Chapter 44
Endings are hard and impossible. You try to tie every lose end but that is as easy as scratching a diamond. There are always going to be holes and since it's the ending it's supposed to add up to something, making them a big pain in the behind. I said this would be the last chapter but I couldn't fit everything in one chapter. I apologize but I need to add one more. I hope it's ok with you guys.
As always thank you so much for your reviews, favorite and follow.
I don't own Twilight
In the weeks after the wedding everything returned to normal. Everyone had a task, it was one of the busiest times of the year and everybody had to do their part. Unfortunately that left Seth by himself in the room bored and lonely. He was told to rest as much as possible. It was important to prevent his body from returning to the emaciated and sickly look that characterized his first trimester. The weight and demands of the triplets was something his small body had barely enough strength to bear. Still, he couldn't stop smiling. Aside from his sister he had never experienced what being loved felt like and now he had friends, family and a loving husband who would do anything for him. From middle of the night refrigerator raids to passion filled nights, all he had to do was say the word and his husband made it happen. The only thing Jacob couldn't do was evade his responsibilities.
After the collapse of the governance of the west and the chaos that followed they were swamped with refugees looking for stability and guidance. The alpha had to organize the work brigades and divide the tasks equally and without favoritism. Not an easy task considering he didn't trust most of them. There were plenty of strong willing people to work, but they needed a leader.
Billy was saddened to learn that there were less than twenty five subs still alive. His only hope was that the abolitionists were able to rescue as many as possible and they were in hiding. At least three counties of the south refused to accept the new laws and would rather kill the submissives than give them their freedom. It was cruel; it was wrong, and spoke of the venom that could poison a human heart. The waters were returning to their level and real change was taking place. Soon enough all the families that escaped to protect their sons would be able to come back home and add their individual abilities to the community.
Speaking of the council, everyone felt a sick satisfaction when they learned of the fate of Aron and his gang. It was poetic justice or karma, who knows, but those who spent their lives buying and selling human beings to meet the needs of a select few had been reduced to the bitches and whores of the prison. They begged for death more than once but didn't have the stones to take matters into their own hands and both guards and inmates had been ordered not to kill them.
The biggest and most admirable change had occurred in Embry. He was far from the meek and shy submissive he once was. For the longest time he had been the unsightly caterpillar surrounded by barren darkness, but at last he had been able to stretch out his wings. It was his new purpose in life to make sure nobody ever again would be considered an unsightly worm. He planned to make every second count in every aspect of his life. He threw himself to his studies with the immediate purpose of assisting in the delivery of the babies. All this while helping Billy design the new constitution they were planning to bring to the new council. That would be the first step to create the new laws that would protect all citizens.
Embry entered his friend's room quietly in case he was asleep but found him sitting comfortably on the bed with several pillows behind him and underneath his legs. Seth put down the book he was reading, happy for his friend's visit. "Hey how're you feeling?" Asked Embry.
"Like I swallowed a basketball… or three." Embry's eyebrows knitted together as he tried to assess his friend's expression. He breathed relieved when Seth gave him a great big smile while patting his belly.
"Are you gonna eat that?" Asked Embry pointing to the half-eaten sandwich on the nightstand.
"Nah, you can have it. I ate four already."
"Is it safe to assume you got your appetite back?"
"It never went away, the babies had been very active and it's hard to eat when you have three little ones dancing the jive inside you. They're not as active anymore and even though I look like a blimp I feel better. Carlisle told me this would happen. The babies have grown a lot in the last few weeks and are running out of space to stretch their little arms and legs." Embry knew this; he was repeating it more for his benefit than for his friend.
"Aww that's cute; my nieces or nephews are snug like three little bugs in a rug."
"What's that?" Asked Seth pointing to a folder his friend carried in with him.
"It's just some work. I don't know if you're interested in helping me sort some of this stuff out. I know you get bored and even though this is hardly entertaining at least it's something different."
"I don't know how much help I will be since I don't know anything about politics but I'll do everything I can." He paused for a moment. "After we're done can we go for a walk? I haven't left the room in three days and I'm starting to get cabin fever."
"I don't see why not, if you're up to it after we're done I'll go ask Jake and we'll go."
"I don't need Jake's permission to take a walk, Em. Those days are over, remember?"
"I know, I'm just trying to humor him since he has been adamant about keeping you safe. Before you ask, there is nothing weird going on. Edward told me that as the birth approaches everything is becoming very real and with that comes the constant fear of something bad happening."
"Yeah, I noticed that there is twice the amount of soldiers patrolling around the house, guarding the stairs and even walking the hallways. When I asked he said I was taken from right under his nose and he's not willing to lower his guard." He sighed dejectedly. He felt terrible for his husband; it was not fair that what should be the happiest time of their lives was plagued with worry.
"Don't be sad, he's a big boy he'll be ok. We can ask a couple of guards to go with us. I'm sure that not even your overprotective husband will object to that."
"That's true. Speaking of husbands, how's Ed?" Embry playfully slapped his friend on the arm. It seemed that ever since Jacob's and Seth wedding all eyes were on him and Ed. Not one day passed without someone asking when they were getting married.
"He's fine, working his butt off in the kitchen. He lost his best assistant you know.
Seth chuckled lightly. "I really enjoyed working in the kitchen but there is no way I could do that now. I doubt I can reach the counters." He stretched his arms forward to measure his arm span, coming to the conclusion he most definitely wouldn't be able to reach.
They worked for two hours; only stopping for Seth to visit the bathroom which was more often than not. It was remarkable how the subs worked together like a well-oiled machine. They were smart and didn't need to prove their dominance to each other. This saved a lot of time and effort since there was no unnecessary arguing. How different everything would've been if greed had not infected the council and the submissives were never enslaved.
"That went fast; I should come here every time Billy leaves work for me to do. That is until the babies are born, after that I doubt there will be time for any of this. Maybe that's why everyone is working hard to get everything going. Ed is canning everything he gets his hands on. Jacob even recruited Quil to help him supervise the crops. And then there are the goats…" This last statement earned him a funny look from his very pregnant friend.
"What goats?"
"I heard some wolves talking in the kitchen about some goats the Blacks are planning to acquire. I think I heard five hundred but I may be mistaken. Carlisle did some research and found that goat milk is easier for babies to digest. Since when it comes to his grandchildren your father in law spares no expense and does nothing small. He sent out servants to round up every goat they could find and they set aside several acres for them."
Seth was thoroughly amused by his family's obsessive behavior. "My gosh, it's as bad as I suspected. They don't trust nature; I'm sure that the same way I was able to conceive I'll be able to feed them."
"What the heck are you talking about? Nursing them? I don't want to burst your bubble but you're a dude. You don't have boobs."
"Have you taken a good look at me? I'm a guy, but that didn't stop me from getting pregnant. Also, duh you don't need boobs to feed a baby, you need milk and I'm sure my wolf will make it possible."
"That will be really weird, brother. I was eased into your pregnancy, since I saw your belly from the moment you started showing but nursing the babies is a different story."
"Well get over it, I'll need all the help I can get. I don't know the first thing about babies. I've read every book we have on the subject and I'm as lost as I was before I read any. I can count with your help right? I'll need my best friend to keep me sane when taking care of three little ones gets too intense."
"You don't even have to ask. I already talked to Carlisle about taking a break from my studies, even Ed is looking forward to taking care of the babies. Let me tell you something mister, your children will be the most spoiled, coddled and loved children in the world." There was true palpable joy in the air, joy that came from two men who had been given a chance at happiness.
"Then it's settled, now let's go for our walk. I need some fresh air." The friends asked two of the guards to accompany them. They held hands with their fingers interlaced. This was something that would always bother Jacob. He knew they were best friends and this was a completely innocent act but he forced them to be lovers and he would always pay for that mistake.
Spring was in full bloom, flowers and life was all around them. Seth cherished these moments in which he could be out under the perfect clear blue sky. His naked feet caressed by the soft emerald grass. He was a child of the earth and the moon. After so many years prisoner in rooms and other worse places he lived for these moments. Even if he walked clumsily as he tried to balance his massive abdomen he still smiled. Embry loved how his friend's skin was glowing even more and how the pink tinge of his cheeks made him look healthier and absolutely adorable.
Meanwhile, Jacob decided to take a break from his exhausting workday to come see his husband. He had been working twelve hour shifts to finish the planting so he could dedicate himself to taking care of his mate in the last weeks of his pregnancy. He entered his room and immediately noticed that his husband was nowhere to be seen. He was tackled by painful memories from when Seth was abducted. The fear and sense of dread burning him like a white hot dagger. He ran back out, the guard had to know where his mate went. "Where is Seth? He is not in the room." Asked Jacob with a note of desperation in his voice.
"I'm sorry Jacob but I haven't seen him, I just got here myself." The alarms went off inside Jacob's head. He felt his heart race as he tried to catch Seth's scent.
"Seth! Seth!" More and more voices joined Jacob's desperate search. He couldn't lose his mate, he couldn't picture a future without his little submissive, just thinking about that possibility was unbearably painful.
"Son calm down, what's going on?" Billy grabbed his son's hands to make him stop and look at him.
"It's Seth… he is missing." He answered in panicked desperation.
"He is not, he went for a walk, I saw him. He is with Embry and two guards. Don't give him a hard time; you know how much he enjoys being outdoors. He can't hear you calling him because of the construction. Go to him."
Jacob found Seth and his entourage curiously observing the construction taking place in the yard. They had no idea what it could be. The alpha approached his husband and rounded his ample waist with his strong arms. He surprised the sub whose startled gaze met his husband's eyes. "What are you doing here? Are you done for the day?" Asked the submissive hoping to spend the afternoon with his husband.
"I wanted to see you. I miss you so much." Said the alpha nuzzling Seth's neck.
"Jake do you know what they are going to build there?"
The alpha laughed softly "Well yeah I know. He is going a little overboard, please don't judge him. Dad never thought he would have grandchildren and now he is going to have three. That whole area is going to be a playground, it will have a swing set, monkey bars, sand box, a castle, anything three rambunctious kids would enjoy."
"But he does realize they won't be able to use it for about a year?" Whispered Seth.
"He knows, but doesn't care. I humor him; I've never seen him so happy. Anyway you look a little tired; I think we should head back." Seth didn't feel too tired but humored his husband. Once in the room Jacob was proven to be correct when the sub was asleep less than five minutes later.
As the weeks passed the excitement for the arrival of the babies was palpable in the house. Planting season was over and now it was a matter of waiting. It seemed that all they did was wait. They waited for the seeds to sprout and they waited for the babies to be born. Seth's morning sickness had returned with a vengeance. His abdomen grew tremendously, making the simple act of getting out of bed a difficult task. He felt like he was on house arrest, but he would put up with anything if it was for the babies' benefit. Carlisle suggested delivering earlier, concerned for the sub's well-being but Seth wouldn't hear any of it. He wanted to give their babies every possible chance, starting with a healthy beginning. He waited anxiously, daydreaming about the moment when he would get to hold the babies in his arms. Still as any new parent he felt nervous and inadequate to take care of such precious treasures.
Jacob was unrecognizable, a completely different person from the master he used to fear. He spent his days pampering his husband, from rubbing his feet to braving the morning sickness alongside his mate. He read some of the old books on human pregnancy in an effort to understand what Seth was going through. They helped somehow, but no book existed that was about shifter pregnancies. Jacob even cradled Seth in his arms as he cried in one of his many mood swings. Even going through his own nesting phase, making sure everything was spotless and perfect as they waited the babies' arrival. The love for his children knew no bounds. Jake told them every chance he got how much he loved them; he sang to them and even read them stories. Never in his wildest dreams the sub would've guessed the alpha would be such a devoted husband and father-to-be.
Jake sat next to his husband gently caressing his stomach. "Baby you want boys or girls?"
"I'll be very happy with either, and you?"
"Same as you, but I want them to look like you." Jacob was surprised with Seth's forlorn expression and how his heart sped up as his breathing quickened. "What's wrong angel? Are you in pain? I'm going to get Carlisle."
The alpha motioned to get off the bed but was stopped by a warm hand on his forearm. "I'm not in pain; there is no need to get the doc. The thing is that I will love my children no matter what, but I don't want them to look like me."
"Why not? You're so beautiful." The dominant wiped with the pad of his thumb the tears that escaped the sub's eyes.
"If we have a boy I don't want him to be a submissive. I don't want my child to experience the hell I lived through. I'm terrified of him being abused, starved and everything else that comes with this curse. Jake please swear to me that if we have a boy and when he phases he is a sub, you will take him somewhere safe. Please swear!" Seth gripped his husband's shirt in utter panic.
"Seth calm down." Said Jacob softly but assertively. "Did you forget that slavery was abolished in our lands? This will be a safe place for him. You helped make our lands a safe haven." The alpha lovingly kissed his husband's forehead while he held him in his arms. "Our children have a huge pack willing to do anything for them. Wait… why are you talking like you won't be around for when the babies phase?"
"You know what Carlisle said, there has never been a multiple pregnancy among the submissives. Of the last five subs that carried babies two died. Baby we have to face reality, I…"
Jacob's hand shot up and covered Seth's mouth. "Stop! Fucking stop right now! Nothing is going to happen to you, even if I have to make a deal with the devil itself you will be fine. I'll risk eternal damnation if that means you'll be around to see our children grow up." The submissive knew his husband loved him but his words showed a level of commitment he never expected. The alpha was willing to give up not only his life but his soul.
Nothing else was said about the subject. Of course it was always on their minds but they promised each other they wouldn't discuss their fears. They wanted the last weeks of Seth's pregnancy to be happy ones. Their life was about to change and that both excited and terrified them. The sub took every opportunity to go outside; it had turned into almost an obsession. They believed he was trying to enjoy the freedom he never thought he would get to experience but Carlisle had a different theory. As the birth approached his wolf was getting ready to receive the pups. In the wild a wolf would select a den where she would give birth. She would remain in it until the pups were ready to come out. Being outside, sometimes even lying on the damp grass in the morning was Seth's way to process the needs of his wolf.
It was a perfect early summer day, the sun was shining and the sky was a perfect shade of blue, not one cloud in sight. Ignoring the sub's objections the alpha insisted on carrying his mate outside. Just as Seth was acting more like a female alpha wolf, Jake acted more like an alpha wolf. Furiously protecting his mate against any perceived danger to the point he would growl at any dominant who approached him. The only person he didn't feel was a threat was Embry and that was because he was a submissive. "It's gorgeous out and I feel great. Why don't you go and talk to your friends while we wait for the food to be ready?" It had been Edward's idea to have a barbeque, seeing as Billy's birthday party had been cancelled. The nightmare of Mike's incident hung over their heads and nobody felt up to it. At least now they had reason to celebrate, Seth and the babies.
"Nah I'm good, I rather stay here with you. I don't feel at ease unless I'm a stone's throw away."
"Baby you have been with me twenty four seven for the last month. The guys are right there…" He said pointing to the lawn chairs where Quil, Eric and Alec sat talking in a lively way. "… you'll be able to see me at all times. Embry is right here, you know I'm safe with him." Jacob saw his husband was right and he did miss his pack. Paul was the acting alpha with Quil as his beta until he went back to lead the pack. Everyone thought Edward would go back to being a soldier after Embry was rescued, but nothing was farther from the truth. His days as a soldier were over years ago and he had no intention of retaking that responsibility. Now he had a mate and a life filled with love and laughter, he didn't need anything else.
Seth couldn't help but check out his husband's behind as he walked toward his friends. "You're such a perv, buddy. You haven't been able to see your feet in months but here you are checking out your husband's butt." They both laughed in good humor. "I couldn't help but notice how adamant you were about him talking to the guys. That bad huh?"
"Don't take me wrong, I adore him but he has no clue that summer and a very pregnant person don't go well together. I need some breathing room every once in a while." Edward came out to borrow his boyfriend for a little while. Seth took this opportunity to lean back, close his eyes and hum a tune from a long time ago. All who saw him thought he was asleep and just like that the volume of all the conversations went down a notch.
Embry came out with a bowl of fruit to share with his friend. He knew him well and could see Seth was indeed awake. Billy and Carlisle joined the band of merry men as Embry called them. They were all laughing and teasing each other. "Darn it I have to pee again." Complained Seth.
"Pee in the cup, I'll ask everyone to close their eyes." Embry's grin annoyed Seth, his eyes turned to slits as he glared at his friend.
"Very funny, shut up and help me get up." Jacob looked in the direction of the pair but could see they had everything under control and rejoined the conversation. Seth stood on his spot pretending to stretch his back. He didn't want to alarm anyone or give Carlisle an excuse to deliver the babies before it was necessary, but he hadn't felt well since the day before. The cramping he had been experiencing throughout the pregnancy had intensified to the point he had to focus on his breathing to avoid crying out in pain.
Embry could sense something was not quite right but couldn't put his finger on it. He watched his friend in an effort to see any telltale signs of what could be happening but saw none. All he knew was that he looked restless and uncomfortable, both very understandable in his condition. They held hands as they walked inside making the alpha's insides burn with jealousy. In his mind he knew they were only friends and his husband was in love with him but he couldn't help how he felt.
As the submissives walked back outside two soldiers moved aside to let them through. It was obvious that most wolves respected and admired them but even in Billy's lands some dominants were not aboard the submissives bandwagon. The Aleph knew who they were and made sure to keep them far away from the house. Unfortunately, experience had shown him that anyone could turn into an enemy.
Seth looked tired, the dark circles under his eyes in sharp contrast with his sincere happy smile. When they were a few steps away from their chairs, his expression changed to one of pain. He gasped audibly as he squeezed his friend's hand painfully. His other hand darted to his abdomen as he tried to breathe through the pain. It started on his lower abdomen and radiated to his back. He had felt intense pain before but nothing came even close to what he was feeling. Then several things happened at once. Seth turned to look at his friend, his jaw tense while gritting his teeth. He felt some kind of warm fluid running down his legs a second before he doubled over in pain. It was like someone had taken a dagger and was stabbing him again and again. Everything happened so fast that nobody had a chance to notice until a bloodcurdling scream left the sub's throat, alerting everyone.
Jake jumped off his chair knocking it down in the process. It only took him a few steps to reach his husband but by then he looked about to pass out from the pain. Jake felt a shiver run down his spine when the smell of blood reached his nostrils. Seth was bleeding freely, blood running down his legs and pooling around him on the floor. Carlisle had warned them about this complication, but the reality of it surpassed every warning. Jake picked up his husband bridal style while Embry ran ahead of him to get ready for the surgery. The alpha held his husband tightly as he writhed in pain, screaming in agony.
Everything was almost ready in the makeshift operating room. It had been that way for over a month. They were as prepared as they could be but didn't know if it would be enough. Jacob gently placed Seth on the operating table, the sub clutching his shirt not willing to let go. "Jake please help me, it hurts so much." Begged the submissive.
"Damn it Carlisle knock him out! He is suffering, do something! Demanded the alpha. Even though it made no sense he felt responsible for Seth's pain. This was another thing he wouldn't be able to forgive himself for, he failed Seth, he couldn't prevent his pain.
"And what the fuck are you doing?" He screamed at Embry. "Do your voodoo shit damn it!" Not even his gift was enough to help his friend, it was heartbreaking.
Emily arrived to help with the babies; the tension was so thick you could cut it with a knife. She immediately got to work turning on every piece of equipment around the three little beds equipped with radiant heat to keep them warm. A table next to each bed was stocked with towels, blankets, hats and the smallest diapers anyone had ever seen. Everyone played a part; one wolf was in charge of keeping a cloth heavily soaked in ether moist and pressed firmly against Seth's mouth and nose. That way he wouldn't wake up in the middle of the procedure. He had to wait to the last minute to knock him out though. They didn't know the effect ether could have on the babies and that also went for the only pain medicine available. Two wolves had been trained as nurses to assist with the C-section and once the babies were out they would help Emily, each one in charge of one baby.
Using a pair of scissors they began cutting the sub's clothes. Seth's screams were deafening and that made Jacob even more nervous. "This is stupid, give me that!" He grabbed the scissors throwing them on the floor and ripped the clothes with his bare hands. In the blink of an eye he was left naked on the operating table. All eyes were in the sub's massive stomach which seemed to have a mind of its own. Visibly contracting every couple of minutes. "Why is his stomach doing that?" Asked Jacob.
"His stomach is contracting to push the babies down." Answered Carlisle absentmindedly, too busy with the matter at hand.
"Push them down? Down where? There is nowhere for them to come out of." He grabbed Carlisle's shirt shaking him vigorously. "I swear to God that if something happens to him, you'll regret ever being born"
"Take your hands off me and let me work! If you can't control yourself I'll kick you out of this room. Stop with the theatrics, it's not about you." This did absolutely nothing to help the alpha calm down.
"Jake please…" Seth's small voice was drowned by all the commotion in the room but was still heard by Jacob. He took his husband's hand in his own. Seth's hair was stuck to his sweat drenched forehead and his jaw tight as he tried to keep his expression serene for his husband's sake. "Baby I know you wanted to be here but you're not helping me. It's about our children, nobody else. Can you please wait outside?"
The alpha knew his husband was right. He kissed Seth's trembling lips before exiting the room. His resolve faltered when as he was crossing the threshold his husband's cry of pain reached his ears. He made an effort and left, he wasn't in control of his emotions and was delaying everything with his conduct. Once outside he was comforted by his father who knew all too well what his son was going through.
The hallway and all other areas close to the operating room became the most transited ones in the house. There was so much pacing going on that anyone would think the wolves were trying to create a ditch. None could compare to Jacob and his father, they walked back and forth incessantly, wringing their hands, pulling their hair and glancing at the closed door every five seconds.
After what seemed like days Carlisle walked out. Jacob stopped in his track and was immediately encased in a hug. Carlisle had been the symbol of calmness but after everything was done he could let go. "Congratulations dad." The alpha pulled slightly away to see the doctor's face. "They are all fine, you have three beautiful children. Seth was magnificent; I've never seen anyone stronger."
Billy looked like an excited puppy unable to stay still. If he had been in his canine form his tail would've been wagging. He couldn't help himself and went to his son who letting go of the doctor latched himself to his father. A wave of relief washed over all those present, the Aleph couldn't contain his tears. The dream he concealed in his heart for so many years came true. He was a grandfather at last. The whole house erupted in celebration. All those present high fived each other, hugged and some wept openly without fear of being ridiculed.
"Are they boys or girls?" Asked Jacob.
"Two girls and one boy. They are a little small but very strong and healthy." Like the Black's weren't rich enough, now there were two females who would bear their last name. It was an honor and a privilege.
"I want to see them… please." Carlisle asked him to wait while he went back inside the operating room.
After ten minutes Carlisle motioned for Jake to go inside. He expected to find a cold room with blood splattered on the floor and the smell of disinfectant. Thankfully nothing could be farther from the truth. Seth had been moved to a regular hospital bed and even though he looked pale Carlisle assured him he was fine. His body had gone through a serious ordeal. He had sedated him to help his healing. Next to his bed were three bassinets. Jacob couldn't make his feet move; he was petrified for a moment. "Jake come meet your children."
Jacob towered several feet over the three little beds but never felt smaller. The instant he stood before his children he knew he would do anything to keep them safe and happy. His sight moved from one to the next unable to focus on just one. He stared at them in wonderment. Three little persons that were not there a couple of hours ago were in front of him. His children were living, breathing works of art. As they witnessed the first time he got to see his children there were no dry eyes in the small room. He was dying to hold and kiss them but he had promised his husband they would do that together. Seth had been sad because he would be the last one to see his children since he would be asleep for at least a couple of hours. Jake's promise brought a bright smile to his face.
The alpha sat next to his husband's bed to wait until he woke up. He knew it would be a few hours but was too wired to rest. Every once in a while he would stand up, walk to the bassinets and admire his children. At last he saw Seth stir lightly and knew he would wake up at any moment. The sub was still slightly groggy but willed himself to wake up. He wanted to see his children. "Hello daddy." Greeted Jacob the instant Seth opened his eyes.
"The babies?" Seth voice was but a whisper.
"They are perfect my love."
"I want to see them."
"Carlisle can Seth sit a little? He wants to see the babies."
"Sure, but let me check the stitches first." The doctor removed the sheet that covered the sub from the chest down and removed the bandage. Jacob hadn't seen the surgical scar until that moment, his eyes widening in surprise as he was taken aback by the appearance of it. "Looks good, I'll lift the head of the bed but don't overdo it.
Emily gently lifted the pink bundle and placed it in Jacob's arms. Before him was the proof of the power of true love. He never thought he could love someone as much as he loved Seth but the instant he laid eyes on his daughter he was in love. He was terrified and fascinated at the same time. His brain was working overtime to battle all the doubts that came to mind. Could he be a good father? He kicked those thoughts to the side hell bent on enjoying the moment. Seth's eyes lit up when he caught sight of one of their daughters. The alpha sat on the bed and placed her on his husband's arms, keeping his hands under her since he was still groggy.
"Hey baby girl this is your daddy." Looking at his daughter's face he saw the perfect combination of Seth and himself. Everything fell in place. The pieces of the jigsaw puzzle that had been his life moved to their respective places. "She is the smallest one." Indeed the baby in his arms looked like a porcelain doll. Handling something so delicate made him feel like a clumsy giant. She was wide awake, her big eyes staring at her father for the first time.
Taking the smallest girl off Seth's arms he placed her on her bed before picking up the other girl "She is a total spitfire; definitely alpha material. From what you've told me about Leah she could very well take after her. Only time will tell."
Jacob very gently placed their very temperamental daughter in Seth's arms. "She is so beautiful. Look how tiny her hands are, so perfect. I can't believe just this morning she was inside me and now here she is." Seth lovingly kissed his daughter's forehead before talking directly to her. "So you're the little one who was squirming all over the place. I love you my sweet angel."
Seth was very tired but wanted to meet his son. He knew his daughters were set to have a good life. His son was a different story. He would have to be constantly protected until he phased. He was one of the lucky ones; he had two fathers who would give their life for him. Their baby boy was wrapped in a blue blanket, his little face barely visible.
"Hello little one, welcome to the world." Whispered Jacob before cradling the baby close to his chest and kissing the top of his head.
After unwrapping the blanket the sub started crying. This caused for everyone in the room to come to his aid. "What's wrong? That's it; I'm going to give you the pain medicine." Carlisle went on doctor mode. He was unwilling to let his patient suffer.
"I'm not hurting too much. It's that… he looks like Jake. He's going to be a dominant. He's not like me! Look how long his legs are. My baby will be ok." Seth lifted his eyes and thanked the universe for answering his prayers. Of course, there were no guarantees, but things were looking very good for the little one.
The new parents cuddled and kissed their babies. Toes and fingers were counted, all sixty of them. They were forming an everlasting bond, a connection like no other. The new dads had a look of joy on their faces, they were practically glowing. Seth felt his heart swell with emotion when he saw his handsome husband cooing one of their girls. The small bundle almost disappearing in his big arms. "My sweet sweet angel, I hope you grow up to be like your daddy. There is no one more loving, brave, loyal and smart among the wolves. I love you." He raised his little girl and lovingly kissed her forehead.
Seth was tired and sore but immeasurably happy. He had been waiting anxiously for the day when he could hold his babies in his arms and here they were. This was a day of celebration; the manor was going to be filled with laughter, dirty hands and tiny toys all over the floor ready to torture the unfortunate wolf who stepped on them.
"Baby do you mind if dad comes in? I know he's dying to meet his grandchildren." Seth nodded and Embry asked the Aleph to come in. His reaction when he saw the babies was the exact opposite of his son's. He ran to them and took in his arms the only baby left in her bassinet.
"Sons you did well, she is perfect. I had forgotten how tiny they are when they are born." The Aleph turned to look at the new parents. "What are their names?"
"We talked about it and chose names that had a special significance to us. We had three for boys and three for girls. Angel, you choose their names." Answered Jacob.
Seth looked at his husband lovingly, his eyes brimming with tears. "Billy the one you're holding came out of me with her fighting spirit barely contained. I see so much of my sister in her, she will be Leah Grace."
"I know we decided not to use our names if we had boys. But looking at our son I see he is the spitting image of his father. No other name would suit him, he shall be Jacob William." Jacob tried to deny the idea but Seth saw him silently bristling with pride. Billy didn't even try to hide it, he was elated. His grandson would carry his name. He couldn't remember when the last time he felt so proud was.
"There is no other name for our little porcelain doll than Sarah Noelle." Billy's reaction was immediate. The mere mention of his beloved Sara's name filled his eyes with tears. "Jake I can picture your mom in heaven, smiling down at us and bragging about her beautiful grandchildren." Jacob felt honored that his husband had decided to pay tribute to his mother. This was one of the many wonderful gifts his husband gave him. Billy was speechless as happy tears slid down his face.
Everyone wanted to meet the babies; it was all they could talk about. Still they couldn't let all the wolves come inside the small room. Quil was deeply touched when he was asked to be one of the babies' godfathers. Of course Embry was the godfather of all three, there was no way he would let anyone take his place. But since they needed a pair Quil, Emily and Edward would join Embry.
Seth was surprised when Quil left several weeks after the birth. Jacob informed him he was going on an extended quest. What the submissive ignored was that for months his husband had been trying to locate Leah. He knew she was the missing piece of Seth's heart and was determined to find her. Unfortunately every action had a consequences and the alpha had a huge debt with destiny. Every step he took led to nowhere. Nobody would give him information, thinking it was a ruse to locate submissives. They had abolished slavery and gave the submissives their condition as citizens but it would take time for people to believe this was a permanent decision.
Quil boarded the Esmeralda; it would take him all the way to Argentina; from there he would start his most extensive search ever. He knew many submissives took refuge in this area and hoped his brother was among them. It was a long shot but stranger things had happened. The trip would take one week and with every day that passed his hope grew. He couldn't help feeling hopeful. After so many disappointments he should know better, but it was in his nature to be optimistic. He knew his first order of business was to find Leah but that didn't mean he couldn't ask around.
Quil thought the port would be colorful and welcoming but it was everything but. As they disembarked he could see the distrust in people's eyes. A well trained soldier like himself could spot the obvious signs of a perfectly orchestrated military operation. It was made to look like nothing was going on but he knew there was more happening there than met the eye. As he disembarked he trembled with the hope that his search would end that day. That he would find his brother. The passengers were escorted to a brick building where they had to submit themselves to a barrage of questions. They seemed to be especially thorough with him. Asking every possible question, from his destination and reason to be there, to the contents of his bag.
All the other passengers were granted permission to enter but he was held in a small room. He was on high alert; everyone's behavior was very odd. After what seemed like hours three men entered the room, one of them a submissive. "Mr. Ateara sorry for keeping you here. You are here in representation of Jacob Black and that person is not allowed in these lands and neither are any of his associates. You'll stay here until you can be sent back home."
The submissive turned on his heels and motioned to leave the room when he was stopped by Quil. "I understand your reservations and will respect your decision. Please, could you at least do me two favors?" The submissive nodded. "As I'm sure you know, I'm trying to locate Leah Whitlock. I have news about her brother. She believes him to be dead but he is alive. He lives in the Black estate as a free man." He noticed how the wolves exchanged strange looks.
"Also for more than a decade I've been looking for my brother, Albert. I don't know what his last name would be since subs don't get to keep their last names. Do any of you know of a submissive by that name? We look alike; he's my twin after all." Quil had to stop talking when he choked up, making his last words sound more like a whimper.
"I'm sorry sir; we don't know anyone by that name. You don't have to stay inside this room, stay inside the building though." Answered curtly one of the soldiers before the trio stormed out of the room. Quil felt bitter tears run down his face as his hope crumbled down and turned to dust. He knew he shouldn't get his hopes up but he still did. If he ever gave up, then his brother would truly be dead.
The despair inducing realization that he was coming to the end of his rope was almost too much for him to bear. He sat on an uncomfortable wooden bench outside the holding room trying to force himself to come up with a new plan. Thinking where to go next would keep him from succumbing to hopelessness. He sat very still, the only detectable movement the rising and falling of his chest. This happened every time he reached a dead end, the feeling of impotence stung more than salt on a wound.
"Quil." A small, almost undetectable voice reached his ears. It was like the echo of a feeble sound from a long time ago that made him question his sanity. He closed his eyes and covered his ears trying to drown his own betraying thoughts.
He felt as a person sat next to him, too close for a comfort. Still, he refused to surrender to the insanity. He owed it to Albert and to himself. A much colder hand rested on his arm as another tried to pry off the hand that covered the ear closest to him. "Brother it's me, don't make me call you snookums."
Quil's head turned slowly to look at the person beside him. He hadn't been called that ridiculous nickname in so long he didn't even remember it. There was no doubt in his mind that the face beside him was that of his brother but in his heart he knew it was not possible. He probably snapped, losing his mind was a much welcomed instance. At least that way the pain would be non-existent. "I know what you are thinking. It's really me; it's not a ghost or a figment of your imagination."
Quil raised a shaky hand and placed it on the side of his brother's face. Albert placed his hand over his brother's, drawing a shaky breath when an overwhelming rush of emotion came over them as a sudden storm. "Oh God, it's really you, I found you at last." The brothers embraced each other, tears rolling freely down their faces. They didn't need to say anything else, the emotion spoke for them. Their tears were not a sign of weakness but of unspeakable love. Quil kept examining his brother's face, his hands, his hair, anything that would confirm it was indeed him.
After an unknown period of time the brothers regained the ability to speak. "Al, you have been here all this time?"
"No, I served a master for four years. It was no walk in the park but at least he didn't kill me. I know it sounds horrible but so many of my brothers perished at the hands of their owners that you never knew if you would see the next morning. A visitor offered him a lot of money for me but he refused the offer. The night before he left the visitor came in my room and asked me if I wanted to be free. At first I was afraid of saying yes, but decided I didn't have anything to lose. He took me away that same night, I rode on his back since I was still wearing my collar and couldn't phase. We came to a halfway house, but only stayed a few hours, enough to grab a bite. They had a master key and removed my collar. For the first time in four years I felt I could breathe. That visitor was Jasper Whitlock, he and his wife Leah lead the liberation front. It's like an underground railroad. We boarded a boat pretty much like the one you came in. They hid me and another runaway sub in a secret room. When the council inspectors came to check they couldn't find us. They brought me here and I've been working hand in hand with them since then."
"It was very difficult and not every time we had a happy ending. The biggest monster was the Black estate. That place is like a black hole for submissives. It's like a damn fort that nobody can penetrate. We had one person inside but he failed once and after that was afraid to try again."
"That's Edward; he's still torn about the incident. The Blacks have changed a lot; the Aleph declared slavery illegal in his territory and was able to convince many landowners. Jacob is married to a submissive and they just had three babies." Albert was looking at his brother with incredulity written all over his face. If it had been anybody else telling him he wouldn't have believed it.
"So the rumors are true? I thought I'd never see the day. Wow a sub had triplets." Said Albert, sadness and longing in his voice. "I thought there were no more boys waiting to phase. I honestly thought we had rescued all of them."
"He is no boy he had been a slave for fifteen years. Nobody knows how or why it happened but one day he went in heat and bam! Triplets. Seth is Leah's brother, she was told he was dead but he's very much alive. I was sent here by Jacob to find her."
"Their house if pretty far, it will take us at least three days to get there. But you must be tired. We'll leave early tomorrow morning. I can't wait to see her face when she hears the news." Albert waved to the submissive who initially spoke with Quil, asking him to get close. "We have a ton of catching up to do. Let me start with the most important part of my life. This is Brady; we have been married for eight years." The submissive extended his hand to his brother in law but Quil wouldn't have any of that. He pulled him close, giving him the biggest bear hug ever.
"Quil what about your family? When do we get to meet them?"
"Well you won't, I don't have any family. I've been looking for you since the moment I learned you had phased into a sub. Finding you has been my obsession all these years." Albert's eyes prickled with tears. He was saddened because his brother's life has been determined by his search. Because of his commitment to finding him he forwent his own happiness. "Hey none of that, you still don't know how much you mean to me? Now that I know you're safe, maybe I'll look for a husband, maybe not. I've made an art of being a bachelor and that'll be hard to change." This made Albert chuckle.
The trio stayed up half the night chatting. Quil was extremely proud of his brother. He had been the determining factor in saving the lives of dozens of boys. With every story he heard Quil's admiration for his brother grew exponentially. He being a soldier was expected to take risks, but his brother did more than that. He placed himself in the line of fire, sometimes even serving as bait. Albert's life was meaningful; he made a difference in people's lives. His heart filled with joy as he saw his brother happy. Brady was a wonderful husband and loved his brother like no other could.
Quil couldn't sleep; his mind was going at a thousand miles per hour. He couldn't help thinking that when the submissives were made slaves it unleashed a chain reaction that took everything out of balance. As people started doing their part to change that, things began to normalize. There were still some battles to fight, but now he understood better than ever before how important and essential it was to further the cause. For so many years they had been destroying their own future.
The next morning Quil, Albert, Brady and three soldiers left for Leah's home. They shared the same thought; they couldn't wait to see her face when she learned the news about her brother. Three days later they set foot in Whitlock territory. Quil thought the Blacks had a lot of security but compared to the Whitlock's it was nothing. His brother in law explained that some of the wolves that patrolled that area were the fathers or brothers of the submissives that took refuge there. No wonder they took it so seriously, they were protecting their blood.
After running for four hours inside Jasper and Leah's lands they reached their destination. After phasing they donned their clothes and walked to the entrance which as everything else was heavily guarded. Everyone knew Albert but the dominant next to him was a stranger and in their book a potential enemy. After explaining who Quil was and with the obvious resemblance to help convince them, they were escorted to the foyer where they were told to wait.
After a few minutes a tall man who looked in his late teens approached them. "Hello, I'm Jasper Whitlock. I was told you have a message from Jacob Black. What does that man has to say to us?"
"With all due respect sir the message is for your wife."
"Well that'll not…" He was interrupted by a beautiful woman with raven hair and a demeanor that told them she didn't take crap from anyone.
"What does that son of a bitch want? Jacob Black's name is a curse word in this house. I've been getting messages through the relay from him for three months. The only reason you were allowed to come in the house was as a courtesy to Albert who is part of our family and because I'm sick and tired of his messages and want to see an end to this idiocy."
"I understand ma'am, Jacob's bad reputation is legendary. I do have some news that you may want to sit down for."
"I prefer to stand thank you." Answered Leah curtly.
"It's about Seth." At the mere mention of his name Leah tensed up. "He's alive."
"Get this mother fucker out of here now! My brother is sacred and just saying your name you're soiling his memory." Nobody was surprised by Leah's reaction. Everyone knew she had a terrible temper, but when it came to her brother it was ten times worse. Albert was flabbergasted and questioned his initiative of bringing his brother. He knew all too well that it would be useless to go against Leah. What she said was law in that land and he felt indebted to her and Jasper for orchestrating his liberation.
Two soldiers grabbed Quil, each holding one arm and began dragging him out. "Leah please listen, the ashes you saw were Tyler's not Seth's!" His words came out as a jumbled scream as he struggled with the soldiers that continued to drag him. "You used to hide food in your pockets to feed him after your parents went to sleep. You would do his homework. You… you made excuses not to go out with your parents so you could stay with him." Quil wrestled with the soldiers, getting one arm lose he grabbed the item he had in his front pocket. The soldier was able to subdue him, making him drop cookie on the floor.
Albert picked it up and held it where Leah could see it. "Lee, does this mean anything to you? My brother was trying to show it to you."
Leah's eyes landed on the object on Albert's hand. "Wait!" She called out to the trio that stood outside arguing since Quil refused to leave. "Where did you find this?"
"Seth and Jacob traveled to your hometown; there he found the two boxes with his things and your letter. He told us all about you and what this toy meant to you both."
"Anyone could've told you all this." Said Jasper, he had noticed how affected his wife was by everything she heard and tried to support her the best he could.
"Who? Nobody knew Seth or cared to know who he was. He had no friends and no family. Please answer me, who would know so many details about his life but him?" At that moment it dawned on her, Quil was telling the truth. By some miracle her brother had survived.
Leah brought one trembling hand up to cover her mouth while she held on to the back of a chair with the other. She was stunned to the point she was unable to form words. This was supposed to be an ordinary day but in an instant her world had been turned upside down. The brother she had been mourning for fifteen years was alive. So many emotions, great joy, shock and anger at the men that lied to her. The part of her heart that had died at the same time her brother perished, came back to life. Jasper rounded her with his arms and in his embrace she was able to let go and cry. She feared this was a dream and like so many other times she would wake up to the sad reality that Seth was gone.
After a while she was able to calm down and immediately went on warrior mode. "Al, organize as many teams as you can. We'll need all the able bodied men for this operation; we'll be going deep into Black's territory. We have to go get my brother. We have to take him away from Jacob's claws. This rescue has to be swift, safe and efficient."
"Wait! What are you talking about? Seth doesn't need to be rescued; he is not a slave anymore. Actually, he is married to Jake."
"He is what!?" Exclaimed Leah so loud that it caught the attention of some of the guards that were standing outside, causing for them to come running to see what was going on.
"He married Jake several months ago. Your brother is happy, loved and respected by everyone."
"Jas let's make arrangements for Seth to come here. I have no intention of setting foot in the Black's territory now that I know a rescue is not necessary. They may have changed but in my opinion it was too little too late."
Quil rubbed the back of his neck. He didn't want to give Leah too much information. He knew that Seth would prefer to tell her about the pups himself. "Um there is a problem with that; Seth can't travel at the moment. It may be at least a year if not more, before he could set sail."
"Why? Is my brother being held against his will?" She knew what Quil had said, but also knew he came as Jacob's emissary, the person she distrusted the most.
"He is not being held against his will. They love each other; there is no place they would rather be than with each other. It's no problem; Seth doesn't even know I'm here. As far as he is concerned I'm searching for Albert since I periodically traveled looking for him. As soon as he's able to travel I'll tell him about you."
"Are you fucking insane?! I want to see my brother as soon as possible. Jas, can we set sail in a few days? We can stay outside their lands and Seth can meet us there." With the corner of her eye she saw Quil shake his head no. With every passing minute she was getting more frustrated, for Quil's sake she hoped he had a good explanation. "What? He doesn't have to get on a boat, why can't he meet us?"
"Oh God you're not making it easy. Ok Jake will tear me a new one, but here it goes. Seth had surgery two weeks ago, a cesarean. You're an aunt."
Quil was amused at Leah's expression; she kept opening and closing her mouth like a fish out of the water. The news proved to be too much for the she-wolf. The color drained from her face as she stared wide eyed at Quil. After a few minutes she let out a deep sigh and started jumping up and down like a little girl. She was so overwhelmed that she didn't know whether to cry or laugh. As her tears flowed the heavy burden she had carried for so many years got lighter and lighter. The regret she felt for having failed her brother became nonexistent.
"I'm so freaking lost, my brother was a slave but now he is married to Jacob Black and is a dad? How? Why now?"
"Oh no, I'm not saying anything else. There will be time to answer all your questions. Some will remain unanswered since nobody knows the answer, but you two have some serious catching up to do."
The preparations started the next morning. There was so much to do, Jasper as a landowner had to make sure everything was taken care of. His right hand man had to be filled in everything that needed to happen during his absence. Quil invited Albert and Brady to tag along. They were concerned about their safety but Quil assured them that they would be safe. Unfortunately they had to wait one week for the next boat to leave for North America. Leah was ready to jump in the ocean and swim there and Jasper proved to be a very patient man, listening to his wife's angry ranting day in and day out.
Leah stood on the deck, the fresh ocean breeze caressing her skin and her long raven hair blowing in the wind. She was too excited to sleep. Tomorrow before the day ended she would be with her baby brother. The moment she had only experienced in dreams would become a reality. "Good night Seth, see you very soon."