Three months later
Mariam's POV
Mariam pattered out into the main area of the cave, she was thirsty, plus her back had been plaguing her all night, which meant she was cranky and emotional due to a miserable mix of lack of sleep and discomfort. As she walked over to the refrigerator she heard movement behind her, turning around, she saw Paul was just heading out of the bathroom, smelling the masculine scent of his soap.
"Alright lil sista… looking lovely this evening" He grinned impishly, he peered down at her stomach, his eyes growing wide, "Man is it possible you got bigger over night? You look like your gunna pop gurl" He cackled. Mariam shot him a death stare, he quickly stopped laughing, a smirk still pulling at his lips, "Kiddin' sis, big is beautiful, pretty sure Dwayne is all about dat bass" He giggled as she threw a packet of chips at him, Paul caught the offending weapon before it hit his face, "Gee thanks sis, I was kinda hungry" he stated still laughing. "Paul, I swear…" Mariam tried to scold him but ended up smirking, she just couldn't stay mad at Paul.
Marko swanned into the main cave, wiping at the sleep still fresh in his eyes, noticing Paul, Mariam giving him a death stare, "Paul are you pissing our little sister off again." He asked smiling. "Dude it ain't my fault she's a crank this morning, I was just complementing her full figure." He sniggered. Mariam growled in warning. "Paul stop being an asshole before she kills you." Marko intervened.
Paul still laughing went and threw himself down on the sofa, munching the bag of chips she'd aimed at him. Mariam picked up a drink, taking a seat in the book corner. She grimaced as she lowered herself down the ache in her back throbbed. Marko noticed her discomfort, "You okay Mariam? You need me to get Dwayne?" he asked concerned. Dwayne chose that moment to enter the cave from the tunnel, wearing only some board shorts, Mariam forgot the pain as soon as she set eyes on his muscular body.
"Get me for what?" Dwayne asked, David and Star following out behind him. "Mariam's in pain." Marko explained. Dwayne rushed to her side, "Where do you have pain?" He panicked. "It's fine Dwayne, I just have backache that's all, it's kept me up all night." She answered with a pout.
"I can help with that." Star offered. "How?" Dwayne asked her. "I know massage, I could massage your back, it could help ease the pain." Star suggested. "Thanks Star but I really doubt little man would enjoy being squashed if I leant on my stomach. Besides I'm sure it will pass." She replied. Star shrugged and told her if she changed her mind she'd be happy to help.
"I can't believe there's gunna be a baby in here soon." Paul chirped from the sofa, "I wonder if vampire babies scream all day and night, if that happens I'm moving out." He stated crunching his chips loudly. Mariam laughed, trust Paul to say something like that but she knew he was just as excited as everyone else to meet his nephew. Mariam rubbed her stomach absentmindedly, she knew her little dude would arrive anytime now, she was both scared and excited at the same time. "Me and Star are going to get some supplies, the baby is going to be born here, we can't take you to the hospital it's too much of a risk. We'll go and pick up what we might need, and Dwayne, Marko, Paul, I suggest you go out and hunt. There's gunna be a lot of blood, we don't need anyone vamping out at an already dangerous time." David lectured, his voice stern, his features stoic.
The boys nodded, Dwayne jogged off to put on a t-shirt, Mariam felt her thirst begin to prickle her throat. "David what about me? Is it safe for me to give birth as a half vampire?" She asked worried. "You should be fine, your body is stronger now than you were as a human, once the baby is here, you'll make your first kill, you'll be like us" David explained, Mariam nodded then a thought occurred, what about her son? "Hey David, this might be a stupid question but what about the baby? He'll be half vampire; won't it be hard to stop his thirst?" David looked thoughtful giving a passive shrug, "I didn't think about that, Dwayne" He called his brother, Dwayne nodded, gesturing for David to continue as he pulled his shirt over his head. "Dwayne, I need you to find out about half vampire babies and their… how should I say it… their diet?" David ordered, Dwayne understood, nodding his head, assuring David he would research as soon as he'd finished his hunt.
Dwayne kissed Mariam's forehead promising he would be back as soon as he could, Paul, Marko, David and Star filing out behind him, leaving her to her own devices. She busied herself putting new sheets and blankets in the baby's crib, tidying around, making sure everything was in its place.
She wandered back out into the cave, walking over to the stereo sitting on the shelf, she switched it on, searching through the radio stations for something to listen to, to fill the silence. After a few minutes of searching she found a cheesy song playing she loved, she figured it was safe, no one was around to laugh at her. She bopped around singing along to 'Huey Lewis' – Power of Love'. "It don't take money, it don't take fame, don't need a credit card to ride this train" she belted out, laughing as she felt the baby kicking against her stomach, she didn't know whether he was joining in with her dance or whether he was telling her she was an embarrassing mother. Either way she didn't care she was having fun. Mariam was so lost in the song, dancing around she didn't notice Marko enter the cave, he must have come back early to check on her. He took in her dancing and singing to one of the cheesiest songs ever, doubling over with laughter. Mariam froze spinning around, "You never saw this, it never happened." Mariam warned him playfully. "Secrets safe with me." He grinned, "You look like you're having fun"
She grinned back at him, holding out her hand toward him, "It is fun, join me? Pleeaase?" she begged giving him her best puppy dog eyes. He sighed, smiling as he took her hand, he found himself spinning around with her singing along in no time,
"They say that all in love is fair, yeah but you don't care." Marko sang at her.
"But you'll know what to do, when it gets hold of you." She sang back.
"And with a little help from above, you feel the pooowerrr of looove." They sang in unison, giggling.
Once the song had finished they collapsed in a giggling heap on the sofa, "I can't believe I just did that." Marko stated, "The guys would never let me live it down if they found out" he smirked. "Ah you loved it, you totally knew all the lyrics you secret cheeser, besides it's our dirty little secret" She replied catching her breath, causing him to laugh again.
"I'm thirsty" She sighed, leaning her head against the back of the sofa. "Sit tight, I'll grab you a drink." He offered, jumping up, she shook her head, grabbing his hand, pulling him back to sit down, "No not that kind of thirsty." She winced, the look on his face telling her he understood what she meant. "I can give Dwayne a call," he offered, "No I don't want to disturb him, he's trying to find out about the baby, it's important." She replied. "I can deal." She continued rubbing her throat, the burning pain was increasing.
"You're in pain." Marko stated as a matter of fact, "Here, you can drink my blood. It won't taste as good as Dwayne's, but it will ease your thirst until Dwayne comes back. I don't want you to suffer." Marko told her, offering his wrist. Mariam was touched by his wish to care for her, she felt a strong bond between them, he always made her feel safe and happy, like a protective big brother. She glanced at his wrist then at his face, he gave her a nod of approval, she placed his wrist to her mouth, feeling her fangs to grow in, before she could rethink what she was about to do she bit into his wrist. Marko let out a faint groan as she drank hungrily, his blood tasted like a mixture of vanilla paired with something earthy, it was quite a pleasant taste. As she lapped at his blood she felt a strange sensation in her chest, working its way down to her stomach, she felt her son flutter in her stomach, her head spinning slightly. Not wanting to be too greedy she prised her mouth away, placing Marko's arm gently on his lap. His eyes looked glazed as he slumped back against the sofa, almost as if he was high. "Marko." She nudged him, he shook out of his trance, looking down at her with glossy eyes, "You okay? Sorry did I take too much?" She apologised. "No no, don't be silly, I'm fine don't worry, feel better?" He asked. "Much better." She smiled. Marko pulled out a motorcycle magazine from beneath the sofa cushion, flipping it open to a spread about a new model of Harley Davidson, she stole a glance up at him, the sensation she felt as she'd drank from him repeating in her chest, she frowned unable to figure out what was causing it.
Guns & Rose – Sweet Child of Mine started up on the radio, "I love this song" Mariam stated fondly, "Me too" Marko grinned, his focus still on the magazine spread. Mariam began to tap her hand against her thigh, she was starting to get the throbbing pain in her back again, she tried to focus on the music, attempting to take her mind off the ache. Marko picked up on her discomfort, he smiled uneasily, like he wanted to say something but didn't know how. Mariam flinched slightly as she felt Marko place his hand in hers, as their hands touched a wave of calm washed over her, it felt weird and a little wrong to hold Marko's hand without reason, but it also felt natural, plus she had to admit the calm that took over her removed her mind from the pain completely.
Marko slipped his hand from hers as they heard Paul, David and Star return with arms full of supplies, Dwayne followed shortly behind, smiling like he'd heard some good news. Dwayne crossed over to where she sat, kissing her lightly on the forehead, Marko moved over, making space for him to sit, glancing nervously in her direction, Mariam smiled, an assurance he had nothing to be nervous about.
"Guys I found some research about vampire babies and I think that it's good news." Dwayne told the group.
"Oh yeah? What did you find out?" David asked curiously.
"Well the stuff I found basically said that they can live on either human food or blood. When the baby is old enough you can give them raw meat which is full of blood, reducing the risk of them craving humans blood, or do like I do with Mariam, give the baby my blood, or Mariam's when she completes the transition. Then when they are a certain age, whatever the guardian decides they can be turned full vampire in the same way we turn. The research also mentioned that a vampire child's abilities are stronger than a human that's been turned and they grow at a rapid rate. They can reach teenage years in around 5 years." He finished, sighing and flopping back against the sofa, "I'd say it's pretty positive then." Mariam stated. "We don't really have to worry about a tiny vampire running riot trying to bite people's legs." She laughed.
"It's all good man" Paul stated, sprawling out on the fountains ledge. "Have you guys figured a name for lil dude?" He asked them inquisitively, "Yeah, we decided on Devante." Dwayne answered. "Rad name man." Paul praised, clearly impressed.
The night was still young, but no one was really that bothered about leaving the cave. They'd done what they had to do and most of them had been to hunt aside from Star and David, however, it looked like they were getting ready head out too. "Me and Star are going to hunt. If you need me just call." David told them on his way out of the cave. Mariam began to feel uncomfortable, her back began to ache again. She stood from the sofa, padding around the cave trying to ease the dull ache in her back. "You okay baby?" Dwayne asked from his position on the sofa, he'd gotten comfortable reading the motorcycle magazine Marko had read earlier, "Yeah just back ache again." She replied, brushing off his concern.
She returned to her walk around the cave, bending every so often, stretching her back muscles. She was straightening up from another stretch when a sharp pain shot through her stomach, it felt as though a hot knife was slicing through her, she screamed in agony. Dwayne, Paul and Marko flew across the cave to her. "what's wrong?" Dwayne asked trying not to panic even though his voice wavered. "I just got a really severe pain, I don't..." before she could finish what she was about to say, another pain ripped through her, her legs felt like jelly. Paul and Dwayne caught her arms, holding her up, Mariam felt a gush between her legs as her waters broke splashing abruptly at her feet. "Aww man I loved these boots." Paul complained, making Mariam laugh. "I think the baby is coming." Marko announced. "We should get her laid down somewhere." He suggested.
Marko ran over to the bags that Star and David had brought back, pulling out a new sheet and some towels. He quickly threw the sheet out on the floor, placing the towels nearby, he grabbed some cushions leaning them haphazardly against the wall.
"Shit dude anyone would think you were the dad not Dwayne." He teased. Dwayne called Paul an asshole, carrying Mariam over to where Marko had prepared the sheet. The pains were building, seeming to repeat every few minutes, between her legs was burning and she felt like a heavy weight was pushing down on her stomach. She cried out in pain as Dwayne placed her down propping her back against the cushions, gripping her hand, dropping to kneel by her side.
"Paul go get a bowl of warm water, a big bowl and a baby blanket." Marko ordered taking charge. He knelt by Mariam's feet, sending a message to David telling him to hurry back, Mariam was going to have the baby. Mariam cried out as another set of pains gripped her, "Dwayne you need to take off her shorts and underwear." Marko told him. "What?! Dude I don't want you all seeing my mates' area, dude c'mon." Dwayne whined petulantly. "Dwayne seriously now isn't the time for jealousy, we can cover her with a blanket, but she needs to be undressed because your baby is about to make an appearance." Marko exclaimed impatiently, Dwayne nodded, moving to gently take off her shorts and underwear, quickly replacing them with a blanket to cover her modestly, giving her some semblance of privacy. Paul returned carrying a huge round bowl full of warm water and a blue baby blanket. David and Star rushed down the entrance to the cave moments later.
"Star thank god you're here. I need to push but I don't want any of the boys looking down there, it hurts so much Star." Mariam panted.
"It's okay I'm here now. We'll do this together." Star soothed. She told Mariam to bend and spread her legs as wide as she could, "Guys could you like, come sit by my head please?" Mariam asked, the boys all moving to sit against the wall, not wanting to witness what was going on between her legs. Marko held one hand whilst Dwayne held the other, neither complaining about how hard she was squeezing.
"Okay Mariam, do you feel like you need to push?" Star asked. Mariam nodded, sweat pouring down her face. "Okay after three you can push, 1...2...3" Mariam pushed with all her strength, screaming as she felt as if her insides were being torn in two. "Very good, now let's go again." Star encouraged. On the count of three she pushed again, feeling the heavy weight from before shifting down, Dwayne kissed her forehead, whispering encouragement in her ear, expressing how proud he was. Paul and David looked shell shocked, Marko looked awe struck.
" I can see the head!" Star shouted, Dwayne sat bolt upright trying to get a glimpse at what was happening. "Okay Dwayne, Marko I need you both to hold Mariam's knees to her chest. It will help her push" Star instructed. Dwayne and Marko pulled up each knee, holding them firmly in place whilst Mariam pushed forcefully. She felt a ripping sensation, heard Star shout that the head was out, she kept pushing even though she was exhausted, until finally she felt a release of pressure, two seconds later a piercing cry filled the cave, echoing off the cavernous stone walls.
Mariam couldn't control her emotions, crying with happiness, Dwayne quickly lunging to take a look at his son. "Eww dude he looks like a lil alien." Paul laughed. "Congrats on your lil ball of goop." He teased playfully, his voice thick with amazement. Star gently cleaned her son, once clean David wrapped him in the soft blue blanket, smiling as he gently placed the baby in Dwayne's arms. Dwayne's eyes became so full of love as gazed down at his son it made Mariam's heart swell. Dwayne crawled back over to her on his knees, returning to sit next to her, cradling their son in his arms. "You wanna hold him princess?" Dwayne asked her, Mariam nodded holding her arms out ready to take him. He was so soft and warm in her arms, she leant forward to kiss his little forehead, breathing in his scent. He smelt like jasmine and honey. "Hi Devante, we've all been dying to meet you." She whispered, as he yawned opening his eyes lazily. He was so beautiful, with his soft caramel skin, big green eyes and a surprising amount of thick wild black hair.
Her and Dwayne spent the rest of the night cooing over their new son. Everyone had a turn holding him, even Paul fell in love with the little guy rocking him gently in his arms. The time came the sun was due to rise, Mariam wearily made her way to Devante's room followed by Dwayne, placing Devante gently in his crib, stroking his nose until he fell into a deep sleep. She quickly took a shower, Dwayne helped to wash her body, as she was completely exhausted from the whole experience, he wrapped her up in a big fluffy towel, carrying her to their room, placing her gently on the mattress. He covered her with the blankets, laying down beside her. He kissed her neck lovingly, leaning to whisper in her ear "You make me so happy Mariam, I promise I will look after you and Devante, I will protect you both with my life." Mariam smiled up at him, her eyes fluttering closed "I love you." She whispered in reply. "I adore you" he breathed as they swiftly succumbed to sleep.