The pregnancy news was one of those unique times when Kieran didn't know what to do or what to say. There wasn't a plan for this. No course of action on how to proceed. Kieran liked to be prepared. He was not the sort to do something spontaneously and go along with the flow. But lately, everything he's been doing seemed to be random ever since he bought Teru.

But this...this was uncharted territory. Being a father was never a part of his life's bucket list. In fact, his siblings also did not care to have offspring, worried about being overthrown by their adult children.

Kieran stared at the ultrasound photo, wondering if it could be a mistake. Nope. There were definitely three fetuses that would grow into pups. He gave the picture to Teru, his brown eyes scanning the blobs individually. Through their mental connection, Kieran sensed overprotectiveness and love.

His maternal instincts have already kicked in.

It was natural for an omega, male or female, to feel an instant attachment to their pups. In an alpha's case, it was more like a feeling to preserve their future lineages; make the pack bigger and stronger. Sure, Kieran wanted to take care of the lives inside his stomach, but he was more concerned about Teru. How was he supposed to protect him when the potential threat was within him? As far as he knew, there's never been conception between a vampire and a human. If he'd known this was possible, he would've used a condom. What would this mean for his mate's body as the half-breeds developed? Would they be more human? More vampire?

Teru's sentiments were transferring into him via unseen link. The intense bonding between parent and the unborn blossomed in Kieran's heart, almost convincing him he was actually the mother. His mate was willing to die for his babies.

And that scared the hell out of Kieran, who would admittedly do the same for Teru if it came down to it.

"Brother," Charles whispered. "Do you mind if we talk?"

Teru didn't notice them walk to the opposite side of the room, too focused on purring at the photograph. They kept their voices low enough not to bother the elated omega.

"I want to see him every week to monitor the third fetus. Let's make it Saturday at 10 P.M. when the clinic is closed to avoid crowds and guards-"

"We can't," Kieran interrupted. That was a no-go. They had a plane to catch in two hours at the airport.

One of Charles's eyebrows disappeared into his hairline at the objection. "You...can't?"

"I have a reservation at Epsilon."

Epsilon (ε) was the codename for a commercial airline pilot, Emerson. The beta vampire had impeccable flying skills, using them during every war since the creation of airplanes. He had a great reputation with not only aristocrats but the average citizen, too.

The award-winning hero was secretly anti-King Abaddon. Emerson despised everything about the current world, preferring a human-dominated society. Only a few knew of his traitorous work and were tight-lipped within the rebellion circle, including Kieran and Charles. On rare occasions when the situation was safe to do so, he'd stow away trafficked humans and vampires, aiding them to off-the-grid parts of Avania and other countries to free them of their collars.

It wasn't easy to get in contact with the pilot. If you were lucky enough to make arrangements with him, the code phrase was 'I have a reservation at Epsilon' if anyone asked where they were headed to. It worked out well because there was a popular Greek casino restaurant with the same name. If someone didn't know of Emerson, they'd assume you meant having drunken fun at the slot machines at the New York version of Sin City.

Emerson was strict about his deadlines. If Kieran was late, he'd fly without them, no matter the urgency. That couldn't happen. They were running out of time. If they missed that flight, his stepfather would notice and place a tail on them to report their whereabouts. It was why the equinox event was perfect. Everyone was busy.

"A reservation," Charles scratched his head, knowing the reference and Kieran's objective. "While I understand, consider how this changes things. Male omegas have a weaker uterus than females, and Teru is pregnant with three. I can't even tell you the effects of carrying a half-breed. I would consider this high-risk with as much rest as possible. His physical and mental state is in question."

Kieran balled his fists tightly, digging his nails into his palms. Perhaps there was one city he could tell Emerson to take them to instead of the Rocky Mountains. It would be temporary. They would go to his cabin after the birth.

"We could hide at that place. According to the spies planted in their ranks, they have a hospital with similar, if not the same, equipment. A few of your doctor acquaintances who were banished ended up there."

The physician thought the idea wasn't so bad. "I suppose, but it's hazardous because Abaddon always sends troops to fight them. It's constant battle after battle in the outskirts. And you, Kieran, would be an enemy. They'd be ecstatic to have your decapitated head on a platter to display at their front gates."

No matter what they'd do, there'd always be risks. Kieran looked over at Teru. His mate was lying down on the ultrasound bed as happy as a clam, so innocent in his pink gown. The soon-to-be alpha father imagined him with his belly, round and swollen with pups, secure in a luxurious bed under piles of blankets. Kieran's fantasy wouldn't happen here with the royal family sniffing around.

As long as Teru could be with people that would take care of him if Kieran died, then so be it.

Charles sighed. "I know that look. You've already decided. Fine. Give me five minutes to gather a stock of folic acid vitamins for him before you go."

They were alone when the doctor left. Kieran took the rolling chair and sat next to the bed.

Teru pointed to a white blob. "Did you see this one?"

"I did."

His finger went to the second pearl. "What about her?"

Kieran examined the circle. At this stage, the sex couldn't be determined yet. "Her?"

"It's a girl. I feel like the first pup is also female, but I can't tell what the tiny one is."

Teru predicting the sex was cute. Sometimes, a mother was correct about whether it was a boy or girl, so who knew? Ah, before he'd forget, Kieran used his smartphone to take a snapshot of Teru. This moment should be remembered. After the flash, he gave the device to him so he could see the results.

"It's crooked," Teru commented. "And kinda fuzzy. Did you move your hand before it could capture it properly?"

"I wasn't moving."

"How did you get this bad quality then?"

"It isn't my fault," Kieran retorted.

"Can't you admit you're bad at technology?"

"No. Never."

Teru's genuine laugh echoed. The lighthearted sound was lovely. Kieran kissed his omega's temple, feeling so overprotective that it hurt. Screw what he thought earlier about accepting his fate if he were to die at the destination city. He would not go down without a fight. Strangers couldn't handle guarding humanity's last human omega and three pups of a new breed.

"You're anxious," Teru noticed, changing the mood. "Is it about me?"

He thinks I'm dissatisfied with the pregnancy.

"Yes, but not in the way you think. I'm worried about you and the trip. You need to be extra careful with your body."

Obviously, Teru had forgotten their plans. He sat up with widened eyes. "When are we leaving? Soon? We need to get our bags-"

The door to the ultrasound room slammed open. Charles dashed in while cursing, fumbling with the remote to turn on the television. Quinn had a troubled expression. Kieran stood as the screen lit up.

"Abaddon," Charles said, out of breath, "is talking about you. It's the finale of his announcements."

It was 12:15.