Page 70 of Where the Current Takes Him
Loriun nodded, eyes flicking over the pages.
“How long would I be pregnant for?” Beau said at last. “I know it takes human women carrying human babies forty weeks, but I never learned about male Omegas and hybrids.”
Dr. Enas did not look surprised. “Human Omegas appear to follow a natural gestation of forty weeks regardless of sex or gender. Mer are gravid for two months, but our eggs require another year of external development before hatching.
Beau was taken aback. “Ayear?”
Loriun looked up from his catalog. “You did not know?”
“You were stuck in an egg for ayear?”
Loriun let out a surprised laugh. “If you say it like that, it sounds ridiculous, but I can assure you that I do not recall any of my time within the egg. As a counterpoint, I would like to point out that you were trapped inside the body of another human for nearly ten months.”
Beau’s mouth snapped shut.Valid point.
Even Dr. Enas was holding back a grin. “Did you have any other questions, Beau?”
“Uh… I guess I just want to know how similar a pregnancy like mine is to a normal human pregnancy.”
“In the past twenty years of hybrid births, most of the pregnancies mirrored their human counterparts,” Dr. Enas reassured him. “Though interspecies unions are still in their infancy, if you’ll pardon the pun, research thus far has shown no major differences. If you would like firsthand experience, I recommend speaking with another human Omega on the island. You can also find support groups online, if you prefer.”
Beau nodded slowly.Am I really going to do this?
“Would you like me to put you in contact with another male, human Omega who has experienced childbirth?”
“That’s okay.” Beau’s thoughts flashed to Jaime and his four children. “I know someone already.”
“Excellent. Well, if that is everything for now, I’ll have you return to reception, and Tioa will handle your prenatal vitamins.” Dr. Enas stood. “If you have any further questions or concerns, I am always happy to assist.”
“Thank you, doctor,” Loriun rumbled. His scarlet facial fins flared, and Dr. Enas’s wavered in turn before he stepped out of the exam room.
“What’s with the fin fluttering?” Beau asked, running a finger along the delicate membranes.
Loriun let out a shuddering breath. “It’s like a human handshake. Except more sanitary.”
Beau gave a short laugh, dropping his hand. “Can’t argue there.”
Chapter 29
Beau
Beau’s head was spinning. He’d come to the clinic knowing he was pregnant, but to have it confirmed by a doctor made it real. Rationally, he was aware it was far too early for the fetus to be moving, but he could have sworn he felt something squirming inside him. At his side, Loriun kept shooting him anxious glances.
“Do you wish to discuss it?” the Mer ventured.
Beau released a slow breath. “I need to think.”
Loriun opened the passenger door, and Beau slid in. As the Alpha came around to the other side, Beau noticed his lips were pressed together in a thin line.
“Beau,” Loriun said as he lowered himself into the driver’s seat. “I think you should really consider the alternatives Dr. Enas provided. You told me yourself that you needed more time to live your life. A pregnancy…”
“I know it would change everything.” Beau’s head fell back against the seat. “But I can’t make the decision yet.”
“Why?” Loriun challenged. “Why would you have any desire to live out my mistake—”
“Ourmistake,” Beau snapped. “And it’s not just a mistake, it’s a whole baby.”
“Only if you allow it to be.” Loriun made no move to turn the car on. “There will be other heat cycles. Better times for you to undergo this change. You are barely twenty-four, Beau. I do not want you to live the rest of your life regretting our child.”
