by Olivia Black
“Hello,” Dennis said.
“Congratulations, Dennis,” Gru said.
Dennis placed both of his hands on his belly. “Thank you.”
“Would you like to join us?” Gogrek asked.
“Are you sure you don’t mind?” Gru questioned.
“There’s plenty of room in our section,” the male said. “Besides, I think that Dennis would enjoy spending more time with Eric.”
Dennis looked up at his mate and nodded. He definitely wanted to spend more time with Eric. They had a lot of catching up to do.
Without speaking, Gogrek, Gru, Khaun, and Finn created a tight circle around Dennis and Eric. It felt like a protective bubble. As a group, they walked into the stadium and went to their sitting area in front by the field.
“Wow,” Eric said, glancing around. “You’ve got great seats.”
“My other mate, Ragnon, is on the team.”
“That’s so cool.” Eric sounded impressed.
“Yeah,” Dennis agreed. Ragnon was quite impressive.
While the males took their seats, Dennis stood by the short wall. He scanned the field, searching for Ragnon. As soon as their eyes met, Ragnon jogged across the field. When Ragnon reached him, the male kissed Dennis’s belly first and then planted a brief kiss on Dennis’s lips.
“How are you feeling?” Ragnon asked.
“I’m good.”
Ragnon smiled. “I’m glad you’re here.”
“Be careful out there,” Dennis told him. He reached out and grasped Ragnon’s hand. “I don’t want you to get hurt.”
“Don’t worry, pet,” Ragnon said. “It’s just a game.”
Dennis sighed. “I’ll try to keep that in mind.”
“Make sure our mate stays in his seat,” Ragnon told Gogrek. “He’s not in any condition to jump over the barrier.”
Gogrek laughed. “Don’t worry, brother. He’s not getting away from me this time.”
Ragnon lifted Dennis’s hand and kissed his knuckles. Then the male turned on his heel and jogged back to his team.
Gogrek stacked a few pads for Dennis. When he sat down, the male placed a pillow on either side of him.
“Are you comfortable?”
“How could I not be when you’re here taking care of me?”
Gogrek grinned.
“You jumped over the barrier?” Eric asked, clearly surprised.
Dennis nodded. It had been his first and last time watching Ragnon play. Since then, Dennis had been too nervous about attending another game, afraid that he might overreact.
“Ragnon got injured. I was so worried about him that I didn’t even think. I just jumped over the barrier and ran across the field.”
“I guess it’s safe to say that you love your mates.”
“I didn’t even know it was possible to be this happy.”
“I remember when we first arrived, you were really scared. But it looks as though things have changed. You belong here.”
Dennis had been terrified. He didn’t know anything about Noglion or the people, and he was a virgin. Saying goodbye to the only other person he knew had made things a lot worse. That day, Dennis wasn’t sure he’d made the right decision to leave Earth. Now, though, Dennis couldn’t imagine his life without Gogrek and Ragnon. Dennis was happier than he’d ever been in his entire life.
“It was fate that got me transferred to the Noglion starship.”
Eric nodded as if he agreed with Dennis’s statement.
“How far along are you?” Eric asked, changing the subject.
“A little over three months.”
Eric’s eyes widened, dropping down to Dennis’s belly. The other man looked utterly shocked. Dennis couldn’t blame him for the reaction. By human standards, Dennis looked as though he were ready to give birth at any moment.
“What about you?”
“I just found out the other day.” Eric lifted his shirt, showing Dennis the scales around his belly button. “When these appeared, I was scared to death. I didn’t know what was happening to me.”
Dennis chuckled. He told Eric he’d had a similar reaction.
A horn blared, echoing around the stadium. Dennis turned his attention toward the field and watched as the players took their positions. He found Ragnon and stared at the male’s scaled-covered muscles in awe. Ragnon really was a god among the others. When another horn sounded, the game was on. Like before, the players met in the center of the field, and violence followed as each male tried to get ahold of the disk.
This game seemed livelier than Dennis remembered, and the crowd was rowdy. They sang, cheered, and chanted. Eric jumped up, joining in the festivities, and Dennis started laughing. He moved to get up, and Gogrek helped him to his feet. Dennis danced and sang. After a while, he took a seat beside Gogrek, trying to catch his breath. Gogrek handed Dennis a mug filled with water, and he downed the contents in several big gulps. For the rest of the evening, they had fun, eating and drinking.
As the night wore on, the game got more intense. Everyone, the players and fans, were on edge. Dennis felt it too. He leaned forward, watching each play. The clock was ticking down, and the next team to score would win.
Finally, Ragnon got the disk. He started to run but was tackled. Ragnon hit the hard, unforgiving surface with a loud thud. Dennis gasped and turned his head, afraid to look. He grabbed Gogrek’s hand and squeezed, needing the support.
“He’s okay, love,” Gogrek said.
Dennis blew out a breath and looked back. Bloody, Ragnon was back on his feet, running beside his teammate. They worked together, making their way to the other team’s goal. Ragnon used his size and muscles to block the other players while the team captain, Rhon Kryq'yx, threw the disk. Score!
The entire stadium erupted into chaos. Ragnon and Rhon both rejoiced. They jumped in the air and hit their chest together in triumph, and then, they ran around the field, hugging their teammates. Dennis laughed as he clapped. He was really proud of Ragnon. The male was a fierce competitor.
Feeling exhausted after the long day, Dennis covered his mouth as he yawned.
“I think we should call it a night.”
Dennis sighed. “The baby is making me tired.”
“I know, love.” Gogrek rubbed Dennis’s belly, his hand moving in a circular motion.
“I don’t want to go home without Ragnon.”
Gogrek nodded. “We’ll wait for him.”
Dennis said goodbye to Eric and his mates. They promised to get together and share a meal.
Spending time with Eric was a lot of fun, but more than anything else, Dennis wanted to be with his mates.
When the stadium was almost empty, Ragnon joined them. He jumped over the barrier and wrapped his arms around Dennis and hugged him.
“I love you.”
“I love you, too.”
Together, the three of them left the stadium and went home.
Chapter Eighteen
Dennis was taking a bath when he noticed a few scales floating in the water. Standing up, Dennis ran a hand over his extended belly, and the scales came off, covering his palm. The scales that were supposed to be protecting the baby were flaking off. Trying not to panic, Dennis got out of the bathing pool and went in search of Ragnon. As soon as he spotted the male, Dennis held up his hand, showing him the scales.
Ragnon jumped to his feet. “It’s time,” he said.
“Time for what?” Dennis asked, trying to stay calm.
“The baby,” Ragnon told him. “He’s ready to be born.”
Dennis arched a brow. “He’s ready?”
Ragnon nodded. “When the scales are no longer needed to protect your stomach, the baby is ready to be born.”
“But it hasn’t been five months,” Dennis protested.
“I’m sorry, pet,” Ragnon said. “We need to go.”
Spinning around, Dennis strode down the hallway. He quickly dried off, grabbed a pair of loose-fitting pants and a shirt, and got dressed. As s
oon as he was finished, Dennis met Ragnon back in the main living area.
“Gogrek will meet us at the medical facility.”
Dennis took a deep breath, slowly inhaling and exhaling. Fear warred with excitement, making his stomach churn. Would the baby be okay? Would Dennis make it through the surgery?
“Stop.” Ragnon’s stern voice interrupted Dennis’s train of thought.
He glanced up at the male and gave a shaky smile.
“I don’t want you to worry. Both of you are going to be fine.”
“I know…it’s just…”
Before Dennis could finish, Ragnon picked him up and cradled him against his chest. “Don’t say it. Everything is going to be okay.”
Dennis sighed and nodded. He relaxed in Ragnon’s arms, allowing the male to carry him to medical. When they reached the facility, Rhad and a small group of doctors were waiting for them.
“Are you ready?”
Dennis shrugged his shoulders. “I guess so.”
“Ragnon, why don’t you put him down here.” Rhad motioned to a gurney. “We’ll take him back. The surgical room is ready.”
When Ragnon put Dennis down, Dennis started feeling nervous. Taking a deep breath, Dennis tried to calm his nerves.
“It’s okay,” Rhad said. “Soon, you’ll be holding your son.”
I’ll be holding my son soon. Dennis smiled. He placed a hand on his belly. Dennis was really looking forward to seeing his son.
“Ragnon, we’re going to take Dennis to the surgical room now,” Rhad said. “When Gogrek arrives, you two can wait in the recovery room we set up for Dennis. The surgery won’t take long.”
“We’ll see you soon,” Ragnon told him. “Gogrek and I will be waiting for you.”
“Okay.”
“Wait!” Gogrek rushed in, breathless. The male panted as he made his way to Dennis’s side. “I love you.”
“I love you, too.”
The male kissed Dennis. “We’ll be waiting for you.”
Dennis nodded.
Rhad pushed the gurney through the medical facility, and the other doctors trailed behind them. Dennis stared up at the ceiling, his eyes moving over the uneven surface. When they reached the surgical room, the gurney stopped. Rhad held up a device so Dennis could see.
“This medication is going to put you to sleep. You won’t feel any pain. When you wake up, your son will be born.” The male pressed the device against Dennis’s arm and injected him.
The room spun, and Dennis closed his eyes, passing out.
Dennis woke up, slowly. He felt numb, as if his entire body were floating on a cloud. Groaning, he shifted, testing his muscles. When Dennis opened his eyes, he was greeted by a hospital room. It took a moment for the fog to clear from Dennis’s mind for him to remember that he had undergone surgery.
Glancing around, Dennis saw both of his mates sleeping on the floor. Dennis sighed. It was a relief to have Gogrek and Ragnon so close. When a sharp, little cry pierced the silence of the room, Dennis jerked upright, suddenly wide awake and alert. That was when Dennis noticed the small bassinet beside his bed.
“He’s hungry,” Ragnon said, standing up.
“He’s been waiting for you to wake up,” Gogrek added.
“I’m sorry I slept so long.”
Gogrek chuckled. “I’m just teasing, love.”
“Don’t worry.” Ragnon picked up the baby. “He’s fine.”
“Oh my God,” Dennis whispered.
He couldn’t take his eyes off the little bundle in his mate’s arms. Ragnon leaned down, and Dennis took his son. The baby looked like a Noglion. His little body was covered in brown-toned scales, and his eyes were yellow, although he did have some of Dennis’s facial features—a straight nose and bow-shaped lips. Leaning down, Dennis kissed the baby’s chubby cheeks.
“He’s so beautiful,” Dennis said in awe.
Gogrek handed Dennis a bottle, and the little guy started eating as if he were starving.
“What should we name him?” Gogrek asked.
“I don’t know.” As Dennis looked at his son, none of the names they had discussed seemed to do their son any justice.
“Why don’t we name him after one of the gods?” Ragnon suggested. “There’s Rilous, the god of beauty, Zureus the god of fertility, Enion the god of freedom, and…”
“Enion,” Dennis murmured, interrupting Ragnon’s list. “Let’s name him Enion.” The name was right for so many reasons.
When the bottle was empty, the baby yawned and closed his eyes. Dennis stared at Enion, unable to take his eyes off the baby.
Glancing up, Dennis said, “I love you both so much.”
“I love you, pet.” Gogrek leaned down and placed a kiss on Dennis’s forehead.
“I love you, too,” Ragnon said.
There was a knock on the door before it slid open. Rhad stepped into the room and asked, “How are you feeling?”
“I’m good,” Dennis told him.
Dennis felt great. He had his baby and both of his mates. Everything was perfect.
“Would you mind having some visitors?”
“Uh…sure,” Dennis said. “That’s fine.”
Ragnon reached down and took Enion. The male put their sleeping baby in the bassinet. Then Rhad opened the door, and a group of males walked in, and they went straight to the bassinet.
Dennis couldn’t believe how many people wanted to see Enion. Throughout the day, Noglions came to get a look at him. Some of the males smiled down at Enion, staring at the baby as if he were an amazing treasure while others made cooing and hissing sounds. It seemed that news of Enion’s birth had spread all over the planet. Dennis had to admit that he was a bit surprised by all the attention. Then again, a baby born from a non-Noglion was rare, and it seemed as though everyone was curious and wanted to get a look at him.
“Okay, everyone, it’s time to leave,” Rhad finally announced, ushering out their visitors. “It’s time to give the family some alone time, and Dennis and Enion need to rest.”
Dennis sighed in relief. He was exhausted.
“I’m going to take Enion out for a little while,” Rhad told them. “I want to take some blood and run a few tests.”
Dennis looked at the bassinet and frowned. He didn’t really want Rhad to take Enion out of his room. Dennis didn’t want to be away from Enion, not even for a second.
“Don’t worry.” The doctor smiled. “I’ll bring him right back.”
Reluctantly, Dennis agreed. “Okay.”
Dennis watched Rhad wheel the bassinet out of the hospital room.
“You look tired,” Ragnon said. The male leaned down and kissed Dennis on the forehead. “You should get some sleep.”
Dennis nodded in agreement as he yawned.
“While you rest, I’m going to meet our fathers in the flight bay,” Ragnon told him. “I won’t be long.”
“Okay.”
“And I’ll go and get you something to eat. I’m sure you’re starved. But don’t worry. I’ll be back before you wake up,” Gogrek said.
Dennis’s stomach growled, signaling that he hadn’t eaten in a while. “Sounds good.”
After Gogrek and Ragnon left, Dennis closed his eyes and fell asleep. A while later, the sound of an alarm woke Dennis. Opening his eyes, he sat up and glanced around. The room was empty. Loud shouts and heavy footfalls drew Dennis’s attention, and he climbed out of bed and walked out of his room. As soon as he stepped over the threshold, Dennis realized that something serious had happened. The medical personnel were running around, frantic. As soon as Rhad spotted Dennis, the doctor’s eyes widened.
“What’s going on?” Dennis asked cautiously.
“Where are your mates?” he asked, glancing around as if searching for Ragnon and Gogrek.
“Ragnon went to meet his fathers, and Gogrek went to get some food. Why? What’s going on?”
“The baby…”
Dennis’s heart started pounding frantically. �
��Where’s my baby?” he asked, trying not to panic.
“He’s…we had just finished running tests…I only stepped away for a moment…” Rhad paused. The doctor stared at Dennis for several seconds before finally saying, “Someone took him.”
Dennis stumbled back as though he’d been hit. If it hadn’t been for Rhad’s quick thinking, Dennis would’ve ended up on the floor.
“It’s going to be okay, Dennis,” he said. “The entire hospital is on alert, and I sent a message to the king. Soon, everyone on Noglion will be searching for Enion.”
Dennis just stared at Rhad, unable to speak. He couldn’t seem to form any words. As reality began to sink in, Dennis started crying. Someone took my baby. Dennis felt sick to his stomach, and he felt as though he might pass out.
“Ragnon!” Dennis shouted as soon as he saw his mate. Using every bit of his strength, Dennis stood on his own feet.
“What’s wrong?” The male rushed forward, clearly seeing Dennis’s distress. “What happened?”
Dennis immediately started crying. “Enion’s gone.”
“Gone?” Ragnon said the word as if he didn’t understand the meaning.
“Someone took him.”
Ragnon’s eyes flashed. The bright golden yellow color faded away, turning almost white. And he let out a series of loud hissing sounds. In an instant, Dennis knew he was facing a fierce warrior. Ragnon looked terrifying. If the male standing in front of Dennis hadn’t been Ragnon, he would’ve backed away.
“Protect Dennis,” Ragnon said to his fathers as he turned on his heel and started running.
“I’m going with you,” Bheilf shouted as he followed Ragnon.
Hokr wrapped a protective arm around Dennis. “It’s going to be okay,” he said. “They’ll find him.”
Hokr walked Dennis back into his hospital room. The male stopped beside the bed. “You need to get back in bed and rest. You had surgery. Your body needs to heal.”
Dennis wanted to argue with Hokr. He couldn’t simply sit down and rest while his son was in danger, but he didn’t. His body was sore, and his mind was a mess. Climbing into bed, Dennis leaned back. He took a few deep breaths. It’s going to be okay, Dennis told himself. They’re going to find Enion and bring him back to me safely. He had to believe that Enion would be okay because the alternative was too awful to even contemplate.
