Darkness Chapter 41: Please Don't Go

**Nelly**

We had just left Quinn's office, where he dropped the bombshell that I was pregnant. The news hit me like a ton of bricks, and I'm still trying to wrap my head around it. Why would my parents use me as their guinea pig? What were they trying to achieve by putting me in this situation? The questions swirled in my mind, leaving me feeling confused and betrayed.

Vincent's voice broke through my thoughts, "Thanks, we may take you up on that offer."

Quinn's grin was knowing, "Keep me posted on the treaty." I could sense the tension in the air, knowing that we were being watched.

Vincent nodded, "Will do." As we made our way back to the car, a little girl came running up to me.

"Don't leave," Sally pleaded, hugging my leg with puppy dog eyes.

My heart ached at her words. How could I turn away from this innocent child? "Why, sweetie? Is someone hurting you?"

Sally shook her head, "No. I miss my mom. Can you be my new mommy?"

Tears welled up in my eyes. How could I possibly be a mother to a wolf when I was a vampire? The thought seemed absurd, but I knew I could still be a positive influence in her life. "I'm sorry, I'm not a wolf. Only members of your pack can stay here. You have your daddy, I'm sure he loves you very much."

"Yes, you can be daddy's mate," she says. But it's not that simple. I can't possibly explain the concept of mating to a child. I glance over at Vincent, his expression filled with sadness. I gently lift the girl and meet her gaze.

"I'm a vampire. I can't be with your dad. Besides, I have a fiancé. I made a vow to be his for eternity," I explain, pointing to Vincent. "Do you see that strong, handsome man over there that Quinn is talking to? I'm going to marry him. So, I couldn't be with your dad. But how about this - I'll come back and we can hang out, okay?"

Her eyes light up with excitement, "Really?"

I can't help but smile. "Yes. I just need to make sure it's okay with Quinn and your dad first..."

She calls out to her father, "Daddy, can the nice lady come and visit me?" He nods and smiles.

"Alright, it's settled then. I'll come visit you soon." She beams with joy, and I gently kiss her forehead before setting her down as she runs back to her dad. Perhaps, just maybe, I can be a good mother.

As we sit in the car, Vincent suddenly grabs my hand and places a gentle kiss on it. "I love you so much, Nelly," he whispers.

"I love you too, Vincent," I reply softly. As we near home, my mind drifts to Tara. "I...um...I'm not sure we should let Peter have Tara. I don't think it would be good. Despite my feelings towards her, the child is innocent and deserves a better life."

Vincent nods in agreement. "I was already thinking the same thing."

"How do we break the news to Peter?" I ask, feeling a sense of unease.

A mischievous grin spreads across Vincent's face. "Easy...we tell him she took her own life. Convince him that she would rather die than be his slave."

I gasp in shock. "You came up with that plan too quickly."

Vincent chuckles. "Of course I did. I've had centuries of experience in deception. Might as well put it to good use."

"Centuries? How old are you exactly?" I inquire, feeling a mix of curiosity and fear.

"Old enough, my love," Vincent replies cryptically, evading my question with a mysterious smile.

“I think I'd like to know if I'm marrying an old man or not?”

He pins me with a look. “Old man?”

“You heard me. Is your hearing going? Do I need to find you hearing aids?”

He shakes his head. “Oh, you are so gonna get it when we get home.”

“You do remember how to get home, I hope.” I hear him growl. I can't help but giggle. “Are you gonna tell me? I can guess, and I keep up the old man jokes all day.  Oh wait for eternity... damn you're stuck with me.” I tease.

“Ok smart ass, I have been told that I am three hundred and thrifty two years old even though I don't remember most of it because of whatever made me think I was a dying human and what your parents did,” he admits.

“That's all. Here I thought you were gonna be so much older like a mummy or something. I mean you are slightly ancient compared to me, but l am surprised your swimmers could actually get me pregnant.”

He growls louder. “Woman, are you done yet?”

I giggle. “Why is my cranky old man of a fiancé getting upset? Or is it past your bedtime?”

We pull up to the house, and before he puts the car in park. I jump out of the car and run inside. “Nelly!” He yells.

“Love you!”

“Fuck woman! You are gonna get it when I catch you! Nelly!” he screams.  I knew he'd catch me before I got to the bedroom, but it didn't mean I was gonna make it easy for him.