The Magnificent 7th

As the days passed, Chimera became acutely aware of Aliana's condition. He scrutinized her health with his piercing pink gaze, making sure that she was well all the while. After her first pregnancy, it was always a worry that something might go wrong. That worry itself brought a war about in Chimera's mind. He loved having his women round and loved being surrounded by his children, but he had enough of them now. Whoever Aliana brought into the world, they would be his last.

Being so attentive to his mate kept the brute from sleep, so of course, when he was actually able to sleep, he slept like the dead. The clouded woman jostled him and Chimera inhaled audibly, sucking the first breath of wakefulness into his lungs. His toes stretched and flexed and it took him a moment to sort out the muddled words that he'd heard. The brutes blocky skull shook and he blinked a few times, willing his eye to focus. After a few moments, it all came together. It was time.

Rising from his place beside her, Chimera nuzzled into Aliana's snowy cheek, then moved to grab the supplies that they'd set apart for the birth. He brought them within reach of the expectant mother then moved to settle beside her once more, giving her something sturdy to lean against. Again he nosed into her, this time the top of her crown. "Would you like me to call Siren or Dalila?" If she wanted to do this on her own, he would support her decision as the pregnancy had gone well, but he would also wake one of the others if she required.

"Chimera & Aliana"