Manticore Boyfriend (preview)

   “Manticore babies...they’re so big,” he whispers. “We have claws and fangs and our tails...it’s going to rip you to shreds.”

   You touch him, making him look at you. “It will be ok. I can feel it.” You place his hand back on your belly. “Our baby won’t hurt anyone.”

   “It isn’t anyone I’m worried about,” he pulls you into his arms, holding you for dear life.

You give him an extra tight squeeze. "It'll be all right. Tiny creatures have babies all the time. I am stronger than I look. Me and the baby will be safe and healthy, I promise you."

He growls and nuzzles to your cheek. "As long as you promise me."

   As the days and weeks go by and your belly begins to grow, your manticore continues to fret. He’s become even more protective of you and barely allows you to the leave the cave. He’s taken to hunting more and storing more food and treasure. He’s built a bigger nest, one he considers more protective of you and the baby. He constantly asks how you’re feeling if anything hurts. He’s still worried the size of the baby, as well as the manticore’s more dangerous attributes, are hurting you.

   To be honest, aside from the usual discomforts of pregnancy, you feel fine. Your belly feels tight and the baby seems to have a fondness for sleeping on your bladder, and your legs and feet hurt like heck. During the final stages of the pregnancy, you’re on bed rest. During this time, your manticore is more fretful than ever. He stays beside you, pacing or curled up around you. He keeps his ear pressed to your belly, listening for the baby or anything strange. He sniffs you a lot too, making sure you aren’t bleeding or anything else.

   “What do you think?” You ask him. “Boy or girl?”

   “What?” He growls.

   You giggle. “We haven’t really discussed it. You’ve been more worried about me than the baby.” You rest your hand on your stomach. “Do you want a boy or girl?”