by M. Cheykota
Christien watches me for a moment before asking, “Do you mind if I stay with you for a while?”
I smile and nod. “Thank you for asking me instead of assuming.”
He climbs into the bed and snuggles close to me. He offers me the glass of blood.
I guzzle the blood quickly, plugging my nose to prevent myself from gagging again, and then fall asleep minutes later.
Christien watches me sleep for a while. He rests his head on my chest, feeling my heartbeat against his face.
As he is lying there falling asleep, he hears a faint and faster heartbeat coming from me beneath him. He jerks his head off my chest and stares at my stomach. Not certain of what he has heard, he rests his ear on my stomach this time. Christien can clearly hear the fast thump, thump, thump, inside my belly. His eyes fill with tears as he realizes that his mate is pregnant with his child.
Christien is kissing and rubbing my stomach when I wake up.
“Christien, what are you doing?” I ask a little confused at why he is kissing my stomach while in tears. Then it hits me. Oh no! He knows!
“Why did you keep such a wonderful thing from me?” More tears fall down his cheeks. “How do you feel, chatte?”
Nauseous is my first thought. Scared, terrified, lost, uncertain… the list goes on. Instead of the truth, I lie. “I’m fine. Don’t make a big deal out of it.”
He looks at me in disbelief. “It is a big deal. A baby! We are going to have a baby!”
“Whoa! Back up a second Christien. I haven’t exactly made my decision just yet.”
I don’t know why I just told him that. I already know I am going to keep our child. I just want him as upset as I am feeling.
Christien starts at my distress before he gets up and leaves the room without saying a word.
I think about following him to apologize, but my pride will not let me get out of the bed. I roll over and begin to cry.
Within minutes, there is a knock at the door.
“Go away.” I call out.
“It’s me Jess. Can I come in?” Roman asks softly.
I don’t respond so the door opens and closes quietly.
Roman lies down beside me and puts his arms around me.
This time, I let him. That action only makes me cry harder.
I lay there with Roman holding me for about 15 minutes while I cry before Roman speaks.
“What’s wrong Jess?”
“I’m sure Christien already told you so why are you asking?”
“I have not spoken to Christien. I only saw that he seems very upset. That is why I came to check on you.” He clarifies.
Christien reappears and finds Roman and me lying on the bed with Roman’s arms around me. Christien’s power flares. “Roman, I need to speak with Jessica alone please.”
Roman looks at me.
I nod, silently telling him that I will be okay. He gets up and leaves the room.
“You will allow him to comfort you yet you push me away? I am the father of our baby Jessica, not him! I am your mate, not him! You should be looking for comfort from me!” I can feel his jealousy thick in the air.
“I know. I’m sorry Christien. I’m comfortable with Roman. We have known each other for years. You and I can barely communicate without arguing. We hardly know each other and you expect me to treat you the way I treat Roman. I can tell you right now. That’s not going to happen. I’m sorry I didn’t say anything when I first found out a couple of days ago, but I needed time to come to terms with it.”
Christien looks towards the door then back at me. “How do you feel?”
I study Christien, completely surprised by his response to my rant.
He walks towards me slowly, crouching next to the bed and holds my hand.
Tears roll down my cheeks from his tenderness. He brushes my tears away as he repeats his question. “How do you feel?”
I look into his eyes and reply. “I’m fine. I am sorry about earlier. I just wasn’t ready to talk about it.”
He smiles. “Now, how do you really feel?”
“Christien, I…”
Christien interrupts me. “You must be scared, confused, uncertain, or many other emotions that are probably running through your mind. I apologize for being so insensitive earlier. I should have thought about how you are truly feeling. I know it is not easy, but I would like to talk to you about this.”
My jaw drops, truly speechless.
Christien kisses my hand and hugs me.
I cling to him as if he is a life ring and I am drowning. After a few moments, I pull back and kiss him softly. “I am ready to talk.”
We talk for what seems like hours about our relationship, the baby, and the entire time, Christien sits quietly and listens to me. It is wonderful.
Christien tells me how excited he is about the baby. He even agrees to stay home with the baby if I choose to continue working. He does request that I find a new job, but we will see about that. I agree to move in with Christien when we return home on a trial basis. If everything works out, we will officially move in together before the baby is born.
For now, my body seems to relax as if a weight has lifted off my shoulders. Still afraid, but knowing that Christien will be there to support me, makes me feel better.
“Why the sudden change in you?” I ask Christien as I rest my head on his chest.
“There is no change in my behavior, only the delivery.” He responds confidently.
“Yes, that is true. When did you learn to communicate so well?” Curiosity burns inside me.
“I admit I had some help. My way of communicating with you was not working. You are a strong, dominant woman and I am a strong, dominant man. We can get along, but our communication and interactions are struggling. I asked Roman to tell Kayle what I needed to say to get through to you. Kayle relayed what Roman told him.” He volunteers.
“Roman told you what to say to me? Roman knows that I’m pregnant then?” I ask, completely surprised.
“I only asked for assistance communicating. He does not know what we are discussing?” He says mildly curious. “Roman is not aware that you are pregnant?”
“No! I thought I should tell you first. I told you I needed time to get used to the idea first before telling anyone.”
Christien smiles brightly. “Thank you for that. It must have been difficult not to tell Roman.”
I nod. “What happens now?”
“First, we get a doctor to make sure you and the baby are okay. Second, you tell Roman so you two can talk about the baby. Finally, after you are feeling better, we will get rid of Hassan once and for all.”
“I am starting to really believe that you care about me.” I tease him.
He kisses me deeply. “Then my lessons in communications are succeeding.”
We make love slowly for about an hour before falling asleep again in each other’s arms.
Chapter 15
The next morning while Christien, Kayle and I are eating breakfast, Roman comes into the dining room carrying a little girl. My jaw drops in amazement.
I have never seen Roman go near a child and here he is carrying one.
I continue to watch Roman as he settles the little girl in the chair and makes her a plate for breakfast. Christien looks just as confused as I feel.
A very pretty woman with short, black hair enters the room with a baby in her arms. She sees Christien and me looking at her and stops in her tracks.
“There you are.” Roman says to the woman as he kisses her cheek.
Christien raises an eyebrow in surprise.
Roman puts his arm around the woman’s waist. “Good morning everyone.” Roman says to all of us as Christien and I continue to stare. Kayle chuckles in amusement.
“Good morning.” Christien replies, finally finding his voice as he walks over to Roman and the woman.
“Christien, I would like to introduce you to Alexandria, my mate. Alex, this is Christien. This is his estate.” Roman says as
he takes the baby from her.
“Thank you for opening your home to our family. You have been very generous and we appreciate it.” Alex says with a heavy Italian accent.
“You and your family are welcome in my home. There is no need for you to be afraid of us. No one will harm you or your family. I will guarantee that with my word.” Christien shakes her hand and smiles.
Roman growls and Christien looks at Roman completely amused. “I am only offering hospitality and safety Roman.” Christien moves away from the woman allowing Roman to see me at the table. “Hi Jess. I hope you are feeling better. This is Alex. Alex, this is my best friend and fellow associate Jessica.”
The woman and I stare each other down for a few moments until Roman draws our attention away from each other by introducing the children. I almost fall out of my chair when he introduces them as his daughter and son.
“What? When? How?” I stumble over my words.
Christien gives me time to recover. “Please sit down and join us for breakfast.”
I finally recover enough to speak. “Rome, can I talk to you in the other room?”
He replies sharply. “Don’t be rude Jess.”
“I’m not being rude. I just have some things that I would like to talk to you in private about.”
Roman holds the chair for Alex as she sits. “Sweetheart, I need to talk to Jess for a moment. I’ll be right back.”
He walks into the family room and waits for me with his arms crossed.
“What the hell, Roman? A mate? Children?” I exclaim, unable to form complete sentences. “What about me? I need you right now.”
“Damn it Jess! You couldn’t just be happy for me, could you? You had to make it about you. I have always been there for you and the least you could have done was congratulate me and say hello to Alex. I’m so angry at the way you have treated my family, I don’t think you deserve to talk to me.” He bumps into me as he returns to the kitchen, leaving me alone in the room.
What in the hell was that about?
I return to the dining room and see Roman sitting in the chair next to Alex, preparing a plate of food.
“Roman.” I call to him.
He ignores me and starts eating.
“Roman!” I call to him louder.
He looks at Alex, disregarding me completely. “Maybe we could take the kids for a walk after breakfast. It’s such a beautiful day outside.”
“That sounds really nice.” Alex responds while glaring at me.
Kayle chuckles softly and I turn my attention to him. “What?”
“Maybe you should try another tactic. Your current one is obviously not working.” Kayle suggests humorously.
I look over at Christien. His face is neutral but his eyes are swimming in amusement. I turn my attention back to Roman and see him kiss Alex’s cheek affectionately.
I give Roman a pleading look before I turn away and rush out of the room.
I wander around the estate for about an hour, until I see Kayle leaving. I walk back to the main house and find Christien and Roman in the family room talking.
“What’s going on?” I ask them.
Christien responds, pulling me down on the couch next to him. “I sent Kayle to meet again with Devan and Lenair. Roman and I were discussing ideas on what we should do if Kayle returns with the whereabouts of Hassan.”
“And you chose not to add me in the discussion?” I state, fuming.
“I do not wish you to be involved in the assault on Hassan.” Christien says.
“I agree with Christien on this Jess.” Roman agrees.
“What? You can’t be serious!” I whine.
“Jess, this is extremely dangerous what we are about to do. We are planning to walk into a nest of very strong vampires and you are pregnant with Christien’s child. How do you expect either of us to concentrate on the task at hand if we are both worried about you?” Roman asks.
“I can take care of myself.” I stubbornly argue. “You did not seem to care too much about me at breakfast this morning.”
Roman laughs. “That is because you were acting like a jealous girlfriend. You know I love and care about you Jess, but I have a family now too. You can’t expect me to just disregard them because you feel like having a temper tantrum.”
I sulk in the seat next to Christian.
“I have no doubt that you can take care of yourself, but what happens if you are cut or bitten? What will happen to you and your unborn child? There would be a feeding frenzy among all the vampires there.”
Roman has an excellent point and it causes me to pause.
Roman continues. “And what do you think the Vampire Council will do if they find out about you? You admitted to me that if Hassan saw you, he would recognize you. He could easily admit to them who you are and they will kill you. It would be irresponsible to bring you on this particular mission in your current condition.”
“He killed my parents.” I sulk.
“I am well aware of that, ma chatte sauvage. If we were at home in America, I would reconsider. Being this close to the Vampire Council and having their eye on our every move is going to be difficult enough to get Hassan to come out of his hole. If there was another way to allow your revenge on my sire without risking you or our child, I would more than eagerly allow your participation in the assault. As it stands now, I cannot and will not allow you to risk our future on such a dangerous endeavor.” Christien demands in a final tone.
I sit and continue sulking. Unable to think of a valid argument to their case, it is all I can do. Who knew a baby less than two months old in my womb would cause the men in my life so much uncertainty and hesitation. The desire to be angry is present, but I am unable to hold on to that anger because their reasoning is justified.
“Plus, I have something else I need you to do for me.” Roman says, softening his voice. “I would like to ask you to look after my family. Alex and the kids are human. If we are unsuccessful, there is a strong likelihood that the Vampire Council or Hassan himself will come here to claim what is Christien’s. We intend to leave some vampires here for your and Alex’s protection, but I would feel much better knowing that you can get yourself and my family to safety. I trust you more than anyone else with the most precious people in my life, my family.”
Completely moved by Roman’s request, I tell him the only thing I can say. “I will guard your family with my life Rome. I will keep them safe. You guys just need to be careful.”
Roman nods in acceptance.
Christien smiles and hugs me. “I will kill Hassan for you, ma petite chatte.”
“You better. Then you need to bring yourself back to me because there is no way in hell I am changing all those dirty diapers alone.” I tease.
Christien’s laugh fills the room. “I look forward to changing many diapers and daylight feedings.”
“No one looks forward to those things Christien, but I accept the offer. I’d do anything to bring you back to me.” I confess with my eyes watering in fear.
“Everything will be as it should be ma chatte petite. Do not worry.” Christien reassures me, kissing me softly.
Gently pulling away from Christien’s embrace, I redirect our focus back to business. “Now that we have that figured out, let’s think of a plan to get Hassan.”
Both men give me a perplexing look.
“Just because I am unable to join your attack doesn’t mean I can’t contribute with the planning.”
I receive suspicious glares from the two men who likely know me best.
“I have given my word I will stay here. My word is good.” I reluctantly promise.
Satisfied with my oath, Christien, Roman and I begin creating a plan on how to lure Hassan out of hiding.
Chapter 16
Kayle leaves Christien’s estate and arrives at Devan’s lair just as the sun goes down. Two vampires at least 500 years old greet him at the door. The two vampires escort him to a meeting room with a blazing fire in the fireplace. T
he room has no windows and the only light comes from the fireplace and sparsely hung sconces around the room.
Kayle is able to see Devan enter the room without hindrance minutes later. Waiting until Devan is comfortable in his seat before speaking; Kayle finally thanks him for meeting with him on such a short notice.
“So, what would you like to discuss?” Devan asks Kayle sharply.
“I am here on behalf of my master to retrieve the whereabouts of Hassan.” He responds without inflection.
“Why should I give you that information?”
“My master has requested that I negotiate with you on his behalf. I am prepared to offer you a very handsome sum for any information you are willing to provide in where Hassan is hiding.” The offer is weak and Kayle expects him to refuse the money and ask for something more.
Devan laughs loudly, causing his voice to bounce off the walls of the enclosed meeting room. “What do I need Christien’s money for? I have money. Is that all he has to offer?”
Kayle shakes his head. “My master has many items to negotiate with. I was sent to find out how valuable Hassan’s whereabouts are to you.”
Devan studies Kayle curiously, before he waves his arm, silently requesting Kayle to sit on the couch opposite his chair.
Kayle sits on the couch and puts the small bag he has been carrying with him on the couch next to him.