A/N: This story continues on from where TVD left off at the end of the Season 3 episode 'Dangerous Liaisons'. Everything that happened after that in the show should be discounted.
CHAPTER TWO
Edward quickly assessed Stefan's reaction to Elena's condition. Stefan's expression was one of surprise, yet it appeared relatively neutral compared to the storm of confusion as Stefan's mind whirred over dates and interludes and possibilities. He couldn't understand it. Edward had to choke back a socially inappropriate laugh, as he empathized with the poor guy. This definitely wasn't the soulless Ripper depicted in the history books. Stefan appeared to be far more complicated and his thoughts screamed of love and concern for the woman standing in front of him. Stefan snapped back into reality and rushed over to Elena's side, holding the side of her arms gently.
"Are you ok?" He whispered. "I don't understand? Why are you here?"
Stefan watched as Edward and Bella looked at one another knowingly and Elena sighed.
"When I realized what was happening to me I went looking for answers. Eventually, I heard the story of Renesmee Cullen – the half human/vampire child and I came here."
Stefan's eyes darted between the two amber-eyed vampires quietly standing off to the side of the room.
"Half human?"
"Renesmee, our daughter, was too strong for Bella's body when she was born." Edward offered quietly.
"You have to be turned on order to have this baby?" Stefan flared. "Elena, you don't want that. We need to get it out of you."
"I'm not going to kill a child, Stefan."
Out of the corner of his eye Stefan saw a mobile number being left and the three other house occupants vacating the house. Stefan sharply inhaled as he composed himself.
"Elena, you should sit down," he offered and led her to a couch in front of a fireplace. "Now start from the beginning."
Elena looked up at Stefan and he saw a torrent of fatigue wash through her fine features, as she tucked an errant strand of hair behind her left ear and sighed. She was so thin, aside from the bump.
"How do you know it's mine and not, I don't know, Damon's?" Stefan asked defensively, suddenly making it appear that he was tapping into cruel Stefan. Elena just shot him a withering look.
"Believe me, you're the only option."
"So that night at the Original Family's Ball?" Stefan brow creased and Elena flushed slightly and nodded, as the memory of pulling Stefan towards her in a state of heightened need and lust and having his hands hungrily push away her ball gown as he fucked her against the bookshelves in the library before she tricked Damon and met with Esther. Elena knew it wasn't morally right, but it was the most amazing sex they had ever had. Her back arched and her pupils dilated slightly at the memory, before she blushed and shook the thought away. Elena peered through her lashes at Stefan who was clearly doing some mental processing of his own.
"I don't understand, Elena. That was only a month ago?" Stefan's eyes pierced into hers and Elena nodded.
"A few days after the Ball, after you disappeared, I started to feel ill. I was vomiting and nauseous to the point that I had to go to hospital. Meredith originally thought I was three months pregnant after only five days."
"Why didn't someone try to contact me?" Stefan's eyes were wide with horror.
"I didn't know where you were and I asked the others not to try and find you," Elena answered evenly. She sighed slightly trying not to let the multitude of emotions break in.
"Damon?" Stefan asked. "Where is he?"
"I haven't seen him since he found out I was pregnant," Elena said quietly and Stefan nodded slightly as Elena whispered. "He felt betrayed."
Elena's words hung in the air for a moment as the complexity of the situation and their feelings towards the missing individual danced around them.
"So how did you end up here with the Cullens?"
"Bonnie, Caroline, Alaric and Meredith researched as best they could and they eventually heard whispers that a similar child had been born four years ago and I tracked them here."
"Why are you here by yourself in this condition? When I spoke to Bonnie she said you forbid them from coming with you."
"I just needed to do this by myself." Elena said stoically, as she made a conscious effort to sit a little taller on the couch. Unconsciously Stefan also postured himself into a commanding and determined stance, as he pushed all of his fears into the bottom of his heart and took Elena's hand.
"Elena, I know you're strong and independent. In fact, it's one of your most attractive qualities," Stefan smiled wryly before his expression became serious once again. "But you cannot have this baby. You will die. The very best outcome is that you are turned and you have never wanted that."
A single tear slid down Elena's cheek.
"It's not just about what I want anymore, Stefan. This is my choice. I won't murder our child."
Our child. The words echoed in Stefan's head and for one brief moment, as he gazed into Elena's eyes, he revealed his deep love and concern for her.
"I love you, Elena." Stefan whispered as her forehead rested on his. "How did we come to this?"
"I don't know," she whispered back as she reached for Stefan's hand and for the first time he could hear the fear in her voice.
"And you think the Cullen's are the best option to help you?"
"Yes," Elena nodded and Stefan reached for the elegantly scripted card with Edward Cullen's phone number on it, as he bit back at the fear thrumming through his undead heart.
A/N: Please read & review. There will be many more characters coming out to play in future chapters.
