Note: I've never had a kid and never really paid attention when people talked about pregnancy and childbirth so sorry if anything is screwed.
-----
Chapter 7
2 Months Later
"Thank you Ian" Sara grins watching as he dresses
"Do you want anything else?" he asks pulling on his sweater
"No." she strokes her middle "I think that's all"
Ian caresses her middle "I'll be right back" he leans down kissing her belly
Sara smiles watching as he walks out of the room. After a few minutes of trying to get comfortable she sighs "OK now I can't get comfy." she pats her middle "how about we go watch some TV while we wait for Daddy to get back with our food." she chuckles as the baby kicks "I see you agree with me." she levels herself out of bed. She winces as the baby begins to kick and move frantically. "Hey its too late for that calm down" she sighs. She looks at her wrist as the Witchblade heats up, she frowns finding the colors swirl. Suddenly she gasps clutching her middle "You are in a mood" she mutters rubbing her side "both of you"
"Pez"
Sara starts "Geez Danny trying to give me a heart attack" she glares at him
"Sara you need to leave" Danny says "the other one is coming"
Sara looks around "Danny I..." she trails off as the door slams open and in Christian walks "You"
Christian enters looking Sara over his lips twitching "Hello Sara" he moves closer "Ready to go home?"
"I'm not going anywhere with you"
"You do not look like you are in any condition to fight me" he remarks his eyes going to her extended middle "And the Blade will not put your unborn child at risk"
Sara looks at Danny
"Your child is too important Sara. The Blade takes a lot of energy from you"
Christian grabs Sara's arm "Let's go"
"Don't touch me" Sara slaps him
Christian hisses "Don't ever hit me" he grabs her chin forcing Sara to look at him "He wants you back alive but he didn't say totally unharmed"
"Your hurting me"
"Good" Christian growls
'IAN'
Ian winces at the fear filled cry echoing through his mind
"He has them Nottingham"
Ian swallows "He's taking them to Irons" he closes his eyes "Danny..."
"No worries man I'll watch out for them"
Sara glares at Christian "Why are you doing this?"
"I have my orders" he shrugs
"You are nothing like Ian. He knows right from wrong"
"I know... I just don't care"
Couple hours later
Kenneth Irons looks up from the computer screen to see Christian enter with Sara "So what I was told was true" he says noting Sara's enlarged middle "I hope your trip went well"
Sara glares at him her arms around her middle "What do you want?"
"Have a seat Sara" he gestures to a chair "Would you like something to eat or drink?"
Sara reluctantly sits down
"So is the child Ian's or the musicians?" Irons asks
"None of your business" Sara snaps her eyes flashing
"You are due soon so I am assuming that the child is the musicians... or someone elses" he tilts his head regarding Sara. "I wonder if this child will have the necessary components" he looks at Christian "alert Dr Immo to be ready to test the child"
"Why does my baby interest you?" Sara demands
"Because it will carry Weilder blood" Irons answers
"It can help him survive" Ian finishes entering the room from one of the hidden doors
"I was wondering when you would show" Irons stands going over to Ian "You had me worried"
Ian glances at Christian "You have him" he looks at Sara apologetically
"And the lovely Weilder needed you" Irons says amused "From what your brother has told me you are more than her Protector"
"He is not my brother"
Sara watches the exchange sensing Ian's suspicion and fear
Ian glances at Sara then at Irons "I'm not a child and I am no longer your servant"
Irons stares at Ian "Christian take Miss Pezzini to Dr Immo. I will be there shortly"
Christian nods stepping out of the shadows
Sara looks at Ian then reluctantly follows Christian
Ian watches as Sara leaves the room. He looks at Irons seeing his anger he steels himself as Irons grabs his hair yanking his head back
"You have disappointed me Ian" Irons says angrily
Ian glares at Irons "If you hurt her"
Irons releases Ian "Why would I hurt the woman who might be carrying the one whose blood might save me?"
"What of Elizabeth?"
Irons shakes his head "She does not have enough left. Ian I am afraid my body is rejecting even yours"
"And what of the child?"
"If the child is compatible it will stay here"
"Sara will not allow that... neither will I"
Irons looks at the younger man "Ian why would you care what becomes of another man's child?"
"It is a child... Sara's child" 'my child' "Sara will not allow the child to be raised by you"
"Oh come now Ian. You had everything you wanted."
Ian shakes his head "I did not have a childhood. I did not have my parents" he looks at Irons "I will not let you do that to another child"
Sara sees the clone watching her as the doctor
moves about the lab. She winces feeling a sharp kick to her ribs 'Come on baby I know you aren't liking this but there's nothing I can do right now.' she rubs her middle
"How far along are you?" Dr Immo asks
"Around 36 weeks"
"I need to check your blood pressure"
Sara rolls up her sleeve as the clone suddenly leaves the room
Dr Immo shakes his head
"You don't trust him" Sara remarks noting the doctor's posture change
"He maybe a clone but he is different from Ian... Ian is more predictable and relaxed."
The door opens and in walks Irons
Sara glares at him wincing at the sharp movement in her side she caresses her middle. "Where's Ian?"
"He's fine. Taking care of a few things" Irons answers looking at Immo "Well?"
"I haven't been able to do much. Her blood pressure is elevated as is her heart"
The door opens and Ian enters with Christian right behind "She needs some sleep" Ian says going to Sara's side
Dr Immo nods "Agreed. Tomorrow I will have more of the equipment needed to do a more indepth exam"
Irons sighs "Fine." he waves off
Ian helps Sara off the exam table leading her out of the room
Sara squeezes his hand sensing his concern "Ian?"
Ian looks at her "Are you OK?"
Sara nods touching her middle "I'm just tired"
"You have not slept much lately"
Sara remains silent as Ian leads her to one of the second floor guest bedrooms. "Ow" she rubs her side
"Sara?"
Sara gives him a slight smile "I'm fine. Just major kickage going on." Sara says sitting down on the bed "She's not liking Irons or your double."
"You should get some rest" Ian kneels helping Sara out of her shoes
Sara nods laying back "Stay?"
Ian nods pulling off his boots he lays down bringing Sara into his arms
Sara rests her head on Ian's shoulder "What is he going to do with her?" she asks nuzzling his neck
"I do not know for sure" Ian presses his lips to her hair "Sleep my Sara"
"Ian" she sighs sleepily
"Rest"
Few hours later
Ian opens the bedroom door to find his double standing there
"He wants you both downstairs" Christian says
"We will be down in a few minutes" Ian closes the door looking at Sara sleeping. He goes over to the bed smoothing a strand of hair away from her face. He rests his hand against her middle smiling faintly
Sara smiles feeling his touch she rests her hand over his opening her eyes "Hi"
"Morning my Sara"
"What time is it?" Sara asks reaching up she scratches lightly at his beard
"8 I believe." Ian answers "He wants us downstairs" he turns brushing his lips over her fingers "I will check the closet to see if there is something for you to wear" he
brushes his lips over her forehead before standing
Little later
Irons looks up from his newspaper to see Ian and Sara enter the dining room "Good your here"
Ian pulls out a chair for Sara then sits beside her
Irons watches the exchange with a faint smile 'Interesting' "Would you like some breakfast Sara?"
Sara swallows a wave of nausea "Don't mention food."
Ian squeezes her hand comfortingly
Irons looks at Christian "Escort Sara to the Doctor. I need to speak with Ian"
Seeing Sara is about to protest when Ian shakes his head standing he helps Sara to her feet. He watches as his double leads her out of the room. He looks at Irons head on
Irons stands moving closer to Ian
Suddenly Ian's head snaps back as Irons backhands him
In the lab Sara gasps doubling over
"Miss Pezzini are you OK?" Dr Immo asks going to her side
Sara nods grimacing "She's really active"
"And is that odd?"
"Mmm" Sara nods "normally she's calm in the morning."
"Let's get you checked out" Dr Immo nods
"I'm fine"
"I don't doubt that" Immo says
"Just humor my worry" Irons says entering the lab
Sara sees Ian walk in behind Irons his head bowed. When he reaches her side Sara winces seeing a cut on his cheek. Sara touches his cheek her finger touching the cut gently
Ian flinches at the tender act
Sara glares at Irons over Ian's shoulder
"Need stitches?" Dr Immo asks
Ian shakes his head
Sara winces seeing a bruise forming on Ian's temple 'Poor Ian'
While later
"You both are healthy. Though your blood pressure is a little high but that's not a surprise with everything" Dr Immo muses
"I told you we're fine" Sara says annoyed
Ian runs his thumb over her hand sensing her rising emotions "Dr Immo just wanted to be sure" he says soothingly
Sara sighs
"Kenneth wants me to do a blood test on your child"
Sara shakes her head violently "No" she wraps her arms around her middle protectively "Not going to happen"
"Ian" Dr Immo says
Ian shrugs "It is Sara's choice"
Hour later
"Are you done?" Ian asks as Sara sets her plate on the nightstand
Sara nods "I'm done" she gently touches his
temple "Are you OK?"
Ian brings her hand to his lips nodding
"I don't like that he hurts you" Sara says sadly "Never have."
"I know" he squeezes her hand
"The night you came to the apartment and we argued over Jake that was the first time I really understood how you protected me"
"You should rest"
Sara lays down "Ian I'm scared" she admits
"Do not worry Sara everything will be fine" he pulls the covers up "Rest" he kisses her cheek
Chapter 8
That Night: Irons Library
"Beware Pez" Danny warns
Sara glances up to see Danny beside her. She looks at Ian seeing his uneasiness. She winces slightly feeling a sharp kick to her ribs 'Shh baby its OK'
"So Sara did you have a relaxing day?" Irons asks taking a sip of his coffee. At her glare he smiles faintly "I truly care Sara. There is no hidden motive... after all you know it"
"My baby's blood"
"Partially"
"I'm not going to let you turn my baby into a science project" she says angrily. The door opens and in Dr Immo walks
"Sorry for disturbing you Kenneth but something came up" Immo offers Irons a folder
Sara inhales sharply shifting on the couch uncomfortably
Ian touches her hand "Sara?"
Sara looks at him giving him a weak smile "Just a weird feeling. I'm OK" she assures
Irons looks up from the folder nodding at Dr Immo and Christian. He looks at Ian and Sara then tosses the folder onto Ian's lap "You thought I wouldn't find out?!"
Ian opens the folder to find some of Sara's tests results.
Sara looks at Ian staring at the floor. She senses his conflicting emotions "You still aren't getting your hands on my baby" she says hotly "Don't even test me on that Irons." She looks at Ian seeing the familiar passive look she shakes her head
"Yes the child is mine Kenneth"
Sara smiles faintly seeing Ian meeting Irons gaze
Kenneth stands glaring at Ian
"You have no say in our child's life. You are not my boss nor my father" Ian stands watching Irons walk toward him
"I raised you Ian" Irons says
Sara watches as Irons strikes Ian across the face with such force Ian falls to the floor. She winces almost feeling the hit
Ian moves to his knees seeing the anger and worry in Sara's green eyes. Suddenly he grunt in pain feeling Irons foot connects with his ribs. He hears his ribs crack and through the haze of pain he hears Sara cry out. He looks at Sara seeing her double over. "Sara" he calls shaking off his pain he stands going over to her "Sara?"
"God that hurts" she groans cluctching her middle
"Lets get you upstairs" Ian looks at Irons "You are not getting your hands on our child. I would kill you before I would allow you to hurt them." he puts his arm around Sara's middle
"Ian" Sara mutters meeting his concerned gaze "she's not happy"
With a final look at Irons Ian leads Sara out of the room. Once upstairs he helps Sara lay down removing her shoes. He rests on his side looking at Sara "I am sorry"
Sara touches his cheek "You have nothing to be sorry about Ian. None of this is your fault" she shifts wincing slightly
"Are you OK?" he asks resting his hand on her belly
"I think she was feeling upset" she touches the forming bruise "worried about you" she pulls at his shirt "How bad is it?"
"Does not hurt"
"Ian" she says warningly
Ian sighs pulling off his shirt "I'm OK Sara. I'll have Immo patch me up later"
"Humor me" she runs her hand over his cheek "Need to see it for myself" her eyes on his Sara runs her hand down his side gently when she sees him wince she stops "He cracked a couple ribs huh"
Ian nods
"Oh Ian" she caresses his cheek "I'm sorry he hurt you"
Ian shrugs "Its OK my love. I'm used to it. As long as he does not hurt you." he chuckles feeling the baby moving against his hand "or our daughter I do not care what he does to me."
"Well we care about what happens to you. One day he could totally lose control and really hurt you."
"I know"
Sara smoothes his hair back "I know all this change has been hard on you. Irons is a big part of who you are... he's your family."
Ian shakes his head "He is no longer my family... you are my family now" he kisses her sweetly "I love you my Sara"
"I love you too"
Couple hours later
RING
Ian grabs the bedside phone "Yes" he says softly not wanting to wake Sara
"He wants to speak to you" Christian says
Hearing that Ian nods "Tell him I will be right down"
"Fine"
Ian hangs up the phone sitting up he gets out of bed quickly dressing. He leans down kissing Sara's cheek "I love you" he whispers "both of you." After a moment he stands quietly walking out of the room he heads downstairs to the study where he finds Irons standing before the fireplace.
Kenneth looks at Ian "How is Miss Pezzini?"
"She is sleeping"
"I am very surprised that you were able to keep your relationship with Miss Pezzini a secret" Irons remarks setting his wine glass on the hearth
Ian looks at Irons warily "My relationship with Sara does not concern you"
"But it does Ian." Irons grabs Ian's arm shoving up his sleeve he scowls seeing the two small marks on Ian's wrist. "You were accepted as her Protector... her mate" he says angrily releasing Ian's arm roughly
"Remembered" Ian corrects softly
"So tell me does Sara know all about you young Nottingham?"
"I have no secrets from Sara." Ian replies calmly "Is that all? I need to return to Sara" he turns to the door when suddenly a hard object hits him between the shoulders. He collapses to the floor knocked out by the blow.
"Take him downstairs" Irons orders stepping over Ian's prone body "Then check on Sara"
Upstairs Sara awakens feeling a twinge in her beck "Ian" she reaches over to wake him. Feeling his spot empty she sighs sitting up "Might as well go to the bathroom while I'm awake." she gets out of bed making her way into the bathroom.
Christian drops his double on the floor of the cell. He watches as Ian stirs with a groan
Ian opens his eyes to find his double standing there. He slowly stands watching Christian warily "What is he planning?"
Christian shrugs "He does not tell me until need be"
"And Sara? What is he going to do to her?"
Christian steps out of the cell closing the door "That is none of my concern"
Ian goes over to the bars "You do care. Sara is a part of me... of you too. That child carries our blood. He's going to treat her the same as he treats us... maybe even worse."
Christian shrugs turning he walks out the room
After a few moments Ian goes over to the cot sitting crosselegged he closes his eyes taking a deep breath "Do not abandon her" he requests
Sara walks out of the bathroom doubling over she clutches her middle "Oooh" she groans in pain. "That hurt" she winces rubbing her middle. She takes another step when images flood her mind
* Ian talking with Irons
Ian collapsing on the floor with Irons standing over him
Christian and Ian talking in a dark room *
"Ian" she gasps pain shooting through her body the world begins to spin as she faints hitting the floor with a thud.
Christian stops outside his doubles room when his sensitive ears pick up the sound of a faint thud. Concerned he opens the door to find Sara unconscious beside the bed. He kneels beside her checking her pulse then grabs the phone off the nightstand dialling Dr Immo's extension. "Miss Pezzini has collapsed in the bedroom"
"Bring her down to the lab"
At Immo's order Christian hangs up the phone quickly picking up the Weilder he carries her downstairs to the lab.
"Where's Ian?" Dr Immo asks as Christian sets the woman down on the exam table.
"Downstairs"
Dr Immo winces at the implication of the word. He picks up a bottle "Go tell Kenneth she's in here" he instructs as he waves a bottle of smelling salts under Sara's nose.
Christian nods with a final look at Sara he leaves the room
Sara opens her eyes coughing at the smell of the salts. She groans swallowing a wave of nausea. "What happened? Where's Ian?"
"You passed out" Dr Immo answers "Christian brought you here" he grabs his stethescope "Lets check you out"
"What did they do to Ian?" Sara demands struggling to sit up
"You will have to speak to Kenneth about that." he puts his hand on Sara's shoulder "Lay still until I finish examining you" seeing her look he sighs "Please"
Sara reluctantly lays back allowing Dr Immo to examine her
"What happened before you passed out?" Immo asks
"Back ache woke me up. When I woke up I went to the bathroom... I must have passed out on the way back."
Dr Immo nods glancing at his watch as he checks her pulse
Sara doubles over gasping for breath pain radiating through her body
"Immo" Irons says striding into the room looking unruffled "What's the situation?"
Immo looks at Irons then at Sara "I'm afraid she's in labor"
"WHAT?!" Sara exclaims "I have four weeks left"
"How long?" Irons demands
"Not sure. Labor and delivery isn't my area. Its been 25 years since I delivered a baby." Dr Immo
remarks. "The child should be OK. She's at a healthy size"
Sara runs her hands over her middle "Where's Ian?" she demands glaring at Irons
"He's fine" Irons says
"I know you did something to him" Sara states
"Miss Pezzini you need to relax" Dr Immo requests
"Not until I know he's OK" Sara argues
"You have my word that Ian is well" Irons says calmly
"How do I know your telling the truth?" Sara demands her voice rising
Christian steps forward "My predecessor is well Lady Sara" he says politely before stepping back into his submissive position
"I want him here!" Sara orders
"That is not possible" Irons waves off "Call me if there is any news" he turns striding out of the room
Sara swallows taking a deep breath 'Ian' she closes her eyes. She twists the Witchblade on her wrists absently
"Sara"
Sara opens her eyes to find Danny beside her
"It'll be OK Pez" Danny promises
Sara nods blinking back tears she runs her hands
over her middle 'My baby'
Downstairs Ian opens his eyes a sense of dread filling his body. As the door opens he stands as Irons enters. "What is wrong with Sara?"
"You love her" Irons muses seeing the concern in Ian's eyes
"Yes" Ian nods "Please Master tell me what is wrong with her?" he requests his voice filled with concern and fear
Irons smiles at Ian's tone "It has been a while since you've begged young Nottingham"
Ian looks down feeling his anger and shame rise
"As amusing as this is" Irons says rubbing the marks on the back of his hand "I came down to inform you that your lover" he spits out "is in labor"
Ian starts in surprise he looks at his former Master "Is she OK?"
"Dr Immo is with her. He'll take care of her."
"I need to see her" Ian requests his dread rising
Irons shakes his head "I will send Christian down when there is any new information." he walks to the door pausing "Your going to be a father soon" he looks at Ian "Miss Pezzini will be fine"
"Kenneth I don't care what happens to me. Just let me see Sara" he watches Irons walk out of the room. As the door closes he slides to the floor rubbing the back of his neck
Sara looks at Dr Immo as he examines her unborn daughter on the monitor "How is she?"
"Heart beat is a little erratic. Otherwise your daughter seems to be fine" he says "I'll keep a close eye on her" he promises
Sara nods still feeling apprehensive. 'Something doesn't feel right. Don't worry baby I won't let anything happen to you.' she looks at the Witchblade 'Ian'
-----
Chapter 7
2 Months Later
"Thank you Ian" Sara grins watching as he dresses
"Do you want anything else?" he asks pulling on his sweater
"No." she strokes her middle "I think that's all"
Ian caresses her middle "I'll be right back" he leans down kissing her belly
Sara smiles watching as he walks out of the room. After a few minutes of trying to get comfortable she sighs "OK now I can't get comfy." she pats her middle "how about we go watch some TV while we wait for Daddy to get back with our food." she chuckles as the baby kicks "I see you agree with me." she levels herself out of bed. She winces as the baby begins to kick and move frantically. "Hey its too late for that calm down" she sighs. She looks at her wrist as the Witchblade heats up, she frowns finding the colors swirl. Suddenly she gasps clutching her middle "You are in a mood" she mutters rubbing her side "both of you"
"Pez"
Sara starts "Geez Danny trying to give me a heart attack" she glares at him
"Sara you need to leave" Danny says "the other one is coming"
Sara looks around "Danny I..." she trails off as the door slams open and in Christian walks "You"
Christian enters looking Sara over his lips twitching "Hello Sara" he moves closer "Ready to go home?"
"I'm not going anywhere with you"
"You do not look like you are in any condition to fight me" he remarks his eyes going to her extended middle "And the Blade will not put your unborn child at risk"
Sara looks at Danny
"Your child is too important Sara. The Blade takes a lot of energy from you"
Christian grabs Sara's arm "Let's go"
"Don't touch me" Sara slaps him
Christian hisses "Don't ever hit me" he grabs her chin forcing Sara to look at him "He wants you back alive but he didn't say totally unharmed"
"Your hurting me"
"Good" Christian growls
'IAN'
Ian winces at the fear filled cry echoing through his mind
"He has them Nottingham"
Ian swallows "He's taking them to Irons" he closes his eyes "Danny..."
"No worries man I'll watch out for them"
Sara glares at Christian "Why are you doing this?"
"I have my orders" he shrugs
"You are nothing like Ian. He knows right from wrong"
"I know... I just don't care"
Couple hours later
Kenneth Irons looks up from the computer screen to see Christian enter with Sara "So what I was told was true" he says noting Sara's enlarged middle "I hope your trip went well"
Sara glares at him her arms around her middle "What do you want?"
"Have a seat Sara" he gestures to a chair "Would you like something to eat or drink?"
Sara reluctantly sits down
"So is the child Ian's or the musicians?" Irons asks
"None of your business" Sara snaps her eyes flashing
"You are due soon so I am assuming that the child is the musicians... or someone elses" he tilts his head regarding Sara. "I wonder if this child will have the necessary components" he looks at Christian "alert Dr Immo to be ready to test the child"
"Why does my baby interest you?" Sara demands
"Because it will carry Weilder blood" Irons answers
"It can help him survive" Ian finishes entering the room from one of the hidden doors
"I was wondering when you would show" Irons stands going over to Ian "You had me worried"
Ian glances at Christian "You have him" he looks at Sara apologetically
"And the lovely Weilder needed you" Irons says amused "From what your brother has told me you are more than her Protector"
"He is not my brother"
Sara watches the exchange sensing Ian's suspicion and fear
Ian glances at Sara then at Irons "I'm not a child and I am no longer your servant"
Irons stares at Ian "Christian take Miss Pezzini to Dr Immo. I will be there shortly"
Christian nods stepping out of the shadows
Sara looks at Ian then reluctantly follows Christian
Ian watches as Sara leaves the room. He looks at Irons seeing his anger he steels himself as Irons grabs his hair yanking his head back
"You have disappointed me Ian" Irons says angrily
Ian glares at Irons "If you hurt her"
Irons releases Ian "Why would I hurt the woman who might be carrying the one whose blood might save me?"
"What of Elizabeth?"
Irons shakes his head "She does not have enough left. Ian I am afraid my body is rejecting even yours"
"And what of the child?"
"If the child is compatible it will stay here"
"Sara will not allow that... neither will I"
Irons looks at the younger man "Ian why would you care what becomes of another man's child?"
"It is a child... Sara's child" 'my child' "Sara will not allow the child to be raised by you"
"Oh come now Ian. You had everything you wanted."
Ian shakes his head "I did not have a childhood. I did not have my parents" he looks at Irons "I will not let you do that to another child"
Sara sees the clone watching her as the doctor
moves about the lab. She winces feeling a sharp kick to her ribs 'Come on baby I know you aren't liking this but there's nothing I can do right now.' she rubs her middle
"How far along are you?" Dr Immo asks
"Around 36 weeks"
"I need to check your blood pressure"
Sara rolls up her sleeve as the clone suddenly leaves the room
Dr Immo shakes his head
"You don't trust him" Sara remarks noting the doctor's posture change
"He maybe a clone but he is different from Ian... Ian is more predictable and relaxed."
The door opens and in walks Irons
Sara glares at him wincing at the sharp movement in her side she caresses her middle. "Where's Ian?"
"He's fine. Taking care of a few things" Irons answers looking at Immo "Well?"
"I haven't been able to do much. Her blood pressure is elevated as is her heart"
The door opens and Ian enters with Christian right behind "She needs some sleep" Ian says going to Sara's side
Dr Immo nods "Agreed. Tomorrow I will have more of the equipment needed to do a more indepth exam"
Irons sighs "Fine." he waves off
Ian helps Sara off the exam table leading her out of the room
Sara squeezes his hand sensing his concern "Ian?"
Ian looks at her "Are you OK?"
Sara nods touching her middle "I'm just tired"
"You have not slept much lately"
Sara remains silent as Ian leads her to one of the second floor guest bedrooms. "Ow" she rubs her side
"Sara?"
Sara gives him a slight smile "I'm fine. Just major kickage going on." Sara says sitting down on the bed "She's not liking Irons or your double."
"You should get some rest" Ian kneels helping Sara out of her shoes
Sara nods laying back "Stay?"
Ian nods pulling off his boots he lays down bringing Sara into his arms
Sara rests her head on Ian's shoulder "What is he going to do with her?" she asks nuzzling his neck
"I do not know for sure" Ian presses his lips to her hair "Sleep my Sara"
"Ian" she sighs sleepily
"Rest"
Few hours later
Ian opens the bedroom door to find his double standing there
"He wants you both downstairs" Christian says
"We will be down in a few minutes" Ian closes the door looking at Sara sleeping. He goes over to the bed smoothing a strand of hair away from her face. He rests his hand against her middle smiling faintly
Sara smiles feeling his touch she rests her hand over his opening her eyes "Hi"
"Morning my Sara"
"What time is it?" Sara asks reaching up she scratches lightly at his beard
"8 I believe." Ian answers "He wants us downstairs" he turns brushing his lips over her fingers "I will check the closet to see if there is something for you to wear" he
brushes his lips over her forehead before standing
Little later
Irons looks up from his newspaper to see Ian and Sara enter the dining room "Good your here"
Ian pulls out a chair for Sara then sits beside her
Irons watches the exchange with a faint smile 'Interesting' "Would you like some breakfast Sara?"
Sara swallows a wave of nausea "Don't mention food."
Ian squeezes her hand comfortingly
Irons looks at Christian "Escort Sara to the Doctor. I need to speak with Ian"
Seeing Sara is about to protest when Ian shakes his head standing he helps Sara to her feet. He watches as his double leads her out of the room. He looks at Irons head on
Irons stands moving closer to Ian
Suddenly Ian's head snaps back as Irons backhands him
In the lab Sara gasps doubling over
"Miss Pezzini are you OK?" Dr Immo asks going to her side
Sara nods grimacing "She's really active"
"And is that odd?"
"Mmm" Sara nods "normally she's calm in the morning."
"Let's get you checked out" Dr Immo nods
"I'm fine"
"I don't doubt that" Immo says
"Just humor my worry" Irons says entering the lab
Sara sees Ian walk in behind Irons his head bowed. When he reaches her side Sara winces seeing a cut on his cheek. Sara touches his cheek her finger touching the cut gently
Ian flinches at the tender act
Sara glares at Irons over Ian's shoulder
"Need stitches?" Dr Immo asks
Ian shakes his head
Sara winces seeing a bruise forming on Ian's temple 'Poor Ian'
While later
"You both are healthy. Though your blood pressure is a little high but that's not a surprise with everything" Dr Immo muses
"I told you we're fine" Sara says annoyed
Ian runs his thumb over her hand sensing her rising emotions "Dr Immo just wanted to be sure" he says soothingly
Sara sighs
"Kenneth wants me to do a blood test on your child"
Sara shakes her head violently "No" she wraps her arms around her middle protectively "Not going to happen"
"Ian" Dr Immo says
Ian shrugs "It is Sara's choice"
Hour later
"Are you done?" Ian asks as Sara sets her plate on the nightstand
Sara nods "I'm done" she gently touches his
temple "Are you OK?"
Ian brings her hand to his lips nodding
"I don't like that he hurts you" Sara says sadly "Never have."
"I know" he squeezes her hand
"The night you came to the apartment and we argued over Jake that was the first time I really understood how you protected me"
"You should rest"
Sara lays down "Ian I'm scared" she admits
"Do not worry Sara everything will be fine" he pulls the covers up "Rest" he kisses her cheek
Chapter 8
That Night: Irons Library
"Beware Pez" Danny warns
Sara glances up to see Danny beside her. She looks at Ian seeing his uneasiness. She winces slightly feeling a sharp kick to her ribs 'Shh baby its OK'
"So Sara did you have a relaxing day?" Irons asks taking a sip of his coffee. At her glare he smiles faintly "I truly care Sara. There is no hidden motive... after all you know it"
"My baby's blood"
"Partially"
"I'm not going to let you turn my baby into a science project" she says angrily. The door opens and in Dr Immo walks
"Sorry for disturbing you Kenneth but something came up" Immo offers Irons a folder
Sara inhales sharply shifting on the couch uncomfortably
Ian touches her hand "Sara?"
Sara looks at him giving him a weak smile "Just a weird feeling. I'm OK" she assures
Irons looks up from the folder nodding at Dr Immo and Christian. He looks at Ian and Sara then tosses the folder onto Ian's lap "You thought I wouldn't find out?!"
Ian opens the folder to find some of Sara's tests results.
Sara looks at Ian staring at the floor. She senses his conflicting emotions "You still aren't getting your hands on my baby" she says hotly "Don't even test me on that Irons." She looks at Ian seeing the familiar passive look she shakes her head
"Yes the child is mine Kenneth"
Sara smiles faintly seeing Ian meeting Irons gaze
Kenneth stands glaring at Ian
"You have no say in our child's life. You are not my boss nor my father" Ian stands watching Irons walk toward him
"I raised you Ian" Irons says
Sara watches as Irons strikes Ian across the face with such force Ian falls to the floor. She winces almost feeling the hit
Ian moves to his knees seeing the anger and worry in Sara's green eyes. Suddenly he grunt in pain feeling Irons foot connects with his ribs. He hears his ribs crack and through the haze of pain he hears Sara cry out. He looks at Sara seeing her double over. "Sara" he calls shaking off his pain he stands going over to her "Sara?"
"God that hurts" she groans cluctching her middle
"Lets get you upstairs" Ian looks at Irons "You are not getting your hands on our child. I would kill you before I would allow you to hurt them." he puts his arm around Sara's middle
"Ian" Sara mutters meeting his concerned gaze "she's not happy"
With a final look at Irons Ian leads Sara out of the room. Once upstairs he helps Sara lay down removing her shoes. He rests on his side looking at Sara "I am sorry"
Sara touches his cheek "You have nothing to be sorry about Ian. None of this is your fault" she shifts wincing slightly
"Are you OK?" he asks resting his hand on her belly
"I think she was feeling upset" she touches the forming bruise "worried about you" she pulls at his shirt "How bad is it?"
"Does not hurt"
"Ian" she says warningly
Ian sighs pulling off his shirt "I'm OK Sara. I'll have Immo patch me up later"
"Humor me" she runs her hand over his cheek "Need to see it for myself" her eyes on his Sara runs her hand down his side gently when she sees him wince she stops "He cracked a couple ribs huh"
Ian nods
"Oh Ian" she caresses his cheek "I'm sorry he hurt you"
Ian shrugs "Its OK my love. I'm used to it. As long as he does not hurt you." he chuckles feeling the baby moving against his hand "or our daughter I do not care what he does to me."
"Well we care about what happens to you. One day he could totally lose control and really hurt you."
"I know"
Sara smoothes his hair back "I know all this change has been hard on you. Irons is a big part of who you are... he's your family."
Ian shakes his head "He is no longer my family... you are my family now" he kisses her sweetly "I love you my Sara"
"I love you too"
Couple hours later
RING
Ian grabs the bedside phone "Yes" he says softly not wanting to wake Sara
"He wants to speak to you" Christian says
Hearing that Ian nods "Tell him I will be right down"
"Fine"
Ian hangs up the phone sitting up he gets out of bed quickly dressing. He leans down kissing Sara's cheek "I love you" he whispers "both of you." After a moment he stands quietly walking out of the room he heads downstairs to the study where he finds Irons standing before the fireplace.
Kenneth looks at Ian "How is Miss Pezzini?"
"She is sleeping"
"I am very surprised that you were able to keep your relationship with Miss Pezzini a secret" Irons remarks setting his wine glass on the hearth
Ian looks at Irons warily "My relationship with Sara does not concern you"
"But it does Ian." Irons grabs Ian's arm shoving up his sleeve he scowls seeing the two small marks on Ian's wrist. "You were accepted as her Protector... her mate" he says angrily releasing Ian's arm roughly
"Remembered" Ian corrects softly
"So tell me does Sara know all about you young Nottingham?"
"I have no secrets from Sara." Ian replies calmly "Is that all? I need to return to Sara" he turns to the door when suddenly a hard object hits him between the shoulders. He collapses to the floor knocked out by the blow.
"Take him downstairs" Irons orders stepping over Ian's prone body "Then check on Sara"
Upstairs Sara awakens feeling a twinge in her beck "Ian" she reaches over to wake him. Feeling his spot empty she sighs sitting up "Might as well go to the bathroom while I'm awake." she gets out of bed making her way into the bathroom.
Christian drops his double on the floor of the cell. He watches as Ian stirs with a groan
Ian opens his eyes to find his double standing there. He slowly stands watching Christian warily "What is he planning?"
Christian shrugs "He does not tell me until need be"
"And Sara? What is he going to do to her?"
Christian steps out of the cell closing the door "That is none of my concern"
Ian goes over to the bars "You do care. Sara is a part of me... of you too. That child carries our blood. He's going to treat her the same as he treats us... maybe even worse."
Christian shrugs turning he walks out the room
After a few moments Ian goes over to the cot sitting crosselegged he closes his eyes taking a deep breath "Do not abandon her" he requests
Sara walks out of the bathroom doubling over she clutches her middle "Oooh" she groans in pain. "That hurt" she winces rubbing her middle. She takes another step when images flood her mind
* Ian talking with Irons
Ian collapsing on the floor with Irons standing over him
Christian and Ian talking in a dark room *
"Ian" she gasps pain shooting through her body the world begins to spin as she faints hitting the floor with a thud.
Christian stops outside his doubles room when his sensitive ears pick up the sound of a faint thud. Concerned he opens the door to find Sara unconscious beside the bed. He kneels beside her checking her pulse then grabs the phone off the nightstand dialling Dr Immo's extension. "Miss Pezzini has collapsed in the bedroom"
"Bring her down to the lab"
At Immo's order Christian hangs up the phone quickly picking up the Weilder he carries her downstairs to the lab.
"Where's Ian?" Dr Immo asks as Christian sets the woman down on the exam table.
"Downstairs"
Dr Immo winces at the implication of the word. He picks up a bottle "Go tell Kenneth she's in here" he instructs as he waves a bottle of smelling salts under Sara's nose.
Christian nods with a final look at Sara he leaves the room
Sara opens her eyes coughing at the smell of the salts. She groans swallowing a wave of nausea. "What happened? Where's Ian?"
"You passed out" Dr Immo answers "Christian brought you here" he grabs his stethescope "Lets check you out"
"What did they do to Ian?" Sara demands struggling to sit up
"You will have to speak to Kenneth about that." he puts his hand on Sara's shoulder "Lay still until I finish examining you" seeing her look he sighs "Please"
Sara reluctantly lays back allowing Dr Immo to examine her
"What happened before you passed out?" Immo asks
"Back ache woke me up. When I woke up I went to the bathroom... I must have passed out on the way back."
Dr Immo nods glancing at his watch as he checks her pulse
Sara doubles over gasping for breath pain radiating through her body
"Immo" Irons says striding into the room looking unruffled "What's the situation?"
Immo looks at Irons then at Sara "I'm afraid she's in labor"
"WHAT?!" Sara exclaims "I have four weeks left"
"How long?" Irons demands
"Not sure. Labor and delivery isn't my area. Its been 25 years since I delivered a baby." Dr Immo
remarks. "The child should be OK. She's at a healthy size"
Sara runs her hands over her middle "Where's Ian?" she demands glaring at Irons
"He's fine" Irons says
"I know you did something to him" Sara states
"Miss Pezzini you need to relax" Dr Immo requests
"Not until I know he's OK" Sara argues
"You have my word that Ian is well" Irons says calmly
"How do I know your telling the truth?" Sara demands her voice rising
Christian steps forward "My predecessor is well Lady Sara" he says politely before stepping back into his submissive position
"I want him here!" Sara orders
"That is not possible" Irons waves off "Call me if there is any news" he turns striding out of the room
Sara swallows taking a deep breath 'Ian' she closes her eyes. She twists the Witchblade on her wrists absently
"Sara"
Sara opens her eyes to find Danny beside her
"It'll be OK Pez" Danny promises
Sara nods blinking back tears she runs her hands
over her middle 'My baby'
Downstairs Ian opens his eyes a sense of dread filling his body. As the door opens he stands as Irons enters. "What is wrong with Sara?"
"You love her" Irons muses seeing the concern in Ian's eyes
"Yes" Ian nods "Please Master tell me what is wrong with her?" he requests his voice filled with concern and fear
Irons smiles at Ian's tone "It has been a while since you've begged young Nottingham"
Ian looks down feeling his anger and shame rise
"As amusing as this is" Irons says rubbing the marks on the back of his hand "I came down to inform you that your lover" he spits out "is in labor"
Ian starts in surprise he looks at his former Master "Is she OK?"
"Dr Immo is with her. He'll take care of her."
"I need to see her" Ian requests his dread rising
Irons shakes his head "I will send Christian down when there is any new information." he walks to the door pausing "Your going to be a father soon" he looks at Ian "Miss Pezzini will be fine"
"Kenneth I don't care what happens to me. Just let me see Sara" he watches Irons walk out of the room. As the door closes he slides to the floor rubbing the back of his neck
Sara looks at Dr Immo as he examines her unborn daughter on the monitor "How is she?"
"Heart beat is a little erratic. Otherwise your daughter seems to be fine" he says "I'll keep a close eye on her" he promises
Sara nods still feeling apprehensive. 'Something doesn't feel right. Don't worry baby I won't let anything happen to you.' she looks at the Witchblade 'Ian'