chapter 59

The penthouse, once a fortress of quiet vigilance, now hummed with the vibrant energy of impending new life. Liam's pregnancy was undeniably visible, his abdomen a beautiful, gentle curve that grew steadily with each passing week.

Elijah, his Alpha pride radiating, often found his gaze drawn to the swelling bump, his hand instinctively reaching out to caress it, feeling the miracle unfolding beneath his palm.

The true magic began when the baby's first movements became distinct. What started as subtle flutters soon graduated to undeniable rolls and kicks, a tiny life asserting its presence. Liam would gasp, his eyes wide with wonder, and Elijah would immediately press his own ear or hand to Liam's stomach, waiting, breathless, for the profound joy of feeling their child's playful dance within his mate.

Regular prenatal visits with Dr. Reed confirmed healthy development, each ultrasound a cherished glimpse into the tiny, growing world within Liam. Liam's Omega connection to the baby deepened with every passing day, becoming intensely visceral and emotional. He would talk to the baby in soft murmurs, sing quiet lullabies, and anticipate its arrival with boundless, aching love. Elijah was equally engaged, talking to the bump, reading stories, his deep voice resonating through Liam's body, connecting with the precious life they nurtured.

Their days filled with the delightful chaos of nesting and preparing. The nursery, located in their new house (now nearing completion), became a shared project of immense joy. They spent hours poring over swatches, choosing soft greens and creams, selecting a crib that felt both sturdy and tender. Birthing classes, adapted for Omega parents, became a source of both invaluable information and tender, often humorous, shared moments.

They even began to subtly plan a very small, private baby celebration, inviting only Liam's mother, Maya, and a few close, vetted friends – a quiet acknowledgment of their discretion.

Liam's mother was a constant source of delight and wisdom, her eyes shining with joy during Liam's visits. She knitted tiny, intricate garments, her frail fingers weaving love into every stitch, sharing gentle advice from her own experience as an Omega parent. Maya, meanwhile, was brimming with excitement. She loved talking to Liam's bump, pressing her ear to it, convinced she could hear the baby laughing. Her crayon drawings now featured "Mommy Liam's big tummy" with a cheerful baby inside, and she meticulously helped choose items for the nursery, solidifying her role as a proud big sister in their expanding family.

With the new house nearing completion, Elijah and Liam began to have quiet, careful discussions about when and how they might eventually share their relationship and impending parenthood with the wider public. They acknowledged the potential scrutiny, the biases they might face, but their desire to live openly as a family, to truly claim their happiness, was paramount. It was a new, gentle layer of anticipation added to their lives.

The construction of their new house, a tangible manifestation of their dreams, was reaching its final stages. They would often walk through the finished (or near-finished) rooms, envisioning their life there, the laughter that would fill its halls.

The last lingering shadow of Naomi's malice was finally extinguished when the final legal judgment came down: her sentencing was severe, ensuring her permanent containment. A cold satisfaction settled over Elijah. The threat was definitively removed.

One peaceful evening, Liam lay curled against Elijah in their bed, Elijah's arm a comforting weight around his waist. The nursery plans lay open on the bedside table, a silent promise of tomorrow. Suddenly, Liam gasped, a soft, astonished sound.

"Elijah," he whispered, his voice trembling with profound wonder. "Did you feel that?"

Elijah immediately pressed his hand to Liam's stomach, his Alpha senses acutely attuned. Moments later, a distinct, powerful kick rippled beneath his palm, undeniable proof of the vibrant life within.

Elijah's breath hitched, a deep, primal groan escaping him. He looked at Liam, his eyes shining with profound love, awe, and immense anticipation for the baby's arrival