Darkness Chapter 50: Still Mad

**Nelly**

I'm fast asleep when my phone rings. I know who it is without looking. “What?”

Vincent says, “Well, hello to you too…” Shithead! I hang up. He calls three more times before I turn it off. He wants to treat me like a child. I will give him a child!  Fucking dumbass piece of...yeah. Hormones are bítch!!! I got a cold shower, like that could help. Ugh! I yearned for my god-like husband to be in my embrace, to feel him deep within me. Our fights were intense, but the passion of making up was scorching. As I lay awake in the darkness, my mind filled with worry, I couldn't find peace. Quietly, I dressed and ventured outside into the cool night air.

The rustling leaves and the moon's gentle glow calmed my troubled thoughts as I walked the grounds. Seeking solace in the garden, I settled on a bench and gazed up at the vast night sky. My mind drifted to my husband, risking his life for our safety somewhere out there. I prayed for his safe return, yearning for his comforting presence beside me. Lost in the depths of my mind, I must have succumbed to the sweet embrace of sleep. As I stirred from my slumber, I was met with a pair of inquisitive eyes gazing back at me. "Good morning, Nelly. Why are you out here?" Sally's voice broke through the haze of my thoughts.

I stretched my weary limbs and surveyed my surroundings, only to realize that the sun was already high in the sky. "I came out to marvel at the stars and ended up drifting off to sleep. And what about you, wandering about without supervision?"

Sally simply shrugged. "Daddy is on patrol, and I didn't want to stay with Gia."

I arched an eyebrow in curiosity. "Ah, the girlfriend. You're not particularly fond of her?"

"She's okay. She's just not mommy," Sally replied with a hint of sadness in her voice.

"I understand, sweetheart. She's not trying to take your mother's place. She just wants to be a part of your life. Give her a chance," I urged gently. 

Sally's eyes welled up with tears, and she whispered, "I miss her."

My heart ached for the young girl before me. "I know, my dear. I miss my parents too," I confessed, my voice tinged with sorrow. But my longing was different from hers. I yearned for answers, for reassurance that my parents had loved me more than their work.

“What happened to them?” Sally asks.

Well, I wasn't gonna tell her the whole truth. “They died at the start of the war.”

“I'm sorry,” she softly replies.

"It's okay. Why don't you go inside and treat yourself to some lunch?" I suggest smiling warmly at her. "I'll be in soon," I reply before she starts running off towards the house. As she disappears from view, I realize that I need to eat as well. I decide to venture into the forest in search of something to quench my thirst. After about an hour and encountering a few animals, I feel refreshed. As I make my way back, I hear footsteps behind me.

"If you know what's good for you, reveal yourself!" I call out, my voice filled with authority.

"Always on guard, aren't you?" Peter murmurs as he steps into view.

"One must be," I respond, turning to face him.

"So, how far along are you?" he inquires.

"I'm a little over three months," I reply nonchalantly.

"How?" Peter questions, to which I simply shrug my shoulders before turning to walk away. I don't trust him being here; it gives me a sense of unease. My instincts are on high alert, urging me to flee. And so, I listen to that inner voice and start running. However, being pregnant has slowed me down, and Peter manages to catch up to me. He suddenly blocks my path and growls, "You are coming with me."

“In your dreams dickhead.”

“You kiss Vincent with that dirty mouth,” he chides.

“Yep, and so much more too. Now move out of my way!” He reaches out and grabs me. As he starts to drag me, I hear...is that Quinn? “Quinn! Help! Someone, please. Pe...”

“Shut up!” Peter yells. He smacks me hard against my face, knocking me out.

**Vincent**

We arrived home just after noon, and all I could think about was finding Nelly and groveling at her feet with her favorite flowers in hand. I scoured the entire house in search of her, only to be greeted by Sally, who leaped into my arms.

"You're back!" she squealed.

"Yes, little one. Have you seen Nelly?" I asked.

"She was in the garden. She fell asleep watching the stars. Silly girl," Sally giggled.

"Thanks. I'll go find her now. Go play," I instructed her. As I made my way to the garden, Nelly was nowhere to be found. Instead, I spotted Quinn in his wolf form chasing after a car. I ran towards him, sarcastically asking, "I knew dogs liked cars." I laughed, "Quinn, what's the deal now?"

He shifts back and runs towards me. “He has Nelly.”

My heart plummeted into the depths of despair as I crumpled to my knees. Peter, consumed by jealousy and bitterness, had taken my wife and child captive, seeking to inflict pain upon me for a love lost long ago. Anger surged through my veins, propelling me to my feet with a fierce determination.

Peter would face the consequences of his actions. My wife was not his to harm. If he had an issue, he should have confronted me directly. "Gather everyone...Now!" I commanded, my voice filled with authority.

Alec and Quinn swiftly carried out my orders, assembling a formidable group in the ballroom within minutes. "Today, my wife was abducted by one of our own. He seeks to punish me for a past love that was not of my making. Nelly is not only my wife but also your leader, carrying the first full-blooded vampire of our kind within her. She would sacrifice everything to protect us. I implore you to join me in bringing her back safely."

The room erupted in a chorus of support and determination. I distributed tasks and instructions, preparing my allies for the impending confrontation with Peter. He desired war, and war he would receive. I vowed to either end his life or sacrifice my own in the pursuit of rescuing Nelly. A life without her was a fate I refused to accept.