BLOOD TIES

THE STUFF OF DREAMS

Chapter 1

A baby is God's opinion that life should go on."- Carl Sandburg

This all started three months ago and it had taken me this long to get the courage up to say something. I could only hope that my words were enough. That was all I had at this point.

I breathed in and out a few times; god I was nervous. Despite the fact that the man was a long-time family friend, I was really nervous. I had practiced the speech countless times; rehearsed it for days. But as I stood in the slow moving elevator I forgot the words.

I, Clare Anne Noir, was about to tell a 400 year old vampire a very impossible truth. And it scared me. The elevator stopped and the doors began to open up and I was too afraid to move. I heard a sharp gasp and looked up. My mouth fell open slightly.

"Henry," I whispered his name and knew I was a coward. I couldn't do this.

"Clare, what on earth are you doing here?"

"I came to see you."

He looked puzzled, "Why?'

The doors were starting to close and I panicked. "I'm pregnant."

A slim pale hand shot between the doors; they buzzed in protest as he held them back. "You're what?"

This wasn't how I had planned on saying it. "I said I am pregnant."

"So you come to see me?" He frowned hard, "Why?"

I felt nervous under that intense blue gaze. "Why else would I be here?"

His puzzled expression changed to one of skeptic indignation. "You like it when I bite you. And as much as I want to; I am late for something."

I blushed but managed a smile, "You like it when I bite you too." I countered gently.

He scoffed at me, "Well that's for another place and time. I am not coming with you to tell the father; I have plans tonight; but maybe another night?"

"But I have told him." I muttered and couldn't meet his expression.

"And what did he say?" Henry asked.

Then I did look up, "You tell me."

Henry stared at me for a very long time. The elevator began to whine and buzz. Henry never blinked and I was beginning to feel nervous again. I sucked in a deep breath and finally the words came out the way they were supposed to.

"Look, this isn't how I planned to tell you. Ok? I was going to be a lot more intelligent about the whole process; but I guess it's too late for that."

Henry reached for me and gently pulled me out of the elevator. The doors shut in firm determination. He gently out my back at a wall and one hand rested beside my head. He leaned in close and I wondered what he was going to do.

"It can't be mine." He said very flatly.

"But it is." I returned it just as plain. "I'm not a normal human remember?"

"But your father said you can't have kids." Henry stated.

"Well, I guess I can; just not with any of the men he wants me to."

Henry made a face; but it didn't last long. "Look, Clare this just isn't possible."

I dug in my coat pocket and came up with the little stick. I held it out to him. "See? A positive sign and I've been to my doctor; he confirmed it."

Henry stared at the stick and gently took it from my hand. He handled it as though it would shatter if he breathed too hard. After a long time he looked at me. "I just don't understand."

I sighed and tried to think of a way to say it to him. But I didn't get it either. How could I explain when I didn't know the answer?

"I am sorry, Henry." Was all I could manage. And the tears I had been crying for days, burned again at my eyes. "I am sorry." Without wanting to, I started to weep. I pressed my hands to my face and sank to the floor.

I heard fabric move as he sat beside me. Henry put his arms around me and held me close. He rocked me gently and kissed the top of my head.

"Shhh, shhh." He spoke softly, carefully. I heard him breath in deeply and nether one of us spoke. "Let's talk about this in private, ok?" He stood up and I was lifted in his arms.

I found myself lying on Henry's couch as he prepared tea for me. He had insisted I lie down and not move. A few minutes later he came back with tea and a plastic bear of honey. He handed me a large, heavy mug of sweet smelling tea. He put the honey on the table.

"I guess you shouldn't have that stuff anymore." He stared at the bear for a long time.

I sipped at the tea; it would have been nice to have honey in it; but I didn't ask. He seemed so lost and I didn't want to bother him.

He looked at me; I met his blue eyes. Henry looked at my stomach and reached out; he stopped short and withdrew his hand.

"No it's okay." I said and motioned for his hand. "Go ahead; you can probably hear it, right?"

He stared at my stomach for a few seconds. "Yes, I can hear a heartbeat."

He gently, carefully put his hand on my stomach and let out a heavy sigh. He met my eyes again and slowly he smiled.

Henry had such a great smile; I had always thought so. When I was growing up he had entertained me with fantastic stories of centuries past. When I had gotten married he had stood at my side and when my husband died, he had held my hand and comforted me. Now, at the age of 25, I was pregnant and it was Henry's. This wasn't something either of us had planned on. I had resigned myself to being alone. In my culture if your husband died, you could not remarry. As my father as the leader the rule had been bent a little. If I could find a man who would ask to marry me, I could accept. But it had been five years since my husband's death and no one even looked at me.

Henry came to visit my family three times a year; on his last trip I had asked him to make love to me. I was desperate to remember what it felt like; if only for a single night. He had accepted and it had been an incredible night. I had never thought such wonderful sensations were possible.

When I had learned I was pregnant, I had been confused and very afraid. But as I read through the family histories I learned that one of my great-aunts had a vampire lover. She had become with child by him. Their ending had been tragic to say the least. I had decided to tell Henry the truth. If nothing else, at least one other person would know.

"Clare?" He gently touched my face, "You look so sad. What's wrong?"

I blinked, "Nothing, I just..I can't figure out what to do next."

He nodded and chuckled, "My first response isn't exactly a modern one; so I am not going to offer any suggestions."

My heart tightened at his words; I felt such a swell of protective anger that I was shocked in myself. "I am keeping the child, Henry. And that's final."

His eyes widened, "Well of course you are!" He sprang to his feet, "It's not even a matter for debate!"

My anger faded at his words, "So what was your suggestion going to be?"

He crossed to the window and spoke quietly, "Keep in mind I am speaking as a 400 year old man."

I nodded.

"My suggestion was that you lie in bed and stay there."

"You thought I would be offended by that?"

He looked over at me, surprised, "You're not?"

I shook my head, "No. I have been sleeping a lot these days anyway. So I practically do that now. But I don't plan on doing that for the whole nine months-rather six months."

He came back and sat down, "What do you plan on doing?"

Before I could answer there was a knock at his door. He looked up and frowned. "Damn."

He stood up and crossed to the door. He opened it and a woman pushed her way in.

"You kept me waiting an hour." She snapped at him.

"Vicki, something has come up." Henry closed the door and crossed to stand in front of her.

I took the moment to set the tea on the coffee table and stand. I moved too fast; and staggered. Strong hands grabbed my arms and held me close. Henry pressed me to his body.

"Are you alright?" he sounded panicked.

"I am fine. Just stood up too fast. Still getting used to the whole thing."

He reluctantly held me at arm's length and stared at me intently. "I really wish you would just lie down."

I smiled at him, "That's what I am going to do; at my hotel."

"Wait! What hotel? No, you are staying here." He was adamant about that.

I looked at him, from inches away and almost smiled. "But my flight leaves in the morning and I am closer to the airport from the hotel."

"You can't go back there!" He shook his head; his long curls made him look beautiful-like annoyed angel.

"Then what am I going to do, Henry?" I asked plainly; trying hard to not show my happiness.

"You are staying here." His tone made it final. I knew better then to argue with Henry Fitzroy when he used that tone. I resisted the urge to hug him.

"Henry," Vicki's voice sounded annoyed. "If she wants to leave, let her."

I looked over at her and didn't like her. She just gave me the creeps.

"Stay out of this, Vicki." He glared at her and, his expression softened when he looked to me. "Look, just stay, ok? Clare? Please?"

"I will stay, but my father…"

He sighed, "We'll deal with that. We'll deal with all of it."

I did smile then and I knew it reached my eyes. "I know you mean that."

"I do mean it. But first I have to go with Vicki and look after something. Its business but I won't be back for a while." He hesitated as he moved to kiss me.

Instead he let go and crossed to his chair where his leather coat was hung. He grabbed it and headed to the door; Vicki followed him. He seemed to realize something and cursed softly. Looking back at me he hesitated reaching for the door.

"Look, if you get hungry there is a credit card in the safe; you know the combination to unlock it."

I was puzzled by that but nodded, "Okay. See you when you get back."

Henry opened the door and motioned Vicki out. He looked at me once more before he moved to leave. Once again he stopped-he shut the door and appeared like magic in front of me. It made me chuckle.

His arms went around me and he kissed me with deep passion. I was left breathless as he pulled back.

"Thank you," He whispered, "I don't know how you did it, but thank you."

I smiled, gently holding his face in my hands, I met his eyes and he knew I was sincere. "I don't know how we did it; but you're welcome."

He smiled as a soft chuckle escaped him. "Promise me you'll stay?"

"I promise."

"We'll talk to your father; not that I have to…" He let it trail off, "God what do you say to that?"

"Later, Henry. We'll deal with it later. Right now you go and help Vicki. I will sleep."

He kissed me again. "Thank you for telling me."

Henry left and I was exhausted. Making my way to the bedroom I undressed and climbed into the huge bed. It was so wonderful to sleep and know that he was happy. I closed my eyes and his smiling face carried me off to dreams of babies and smiling vampires.

**

Henry returned later and was pleased she was asleep; it was nearly sunrise. He quietly closed the bedroom door; made sure the black-out curtains were closed and undressed. Wearing nothing but black silk boxers he climbed into bed beside her and watched Clare sleep. She muttered something and opened her eyes briefly. She smiled at him.

"Hi." Her voice was breathy, light and sleepy.

"hi." He closed the distance between them; she cuddled up to him and rested her head on his chest.

Henry felt the sun rise over the city; for the first time in centuries he went to sleep smiling.

**

Henry awoke the following evening with a wonderful and happy plan. He was surprised to find Clare asleep, wrapped around him. He gently woke her, "Have you slept all this time?" He was worried.

"No, I got up, ate, went for a walk and came back. I was tired so I came to nap."

"Then sleep, I am going out. I'll be back soon." He kissed me softly and gently got out of bed. He could feel her watching him ad glanced back at me.

I smiled at him ad chuckled as he dressed in a sweater and jeans. He kissed me again and left. I rolled over and went back to sleep.

Hours later Henry came home; he carried two large paper bags and several store bags. "Clare, you up?"

I smiled at his voice and called back, "I'll be out in a minute."

"Okay."

I finished brushing my teeth; ran a comb through my hair and pulled on his red robe. I left his bedroom and was startled at the sight. Henry stood in his kitchen unpacking numerous paper bags; he kept the fridge open with one leg as he loaded the contents from the paper to the fridge.

"This is the first time I've actually used it." He announced with a chuckle. "I bought you a few things; as there isn't food here."

I was smiling as he finished and folded the paper bags; he put them in the cupboard under the sink and proceeded to open several drawers.

"I bought pots and pans and dishes, cutlery that sort of thing. And the microwave works." He turned and faced me; I put my arms around him. "Thank you."

He folded his hands across mine;letting me hold him. He was taller then I was; but that was okay. He had a fantastic body and I didn't mind the height difference.

He chuckled to himself "Well, I will admit shopping is hard work. So many choices; I nearly bought one of everything. But the pharmacists gave me advice on what you would need. Oh and he gave me this." Henry motioned I should sit down; he dug around one of the store bags; and came up holding a box of vitamins.

"He said that it was important you be taking them. I don't really know what the baby is going to need; but I want to do what's right; by today's standards."

I accepted the box and shook my head. "This is thoughtful of you."

"Wait, there's more!" He announced; and he had the happy expression of someone o Christmas Morning. I sat down at the island as he hauled several store bags onto the counter. I recognized some of the store names and knew them to be expensive.

He quickly took out a tissue wrapped item and presented it to me. "Go ahead!" His eyes were bright as he waited for me to unwrap it.

I was careful with the tissue paper; once unwrapped I found a beautiful red velour track suit. I knew the brand and it was exclusive. I had never owned such a nice outfit in my life. I knew just by touching it that the suit would be comfortable. As I unfolded the jacket, I noticed two things. One it was a maternity outfit so I could wear it as I grew and two; Henry had had something embroidered on it. I looked carefully at the beautiful gold, red, white and green colors.

I gasped and looked at him, "Henry, these are our initials."

"I know." He smiled at me.

He held out another gift; I carefully folded the suit and unwrapped the second gift; it was a book I had heard of. What to Expect when You're Expecting. I had always wanted to read this.

"The lady at the book store said it was a good place to start. There are lots of other books though." Henry showed me all the books he'd picked up. There were a few name books in there too. He had even picked up a few parenting magazines. "They are American, but the information in them might be useful."

I was overwhelmed by it all and there were still two bags to go. I was happy, but also taken back. It had never occurred to me that Henry would be so excited.

"Oh and the most important gift of all-aside from the baby." He smiled at me and reached into his coat pocket. He took a deep breath and came around the island as he drew his hand from his pocket.

My heart began to pound as he knelt down on one knee. My hands were sweating and I could barely breathe.

"This is not how we did this in my day." He muttered and grinned at me. He took a deep breath, "I know I haven't talked to your father yet, and I will. But first I wanted to do this-Clare Anne Noir, will you marry me?"

I was stunned and yet incredibly happy. I watched as Henry opened the box and I stared at the ring inside. It was beautiful. The channel set ring had several colored stones set in yellow gold. It was a rainbow of color; all of the stones sparkled and danced with rainbows and light.

Henry made a sound in his throat, "You're supposed to say something."

"Yes, I say yes." He slid the ring onto my finger and I hugged him. "Thank you."

"Well, I couldn't get to the Crown Jewels, so I hope that's okay?"

I kissed him soundly, "Of course it is; you totally surprised me."

"Well, I wanted to do things the right way; you know?"

I chuckled and hugged him again, "I know."

"But there is more," He stood up and I was amazed; more than this? I looked at the ring and watched the light dance inside the stones.

"Henry, I am totally amazed, you didn't have to do all this."

He shrugged, "I never thought I'd be a father. So I want to do everything a dad is supposed to do."

"So you'll be doing all the time-outs? And setting curfews and grounding, right?" I teased him and he laughed with me.

"Here," He handed me a thick catalogue with a smiling baby on the front; the name of the store was exclusive and that meant expensive. "I thought perhaps we could pick up a few things."

I set the catalogue down and looked at him; he was all smiles and happiness.

"This is an expensive store; can't we just go to a regular baby store?"

He made a face at me. "No! My child will have the best of everything."

I arched a brow at him, "But Henry, it's expensive."

He seemed to realize my point and his expression softened. "I can afford it, Clare."

I sighed and looked at the catalogue. He was so happy, so excited and he wanted to do the right thing so badly. I nodded slowly, "I can we can take a look."

He grinned at me.

"What say you show me how to use the stove?" Henry asked and I agreed.

We looked through a cookbook while the dishwasher cleaned all the kitchen items Henry had purchased. He had insisted they do this way. Said it was safer for the baby; I was quickly learning that when it came to the baby and it's safety-Henry wouldn't be swayed.

"I think we should make lasagna." Henry announced, "It looks good."

"It takes a lot of time." I said gently.

He shrugged, "I've got all night."

He insisted on doing all the carrying, stirring and chopping. So I sat and guided him on how to turn on the stove; how to chop onions and how to boil water.

Henry was in the middle of chopping an onion. "I forgot one of the bags, can you open it for me?"

"Sure." I slid off my stool and crouched down by the bag. It only held one item. I took it out and burst into laughter.

Henry chuckled, "Like that, do you?"

"It's hilarious." I studied the apron again. It had a cartoonish vampire on it, holding a spatula in one hand. The caption under it said, "Chef gets first bite."

I slipped the thin red strap over Henry's head and tied it up for him. I chuckled to myself as he stood at the counter, chopping onions and wearing that ridiculous apron.

Just as we-or rather Henry-put the lasagna in the oven-a knock came at his door. He straightened and didn't look happy.

"I'll get it." I said and slid off the stool.

Henry blocked my path, "I'll get it."

His tone was so serious; so dark. Gone was the happy, smiling man who had insisted he cook for the first time. The man who strode to the door was not happy- this was a pissed off vampire.

I sat on the stool again as he opened the door slightly. "What Mike?"

"Vicki asked me to come by; said you weren't happy with her stopping by last night."
"I am less happy to see you here." Henry's voice was cold.

"Look Fitzroy, I don't much care what you think of me. But I care about what Vicki thinks."

"I know." Henry said darkly, "I am in the middle of something."

"Is that garlic I smell?" Mike tried to peek around Henry, the vampire moved slightly, blocking him. "I have a guest, what do you want?"

"We need you to look over a scene. Vicki thinks you'll be able to help. She said something about the Selenity Chronicles."

I perked up at that and crossed to the door. "I've heard of those."

Henry shot me a dark look, I ignored him and studied the large blonde man in his door way. The man wore a rumpled suit and shiny badge hung out of his jacket pocket.

He frowned at me, "You have?"

"Yeah, my grandmother read them to me as a child. They were sealed away in the family vault though."

"Well apparently not; someone has them and is using them to raise hell, literally."

"Well that's not possible," I countered, "The Selenity Chronicles, first can't be read by anyone outside my family, and second don't have magic in it to do that."

Mike looked at Henry before looking back to me. "And who are you?"

Henry cut me off before I could answer, "I'll come Mike, just give me a minute."

I was firmly moved back into the apartment by Henry as he closed the door. The look he gave me wasn't friendly.

"Stay out of this, Clare."

"Not a chance, someone in my family is using the Chronicles to hurt others. That goes against our rules."

"And what are you going to do about it?" He challenged, "Look, you have to take care of yourself, alright? You've got a very important job right now and that is looking after our baby."

I realized then, something I had never thought to think before. "You are worried."

Henry looked away from me for a long time. "Clare, we don't know what the child is going to be. Neither one of us has done this before. So please, I beg you, stay here."

I closed the distance between us and gently lifted his chin so I could see his eyes. He was scared. "Ok, Henry. If that's what you want, I will stay here. But you have to swear to me that if you find the books, please tell me. They are important to my family."

"Fine." He nodded, "I will tell you if we find them."

"Thank you." I kissed him gently, "Now you should go, that Mike seems suspicious of me."

Henry made a face, "He's a pain."

I handed Henry his coat, "And thanks for all the wonderful presents."

He gave me a brief smile, "You're welcome."

"And tomorrow we will go to the baby store." I promised and opened the door. "Be safe."

**