Page 45 of Warwick

My mate shrugged. “I’m indifferent either way. If you want to know, I won’t be upset. Same if you don’t.”

Until two weeks ago, I absolutely didn’t think I’d ever be carrying my own child, let alone twins. Did I want to know? I knew me, and yes, I absolutely did.

“I think I want to know,” I said. I looked up at Warwick again. “Is that all right? Are you sure?”

Warwick reached up and ran his finger down the side of my face. “If you want to know what you’re carrying, I want to know too. It will make it easier to know what color to paint their room and what names to pick out.”

Dr. King chuckled. “There is only one sac, so you are having identical twins,” he said. “Are you certain you’d like to know beyond that?”

I nodded. I did. I wouldn’t be able to come back to work and not beg Dr. King to tell me what I was having. I knew me.

“It’s me, Dr. King. Do you really think I can come back to work in another week or two and not ask you over and over what I’m having?”

Dr. King and Warwick both chuckled. “True. And if you are certain, you’re having hellhound babies.”

My breath got caught in my chest. I suddenly couldn’t breathe. “Really?” I managed to whisper.

“Yes. There are several questions I have, and I’m going to have to ask you to give me permission to reach out to Master Edison. I have questions that I believe he should ask the goddess.”

Immediately, I felt uneasy, and I knew Warwick did as well. “Is something wrong?” Warwick asked.

“I wouldn’t think so.” Dr. King turned the monitor so we could both see it. “I know that two weeks ago was when the two of you claimed each other. I have a pretty good date for conception, going by your dates for Cecil’s heat.” Dr. King pointed to the screen. “But the babies are measuring a lot larger than they should for their gestational age. With them being hellhound babies, I simply don’t have any idea what to expect. Cecil should only be a week pregnant. The babies at this development stage, I would guess they were a month along already.”

I pushed up onto my elbows again. “What does that mean? Are they all right?”

“They seem perfectly healthy.” Dr. King pointed to the screen again. “You can see the heartbeats here. They’re strong, just…larger and more developed than I expected. I know the two of you weren’t mated a month ago, but these numbers for measurements would put you at a month gestation. That’s why I ask permission to reach out to Master Edison. Or perhaps Alpha Vitomir. I need someone to get into contact with the goddess. Or perhaps one of the fates. I’m not sure if they know anything more about hellhounds and hellhound babies than anyone else. It’s worth a try though.”

I fell back against the exam bed again. “I would expect to have larger babies. Because, you know, you’re you,” I said to Warwick. “But this is…what? Do hellhounds magically grow in a hurry?”

“I don’t know, Cecil. Hellhounds are created; we aren’t born. These two will be the first two ever to be born. At least that we know.”

“What do you mean, ‘that you know’?” Dr. King asked. “I know of Ansel, but I was under the impression he, too, had been created by your master.”

Warwick nodded. “Yes. But there are two missing hellhounds. What if one of them, or even both, are already mated and have children? We’ve looked, but we can’t seem to locate the last two.”

“Ah. Understood.” Dr. King was typing on the keyboard, and after a few moments, he wiped the gel off my stomach. “I’ll wish to see you again in a month at most, but as you will be back at work by then, it will be easy to have your next routine appointment.”

Dr. King’s eyes widened as he looked between me and Warwick. “I assumed. Are you to return to work?”

Warwick snorted. “He would be back tomorrow if you would have him.”

I gasped and looked at Warwick, a bit hurt. “Do you really believe that?” I looked over at Dr. King. “Yes, I plan on returning. I’m not sure how things will work out after I have the babies though, but I know that Warwick is going to be needed on his assignment in Italy.”

“Yes, but I can pop home in an instant if you should need me.”

My heart did that flutter thing again. That was so incredibly sweet. “Do you know how long it takes to get in contact with the goddess?” I asked Dr. King. Warwick helped me to sit up.

“I wish I could say it was as simple as picking up the phone and contacting her, but unfortunately, it isn’t. I’m unaware of how they actually do it, but I know it can be done.”

I looked up at my mate. Did he have any idea? “I’ve never talked to the goddess. Well, not exactly. I was in a meeting with her before we went to Colombia, but that was it. She wasn’t exactly in what I would call a good mood then. I haven’t heard if there has been any contact since then or not.”

Wonderful. I wasn’t going to let it get to me too much. I was going to remain as optimistic as I possibly could. “All right. Well, for now, we’ll wait and see because that’s all we really can do.” I looked at Dr. King. “I’ll be back at work in two weeks, I think.” How long I’d be able to work would remain to be seen. But if I worked with the council’s doctor, really, what could go wrong? I would be in the best place for a pregnant omega.

“I will be counting the days,” Dr. King said. “Todd tries, but his mind is elsewhere, and I feel for him. He’s trying, truly, but he’s struggling to balance work and life raising his siblings.”

“Maybe he should be in the childcare center,” I suggested. “That way, he can be near his siblings but still working.”

Dr. King nodded. “Yes, I’ve suggested it. I’m not sure he’s of a mind to agree though. Todd seems to be more at ease in a position that’s outdoors. Think tour guide or something more along those ideas.”

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