Darkness Chapter 31: Living Dead Girl

**Quinn**

When Vincent told me about Nelly's situation, I was shaken to my core. Sure, she may have played me for a fool, but her loyalty to the one who wronged her was admirable. Despite taking a hit to my ego, I was more than willing to lend a hand. Tracking down Tara was a breeze; their attempt to cover their tracks was laughable. My human skills alone could have led me to them, but my wolf form made it child's play. I waited for Tara outside the doctor's office, and her pregnancy was as clear as day. The scent was practically slapping me in the face. I prayed to the heavens it wasn't the rebel leader's spawn. But as I pondered the situation, a chuckle escaped me because when I got closer, the scent became familiar. She was carrying Alec's baby. Oh, shit! My heart went out to the poor guy, knowing he might never get to meet his own flesh and blood unless Vincent and Nelly gave the green light. Oh, the drama, and it made me thankful that I am a wolf and not a vampire. Their hierarchy and laws could be their downfall one day.

As I strolled through the park, I spotted Tara sitting on a bench, attempting to conceal her tears but failing miserably. I couldn't resist the urge to play a little prank on her, so I snuck up behind her and gently knocked her out. I gave her a hint at who I was because I couldn't resist the jab. I have no remorse for anything that will happen to her. That night in the club where I struck her, I still can't remember why, which is odd because I am usually in control. I whisked Tara away to a secluded farmhouse on the outskirts of town, and I had one of my pack mates leave a note on their door to make it look like a rebel abduction. The rebel leader thought he was so clever, but little did he know, I had my own tricks up my sleeve. My pack may not have the numbers, but we have the advantage of blending in with humans, making us practically invisible.

As I waited for Nelly and Vincent to arrive, I couldn't resist teasing Tara about her little secret. "So, are you going to spill the beans to your boyfriend?" I asked with a mischievous grin.

Confused, Tara shot back, "What the hell are you talking about?"

I couldn't help but chuckle. "Oh, come on, Tara. I can smell it on you - you're pregnant. And not just any pregnancy, a vampire pregnancy." I winked, reveling in the drama of it all.

Her eyes widened in shock as she gasped, "How do you know?"

"Do you not recognize me?" I asked with a smirk.

Tara shook her head, clearly confused. "Should I?"

I chuckled to myself, realizing I hadn't left much of an impression on her compared to Nelly. Probably because she was too busy being jealous of Nelly.

"I'm the guy your friend-oh, sorry, ex-friend - saved you from," I explained. "Too bad she's not here to save you now. You betrayed her, and now she's six feet under because of you. Vincent lost it and destroyed everything. He said she was his world and he would have traded places with her."

I may have stretched the truth a bit, but she deserved it for betraying her friend. Yeah, I'll probably end up in hell if Vincent finds out, but I'm going to enjoy the journey.

"Especially when he discovered she was carrying his child. I mean, seriously! Maybe I should carve yours out and give it to him as a replacement for the one he lost." I delivered the line with a wicked grin, relishing in the chaos I had caused.

She was sobbing uncontrollably now, and I was reveling in it! Tara struggled to speak between her tears, "I didn't know. I...I wouldn't..."

I couldn't help but scoff, "Oh, come on. You totally would have. You would have sold her to the highest bidder." A knock at the door signaled his arrival. "It's showtime."

Tara begged, "Please don't tell him. He'll kill me."

I held a knife to her throat and whispered, "So will Vincent. Highest bidder, baby." After a few minutes of banter with the jerk, I decided to have some fun. "Do you enjoy being played?"

"Excuse me?" Aaron asked as he kicked a bag of money towards me. I opened it and glanced inside. It was never about the money. I just needed him to think he was dealing with a rebel, not...well, me. I grinned at him.

"So who's supposedly playing me?" he inquired.

I circled his girlfriend, toying with the knife. Debating whether to spill the beans or not. "Oh, you thought I was going to tell you. Oh no, she is." I pointed to the corner of the room, and she stepped into the light. The shock on both their faces was priceless. But hot damn, Nelly really knew how to command a room.

Nelly is clad in tight leather pants and a daringly low-cut top. If she were my mate, I wouldn't parade her around like Vincent does, but that guy has always been a bit too full of himself. I whip out my phone, "Hold up! I have to capture this moment. Your expressions are just priceless."

Nelly playfully jabs, "Quinn, didn't your mother teach you not to toy with your prey?" Vincent emerges from the shadows, envelops her in his arms, and plants a kiss on her neck.

Aaron gasps, "How is that even possible?"

Tara chimes in, "Nelly, that's not possible."

Nelly chuckles, "Oh, it's very possible. I'm like a cat with nine lives. Sorry about earlier, Quinn."

"No need for apologies, doll," I reply.

Aaron stammers, "My men..."

Nelly cuts him off, "Your men, if they're still breathing, won't be for long. My crew has insatiable appetites."

Tara speaks up softly, "Nel?"

Nelly snaps, "You don't get to talk to me! Quinn, can you shut her up? I need to ask Aaron something." I hope she keeps the banter going, because I am loving it.

Aaron sneers, “What do you want?”

“Oh, Aaron. I would think you would know.” I watch as she walks up behind him, placing a finger on his shoulder, running it from one side to the other as she walks around his back, toying with him.