My Claimed Mermaid Queen

Chapter Eight

Alpha Nate

I lay in bed holding my sleeping, pregnant mate. I felt guilty about last night, but I’m trying to keep her safe. How her body was able to hold onto our baby, I will never know. She is stronger than any person I’ve ever met, but that doesn’t mean I want to risk her losing our child. I would never be able to forgive myself if anything happened to her and our child.

"My mother is here, whenever Ayla's ready," Xander linked me.

"She's still sleeping, but we'll be down soon," I replied, closing the link.

I looked down at my mate, sleeping peacefully with her head on my chest and an arm draped over my stomach. I didn't want to wake her, but we had to get on the road if we were leaving to see our families. I don't want to be on the road after nightfall. Too much was lurking in the dark.

"Baby," I whispered, moving down. She grumbled, before rolling over. I pulled her back, flush with my chest.

"I'm sorry, Baby, but Xander's mother is here, and we need to get on the road," I mumbled against her shoulder.

"Five more minutes," she pouted.

"I'm sure you will sleep in the car. Come on, we get to see our baby," I nuzzled her. She looked over her shoulder and I kissed her cheek.

"I guess that's a good reason to get out of bed. But it's their fault I'm so tired." She yawned.

"And you look as beautiful as ever," I smiled. She brought a hand up to my cheek.

"And you are so adorable, for a big bad alpha," she teased.

"Only for you, baby. Now, let's get ready."

By the time we made it down to the hospital wing, Ayla had packed for our trip as well. All I had to do was pick out the wrong stuff, and it got her up to put the correct things into the bag.

She was munching on an apple when we were greeted by Xander and his mother, Lorelei.

"Ayla, it's so good to see you," she wrapped my mate in a hug.

"Lorelei, thank you for coming," she hugged her back.

"I wouldn't miss this. I had a chance to discuss things with the other doctor. Come." She led us into a room, with Xander staying back in the waiting room.

I knew this must be hard for him, but at least he put away his feelings for her. He just wants to see her happy.

"I reviewed the ultrasound. Baby is growing fast. I would say you probably only have about seventeen weeks left if it stays consistent. I informed the doctor here that mermaids give birth in the water with dolphins. The water takes some of the pain and the dolphins make sure the mothers and babies are okay. We only intervene when it is the mother's second child. Things can be stressful, but we got the survival rate to ninety-five percent."

"Does that mean I should only have one child?" Ayla asked as I helped her to sit on the exam table. My stomach twisted painfully. I wasn't going to risk her life with more pregnancies. I'll get snipped if it means keeping her safe.

"Hopefully, that's not the case," Duke grumbled. It's not something that happens in the wolf community, but our situation is different.

"Ayla, I'm not going to lie to you. I don't know how any of this is possible. Mermaids don't just get pregnant unless they are claimed and under a full moon. And with the dates and the size of your baby, I know that wasn't the case. I know you may have many questions, but right now, we should just focus on keeping you and the baby healthy." She explained. Ayla nodded.

"Now, can I see the little bean?" Ayla agreed, and I helped her lay back while standing on the other side of the table like before.

"Alpha, do you have any questions?" Lorelei asked as she got Ayla ready.

"Nothing you can answer. I still don't understand how her body didn't let go after everything she had been through." Ayla took my hand and squeezed it.

"Ayla and her wolf are strong. That's the only way I can explain it. Normal mermaids and I'm sure wolves would have miscarried. But being a Black Pearl makes her stronger," she answered, as she put gel on Ayla's lower belly. She moved the wand through the gel and watched the screen as Ayla and I waited patiently to see our baby again. We were going to be here every day, so I could make sure our baby was safe.

Thumping filled the room and I knew it was their heart beating. I leaned down and kissed Ayla's forehead.

"Baby is measuring around eight weeks, just like yesterday. The other doctor told me that alpha babies were usually bigger. So, I would estimate around seventeen more weeks, and in about five weeks, you won't be able to hide it." She smiled at us.

"But everything looks okay?" Ayla mumbled. Lorelei turned the screen towards us.

"Everything at this stage looks great. We just need to keep you healthy and eating and your body will do the rest."

"Thank you, Lorelei," I breathed out, not taking my eyes off our baby.

"The doctor here is going to keep me updated on the weekly ultrasounds and when it gets closer, I will come to stay until after you've given birth."

"Thank you," Ayla cried, and I wiped the tears from her cheeks.

"It's my honor, my queen. I know you are going to visit your families, but when you get back, make sure you spend lots of time in the water. It does more for us mermaids than you might think." she said, wiping the gel off her stomach, and I helped her to sit up. When Ayla could, she wrapped the doctor in a hug.

"I appreciate you coming all this way."

"I will give you my personal number and I want you to use it. Anytime. Even if you think it's no big deal, you still call." Lorelei demanded and Ayla nodded.

"I promise."

"And congratulations to both of you. This is such wonderful news."

"Lorelei, please don't mention this to anyone. We don't know who we can trust," I told her.

"I'm here visiting my son, nothing more, alpha." she smiled.

"Have fun with your families and Ayla, try to rest. Everything will be okay," she assured her before we followed her out of the room.

Xander was sitting in the waiting room for us. He didn't have to, but I knew he was worried about Ayla.

"Everything is okay," Ayla informed him.

"Good," he breathed out. "You two should get going. I have warriors ready to escort you."

Ayla hugged both of them before I led her out front of the pack house. Xander was in charge as I spent a few days away with my mate. There were a few SUVs lined up and more than enough warriors. My truck was parked in the middle.

"Bags are packed, Alpha," a warrior informed me.

"Good, let's get going."