Page 12 of Baby For the Mosaic Med Chief

Pate’s voice held a faint scolding tone as he added, “However, I must stress the importance of adhering to our laws and protocols in the future for all members of the Faction and Earth. This exceptional circumstance should not set a precedent for disregarding our regulations.”

He bowed his head respectfully. “I understand, Grand Admiral. I assure you I will fulfill my duties.”

Pate nodded, his gaze shifting from Quillin to Briana. “May your union bring harmony and strength and be a testament to the power of love.”

Quillin moved to Briana to reclaim his place by her side before they spoke quietly with the Grand Admiral for a moment. He expressed his quiet gratitude to Pate, acknowledging his decision and the opportunity they had been given, and Briana did the same.

Pate nodded and waved them off. “Let’s forget about the whole matter.”

As they left the arena, hand in hand, he couldn’t resist stealing a kiss. Briana returned it willingly, but they held off on expressing too much passion in front of the large gathering. When they parted, he took her to his quarters in the Embassy, and they made love again, this time as officially recognized mates and not fugitives on the run.

Epilogue

A FEW WEEKS LATER, Quillin sat with Briana in the cozy confines of their quarters at the Faction Embassy, their sanctuary away from the bustling world outside. A nightly cuddle was quickly becoming one of their traditions as they watched some of the limited TV programs available. The current one was a perplexing mix of cast members that seemed to try to appeal to all the species living in and around Earth. It charmingly missed the mark, but it was lovely to see the unity and attempts at harmonizing.

Briana’s eyes were filled with a mixture of tenderness and curiosity as she looked at him when an ad reminding Faction members to stake their claim to a piece of land in the new homeworld flashed across the screen. “Are you sure about staying?” she asked, her voice tinged with concern. “We have the opportunity to rotate to the new homeworld with the other Faction races. It could be a fresh start for us.”

He met her gaze, ensuring she could see his sincerity. “My family were farmers and deeply connected to the land, but my calling lies in healing. I believe I can do the most good here on Earth as a Med Chief among the diverse beings who call this planet home.”

Briana’s features softened, a visible sense of relief washing over her. She let out a relieved sigh. “I’m so glad you feel that way,” she said, her voice filled with genuine happiness. “I’d prefer to give birth in a hospital here rather than in a clinic or a POD with just you on your homeworld.”

Quillin’s brow furrowed as he leaned in closer, his eyes filled with anticipation. “I...what?”

Briana giggled softly, her hand gently resting on her stomach. “We’re going to have a baby.”

He gasped, feeling a joyful smile spreading across his face, “I...you...a baby?”

Briana nodded, her eyes shining with excitement and a touch of amusement, probably from his garbled question and stunned reaction. “Yes, Quillin. I’m pregnant.”

His heart leaped with delight as he pulled Briana into a tight embrace. “We’re going to have a baby,” he whispered, his voice filled with awe. “Our love has created a life and a new beginning.”

Briana chuckled softly, her hand caressing her still-flat belly. “Yes, a precious little life that’s a testament to our love and the future we’re building together.”

He pressed his lips to her forehead, his touch gentle and reverent. “I’m in awe of the possibilities.”

As they sat there, wrapped in each other’s embrace, the weight of their shared journey and the joy of their impending parenthood settled upon him. He felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude and responsibility.

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