Marine Baby

Chapter Sixteen

It is has been three months since I found out I was pregnant. Three long months since I have heard from Ryan. I was sent on my mission and managed to do it properly. I was terrified, I won't lie. It was beyond scary to think I could be putting my baby in danger. But I did it. I am back in North Carolina on base impatiently waiting to hear something from Ryan. A lot has happened in three months though, Justin and I talk a lot. I told him about the baby and he was happy for me. He also told me he found his second mate, who doesn't like me very much. I guess its the other woman thing, I don't really get it though. He loves her. You can tell it in his voice. I think he checks up on me because he feels responsible because Ryan isn't here. Justin is the only one who really understands what I am going through, I did put him through it for three years. The worrying. The not knowing. It must have killed him. I feel horrible about it now. Knowing I made him feel a fraction of what I feel now, makes me feel like a bitch. 

I am currently laying on my couch watching TV. I was taken off my current job (apparantly it was too physical) and am now a desk clerk for my CO. I hate it! Seriously it is horrible. For someone who is always been up and running this is literally the worse job ever! But today is my day off and I am trying to relax and not think of Ryan too much. It is hard though, he takes up my thoughts ever second of every day. Matt sits on one end and Tank on the other, I am sandwiched in between, like always. These two make me feel like a little sister and I secretly love it. 

"So Jules, when do we find out what that baby is in there?" Matt asked, while giving me a full on smile.

"Hopefully, tomorrow. As long as the baby cooperates." 

"Can we come with you?" asked Tank.

I turn to him with furrowing my eyebrows. "You guys would want to come with me for that?" I know one of them tries to always come with me to my appointments. They stepped up as soon as they found out Ryan and I were having a baby. But they never go back with me, they just sit in the  office, walk me back to the room, and guard the door like someone is going to hurt me at the doctor's office. They ask a million questions as soon as I get out but not once have they gone in with me. 

"We always go with you, but this time we want to come in the room with you. We want to see the baby too. And we would like to support you when you find out." Matt answered.

"Of course, you can come in with me, but you are going to have to see this big belly. It won't be hidden behind clothes... It might scare you." I said laughing. To be honest sometimes it scares me. 

They both fist pump the air. I guess it means a lot to them to come with me. Whatever makes them happy. I am glad I don't have to be by myself. Iwish it was my husband but his best friends and my adoptive big brothers withh have to do for now. 

"Have you guys heard anything about Ryan?" I ask, already knowing the answer, but wishing... praying for something. Some news. But no news is good news right?

"Weeelll" Tank starts but Matt stops him. 

"Come on guys. Please. I need to know something, please. It is killing me. I miss him so much. Please." I start getting emotional and tearing up which gets both guys to move closer to me and hugging me from each side. 

"Please don't cry Jules." Tank says wiping away my tears. "We heard something, but I don't want to upset you but I know you need to know. Please just promise to hear everything, ok? Don't interupt and I will tell you." I nod my head. Matt grunts something I don't understand but I know he isn't happy about Tank telling me. 

"His mission didn't go as planned. They lost contact three months ago with base. Search parties have gone out looking for them but haven't found anything to report back on. Nothing that is conclusive anyway. We don't know if they were taken or, um, " Tank is starting to look uncomfortable so I look to matt.

"The building they were in exploded. We don't know if any of them made it out alive." he finished. I was crying, full out sobs now.

Ryan could be dead. 

Ryan could be dead.

Oh...my... god...Ryan could be dead. Was my last thought before everything went black.

Matt POV

I knew we shouldn't have told her. I told Tank not to but does he listen to me, no. He tells her and than chickens out at the important part. I picked her up and laid her down on her bed. Tank laid down with her so I could call the doctor. 

We didn't tell her everything, because we are still hoping for a miracle. I have Ryan's dog tags in my pocket. They found them at the scene but not him. No body though, so he coud still be out there. Tank and I found out a week after Jules found out she was pregnant. We couldn't tell her then. She had a mission to complete and a baby to keep safe. Tank and I did manage to get transfered to her mmission to keep an eye on her. We have been with her since. 

I know she wonders why we are so close to her all the time, but we have to. It is in our blood to protect her. Ryan was our Alpha. Jules is our Luna. She has no clue, because Ryan didn't get a whole lot of time to explain everything to her. 

Ryan is our best friend and brother, our job is to take care of what he would have if he was here. Tank and I already decided we would give up everything for Jules. To take care of her, if Ryan never comes back.

Tank POV

I probably should have said anything but I thought she should know. Of couse, not all of it. But at least be prepared a little. I didn't think she would pass out! 

After Matt lays Jules in bed I lay down next to her. It is a habit now. Matt or I sleep in bed with her. Don't get the wrong idea, nothing happens but sleep. She is like my sister. I know she needs someone here, we both do. She might act all tough but she is scared inside. I tend to stay here more than Matt because he has to work nights and my CO sent me over to Jules' CO so I get her schedule. 

I rollover to look at her and watch her breath. I have to make sure there isn't anything wrong with the her or the baby. Listening for both their heart beats calms me down some. I rub her belly. It is awesome to know that my new Alpha is in there. To know I get the honor of protecting my Luna and soon-to-be Alpha is the greatest honor in a wolf's life. 

I hear Matt on the phone, telling the doc to head over here. Doc's reply is she will be fine. Let her wake up on her own. Matt replies with yelling and some threatening. Seems like the good doc pissed off the wrong wolf. Shaking my head, "Matt, stop scaring the good doctor. Her heartbeat and the baby's is fine. Listen. Breath. She is ok. Just resting." I say to him so he calms down, after all we have to see this guy tomorrow. 

Matt hangs up and lays in bed on the other side of Jules. "Doc, said he will see her tomorrow." He grumbles. He leans forward so he is leaning on the baby belly. I can't hear everything he says to the baby, but I know the gist of it. "We will always protect you and your momma.... please cooperate tomorrow.... be nice to your momma... stop kicking me" The last one made me laugh out loud because you can feel the baby kicking at the same time Matt's head bouncing up and down. It was kind of funny. 

Matt looked up at me and smiled. He was goofy. I am glad he is helping me take care of Jules and the baby. He keeps her smiling, while I just make sure she is safe. I am more of a hard ass, I guess. Not that Jules sees it that way. Jules rolls over to my side and cuddles up to me. She says I am her teddy bear. 270 pound, pure muscle teddy bear. And I don't see how I am cuddly either. But if it makes her happy, then I am ok with it.

Closing my eyes, I listen to their heartbeats again to make sure everything is ok. I open one eye to see Matt get closer to Jules. She looks so tiny in between us.

Tomorrow is going to be a big day for Jules and we need to be there for her. With that last thought I fall asleep.