Expecting Eternity (Vamp Life #2)

by Strider, Jez

  “Eve! I’m so sorry I spilled the beans about the baby the other day!” As usual, she was full of enthusiasm.

  Quickly, I looked around, but the sidewalk was empty. It’s not that the pregnancy was a secret, but I wasn’t ready for the world to know. “How did you know about it?” I asked as I pushed on the door, flipping the sign around to say “Open.”

  Fate hunched her shoulders. “It’s hard to explain. Let’s see.” She tilted her head. “Okay. You know how like when you feel heat coming off something or vibrations from sound?” I nodded. “It’s like that with people. I can sense their presence and sometimes even see an aura.”

  “Have you told your mother? She only mentioned the ghosts to me.” Fate had a bad habit of keeping things from her mother. She didn’t want to cause her undue stress. Noble, but foolish girl.

  She followed me and I locked our purses in my desk drawer. “No. I didn’t think it was a big deal or anything. Do you think it is?”

  I handed her a bottle of multi-surface cleaner and a roll of paper towels. There were no appointments. The day would be best spent cleaning. Everything was covered in dust. “It was important when you told everyone I was pregnant.”

  “Aww, come on. You should be happy.”

  “I am happy.” I shooed the opinionated teen out of my office. “Get to work.”

  While Fate did the majority of cleaning, I called clients who’d recently missed appointments when the clinic was closed. I had to get word out. There would be no business if people didn’t know I had reopened. Most of the people I called were happy to know I was back to work. Only one person was angry, saying they had found a new, more reliable vet. The raging public was one of the downfalls of the job. The animals complained much less often.

  Around lunch time, I was about to send Fate out to pick up something to eat. Marc popped in to check on us before I had the chance. He was practically covered head to toe in grease, but he was bearing fast food sandwiches for everyone. He had received a small advance at his job so he could afford it.

  “It’s looking good in here. Nice job, Fate.” He said before kissing my cheek. We all sat down in my office.

  She looked him over. “You’re a mess, Marcus!”

  He reached out, pretending like he was going to smear oil on her face and she screamed. “Yeah, I know.” He winked at me. “I don’t have much time either. They want a car repaired before the end of the day.”

  “I’m glad you could stop by. I wasn’t expecting you.” I sipped on the diet soda he’d brought me.

  “Have to check on my girl.” He said. “Besides, I figured Fate was creepin’ you out with ghost stories.”

  Marcus could make a joke out of anything, even if it was a serious matter. I loved that quality in him. Humor can be an amazing thing. Yet, sometimes he bordered on being inappropriate. I looked to Fate to see her reaction and she was sticking her tongue out at my husband. They behaved like brother and sister.

  “Oh! Mom met a guy named Roger after you two left the restaurant. It’s good she’s attempting to date, but there’s something I don’t like about him.”

  It was surprising. I hadn’t known Ashley to date since her husband’s death. “I’m sure your mom is a good judge of character. It could just be uncomfortable seeing her with someone other than your father.”

  “I gotta go. Love you.” Marc didn’t seem interested in the girl talk and he had to get back to work anyway. He kissed my lips hastily. I was still chewing on a bite of my sandwich, so I couldn’t return the affection.

  “Bye!” Fate called out loudly after he’d exited the room. “Anyway.” She turned back to me. “You know the aura thingy I was telling you about. It’s not black and white, but it’s the feeling I get from it.” Her frustration at trying to explain something no one else could sense was evident. “I just don’t feel friendliness behind all his smiles.”

  Fate was prone to dramatics, but I couldn’t deny her new found perceptions. “I wouldn’t say anything to your mom. You could be wrong and, if you are correct, I’m sure she’ll figure it out pretty fast.” I didn’t think she was trying to sabotage her mother’s new relationship, but I preferred to err on the side of caution.

  Oddly enough, she agreed. “Yeah, I want her to have a shot at happiness. He just better not hurt my mom.”

  He’d have to deal with both of us if he did hurt Ashley.

  “Do you think you could read minds if you tried?” It didn’t seem far-fetched considering everything else she could do.

  She giggled. “Of course not. That’d be crazy.”

  Life was normal, relatively speaking. The biggest imminent concerns were bills and the possibility of a bad boyfriend. Maybe it was true when I told myself everything would be okay.

  Four months passed by without any major incidents. Ashley had returned to the office and with Fate’s help, I was handling the pregnancy rather well. Marcus stopped by nearly every day on his lunch break, fussing and fighting with me to rest in my office. He’d wanted me to stop working altogether, but I presented my case with documented experiences of other veterinarians who worked throughout their pregnancies. The matter of keeping the baby a secret had passed. Even if I wanted to, it was now obvious to anyone who knew me and saw me. Marc had been ecstatic to tell his family. I found the attention uncomfortable and embarrassing.

  Ashley and I were planning her daughter’s eighteenth birthday party for the weekend. She had rented a banquet hall, hired a band, and booked a DJ. The party was going to have a club theme with glow sticks and strobe lights. My friend was going all out, but Fate deserved it. She had come a long way to maturity in the past few months. She worked hard and did a good job at the clinic.

  “So, things are getting pretty serious with you and Roger.” I said, fishing for more information from Ash. The two had been dating for a while, but for some reason she was tight lipped about the relationship.

  “Yeah. The kids like him, other than Fate. We’re taking it slow. I don’t want the children to get too close just to lose another father figure.” I’d lost a husband in the nineteen forties, but we didn’t have children. I couldn’t imagine how hard it was for Ashley to watch her children mourn for their dad.

  Roger Nathis had been into the clinic to visit Ash a few times. He was African-American and kept his head shaved. I thought he was a decent looking guy. He was excessively polite and reserved. It seemed to be a fake, practiced behavior. I guess it made sense. He worked as a teacher at one of the local middle schools which meant he had to deal with children and their parents at a professional level on a daily basis.

  I hadn’t spoken to my friend about Fate’s suspicions. “Why do you think Fate doesn’t like him?”

  “Just clashing personalities. Fate is so opinionated and liberal.”

  It sounded like she was describing herself. “So are you.”

  She shook her head, looking through another box of party supplies. There were boxes all over her living room. “I’m mellowing out as I age. I just don’t have the motivation to fight anymore. All I want is someone to share a glass of wine with and to visit the museums or take me to the movies on the weekend. Roger fills that need.”

  I nodded. I understood the need for peace in one’s life. “Do you know who Fate’s boyfriend is? She told me she invited him to the party.”

  “Probably some boy with his entire face pierced, a green mohawk, and who writes tortured poetry.” Ash closed the box before checking the items in the next. “She did say he’s a little older, but she’s turning eighteen and as an adult, it’s her choice.” She shot me a look and I knew she was repeating what her daughter had said to justify having an older boyfriend.

  “Fate is smart. I’m sure he’s a good guy.” It was almost the same reassurance I’d given Fate about Roger. Now if mother and daughter could just get on the same page.

  My friend didn’t seem convinced, but she didn’t argue. “I’m sure….” Her younger children, Daniel Jr. and Daunette, came running
into the living room, knocking over one of the party supply boxes. A loud crash followed as one of the lights broke. Ash gave me a frustrated look before ushering the kids back to the playroom.

  “Marc and I will meet up with you tomorrow to help set up the party.” I was ready to get out of the mad house.

  “Thanks.” She laughed a little.

  “What?”

  “You won’t be able to run from the circus when your baby gets here.” I looked down at my belly when she pointed. She was right and I was completely unprepared. “Maybe you’ll have twins, too.” She teased. I left in a hurry before she could plant anymore fears in my mind.

  Saturday came and the party was a hit with all of Fate’s friends. Unfortunately, Fate was nowhere to be found.

  “Who is late for their own birthday party? Hmm? I worked hard on this for that little heathen!” Ashley was fuming while Roger tried to calm her down. Marc and I exchanged glances.

  I checked my watch. “You know she’s only half an hour late. I sent her a text. She said she would be here soon.”

  There was no calming her fury. “I’ll teach this new boyfriend of hers a lesson if he’s going to have her behaving like a delinquent again.”

  It’s safe to say that the next ten minutes were uncomfortable. Finally, the birthday girl arrived with her boyfriend in tow. Hand in hand they walked into the room. Fate broke free and ran up to her mother, hugging her tightly.

  “I love it, Mom. It’s so perfect. Thank you!” She said sincerely.

  Marc and I were both staring in shock at the boyfriend. I barely heard as Ashley accepted her daughter’s apology about being late. Fate was so upbeat it was impossible to stay mad at her for long.

  My attention turned from the date to my best friend when she politely extended her hand and introduced herself to Fate’s handsome new love interest. He wasn’t what any of us had envisioned.

  “A pleasure to meet you. I’m Ashley and this is Roger.” She gestured to her side.

  “It is obvious where Fate gets her beauty.” The man took Ash’s hand and kissed it. I had to roll my eyes as he put on the thick Italian accent and charm. “I am Antonio d’Artusio and the pleasure is certainly mine.” When he released her hand, he gave a small incline of his head to greet Roger. Roger did not look pleased.

  My first thought was that Antonio was dating Fate to get back at me for marrying Marc, but it just didn’t make sense. I hadn’t even seen Antonio in months and he never delivered the donor blood personally after the first visit. Then, an idea crossed my mind. Maybe he was actually interested in Fate.

  “These are my friends….” Ashley started, but was quickly interrupted by her daughter.

  “Mom, they know each other. That’s how Antonio and I happened to meet.” Fate had an oblivious grin plastered across her face. “Tonio suggested we keep our relationship on the D.L.” She explained the abbreviation to the older members of the gathering, assuming none of us understood. “The down low… until we were sure it was more than a casual fling.”

  Ashley shot me a curious look. I’d had no idea about the couple so I shrugged.

  Antonio reached out and gave Marcus a handshake before pulling me into a short hug. “Evelyn is with child and no one saw fit to inform me?”

  Ever since her first misstep, Fate had been careful to keep her mouth shut. “Nah, she’s just put on a few pounds since getting married. All that home cooking. You should see how fast she scarfs down a burger.”

  I wonder if I looked as annoyed as I felt. “It is fine, Fate.” I’d gone up a cup size and I was flaunting it in the dress I had chosen to wear. It was pretty obvious I was pregnant. “Marc and I had been trying to have a baby since the engagement.” I lied.

  Marcus nodded quickly. “Yeah. You know me. I tend to get an idea and just run with it.” He ran a hand through his dark locks anxiously. He was a terrible liar.

  “Enough about me. Let’s get this girl some birthday cake and presents!” I said and there were agreements all around.

  Antonio didn’t look satisfied with the lie, but Fate was tugging him toward a mountain of gifts.

  “Tonio already gave me my present.” She held out her arm to reveal a diamond studded bracelet. It was exquisite. Marcus grumbled under his breath. He often became frustrated with the lack of funds to buy me expensive gifts. I didn’t need them or care, but it hardly seemed to matter.

  All the excitement, standing, and walking around was making it hard to breath. The place was crowded and the loud music made my head pound. I leaned over to Marc. “I’m going to get some fresh air.”

  “Are you okay?” His concern was evident.

  I just nodded. “Yeah, just feeling a little social anxiety. It’s so hot in here.”

  We excused ourselves from the festivities and I pushed my way through the crowd to get outside into the open space. I found a park bench nearby and sat down, drawing in deep breaths.

  “Do you want me to get you a drink or something?” Marc asked from beside me.

  The wind was blowing lightly and I was already feeling better. “I’m okay.”

  He slipped his arm around me and pulled me close. “Babe, I’ve told you a thousand times you’re overexerting yourself.” I didn’t think I had been, but I kept my mouth shut.

  “So what do you think of Fate and Antonio dating?” I asked, trying to change the subject.

  “It’s an odd couple. Fate is awesome and cute, though. I don’t think he would hurt her on purpose. Hell, whatever keeps him away from you is fine with me.” He said with a short laugh.

  It wasn’t the response I was expecting. “You’ve come a long way from how angry you were at him.”

  “If he does hurt her, I’ll still kick his ass. Vampire or not.” I heard a heavy sigh escape from him. “I just want him to stop coming between us and to stay out of our child’s life. I’m glad you’re still with me on not telling him there’s a chance it could be his baby. That was a pretty good lie in there.”

  “As wrong as it feels, I think it’s the best thing for all of us.” I heard a car door slam nearby a few moments later. In the dark, I couldn’t see the figure in the vehicle. Had they overheard us speaking? Why didn’t I sense someone close by sooner? My heightened vampire senses had been dwindling. I assumed it was because my blood had adjusted to accept Dante’s vampiric strain. Or maybe because of the pregnancy. It was hard to tell.

  Marcus noticed my worry and looked toward the car that was now pulling out of the parking lot. “It’s an old VW junker. Probably one of Fate’s friends.”

  I rubbed my hand over my belly and nodded. “A crazy world to bring a life into.”

  “A wonderful one, too.” Marc kissed my cheek and smiled. “You ready to go back yet. I’m sure they’re saving you a piece of cake.”

  “Yeah, let’s go.” I gave one more glance around. The VW was long gone and no one else was in sight.

  The following Monday morning I had an appointment scheduled to find out the baby’s sex. Marcus was so excited that he never seemed to stop talking about it the night before. I wasn’t nearly as thrilled. Did I even really want a baby? My crazy dreams had mostly stopped after we’d disposed of my maker, the vampire Dante Sanuto. That night they returned in full force.

  We had gone to bed early since it was a work night. Marc, per his usual self, had fallen asleep long before I did. I lay there awake, mind racing over the baby, who the “baby daddy” was, and life in general. My thoughts must have still been flowing when I finally drifted off.

  Dreams seem to start off innocent enough most of the time. I was dancing in a night club. It was a haven of vampires. I knew that instantly. The scent of blood in the air mingled with the alcoholic drinks of the human patrons.

  At first I wasn’t dancing with anyone in particular. The music was just pumping me into a wild fury. Suddenly, I was dancing between two partners. Marcus was pressed against me from the front. I remember smiling as my hands traced over his biceps. His piercing blue eyes
locked onto mine. Then, another pair of hands found my moving hips from behind.

  “Evelina, why do you toy with the human when you know you’re mine?” The familiar accent seduced me. “First love never dies.” Antonio spun me around to face him, pulling my face to his to kiss me passionately.

  In a blur of motion, both men hands were on my body and I was spun around again. Marc grabbed a handful of my ass beneath my short skirt, jerking me to him with aggression. “Why do you linger on the past when I know you’re happier than you’ve ever been?” He nudged my head to the side as his lips found my neck. I thought he was going to bite me, that he’d become a vampire as well.

  The scene changed and I was pinned facing up against a wall. The winner was claiming me as his prize with the rough motions of his hips. Try as I might, I couldn’t tell which man was making love to me. A distorted voice whispered into my ear. “The child is mine.” My hand fell down against my stomach, but it was flat.

  Gasping for air, I sat up straight in the bed. I was hot and I was sweating. Again, my hand immediately went to my belly. Just a dream. My gaze went to Marc who was still fast asleep. Quietly, I slipped out of bed and went to the bathroom. The cold water was refreshing as I splashed it on my face.

  The dream had made me angry. I’d made my decision and married Marcus. Why was Antonio still taunting me in my sleep? Then it hit me. Every time I had guilt weighing on my mind, the dreams started. The dream wasn’t about who I loved. It was about the father of my child. Unfortunately, dreams rarely got me any closer to the right answers.

  Marcus had requested the morning off to join me at the doctor. He had worked his way up to the lead motorcycle mechanic in a short time and he hadn’t requested any time off before. Ashley and Fate were taking care of things at the veterinary clinic. There was nothing major on the schedule for the early hours.