Alright, here's a new chapter for this story. I am sitting on my lunch break and posting it for you guys. Also, thank you for your kind and slightly desperate reviews and comments. I know you have been waiting a long time for an update. I have been working on it fora long time, and I wanted it done for Christmas. Unfortunately intentions and real life don't always match.
Anyway, I hope you enjoy this chapter. It was really hard to write, brought me to tears several times in fact. Mostly from frustration. Mostly.
Now, be warned, this chapter is a mess to be frank. Emotional distress and blood lingers heavily in it. Be careful now. Oh, and smut of course. Have fun!
37 weeks pregnant
"You know full well what I meant!"
Aro couldn't suppress a deep chuckle as he took in the heated argument happening in front of him. His new wife was glaring at her own father, who at her words, took a hesitant step backwards.
It was almost a month after the wedding, and Bella was more pregnant than ever. Despite her condition, she was no less fierce as she huffed indignantly at her old man.
"Bells, I am only trying to help." Charlie glanced at Aro, The latter not sure if he was asking for help in dealing with the irate, young woman in their company. They were all in Aro's study, and he understood why Charlie might feel a bit overwhelmed.
They had just handed him an envelope, filling him in on the details of the house that they had purchased for him.
As the baby's due date neared, Charlie had been coming around much more frequently, clearly filled with anticipation of his coming status as a grandfather. This provided a challenge for the newlyweds, who could scarcely keep apart for longer than a couple of hours. Bella's body was becoming increasingly demanding, needing a certain thirst quenched far more frequently as her pregnancy developed into the last stages.
And her father had a tendency to get in the way, leaving Aro's young bride quite frustrated at the frequent interruptions they faced. The man had once again stopped what might have been a gratifying session of passion as he searched them out yet again. Hearing the man approach, Aro had to make swift work of pulling his trousers up just as he heard the man knock on the door. Bella had been at his feet, working to get what she needed from her mate.
This kind of situation had become far too frequent, and so as a solution, Aro had instructed Caius to find a house for the man, hoping distance would ease their situation.
And so he had. He had found a nice townhouse a few miles away, giving the man plenty of space to settle in.
Charlie had been shocked at the clearly expensive purchase, but he also understood the underlying message, his eyes filling with emotions only a father could express.
Bella had tried to explain to the man that the need for privacy was becoming increasingly demanding, her words only setting off a torrent of awkwardness between the two.
Charlie's face had suffused with heat as he finally took her meaning, and Bella had turned around swiftly, hiding her own flaming embarrassment.
Despite the hilarity of the situation, Aro felt it prudent to eventually enter the conversation. He got to his feet and went to his mate, taking her hand gently in his, kissing it once.
"Charlie, what your daughter is trying to say is that we need a little space. The next coming weeks are going to be tough, and as you have clearly grasped, we have little time left until the baby enters our lives. While we look forward to that moment very much, our time together alone will be scarce from then on. So you will need to understand why we value our privacy more at this time."
Charlie cleared his throat awkwardly, nodding rapidly as he glanced at the paper in his hand, pretending to read it through yet again. "I get that. I will try to keep a distance."
Bella turned back around to face him. "Dad, it's not because I don't want to see you. Just, please understand that."
The man nodded, not entirely unable to keep a hangdog expression from his face. "No, I know. Newlyweds and all that. I get it."
"You can still visit us, Charlie. Just, give a call before you do so." The smooth warning in Aro's voice was not missed by the man.
He nodded, gulping, then turned towards the door, waving the envelope in the air. "Gotcha. Call." He departed hastily, and Aro listened to his steps as they receded down the hall.
"They could have just talked to me, didn't need to buy me a bleeding house… Blue shutters look nice though…" The man was mumbling to himself, his voice sounding slightly pleased despite the recent awkward encounter.
"Well, that was awkward," Bella said after a long silence, her cheeks still flushed.
"Hmmm, it could have been worse. And to be fair, I think he got the message clearly enough," Aro said soothingly, pulling her in for a reassuring hug.
She sighed contentedly as Aro placed a gentle kiss on her temple. "Now, where were we?" He purred into her ear, making her shiver somewhat. "Ah, yes. Your king was serving you lunch, I believe."
The young woman laughed softly, her eyes filling with hot desire again, her thirst clearly not quenched due to their interruption. He kissed her hotly, almost bending her backwards in his passion, holding her securely around her waist.
She eagerly grabbed at his placket, freeing his erection while also kneeling in front of him. He couldn't suppress a soft hiss as she took him in her mouth again, soon having him panting and thrusting again and again until his release spilled forth. She extracted quite a few orgasms from him this way, before he tenderly pulled her to her feet, kissing her passionately, adjusting her position so she reclined on his desk, pregnant stomach pointing into the air. As he shifted her clothes aside, spreading her thighs for him, their eyes locked on eachother, love and passion swirling around them. He bent down and kissed her expanding abdomen before moving lower. She was already moaning softly as he placed gentle, wet kisses on her thighs and nether lips. He could tell she was desperate for him to take her, but she also wanted his mouth to continue its path across her hot flesh until she could fall apart at the seams.
"Softly now, my love," he crooned, eyes focusing on the stiff bundle of nerves at the top of her vulva. She was so inflamed with need, that it peaked out from beneath the hood, glistening invitingly at him. He couldn't suppress a growl as he carefully spread her labia apart, taking in her already wet heat. She throbbed viciously against his fingers as he spread her apart, exposing her fully to his gaze.
"Aro… please…" she was writhing gently on his desk, body begging for him to continue.
"I will not be rushed, dear wife," he said in a deep voice, smirking as she huffed indignantly.
A droplet of her redolence was slowly making its way towards her perineum, and he followed it intently as it moved further down. Just before it reached her anus, he leaned forward and licked her with a broad tongue, starting at her rear entrance, moving excruciatingly slowly upwards. His tongue spread her petals apart as he passed through them, before he ended the tantalising torture with a suckle around her clitoris. She jerked viciously on top of his desk. Her yelp of surprise and desire at his action fueled him, and he allowed his tongue to push through her wet folds again, nudging her clit as he did so.
"Aro-oh fuck!"
"Yes, my sweet?" He used his thumbs to press gently on either side of her swollen clitoris, pressing her outer labia against the tempting pearl of pleasure, trapping it between the fleshy folds, feeling but also seeing it twitch as she jumped with the indirect pressure. He did it again, and then again, fascinated at how her clit seemed to become increasingly erect at his actions.
She was whimpering now, hips rolling sharply to try and gain the friction she needed from him.
"Aro for fuck's sake!" She cried, body trembling with the need for release.
"Beg me, my queen," he growled hotly, his erection twitching as he watched her clamour for his touch.
She was panting viciously, groaning with need.
The young woman was past rational thought, she didn't even hesitate."My king… please, I need- oh shit!"
Barely suppressing his growl, he latched onto her fiercely, suckling her clitoris deeply. Her body lurched violently as he made her climax within seconds, her cry of ecstasy fueling his desire even further. Her hot flesh pulsed against his lips repeatedly, and he moaned against her, licking and suckling her until she submitted to another orgasm. Not done with her yet, he dragged a finger through her puffy folds until he arrived at her hot entrance. Without much preamble, he pushed a digit into her body, feeling her pelvic muscles clench around him fiercely, her cries rising in pitch. He suckled her bundle of nerves gently even as he added a finger, pistoning into her greedy body. Her wetness spread easily around his knuckles as she was pushed over the edge with absurd ease. He fingered her slowly, pressing into her walls, massaging her, abrading them carefully until they exploded into another series of convulsions as she came undone against his lips.
"Ah, my love. You are so responsive to my touch," he crooned. He kissed her vulva hungrily, practically devouring her like a meal, sensing her trembling flesh.
He suckled on her until she exploded yet again, then he began to kiss his way up her body, his fingers still thrusting into her extremely wet cunt. As he arrived at her mouth, he brought an arm beneath her shoulders, pinning her gently in place, before beginning to finger her more insistently, allowing the heel of his palm to rub against her swollen clit. The young woman gave a husky cry as she climaxed instantly, body quivering beneath him. He was remorseless, continuing to fuck her with hot passion, keeping her in place even as she thrashed beneath him.
"Ooooh myyyy -aaargh!" She orgasmed viciously, her slick heat gripping his fingers like a vice. He felt her body push on his digits, and as he retracted them, warm fluids spurted from her, landing on his cock and thighs. Growling with desire and satisfaction, he penetrated her again with two fingers, making her scream. She was so wet by now that he met no resistance as he ground his palm against her clit, fingers buried deeply within her, massaging her g-spot gently but insistently. Her scream rang through him as she squirted again, her body rattling deliciously against the surface of his desk. She was babbling incoherently against his lips, clearly aching for him to fuck her.
"Tell me to take you." The words were nothing but a growl, as he kept fingering her, but they made her moan deeply. The room was filled with the sound of his fingers moving inside her soaking core, and he allowed her no respite, mashing her clit with his palm. "Isabella, if you want me to claim you, you need to beg me," he said hotly, not halting his actions.
She was already climaxing again as he spoke, but miraculously she managed to speak.
"Oh god, fuck me, Aro! Please!" The last word was a scream as she came around his questing fingers, more liquid gushing from her body.
Feeling her wetness again, he could no longer resist her. Holding her close, he thrust unceremoniously into her hot body, pushing in until he was sheathed completely within her. The young woman was senseless by now, her back arching sharply as she took him in, walls pulsating around his cock. He halted once he was buried deeply within her, eyes intently on her face. Her eyes were squeezed shut, cheeks flushed, brow damp from her exertions. He waited until he felt her body grow still, then he delivered a slow, deep thrust, the head of his cock pressing sensuously against her cervix. She groaned softly, coaxing him to move again. He fucked her tenderly, intimately, not rushing their lovemaking. Her cunt was so slippery that he almost felt tempted to pound into her, claiming her pleasure as his. She was squeezing him deliciously, her slick walls caressing him almost to an instantaneous peak. He slowed down even more, trying to extend their lovemaking, but she slung her arms around his shoulders, pulling at him, moaning fiercely into his ears.
"Don't stop! Please, please, please!"
Growling, he kissed her passionately, increasing his thrusts, feeling almost immediately how she was at the precipice, her snug walls pulling him right along with her.
He couldn't hold back, and he clung to her even as he fucked her straight into a strong climax. Her husky scream filled the air as he, groaning deeply, spilled himself within her, his thick member twitching inside her. She was so deliciously wet that he couldn't stop. He kept thrusting long past his climax, both their bodies entangled, her hips lifting up to meet his cock as he pushed into her again and again. He latched onto her throat, her salty skin trembling against his lips and tongue. Their passion was past words, past sanity. He drove into her with powerful thrusts and she urged him on eagerly receiving him, her body seizing him to the point of her practically strangling him before her channel exploded into a series of convulsions that had him come apart so hard his groans sounded like a strangled scream. His hips rolled and dipped as he moved against her, within her, unable to do much but follow the lead of his body. He could not stop.
"Oh fuck, my Isabella. You have me-ungh!" He fucked her harder, feeling another climax surging through him. "Enchanted!" He ground out even as his seed spilled forth. He was senseless as he penetrated her again and again, filling her with his cock, making her scream as she extracted another release from him just as her own climax tore through her.
Feeling his essence fill her, he kept going. "Have all of me!" He growled darkly, fucking her with deep slow thrusts, feeling that tantalising pull in his balls yet again. "Take it, take it all, my sweet young human!" He ground out even as he burst with pleasure again. He didn't understand their sudden need for this explosion of passion, except that maybe they understood, without needing words that they had limited time together alone. They were clinging to each other as if their sanity depended on it. Aro knew what she needed, and he understood what his own body needed, taking as equally as he was giving. Their bodies dipped and rolled with the waves of their mingled pleasure, neither of them able to stop before they were left trembling in each other's arms.
38 weeks pregnant
"I can't feel if the baby has shifted in the uterus. I think we should prepare for the fact that normal birth may not even be an option."
It was Carlisle who was speaking. He had just finished his umpteenth examination of Bella.
She was laying on the examination table, her eyes shining with apprehension. Aro held her hand reassuringly, understanding her anxiety. The pregnancy would end any moment now, and the pressure was getting to them both. In fact, the entire castle seemed to be on edge as the due date neared.
Aro was frequently filled with a mixture of apprehension, deep curiosity, worry and delight at what was to come. He had no inkling as to what they could expect and he was deeply grateful for Carlisle's assistance in this entire process.
"Just make sure to eat and drink frequently. I fear there is not much we can do but wait. Your body is well maintained, so the things you have done have definitely worked well."
As the doc spoke, Bella bit her lip and blushed deeply, clearly realising what that he was talking about her unusual diet these last months.
"I have a question," Bella said once they exited the clinic area. Aro was carrying his mate through the hallways, intending to take her to his study and find her a book to distract her worried mind. Perhaps a massage would relax the young lady marginally.
"Fire away, my love."
"What do you do for Christmas celebrations?"
The question caught him off guard. "Christmas celebrations?"
"Yeah. Do you have a Christmas tree, presents and such?"
He almost chuckled. "We never do much on those celebrations. I am from a time where… things were different."
She hummed quietly, slightly subdued. Aro frowned. "Would you like to do something about that?"
She nodded eagerly, looking up at him.
"I see," he responded softly. "Then I will see to it that we celebrate Christmas." The notion was quaint to say the least. His mind went through what he knew of American traditions. It was almost a week until December 25th. Plenty of time to prepare.
"Thank you, Aro." His name on her lips made him smile warmly down at her
He set her down carefully on the sofa in his study. She had been more cold in the last few weeks, the temperature outside dropping below 15 degrees Celsius. (59° F.) Though it wasn't cold by any standard, she just didn't seem to be able to maintain any body heat. As a solution, Aro had made sure that every fireplace was lit and roaring. He had also acquired an army of soft, woolen blankets and pillows for her to snuggle in. He had started keeping a slight distance, his cold body leeching her warmth like a black hole. She hadn't been pleased about that last solution, but he could see no alternative. Only when she was wrapped up sufficiently would he stay close, keeping a few layers between them, so she wouldn't grow cold. He made sure she was now warm and comfortable before settling by her feet. She was staring into the fire, biting her lip. "It will not be long now. How are you feeling?"
Her eyes snapped to his face, then to her stomach, a deep sigh escaping her. "I can't wait to not be pregnant."
He chuckled deeply. "I can only imagine."
"It has been so strange, this entire year, hasn't it?"
Aro nodded. "Indeed. More has happened in this year than the last 300 years of my life."
"I want to not be pregnant anymore, but at the same time, I'm worried."
"About what, my love?"
"Her." She sighed again. "I feel like there must be a reason for her existence."
"There is. Your ancestor wanted this to happen."
"Yes, but why? What could possibly come from this? I desperately want to know, but I feel so scared."
Aro contemplated her words silently for a long time. He couldn't say he wasn't worried, and he knew nothing he said would assuage her feelings. There was also the fact that he still had an uneasy feeling that his Isabella was not at the center of this new situation. He banished the thought swiftly. He could not tolerate a future without her. She simply had to be there.
"Only time will tell what will happen, my love." His words sounded hollow to his ears, but try as he might, he found it impossible to find any other words to sooth her. Icy though he already was, he was chilled at the thought of losing her.
39 weeks pregnant
"Oh my god, this is beautiful, Aro!"
The dark king couldn't suppress a wide smile as he watched his mate look around the room with pure delight on her face. It was Christmas morning, and he had carried her to the library. Her eyes had widened as she had gasped, taking in the magnificent room.
Having made good on his promise, Aro had prepared the castle for Christmas. The guards had found the entire situation odd. As did his brothers, though they refrained from questioning him. Their thoughts seemed to drift from hilarity to astonishment at his nitpicky behaviour lately. Only Felix and Jane had been their usual stoic selves, following his instructions to the letter with emotionless expressions on their faces. He wanted things to be perfect for his wife, and so the castle had been lavishly decorated and prepared for the celebrations.
A huge Christmas tree had been erected in the library, decorated in traditional American ways, gifts placed with utmost care beneath the tree.
As Aro set her down on the sofa, making sure she was warm and comfortable, Charlie entered the huge room, smiling widely at them. From his scattered thoughts, Aro knew the man loved the holidays.
"Merry Christmas!" He belted happily. Carlisle and Edward smiled at him, grinning at his enthusiasm. Caius was his usual fastidious self, while Marcus' eyes were alight with silent amusement.
Bella gave her father a delighted grin, clearly sharing his feelings.
The day passed quite rapidly. Food was served, presents exchanged. Aro was quite surprised when Charlie had gotten him a gift. It was a beautiful beer mug, with golden edges, elegant curves and a large ornate V on the side.
"Charlie, this is very beautiful," Aro said, examining the mug.
The man shrugged modestly. "I didn't know what to get you seeing as you clearly have it all, but I see that V around your neck all the time. Seems like a big deal around this place."
Bella just managed to suppress a slightly hysterical giggle. Aro flashed her an amused smile. "Thank you, Charlie."
Bella had gotten him a beautiful set of cufflinks shaped into a V as well, with inlaid rubies. She smirked at him as he opened. "Yeah, that V seems to be a big deal around here," she said in reply to his amused gaze on her.
She had also gotten him another gift, and she handed it to him discreetly, while Charlie was occupied.
It was carefully wrapped with frilly paper in pale colours. Aro opened it, glancing at her. Her Mona Lisa smile had him curious. It was a bodysuit for an infant. It was a simple white one, only the stomach had text splashed across it.
Baby
V
was embossed with an elegant font, blood red roses clinging to the V.
Beneath was a much smaller text:
My mom was an umpire
But my dad vamped her up.
"Look at the back," she instructed softly. He flipped over the tiny garment, frowning lightly.
Ps.
I love my daddy.
Reading the text, Aro swallowed thickly, his gaze searching out the tender look in his mate's eyes. She caressed her stomach meaningfully.
Throat too tight to speak, Aro nodded at her. Reality seemed to only now just hit. He was having a daughter. He was going to be a father. Glancing down at the garment again, he caught the tiny text on the label attached to the neck.
Made with love and vampire venom.
He couldn't help but chuckle deeply. Carefully putting the bodysuit inside his suit jacket, he leaned in and kissed her tenderly. "I love you so much." He suppressed the chill as he felt a sudden premonition that these would be his last words of love to her. He carefully masked his features so she wouldn't know of his inner turmoil.
She was having the time of her life, despite being unable to move much. It was her last Christmas as a human, and he didn't want to ruin it. Everyone did their best to keep her comfortable and happy.
She had been astounded at her gift from Aro. He had gotten her an ornately wrapped box, seemingly innocuous enough.
But as she opened it carefully, her gasp was heard around the room. Her wide eyes fixed on him, and he felt his chest swell with love for her.
"Aro…" She whispered as she delicately lifted the top piece of paper, having a better look. "This can't be the real ones," she breathed.
Aro smirked knowingly. "Oh, but they are. Including a few unknown papers as well. And now they are yours."
Her fingers were trembling so much the sheet of paper practically rattled as she squinted at the minute writing.
"What is it?" Charlie asked curiously, bending down to see what the fuss was about.
"This is the entire collection of diary papers by Emily Brontë," Aro explained softly, "It also includes her letters to Ellen Nussey."
"Wow, that's your favorite author, Bells!" Charlie was impressed. An occurrence happening much more frequently since his arrival in Italy.
Bella was too stunned to speak, but her eyes told Aro everything he needed to know. He gave her a gentle kiss in response to her unspoken gratitude.
The day was coming to an end, and in the late afternoon, Charlie was getting ready to leave, heeding the soft warning from Carlisle that Bella needed her rest. He was putting on his jacket, filled with an almost lazy attitude at the eventful day.
Aro was quite pleased with how the day had gone, feeling like he had accomplished something important.
"Ready for bed, mio amore?" He asked Bella knowingly as she pulled aside her cover.
"You have no idea," she confirmed tiredly, allowing him to pull her to her feet.
"This day has been wonderful though, I really had so much f-," she halted abruptly, her sentence ending in a guttural grunt. She seemed to stiffen against him then. "Oh shit!" She hissed, bending forward somewhat, suddenly clutching her rounded stomach. Every vampire present homed in on the young woman. To his credit, Carlisle managed to be at her side pretty swiftly, without giving away his nature.
Charlie was the last to notice that something was wrong. He frowned as he noticed her bent forward, posture clearly showing her discomfort.
Aro knew Instinctively what was happening. He lifted his mate up, and cradled her in his arms.
His gaze snapped intently to Carlisle who nodded in agreement. "The clinic. Go."
"What..?" Charlie seemed to finally catch on. "The baby? Is it coming?"
Edward walked to his side, frowning.
Aro cast him a hasty thought even as he marched his groaning mate out of the room, not taking the time to see the nod of confirmation from the young vampire.
They barely made it to the examination table in the clinic, when the young woman could no longer keep herself from releasing a strangled scream of agony.
"Carlisle!" Aro said urgently.
"Yes, I know!" The doctor worked swiftly, removing her clothes, trying to get a grasp on what was happening.
The baby was moving rapidly beneath the skin of her distended stomach. This wasn't exactly unusual. The infant had been moving quite frequently during the entire pregnancy. No, the unusual part was that they could see the clear outline of two small hands, pushing at the membrane. Between the hands was the imprint of a tiny face. Upturned nose and open mouth, clearly distinguishable.
"Dear lord!" Aro exclaimed. The vision was like taken out of a nightmare.
"I think the child is trying to bite her way out!" Carlisle stated rapidly, already shooting a needle of an unknown substance into Bella's thigh.
Aro realised he was right. Panic rose in his chest as he watched everything as if in slow motion.
"We need to do an emergency C-section!" The blond doctor growled, quickly gathering the equipment needed. "Be ready to bite her, Aro!"
Nodding, Aro stepped up to his mate's side, watching avidly as Carlisle carefully started cutting into her lower abdomen. Bella screamed in pain.
"Jane!" Aro then spoke firmly, calling on his guard and she appeared instantly, taking in the chaotic scene swiftly.
"I need you to help me," Aro said. "Take the child once she is born."
Nodding, she stood ready to assist.
Aro placed a hand on the writhing woman's forehead. She was burning up. "Hold on Isabella. She is almost here."
She groaned, thrashing, trying to ward off the pain. "Get her out!" She gasped desperately.
"Almost done!" Carlisle made another incision, swearing under his breath. "Shit! The knife won't penetrate the uterine wall!"
"What?!" Aro straightened up sharply, the stark realisation hitting him like a rifle shot.
He turned his gaze on her shining eyes, reading the shock and horror on her face. Then she seemed to steel herself, nodding, gritting her teeth. "Do it." The words were forced through her teeth.
Not seeing any other solution, Aro bent down and without much preamble bit into her lower abdomen, tearing through the uterine wall easily. Her scream rang in his ears as he tried to gain his bearings, ignoring the tantalizing taste of her blood. He bit again, and then again, finally having made enough space to pull out the infant.
"Give her here," Carlisle said sharply.
Aro didn't question him. He simply handed over the child, focusing on his mate now.
She had passed out from the pain. Or worse. No. He desperately felt for her pulse, his bloody fingers smearing blood all over her slender throat. Finally he felt it, beating far too weakly for her to live much longer. She had already lost so much blood.
Choking back his panic, Aro bent down and bit into her neck, finding her pulse, and allowing his venom to flow forth freely. She didn't stir as she received his bite, too dazed to understand, yet too weak to fight him. Forcing himself to hold her in place against his lips, he denied himself the temptation to drink deeply. She had lost so much blood, and he wasn't even sure there would be enough to absorb his venom. Hopefully there would be just enough to allow the venom to circulate through her heart.
"Aro, you've done enough. The venom is in her system. We have to wait now." It was Carlisle who spoke.
Panting and wild eyed, the dark vampire straightened up, wiping his lips. He looked around, his friend standing there, hands covered in blood.
"Master." He turned sharply towards the voice. It was Jane. "Your daughter."
Having been too distracted to notice, he only now just realised that Carlisle must have handed the child to Jane.
Almost panicking at the thought of holding her in his bloody state, he swallowed thickly, wiping his hands on his expensive suit. Nodding, he received the infant, their eyes locking almost instantly. She searched his face with large expressive eyes that were shaped like her mother's, except the colour. The girl had dazzling green eyes.
As he took the now clean baby, his cold hands touched her bare back, and she winced slightly, cooing softly. Almost too stunned to speak, he glanced at his mate. She lay silent and unhearing. He could no longer hear her heart. A sensation he had never felt before tore his gaze back to his daughter. Her tiny fist had closed around his index finger, squeezing. A lump seemed to rise in his throat, and he couldn't suppress the small sob from escaping him. He felt torn. A wave of unbelievable happiness crashed through him, but unbearable sorrow warred with the feeling. He was now a father. And a widow.
"I'll take care of her, Aro. Tend to your daughter." Carlisle's eyes told him not to give up hope. But he found it difficult to suppress the feeling of ominous premonition.
Gulping silently, Aro gazed at his young wife for a long, heavy moment. Then he nodded and turned away from her. He felt he needed to protect the child from the sight of her lifeless mother, seemingly dead on a hospital slab.
Filled with wonder at his new status as a father and grief at his possible status as a widow, Aro understood that he could do nothing for Isabella at this time. She was as safe as she could be. His daughter needed him. He slowly left the clinic, walking reverently through the hallways, intending to care for his child's needs. He heard Jane follow him silently.
Suddenly he stopped dead in his tracks. He held up the tiny girl, peering intently into her eyes. She looked right back, searching his features curiously. It was almost as if she understood his wonder.
He had quite abruptly realised that he could not read the baby's mind. His head was filled with silence as he probed for that connection he knew so well. He sighed softly, smiling sadly at the young girl. "Well well, daughter dear. You seem to be taking after your mother."
"Do you think she is hungry, master?" Jane was peering intently at the infant, clearly not certain what was expected of her.
Holding his daughter close Aro walked towards his shared bedroom. He forced himself to not think about what he might have lost. There was nothing he could do.
"I do not know. Her mind is sealed from me. I suppose we will have to wait and see. He opened the door to his rooms swiftly, allowing Jane inside.
"Have a few bottles of milk brought up. And try one with blood. I want to see what she chooses." The blonde guard nodded and left swiftly.
"Let us get you cleaned thoroughly, my dear," he cooed softly, carrying the infant to the bathroom.
As he was preparing the bathtub with warm water, a knock sounded at the bathroom door.
"Aro? Is everything alright?" It was Marcus. He took one look at Aro's face and nearly blanched. Glancing in the mirror, Aro saw his own face edged with pain. And grief.
"Isabella? Is she..?"
Aro shook his head. "I do not know. Carlisle is with her. He told me to tend to Astrid. I do not know what to do." He felt panic rise in his chest again. The mere thought of… No! She will be fine!
"It is alright, brother."
"It is not alright! I killed her!" The pain in his heart swelled and seemed to burst, making his stomach twist and flux in agony with the realisation of what he had lost.
"Jane." Marcus called for her, and she appeared instantly. "Take the girl, please. Care for her."
Aro couldn't contradict his command. He knew he was in no fit state to handle anything rationally now.
She obeyed without a word, and soon the two men were alone.
"Brother-" Marcus began tentatively.
"No." The word was painful. "Do not say it, brother. I know what I did. I killed her. I killed my mate." The certainty of his actions rose up in him.
Marcus stepped forward swiftly, grabbing Aro by the throat. At that moment, Caius entered the room, apparently sensing trouble. Marcus waved at him to keep quiet.
Aro was rushed by the thoughts of his brother as they flooded his mind, soothing him in a way he did not feel he deserved.
"Do you see that, Aro?"
Closing his eyes against the vision in his mind, he nodded. His mate, his wife, only a few hours ago. Smiling. Happy. Alive.
Seeing things through Marcus' eyes, he saw the bonds between himself and her. The crimson bands swirled around the two lovingly, golden sparks flying off whenever their bonds touched.
"Please," Aro said softly. "I cannot bear it."
"Brother, focus. See what I see now."
Panting wildly, Aro shifted his attention through the plethora of images, until he reached the current thoughts. "Look, what do you see?" Marcus' grip tightened marginally.
Aro saw himself, his grief stricken face twisted into an unrecognisable mask. But he also saw the bonds. Still deeply red, but a golden strand had forged the two into one, creating a golden seam all the way through. Fusing them into one.
Breath still rasping from him, he tried to comprehend what it meant.
She is not lost, brother. She will pull through. You see her bond. If she had died, it would be gone.
"Are you certain?" Aro asked, his voice raw with emotion.
"She is meant to live," Marcus replied. "She will pull through. We just need to give it time."
Caius stepped forward. "Time we do not have."
The two dark brothers turned to the blond one. He gave them a meaningful look. "Charlie is making trouble. He wants to see his daughter."
"Charlie, please, you must calm down."
"Don't tell me to fucking calm down! Where is Bella?"
The room rang with the man's desperate voice. The three kings seemed to have turned to stone.
The chief stepped closer to Aro, standing right in his personal space. Aro didn't move an inch. It wasn't as if the man could harm him.
"Tell me where you took her!"
"Mr Swan, please, things are quite complicated right now. We are doing the best we can, but she will need time to recove-"
"It's been hours already! The baby was born last night! Tell me the truth!"
Aro sighed, feeling exasperated and annoyed. It was nearly dawn, and he could see Charlie was exhausted. His eyes were red, and dark circles made them droop wearily. Word had traveled fast through the air, and Charlie knew that Astrid was alive and well, even having seen her briefly in the arms of Jane. Now he wanted to see Bella, and apparently no amount of arguing could dissuade him.
"Carlisle, I need your help." Aro spoke in that undertone only vampires could hear. The blond doctor was at the door a second later, walking through, almost looking casual as you like. He had washed and changed, removing the blood of the young woman from his person.
"What's this?" He asked mildly, his eyebrows raised in question.
Charlie went for him, stumbling like a man who was drunk, but was rapidly sobering up. "Bella… Where…?"
Carlisle looked earnestly into the man's beseeching face. "Charlie, the birth was difficult. She is comatose for the moment. She will be alright, I have no doubt. I am just keeping her under until she has healed for a bit. She will need rest and lots of peace for the next few days."
"Are you telling me the truth?"
Carlisle took his hands gently. "I would never lie about these things, Charlie. Understand; the birth was very difficult. But she will pull through. I will let you know when you can see her. You have my word."
The dark haired man searched the earnest face for a long time, before glancing at Aro. Then he nodded, slightly mollified. "I can't see her now?"
The doctor shook his head. "No, Charlie. I don't want you to see her in this state. It would only add to your distress."
The man nodded, understanding.
Arp nearly sighed in relief.
"I think I'll go to bed." Charlie's words were slightly slurred. He sounded absolutely exhausted.
"You are welcome to use your old room, Charlie." Aro said gently.
"I wasn't even gonna ask," the man said, waving over his shoulder, aiming for his room.
Aro chuckled softly, shaking his head. Turning to the doctor, he nodded gratefully. "Thank you. I knew you could convince him to wait."
Carlisle shrugged modestly. "I'm a doctor. That's what I do."
"Well, I am grateful even so." Aro's smile deflated as he thought back on his mate, apparently dead on a clinic bed. He couldn't blame Charlie for getting desperate to see her as well. "I think I will go see her." Without elaborating, he flashed from the room, seeking out his wife.
As he entered the room, he could smell the blood. Carlisle had done a fine job of sewing up her wounds and covering her up. She looked almost normal now. Except she was deathly pale and cold. Aro took her hand gently, looking intently into her still face. He could hear nothing from her. No breathing, nor heartbeat. Despite Marcus' words, he found it difficult to believe that she would pull through.
"Please my love, let me know if you are still with me?"
Nothing.
Sighing resignedly, he bent over her and kissed her forehead. "Please come back to me. If not for me, then for our daughter." He halted, listening.
"She is magnificent, Isabella. Looks just like you, yet her eyes are green."
He fell silent, searching her face, comparing it to his young daughter.
"You know, I can't read her mind. I think she has your gift, your… shield."
"It will make it harder for me to see to her needs as I can't get through…" he hesitated, feeling his chest tighten. "This is not how I imagined things to go. I thought it would be… easier. Less painful… For you, I mean." Trying to gather his thoughts, his eyes searched the surroundings without seeing anything. "I suppose great things are forged with pain. She is a remarkable child." He looked down at the quiet features of his wife. "I need you, my love. I need you to come back to me, please. I know I am selfish. I realise that I can be difficult and stubborn. But… that is why I need you. You complete me... I do not think I can do this alone."
He fell silent at last, mere words no longer expressing his feelings sufficiently. His head swirled with emotions traveling from one end of the spectrum to the other. He was furious at himself for neglecting to save her. He felt betrayed by his own heart, his feelings about being a father evidently more important than his mate's life. He loved his daughter, she was a precious gift, but her entering the world had had a steep price. A sob escaped him as he bore the full weight of an intolerable loss.
If only he could get a sign from her. He stood and watched over her for hours, his forehead resting on her chest. Nothing happened.
The silence seemed to mock him for harbouring just the slightest bit of hope that she would be okay.
Time passed slowly. Aro wanted to be with his mate, making quite sure she was safe and comfortable, but he also wanted to be with his newborn infant. He knew Bella would never forgive him if he neglected their daughter, and frankly he agreed. So he tried to spend as much time as he could with his daughter, watching her eagerly for any abnormal signs of her true nature. So far not much had been revealing her hybrid status. She was perhaps more attentive than a normal child, observing things with a sort of quiet dignity, her big green eyes piercing their object of interest. Otherwise she was like any other infant. Eating, pooping and sleeping. Jane had discovered that the girl ate almost anything, including blood. Aro had been fascinated, but also too distracted with his wife, who still had given no sign of life. Carlisle had given the small infant a thorough checkthrough, declaring her healthy. She was able to drink blood, her small teeth quite sharp, yet there was no venom to find in her system. His investigations were still not done, as she seemed to change on an almost daily basis.
Hours turned agonisingly slowly into days, and when the child was sleeping Aro would wander to his mate, who was silent as the grave. He had carried her to their shared bedroom. Her body was a mess after her ordeal. It was too soon to see any changes in her appearance, so he could not yet be sure that she would make it, but he tried to take solace in Marcus' quiet reassurances that he saw no change in their bond.
The biggest problem was Charlie. He was getting increasingly impatient to see his daughter. The three kings were on edge about the man. Keeping him in the dark for this long had been quite a challenge, but now that the situation had changed so drastically, it was getting difficult to keep him ignorant. The man was a sheriff after all. He could smell a rat almost as fast as Aro. And he didn't have Aro's pendance for reading minds.
"Perhaps we should explain the situation to him…" Marcus mused softly. It was almost two days since the birth. Evening was pressing in, and Aro had just put his daughter to sleep after a bottle. On his way to his mate, Charlie had practically harassed Aro for more information on Isabella. Aro had to explain that there was nothing new to address as of yet. After multiple reassurances, the man had finally relented, leaving Aro to his own devices. Deciding that they needed to talk it through, Aro had made his way to his study, where his brothers were quietly reading. They needed to discuss the problem of the human. Now he sat, staring into the fire, his fingers steepled moodily in front of his face.
"I think it is best if we just change him. Catch him off guard. He will have no choice but to become like us," Caius said, his voice sour.
Aro shook his head. "No, I would rather Isabella made that decision. It is not up to us to decide what should happen with him."
"Agreed, however, it is our decision to protect our world, our coven. If he discovers our true nature, he might talk," Caius noted.
"I do not think he will. Not until he at least has seen his daughter," Aro countered.
The blond king scoffed softly. "We cannot know that, Aro. It is quite a risk to take."
Aro didn't respond at first. Privately he agreed, but he had a feeling that his mate would never forgive him if he moved on Charlie before talking to her. Of course that made his position impossible, as she most likely would be out of reach to him for the next couple of days.
Sighing discontentedly, Aro stood. He could see no way out of their predicament at the moment. "Isabella will wake soon enough. I can manage him until then," Aro said, giving Caius a stern look, warning him to make no rash decision.
The blond man didn't bat an eye. "As you wish, Aro. But if he discovers us, I will be forced to make a decision."
"Not without me!" Aro intoned darkly. "I will talk to him again."
"You better do it soon then, brother," Caius said, turning back to his book.
Scowling darkly, Aro left the room, aiming for his quarters, where his mate lay silent and unfeeling. He fervently hoped her transformation would soon be over. The situation was deteriorating rapidly, and only she could help sooth Charlie. Once her change was completed, he would see that she was fine. But until then, they had to keep him off. Placating a desperate father had proved more difficult than he had expected, and the task soon became tiresome.
Even if Bella awoke soon, she would need to feed before she could even be in the same castle as the only human. Sighing wearily at his problems, Aro entered their bedroom quietly.
He had barely managed to close the door behind him, before he was pushed none too gently against the wooden surface. Someone was in the room with him, and she didn't exactly seem pleased to see him.
Alright, welcome to the end of the chapter. What did we think?
And happy new year my lovelies!
-Pancakes