How had they forgotten to use condoms? The thing was, Aaren had his BC pills ready to go; he had known his heat was coming up. He hadn’t wanted any consequences if he spent his heat with Ballus.
Then he had met Hades, and... He had completely forgotten about the pills.
“Fuck,” Hades said.
“I think that describes our situation very well,” Aaren said bravely.
Hades looked pained.
“It’s my fault,” Aaren said miserably, thumping his forehead against Hades’ shoulder. “I’m sorry.”
Hades wrapped his arms around Aaren, looking troubled. “Why would you say that? This is my fault. I should’ve remembered the condoms; I wasn’t in rut yet. You weren’t thinking clearly by the time we started this. Fuck.”
Hades looked away, self-recrimination heavy on his face. It didn’t suit him. Hades was supposed to be happy. At least, Aaren wanted him to be.
“We can share the blame,” Aaren said. “I was so excited about meeting you that I forgot my pills.”
Hades dropped his gaze to Aaren’s belly. “And now...”
“It might not take?” Aaren said. “It’s not like heat sex guarantees conception.”
It just skyrocketed the possibility.
And Hades had produced several loads of come. All of it was now knotted inside Aaren, at a time when he was the most fertile.
Hades had an unreadable look on his face. “Which are you more comfortable with? Discussing the possible consequences now, or after we do a test a couple weeks from now?”
“We should wait, I think.”
Hades nodded slowly. Then he cradled Aaren’s face with his hands, looking into his eyes. “Sweetheart. You know that whatever happens, I will support you every step of the way, right? If you get pregnant, if you don’t. If you want to keep the baby, or if you don’t. It’s your choice and I will help you regardless of what you choose.”
Aaren’s heart swelled. “Really? That sounds like a huge promise.”
“I want to be responsible for your needs,” Hades murmured. He leaned in and nudged their noses together. Then he pressed a kiss to Aaren’s lips, one of those sweet kisses that Aaren couldn’t get enough of.
Relieved, Aaren sagged forward, kissing Hades several more times before nuzzling into the crook of his neck. “Okay.”
Hades slowly rubbed Aaren’s back. They were both covered in drying fluids, but that was okay. Hades was holding him. Aaren had everything he needed.
When he looked up, he realized that Hades was frowning. “Are you still blaming yourself?”
Hades sighed. “Well, that too. But I was thinking about Ballus.”
Ice stabbed through Aaren’s veins. “Oh fuck. Him.”
“If...” Hades wet his lips. “If it happens that you get p—If it happens that there are consequences from today, I’d much rather you stay with me instead of him.”
“Is that because I told you not to punch him?” Aaren blurted.
“That, and because I don’t want him to hurt you, by accident or otherwise.” Hades’ eyes flashed.
“He hasn’t hurt me before. Physically, anyway.”
Hades shook his head. “I don’t want to risk it. Besides, I can take care of you so much better if you move in with me. You’d be so much happier.”
Aaren sagged. “You’re right. It’s just... I’ve already spent six months on that stupid contract.”
“What if we manage to rework that contract, and you start the year over with me?”
