Felicity’s heart quickened. "A doctor? A real one?"

Exile nodded, his expression guarded. "She seems genuine but I didn’t approach without you."

"Take me to her," Felicity said, already moving toward the door.

Exile’s arm shot out, blocking her path. "Not like that. It’s dangerous out there."

"I’ll be fine with you," she insisted, smiling up at him.

His jaw tightened. "The skirt is too short and the top shows too much skin."

"Exile," she sighed, touching his arm. "It’s just clothes."

"It’s a beacon," he countered, his eyes scanning the room until they landed on a discarded jacket. He grabbed it and wrapped it around her shoulders. "For me, please."

Felicity nodded, understanding his need to protect her. "For you."

As they prepared to leave, she felt the familiar tingle of anticipation mixed with hope. A doctor could mean answers about her pregnancy, about what to expect as her body changed. And Exile had found her—always watching, always protecting, always one step ahead of any threat to her safety.

"Ready?" he asked, his hand resting protectively on the small of her back.

She nodded, feeling the weight of his concern and the warmth of his devotion. "Let’s go meet our doctor."

The streets outside were a gauntlet of danger, but Exile moved with deadly precision, his body shielding Felicity’s as they navigated the broken concrete. The Snow Team fanned out around them, their weapons raised as they dispatched the shuffling figures that emerged from the shadows.

"Stay close," Exile whispered, his arm a steel band around her waist.

Felicity nodded, watching as Ash silently appeared from behind a rusted car, his traps triggering with soft clicks before the creatures fell. She’d never get used to the way he moved like a ghost through the chaos.

The clinic appeared ahead, its once-white walls now gray with grime, but the red cross painted on the door remained intact. A small miracle in this broken world.

Exile checked the perimeter before nodding to her. "Clear."

Inside, the waiting room was sparse but clean. A young boy with solemn eyes looked up from behind a makeshift desk.

"We’re here to see the doctor," Felicity said, her voice softer than she intended.

The boy nodded, his gaze lingering on her belly before he called out, "Sandy! Patients!"

Felicity reached into the bag she’d brought, pulling out precious supplies. "For your help," she said, offering the boy packets of noodles, sugar, and rice. She’d deliberately left the fresh food behind, no need to be a a target.

The boy’s eyes widened. "Thank you," he whispered, clutching the items to his chest.

A woman emerged from the back, her smile warm and genuine. "Hello there! I’m Sandy and you must be the pregnant woman I’ve been hearing about."

Felicity blinked in surprise. A female doctor? Women were so rare now that finding another felt like discovering treasure.

"Felicity," she said, extending her hand. "And this is Exile one of my husbands."

Sandy shook her hand firmly. "Well, come on back. Let’s see what we’ve got growing in there."

As they followed Sandy to the examination room, Felicity couldn’t help but ask, "Are you alone here? No... husbands?"

Sandy laughed, but before she could answer, the shadows in the corners seemed to shift and expand. Suddenly, ten massive beastmen materialized, their eyes glowing in the dim light.

Felicity gasped, stepping back against Exile’s solid chest. His hand found the knife at his belt, but he didn’t draw it.

"Easy, boys," Sandy called, waving them away. "These are friends."

The beastmen retreated reluctantly, their gazes never leaving Felicity.

"Sorry about that," Sandy said with a wink. "They’re a little protective, you see."

Felicity nodded, understanding all too well. "I have similar problems."

The examination was thorough Sandy listened to Felicity’s heart, measured her belly, and to Felicity’s amazement, wheeled out an ultrasound machine.

"Where did you find that?" she asked, staring at the relic of the old world.

Sandy smiled. "One of my boys found it in a hospital basement. Still works, thanks to our resident electrician."

As the cool gel spread across her abdomen, Felicity held her breath. Exile stood rigid beside her, his hand finding hers.

"There we go," Sandy said, pointing to the screen. "See that? And there... and there..."

Felicity’s eyes widened. "Are those...?"

"Four little ones," Sandy confirmed. "Beast babies grow fast, very fast. You’ll be due in about two months."

Felicity’s hand flew to her mouth. "Four?" She looked at Exile, whose expression had frozen somewhere between terror and wonder.

"The little apprentice you met he’s actually only 8 months old," Sandy explained. "But he’s got the brain and understanding of a seven-year-old. Beast children develop quickly."

"Can you tell what they are?" Felicity asked, her voice barely audible.

Sandy nodded, pointing at the screen. "Two girls and two boys. A perfect split." 𝕗𝕣𝐞𝐞𝘄𝐞𝚋𝚗𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹.𝚌𝕠𝚖

Tears filled Felicity’s eyes as she looked at the grainy images. Four lives growing inside her. Four children to protect in this broken world.

She felt Exile’s hand tremble in hers. When she glanced up, she saw the conflict in his eyes the joy battling with the overwhelming responsibility of protecting not just her, but now four vulnerable cubs.

"They’re beautiful," she whispered, squeezing his hand.

Exile nodded, unable to speak. His jaw clenched as he stared at the screen, already calculating threats, planning defenses.

"Don’t worry," Sandy said, noticing his tension. "The first few weeks are the most dangerous, but with proper care, they’ll be strong. Stronger than human children."

Felicity wiped her tears, determination replacing fear. "We’ll keep them safe."

As they prepared to leave, Sandy pressed a small bottle into Felicity’s hand. "Vitamins," she explained. "For you and the babies. Come back in two weeks."

Outside, the world seemed both more beautiful and more dangerous. Four children. Four lives to nurture in a world that devoured the weak.

Exile’s arm wrapped around her as they walked, his touch gentle but his eyes scanning constantly.

"Four," he finally said, the word carrying the weight of a thousand emotions.

Felicity leaned into him. "She said we have to see her in two weeks, i thought we were going to bowral..."