“Bel?” Atlas said his name in a panic.
“Just keep rubbing my stomach. That helps with the pain,” he pleaded.
“Pain? You’re in pain?” Atlas demanded.
He nodded. Bel was really trying to keep it to himself so not to be more of a bother than he already was, but the pain was getting worse.
“How long?” Atlas asked. “How long have you been in pain?”
“All morning,” Bel admitted.
“Bel!” Atlas screeched.
Bel winced. His head still hurt too. “Shh, it’s fine.”
“Are you serious?” Atlas tried to push Bel forward.
Since reclining helped, Bel fought his mate. “Stay there. Rub my belly some more.”
“I’m going to get Luci!” Asmos announced before popping away.
Bel shook his head. Dramatic demon. It was just a little pain. He could handle it. Bel was a big tough demon. Did everyone forget that?
“Why didn’t you tell me?” Atlas sounded calmer.
“It’s fine,” Bel assured his mate. It wasn’t like he was in labor. Raph had assured Bel that he would know when it was time.
“I’m banning that word from our house,” Atlas threatened.
Bel chuckled before a massive jolt of pain had him curling in on himself and almost throwing up. “Ow!”
“Mate! Oh God!” Atlas scrambled from behind him. “We need to get you to bed!”
Rolling onto his side, Bel tried to pull his knees up, but the pain was so severe he couldn’t manage to move.
“Belphegor!” Lucifer’s shout made him flinch.
“Luci!” Atlas yelled. “Help him please!”
Bel really didn’t think all the screaming was necessary.
“Raph’s on his way,” Luci said. “Let’s get Bel to the birthing suite.”
Wait! What?” Bel lifted his head. “Birthing suite?”
Lucifer crouched in front of him. “It’s time, my friend.”
It was time? No! Bel wasn’t ready. He changed his mind. Being pregnant wasn’t that bad after all. Maybe he could do it for another month or so.
“We’re having a baby!” Atlas’s voice was shrill. Panicked.
“Hey.” How was Asmos the calm one? “It will be okay. This is what you were waiting for.”
Bel met his mate’s gaze and they shared a frantic look.
“Let’s get you prepared, my friend,” Luci said and transported Bel into the room that had been prepared for this moment.
* * * * *
