Darkness Chapter 55: Bro

**Nelly**

I have longed for my brother with an ache that consumes me. The facade of his death was necessary to shield him from harm. He was viciously attacked, and though he technically perished, it was Shelly who intervened and saved him. Little did I know, she was a vampire, a fact we discovered when we rescued her months prior. She bestowed upon him her immortal gift, driven by a secret infatuation she harbored for him. Together, they fled to Italy, assuming new identities and living in seclusion. Despite the distance, we managed to maintain a fragile connection until my capture. Trapped and unable to communicate, I have been unable to inform him of my plight. And now, as he stands before me, his eyes filled with anticipation, he simply asks, "So?"

“Well....” I chew my lip.

“When?” he asks.

“3 months,” I reply because he is asking about my vampirism.

“Who?”

My cheeks flush. “Vincent,” I whisper as I look away.

“Wait! Vincent, as in the leader of the vampires, changed you. A rebel of the Resistance? Why?” Kade asks.

"I was captured and forced to be his pet. Over time, we grew to care for each other deeply. But then, Tara betrayed me, stabbing me and leaving me for dead. It was Vincent who found me, nourished me back to health, and ultimately saved me. Through it all, we couldn't deny the love we felt for each other, and we eventually became partners in life, marrying each other. And now, in just two short months, I am due to bring new life into this world."

“Due?” he asks. I lift up my oversized sweatshirt and show him. “How the fuck?!?”

"You know he was tested on," Kade nods solemnly. "Mom and Dad subjected him to it. We believe that his testing somehow altered him, and that I may have been affected as well. Perhaps the experiment was conducted on me, considering I have been attacked by a werewolf and yet did not transform." 

The sinister implications of their family's dark secrets weigh heavily on Kade's mind as he contemplates the mysterious forces at play. His brow furrows, “Why are you here?” he asks.

Tears streamed down my face as I recounted the painful truth. "He was previously married, but his wife was tragically taken from him by another vampire. Upon discovering the culprit, he spiraled into a dark abyss. He became distant, lost in his grief. I felt like a mere shadow of his past love. And so, I made the difficult decision to leave. I couldn't bear to be with a man who only saw me as a vessel for his child, not as a true partner in love."

Kade hugs me. “Oh, Sis. I'm sorry. Want me to kick his ass?”

I laughed. “I'm actually surprised he hasn't found me yet.”

“Well, stay as long as you need Nelbear.”

“Thank you. Are things good with you and Shelly?”

“Yeah. She's just not a fan of outsiders,” he says.

“I'm your sister. I am family first.”

Kade sighs, “I know, but she's weary. You'll be fine. I'll show you to the room.”

**Quinn**

It has been several weeks since I last saw her. My search in France proved fruitless, so I dispatched my wolves to various countries in pursuit. I chose Italy as my base, where I could indulge in exquisite cuisine while continuing my quest. As the sun began to dip below the horizon, I observed a mysterious couple lurking in the shadows. They were unmistakably vampires, a rare sight in Italy. I watched as they purchased items typically associated with baby girls. Could it be for Nelly, my missing companion, who is due any day now?

I cautiously approached the male figure, who briefly scanned his surroundings. Sensing his awareness, I quickly blended into the background. As they passed by, I maintained a safe distance and observed their closed curtains and blinds. A strong intuition told me I was onto something significant.

I paced back and forth, racking my brain for a plan. Suddenly, inspiration struck. I triggered car alarms, causing a commotion that roused the neighborhood and lured the individuals out of their houses. Though disruptive, it was a necessary step in my investigation.

II moved closer to the door as everyone rushed to check their cars. I was within five feet of the door when I caught a whiff of her scent... Nelly. I needed her to meet me. After the chaos settled, I found a pen and paper. Daylight was approaching, so I waited until sunrise. I pinned a note to the door and knocked, then hid in the nearby bushes to watch. I heard her voice, "I will get it. You guys can't, it's already daylight," Nelly said.

I watched as she opened the door and scanned the area. She grabbed the note and closed the door. Now, the waiting game begins.