Page 36 of Alaric's Hidden Gem

“Try thinking of when our babies are born, and you're holding both of them,” I whispered quietly again, but this time, the technician had turned towards the screen.

My heart melted when I saw Alaric’s expression. He was going to make me bawl.

Gah, he was going to be such a good Daddy.

I put my hand over his and squeezed it as tightly as possible.

“I love you, Master,” I whispered.

He gently kissed me on my lips.

“Nowhere near as much as I cherish you, my little fuck slave,” he whispered back before he kissed my neck and collar.

I was ready to pop and sitting in a room strapped up to machines, yet he still managed to make my heart race with his filthy mouth.

“As soon as we get home, I will show you how much,” he said with a dark promise in his eyes.

Oh, yes, please.

∞∞∞

We were in Alaric’s treasure vault. It was like walking through a history museum. He had numerous artefacts, with some modern pieces, but it must have been millions of pounds worth of items.

“You can touch them,” he said, amused by my awe, no doubt.

“I’m too scared. This one looks as if it’s about to crumble,” I said, staring at an ancient piece of pottery.

“I only collect them as a hobby and investments for the future.”

I shook my head about his blasé attitude, but since he told me this was only one of his many vaults, I guess you would lose the appreciation for the history and art. It was difficult to imagine him living in without all these modern luxuries. Their wealth gave them the power to assume various identities throughout time. Their current names weren't the only ones they had. I walked towards a large canvas that had a cover over it.

He strode towards me and uncovered the canvas. It was a painting of a pretty lady. The paintwork was new, but her white and green layered dress had an ancient Greek influence. She looked neither sad nor happy, but her dark eyes drew you in.

“Who is she?” I asked.

“I have no idea. I commissioned the painting years ago. I left it titled ‘The Lady.’ She is either someone from my past or from a weird dream I had.”

“I’m glad you had her painted. It—she feels right,” I said, confused, but I couldn't quite put my finger on why it felt right. “Have you shown Damien?”

“Only the artist and you have seen it,” he said.

“Aren't you a sweetheart?”

We were going to stay on the mainland until the babies were born, and once we’d settled back on the island with the babies, Alaric promised he would bring my parents over. As much as Alaric took extreme care of me, I missed my family, especially my Mum.

“I will show you a sweetheart once I get you back upstairs,” he muttered.

I grinned and walked to the next piece, which was a sculpture. He couldn't use the clamps or spank me, but I did wonder if he made a note of all my offences so he could deal with me after the babies were born. I only had a few short weeks left, so I may need to ease off with my sass.

He slipped his hands around my protruding belly and caressed our children. I no longer saw him as the monster in my life. He was my protector, lover, carer and Master. I leaned back on his chest, and I felt him kiss the top of my head. His earlier words rang in my ears because he cherished me to the point of obsession, but I loved him all the more for it.

Epilogue

Alaric

I held her hand and never left her side during labour. I helped her walk when she needed to straighten her back. When she needed to drink or be massaged, I was with her. I placed ice-cold clothes on her face to wipe away the sweat and cool her down, but when I watched her scream and strain as she pushed our son into the world, it decimated my heart to think I looked upon humans with such disdain. My blood mate was not weak, she was a fucking lioness. Her eyes wouldn't leave our son, but I didn't want to leave her side until our second baby was born.

“Take him once he has been cleaned up,” she said, looking behind me.