He trailed off, wincing in pain. I knew he meant the traumatic situation with his amputations. I curled my arm around his shoulders.
“This won’t be anything like that,” I promised. “This is a surgery of joy, not loss.”
The corner of his lips curled upwards. “I guess you’re right.”
Dr. Lynden appeared in the doorway to usher us inside. “Come on in, you two. We’re all set up and ready for you, Scar.”
He nodded and followed her. Anxiety flashed across his eyes when he saw the operating table and all the sterile medical equipment. He clutched my hand harder.
“Please stay here with me,” he begged quietly.
“I will,” I promised. “I’m not going anywhere.”
With a frown, Dr. Lynden stepped in as she overheard our conversation. “Usually the alpha-father isn’t allowed in the operating room,” she explained. “But he can stay right outside and watch. He won’t be far.”
Scar’s eyes widened with fear. He stepped back, gripping my hand as if for dear life. “No, I don’t want him to leave!”
“Please, Dr. Lynden,” I begged her. “Scar needs me here. The memories are too much for him to handle alone.”
Dr. Lynden glanced back and forth between us before finally sighing. “Fine, but ifyoupass out from the blood, Ryu, you’re staying right there on the ground. I can’t stop what I’m doing with Scar to look after you.”
I sighed in relief. “I promise I won’t pass out.”
“You say that now,” she mumbled while snapping her gloves on.
“See?” I said to Scar. “I’ll be right next to you the whole time.”
“Okay,” Scar murmured, looking slightly less anxious now.
“Are you ready?” Dr. Lynden asked.
I glanced at my mate. He took a deep breath, then said, “Yes.”
Dr. Lynen nodded for him to take a seat on the table. I helped Scar up and held his hand as he gently laid back. I kissed his forehead before Dr. Lynden brought up the mask for his sedation.
“Now, then,” she said, “let us begin.”
* * *
Scar’s eyesfluttered as a groan escaped his throat. My heart leapt in excitement.
“You’re awake!” I cried.
He blinked a few times before realization dawned on him. He tried to sit up, asking, “Where’s the baby?”
“Dr. Lynden is checking him over and cleaning him up, she’ll come back soon,” I told him.
Scar’s eyes flashed as tears threatened to overflow. “Him? It’s a boy?”
“Yes.” I smiled down at him.
“Oh, gods,” Scar murmured. “What does he look like? Me or you? How long has the doc been gone? She better be back soon...”
I laughed at this chaotic train of thought. “Dr. Lynden won’t be long. As for how our son looks, he’s a mix of all our best traits. He’s absolutely beautiful.”
Scar whined. “I want to see him. Go get that damn doctor!”
Dr. Lynden returned a moment later. “I’m back, I’m back, don’t cause a fuss… Here’s your baby, Scar.”
