Chapter 410: Chapter 410

The days turned into weeks, and what had begun as quiet affection slowly evolved into a routine that bordered on full occupation.

Trevor’s protectiveness, which had once been subtle, a guiding hand behind Lucas’ back, a steadying presence in crowds, had grown into something far more persistent. If Lucas crossed the room, Trevor shadowed him. If he tried to carry anything heavier than a cup, Trevor appeared, somehow always within reach. Even Windstone had begun to adapt, moving with the discreet efficiency of a man accustomed to working around a watchful husband and his increasingly patient spouse.

At first, Lucas had tried to protest.

By the third week, he had given up and decided to treat it as a study in endurance.

Trevor called it being careful. Lucas called it being unbearable. Windstone, wisely, called it nothing at all.

One morning, when Lucas tried to pour his own coffee, Trevor took the pot from his hand. "Hot liquid," he said simply, like that explained everything.

Lucas gave him a long look. "You do realize I’ve survived this far without supervision?"

"That was before," Trevor said calmly, pouring the coffee himself.

"Before what? Civilization?"

Lucas sighed, half exasperated, half amused. "You can’t hover forever."

Trevor didn’t answer, only handed him the cup like a peace offering.

When Windstone entered the room a moment later, his expression betrayed nothing, though his tone carried the faint dryness of long experience. "Shall I begin including an extra cup at breakfast, sir, or will you continue sharing?"

Lucas nearly choked on his drink. Trevor didn’t even blink. "Just one is fine," he said smoothly. "Efficiency is important."

Windstone inclined his head in that quiet, knowing way of his and left the room before either of them could reply.

By the end of February, the city was beginning to thaw. The snow that had blanketed the estate for months finally started to retreat, leaving patches of dark grass and early blooms along the drive. Lucas’s belly had rounded fully by then, his movements slower but steady. The calm that had settled over their winter retreat now carried a faint hum of anticipation, something close to waiting.

When the next medical appointment arrived, Trevor went with him, of course. There was never a question of it.

The doctor’s office was modern and warmly lit, a quiet space with framed photographs of newborns on the walls and the soft hum of background monitors filling the air. The physician, Dr. Elaine Marin, greeted them with an easy smile and a practiced calm, clearly familiar with expectant couples where one partner hovered too closely for comfort.

"Good to see you both again," she said, glancing at the chart. "Everything looks excellent so far. Weight stable, blood pressure slightly higher than last time, but still within the normal range."

Lucas nodded, relaxing slightly as she adjusted the ultrasound probe. The faint, rhythmic thud of the baby’s heartbeat filled the room. Trevor’s grip on his hand tightened instinctively.

"Strong and steady," Dr. Marin said with a smile. "Your baby seems to be in perfect health. But as we approach the final month, I’d like to talk about delivery options."

Trevor’s expression sharpened immediately. "What kind of options?"

Dr. Marin turned the monitor slightly toward them. "As you know, male omegas have a higher risk of hemorrhage during natural labor due to limited elasticity in the reproductive tract. It isn’t rare, but statistically, the risk is significant enough that most medical associations recommend a scheduled cesarean section for first births."

Lucas’s brows furrowed slightly. "You’re saying I shouldn’t try natural delivery?"

"I’m saying we’d prefer to avoid unnecessary complications," she explained gently. "C-section births are safer for omega carriers, especially in first pregnancies. It allows us to control blood loss and minimize strain on internal tissue. You’d be under spinal anesthesia, awake but comfortable, and we’d keep you for at least three days afterward to monitor your recovery."

Trevor’s thumb brushed slowly over the back of Lucas’s hand. "And afterward?" he asked.

"You’ll need rest," Dr. Marin said. "Limited movement for the first week, no bending, no lifting anything heavier than the baby. You’ll have dissolvable sutures, mild pain medication for five to seven days, and we’ll schedule home visits to check the incision. After two weeks, light movement is fine. Full recovery usually takes four to six."

Lucas nodded slowly. "And if I do insist on natural birth?"

Dr. Marin didn’t hesitate. "Then we prepare for a possible emergency C-section anyway. I wouldn’t recommend it. The data’s clear, and your vitals suggest the procedure will be straightforward."

He hesitated, then smiled faintly. "So, surgery it is."

Trevor’s jaw tensed, but his tone stayed measured. "You’re certain it’s safe?"

"As safe as childbirth gets," she said reassuringly. "We’ll schedule the date once your next scan confirms the baby’s position. You’re both doing well, so I see no cause for concern."

Lucas exhaled slowly, watching the faint shape on the monitor. "And recovery... aftercare?"

Dr. Marin smiled. "You’ll need patience and someone willing to help with absolutely everything for a while. Meals, movement, and sleep support. I assume you won’t have trouble finding a volunteer."

Lucas’s gaze flicked toward Trevor. "Oh, I already have one. He’s unionized with the rest of the staff."

Trevor didn’t look away from the screen. "He’s effective."

Dr. Marin’s lips curved. "Good. Then we’ll plan for a controlled delivery in about four weeks. I’ll have my assistant send you the pre-op list, diet adjustments, packing instructions, and a few forms to sign."

When they left the clinic, the air outside felt crisp and faintly sweet, the kind of cold that hinted at spring. Trevor opened the car door for him, waited until Lucas was settled, then adjusted his seatbelt a second time just to be sure. Dıscover more novels at NoveI~Fire.net

Lucas watched him in silence for a moment before saying, with that familiar, quiet amusement, "You know, I think Dr. Marin meant it as a joke when she said I’d need help with everything."

Trevor shut the door carefully. "I wasn’t laughing."

As the car pulled away from the curb, Lucas rested a hand over his stomach, the faintest smile touching his mouth. "You’re going to be unbearable when he’s born, aren’t you?"

Trevor’s hand found his knee and caressed it warmly. "I already am," he said simply.

Lucas didn’t disagree.