to me when I was little. Jake had been looking for it but everything in his room has been placed in boxes and he couldn't find it. He panicked thinking they threw it away and was very relieved when he showed up inside a plastic bin. Now this is me and the ones you gave me are the babies. I told Jake he needed to find one more for the family to be complete."
Family was a word Seth never understood until now. He had seen many families in his passage through life but had never been part of one. His sister had been the only one to ever love him, but even she was under theirs father's control. His parents were a joke; even wild animals love their progeny more than his so-called parents loved him. He had been given a second chance at life; his wolf took his freedom away many years before but now it redeemed itself. Now he had more than he could ever wish for and in five months he would get even more.
The babies were moving more and more each day. It got slightly uncomfortable at times but he loved it. Every time one of them did a cartwheel or whatever they did in there, it was like they were saying 'we're here'. He never felt more alive than when he felt his little ones moving inside him. Carlisle gave him a pregnancy book that described in detail how the babies developed, and it helped him visualize what was happening. He marveled at the whole process, it was exciting, scary and awe inspiring at the same time. There are not many experiences that could give anyone such range of emotion. He loved the attention and looked forward to meeting his babies. For the first time in fifteen years he was looking forward to the future.