Chapter 3

Sherlock took the stairs two at a time, anxious to get to the flat. There had been no answer to his text. In Sherlock's mind this only reinforced how badly he had botched things up with John. He hated it when John was angry with him. It didn't matter though even if all he got was a stony, silent glare, Sherlock would take it if only John would be home. But the only thing to meet Sherlock's gaze was a cold, dark, flat; eerily seeming lifeless without John in his chair to greet him.

Already on edge from tonight's events, Sherlock began to panic; the Alpha searching for signs of a missing mate. What if John had left for real? What if he had returned home packed his things and left? John wouldn't do that would he? He always came home after he calmed down! The Alpha was having none of Sherlock's logic and instinct drove him to search their room. Thankfully a quick search is all that's required to find John's clothes and toiletries in their proper places. Why didn't that make Sherlock feel better or calm the Alpha's instinct to find and protect? Where was John?!

Sherlock leaned against the bureau; his long fingers peaked beneath his chin as he contemplated the next place to look for John. Harry's? Not likely. The pub? Possibly. Mike? Sarah? Each one cataloged according to the likelihood of finding John. A sheet of paper, disturbed earlier by Sherlock's nervous movements, caught his attention as it slide off of the bureau and fluttered to the floor. Sherlock reached to pick it up, intending only to return it, until he noticed a familiar letterhead. The name of John's personal doctor stood out instantly to Sherlock. John had not mentioned any appointments with his doctor nor any physical ailment needing one. For a man who normally knew his mate's every thought with just a glance, this unknown sparked his worry anew.

Sherlock grabbed the other papers from their resting place and quickly sifted through them. Lab work, an ultrasound report, apparent follow-up appointments and instructions did nothing to ease his fears as Sherlock began to read. The words leaping from the page painted a vivid picture for Sherlock's fertile mind. Mild anemia, elevated HGG, positive results, single fetus, eight weeks gestation, risks associated with advanced maternal age in the Omega, and estimated due date.

The papers fell from his fingers as a soft sob escaped his throat.

"Oh John!" His John….His mate was pregnant with their child. Judging by the date on the reports, John had just gotten the results today. Obviously John had waited to tell him tonight and Sherlock had ruined that as well.

Sherlock sat on the side of their bed with his head in his hands as silent tears rolled down the sharp planes of his face. How many more ways could he fail John as his mate in one night he wondered. And how….How was he ever going to make this night up to John. How could he ever make This right?! Sherlock had no answers to these questions as he continued to sit seemingly trapped in his silent torment and unable to decide his next course of action.

That is exactly where Lestrade found him fifteen minutes later. The firm hand on his shoulder as Lestrade called his name softly stirring him from his stupor. Reddened, wet eyes gazed expectantly at the inspector. Lestrade met Sherlock's gaze for a long moment before saying simply, "Come on. I'll take you to John."

Too relieved that Greg knew where John was, Sherlock did not think to question him further. For once he simply followed the inspector to his waiting car, his thoughts only on seeing John again.

They drove in relative silence, both lost in thoughts of this night. Sherlock still pondered what he would say to John when he saw him. How to even begin to repair the damage he had caused being his biggest concern. Sherlock, finding it necessary to suppress his Alpha nature to think more clearly, was completely unaware of the low growl he was making in his throat.

Lestrade, an Omega himself, was acutely aware of it. He kept his eyes on the road ahead wary of giving anything away before he had to, while he thought back over the events from earlier. Jesus, had it even been an hour ago?!

Once Sherlock was on his way, Lestrade returned to his team, overseeing the documentation and clearing of the scene. Not even ten minutes later Lestrade's phone rang. Mycroft's name on the caller ID while unexpected was hardly a surprise.

"Hello Mycroft. I've already done my bit for the happy couple tonight but you really didn't have to call just to thank me" He quipped as he answered the phone. All humor dropped from his face and tone when Mycroft gave him the news. The surveillance team had notified him that John had been in an accident….a very bad accident. He was already at the hospital and they were just bringing John in so he could tell him very little. He asked Greg to collect Sherlock and bring him to the A&E as soon as possible. Lestrade knew that Mycroft had emergency medical proxies for John and Sherlock both but the doctors were going to want John's Alpha there. Knowing how Sherlock could be, both men agreed to keep the news from him until they were all together. Any bonded Alpha could be volatile when their mate was at risk but Sherlock in Alpha mode was in a class all by himself. And this was John at risk! Lestrade listened to the sub-vocal growl Sherlock continued to make and repressed a shudder. He was Not looking forward to this.

For his part, Sherlock remained lost with his thoughts during the ride until the lights of the A&E seemed to rouse him. Focusing a razor-sharp glare on his companion, Sherlock spoke.

"I thought you were taking me to John?"

Lestrade forced himself to breathe normally and continued looking straight ahead as he answered, "I am Sherlock….we'll be there in a minute." By the time Greg parked the car the low noise in Sherlock's throat was a literal growl as he snarled out, "Why….are...we...Here, Lestrade?!"

Greg finally allowed himself to meet Sherlock's eyes, allowed his own worry to show. Sherlock recoiled from what he saw in the older mans eyes; his own going wide as he shook his head violently back and forth.

"John's been in an accident Sherlock," he addressed the man calmly for all the good it would do. "Honestly that's all I know. Mycroft will know more though, he's waiting for us inside."

Sherlock was out of the car before Lestrade could even finish his sentence. There was no mistaking the guttural snarl of an enraged Alpha that echoed off of the surrounding buildings as Sherlock slammed out of the car and rushed into the hospital. Greg raced hot on his heels to try to stave off the worst of the storm coming. The older man hoped fervently that Sherlock's brother was ready.

"John Watson!" Sherlock roared when he approached the triage/registration desk.

The clerk was an middle-aged woman with short hair and sensible clothes. Lestrade thought that she gave every appearance of competence and efficiency. She probably was quite good at her job. As she squared her shoulders and readied herself to 'deal' with the man in front of her, Lestrade spared a moment to feel sorry for the woman. She didn't stand any chance with This man. The moment it took Greg to consider this was an eternity to Sherlock whose irritation only increased.

"John Watson!" he demanded again. "Are you deaf or just incompetent?! Where is John Watson?!"

The clerk flushed a bit by Sherlock's remarks but still confident in her abilities addressed him in her no-nonsense tone, "Sir when you calm down I will be happy to help you. If you do not calm down I can have security…."

Sherlock cut her off abruptly and barely managed to respond humanely as he leaned over the desk into the woman's personal space. "If you can not assist me this instant then I shall find him myself! JOHN?! MYCROFT?!" he yelled out knowing his brother was somewhere nearby, while he tried to push his way past the clerk and into the triage area.

Lestrade was doing his best to restrain the man who was surprisingly strong for his size. But Greg had dealt with irate Alphas before and managed to stop him before he got through the doors to the ER. It was necessary but in no way helped Sherlock's disposition.

"MYCROFT!"

"I am right here Sherlock." came the clipped voice of his brother.

"Where is he Mycroft?! Take me to him! Take me to him THIS INSTANT!" Sherlock practically shouted at his brother who took it all in stride. He understood his brother's anxiety over his mate. But Mycroft was the Lead Alpha in their family and dealt with the situation accordingly.

Mycroft placed his hand on Sherlock's shoulder, feeling the muscles tense as he pulled against Lestrade's hold on him. He was instantly aware of the nervous tension vibrating throughout Sherlock's thin frame at a fever pitch. Like a rubber band pulled to the breaking point, Sherlock was ready to snap.

"CALM YOURSELF BROTHER!" the voice of a Lead Alpha reached Sherlock's fevered mind when nothing else would. That voice resonated along Sherlock's spine demanding obedience to his Alpha's will.

With a moan that shook his whole body, Sherlock stilled and stopped fighting Lestrade's hold. He lowered his head to Mycroft's shoulder, the smallest of sounds indicating continued distress to his brother. Rubbing his hand soothingly over the back of Sherlock's neck, Mycroft nodded to Greg indicating that he could release Sherlock. Lestrade stood back and noticed the clerk had disappeared as well. Everyone knew better than to interfere with the Alphas unless necessary.

"You can't see him Sherlock. He's in surgery as we speak."

Instantly frantic again Sherlock eyes snapped to his brother's face, "I have to see him…..have to be there! He needs me Mycroft!" When Mycroft did not release the restraining hand on his neck Sherlock bared his teeth and snarled at his brother.

Mycroft reacted quickly with a deep growl and a harsh bite to Sherlock's neck. Sherlock hated it but instinct caused him to whine in submission to his brother's dominance.

The unique timbre of Mycroft's Alpha reached Sherlock again. "You will calm yourself brother and remain so! You will do John no good if you are sedated by security! Now do as I say! John will need you present when he comes out of surgery!"

Sherlock calmed further and nudged his nose against the firm jaw in front of him indicating his assent. Mycroft continued to soothe his little brother rubbing one hand over his back and the other at his neck. Lestrade stood watching the two Alphas amazed at the tenderness they showed each other. Any other time the two men barely spoke beyond mutual glares that seemed to speak volumes for them. Oh well, times of need and all that he supposed, brothers will always be brothers.

Sensing his brother had regained control of himself, Mycroft leaned back slightly, "Alright now?"

Sherlock nodded against Mycroft's shoulder and pulled back to speak. "What can you tell me at the moment?"

"Not much I am afraid. A drunk driver crashed into the side of the cab where John and the driver were sitting. The crash pushed the cab over into the other lane where it was hit again along the front and side. The traffic simply couldn't stop in time to avoid the secondary collisions."

Sherlock was growing impatient again with his brother's narrative, "JOHN! What can you tell me about John?!"

Mycroft knew Sherlock would not be appeased until he had all the available facts so, as much as he hated to, he continued. "John didn't have on a seatbelt. The crashes knocked him around quite badly. The driver is dead and John was found unconscious on the floor of the cab with some difficulty breathing. He has fractured ribs and the doctors suspect one may have pierced his lung. There is internal bleeding but the source is unclear which is why he is now in surgery."

"Has John been awake at all?" Sherlock had to know.

"No. He has not regained consciousness since the accident according to the medics and doctors," Mycroft replied.

Sherlock's hands clenched at his sides and he closed his eyes as the voice of his inner torment continued to plague him. 'Oh John…...my John, why did it have to be tonight? Why did everything have to go wrong tonight?!'

Seeking to offer comfort Mycroft lured Sherlock from his gloomy thoughts. "Sherlock you know I have the very best doctors here. They are doing everything in their power for John."

The singular statement reminded Sherlock of the unknown victim in this case. The life of his child at risk as well as that of his mate. He fought the rising tide of emotion to voice what he must. His voice came out softly "John is pregnant. Do….do they know he is pregnant?"

Both of his companions were equally startled by the pronouncement but Mycroft himself recovered quickly. "All of John's records are in the system, including the most recent additions so I am sure the doctors are aware Sherlock. Everything possible is being done to keep your family sound."

For once Sherlock found he was grateful for his brother's steadying presence. "Thank you Mycroft…..for everything."

Mycroft could not quite contain his surprise at the gratitude but covered it quickly. Acknowledging him with a small nod he replied, "Not at all brother. Always happy to be of assistance."

There was nothing more to say at this point and nothing to do but wait.

Lestrade stayed with the two brothers offering whatever support he could to them while he worried himself. He liked John a great deal, more importantly he was a friend. Hearing about the pregnancy had been a bit of a shock as John never mentioned children much. Greg himself was widowed with his own kids and John seemed to enjoy interacting with them. He was actually quite good with the children which had often made Greg wonder. They talked about Greg's own kids or families in general but John never expressed any wish for his own children. Greg assumed with the life they led that it was something John and Sherlock chose not to pursue but never brought the subject up with his friend. John had not even mentioned the suspicion he was pregnant and now here they were….waiting.

Lestrade glanced over at Sherlock who was obsessively pacing from one side of the waiting area to the other. On every other pass he would stop and glare at the doors to the surgery wing, as though willing them to open, before resuming his circuit across the room again.

Mycroft sat silently keeping a watchful eye on his brother in the event his forced calm reached its limit.

The tense silence finally got to Greg who glanced at Mycroft before speaking, "Did you know?"

Mycroft seemed to drag his gaze away from Sherlock to focus on the inspector for a long moment. Lestrade was familiar with this kind of intensity from a Holmes. Assessing is how he referred to it, so he waited silently for the other man to speak. Once Mycroft appeared to decide whatever he needed to know, he spoke.

"No, not until Sherlock told us. Apparently John had just confirmed the pregnancy today."

"Bloody Hell! Can today get any more bollocksed up?!" Greg exclaimed. At the sharply raised eyebrow, Greg explained about the botched bonding anniversary tonight.

Mycroft's gaze turned pensive as understanding dawned, "Ah...I see."

"How do you think he will take it?" Greg wondered aloud. "I mean, if the baby is lost?"

Both men returned to watching the pacing man in front of them for a few moments before Mycroft spoke again.

"I have no idea. Sherlock has never expressed a desire for children so this is an area in which I can not make suppositions. No...I would be much more concerned if, heaven forbid, we lost John. I have every reason to believe that losing John would result in losing Sherlock as well. I truthfully don't think he could carry on without him…..not anymore."

Greg could only nod his agreement. So they continued to wait….and pray.

"Mister Holmes?"

The question came from a very tired looking doctor with a serious face. Sherlock instantly alert and deducing everything he possibly could in his search for the answers he required. He found his emotional involvement, in this case, only hindered his deductions so he had to wait on the doctor's words. Sherlock felt rather than saw the firm hand of his brother on his shoulder. Glancing to the man now standing beside him, Sherlock did not see the warning he expected. He saw only support. Mycroft offering his strength and his presence as a buffer to help Sherlock through this if needed. He returned Sherlock's gaze with a small smile and a nod of encouragement. At the same time Sherlock sensed Lestrade's reassuring bulk on his other side. Not touching but lending his support as well. The surge of emotion and gratitude for the comfort of his brother and friend threatened to overwhelm Sherlock but it gave him a measure of calm just the same as he turned to face the doctor once more.

Author's Note: Thank you So Much to all who have given my first story a read, favorite, follow, or review! It has been so gratifying and fun to hear from you all! Please rest assured the angst will not continue forever, but at least another chapter. :) Special Thanks to the Illustrious Laurie Whitlock for her editing advice! And to "They Who Shall Not Be Named" for all the reads, advice, and encouragement to just go ahead and DO THIS...My Gratitude knows No Bounds! :-D I suppose I forgot the usual "I don't own any of these characters, etc.", but you guys all know I am just playing in this universe with the rest of you! ;) Sorry this chapter ends rather abruptly but I had to do it or it would have simply been a Huge chapter! Always happy to have your comments and reviews to help me along. Hope you continue to follow and enjoy! With Sincerest gratitude, Cynthia!