chapter 61

A subtle pressure, distinct from the baby's usual vigorous movements, tightened around Liam's lower abdomen. He gasped, a soft, involuntary sound, his eyes snapping open in the dim light of their new master suite. His hand instinctively went to his belly, feeling the hard curve beneath his palm. It wasn't just the baby dropping. This was different.

This was it.

"Elijah," he whispered, his voice a little shaky, a thrill of awe mixing with a surge of nervousness. His Omega instincts, sharp and primal, hummed with recognition.

Elijah stirred immediately, his Alpha senses acutely aware of the shift in his mate. He was awake in an instant, pulling Liam closer, his hand finding Liam's. "What is it, love? Are you alright?" His voice was calm, but Liam felt the immediate alertness in his body, his muscles tensing, ready.

Another contraction rippled through Liam, a low ache that intensified, then softened. He breathed through it, the techniques from their birthing classes already clicking into place. "I think… I think it's time," Liam managed, a small, breathless laugh escaping him. "The baby. It's coming."

Elijah's eyes, dark and intense in the dim light, locked onto Liam's. His face was a mask of fierce focus, instantly taking charge. He pulled his phone from the bedside table. "I'm calling Dr. Reed. You focus on breathing, my love. We're ready for this."

Dr. Reed's calm, professional voice on the other end gave precise instructions for early labor. Elijah, speaking in clipped, efficient tones, relayed Liam's symptoms, the timing of the contractions, the sensation of the baby having dropped fully. He ended the call, his gaze returning to Liam, unwavering. "She says we're right on schedule. Take your time. We'll head to the birthing suite when you feel ready for the change of scenery."

Their birthing suite, a meticulously prepared haven, was located within a discreet, high-security wing of Elijah's private medical facility, miles away from any public hospital. It boasted state-of-the-art equipment seamlessly integrated into a luxurious, calming environment. Every detail, from the soft lighting to the specially designed birthing tub, was designed for Liam's comfort and the baby's safety. Marcus and the security team were already discreetly alerted, ensuring absolute privacy and protection for the impending birth. No one but their trusted team would know.

The most tender, yet difficult, task was preparing Maya. In the quiet predawn hours, Elijah and Liam gently woke her.

"Sweet pea," Elijah began, his voice soft, "Mommy Liam is going to bring your baby brother or sister very, very soon. We're going to go to a special place, just Mommy Liam and Daddy, to help the baby come."

Liam knelt, pulling Maya into a tight hug. "Grandma is coming to stay with you, sweetheart," he murmured, pressing a kiss to her hair. "You'll be a wonderful big sister, helping Grandma until we bring your new baby home." Maya's eyes, wide with a mix of sleepiness and excitement, nodded. Marcus, silent and reassuring, arrived minutes later to take her to Liam's mother's facility, ensuring she was safely cared for and blissfully unaware of the intensity of the hours ahead.

As the morning progressed, Liam's labor deepened. Contractions became stronger, more frequent, gripping his body with increasing intensity. He moved from walking the polished floors of the suite, to leaning against Elijah, then finally to the birthing tub, the warm water providing a measure of relief. He focused on the breathing techniques Dr. Reed had taught them, his body working with ancient Omega instincts, preparing for the profound act of creation.

Elijah was Liam's constant anchor, his Alpha presence a powerful, unwavering force. He held Liam's hand through every surge of pain, his thumb rubbing soothing circles on Liam's knuckles. He murmured words of encouragement, wiped Liam's brow with a cool cloth, and reminded him to breathe, his voice a steady, calming presence. The raw intensity of labor stripped away all pretense, deepening their intimacy to a profound, visceral level. Shared pain, shared anticipation, shared vulnerability—their mate bond solidified with every shared breath, every grunt of effort. Liam leaned entirely on Elijah's strength, his Omega trusting his Alpha implicitly, finding boundless power in his mate's unwavering support.

Finally, they arrived at the birthing suite. Dr. Reed and her small, highly skilled medical team were ready, their faces calm and professional. Liam was gently settled into the spacious birthing bed, final checks made. He looked at Elijah, his eyes wide with a profound mix of fear, hope, and overwhelming anticipation. The sounds of labor, once a distant hum, now filled the room, signaling the imminent arrival of their new life. The threshold had been reached.