Darkness Chapter 47: Move

**Nelly**

Vincent's declaration of wanting to move us to Europe left me speechless. I was torn between understanding his desire to protect us and the fear of leaving our home behind. As he reassured me of his commitment to keeping us safe, I couldn't help but feel conflicted. His words were filled with determination and love, but I couldn't shake the feeling of uncertainty. Our home was here, and he was the leader we all relied on. How could he just uproot us and leave everything behind? But then, he reminded me of his promise to give it all up for our family. His words were like a balm to my worried soul, and I couldn't help but be swayed by his unwavering devotion.

As we tried to enjoy the remainder of our day, his kiss was a sweet distraction. But deep down, I knew the decision looming over us was too important to ignore. That night, as I looked at my stained dress and felt the weight of my tears, I realized the gravity of the situation. Our little princess, our gift, was a symbol of our love and future. In that pivotal moment, I realized that every decision we made would profoundly impact our family. Vincent's love and protection were the bedrock that held us together, and I had unwavering faith in his dedication to keeping us safe, no matter the circumstances.

But what about the wolves and other vampires? Peter loomed as the next potential leader, pending a vote. I harbored deep reservations about Peter. The way he glared at Vincent, the malice in his icy gaze, and his curt demeanor all raised red flags in my mind. Lost in my thoughts, I felt the reassuring embrace of my husband's strong arms around my waist, pulling me back to reality. "What's on your mind, my love?" Vincent inquired, his voice laced with concern.

"Just contemplating," I replied cryptically.

Vincent chuckled softly, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Oh, this can't be good," he teased, his tone tinged with a hint of playful apprehension.

“Shut up you ass!”

“Yeah, you like my ass, remember?” he smirks.

“Mmm... that I do.” I bite my lip.

“So what's got you skulking?”

“I was thinking about what you said about moving.

“Really..and?”

"I find myself torn. On one hand, I cherish the bonds we have formed with the wolves and some of the other vampire hordes. I would miss them dearly. However, I cannot ignore the constant danger that surrounds us here. Leaving would undoubtedly be safer," I muse, as he shakes his head at me before I nod in agreement. I sigh, "But Peter... I just can't seem to trust him. Despite being a leader of the horde and likely to be voted in, there's something about him that sets me on edge. He seems to have a personal vendetta against you, and I can't stand it!" I exclaim.

Vincent nods solemnly. "Yes, there's a reason for his animosity towards me."

"And what might that reason be?" inquires his companion.

"It all comes down to Bianca."

"Bianca? How so?"

"Bianca was dating Peter when I first arrived here. I met her at a party, unaware of their relationship. She had escaped from an abusive ex and found solace in Peter. However, fate had other plans, and I fell deeply in love with her. The feeling was mutual, and we couldn't deny it," Vincent confesses.

"So, you essentially stole his girlfriend?" his companion questions.

"Yes, unintentionally. By the time I realized the truth, it was too late. Peter has never forgiven me for it," Vincent reveals, his voice heavy with regret and sorrow.

"So, how did you become the leader?"

"Funny story, actually," he chuckles. I smirk at him. "I attended one of the horde meetings for my leader at the time. During the meeting, I was able to solve several of the issues that the current leader hadn't addressed or cared about. They took a vote that day and well…" he shrugs.

"How long ago was that?"

"About 80 years now, they reminded me," he replied.

"Wow. Old man!" I grin at him.

"Again with the old man jokes," he sighs.

"Yep…" I grin.

"Do you remember what happened the last time you did that?" he asks.

"I do. Do I need to remind you...you forgot already?" I tease.

“Little Mrs., you are in for it,” he threatens.

I giggle. “Sure. Don't make threats you can't follow through on, Vincent.”

He pushes me against the wall when we hear a knock at the door. Vincent yells, “Go away!”

Alec sighs, “Boss...we have a problem.”

“Can't you deal with it?” Vincent growls. 

Alec sighs heavily. “Someone broke into the cell and....”

“Tara?!?”

Alec replies softly, “She's dead.”

No.... who would do that? She was visibly pregnant. I collapse in Vincent’s arms. She was my best friend. I never wanted this for her. I never wanted an innocent life taken. “I want to know who did this.”

“Are you sure? I can go and see. You can stay here,” Vincent says.

“No...she was my friend. I need to see what they did to her.” We get to the cells where she was kept. It's been ransacked. Only two people were being kept here, Tara and a man who had attacked Vincent over a month ago, and that was after we had approval from Greg. Both were dead, brutally beaten. Tara had her stomach cut open, exposing her baby. I couldn't see it anymore, so I turned and threw up. How could someone do this?

Alec dramatically reveals, "Both guards are deceased. Whoever committed this heinous act was clearly trying to send us a message."

One of the guards rushes over to Vincent and hands him a note, urging him to depart immediately. As Vincent reads the note, I witness a wave of fury wash over his striking features.

"Spread the word to all who wish to escape - we must be prepared to leave in one hour!" Vincent bellows.

"Boss...?" Alec hesitantly questions.

"RIGHT NOW!" Vincent exclaims, scooping me up from the ground and swiftly carrying me to our quarters. He places me on the bed and begins frantically packing our belongings.

“What's going on?” He continues to run around the room gathering our things. “Vincent?” Still ignoring me. Not smart to piss off a pregnant woman. “VINCENT! FOR FUCKS SAKE WHAT IS GOING ON!” He freezes and turns to look at me.

I see the tear in his eyes. That note must have been bad. “The note I got was to warn me.”

“Of what?”

“You would be next...he would gut our child from you and send me its remains.”

I felt light headed. My mind flashes back to Tara. Who would do this how did they did they find out?

“How...who?”

He sighs. “My guess is Peter. He has his ways of finding out.”

“Why kill Tara?”

“He never wanted her. He was pissed when he found out she was pregnant. He wants you, Nelly,” Vincent says, his eyes welling with tears.

“Then let’s move, and we can set a trap for him there. We have to tell Brandon, too. I have never liked or trusted Peter. He will use any against us to get what he wants.”

“Alec has already been told to inform him,” he says.

“Where are we going?”

“My chateau. We will stay there till the baby is born. I've informed Quinn, and he is sending some of his wolves with us. He's concerned for their safety,” Vincent says. I start to protest. “Nelly, do not argue with me. Please. I lost Bianca because of my ego and stubbornness. I have a chance to make it right, and I will not make that same mistake twice.” I nod. “Thank you.” He kisses my forehead and goes back to packing. I go to get up and help, and he tells me to relax.

I decided to change out of my dress. I can't keep it anyway. I shrug it off and grab a pair of sweats , and gather a few things from the bathroom. “Are you ready?” he asks.  I nod.

When we come out to the foyer there is the entire coven with their things in tow looking up at Vincent with fear. They know if their leader is fleeing they know there must be an imminent danger to his family. “You all are going with the understanding that we may not come back?” he asks. They nod and some murmur yes.

Alec says, “Load the trucks. The cars are ready and the planes are fueled.” Alec comes over to us, “The wolves that are coming will meet us at the airfield.”

We nodded. I look back at the place that has been my home. I close my eyes to remember the memories I've had, both good and bad. They all led me to him. To my love, my husband.