11
Stark
It had beenmonths since Stark’s argument with his parents. Every day since learning about Kyle’s pregnancy had been hectic, with shopping, baby proofing the home, and of course, Kyle moving in with him.
The move alone had taken a month to plan and prepare, and when the day finally came, Stark enlisted the help of a few friends to help him transfer all of Kyle’s things. Serra from the royal guard was a huge help, and although Killian himself couldn’t make it (although he wanted to), he suggested his friend, Austin, to aid them.
“Kind of lives light, doesn’t he?” Austin had said to Stark as he easily picked up Kyle’s coffee table. Kyle watched in awe as the alpha hiked the entire thing over his shoulder and headed down the stairs.
It was true that Kyle didn’t have many belongings, but Stark knew that the things he did have were precious to him. They were mostly gifts from Stark, Killian, and Scout, who knew the omega didn’t have a job after being freed from the breeding facility and couldn’t afford any of his own furniture.
Once they were all moved in, Stark thanked everyone and collapsed on the couch next to his mate.
“Well,” he said. “You live here now.”
“I do,” Kyle agreed. “It’s strange.” He blinked and looked around, as if really seeing his new home truly for the first time. “Oh!” he gasped suddenly.
“What is it?”
“I think… the baby just kicked,” Kyle said slowly.
Stark’s eyes nearly popped out of his head. “Oh my god! Can I - ?” he asked, reaching out for Kyle’s now swollen tummy. Kyle nodded and took his mate’s hand, placing it on himself. Stark concentrated, furrowing his brow and then gasped when he felt the tiny jolt of pressure against his hand.
“Oh! I felt it, too!” His face broke out into a huge ear-to-ear grin and he began to laugh. “Wow, this is incredible… I can’t believe our baby’s reallyhereand kicking.”
“Me neither,” Kyle said. “Sometimes I feel like it’s all a dream, but then I wake up and she’s here, and you’re here with me, and - “
“She?” Stark asked.
Kyle blushed. “It’s just a feeling I have.”
“Well, I trust your instincts,” Stark said. “That reminds me, we should start thinking of names.”
Kyle’s eyes sparkled. “Oh, yeah! How could we forget one of the most fun parts of parenting?” Then he suddenly paused and frowned. “Um, what about your parents? Will they want a say in the baby’s name?”
Stark’s brow furrowed. He had barely thought about his parents since their fight, and frankly, he was still furious with both of them. Neither his mother or father called to apologize.
“They never told you they were sorry,” Stark said. “So, no, they don’t get a say in anything to do with our baby.”
Kyle looked surprised. “But Stark, they’re your parents.”
“And you’remymate,” Stark said with a hint of a growl. “If they can’t respect you, then they don’t respect me either.”
The corner’s of Kyle’s mouth were turned down. He didn’t seem to agree, but Stark didn’t understand why. His parents had been flat out rude to him - why wasn’t Kyle as angry as he was?
“I don’t know, Stark,” Kyle mumbled. He gazed down at his hands, which rested on top of his tummy. “I guess it’s just that… I don’t really have parents. Yours are the only ones, in-laws or otherwise, that we have in this family.”
Stark was taken aback. He hadn’t even thought of that. Then he realized he didn’t even know much of Kyle’s childhood, or what happened to his parents. He had never brought it up before. But Stark didn’t feel comfortable asking, not now.
“It happened when I was young,” Kyle began suddenly. “The thing with my parents. They died when I was about six or so, and I went to go live with a caretaker.” He paused and fidgeted with his fingers.
“I’m sorry,” Stark murmured.
“It’s okay,” Kyle said. “It’s not something that really bothers me anymore, but it is one of the reasons I was chosen to be taken to the breeding facility. Since I had no family ties, it would be easier for me to fit into my new alpha’s lifestyle. Or that was the plan, at least.”
Stark felt sickening anger churn in his stomach. The fact that the old king would even think such a thing was appropriate made him furious.
“That’s why I’d like to talk to your parents again,” Kyle said. “Please, Stark. Give them one more chance.”
