Darkness Chapter 36: Down With The Sickness

**Nelly**

As I awaken from my slumber, I find myself engulfed in the warmth of my bed. A sensation of intense heat courses through my body, causing me to call out weakly, "Vincent?"

To my relief, Vincent is by my side, offering me reassurance. "I'm right here," he responds.

Confusion clouds my mind as I inquire, "What's happening?"

Vincent explains that my body is struggling to adjust to a certain transition, a process that his friend, who is experienced in such matters, has assured him is normal. Despite his apologies, Vincent expresses his regret that I must endure this discomfort.

I refuse to let him bear the burden of guilt, urging him to join me in bed. As he complies, shedding his clothing down to his boxers, I cannot help but admire the sight of his physique. 

He raises an eyebrow. “If I didn't know any better, I'd say you wanted me naked.”

“It's a perk…” I grin as he pulls me into him, and instantly I feel his cool skin against me. I drifted off to sleep with his body wrapped around me. I woke up in the middle of the night with the bed empty. My fever broke, and I decided a nice bath would be nice as my body ached a little.

“Feeling better?” he asks as he enters the bathroom.

“Yeah, just a little achy.”

“It should get better, baby,” he replies. He looked nervous.

“What's wrong?”

“I....I um....how…”

“What is it? Just say it. You're scaring me.”

"How do you feel about us raising Tara's child when she gives birth? I know we can't have one, and I saw how much it upset you. I could ask Peter. He might consider it," he blurts out.

"I don't know... Can I think about it?" I know the child is innocent, but what if it only reminds me of her betrayal?

"I... I'm sorry. I shouldn't..." he mumbles. It's endearing to see him flustered like this. He would have made a great father. I step out of the tub and sit in his lap, contemplating the weight of his words.

“It's a sweet gesture. I just don't know how I feel about it being part of Tara in my life forever.”

He nods. “I understand. Peter asked if we could hold on to her until she gives birth. He doesn't have everything in place for it, and he plans to make her a Breeder. She'll be collared. Her life will be to breed half-bloods, which will make us stronger. They will age more slowly and have our strength, and can eat regular food or blood. Kinda the best of both worlds. He just needs a few months to prepare her accommodations and inform his horde.”

“But they wouldn't live forever. That's the part I don't know if I could handle. I will think about it.” I have lost so much in my life, and I don't think I could handle losing a child.

“I only want you to be happy. Go get dressed. I wanted to take you somewhere,” Vincent says with a grin. He is the sweetest man I have ever known, and to think that I once hated him. It is funny how your life can change once you let the right one in.

I slipped into something comfortable, a pair of very short shorts and a midriff-baring top. Descending the stairs, I sought out Vincent. There he was, outside by a car, shirtless. My heart skipped a beat. Leaning against the car, he was engaged in conversation with Alec as I approached. Wrapping my arms around his waist, he pulled me close.

"Now look who's trying to seduce me. You can't be real, Vincent. You're too perfect," I teased.

He chuckled and lifted me up, my legs wrapping around him.

Alec interjected with a laugh, "Don't mind me."

"We won't," I replied, biting my lip apologetically. Alec's laughter grew louder.

"Are you really going out like that? If so, I'll have to fend off women left and right," Alec remarked.

Vincent smirked, "No worries, I have a shirt in the car. And trust me, I'll be the one fending off men from you. Are your shorts short enough?"

I lowered myself into the car, causing my shorts to ride up my ass. I tossed his shirt back at him, and he chuckled. "Nope, it covers what it needs to. Now, where are you taking me?"

He laughed, "That's for me to know and you to find out."

Alec grinned and waved, "Have fun, you two."