Once Rejected, Twice Desired (Book 1 of Blue Moon Series)
Once Rejected, Twice Desired Chapter 73

Alaia POV

It was the best moment of my life. My fiances were now my husbands, and I couldn't wait to start our lives together. But, fate had other plans, and my little guys decided that it was their turn to grab some attention. When I took that small step forward, I felt the warm liquid start to flow down my leg. Had I peed on myself? Was I really so pregnant that I couldn't hold it anymore? But this felt different. And this was A lot! As the water flowed out of me, one of the boys squirmed around, probably getting ready for his grand entrance.

"I'm pretty sure my water just broke."

As soon as the words left my mouth, the men sprang into action: Matt ran into the house for the labor bag that I had waiting in the nursery. Kade resembled someone who'd just eaten old sushi, and just stood there looking sick. And my husbands both ran up the aisle, to the garage, to get the car. A car we did not need. The hospital was here at the packhouse.

"Wait, where are you going?" I asked, but they were gone.

I looked over at Jordyn, who calmly walked over and took my hand. "I told you men are idiots. Come on, Momma, let's get you to the hospital."

We started to shuffle down the aisle when I was hit with the first contraction. The force of it almost brought me to my knees. There was no way I was walking all the way to the pack hospital, even if it was just on the first floor of the house. "J, I need help."

"Aaron! Stop standing around and help me get her to the hospital now!"

Hearing his mate's voice snapped Aaron back to reality, and he ran over to me. "You good, sis?"

"Not at all, Aaron. This hurts like hell."

He picked me up and carried me where we needed to go.

On the way, I heard a car tear down the driveway. It could only be Alexi and Xander.

"Where in the hell are they going?" I thought out loud. We had practiced this a few times, and the car was never a part of it.

The moms rushed past us so they could make sure the room was all set when Aaron finally got me there. He was moving like a damn turtle.

"Aaron, why are we going so slow?"

"I don't know! What if I go too fast or shake you up, and one of them pops out or something? Uncle Aaron is the cool uncle. Not the one who made my nephew pop out because I was too rough with his mom. No, we go slow."

This was hilarious. Aaron didn't even know yet that he'd be doing this for his own child in a few months. We finally made it to the hallway where the hospital was located when Matt charged past us. "I found the bag! I got it!"

In the second he was in sight, I saw that he, in fact, did not have the bag. He had an empty baby bag. Not what he was sent to get. "What is wrong with all of them? Jordyn, would you go to the nursery and get the labor bag. It's right by the door when you walk in." "I've got it, babe. Be careful with her, Aaron." She took off through the house on a mission that I was sure she would complete.

"We're almost there, Alaia. You're doing pretty good; you know that? I'm proud of you."

I smiled up at him; I couldn't help myself. "Thanks, Aaron. Now speed the hell up. I have two small watermelons trying to push their way out of a tangerine-sized hole. f**k being careful, so one doesn't pop out. Move!"

He didn't look like he appreciated the visual, but he finally quickened his pace, and soon we were at the room.

My mother, Lauren, and Katherine had softened the lighting and turned on soothing music for me. They also had a soft, comfortable robe and fluffy slippers laid out for me to change into.

Aaron sat me on the bed just as another contraction hit.

"Motherfucker!"

Aaron looked over at our mom and laughed. "She really wants to say something to you, but I'm pretty sure you get a pass today."

"Yeah, I better. I'm about to push her grandsons out of my v****a."

Jordyn showed up with my bag, and after pushing Aaron and Matt out of the room, she helped me get out of my dress and into my robe.

Katherine took the opportunity to pull out the outfits that the boys would be wearing, causing mom and Lauren to coo at them shamelessly.

"I'm going to see if I can sneak you in something to eat before the doctor comes in and puts you on an ice chip diet. I'll be right back!"Jordyn was incredible. Especially since my husbands were still f*****g missing. She came back a few minutes later with some mini crab cakes and meatballs that she had Geoff pack up for me.

"Your dad and Xander's dad moved all the guests to the dining hall for the reception. They might as well eat since they are already here, right?"

"Yeah, okay. That was smart. Thanks."

"Hey, Moms! The photographer would like to get some pictures of you ladies with your husbands. He's in the dining hall."

The ladies quickly fixed their hair and makeup before leaving the room.

I looked over at Jordyn, who had a sly smirk on her face.

"What?"

"That wasn't 100% true. I kind of forced the photographer to start taking pictures. And I figured you could use a little quiet before all hell broke loose."

She was so good to me. I didn't know what I'd do without her.

Finally, Xander and Alexi rushed into the room to replace me munching on my contraband snacks while Jordyn brushed my hair.

"Where have you two been?" I asked as calmly as possible.

"We were going to the hospital... in Jade City."

I looked up and laughed until tears ran down my face. They were serious. I couldn't believe it. "We practiced this at least three times, guys. We even knew the exact room I would be in. Why would we all of a sudden change to a hospital that's over an hour away? And what's the point of going to the hospital and leaving me behind?"

"This is a lot, angel! We just got married and didn't even get to kiss our bride. And we're still hungover from last night. I may look okay on the outside, but on the inside, I feel like s**t!" He was so cute; they both were. And he was right. This was a lot. "Alexi, come here." He walked over, and I grabbed his tie, pulling him down to me. I placed my hands on his cheeks and gave him a long deep kiss. "You feel better now?" "Yes, much better."

"Good. Now go change. The bag is in that corner over there."

When he walked off, I called Xander over. "You ready for this, Daddy?"

He got a dirty glint in his eye when he heard me call him by his Dom name, but he quickly refocused. "I'm ready, Mrs. Black. Are you?"

"I'm-Aahh, s**t!" Damn these contractions. If felt like these babies were going to rip me in half to get out. I grabbed Xander's hand and shut my eyes, trying to focus on my breathing while waiting for the pain to pass. After about ten solid seconds, it finally let up, and I released my grip. "I'm going to apologize in advance, baby. Your hands, arms, and maybe even that perfect face of yours are going to be abused horribly today. If I could help it, I would. But I can't. Sorry."

"I can stand it. Don't worry. I'm going to change now, and I'll be right back. Don't overeat, you don't want to make yourself sick."

I leaned back in the bed and enjoyed these last few moments of quiet. Soon I would be the mother of two newborns, then toddlers, then one day teenagers. I'd never get quiet ever again.

When both guys were dressed, Dr. Bennett and her team came in and began hooking me up to IVs, fetal monitors, and other machines. She checked my cervix, but I was only at two centimeters-eight more to go. "You're doing great, Luna. We just have to wait for now. Are these three going to be in the room with you throughout your labor? I wouldn't suggest having any more than this. Otherwise, things can get a little crazy and crowded. And since we'll have two teams in, one for each baby, you won't have too much extra space."

"Thanks, Dr. Bennett. These three are perfect. Everyone else can just wait. Or go enjoy my wedding cake or something."

She smiled at me. "I'll let them all know. And congratulations on the wedding. It was lovely." "Thank you."

***

Three hours later, I was just at five centimeters. "Agh! Why is this taking so f*****g long?"

"It will take as long as it takes, Luna. The babies aren't in any distress, so we just need to let your body do its job."

"But, I'm in distress!"

"Do you want the pain meds, angel?"

I did, I really, really did. But I also wanted to experience this the way I was meant to. So, I did the only logical thing I could think of. I started bawling my eyes out.

"I don't know what I want! I'm a terrible mom already; I can't even make a simple decision. And I want them out! And I really need to pee."

They took off some of my monitors and walked me to the bathroom. Afterward, I decided to stand and walk awhile. Sitting in that bed was making me crazy. While I was pacing the floor, I thought that we could use this time for something productive. Xayden and his brother were taking their time in there, and I needed to make the most of it.

Wait, I also needed to stop calling baby two Xayden's brother. He needed a name, too. "Okay, you three. I need help with a name. Xander has already named the firstborn Xayden. What will we name baby two?"

"Do you want to stick with the X names, or maybe he can be named after you? Maybe a mix of both?" Jordyn thought.

"I'd like my name in there somewhere, or a nice mixture."

They put on their thinking caps before it hit me. I had the perfect name for him. "Alexander. It's a mixture of both of my loves." Jordyn had a massive smile on her face while Alexi looked stunned. "You want to name one of the babies after me? Really?"

"Of course. You'll be a major part of their lives, too, Alexi. You should be represented."

He looked over at Xander. "What do you think about all this?"

Xander seemed to think it over before he finally spoke. "Xayden and Alexander. I think it's perfect."

Alexi looked like he wanted to cry. "I'm honored you two would name your son after me. I just expected to be some weird stepdad moving in the background. Nothing like this, though."

"That's where you're wrong, man. He's not just our son, he's yours, too. Those little boys belong to all three of us. You're an equal part of this family. Don't forget it."

Finally, Alexi broke out in a huge smile. "I think I'll call the little guy Alex."

The boys must have liked their names because I got a nice-sized kick, followed by a massive contraction. I clutched my stomach and went down on my knees. This s**t was real. And I was done. "Aahhgghh! I want drugs! Get the doctor in here, now!"

Jordyn rushed out while the guys held my hands and rubbed circles on my lower back.

"Breathe through it, little one. You are the strongest person I know. You've got this."

I nodded my head and took a few deep, cleansing breaths.

Xayden and Alex seemed to be fighting their way out, and they were going to hear from me big time once they were finally here.

Dr. Bennett calmly walked into the room. "Luna, I hear you've made a decision?"

"Drugs! Right now. I've had enough."

She laughed, then smiled at me. Why was she so damn happy right now? I was being ripped apart, and she was happy? "Could you men help her back to the bed? I'll get everything started." The guys helped me stand and shuffle to the bed before I watched her inject a clear liquid into the IV.

Soon it felt like my whole body was being covered in warm honey. It was beautiful. Life was beautiful. These drugs were beautiful.

"Ohh yeah. That's good stuff."

"Now, this will just take the edge off, but you will still feel the contractions. Only an epidural will stop all the pain. Try and get some rest, you'll need all your energy for when it's time to push." Rest. Yep. I could do that.

***

"Come on, baby, big push. You can do this," Alexi gently whispered in my ear.

We had been pushing for thirty minutes, and neither of my sons was here yet. I was beyond exhausted and didn't think I could do this. "I can't. I'm so tired. This is too much."

Xander wiped my face with a cold towel before he retook my hand. "Nothing is too much for you. You're almost there. Just a little more, and the boys will be here. I know you can do this."

I was glad someone had confidence in me because, at that point, I had none. But still, I tried. Xander and Alexi helped me lean a bit forwards, and I squeezed down on both their hands. "Okay, Luna. I can see a head. Give me your best push, now!"

I held my breath and bore down as hard as I could. The pain was unreal, but I didn't stop. I had to do this for my boys. When I was right at the door of passing out, I heard his cry. I had never heard anything more incredible in my life.

"Baby number one is here! A nice chunky baby boy."

Xander leaned over and kissed my head. "You did it, baby. I'm so proud of you."

"Go check on him. Make sure he's okay," I told him.

He stepped away, and Jordyn quickly took his spot. "Come on, babe. Let's do this one more time. You ready?"

"Hell no. But let's do it anyway."

"Okay, Luna, on your next contraction, push as hard as you can." Before Dr. Bennett had finished her sentence, the contraction hit.

I guess Alex didn't want to be without his big brother for too long. I leaned forward and focused every ounce of energy I had to push. Sweat poured down my face, and I saw stars in front of my eyes, but I pushed through it all and felt my second son enter the world. "Baby number two! An equally chubby and perfect little boy. Good job, Luna."

His scream filled the room, and I couldn't help but cry. I had done it. I had brought new life into the world.

Alexi looked over at the baby, and I could tell he wanted to go see him.

"Go, babe. Go check on our son."

He beamed at me and ran over to where the nurses were weighing and measuring little Alex.

My job wasn't done yet, as we still had some cleaning up to do, but watching Xander and Alexi cradle our tiny babies in their huge arms made all the pain and frustration worth it.

***

Xander POV

Looking down at Xayden was unreal. He looked just like me. He had a head full of my jet-black curls and huge, crystal-blue eyes. It was like looking into a mirror. I couldn't take my eyes off him. "Welcome to the world, little man. I've got so much to show and teach you." He looked at me, and it was like he knew who I was already. I had never felt so complete than at that moment.

Then I heard Alexander let out a small cry across the room.

Alexi had him snuggled against his chest, holding a special conversation with him. He may not be a father by blood, but he was a father by bond, and these little boys were so lucky to have him.

"Excuse me, guys. I know you're both having some daddy time, but could I please meet my sons? I did do quite a bit of work to get them here."

Right. I had to share Xayden with his mom. I walked over and gently placed him in Alaia's arms.

She looked at his face then up at me. "Really? He couldn't look at least a tiny bit like me?"

"He takes after his daddy, can you blame him?"

She rolled her eyes and went back to his little face. "No, I can't. He's absolutely breathtaking. Happy birthday, sweetheart." She gave him gentle kisses on both cheeks before Alexi leaned down and passed her Alex.

It was my first time seeing him, and I was floored. He looked like Alexi. Exactly. Sandy blond hair, gray eyes, everything. If I didn't know any better, I would swear that he had Alexi's blood flowing through his veins instead of mine. "Come on! How is this even possible?"

Alexi just shrugged his shoulders and smiled. "He's adorable, though, you've gotta admit that much."

She looked at the boys, then over to Jordyn, who was trying to hide her laughter. "Oh, so this is funny to you? These babies are exact replicas of these two. I get nothing? Not my eyes or even my nose?"

"They'll have your courage, your strength, and your compassion, babe. Who cares if they look like these goofs?"

"Fine. It's not like I can do anything about it anyway. Should we let the family know, maybe let them come in a few at a time?"

"I'll go get the grandmas first. They've been itching to get in here," Jordan offered.

When she left, I looked over at my family and smiled. They were the best things I never knew I needed.