Life from the Ashes Series. Book 5 Generations

Jo B

purplefox@usfamily.net

Rating: PG-13

Keywords: M/Sk/K SLASH

Disclaimer: The X-Files characters Fox Mulder, Dana Scully, Alex
Krycek, Walter Skinner, Jeffrey Spender, CSM, the Lone Gunmen,
Kimberly Cook, Senator Matheson, Bill Scully, the morph etc. are
the property Chris Carter, 1013 productions and Fox Broadcasting.
All other characters in the series are mine.

Summary: This is an Alternative Universe Story. It takes place
after an alien virus has killed off most of the world's females
and caused mutations in forty-five percent of the remaining
males.

Authors Notes: This is the fifth and final book in the series.
The story is told from Alex's POV.

I would like to thank all of my wonderful beta-readers
Laurie,Nicole, and Demi-X for their edits and plot advice and
suggestions. Kiyoko and Bee Lan for their suggestions and
feedback.

Feedback is always welcome. Any constructive suggestions are
appreciated.

WARNING! This story contains references to male/male sex.

Okay to Archive: please ask first.

***

Chapter 1 Alex By Jo B

Crystal Palace Tuesday, November 21, 2017

I take a deep breath of the chilly nighttime air. It helps to
clear my head. I'm standing outside on the veranda off the
entertainment room. My daughters' birthday party is winding down
inside. I bring the brandy snifter to my lips and sip the warm
liquid as I look out over the countryside. I can see the distant
lights from villages scattered across the island. I try to find
comfort in the view, but it does little to squelch the hollow
feeling in my belly that signals the onset of my three-day cycle.

Immortals are always able to tell when our cycle is occurring,
even without the compulsions being present. We become physically
uncomfortable throughout the three days, and horny as hell. All
immortals have their cycles at the same time each month, which is
convenient since Fox and I usually fuck like bunnies throughout
the three days. We tend to wear Walter out by the third day.

I take another sip of brandy. My nerves are a tangled mess. I'm
fearful that my compulsions will start up again at any time. I'm
hoping I'll last as long as Fox and the other immortals did after
giving birth for the third time. Their compulsions mysteriously
stopped or so they thought. It was four years after they stopped
nursing their last child that their compulsions started again.
I've been anxious for over three years, since I stopped nursing
Fox's and my daughters. Our daughters are seven years old today.

"Daddy, Daddy!"

I smile as my three birthday girls race out onto the veranda.
They are dressed for their party in purple tights and dark purple
velvet and lace dresses. They are identical triplets with green
eyes, chestnut hair, and a beautiful mole on their right cheeks
similar to Fox's. They are going to be sultry beauties when they
reach adulthood. Giving me another thing to worry about.

"You shouldn't be out here without your coats, sweethearts," I
say, kneeling down so I'm at their height.

"We just wanted to show you what Daddy Fox gave us," Regan says,
holding out the small decorative wooden box, slightly different
from the wooden boxes her sisters are holding.

I take it from her and smile, then try to open it, but I can't
find the latch. Leave it to Fox to given them secret puzzle
boxes. I finally find the secret lever, but still pretend to not
be able to open it. "Okay, Regan, I give up. Show me how to open
it."

She grins with delight taking the box and has it open in seconds.
"Daddy Fox said we could hide all of our secrets inside."

"I'm going to put the necklace you gave me inside mine, Daddy,"
Morgan says.

I smile at her then turned to her sister. "What are you going to
put inside yours, Alina?" I ask. She is the shyest of the three
and most like her Daddy Fox.

"I'm going to put my favorite poems inside."

She also writes poetry -- pretty smart for a seven-year-old. I
look away from her as my name is called.

"Dad, can I talk to you?" Sergei asks. He's standing nervously in
the doorway.

He's been acting strange lately. We assume it's because his
sorcerer powers are starting to make an appearance. Sergei is
going to be sixteen in three weeks. He's already one inch taller
than I am and built like a linebacker. The pudgy baby fat has
long since turned into muscle. The boy is almost the spitting
image of Walter, except for the fact that he has hair. He may
lose that in time. As a sorcerer, he will continue to age until
he reaches thirty. I think Walter said he started losing his hair
in his early twenties.

"Girls, why don't you go back inside and warm up," I say.

"Okay, Daddy," they say in unison, kissing me on the cheek before
heading back inside and Sergei closes the French doors after
them.

"What is it, Serg?" I rise off the cold concrete and lean against
the railing.

Sergei walks over to the railing and looks out into the night.
Without looking at me he blurts out, "Kat's pregnant."

"What?" My mouth is hanging open as I stare at him in shock. I
shut it and set the brandy snifter down. Kat is Ari's and Duffy's
sixteen-year-old daughter. She's seven months older than Sergei.
They have been friends all of their lives. It never occurred to
me that their friendship had progress beyond that. "Talk to me,
Sergei."

"Dad, I love Kat...but I'm afraid to tell Dad Fox and Dad Walter.
I don't want Dad Walter to be angry with me."

What a mess. I shake my head and stare toward the entertainment
room. Through the glass I can see Walter and Fox inside laughing
with our children. Children? Where have the years gone? River is
already twenty-two and he still hasn't changed into an immortal.
Hope and Faith are seventeen and in less than eight months, on
their eighteenth birthdays, they will be marrying the two men we
helped them choose. The others are still children. Our youngest,
Arman is three years old. "Sergei, you should have told us that
you were sexually active. How far along is Kat?"

"I think five months...ah, she's starting to show...a lot. We
decided that I should talk to you," he says nervously, glancing
back toward the entertainment room. "Are you disappointed in me,
Dad?"

"Yes, I'm disappointed! Sergei, I wish you had told me sooner
than this. Kat's condition should be monitored. She's the first
female in our country who's become pregnant naturally since the
failed invasion." I head toward the door. "Come on, Serg, we need
to have a long talk with Walter and Fox." I know he's terrified.
He has a closer bond to them, especially Fox. All immortals have
a special bond with the children they've given birth to. I know
how the bond feels. I share the same bond with my six daughters
and son.

Fox glances up smiling. It fades quickly and his eyes turn
worried. "What's wrong?"

I look at our older kids. "Kids, watch your brothers and sisters,
we need to talk to Sergei in private."

We walk down the hall to Fox's and my home offices. We enter
through the door to my office. I flip on the lights then walk
past the giant fish tank and pour three tumblers of scotch and
carry them over to Fox and Walter.

"Alex, I'm still nursing..."

"Drink it, Fox. Arman can go a day without nursing." Arman is
Walter's son and has an appetite similar to what Sergei had when
he was that age. Arman is also a stubborn little bugger and will
refuse to go a day without nursing. I pity Fox when he has to try
to wean the boy in the next few months.

Fox sips the drink, while Walter throws his back and pours
himself another. Sergei is standing nervously in the middle of
the room.

Walter looks at him as he nurses his second drink. "Okay, Sergei,
tell us what you've done?"

Sergei looks at me pleadingly.

I shake my head. "Nope. You tell them, Serg."

"Kat's pregnant."

"Hm, I thought she was looking rather chubby lately," Fox says
calmly as he walks over and pours some more scotch into his
glass. He takes a big swallow then tops off the glass again.

"Fox, our son just announced he's gotten a girl pregnant, is that
all you can say?" Walter asks, stunned. "Do Ari and Duffy know?"
Fox asks, looking at his son. He shrugs indifferently. "Probably
not, you're still in one piece. Well, I suppose you'll be moving
out now. I can help you pack your things tomorrow."

Sergei is shaking like a leaf at this point. I find myself
apprehensive. Fox isn't acting normally. He's too calm and cold.
There is no humor or compassion in his dark hazel eyes.

"Fox, you're scaring the boy," Walter says.

"Boy? I don't see any boy!" he shouts suddenly, slamming his
glass on the table. "I see a man who's old enough to make a baby!
You are going to be able to support your baby and Kat aren't you,
Sergei?" Fox picks the glass back up and takes another deep
swallow while glaring at the boy.

Tears are streaming down Sergei's cheeks. "Daddy, I'm sorry," he
says in a small voice. I'm worried that he's going to pass out.

Walter and I are frozen by a look from Fox. He sets the glass
down and walks over to his son. Sergei is two inches taller and
outweighs Fox by at least sixty pounds. Fox wipes the tears away
with his thumbs then takes Sergei in his arms. The boy is bawling
and clinging to Fox. Fox kisses the side of his head and whispers
something in his ear that I can't make out. Then he says, "I
expect you to talk to your fathers and me. Don't ever shut us out
of your life again, Sergei. Is that clear?"

"Yes, Daddy. I'm so sorry."

Walter walks over and hugs them both. "We're going to have to
talk to Ari and Duffy. I'll get them on the phone and explain the
situation."

Telling Ari and Duffy that our son has knocked their daughter up
is not a conversation I want to be a part of. "I'll go watch our
kids, Fox, while you and Walter talk to Ari and Duffy."

"They'll be fine with their older brothers and sisters, Alex.
You're coming with us. He's your son, too." Fox takes Sergei's
hand and says softly, "Come on, honeybear, let's put some cold
water on your face. We wouldn't want your girlfriend to see that
you've been crying."

"Dad, do you hate me?"

Fox stops and hugs the boy again. "Sergei, you're my child...I
could never hate you. I'm just upset that you didn't listen to
any of the safe sex talks that we've had about condoms or
abstaining until you are older. Then keeping this from me doesn't
exactly make me happy. Don't ever think that I don't love you.
I'll love you always, honeybear."

"Dad, can I ask you something?"

"What?"

Sergei is relaxed and is leaning against Fox. "Don't call me
honeybear in front of Kat...it's sort of embarrassing."

"Tough luck! Embarrassing our kids is one of the few perks us
fathers have," Fox quips.

"Ah, Dad!" Sergei whines.

I watch as they disappear into the bathroom. Despite Sergei's
size, he is still only fifteen and has a lot of growing up to do.

When we arrive down at our friends' apartment ten minutes later,
Duffy is sitting in the enormous chair designed to handle his
massive size. He doesn't look well. He's old for a n'thral. Most
die before they reach sixty, and he's seventy. It is Ari who is
keeping him alive, but even the immortal's healing powers cannot
prevent time from stealing the giant's life. Hans is having
better luck with Frohike, who is seventy-one, it doesn't require
as much energy to keep the smaller man looking like he's still in
his fifties. However, even Hans cannot stop his lover from aging
indefinitely.

Kat runs over to Sergei as soon as we step into the room. "You
told all of them?" She looks pregnant even under all those frumpy
clothes. I can't believe we didn't notice it. She's tall for a
female, at least six feet. Just a couple inches shorter than
Sergei. Kat has her father's red hair, its curly and tied in the
back. She's beautiful.

Ari is standing watching her and us. He is holding his two-year-
old daughter Bridget. She is his fourth child. His others, Anna
and Diana aren't in the room. Anna is thirteen years old and
Diana is nine. It's becoming hard for me to remember all of our
friends' children's names let alone their ages. We no longer
celebrate birthdays or Christmas with them. We host three big
parties a year. Halloween, New Year's, and a summer clam bake on
the beach. The other holidays are just for our children and us.
Now it looks like it will be extended to include our
grandchildren and in-laws.

Ari speaks quietly, "I've called Doctor Pendrell and set up an
appointment for Kat tomorrow morning. I can't believe I didn't
notice that she is pregnant!"

Walter walks over to him. "I'm sorry, Ari, Duffy. We had no idea
that our son and your daughter were having sex."

"I don't know what we're going to do with her. She's always been
headstrong," Duffy says, shaking his head. He stays seated.

Kat snaps, "Dad, I'm in the room! I'm sixteen and quite capable
of making my own decisions!" She holds onto Sergei's hand. "I
love Sergei, and he loves me!"

"You're still too young, Kat," Ari says.

"No. I'm not, Dad! I'm almost seventeen! When I turn eighteen, it
is expected that I will marry and start having children. That is
less than two years from now! At least I found someone who I love
and will happily marry!"

Walter shakes his head. "Kat, only Fox's, Alex's, and my
daughters are required to marry when they turn eighteen. It is
the price we pay for my being King."

"No. My friends and I have discussed this. We live in luxury and
under your protection. Only your power as King keeps our fathers
and us safe from harm. It isn't fair that only Hope, Faith,
Kaylie, and their sisters are required to be married. All of us
have taken a vow to marry on our eighteenth birthday. So you
see," she smiles, taking Sergei's hand. "I'm getting a head
start."

I watch the two of them and know that Kat's the instigator and
the driving force behind their relationship. Sergei looks at her
with big puppy dog eyes, totally under her power. It's not that
Sergei is stupid, far from it. His heart is just too big and he
gives his love too easily. I smile. At least he's given it to
someone who will be good for him. Kat has Ari's intelligence and
love for adventure. She is already showing great promise as a
sorceress. The two of them will make quite a team down the road.

"God," Fox groans.

"What?" Everyone looks at him.

"It just hit me. I'm going to be a grandfather."

Kat smiles and walks over and hugs him. "Gramps, you're looking
really good for an old man," she teases.

Fox returns the hug. "Welcome to the family, Kat."

"So does that mean you don't object to my stealing your son?"

"No. I do expect you both to finish high school before you get
married."

"No problem. It will take at least a year to plan the big wedding
I have in mind," she smirks.

Now it is Ari's and Duffy's turn to groan.

Walter stiffens. "Fox, Alex, we're needed at home," he says,
turning he runs out of the room without telling us what is wrong.
I hate when he does that! Sergei remains behind with Kat and her
parents as we follow Walter. At times like these, I feel totally
lost without my sorcerer's powers. I haven't had my powers since
CGB Spender abducted me sixteen years ago. I'm not sure if they
will ever come back.

"Walter, what is it?" I ask as we step onto the elevator.

"It's River...he's passed out. Kaylie says he's running a fever."

I wonder if this means our son is finally changing. He's already
beautiful -- I can't imagine what he'll look like after his
change. Fox and I exchange worried glances. "What a night!" I
mutter.

"I could use another drink," Fox sighs.

"After we attend to River let's get drunk. Walter can take care
of the kids," I suggest.

"You're on, Alex." Fox smiles.

Walter sighs. He knows better than to complain. He's had life
easy, while Fox and I have gone years without drinking and
enduring many sleepless nights for our kids.

The elevator stops on our floor and we race down the corridors to
the entertainment room. The kids have covered River with a
blanket. Our youngest children are crying.

"Don't worry, squirts, River is going to be fine," I say,
kneeling next to him. He is burning up. I can already see changes
in him.

Walter bends down and scoops him up, blanket and all. River
doesn't weigh much; he's slender and only five feet ten inches
tall. Walter easily handles his weight as he carries River to his
bedroom.

I enter the bedroom behind them and look around the room as Fox
pulls back the covers on the bed and Walter places River down.
They remove his clothes as I wander around. I don't come in here
any longer. I'm surprised at how it's changed since he was a boy.
He has family photographs along with his paintings hanging on the
walls. I smile when I see his rag doll rabbit sitting in a place
of honor on his bookshelf. This is the room of an adult. No
longer is the little boy present. River paints professionally
now. I've go down to his studio every week to see his latest
creations. They sell for thousands of dollars on the open market.
Walter, Fox, and I are happy that River's profession doesn't
involve any perils unlike ours. He hardly ever leaves the palace
except for trips to purchase more paints or to show his work on
the mainland. A large force of sorcerers always accompanies him.
All of whom are looking to win his heart, since it's been agreed
upon that he will marry once his womb develops.

I look down at our son's beautiful face. He has a few close
friends, and had a boyfriend briefly, but he mainly keeps to
himself. We are the only ones he lets close. I walk into the
bathroom. Again, I'm amazed at the changes. He has a razor
sitting next to the sink. God, where have the years gone? I wet a
washcloth with cold water and carry it back to the room. I sit on
the bed and clean the sweat from his body. Walter takes the
washcloth from my hand.

"Alex, why don't you and Fox put the kids to bed, then you can
start on your hangover. I'll sit up with River."

I am hesitant to leave. I don't want our son going through this
moment in his life without me being here for him.

Walter must have read my emotions. "Alex, it took Fox three days
to change. We're going to have to sit in shifts with him. But for
now, go and enjoy yourselves."

"Come on, sweetheart," Fox says, taking my hand. He's so calm
after everything that's happened tonight. He bends down and
kisses River's brow. Walter and I have relied on Fox's calm
resolve over the years. Nothing seems to rattle him. He can
handle several case files while attending to our children and
listening to them intently.

It takes us an hour to put the kids to bed. Arman isn't happy
about going to bed without nursing. We spend some time with Hope
and Faith telling them about their younger brother and Kat.
They're excited about becoming aunts soon. It seems that Sasha
and Nicky already knew about their brother. We finally end up
back in the entertainment room.

"Scotch, vodka, beer, or wine?" I ask.

"A vodka martini would be great, Alex."

I smile. Fox is serious about getting drunk. I don't remember him
ever having a martini in all the years I've known him. I fix the
martinis in a shaker. Fox has been very good since Arman was
born. He's only had the occasional glass of wine or a beer.

"I'm going to wean Arman next month," Fox says from his position
on the sofa. "God, that kid has an appetite worse than Sergei's!
Not to mention he's starting to bite."

"Good luck, Fox. I don't think Arman is going to be very happy
with being cut off." I hand him the martini. He sips it and makes
a face, then closes his eyes, leaning back against the cushions.
There is a look of contentment on his beautiful face. I curl up
next to him and sip my own martini.

"All things considered, Alex, these last fifteen years have been
my happiest." Fox leans against me and opens his eyes. They're a
fiery green. "You have to admit, if it was up to us we'd never
have had any of our children. Maybe these compulsions really were
for the best."

I wrap my arm around his back and pull him closer. "Fox, I love
our kids, you know I do, but I'd give anything if I didn't have
to become pregnant again."

"Alex, you're just afraid because you're so fertile. Having one
baby at a time isn't good enough for you," Fox quips.

I roll my eyes. "It's Walter's and your fault that I had twins
then triplets!"

Fox snorts, taking a swallow of his drink. "Alex, if Walter and I
are the ones at fault then how come I only had one baby per each
of my last three pregnancies?"

I glare at him and pull away. I don't want to listen to him. I'm
dreading becoming pregnant again! How could he sit there joking?

Fox touches my back lightly. "I'm sorry, Alex. I didn't mean to
upset you."

"You shouldn't joke about something like this," I grumble.

"I'm sorry, Alex. Forgive me?" He's rubbing soothing circles on
my back. It's impossible to stay angry with him.

"Okay," I sigh and snuggle back into his arms. Fox is right about
one thing -- these have been the happiest fifteen years of our
lives. I'm no longer seeing my psychiatrist. I stopped visiting
him two years ago and hardly think about my time at White
Mountain or the smoker. I'm usually too busy to dwell on the
past. Between my career at the FBI, my partnership in the
import/export business, my lovers, and my children there isn't
room for a whole lot more. Even Slava's visits no longer bother
me.

Fox's nearness is arousing me. It's been the one constant
throughout the years. He can have me fully erect by one feather
light caress of those long fingers. I watch his face. God, he's
still the most beautiful thing I've ever laid eyes on. I sigh and
drain my glass. Fox rises and takes my glass. He pours me another
drink then brings the container back with him, setting it on the
coffee table. Fox then goes and turns on the stereo before he
curls up beside me once again. We sit there quietly enjoying the
warmth of each other's bodies as we sip our drinks listening to
the music.

"Alex, what are we going to do about Sergei and Kat?" Fox asks
suddenly. "What do you mean?"

"I don't want them setting a bad example for our other kids. If
Sergei is allowed to have sex at fifteen, then what's to stop the
rest of our children from behaving that way?"

I see his point. We need to provide some moral guidance, but I
haven't a clue what we should do about Sergei and Kat. "I don't
know, Fox." We sit there drinking for over an hour. I'm having a
hard time concentrating; Fox's closeness is driving me to
distraction. I glance at his lap and realize I'm having the same
effect on him. "Let's take this back to our bedroom. I want to
make love to you. We can figure out what to do with our brats
tomorrow."

"Y-you're reading my mind," Fox says, kissing me sweetly, his
tongue delving into my mouth.

He giggles against my lips, which sends a shiver of delight
straight to my groin. I take the empty glass from his hand and
set it on the end table. Fox never was much at holding his
alcohol and it doesn't help that he's gone years without any
strong liquor. I help Fox to his feet and he staggers against me.

"W-would ya wike to dance?" he chuckles, spinning around and
falling back on the sofa.

I roll my eyes. "Come on, Fred, time for bed."

"Not sleepy. You promised to wuv me." He tries to pull me on top
of him, but I yank him back to his feet and he sways a little.

"I still intend to fuck you silly, Fox. But it better be in our
bedroom because I have no intention of carrying you to bed
afterwards." I guide him down the hallway keeping an arm around
his waist. He's giggling, which is a sure sign that the two
scotches and four martinis have taken their toll. I pause at
River's door, wanting to see how our son is doing. I remind
myself that Walter's with him, and then continue down the hallway
to our bedroom.

"River will be fine," Fox murmurs as I help him out of his
clothes.

"Fox, he's locked himself away from all possible suitors. I'm
worried about him. In a year's time he'll be in the same boat as
us."

Fox's eyes clear briefly as he sinks down on the bed. He's still
drunk off his ass, but he seems to understand what I'm saying.
"W-we found our girls husbands. We'll do the same for River."

"God, Fox. River isn't the same as Hope and Faith. We interviewed
hundreds of men and had dozens of parties before our daughters
chose the two men they wanted to marry. River has avoided meeting
anyone! He's turned down thousands of invitations for a date..."
Fox grabs me and pulls me down on top of him and kisses me,
stopping all further complaints.

He murmurs against my lips, I can taste the vodka on his breath.
"River's a man. Trust him."

"But, Fox," I moan as his mouth consumes mine.

Fox spreads his legs apart and whispers breathlessly, "Fuck me. I
need you."

It was all the command I need. I didn't waste time preparing him.
I spread lube on my cock and between his buttocks then quickly
entered him from behind. He's lying on his side now, with one leg
bent up. My chest is against his back. I close my eyes and lay
there contently with my cock up his ass and my chin resting on
his shoulder. I nip his earlobe, making him moan and push back on
my cock.

I thrust in and out of him as my hand snakes around to grab his
penis. It's flaccid, one major drawback to drinking too much. I
pump it in time with my thrusts, trying to force life into it.
Fox is whimpering, but he's too inebriated to do more than lie
there and let me pleasure him. I thrust harder until the bed is
rocking under our coupling. God, it feels so good being inside
him, laying behind him, and breathing in his delicious scent. I
pump his penis harder until it spurts over my fist. Fox sighs and
slumps against my chest. I increase the pace of my thrusts until
I come a few minutes later. As I pull out, Fox makes a purring
sound and turns around in my arms, resting his head on my
shoulder and is out like a light. I smile down at his sleeping
face, before climbing out of bed to get a soapy washcloth to
clean us both up. I climb back into bed and pull the bedcovers
over our bodies, snuggling close to Fox. I soon join him in the
blissful blanket of sleep.

I'm awakened some time later by a suckling sound and a movement
between Fox's and my body. I look down at Arman's little head as
he suckles at Fox's nipple. His little hands are kneading the
flesh. I glance toward the open nursery door. "Okay, thief,
enough," I say pulling him away from Fox.

"No! I thirsty, Daddy!" He twists in my arms trying to get back
to Fox, who is snoring softly. Arman's little midnight feeding
hasn't stirred him one bit from his drunken slumber. The little
boy's body is warm. He's dressed in a one-piece flannel sleeper
with attached booties.

"Arman, I'll get you a glass of milk from the kitchen. Daddy Fox
is off limits tonight."

"I don't want kitchen milk! I want Daddy's milk!" he pouts.

God, he has Fox's lips and eyes, making his pout nearly
irresistible. He's not chubby like Sergei was at his age, but he
has the same appetite. I brush the dark brown hair out of his
hazel eyes as I climb out of bed holding him. I search for my
robe. "Arman, Daddy Fox was drinking alcohol tonight, so his milk
isn't going to be good for you to drink for at least a day." I
set him on his feet so I can pull on my robe. I have to grab him
again as he dashes for the bed. Damn that kid has a one-track
mind.

"Let go, Daddy!" He struggles and tries to bite me.

"Bite me, thief, and you'll be sitting in the corner for the next
two days," I warn.

Arman starts crying at that point, which wakes Fox.

"W-what'sgoingon?" he slurs.

"Our little thief is thirsty, but he doesn't want kitchen milk,"
I say. I'm holding onto Arman who is still crying with his little
arms held out to Fox.

Fox groans and rubs his temples. "Chocolate milk. Give him
chocolate milk."

Arman stops crying and looks at me with big puffy eyes and snot
running out of his nose. "I likes chocolate milk," he says
sweetly. Then he lays his head on my shoulder and starts sucking
his thumb.

I sigh, hugging his warm little body. I'm about to tell Fox that
I'm going to the kitchen, but he's already back to sleep with the
blanket pulled over his head. "C'mon, thief, let's get you a big
glass of chocolate milk," I murmur softly as I carry him out of
the bedroom to the kitchen. I'm surprised to see our oldest
daughters up and sitting around the breakfast table.

"Hey, girls, what are you doing up at two o'clock in the
morning?"

Hope smiles at me. She stands and takes Arman. "We're worried
about River and excited about Sergei and Kat. Isn't it romantic?
Our little brother is going to be a Dad!" She sits back down with
Arman on her lap, hugging him. She's seventeen and beautiful with
green eyes and curly sable hair. I glance around the table at my
other daughters, Faith, Angelique, Alek, Summer, and Kaylie.
They're all beautiful.

I shake my head. "No, it's not romantic," I say, going to the
refrigerator and pulling out carton of Hershey's chocolate milk.
"Hope, there is nothing romantic about a fifteen-year-old
becoming a father." I pour the milk into a bottle and hand it to
Hope who holds it for Arman as he drinks.

"He'll be sixteen in three weeks," Faith chimes in. "Besides,
their love affair is so romantic, unlike Hope's and my
prearranged marriages."

Damn, that hurt. I sigh, sitting between Kaylie and Hope at the
table. "We had no choice..."

"We know, Dad!" Hope says interrupting. "We're happy with the men
we're going to marry...at least we were allowed to choose." She
places a manicured hand over mine and squeezes it reassuringly.

Faith says, "Dad, we don't blame you. At least you saw to it that
our daughters wouldn't be made to marry on their eighteenth
birthday. It's a small price to pay for everything that we've
been given throughout our lives. Considering so many others have
done without."

My daughter's unselfish words touch me deeply. I have tears
welling up in my eyes. Damn, I never cry -- at least not in front
of my children. We've done such a good job of instilling morals
in them. I'll have to tell Fox that when he wakes up. We really
don't need to worry about Sergei and Kat setting a bad example
for them. Our kids have minds of their own and know what is right
and what is wrong. "Girls, Kat said that she and your friends
have all made a pack to get married when they're eighteen. Did
you know about this?"

"Yeah. Gracie, Emi, and Ayako already have made plans with their
boyfriends to marry next fall," Faith said.

"What about me?" Angélique asks quietly. She's been unusually
quiet lately.

"It isn't required that you marry, Angel. You can take your time
and find the right person to share your life with." My lovers and
I have had long talks with our Seraph daughter about who and what
she is. However, Angélique still feels left out. Even though her
cousins also have wings. It isn't the same. She wants to be like
her sisters.

"Dad, I don't like being different," she says sadly.

"Angel, we're all different..."

"A boy at school told me that Daddy Fox tried to abort me...that
he didn't want me." Tears sprout in her eyes and she wipes at
them. Her sisters try to comfort her, telling her that the boy
was lying.

We've told her who and what her father is, but not how Fox ended
up pregnant with her. "The boy was telling the truth. However,
that doesn't mean Fox doesn't love you with all of his heart," I
say, kneeling next to her chair. I take her dainty hands in mine.
"Angel, Fox became pregnant with you by being raped. None of us
knew what to expect and your father was frightened and hurting at
the time. He didn't know what he was carrying, or if the alien
life inside him would harm Walter's and my babies. We didn't know
that you'd turn out to be so sweet and innocent. When you were
born, Fox refused to look at you or hold you. Walter and I
thought we'd have to find another home for you. It turned out
that we didn't need to. Fox finally looked at you and fell
instantly in love. He has never stopped loving you, Angel. He was
angry with himself for the longest time afterwards for how he
treated you upon your birth."

"I'm sorry, Dad. I didn't know." Angélique's voice quivers as she
says, "Daddy Fox must have been so upset..."

She starts crying and I pull her into my arms. She is
petite...only 5' 3" tall. "Angel, Fox loves you. Walter loves
you, and I love you. There's no need to feel guilty. You are *our
daughter* and always will be. What happened to Fox will never
have anything to do with how we feel about you."

"Can I go see Daddy Fox?" she asks.

"Sure, Angel, but he drank a bit too much alcohol earlier and is
sleeping."

"I won't wake him. I just need to see him," she says, standing
and running out of the kitchen.

All my daughters are looking at me sadly.

Hope is the one who finally speaks. "Dad, we've heard rumors
about some bad things that have happened to you and Daddy
Fox...how much of them are true?"

"I wouldn't know unless you tell me what rumors you're talking
about." I walk over to the coffeemaker and start making a fresh
pot of coffee. It doesn't look like I'll be getting any sleep
tonight.

"That Nikolai Slava kidnapped and raped Daddy Fox, and that you
were raped by him as well," Hope says hesitantly.

I keep my back to them as I prepare the coffee. "It's true," I
say. "But it happened a long time ago."

"How can you allow that man into our home and near Nicky?" Hope
asks.

I turn around to face her. "He's Nicky's father. If I thought
Nicky or anyone else was in any danger from him, I'd never allow
him in our home."

"What about Sasha?" Faith asks.

"What about Sasha?" I look at her puzzled.

"Nicky, Sergei, and Sasha often visit the Tsar together. Aren't
you worried about Sasha's safety?"

I sigh. "No, Faith. Slava isn't a child molester. He'd never try
anything with Sasha." I pour myself a cup of coffee and sit back
down at the table.

Kaylie speaks up suddenly, "Daddy, a lot of boys have been coming
on to Sasha at school."

Oh great. I run a hand over my face, when did my life enter the
twilight zone? Being a spy was so much easier. One of my main
worries is Sasha's safety. Fox and I wanted Sasha and Gawain to
be around kids their age. So we allowed them to go to school
instead of being tutored at home. "How long has this been going
on?" I ask.

"Since last year. Don't worry, Daddy. The boys won't try anything
with Sasha. They're too afraid of Sergei, Nicky, and Duncan."

I feel somewhat more relieved. I know Sasha's brothers and best
friend would never let anything happen to him. I am going to have
to start taking more precautions with Gawain. He's only ten years
old and several grades below his brothers and they're not always
around to look out for him. I've been depending on Arty to keep
an eye on him, but maybe I should place a couple of the guards
outside his classroom.

"Daddy, I sleepy," Arman says, climbing off Hope's lap and
walking over to me, he lays his head on my thigh.

I scoop him up in my arms. "Did you get enough milk to drink?"

"Yes. I need to pee pee."

"Well, then we should get you to the bathroom." I smile, cuddling
him in my arms. He's so cute. I can see so much of Fox in him and
a little of Walter. I stop at the kitchen doorway and look back
at my daughters. "Girls, get some sleep."

"'Kay, Dad. Night," Faith says.

"Dad, can you help me with my school project tomorrow?" Summer
asks, before I can leave.

"Sure, Summer. Now go to bed...that's an order."

I carry Arman back to the master bedroom. We have his potty-chair
set up next to our toilet. I glance at the bed when I pass it,
noticing that Fox is no longer alone. Our Angel is curled up
sleeping in his arms. I climb the steps to the bathroom and
unzipped Arman's sleeper and pull his arms through the sleeves.
He stands there swaying tiredly. He's crabby as I pull down his
training pants and have him sit on his potty chair. The
splashguard prevents any mishaps.

I run through the night's events as I wait for my son to finish.
What a night! From our triplets' seventh birthday, Sergei's
surprise announcement, and finally River's pending change.

"I done, Daddy."

I struggle to help him back into the one-piece sleeper. I think
it's about time to get him normal pajamas. "Okay, Mani, let's get
you to bed."

"I sleep with you, Daddy?"

I look into his tired hazel eyes, and smile. "Just this once.
Tomorrow night it's back in your own bed." I carry him downstairs
and deposit him in the bed next to Fox, then go to find a pair of
pajamas to put on. It's not like Fox and I are going to have sex
again this evening. I notice that Fox has on a pair of flannel
pajamas. He probably put them on when Angel joined him in bed. I
pull on my pajamas and slide under the covers, scooting over to
the center of the bed next to Arman and Fox.

Fox turns his head and looks at me. "It's about time you got
back."

"How's the buzz?"

"Gone. I hate being an immortal," he sighs.

I grin. "Well, at least we never get hangovers."

"There is that." He pets Angelique's wings and kisses the top of
her head. "Alex, I really wanted to tell her before she found out
on her own. She cried herself to sleep."

"She understands, Fox."

"Shh! NO talk! GO bed!" Arman orders.

"Okay, thief, we'll be quiet," I chuckle, hugging him and placing
a hand on my lover's chest. I find that I sleep better if I'm
touching some part of him. Mostly I like sleeping in his arms or
with him in my arms. My favorite position is sandwiched between
Fox and Walter. Their closeness has gotten me through many
nightmares over the past fifteen years.

***

I wake to find myself alone in bed. The aroma of fresh brewed
coffee fills my sinuses. I turn my head and look over toward our
breakfast table. Fox is sitting there glancing through a book and
drinking a mug of coffee. Arman is sitting on his lap. Our son is
eating a bowl of hot cereal. I look around for Angelique, she's
nowhere in sight.

"She's gone back to her room to dress," Fox says, setting down
the book. "Come and have some coffee with me."

I climb out of the warm bed. Fox has taken the time to light a
fire in the hearth, so the room is nice and cozy.

"Daddy, it's snowing!" Arman tells me pointing outside.

I glance out the French doors leading out onto the veranda.
Already there is almost a foot of snow piled up against the
doors. It must have started snowing sometime after we went to bed
last night. It is still coming down heavily. I always get a warm
feeling inside at the first snowfall of the winter. Fox pours me
a mug of coffee as I sit next to him.

"What are you reading?" I ask before I notice it's a holiday
cookbook. Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. We always give our chef and
employees Thanksgiving off. Which makes preparing the
Thanksgiving meal a family event. It is the one holiday we spend
together in the kitchen cooking as a family. Fox is in charge of
the vegetable dishes this year. I'm handling desserts. Walter is
taking care of the turkey. Our older daughters and sons are going
to be pitching in with salads, breads, relishes, and beverages,
while the younger children are in charge of setting the table.

Fox picks up his coffee mug. "I'm looking for a couple of new
vegetable dishes to make for tomorrow. The younger kids have been
complaining about our traditional family dishes."

I smile. I'm not too crazy about creamed spinach or peas with
pearly onions either. I'm still not sure how they became part of
our traditional Thanksgiving meal. "So what did you find to
make?"

"Sweet potatoes and marshmallows," Arman shouts.

"We always have sweet potatoes, Mani. Daddy Alex wants to know
what new vegetable recipes we've picked out," Fox says, hugging
the little boy.

"Oh." Arman grins at me. "Corn and green beans."

Fox clarifies, "Corn pudding and French cut green beans with
almonds."

Walter enters the bedroom. He looks tired.

"Hey, Walter, how's River doing?" Fox asks.

"He's still sleeping. Hope is watching over him," Walter says. He
sits at the table and reaches for the coffeepot. Fox beats him to
it and pours him a mug of coffee.

"It took three days for me to change into an immortal," Fox says,
setting the coffeepot down. "It's a shame, River is going to miss
Thanksgiving. Maybe we should celebrate it when he wakes up?"

I nod my head in agreement. "That's a good idea. He should be an
immortal by Friday. Let's plan on having Thanksgiving on
Saturday."

"I agree. It wouldn't be Thanksgiving unless River is able to
join us," Walter says. Arman climbs off Fox's lap and up onto
Walter's. The little boy just worships Walter.

"Hey, champ, did you sleep well last night?" Walter asks, hugging
and kissing his son.

"I sleeped in Daddy's bed with Angel."

"Really? I thought Daddy Fox and Daddy Alex wanted to sleep alone
last night." Walter looks at me questioningly.

Mulder coughs and says sheepishly, "I got a little too drunk and
passed out."

Skinner smirks around his coffee cup. "Fox, I love you, even if
you can't hold your liquor."

Fox grins, leaning over, he kisses Walter. "I think I'll go and
check in on River. Why don't you get some sleep? Arman, let's
allow Daddy Walter to get some rest. I want to wash your hair,
then you can help me choose some more recipes." He takes the
little boy from Walter.

I stay to keep Walter company. We are all officially on holiday
until Monday, so we don't have to worry about going to work.

"Why is Fox looking up new recipes?" Walter asks.

"The kids have talked him out of making creamed spinach and peas
this year."

Walter's face drops. "I love creamed spinach. Thanksgiving is the
only time we have it," he sighs.

I chuckle, "Walter, the kids don't like it. We'll just make sure
that we serve it on our anniversaries."

"Okay. That works for me." Walter drains the rest of his coffee
from the mug. "I have to go to Area 51 on Monday. My generals
have the latest spacecraft ready for testing. Alex, I think this
might be the biggest breakthrough we've seen yet in space
travel."

"I want to go with you, Walter. Fox and I have been talking and
we'd like to be more involved in the decisions being made for
defending our world."

I watch Walter as he frowns. He's been as protective of me, since
I lost my powers, as he's ever been with Fox. I can understand
his fears for our safety. I have the same fears for Fox and to a
lesser extent myself. It is a good feeling knowing that he's come
to love me as much as he loves Fox. I don't think I've shown
Walter how much I love him lately.

"Alex, I don't want you around the men at Area 51. They're a
rowdy and horny bunch. Not to mention they're cut off by their
location from other men..."

"Walter, I can take care of myself. Besides, who would try
anything with you and our security force present?"

"What about Fox? He needs you here to help with the children."

"Walter, our nannies can help him, and don't forget that most of
our kids are old enough to look after themselves."

"You're not going to let this drop are you?"

"No. I want to be involved in the decisions being made. Don't
keep me out. Our family's future is riding on this, too."

"If you get directly involved then Fox will want to be included,
too."

"As he should be. We're partners in everything."

"Alex, Area 51 has n'thrals doing the heavy assembly work on the
spaceships. I don't think it's a good idea for you to go there
with me."

"I'm going, Walter! End of story!" He knows how much it irritates
me when he's overly protective. Even after eighteen years
together Walter still tries to shield us. It would be an
endearing trait if it weren't so annoying. Fox and I aren't
stupid. We always take a minimum of a twenty-sorcerer security
force with us whenever we leave the island.

"Sorry, Alex. I'm doing it again aren't I?" Walter smiles
tiredly.

I suddenly realize that he's sat up all night next to River's
bedside. "Go to bed, Walter."

He reaches and takes my hand. "Will you join me, Alex?"

"I'm not tired..." "I wasn't thinking about sleeping just yet,"
he purrs softly.

Rising, Walter bends down and kisses me. Soon, I'm melting
against his sturdy frame. God, he's a good kisser. He's always
been able to get a rise out of me in more ways than one. His
musky scent fills my sinuses. I want him -- badly.

"Bed?" he growls, pulling me to my feet. He's been working out,
his muscles are practically rippling. I make a mental note to
spend more time in our home gym. Walter and our children spend a
couple hours a day in the gym. Sergei and Nicky spend most of
their time working out with weights, while Sasha and Gawain are
more like Fox, preferring running and swimming for exercise. Our
daughters have their own personal aerobics instructor.

I'm on my back in the center of our bed before I know it.
Somewhere from the table to the bed I've been divested of my
pajamas. Now I lay there watching as Walter strips. I reach down
and stroke my hard-on. My other hand is over my belly, caressing
softly. Then I penetrate my navel with a finger. It's moist and
hot and my whole body becomes ablaze with pleasure as my orifice
squeezes my digit. My mind is seized by the sensation, making it
hard to think clearly. All I know is that I want to feel Walter
fucking me there.

Walter must have sensed my need. "Is this what you want, Alex?"
he asks, lowering himself on top of me with his hand touching my
belly, he pulls my finger free.

"Yes," I choke out. My whole body is needy. Walter's mouth covers
mine again. All my nerves are seared with a white, hot passion. I
melt into a puddle of pure desire beneath him. My mind has
stopped working with his first kiss. All I want now is release.

He moves up straddling my body. I feel the bulbous head of his
penis against my navel. I arch up off the bed as he slams into
me. "OH, GOD!" The sensation is incredible as my orifice squeezes
and milks his cock. Walter is making whimpering noises. He's
receiving even more pleasure from our joining than I am. I know,
because I've fucked Fox this way many times and the sensation on
my penis was incredible.

It doesn't take long for Walter to get off and my orgasm shortly
follows his. We're both laying sweaty in a tangle of arms and
legs. My heart suddenly skips a beat and I feel ill. "Oh
shit...oh shit...oh shit..." I muttered.

Walter lifts himself off me and looks into my face. I can feel
the change in my body already. I can't believe this has happened.

"What's wrong, Alex?"

"Oh God. I forgot! I can't believe I forgot! Fuck, with
everything that has happened over the past twelve hours, it just
slipped my mind. Walter, today was the beginning of my cycle...
oh fuck."

"You don't mean?"

"You just got me pregnant!" I groan. I can't believe this has
happened. Yesterday, I had the minor pangs that always accompany
my cycle. I wasn't even having compulsions yet!

Walter is grinning down at me, looking quite pleased with
himself. I feel like strangling him.

"Alex, look on the bright side. You would have had compulsions to
become pregnant in the next few months anyway. So you're just
saving yourself a lot of anxiety."

"Shut up, Walter! Dammit! Fox is going to die laughing. I can't
tell him...you tell him." I cover my face with my arm too
embarrassed to look at him.

"Fox isn't going to laugh at you."

"HA! If Fox got himself in the same predicament, I'd be
laughing!" I glare at Walter and growl, "It better only be one
baby this time!"

"Don't blame me if you have twins. You're the one who's so
fucking fertile."

I don't want to hear this, so I shove him off me. "Let me up,
Walter. I need to take a shower."

I hurry up the steps to the bathroom. I hear Walter following me,
so I spin around and glare at him snapping angrily, "Alone!" His
face drops and he starts backing down the steps. I take pity on
him. This really isn't his fault. "Walter, I'm sorry. I don't
blame you. I really need a few minutes alone to gather my
thoughts. Go to bed, we'll talk after you've slept."

"Okay, Alex. I'll tell Fox if you still want me to?"

"No. I'll tell him." I turn and head across the bathroom to the
shower. I wait a couple of minutes for the water to heat up
before stepping in. I close my eyes and allow the spray to sooth
my frazzled nerves. Pregnant. I knew my compulsions would be
starting up again at anytime. It has been over seven years since
I was pregnant. I stand under the spray with my back to the room
and am surprised when arms wrap around my waist. "Walter, I told
you I wanted to be alone..."

"He's in bed sleeping, Alex," Fox's voice purrs close to my ear.
"Why are you angry with Walter?"

"Daddy, shampoo me," Arman says.

I look down at the little boy. Arman squeezes in between Fox and
me. I've only given birth to one boy, Nicky, Slava's son.

"In a second, Mani," Fox says.

I look at Fox. "I did something really stupid. I-ah I completely
forgot that our cycles started today."

"Alex, we're always able to tell when our cycle starts. It's
impossible to just forget. "

"Well I did! And now I'm pregnant!"

Fox looks deep into my eyes, his hazel orbs searching for
answers. "No, I don't think you forgot. Alex, you've been so
nervous these past several months that I think you subconsciously
desired to get it over with."

"You think I became pregnant on purpose?"

Fox didn't answer me. Instead, he kneeled and started washing
Arman's hair. I think I'd prefer him to be laughing at me. Was he
right? Did I forget on purpose?

Fox looks up at me and snickers, "Maybe you'll have quads this
time."

I glare at him, wanting to slap that smirk off his face. If Arman
wasn't in the shower with us, I might have given into the
impulse. "I'll leave having quads to you, Fox!" I grumble,
stepping out of the shower.

"Alex, I was only joking. I'm sure you'll only be having one baby
this time."

I towel off standing in front of the mirror. I turn sideways
admiring my physique. It's only seven months--then I'll be back
to normal. I sigh. No, then I'll have three years of nursing and
leaky nipples to look forward to. I'll never admit this to Fox or
Walter, but I do enjoy the sensation of my babies suckling at my
nipples. I'm even more embarrassed by the fact that I've come in
my pants countless times from the stimulation. I don't want my
lovers to think I'm a degenerate, so I would never tell them.
However, I have noticed Fox getting erections over the years
while he was nursing. I also hate the thought of not being able
to have any strong alcohol for the next four years. I guess last
night was my last hurrah.

I glance over to the shower. Fox is just finishing washing Arman.
I touch my stomach. I really would like a boy this time around. I
jerk my hand away. Oh shit, why is being pregnant so easy for me
to accept? Maybe I really did forget on purpose. I dress quickly.
I need to get away to think.

***

I'm bundled in my heavy winter coat and boots, making my way to
the village. I know I am being watched. Although the sorcerers
from the palace don't physically follow me when I leave the
palace. The palace's clairvoyants always keep an eye on me
whenever I go anywhere unaccompanied. It is a compromise that I
worked out with Walter. The snow is getting deeper and the wind
has picked up, it is becoming harder to see. It stings my cheeks,
so I pull my scarf more securely around my face. My boots make a
crunching noise as I plow through the ice-encrusted snow. I stop
several times wondering if I should turn back. Then I see the
lights from the village. Although it is late morning, all of the
streetlights are on due to the heavy snowfall. I pound on the
door to Yori's and Lev's restaurant and tavern. They haven't
opened up for the lunch crowd yet. There probably won't be many
people trekking out on a day like today.

Yori opens the door smiling broadly. His beard has gone
completely white. All the little kids call him Santa Claus.

"Alexei, come in and congratulations!"

"Yori, please stop reading my mind," I say, pushing past him and
into the tavern's main room. There is a fire blazing in the large
hearth that divides the pub from the restaurant. I shrug out of
my coat and take a seat by the hearth. I'm shivering as I stare
into the flames. I'm not going to let this pregnancy interfere
with me going to Area 51 on Monday or my becoming more involved
with the defense of our world. I've wallowed in my own self-pity
for too many years. Wasted too much time at my shrink's trying to
get my head right. Fox and I should have been working beside
Walter years ago, but neither of us were quite strong enough yet.
We needed to work through the changes our mutation brought into
our lives.

"Drink this, Alexei," Yori says, setting a steaming mug next to
me. Then he takes a seat across from me.

The aroma of apples and spices fills my senses. I pick up the mug
and take a sip of the hot cider. "Thanks, Yori."

"Do you want to talk about it?"

"What's to talk about? I'm pregnant again."

"Aren't you used to it by now?"

I snort, looking over at him. "God, Yori, this sucks! I doubt
I'll ever get used to being pregnant! You know what really sucks?
Fox is going to have his life back for at least the next four
years, while I'm stuck taking care of Walter's and my baby. It
would be nice if we were both pregnant and nursing at the same
time. Then we can have four free years to ourselves."

Lev comes out of the kitchen and places a smoked fish, cheese,
and fruit platter on the table. "Maybe you can convince Mulder to
get pregnant as a favor to you."

I shake my head as I pick up an apple slice and spread Brie on
it, then top it off with some caviar. "Lev, he's still nursing
Arman. He's not going to want another baby this soon."

"Get him drunk and..."

"NO!" I glare at Lev. I can't believe he'd suggest such a thing.

"If Mulder asks you what you want for Christmas this year, you
have the perfect request," Yori smirks.

"Guys, you aren't helping," I mutter, cutting off a piece of
smoked salmon.

"Alexei, what are you really worried about?"

I hesitate, looking at the knife in my hand. "Yori, I don't want
to have another multiple pregnancy. Having triplets the last time
was unbearable. By the end of my sixth month, Walter and Fox were
helping me back up every time I sat. It was degrading."

"When are you going to be able to tell how many babies you're
having?" Lev asks.

"Two months." I sip the cider. "I'll be overjoyed if I'm only
having one baby and ecstatic if it’s a boy. I wouldn't have to
worry about finding him a husband when he turns eighteen."

"That means you're having Walter's baby," Lev says.

Everyone knows that Fox's sperm will only produce female
offspring. "Yes, it's Walter's."

The restaurant door opens, bringing in a gale of cold air and
snow. Nicky, Duncan, and Sasha storm in followed by five of the
palace's security force. Our guards always accompany Sasha when
he leaves the palace.

"What do you three think you're doing coming here during a
blizzard?" I snap.

"Dad, it's hardly a blizzard!" Nicky says, taking off his coat,
gloves, and hat, hanging them on the hooks next to the door.
Sasha and Duncan follow suit and are soon strolling over to my
table. They sit in the empty chairs. The five-member security
force takes a table in the corner. Lev hurries to serve them hot
cider.

"Is it true that Daddy Walter knocked you up?" Sasha asks,
smirking. Nicky and Duncan cover their mouths snickering.

I glare at my mouthy son. "Brat, you're not too big to go over my
knee!"

"Chill, Dad! I'm only joking." Sasha grabs a slice of cheese from
the tray and looks at me as he nibbles on it. "So how many babies
are you going to have this time? Two, four, six?"

I growl at him, "Hunter Krycek-Mulder, need I remind you that
you're my flesh and blood? If I'm prone to having multiple birth
pregnancies then you will be, too." Sasha doesn't like it when I
call him Hunter. I use it whenever I'm feeling irritated with
him. Since he's become a teenager, Sasha's become increasingly
lippy and rebellious.

"Point taken, Dad," Sasha grumbles.

I notice the adoring looks Duncan gives him. Shit, am I going to
have to be concerned about Duncan hitting on Sasha? I better sit
down and have a talk with them before anything happens. Not that
Sasha will get pregnant any time soon; he still hasn't reached
puberty. I'm hoping that he won't until he's in his twenties. He
already has the immortal surreal beauty, but he's not giving off
pheromones yet.

"So what are you boys doing here?" I ask.

"We were bored. Sergei is hanging with Kat today."

"Where's Gawain?" I don't like it when the boys leave their
younger brother out of things.

"Dad, it's snowing too hard and we didn't think it was a good
idea to bring Gawain with us," Nicky says, hurriedly.

"Besides, he's helping Dad Fox," Sasha says.

"Helping him do what?"

"Taking all of the Christmas decorations out of storage."

"Why didn't you three stay and help?"

Nicky makes a face. "We're stuck going with Daddy Walter on
Sunday to cut down the Christmas tree."

"I thought you always enjoyed that?"

"Dad, I did when it was on a Friday! There's a football game on
Sunday. We're going to miss it!" Nicky complains.

It's a family tradition, to cut down our family Christmas tree
the day after Thanksgiving. However, since we switched
Thanksgiving to Saturday because of River that moved the tree
cutting to Sunday. I really didn't think it would cause any
dissension within our family. I forgot how much the boys liked
watching the ballgames on Sunday. "Okay, how about we go and cut
the tree down on Friday?"

Nicky smiles with relief and says, "Thanks, Dad. Will you tell
Daddy Walter?"

"Sure," I sigh, and look at my watch. It is past noon, and I
never even stopped to see how River was doing. I've been too busy
wallowing in self-pity. "I'm going to be heading back, boys.
Would you like to come with me?"

"I think we'll hang here for a while, Dad," Sasha says.

I stand and stretch, then bend down and kiss both of my boys.
"Don't stay here too long," I say.

"Hey, you forgot to kiss me goodbye," Duncan says, smirking. The
kid looks too much like Rory, with that wicked grin on his lips
and his dark mischievous eyes.

I ruffle his brown hair. "You and I are going to have a long talk
tomorrow, Duncan."

He looks at me nervously, probably wondering what he's done
wrong. "Okay."

I stroll over to the coat rack and pull on my winter coat. I
wonder what Fox's reaction would be if I really were to ask him
to have my baby now instead of waiting for his compulsions to
start up again in four years? It wouldn't hurt to ask. Besides,
he knows I'm upset with him over the quads comment maybe I can
use that to sway him. One of the things I hate most about
becoming pregnant is the nearly one month long sleep that always
follows three to five days after we become pregnant. It looks
like I won't be going to Area 51 with Walter on Monday.

***

I am chilled to the bone when I finally reach the palace. My
clothes are damp from the clinging snow. I'm shivering as I ride
the elevator up to our floor. I have one thought on my mind, that
is to immerse myself in a hot bath. I pause at the entertainment
room when I hear laughter inside. Fox looks up at me from the
pile of boxes that Nadia and Kira are helping him sort through.
Arman is bedecked with garland. It hangs draped from his
shoulders, trailing on the floor behind him.

The little boy smiles when he sees me, holding out his arms he
says, "Look at me, Daddy! I'm a Christmas tree!"

"Arman, doesn't Daddy Alex look like a snowman?" Gawain says,
laughing. He's sitting cross-legged on the floor next to Fox,
trying to untangle a string of Christmas tree lights. The boy is
beautiful. He has an innocence about him that makes him
breathtaking. I'm more protective of Gawain than I am of Sasha.
Maybe it's because Sasha looks like me, while Gawain has pretty
baby blue eyes and thick blond hair and a face that cries out to
be protected.

"I'm a melting snowman," I say, standing there dripping on the
carpet.

"Girls, watch Arman for me. I'm going to thaw out our snowman,"
Fox says, leering at me.

I know Fox is incredibly horny because of his cycle. Maybe I can
use it to my advantage. "What do you have in mind, Fox?" I ask as
we walk down the hallway together.

"First, a hot bubble bath. Then I'm going to give you a massage.
Afterwards, or maybe during, I'm going to fuck you, until you
come screaming my name."

"That sounds like fun, but I want to check in on River before we
do anything," I say, opening the door to River's bedroom.

Kaylie is sitting at his bedside reading a book. She smiles at
me. "He's still sleeping, Dad."

I walk over and look down at his face. His lashes are thicker and
his skin smoother. I don't know how we're going to protect him. I
wouldn't even trust our security force with him now. I bend down
and run my fingers through his thick hair that is damp with
sweat. I'm determined to figure out someway to make this change
easy for him.

We enter the bedroom and find Walter sitting on the edge of the
bed yawning.

"Hey, Walter. Do you want to share a hot bath with us?" Fox asks.
His hands are quickly removing my soaked clothes. I'm shivering
violently. I can't remember the last time I was more chilled.

"Sure, Fox. I'll go start the bath while you both finish
stripping," Walter says, walking naked up the steps to the
bathroom.

Fox has both our clothes removed quickly. He enfolds me in his
arms, holding me pressed against his warm body as he rubs circles
around my back. The shivers soon leave and I rest my chin on his
shoulder and start to feel warmer. Then I purposely press up
against his navel. I know it's his most erogenous zone and it's
especially sensitive right now. I get the desired moan out of him
and he rubs his hard length against me. "Fox, I have a favor to
ask you," I say as we move up the steps to the bath.

"Favor? Alex, you know I'd do anything for you."

I look at Walter over Fox's shoulder. He is pouring foaming bath
oil under the faucet while watching us intently. "Why don't we
get in the bathtub first then I'll ask you," I say smiling.
"Walter, can you zap Fox up a glass of wine."

"Alex..." Fox begins to protest.

I kiss him tenderly. "Shh, I want you to be relaxed." I take his
hand and step into the bathtub. The water is hot against my cold
flesh. I sink down to my neck in the foamy scented water. Fox
snuggles up against my side.

"Here, Fox." Walter hands him a glass of deep burgundy wine. Then
another glass appears in his hand that he hands to me. "Sparkling
Apple cider," he says, climbing into the bathtub and sitting on
my other side.

"Mm, this is nice. I can't remember the last time we shared a
bubble bath," Fox says, sipping his wine.

I set my glass on the ledge, freeing my hands to caress his
smooth flesh. I wrap one arm around his waist and lay my hand
over his belly. Walter is nibbling on my shoulder, working his
way up to my neck. In the meantime I circle my finger around
Fox's navel.

"I want you to have my baby, Fox," I say softly.

Fox chokes on the wine and Walter stops sucking my throat.

"Fox, you said you'd do anything for me."

"No."

"Just think of the fun we'll be able to have together after we've
weaned them. We'd have four free years to enjoy ourselves." I
keep up the stimulation on his orifice as I'm talking, teasing
the opening with my fingertip.

"No."

"He has a point, Fox," Walter says.

"Walter... Alex, stop!" Fox grabs my hand, but he doesn't remove
it from his belly. He holds it still as he looks into my eyes.
"Jeez...give me a day to think about it."

I can't believe he's actually willing to consider it. I grin
foolishly. Leaning over, I kiss him. "Thanks." I hope he agrees.
It would make it easier to bear this pregnancy if I wasn't going
through it alone. I lean back in the hot water and close my eyes
allowing it and my lovers to pleasure me.

***

End of chapter 1: Alex.