5 Darkness Falls

by Christin Lovell

  “Kai-“

  “Don’t.” His nostrils flared, as his lips pressed into a thin line.

  I swallowed hard, surrendering with a nod of my head. I wiped away the last of my newly-fallen tears.

  “How far along are you? I don’t hear a heartbeat yet.”

  “I’ll be six weeks tomorrow.”

  I heard his teeth grinding. He took a deep breath, expelling it in a long-drawn-out sigh. He tilted his head tenderly and stood motionless, silently studying me. Slowly the tension disappeared. He relaxed his body, as if finally coming to terms with what was happening, choosing to accept it rather than fight it. “Are you happy?”

  “It’s not what I had planned, but I’m not angry. I know everything happens for a reason.”

  “A baby is something to be happy about, Leka. Don’t let anyone rain on your parade.” A smile lifted his lips. “How about we go shopping? I’ll buy you your first baby item.”

  I smiled softly. “Sorry, but Beth and Aunt Claire have you beat.”

  “Have they given it to you yet?”

  “No.”

  “Ah, then I can still be the first.” He grabbed a set of car keys from the fireplace mantel. “Let’s go.”

  “Drexel is waiting out front.”

  “Of course. Tell him I’ve got you and the baby covered. I’ll drop you off at your condo later.”

  “Okay.” My heart swelled with relief and love. In this moment I loved Kai a little more. The woman he ended up with - the right woman for him - was going to be a very lucky lady.

  Kai opened the front door, watching me closely as I approached Drexel, who was casually leaning against his army-issued vehicle.

  Drexel turned his gaze to Kai before looking over at me. “Everything okay?”

  I nodded. “He’s going to take me shopping. He said that he would protect me though.”

  Drexel crossed his arms, flexing his muscles and glaring in Kai’s direction. “Do you trust him to protect you?”

  I grabbed one of Drexel’s hands, pulling his attention back to me. “Yes, I do. So don’t worry about me.” I leaned in closer, lowering my voice as not to expose his secret. “Sanders gets off work at six today. Why don’t you plan a nice, little romantic night for the two of you?”

  Drexel grunted, but his eyes shimmered with amusement. “I see when I’m not wanted.”

  “Oh, stop.” I laughed. “I’ll see you later.”

  “Take care,” Drexel said. I turned, heading back towards the front door when, all of a sudden, he glided past me, making a beeline for Kai. I froze, unsure of what I’d do if they started fighting. “If she gets so much as a scratch on her, I’ll burn you alive.” Drexel’s voice was sickeningly sweet, but the tone he spoke in sounded more menacing than his usual gruffness.

  “As much as I’d like to see you try…she’ll come back unscathed. They’ll get to her over my dead body,” Kai assured him.

  I breathed a sigh of relief when Drexel walked away, shaking his head in acknowledgement.

  “Have fun, Baby Cakes,” Drexel winked as he strolled back to the car.

  Standing at the door, Kai lifted a brow when he heard my nickname. I shook my head, ambling towards the house and him. “Don’t ask.”

  ***

  Baby shopping with Kai was surprisingly fun. “Are you sure you haven’t done this before?” I asked as we browsed the clothing section of a huge baby store.

  “I’m sure.”

  “Do you want kids?”

  His expression hardened, and then, only his eyes softened as his thoughts seemed to drift away. “My life is too dangerous to bring a child into. Security precautions are just that…a precaution. You can never truly escape danger when you’re a powerful target, and as a leader, I’ll always be a powerful target.”

  His words weighed heavily on my spirit; he was right. I, too, would always be a target because of my lead in the vampeen guard.

  I focused on the pale yellow, one-piece outfit in front of me. Booties were built into the bottom of the piece; snaps lined the inside of the legs and up the center of the frock to the collar. I ran my fingers over the fabric. It was soft to the touch, like a chenille blanket. There was a grey and white owl stitched on the left side of the chest.

  I didn’t realize I was crying until Kai reached over and brushed the moisture from my cheek. “I’m sorry.” His voice was soft.

  I bit my lip, looking at the outfit. “Don’t be. It’s the truth. Unfortunately, it’s too late to change things now.”

  “You and Kellan are working on that though. I may not like him, but he’s driven just like you. You’ll both make it happen.”

  I swiped away the last of my tears. “I’m going to make sure of it.” Somehow, saying those words out loud reignited the fight in me.

  “I know you will.” He picked up the outfit I’d been staring at. “Now let’s go look at the fun stuff.”

  “What’s the fun stuff?”

  “Toys.” He beamed, grabbing my hand and leading me towards the infant toys.

  We spent a good hour fiddling with every toy on the shelf. Eventually we wandered over to the bouncers and swings. Kai helped me pick out a swing. The one he selected could sway in two different directions and had a built-in music player with sixteen soft melodies. Rather than something hanging down over the baby, it had a mirrored light show. What I loved most about it though, was that the white and off-white fabric draping around the swing gave the illusion that the baby was being carried by a stork for delivery, or as Kai had put it, being delivered to me by an angel.

  He carried the box with the swing along with the outfit to the register. After paying, he handed me the small bag with the outfit to hold as walked to his car.

  Watching him struggle to squeeze the large box into the small trunk of his sports car was comical. Apparently, there was no advantage of being a vamp when it came to fitting things into tight spaces.

  I chuckled as he closed the trunk, a weary expression on his face.

  He narrowed his eyes at me. I covered my mouth, but couldn’t hold back my amusement. Finally, he joined in my reverie, a smile lighting his expression. His eyes shined as he gazed at me. “This is definitely not a family car.”

  “I could have told you that.”

  We walked around the car, together, so he could open the passenger door for me,

  Before I could over think anything, I turned and hugged him tightly, burying my nose in his chest and inhaling him. “Thank you.” I mumbled, pressing a tender kiss over his dead heart.

  He sighed, wrapping his arms around me. I could feel him smiling as he kissed my head. “You’re welcome.”

  I slid into the front seat of his car while he went around to the driver’s side. He started the car and backed out of the parking spot, heading towards the interstate.

  “Have you told Gabi?” he asked casually.

  I groaned. “I haven’t told her, Mel or Kalel. I don’t know if Kellan’s told Craig or not. I know Gabi and Mel are going to grill me before they come around. I guess I’ve been avoiding it.”

  “Don’t wait too long. The baby’s heart will start beating any day now.”

  “I know.” I stared out the window. “How are things with Kalel and Francesca?”

  “Wouldn’t know. I barely see him anymore. I imagine they’re good if they’re spending that much time together though.”

  I gazed wistfully at him. I felt for Kai. Everyone else had pretty much been partnered up except him. Even Will had found a woman. That couldn’t be easy on him.

  “You do realize that you’ve left your thoughts open all afternoon, right?”

  I felt heat hit my cheeks. “Sorry.” I promptly closed them off.

  He pressed his hand to my thigh. “Don’t worry about me, Leka. Either I’ll find someone or you’ll come around.” He winked at me, removing his hand and focusing on the road.

  “I hope you do, Kai.” I truly meant it. He deserves happiness; he deserves to have everythi
ng he is so willing to give to me reciprocated.

  Chapter 3

  Kai

  I escorted Leka up to her condo, carrying the swing’s box in one hand and the bag with the outfit in my other. Today was wonderful, albeit heart wrenching. Shopping gave me a glimpse into what it would be like to have a baby with her; though, I hated the sadness that settled in my chest. I’d had almost two centuries to mate with someone, and experience this kind of joy, but hadn’t. Somehow I knew it wouldn’t have been the same even if I had. No one called to me like she did. She ignited a fire in me…a drive to be her everything. I was a bastard to a lot of people, but I’d move heaven and earth for just one shot with her, but likewise, I would also move heaven and earth not to feel this way towards her.

  One time she’d let her guard down and shown interest, but she was a new vampeen. They were often emotional and somewhat unstable in the beginning. I should have dismissed it at that and never let my walls down. She made it clear to me on several occasions that Kellan would always be first, but with how he’d been acting lately, I couldn’t understand why she would keep him on that pedestal.

  I knew if I wanted her to continue coming around, and counting on me as a friend, I would have to keep my mouth shut about certain things. From what Gabi told me, it was a good thing I wasn’t there when Kellan went off on Leka. I would have snapped his neck right then and there.

  “I could have carried something. I’m pregnant, not handicap,” Leka said, darting her eyes at me before returning their focus to the elevator doors.

  “I’ve got it.” I didn’t want to push the issue.

  Vamp or not, pregnant women are more vulnerable. Their bodies are no longer their own which causes some emotional issues. I’d seen the depth of her strife in the store. I was so stupid to reveal my true feelings about having a baby under these circumstances.

  The elevator doors opened and we strolled towards her door. She stopped, shuffling her feet before meeting my gaze. Her brows pulled together; her bottom lip was slightly puckered. “I’m sorry again that things didn’t work out the way you may have wanted them to. I hope you know it was never my intention to hurt you.”

  I was sorry things didn’t work out for us too, but I didn’t say that. I will suffer in silence. She doesn’t deserve to be pulled down with me. I’ll just take it out on the criminals and trespassers that dare to step onto Bladang property.

  “I hope he does right by you, Leka. You deserve happiness, regardless of who it ends up being with.”

  I watched her swallow hard, probably trying to suppress her emotions. She pressed her lips together. I knew she felt bad, like she was at fault for the way I felt. I didn’t blame her though. I blamed myself. I just hope Kellan figures out what a great woman he has and starts treating her like I would.

  She faced the door, punching in the code and pressing her thumb to it. We listened silently as the lock clicked open. She pushed the door open and stepped through, immediately holding it open for me.

  We faced the dining room together. She gasped, her hands flying over her mouth. Her eyes immediately watered. Kellan stepped forward, holding yet another bouquet of flowers. Vases of various blue and pink flowers covered every visible surface in the home. Tears streamed down Leka’s face, as she responded to the obvious baby-themed display. She giggled, looking around and taking it all in. For the first time in a while, she seemed genuinely happy.

  I pushed past the pain of knowing it wasn’t because of me and focused on her happiness instead. When you love someone, their happiness is most important; not your own.

  Kellan met my gaze and nodded, acknowledging my presence. As much as it was like staring into the eyes of an enemy, I couldn’t deny respecting him for making her smile. “You need to make this happen more often,” I said, tilting my chin towards a beaming, bawling Leka.

  Kellan’s eyes softened as he focused on Leka. “I plan to.”

  “Good.” My answer resounded in my chest. It was good for Leka.

  She turned towards me, wiping her face. “I feel like a blubbering mess,” she laughed self-consciously. She shook herself, as if refocusing. “Thank you for today, Kai. I really appreciate everything.”

  I set the box down on the floor, placing the bag on top of it. She immediately threw herself at me, squeezing me tightly. I pulled her into my chest, reveling in the feel of her heart beating against me. Inhaling her scent, I allowed it to fill my lungs, burning into my memory.

  She kissed my cheek. “Thank you.” Her words came out in a soft whisper, fluttering over my skin, warming me and kindling my spirit.

  I kissed her forehead. “Go enjoy this.”

  She pulled away, sadness dampening the sparkle in her eyes and guilt dampening her glow. Though, I knew I wouldn’t be able to erase it.

  “Thanks for the baby stuff,” Kellan said. I met his gaze. He seemed sincere.

  “You’re welcome.” I turned to Leka. “I’ll be by this weekend with Kalel, Gabi and the High Authorities to discuss the vamp guard’s statistics and issues.”

  She grimaced. “Alright. I’ll bake some goodies; that should soften everyone up.”

  “You can try.” I never could turn away her desserts. No one knew her secret, even after watching her bake, but everything she makes is always so delicious.

  I reached for the door and glanced back over my shoulder, seeing Leka leap into Kellan’s arms, wrapping herself around him. I forced myself to look away, stepping out and closing the door behind me. I took a deep breath and stared at the door - for what seemed like a very long time - before finally leaving.

  ***

  Lexi

  I squeezed Kellan tightly, my emotions getting the best of me. I didn’t understand why I was so emotional lately. The house was beautiful. It felt like I was outdoors, in a meadow full of flowers. The beautiful variations of blue and pink bulbs colored the subdued palette of our apartment; the fragrance made me want to take deep breaths. I wanted to bathe myself in the delightful scents wafting through our home.

  He wrapped one arm around my waist; his other hand gently caressed my cheek. Leaning into his touch, he pressed his lips to mine, softly, sensually. His lips were smooth, fitting perfectly against my own. His tongue teased the edge of my lips, allowing me to taste him…a sweet, delicious flavor that’s all Kellan. I smiled against his lips.

  “They’re beautiful.” I gazed into his emerald eyes.

  “You’re beautiful.” He secured my hand in his, lacing our fingers together. “Come with me.”

  He led me into the bedroom, guiding me along the trail of flower petals pointing to the bathroom. Vases of flowers were covering every available surface in the bedroom too. It all seemed like a fairytale: every girl’s dream come true. I strolled through the bedroom by his side, taking in the glory of it all. When we arrived in the bathroom, I was in awe. The lights were off; candles flickered colorful rays of light throughout the space. With no windows, the glow of the lights reflected off the tiled walls, giving it a calming, romantic ambiance.

  “I drew hot bath for you right when you arrived.” He pulled me in front of him, kissing the back of my neck.

  “This is amazing. I don’t know how you did it, but I love it.” My gaze continued to travel the room. Rose petals floated atop a high pile of bubbles floating on the water. A bottle of blood and an array of food sat along the edge of the large tub. He’d attended to every meticulous detail. “Thank you.”

  He spun me around in his arms. “Thank you. Thank you for putting up with my mood swings, my outbursts and my general dickiness these last few months. I was wrong when I said certain things to you, and I was wrong to take my anger out on you when I’m frustrated with myself. That wasn’t fair. I’m sorry. The biggest thank you comes from right here though.” He pressed a hand to my lower belly. “Thank you for carrying my baby. And since I was such a moody prick to you, I won’t take offense if you’re equally as mean to me over these next nine months.”

  I smiled. �
��Are you giving me a free pass, Mr. Bancroft?”

  He took a deep breath, playfully cringing as he spoke, “Yes, I am.”

  I laughed. “I’m not going to be that bad. I don’t think vamps react to pregnancy the same way humans do. Dr. H said that I might want human food more than blood and that it’s normal to sleep longer hours, but he didn’t say anything else.”

  His face was solemn. “Regardless, I don’t want you to think that I’m ever unhappy with you, babe.”

  “I’ve never doubted your happiness with me, Kellan; I’ve doubted your happiness with yourself. You just need to figure out who you are and what kind of vamp you want to be.” I rubbed my palms up and down his arms, leaning in to kiss the tip of his nose. “I still love you, whether you’re an angry bear or a squeaking mouse.”

  “I know. Doesn’t make it any easier to face the fact that I’ve been a disappointment.”

  “You haven’t disappointed me, babe. You’ve disappointed yourself. There’s a big difference.”

  He pursed his lips, considering my words. His eyes darted to the bathtub behind me. “Take your bath. Relax. Call me if you need anything.”

  “What if I need you to join me?” I grinned, trying to lighten the mood.

  “You want to cuddle with an angry bear?”

  I shrugged. “I’m a vamp. I can handle it.”

  He smiled, his dimple winking at me. “Let’s go then, Miss Bear Tamer.” Kellan ripped off his shirt, tossing it aside.

  Chapter 4

  Kellan

  The feeling her soft body pressed tenderly up against the firm planes of my stomach and my chest was euphoric. I encircled my arms around her waist. Absentmindedly, I rubbed her belly, marveling at the fact that a little baby was growing inside her. My rhythmic moves seemed to have a calming effect on Lexi. She closed her eyes, nuzzling deeper into me.

  I could lay here with her forever. Reality seemed a world away as I cuddled with her in the warm water. For once, I felt impenetrable; I felt like no assassins or ninjas - no enemies of any kind - could get to us in this moment. It was just her and me, and our baby.