Precious Moments

by Casper Graham

“Absolutely,” Blake agreed and beamed at Alan. “I’m so delighted to have a new omega friend. I’ll give you my number. Contact me anytime.”

  “Of course.”

  After James, Tony, and Alan left, Blake sat between his alphas on the couch as they cuddled close to one another while watching a romantic comedy on TV. They chatted a bit about Alan, Tony, and James before the conversation shifted toward work-related matters. They also talked about their parents.

  “My folks are over the moon about the triplets,” Kian remarked.

  “My parents are excited as well,” Mason added.

  “Mine, too,” Blake said. “I video-called them about an hour before dinner. I should have called them the moment we got home from the doctor, but I was too engrossed with my reading right after lunch. Then, I was overwhelmed with my cravings. Anyway, my beta and omega dads were ecstatic. They couldn’t stop cooing at me. My alpha dad bawled like a baby.”

  Kian stared at Blake in bewilderment. “Why?”

  “He was being dramatic. He kept on telling me he was crying in relief because not only did I finally get mated, I was knocked up with three babies all at once.”

  Mason chortled in amusement. “Your alpha dad is something else all right.”

  “He’s an overemotional parent,” Blake said.

  Kian chuckled. “He loves you. All of your dads love you very much. In fact, I think Mason’s and my parents all love you more than us now.”

  Mason snickered while nodding. “I think so, too.”

  “Sorry about that,” Blake responded before winking at his alphas.

  Kian shook his head. “It’s fine, babe.”

  “I don’t mind either, sweetheart,” Mason added.

  The three of them got into a more comfortable position as they smiled at one another and cuddled even closer before they focused on the movie on the television. Blake enjoyed being pregnant, but having three babies inside him was tough. Some of the things he could do prior to his pregnancy were now such a hassle. Even the simplest movement could leave him breathless sometimes. He didn’t even dare to imagine how much more difficult it would be to get around the house or complete his work once the pregnancy progressed to its final stage. He sighed and chided himself for worrying about things so far in the future. He would just enjoy his pregnancy and take it one step at a time.

  Chapter 14

  As Blake’s pregnancy was nearing its thirtieth week, Mason became more stressed over the omega’s stubbornness. He could also tell Kian was reaching breaking point. However, unlike Kian, who got to hide away in school for hours at a time five days a week, Mason ran a diner, which was just a connecting door from their house.

  Mason loved Blake. There was no doubt about that. He cared for and worried about Blake all the time, especially since the omega’s stomach was now so huge the man was unable to stand for extended periods without feeling exhausted, find a comfortable sleeping position, or even get to his feet on his own. However, that was at the root of his and Kian’s main issue with Blake.

  He understood Blake had been independent for years prior to the three of them mating. Mason admired Blake’s strength, ambition, and determination to succeed in whatever the omega put his mind to, but there was a limit to it. Blake didn’t seem to get the memo that he and Kian were only trying to be helpful when they did something for the omega. Blake could get worked up in an instant, so Mason and Kian would just stay quiet while the omega ranted at them.

  Mason didn’t want to argue with Blake, fearing the omega’s health would suffer. Mason didn’t think he could survive losing Blake. It would probably kill him inside. Once he was certain Blake was sleeping peacefully on their bed, he heaved out a sigh and went to the diner for an hour to check on things. Mason and his mates would soon be adding three babies to their home. He had to earn plenty of money to keep them all fed and clothed. After all, one baby was expensive enough. As one of the alphas in the house, it was his duty to make sure their financial situation stayed sound.

  “Mase!”

  He turned to Anthony in surprise, smiling at the alpha. “Hey, Tony. What’s up? Not working today?”

  “I own the business with James. He’s there right now. Alan is helping out as well.”

  “That’s awesome. So, what are you doing here? Not that I mind. It’s rare to see you at the diner on a weekday afternoon.”

  “Just want to tell you the good news that James, Alan, and I have finally done it.”

  “What?” Mason was bewildered for a few seconds before he understood what Anthony was talking about. “Oh! Congratulations!”

  “Thank you. James and I owe it to Blake, though. Alan told us Blake was the one who convinced him to give us a chance. The three of us mated last night.”

  Mason felt a glowing sense of pride at his incredible omega. “That’s amazing. I’ll be sure to tell Blake about it later. He’s asleep at the moment.”

  Anthony grinned at him. “Tire him out, eh?”

  He rolled his eyes. “Get your mind out of the gutter, man. It’s not sex. Not that Kee and I have any complaints about that. A pregnant omega’s sex drive is through the roof. My dick is hurting so much right now, I’ll be thankful if Blake loses interest in any kind of sex for the next two, three days.”

  Anthony whistled. “Damn! You and Kee are living the dream.”

  Mason snorted. “Wait until Alan is pregnant with your first child. You’ll be singing a different tune when he becomes insatiable for your dick.”

  “I don’t think there’s anything terrible about that. I love sex. In fact, all alphas love sex, preferably lots and lots of it.”

  “Not when Blake insists on riding me six, seven times throughout the night every night for the past two weeks.”

  “You can share the burden with Kian.”

  “You’re not listening, man. Six, seven times with me in addition to the same for Kian.”

  Anthony’s eyes widened in shock. “Is Blake in heat?”

  “No! If he was going through that, his omega pheromones would have given me and Kee the boost we’d need to slide into our alpha ruts. Then, we would have no problem matching Blake load for load.”

  “Holy shit! Now I can’t wait for Alan to get pregnant.”

  “Best of luck with that,” Mason said. “Just don’t say I didn’t warn you. Why do you think I’m walking with a bit of a limp right now? My fucking dick hurts like hell.”

  “I wish I had your problem, man.”

  “No, you don’t,” Mason scoffed while Anthony chortled. “Anyway, why aren’t you with your mates? I’m an alpha, too. I know how rough it gets to leave your mates, especially when the bond is so fresh.”

  “It is,” Anthony admitted. “But I don’t want to tell you this on the phone. I want to share the news in person. I could have waited until the bond between James, Alan, and me settled, but I’m too excited.”

  “Cool. The three of you should come over next week. We can grill in the backyard or something. We have so much to celebrate. I also need to talk to Alan.”

  Anthony glared at Mason. “What about?”

  He mock-punched Anthony. “Cool it, man. I’m not going to harm or poach on your omega. I have my own mates.”

  Anthony gave him a sheepish smile. “Sorry, Mase. My instincts are going haywire at the moment.”

  “It’s fine. I get it. Anyway, I need Alan to be my tax consultant. The one I have now is excellent, but she’ll be moving to Europe with her alphas by the end of next month.”

  “Give Alan a call then. I’m sure he’ll be delighted to add your diner to his client list.”

  “I will.”

  There were a few seconds of silence before Anthony said, “Blake’s still fighting you all the way? The last time you and I chatted three weeks ago, he was driving you up the wall.”

  “Yeah. I love Blake, but he’s as obstinate as a mule. He insists on sitting in front of his laptop to design those websites and continue with his translation jobs even though I�
��ve been telling him he needs to cut down on the number of jobs he takes on. Kee and I are worried about his health. He’s almost thirty weeks pregnant now.”

  “Blake is an independent omega, much like Alan.”

  “I know, and I’m aware that babies are expensive. That’s the reason why Kee and I work so damn hard. Blake insists on contributing. I feel like a failure of an alpha. I can provide for my mates and babies just fine.”

  “Uh oh. I hope you didn’t tell Blake that.”

  Mason blushed and Anthony burst out laughing.

  “Holy shit on a fucking stick! You did, didn’t you? Oh, man! I wish I could have seen Blake tear you a new asshole for that.”

  Mason chuckled and nodded. “Blake was livid.”

  “I bet. I met Blake through James long before you three got together. Blake won’t appreciate being treated like a weak omega who needs to be taken care of by his alphas. You’re lucky he hasn’t chopped your head off for that remark.”

  “True,” Mason conceded. “Anyway, there’s something I’ve always been curious about. Blake is a very beautiful omega. Why didn’t you and James go after him?”

  “He’s gorgeous, but he and I don’t have the chemistry between us. Besides, I was too focused on James back then. As for James, he once told me Blake is like a brother to him.”

  “Great.”

  Anthony snickered. “Feeling a little insecure?”

  Mason gave Anthony both his middle fingers and scowled. “As if. Blake would never go for your sorry ass and tiny dick.”

  “But at least it’s way bigger than yours.”

  He and Anthony burst out laughing after that. Anthony stayed for another few minutes before leaving the diner. Mason didn’t get to read many of the documents in his office before he had to return to the house to check on Blake, but he was glad Anthony had stopped by for a short visit. Their conversation helped him to relax a bit more. He didn’t feel as stressed out as he had been earlier. He was looking forward to the birth of his babies. The doctor had scheduled a C-section in six weeks’ time. He had to wait for more than a month before he could hold the babies in his arms. He didn’t expect fate to have a different plan in mind.

  Chapter 15

  Blake grunted in pain. He was certain something was going on with his babies. The doctor had told him he had to keep the babies in him for as long as possible. That was the reason why the C-section was scheduled for the thirty-sixth week. He should have been able to hold off for another week. Then again, he was aware that most triplets were birthed in their thirty-fourth week. He tried to remain calm as he shook the two alphas on either side of him to get them to wake up. Mason and Kian scrambled up in an instant. Blake attempted to quell his internal panic, but he failed to do so. The pain was overwhelming him. He could smell his own pheromones leaking out, so he was certain that the alphas could detect them, too.

  “Baby, what is it?” Kian inquired while rubbing his stomach in a comforting manner. “Are the babies kicking you too much?”

  He suppressed the temptation to roll his eyes in annoyance. “They started doing that in their twenty-fifth week, alpha. You and Mase haven’t stopped whispering to them while pressing your ears to my stomach for weeks now. This is…holy shitty hell! Fuck! Oh, crap. It…it hurts.”

  Mason stared at him in shock. “What…what should we do?”

  “Call the doctor, alpha,” he half-yelled at Mason as he panted through another contraction.

  He ignored his alphas, who were running around and grabbing all the bags they’d prepared weeks earlier. He glanced at the clock on the bedside table before turning toward Mason, who was talking to the doctor on the phone. It was almost six in the morning. He sighed and did his best to calm down.

  He should have told the alphas to drive him to the hospital the previous evening when he felt signs of contractions, but he thought he had imagined them. He didn’t want to cry, but he was terrified something might happen to his babies. He loved them already, and he didn’t think he could survive losing them. Maybe he was being irrational, but he was in too much pain to think clearly.

  Ten minutes later, he was thankful to reach the first floor of the house. It took longer than normal for him to put on a shirt amid the periodic contractions, not to mention the heaviness of the babies inside his womb. He wondered if pregnant women felt the same way he did when they were ready to give birth. After all, women and omega males had that one thing in common, which was a womb. The only difference was the women’s ability to have natural birth, while a pregnant omega male had to undergo a C-section to get the babies out into the world.

  It was a random thought, but it distracted him from thinking about possibly losing his babies. He didn’t like that thought at all, but he couldn’t control himself. He was sweating like crazy as he caught his breath. Mason left him alone with Kian in order to get the car from the garage. Getting into the car in his present condition was a chore, but he managed with some difficulties. He could smell the sour odor of his alphas, especially Kian, who was seated right next to him. He knew they were worried, but the stench of their fear would amplify his own.

  “Sweetheart, are you okay?”

  He nodded at Mason, who was looking at him through the rearview mirror. “Just…just drive a little faster, alpha. Please.”

  “Of course.”

  “Alphas, the two of you have to try to calm…oh, shit!” he shouted when the pain hit him again. He huffed and puffed as he regulated his breathing to the best of his ability. “Don’t…don’t be frightened, alphas. You’re…you’re both releasing an overpowering odor. Your anxiety isn’t…isn’t helping me at all.”

  The alphas didn’t respond verbally, but within minutes, he was able to breathe better. He could detect the normal scents of his alphas once again. They helped to ease his nervousness. For the remainder of the journey to the hospital, he was bombarded with multiple contractions, but Kian continued to kiss his forehead and whisper soothing words in his right ear. He squeezed his alpha’s hand and thigh whenever the pain overwhelmed him.

  In all honesty, he had no idea when they reached the hospital. All he was aware of was the immense relief he felt at the sight of his doctor. He didn’t even know when he was wheeled into the operating room, but he heard his alphas screaming outside the room. He was informed the alphas weren’t permitted entry into the room because it was highly likely they’d go feral when he was cut open for the C-section, which would put him, the babies, the nurses, and the doctor in danger.

  Fortunately, his alphas stopped shouting after a minute or so. His heart beat faster and harder when the IV was placed in his arm because he’d soon be meeting his babies face-to-face. Then there was the epidural to numb the lower half of his body. Time passed in slow motion after that. He didn’t know how many minutes drifted by as the doctor and nurses performed the C-section, but he lay his head down and attempted not to think about the blood or the fact that his stomach was sliced open.

  He couldn’t deny he was more than a little scared, but he had faith in the doctor and nurses. All his fears disappeared when his first child was placed in his arms after the baby had been cleaned up. He sobbed as he placed a gentle kiss on the baby’s forehead before rubbing his nose tenderly against his son’s cheeks. He repeated the same scent-marking process with his two other sons. He was still carrying his third child in his arms when Kian and Mason rushed into the room.

  “Baby.”

  “Sweetheart.”

  “Hello, alphas.”

  The alphas were about to approach him and the baby when two nurses gave one son each to the alphas. Blake smiled and cried while watching his alphas nuzzling and kissing the babies in their arms. He was delighted when Kian and Mason approached and stood on either side of him.

  “What are we naming them?” Mason asked. “Are we still in agreement with Patrick for the oldest, Alexander and then Carter for the youngest?”

  Blake grinned at Kian. “Sure. Kee, we should also tell him
now.”

  Mason stared at Kian and Blake in confusion. “Tell me what?”

  “I don’t have any siblings, but I have plenty of cousins to carry on the family’s name,” Kian said.

  “So do I,” Blake added. “But, Mase, your parents are all only children as well. You have no cousins to continue your family’s name.”

  “Blake and I agreed a few days ago that the babies will all take on your last name instead of ours.”

  Mason gaped at them. “But…are you sure?”

  Blake nodded. “Yes, alpha. In fact, Kian and I will also change our last names to yours. It doesn’t matter who the winning sperm belongs to. The three of us are going to be their fathers, so we will register our family as the Armstrongs.”

  “Thank you, guys. I really appreciate it.”

  “You’re welcome,” Kian said. “Anyway, let’s swap. I want to hold one of my other sons. You can have the one in my arms.”

  It wasn’t easy for the alphas to transfer the babies between them, but they managed to do it in the end. Blake suppressed his amusement as he observed the alphas cooing at all three babies. He could tell how protective the alphas would be of their children. It was also obvious how difficult it was for both alphas to relinquish the triplets to the nurses several minutes later, but they agreed with plenty of reluctance after being reassured that the babies would be all right.

  Blake was put in a hospital room with two beds in it, but the other bed was empty. It was similar to having a single room of his own. The doctor visited him later to check on him and to tell him he would be given more pain medication later to take the edge off any post-surgical pain. In addition, he would be hospitalized for a minimum of two days. After that, the doctor would have to be certain Blake was healing before he could be discharged. The alphas stood on either side of his bed and kissed him briefly one at a time before thanking him.

  “What for?”

  “For blessing us with such beautiful babies,” Kian replied.

  “And for loving us,” Mason added.

  “Thank you, too, alphas.”