Darkness Chapter 43: part 2

**Nelly**

“She must be a sympathizer,” the older one suggests. I have a feeling that even sober these guys are morons.

“Oh, I sympathize with whoever has to put up with your dumb asses every day. I mean seriously.” I grab the guy closer to me and throw him against the building, knocking him out. The other one tries to come up behind me. Before I can do anything, I hear a snap of his neck.

Vincent's voice trembled as he asked, "My love, are you alright?"

I took a deep breath before responding, "Yes, I was just worried. I saw one of them with blood on his shirt. I thought he..."

Vincent gently ran his fingers through my hair, reassuring me, "You're safe now. They were just a group of rogue rebels. We handed them over to Gary to pass on to Greg. But this one," he paused, his eyes darkening, "will be dealt with by Quinn."

With a look of concern, Quinn inquired, "Where is everyone else?"

"I had them take the children and hide in the basement," I replied.

Quinn embraced me tightly, his gratitude evident in his eyes. "Thank you, Nelly, for protecting my pack."

"I couldn't bear to see the children in harm's way," I confessed.

Vincent pulled me closer, his voice filled with worry. "You need to prioritize your own safety as well and that of our baby," he urged. I glanced down at my stomach, feeling the weight of his words. Breaking old habits and letting go of my need to protect others was a struggle, but I knew I had to be more cautious, especially now

The dumbass on the ground starts to stir. I walk over to him and pull him up by the collar. “What....are you?” he asks.

“I'll give you a guess.” I sink my teeth into him sucking his blood. I hear him scream not from pain but fear.

“No, please,” he begs.  When I finish, I hand him to Vincent, and he does the same. Neither of us has fed in about a week because most of the staff left, and we haven't had regular feedings. We are trying to stick with our treaty and not feed without permission, but when you're hungry, it's hard. So this asshole just became lunch. “Ahhhh. Please stop!”

Vincent growls.”Shut the fuck up!” We practically drain him. Not sorry because he was here to kill wolves. He passes out from the blood loss. We toss him to Quinn, who gives him to Beau, who chains him up to the same tree Dylan was placed at.

"I feel much better," Vincent said with a nod.

Quinn inquired, "When was the last time you guys fed?"

Vincent replied, "About a week ago."

Quinn let out a low whistle, "Damn. What happened to the supplies they were supposed to donate?"

Vincent explained, "We received a delivery two weeks ago, but it barely fed my horde. I had to give extra to Nelly for the children."

Quinn expressed his concern, "I think we need to keep a close eye on this new leader. He may be the first to negotiate with us, but something doesn't feel right."

Vincent agreed, "We've been having the same thoughts. We were considering inviting him to the wedding as a gesture of goodwill, but..."

Suddenly, Sally's voice cut through the conversation, "Nelly!"

"Hey sweetie, how are you?"

Sally beamed, "Daddy is okay. I'm happy!"

"Good. Go inside. We'll be in soon." Sally hugged me, and I watched her run inside.

Quinn's smile is warm and inviting. "She has really taken a liking to you. Our pups are usually very skittish around new people, especially outsiders," he says.

I nonchalantly shrug and make my way over to Vincent, who eagerly opens his arms for a hug. "We should get going. I'm going with Carrie to pick out a dress today," I inform him.

Vincent plants a gentle kiss on my forehead. "Alright. Take Alec with you. I just don't trust anyone else," he says with a hint of concern in his voice.

"I was actually thinking of asking Brandon," I reply.

"Alec, or you don't leave. We've had this discussion," Vincent commands firmly.

I roll my eyes in exasperation. "Fine!" Vincent's jealousy over my past with Brandon is evident, but he seems unfazed by Quinn's advances or Alec's shy interest. I find it amusing and couldn't resist teasing him at that moment.