Chapter 10

When Sam woke up, her head hurt a lot. She took a moment to feel her body and make sure that everything was okay, and then her hands explored her belly; she exhaled only when she felt a kick.

Now that she was assured her baby was okay, she began to look around and try to identify where she was. Memories of being taken came forward and she shuddered slightly, wondering if Danny had realized she was gone yet or if the ghost had gotten him, too. But it wasn't just any ghost that had taken her – it was Vlad!

But… if Vlad had taken her, why was she on a bed? Although he'd tried to show some kindness in Sam and Danny's lives before the asteroid, Sam thought that he would be fueled by hatred and a desire for revenge. Not that she'd ever thought about him coming back. She, along with Danny, his family, and Tucker had all assumed that he'd died out in space.

Sam cautiously padded over to the only door in the room and put her hand on the elegant handle. She tried pushing it, but it refused to budge. She pulled. Nothing happened.

Great. I'm locked in this damn room and I don't even know where I am.

"Oh, good. You're awake." The sudden noise made her jump. "As you now know, you're locked in. What you don't know is I have that room wired, just like every other room in my new mansion. You won't be able to sneeze without me knowing about it, even if you do manage to get out of your new bedroom."

Well, now she knew it was Vlad who had captured her, and he had a new mansion. She briefly wondered if it was in Wisconsin before he began to speak once more.

"According to the bloodwork I've done on you, you're almost thirty-seven weeks pregnant! Congratulations."

The last word sent shivers down Sam's spine – it was cold and lifeless, like it was inhuman. She put her arms around her belly as if scared he would come in and rip her baby boy right out of her.

"Thirty-seven weeks is considered 'full term,' you know," Vlad's voice continued, now icy and condescending. "I'll do an analysis on you and the child when you hit that week - "

"Why?" Sam asked without thinking.

"To make sure you're ready to deliver, and that the child will survive the birth, of course!" Vlad laughed. It was an icy, sick sound and it made Sam cringe. "Once you've delivered, I'll keep you alive to feed the child, provided you behave yourself, as I experiment and learn about it. I'm surprised Danny's DNA even translated into a reproductive capacity!"

"Danny'll find us, you know," Sam said, thinking she was quiet enough that Vlad wouldn't hear. "He'll find us, and save us. He loves his son - "

"Oh, it's a boy!" Vlad exclaimed. "This just keeps getting better and better. I hope he does find us, too. It would be so nice to have a little… family reunion." There was a pause. "You will be joining me for dinner tonight. Get freshened up and ready and I will see you then."

Sighing heavily and trying to keep calm, Sam made her way back over to the bed and sat down. She rubbed her belly and felt the baby kick. She was glad they were both alive, at least. But had Danny noticed her absence yet? How long had she been out? And why did Vlad want her baby?

…

A/N: Decided to keep this one short, I have a lot I want to cover over the next chapter or two. I hope it comes together okay… I should have another chapter up tonight!

ShadowDragon357, I'm glad I got your review so soon! It kinda helped me keep on track with the plot and remember some of the things I'd planned before. There's so much to Vlad that the options are nearly endless!