Atlas
The birthing room was warm, filled with soft pretty things for his mate to look at, and plenty of color. When Raphael had first suggested preparing a birthing room, Atlas had imagined a cold, sterile white-tiled space. He should have known with his mate that things were never going to be so basic and ugly. No, his demon prince had beautiful taste.
“I changed my mind,” Bel whimpered. “I can’t do this.”
Asmos’s hand on Atlas’s lower back urged him forward. Atlas dug his heels in. How was he supposed to help his mate? Reassure him? This was crazy! His mate, his very male mate, was having a baby. Their baby. Now. Now? Like right now!
“Hello, friends,” Raphael said softly, appearing close to Bel’s bed. “I heard it is time to bring this beautiful baby into the world.”
Bel shook his head frantically. “No, no, it’s not time. Luci is wrong.”
“Luci is not wrong,” Lucifer said in amusement. “Your stomach is preparing itself for birth.”
Atlas glanced down at Bel’s exposed belly. If possible, Bel’s swollen stomach was even bigger than it had been that morning. And it was changing in color. Instead of the gorgeous dark demon flesh that Atlas was used to seeing, Bel’s stretched stomach was pale gray.
“That’s natural,” Lucifer assured him. “Here, come see.”
Bel shook his head. “It’s not natural! None of this is fucking natural! Stop looking at my stomach. Leave me alone!”
“Oh!” Raphael rubbed his hands together. “I think we’re closer than Luci thought. We better get ready.”
“Closer?” Atlas squeaked. He was still rooted to the spot.
“I really should have been called at least an hour ago,” Raphael commented. He rolled up his sleeves as he strode to Bel’s side. “You must be in so much pain.”
“It’s fine!” Bel assured him as he smacked at Raphael’s hands as the angel tried to touch his forehead.
Atlas really was banning that damn word. No one would ever say fine in their house again. He ran over to the opposite side of the bed and caught Bel’s hands. “Stop that. Raphael is here to help us.”
“Us!” Bel yelled. “Us? I don’t see you in this bed about to split in two to deliver a baby!”
“Shh,” Atlas soothed, kissing Bel’s cheek. “I know, mate. You are amazing. You are doing so well. I’m proud of you.”
Bel huffed but finally settled down.
“That’s perfect,” Raphael stated before pressing two fingers against Bel’s forehead.
Immediately the difference in Bel was visible. He relaxed into the bed with a serene smile.
“Pain gone?” Atlas asked.
“Yeah,” Bel said with a sigh.
“This was why you should have called me earlier,” Raphael pointed out. “Now let’s check how you’re coming along. He placed his hands on Bel’s stomach and closed his eyes.
Atlas watched the angel closely as he clutched his mate’s hand.
Raphael smiled and looked at them. “Your baby is ready.”
It really was time. He squeezed Bel’s fingers tight. “You can do this, my wonderful mate.”
“I can,” Bel agreed. “I’ll do this for you. For us.”
Bending over, Atlas kissed his mate fully on the lips. His sweet brave mate. Wow, they were going to have a baby.
“Like I explained before,” Raphael said.
Atlas drew away from kissing his mate to give their angel doctor his full attention.
