“Be more careful,” Maisie urged, glancing toward Terror for help translating. “Things have worked out fine for us, but other couples might not be so lucky.”
“I’m committed to not making this mistake again,” Risk promised.
“Do you know why my implants were dislodged? Is that a known failure?” Terror thought of all the Shadow Force operatives with those same implants who were relying on them to not leave behind a trail of children.
“My working theory is that you sustained an injury to your testicles during your captivity. Your scans before you were shot down and taken captive show the implants in place. The scans after your rescue don’t.”
Terror grimaced at the memories of his torture. Yes, there were definitely times when the men tormenting him had chosen to hurt him there. Dislodged implants would explain the bizarre pain he had chalked up to kidney stones at one point during his captivity.
With the mystery of how Maisie had conceived solved, the exam continued. The blood samples the medic had drawn upon their arrival had already been tested. All of her vital signs were optimal. Risk declared her health perfect and signed off on her wellness check.
“Just a little sting,” Risk said before numbing her wrist for the insertion of her chip.
Maisie caught his gaze over Risk’s bent head. She seemed amused that after all they had gone through to get rid of the other chip she was now having another one implanted.
“Right back where we started,” he teased.
“Yes.”
There was a knock at the door, and Maisie didn’t react. It was a reminder that he needed to get her together with Cipher after collaring her. Adjustments would need to be made to the collar and watch that would help her integrate.
Axiom, one of the doctors who floated between the Mercy and the Valiant, entered pushing a machine on wheels. Axiom specialized in women’s health so Terror had never been treated by him. He hadn’t ever heard anything negative about Axiom, but when it came to Maisie’s care, he was unwilling to accept anything less than the best.
“Right on time,” Risk announced as he finished inserting the chip. “Maisie, this is Axiom. He’s one of our obstetricians. He’ll be handling your pregnancy.”
“If you’ll allow me,” Axiom interjected. He stepped forward and offered Maisie his hand. “We also have two other obstetricians who are equally as capable. If you want to see all three of us, you’re more than welcome. You can choose whichever doctor you feel is a better fit.”
Terror’s estimation of Axiom rose considerably. Axiom was making it clear to Maisie that she was the patient and her comfort was priority.
“Are you comfortable reading lips or would you prefer if Terror translates for us?” Axiom glanced at Risk. “Or we could get a tablet in here? I think they have talk-to-text functions?”
“I’m comfortable reading lips,” Maisie said, using Terror to translate.
“Great. So, I’m a little concerned because you haven’t had any prenatal care, and you’re five months along. At the same time, you’re young and very healthy.” Axiom gestured to the nearby sink. “Let me wash up, and we’ll take a look at your baby.”
Terror experienced the strangest sensation of excitement and panic as he watched Axiom wash his hands and move the machine closer to the exam table. Risk stepped aside to make room for Axiom and moved to stand behind Terror.
“Do you mind pulling up your shirt?” Axiom asked. “And tug down your pants a little?”
Terror tamped down the possessive streak that reared its head at hearing another man asking his mate to bare her body. When Axiom tucked a disposable towel into the waistband of her pants, touching her so intimately, Terror felt another flare of irritation. He hated the jealousy that erupted within him. Maisie had committed herself to him. No fleeting touch from another man would change that.
“This may be a bit cold,” Axiom warned before dispensing an obscene amount of slippery blue gel on her round belly. He then draped a thin, clear film over her skin. “The gel helps conduct sound waves from the transducer film into your body,” he explained. “The sound waves create a detailed image of your baby on this screen.”
Axiom adjusted the screen so they could see. As an image began to pulse into shape, Maisie reached for his hand. He grasped it, holding tight as the anticipation overwhelmed him. His gaze darted from Maisie’s hopeful face to the screen and back.
As the image took shape, Terror wasn’t quite sure what he