Dark Desires Ch. 22
Standing in the Great Hall, Ruby couldn't help but look down at the crowd that has gathered to bare witness to Alexanders inquisition. Letting her eyes look over the crowd for any potential threats towards Angela, smirking when all she could see was their fear.
Tossing a small look over her shoulder, she could see that Deacon was on the other side of Alexander, Quinn, Mercury, and Rachel behind him, and Blade and Mitsuki stood behind her, liking the image it projected to the rest of the community. Unity.
As her eyes found their way over to Angela, and she could see that she was shaking with rage at the sight of Edmundo. Who was bound, gagged and chained to the wall. During the last few weeks Ruby watched over her as she adjusted to her new life as a vampire, and other than one episode of bloodlust rage, Angela was doing well.
Turning her eyes towards the Upier Clan, Ruby could see that they were tense, but they were the House that was potentially responsible for the attack on Angela, so they were in front of the Vampire Nation.
Alexander looked over the room, his eyes locking on the Head of the Upier House, "Your son, Edmundo has been accused of violating the sanctity of my mating with Angela Phillips." His eyes burning with rage at the statement. However, he kept his composure, it wouldn't do good for the Head of the Council to go off, he needed to always maintain his image of a balanced leader.
Giving a quick look at the people behind him, internally smiling at the sigh, it was important that the other Houses see not only were his alliances strong, but even though his mate was kidnapped, he would still uphold the law of his community. "Several weeks ago, he kidnapped her, brought her to a warehouse out of the city, and shot her."
Hearing the gasps of the Hall, and the looks of distain that were directed towards House Upier would be enough to make any vampire cringe.
Clearing his throat, Alexander spared a look over at his mate, who gave him a comforting smile, returning it, he refocused his eyes on Edmundo's parents, "If it wasn't for Lady Frost of Vangr, your son would have killed my mate. It would have been within her rights to kill him on the spot, but even with all the chaos she knew that killing the son of your House without a trial would be more trouble than he was worth."
Turning his eyes towards Edmundo, "I integrated him at the Vangr compound, he openly admitted his involvement, he was jealous, petty, and well couldn't handle his lack of power within the community or within your House." Adjusting his body he turned directly towards the parents, locking eyes with Gabriel Arturo the head of House Upier, "Penalty is death."
Looking over at his wife, he warned her long ago that he was spoiled and that it would bring shame to his House, while she agreed that he wasn't worthy of much, he knew that she loved him. Turning his attention towards Alexander, taking a knee, "Lord Von Esper, the actions of our own son have brought great shame to our house," turning his eyes towards his wife, "I accept his punishment." Hoping that she wouldn't object to this.
Sofia Zamora Upier looked at her son, "You have shamed me, you have shamed this House. I love you Edmundo, but taking a mated woman? I know I taught you better than that." Turning her eyes towards Alexander, "Please, while I know I can not spare his life, don't torture him." Hoping that her plea would be heard.
Alexander looked down at the woman, while he wanted to tell her fuck off and watch him squirm as he slowly peeled off his skin, but the light touch of his mate, turning his attention towards her, "My angel?" figured she was the truly offended party.
Angela let Alexander take charge of this proceeding, as was his right as Head of the Council, but when he turned to her, seeking her advice on how Edmundo would die, "No torture," hissing at the man in question as she looked over at him, "Just kill him." As the words left her mouth, she could see him attempting to pull against the chains, which only seemed to fuel her anger, "Don't," she barked, locking eyes with the man, "You shot me, hoping to let me die a slow and painful death, be grateful that I'm not as weak minded as you."
Alexander nodded, pulling out his sword he made his way over to the young man, dropping it at his feet, "You will get a chance to fight for your life." Grabbing another he indicated to his second to release him.
Ruby watched in delight as Edmundo looked around in fear, her eyes locking with Deacons, gently reaching for his hand, enjoying how he pulled her to him, "Is this how you would handle this?" she asked him quietly.
Placing a kiss on her neck, "No. I would just set him on fire as his family watched, but I'm a lot more vengeful than most." Enjoying how her eyes lit up, it pleased him to know that she enjoyed blood as much he did. Giving her a final smirk, his attention turned towards the scene below him, enjoying how Alexander was circling the young man, perhaps he would consider something like this, it never hurt to show the vampire nation how skilled one was when it came to handling violations against their Houses.
Edmundo looked down at the sword in his hand, "And, what happens, if I can kill you, what happens to me?" he asked, feeling a bit more confident.
Tilting his head back, he couldn't help but laugh, "If you can kill me, then you walk out of here." Turning towards the council, "If this child, can kill me, he walks free." Looking towards Angela, seeing her displeasure, but understanding.
Angela could only just nod, a small part of her was nervous that something would happen to her mate, however, she knew it was necessary for him to assert his power over the man, as well as show the Nation what he was capable.
Edmundo born cocky, assumed that Alexander was all talk, swinging his sword around, "After I kill you, I'll take your place as Head of the council." He taunted.
Sofia shook her head, as much as she loved her son, he never took the time to properly learn how to fight, his mind always thinking that because he was a born vampire that gave him some magic power over the rest of the community, but if that was true, Alexander would be the most powerful, his family line is directly linked to the first. Covering her mouth, "I don't know where we went wrong." She said to her husband.
Looking down at her, all he could do was shrug, "I don't know." Turning his eyes to his eldest and his wife, "If any of your children start acting like this, do yourself a favor, kill them." Knowing that would be easier than watching them bring anymore shame to their House.
Alexander opened his arms, "Then come on." His eyes glowing, he could feel the beast within him clawing to be let out.
Edmundo rolled his eyes, moving quickly he brought the sword down, thinking that he was faster than someone as old as Alexander, but to his surprise and displeasure, he didn't even make contact with the sword. Turning around to find the man, he found the pointed end coming towards his face.
While he was able to block the death blow, his face was not spared the cut that now adorned his cheek. Hissing out in pain, his eyes looked over that man, "What is this?" Not understanding why he wasn't healing.
"Silver incorporated in the steel." His voice no longer holding the amusement it was before. While he wanted to toy with the man, his mate requested this end quickly, and he would do what he could to honor her wishes.
Moving faster than young Edmundo could track, Alexander brought the sword up and bringing it across his throat, if it wasn't the seriousness of the situation, he could have enjoyed the comical look on his face. "May in death you find the honor that you did not have in life." Raising the sword again, he brought it down removing his head.
Ruby squeezed Deacon's hand as the head rolled towards the crowd, with each bounce she watched as it caught fire and finally turning into ash. The smell was enough to make her sick, but she held strong.
Angela felt relief that her mate was able to protect her, defend her honor, and put an end to this child before any further damage could be done. Taking several steps towards Alexander, gently placing her hand on his shoulder, smiling when he turned towards her, "Thank you my love for getting me justice."
Wrapping his hand around the back of her neck, he brought his lips down on hers, needing to feel her.
Deacon could see that Alexander was a second away from claiming his mate in front of the room, pulling Ruby with him, he turned towards the room, "Go forth, tell your Houses what happened here, and what will happen if any of them come after any vampire's mate."
Ruby watched as the room looked towards Deacon, hearing his words, they all nodded and dispersed heading back to their compounds around the world, leaving only the council members in the city.
Sparing a glance over at Angela smirking as she whimpered when Alexander pulled back. Giving Deacon a look, "I think we should go home." Knowing that they would probably be busy for the rest of the evening.
Deacon licked her lips, "Whatever my goddess wants." Locking eyes with Alexander, silently saying their goodbyes, Deacon turned towards his family indicating it was time to go home.
Blade leaned down kissing his wife, "Let's head back to your family's home." Knowing that she enjoyed spending time with them, and they had an eternity to move between the Houses.
Giving her husband a kiss, "Thank you my love." Wrapping her arms around him as he led her towards his bike, grateful that he was so willing to stay with her family for a while.
Ruby settled into bed, sated from the hours of loving Deacon, as she tilted into his fingers that were gently caressing her spine, she couldn't help but finally feel at peace, Angela was adjusting well her knew life as a vampire, Georgia started her transition about a week ago, and while the humans on staff were reassigned until she was able to handle being around, she was doing remarkably well.
Letting out a content sigh, while it wasn't perfect, the complications that would come up from time to time, they would be met head on with the friends, and family that they've built together.
Deacon could almost hear her brain thinking, chuckling a bit as she let out a sigh, "And what my goddess has you thinking so hard?" he asked, worried that the evenings events upset her.
Unable to keep the smile off her face, Ruby sat up, enjoying how his eyes raked over her body, the way he always looked at her drove her crazy. Resisting the urge to roll her hips, at least for the moment, Ruby looked into his ice blue eyes, feeling a peace that always came with being so close to her love.
Gently pulling his hands up to her stomach, gently placing it over her lower abdomen, "Wondering if we are going to have a boy or girl?" She said to him. Her eyes never leaving his.
He heard her, but almost couldn't believe what she was saying, "My goddess? Are you positive?" he asked, hoping more than anything in the world that this was really happening.
Wiping a small tear that escaped her eyes, "Yes. Very. According to the doctor I'm somewhere between 8-10 weeks." While she was a little frustrated about not having a heartbeat the way a human baby would, the doctors could only go by the ultrasound and even that was a bit iffy because of the nature of a vampire pregnancy, but other than that, her increased hunger and the slight swell in her belly was enough for the doctor to say with certainty that she was with child.
Tilting her head, not wanting to laugh at his face, "Deacon? Are you OK, my love?" she asked hoping that he wasn't frozen out of fear.
Hearing his name snapped him out of the trance, sitting up quickly he wrapped his arms around her waist and brought her down to the mattress. Carefully moving his head down to her belly, he placed his ear down, carefully listening for sounds of the swooshing of movement.
Ruby looked down at her husband, unable to keep the tears out of her eyes, wiping them clear, she placed her hand in his hair, enjoying gently petting him. Closing her eyes, she let herself drift to sleep, enjoying feeling his lips on her lower stomach. Her dreams filled with all the possibilities of the future.
TIME JUMP 8 MONTHS
Grabbing another bag of blood, Ruby swore she was feeding more than what was normal for a vampire pregnancy, but other than her drinking close to 5 pints a day, the midwife said everything was normal. Looking down at her stomach, Ruby gently rubbed her belly, enjoying feeling the kicking, "You're going to be strong." She murmured to her child.
Letting out a sigh, she looked up to find Georgia walking into the kitchen, "Evening. Sleep well?" she asked.
Georgia couldn't help but touch her belly, "I did, how about you? This monster keeping you up?" she asked, grabbing a bag for herself. As it heated up, she looked over at her friend and mentor, seeing that she was tired.
Pulling out a chair, Ruby could only laugh, "Yeah, perhaps it's to prepare me for sleepless nights and days." She teased, but there was some truth behind it. Taking to reading several books on vampire pregnancy, it seemed as though they would sleep through the day, but given the fact that she was a daywalker, it could be completely different. She just hoped that there was some balance.
Sitting down, Georgia enjoyed her bag, quickly finishing it up, she tossed it away and sat back down with Ruby. "You know you'll have help with the baby, at least at nighttime if you need to rest." Placing her hand on her shoulder, "We are here, plus I'm sure that Quinn would love to get practice, he's certain that we are next to get pregnant."
Ruby couldn't help but chuckle, between Angela, Mitsuki, and Georgia, the men in their lives are now in competition on seeing which one of their wives will be the next to get pregnant. Ruby had her bets on Blade and Mitsuki, not that Alexander and Quinn weren't determined enough, but it was the rivalry between Deacon and Eric that seemed to fuel them, so it would be only fitting.
Looking over at Georgia, and placing a hand on her shoulder, "I appreciate that," feeling a strong kick, Ruby gasped, her eyes looking down, "You could just come out, we are more than ready for you." She cooed at her belly.
Slipping of the chair, Ruby gave Georgia a smile, "Would you like to take a walk around the property with me, figured I could use a little fresh air."
Linking her arm with Ruby's, Georgia led Ruby out of the house, and towards the horses that were in the field.
Walking was a quiet thing for her, but Ruby could see that her friend was in deep thought, "What's in that brain of yours?" she asked, gently petting pregnant mare that was at the fence line.
It shouldn't have surprised her that she was able to pick up on her mood, "I'm scared to get pregnant." She blurted out. Turning away, Georgia couldn't help but feel ashamed of feeling that way.
Ruby let her words absorb into her brain, but after a moment she was able to formulate a question, "I know it's not because you don't love Quinn, nor is it because you don't like or want children, so what about being pregnant scares you?" She asked her.
Wiping her face, Georgia knew that she could always be honest with Ruby, "Honestly, I think it's just the fear of the unknown. Vampire pregnancy is nothing like humans, there are no tests they can run, there isn't a normal heartbeat that tells you the baby is healthy, it's like a huge game of what if. That's terrifying to me."
Patting her shoulder, "I know, when I first suspected I was; I was looking forward to all the ultrasounds, and tests, and everything that I come to know about it as a human, and I was a little disappointed that I didn't get to experience some of that." Turning her eyes towards the mare, "So, instead, I found my way back into the archives, reading everything I could on the subject matter, and for 5,000 years of recorded vampire pregnancies, never once was there a birth defect. So, a lot of my anxieties settled."
Georgia couldn't help but look at up at that, "You've read this?" Feeling a little of that fear of the unknown lift from her shoulders.
Nodding, "Yes." Moving towards the dock, "Have Quinn bring you to the archives, and let Pearl know that you want the books I read on the subject matter, he'll be more than helpful." Knowing that Peal always did enjoy the research side of things.
Letting out a sigh of relief, while she was still a bit worried about it, she knew that Ruby would never lie to her, or sugar coat anything for her benefit. "Thanks. I think I'll do that tomorrow night, if you don't mind." While Ruby never specifically said to stay close to her at the end of the pregnancy, Georgia wanted to do what she could to protect her.
Making a step towards the dock, Ruby felt a pain wash over her body, grabbing her belly, she couldn't help but lean forward. Taking a deep breath, she tried to shake off the pain, but it coursed through her body a second time. Feeling Georgia grab ahold of her arms, and gently lift her straight up, she could feel wetness creeping down her legs.
Looking down, Ruby gasped, "My water just broke." She breathed out.
Georgia didn't even think about it, scooping her up into her arms, she ran as fast and safely as she could towards the house. Clearing the back door, "DEACON, IT'S TIME!" She yelled out to the house, not knowing where everyone was.
Making her way up to the birthing room, Georgia found Deacon standing at the top of the steps, his eyes focusing only on Ruby, "Her water just broke," she said, carefully handing Ruby to her husband. "I'll go call the midwife."
Deacon looked down, his eyes trying to assess if she was alright. "My goddess." Moving quickly towards the room, bringing her to the bathroom, "You said you wanted to shower before you gave birth, is that still what you want my love?" he asked her.
Nodding, "Please." The contractions were strong, but tolerable for now. Clinging to his arms, Ruby kept her eyes closed, afraid if she looked into his face and saw the worry that it would send her into a crying fit.
Getting the water to the temperature that she liked it, Deacon carefully stripped her down, and stepped into the shower with her, not giving a fuck that he was getting soaked. Placing her on the bench, he carefully washed her hair, and body. As moved across her body, he gently massaged her muscles, knowing that it could be minutes or hours of labor, no one really knew for sure, and each pregnancy was different.
Finishing up, Deacon carefully wrapped her in a towel and started to towel dry her hair, "I will have Raquel braid your hair my love."
Looking up at him, Ruby could feel her body tear itself apart, but she gritted her teeth, "Stay with me the entire time, I can't do this without you." It was a weird feeling to be scared, but Ruby wasn't one to hide her emotions or feelings from her husband.
Tucking a piece of wet hair behind her ear, "God himself couldn't take me from your side." Placing a kiss on her lips, he lifted he up and brought her into the bedroom, finding both the midwife and Raquel in the room, "I will grab her dress, Raquel braid her hair," his eyes falling to the midwife, "Help my wife bring this child into this world safely."
Nodding at him, "Of course." Looking over at the redhead seeing that she was swiftly braiding her hair, "I need you to bring some hot water, and a few bags of blood, mothers may need something to keep their energy up."
Raquel didn't even wait, she turned on her heels and bolted out the door, it took her less than 5 minutes to grab what she needed, placing them where the doctor told her, she gave Ruby a hug, "We are all out in the living room, if you need anything, we'll get it for you."
Touching her arm, "Thank you. Please tell Mercury to relax, I know she'll be pacing." The image of her second pacing around in the living room because she couldn't help her through the pain of birth made her chuckle a little bit.
Deacon slipped on her dress, and looked over at the midwife, "What do you need to do now?" He asked, wanting to know if there was anything he could do to help.
Looking up at Lord of Vangr, then her eyes turned to Lady Vangr, "If you are ready, I need to check to see how dilated you are." Knowing that she would never just touch a pregnant woman in labor without her permission.
Spreading her legs, "Please." Her hands linked with Deacon's, "I will kill you if you so much move from this spot." While she knew he wouldn't be squeamish, she wanted the image of her pussy to be sexy not stretched out for a baby to come through.
Nuzzling her neck, "Anything you want my goddess." While it wouldn't have bothered him to see his child born, based on what he read about how women acted in labor, his eyes turning towards the midwife, tracking every movement that she made towards his wife.
Looking up at Lady Vangr, "You're at 10cm," taking a deep breath, "On the next contraction, I need you push as hard as you can."
Nodding, Ruby sat up, grabbing ahold of Deacon's arms, as she felt the next contraction tear through her body, she bared down. Her hand squeezing his, she could hear the bones cracking under the pressure. But it pleased her that he didn't say anything, just let her do what she needed to push through the pain.
Several hours passed, and Ruby felt like she was dying, her eyes finding Deacon's looking down at her with concern. "I love you." She murmured out, her voice hoarse from crying out.
Wiping her face of the sweat, "And I love you, my goddess." Wrapping his arms around her, "Push Ruby, bring out child into this world."
Helen looked up at the mated couple, in her several hundred years as a midwife to the vampire community this was the first time, she's seen a male vampire support his wife, for them it was a business transaction, she hoped that she would be around more to see the rest of the mated community bring children into this world.
Feeling another contraction work its way through her body, taking a deep breath, Ruby pushed down, doing what she could to bring her child into this world. "FUCK."
Helen could see the head and shoulders, "Lady Vangr, one more push and you'll have a child." Looking up she found Ruby's eyes looking down at her. "You're doing well."
Ruby wanted to snap at her and tell her to shut up, but it wasn't her fault that this part was painful. Nodding, pushing down, Ruby screamed out, "Get this child out of me." She screamed, needing the pain to stop.
Helen looked up at Lord Frost, she could see his concern for his wife, wanting to ease her pain as much as she could, carefully grabbing the baby's head, "One more push Ruby."
Pushing down, Ruby felt her body split apart, but the pressure on her lower body finally subsided, and her body fell back against the bed, and the sound of a screaming baby echoed within the house, "Deacon, is the baby alright?" she asked.
Looking down at his wife, placing a kiss on her head, "You did well my love." Turning his attention towards the midwife looking over the child, "Is the baby alright?" he asked, his voce not allowing for anything other than the truth.
Seeing the child exhibit all the signs of a healthy newborn, she gently placed the baby in the mother's arms, "Congratulations Lady Ruby, you have a son." Turning her eyes towards Lord Frost, "Congratulations."
Deacon looked down at squirming baby in her arms, wrapping his arms around her shoulders, "Ruby, he's perfect." Unable to stop the tear that slid down s face.
Ruby placed a kiss on his forehead, "Deacon he has your eyes." Her heart swelling with the sight of her son, she knew that she was going to love this baby with every fiber of her being, but it was almost surprising how quickly her heart filled with the love.
Leaning her body into his, Ruby couldn't believe how her life turned out, she came to New York to find herself as person, and grown, and now she was married to a vampire, and now a mother to this beautiful little boy.
Holding her in his arms, he watched as she turned towards him, carefully placing the baby in his arms, "My goddess," his eyes taking in the small bundle in his arms, "I will never be able to thank you for such a precious gift." His voice cracking with emotion.
Moving towards the window, he could hear his wife dozing off, unable to keep the smile off his face. Opening the doors to the balcony, he stepped out letting the moonlight wash over them. Looking over the property, his eyes took in everything that belonged to them, "This is your home, my beautiful boy," taking a second to control his emotions, "You are my life, you and your mother, and there isn't anything I wouldn't do to protect either one of you."
His eyes taking in the now yawning baby, placing a kiss on his forehead, "Your mother gave me the greatest gift the night she walked into my club, it wasn't the recognition from the council or even being granted our own House, it was a future that I never knew I wanted."
Looking down at the baby that was now sleeping, turning his eyes towards his sleeping wife, Deacon couldn't help but feel a wave of love wash over him. Never could he ever imagine such a wonderful life, and in this moment as he walked back into the room, he promised himself that he would do everything he could to be the man his son, Erik Deacon Frost could look up too.
END
(Epilogue sometime later down the line.)
