Chapter 19

"…Where is she, damn you?!"

The sudden sound of the door opening broke the vampire's focus and thus, his hold. She was free! Panic crossed Gwen's features as she stared over his broad shoulder.

No! He'd kill anyone who stood in his way! Baring his fangs Barnabas turned, surprised to find Kathleena standing ramrod straight in the doorway, holding on to the jamb to keep herself upright.

Barnabas! Mon Dieu, Veronica was right. She gasped as a look of incredible longing spread across his face. A beloved face burned indelibly into her phenomenal memory. A memory that kept her company on long lonely nights. "Why have you come? There is no future for us," she whispered. "You must leave at once." A movement caught his attention as Gwen attempted to slink from the room, unnoticed. Suddenly piercing eyes turned to her. Raising his hand, the redhead was immediately rooted to the spot. Unable to move, terrified eyes implored Kathleena for help.

"No, please. Don't hurt her. She is my friend."

Barnabas' warm gaze fell to her abdomen shocked by what he saw. My God! Slowly his eyes traveled to her beautiful face and Kathleena nearly broke at the tears swimming there. Dark brows lifted in question. "You'll stay? It appears that we've much to discuss."

Blushing at his intense scrutiny, she nodded. "Free her and I'll stay, I promise."

Stepping in front of the madame, Barnabas took her chin in his large hand as a warm feeling bore deeply into Gwen's very soul. "You will leave here and remember nothing." His gaze intensified. "No one is to disturb us. Do you understand?"

"Aye," she whispered, entranced. "I understand."

Closing and locking the door he turned to face Kathleena, his gaze returning to the slight swell of her belly. "A child!" he said reverently. "I never thought it possible! To create a life in my accursed state... I am dead and so I believed my seed was as well." Suddenly he raised dark brows. Although there was a smile of great pleasure on his handsome lips she also found accusation, naked pain in his dark eyes. "If I'd not come, would I have never known I was to be a father?"

Kathleena swallowed around the lump constricting her throat. "Barnabas, I- I- " she shook her head for there were no words.

Quickly closing the gap between them, he gathered her slight body into the circle of his cold embrace. Unable to help herself, she breathed in relief and laid her head on his thin chest. She felt safe... always so safe with him.

"I tried to forget you." Kathleena looked up and he gently wiped her tears away with the pads of his thumbs. Slowly she lowered her hands to the place where his child grew within her. "I've made both our lives more chaotic than ever." She dropped her head in shame. "I'm so sorry."

"No, my God!" He laughed aloud, the sound filling her being with pleasure. "Don't ever be sorry. I am happier now than I'd ever thought I could be!" Taking her hand in his, Barnabas lovingly kissed her fingers. "We shall marry immediately. Our child will not be born a bastard."

She shook her head, hopeless. "No! You know that I cannot. Nothing has changed. Duncan will come for me."

He pulled away and looked down into sad eyes. Was she so prepared to die that she wouldn't even fight to live? "I'll find him," he said through fangs extended in anger. "And when I do, I shall kill him. You will be free. This I vow."

Kathleena clutched his coat sleeve, fear radiating from her pale eyes. "No! I will not allow you to sacrifice yourself! I know as well as you the evil of the witch. If you kill her son whether or not she cares for him, Angelique will exact retribution. She will not stop with us, you know that! She will kill our child without a backward glance, taking even more satisfaction in the despicable deed knowing the child is yours." Walking woefully to the fireplace, Kathleena stared down into the flickering flames. "Barnabas, when I… leave you will take our baby… and forget me."

"Never!" he roared, at her side in an instant.

"You must!" Her heart was splitting in two as she choked on the words. Gently drawing Kathleena back into his comforting arms the vampire's long fingers slid low to her belly. With a moan, she leaned her head against his shoulder as he bent down to kiss her long neck, nibbling the soft flesh. Always! Dear God! Always it was thus!

"Oh please!" Her voice, thick and full of desire, she spun in his arms. "Please," she whimpered desperately looking up into his gleaming eyes. "Barnabas… It's been forever since we held each other." Sliding urgent hands behind his dark head, she wound long fingers in his hair pulling him down to the strong pulse beating in her throat. His icy tongue ran the length of her causing her to shiver at the remembered sensation.

Uttering a fierce growl of long suppressed need, Barnabas savagely cleared the items from the desk. With firm hands circling Kathleena's tiny waist he laid her smoothly on the surface. Locking his passionate gaze to hers, the vampire took one of her hands and ran sharp teeth along each finger. She groaned with want as he kissed her mouth tenderly then hungrily, his tongue slipping inside to war with hers.

They could wait no longer. He lifted her skirts. She released him from his trousers. Staring into his eyes Kathleena gasped as Barnabas entered her with one deft thrust, filling her completely. He drove into her, intense and reckless. She clamped her thighs about his flanks in response. All too soon passion consumed them like a wildfire burning madly out of control, ready to engulf them both in its molten embrace. Moments later muffled cries of climax filled the room.

Selflessly, Kathleena offered her throat to him and Barnabas, needing to taste of her again immediately sank his fangs deeply into her warm flesh taking what she freely gave. A playful smile tugged at her lips as she realized he was still deeply within her. They were one, in all ways possible! Ending the feed, he erased his marks and reluctantly removed himself from her sweet depths. Pulling her to him, he whispered against her lips, "Kathleena. Come home with me. To Collinwood."

Seeing nothing but the look of absolute love for her in his beautiful eyes, she realized she could not, would not deny him. "Oui Barnabas, I will come. After our child is born however, I can promise you nothing."

The journey to Maine took a month. Barnabas booked a private car. They made love every night and she stayed by his coffin daily as she tried not to dwell on the uncertain future that lay before her. Instead, she focused on her coming child and love she bore for a vampire. Right or wrong, she truly did love him. When that vicious bastard finally came to claim her she would go to her death loving Barnabas. Duncan would never, could never take that from her.

One day, near the end of their excursion, she felt the baby move. Exhilarated, Kathleena splayed her hands over Barnabas' child, rubbing her tummy tenderly. "Your father will love you and care for you as I would have, mon petit." She shook her head stubbornly. No! There was still time!

A familiar creaking sound pulled her from her doldrums. Dusk had come. Slowly the lid of the coffin opened and Kathleena waited in avid anticipation for the moment she would see his handsome face. Smiling, he sat up and looked at her, love in his eyes.

"Barnabas," she whispered. Planting his feet on the floor he lowered the top as the train chugged to a halt with a loud hiss of steam and sharp blast of the whistle. Gazing from the window, he clutched her hand. "Welcome to Collinsport, Kathleena."

"You're home, Barnabas."

Shaking his head he placed a gentle kiss on her temple. "No, we are home, my dear."

She decided not to gainsay him. For, for the moment at least, it was her home.

Barnabas held Kathleena tenderly against him in the carriage as it bowled down the winding road. How different his life was since leaving a year ago, he mused. What was only meant to be a simple business trip had changed his entire reason for being. Words could not express how deeply he loved the woman sleeping beside him. The woman who now carried his child.

Her head rested gently against his shoulder as her warm breath wafted across his neck. Barnabas pressed a kiss on top of her brown curls. She sighed, snuggling deeper into the hollow of his throat. "I love you," she murmured. The vampire froze at her declaration and then uttered a soft sad sigh. Asleep, she didn't realize what she was saying. Suddenly, Kathleena raised her eyes to his and touched a gaunt cheek with gentle fingertips. "I love you Barnabas. I truly love you with all of my heart. I've tried to hide it for so long, to deny my feelings knowing he would come for me. But no longer for I love you."

Barnabas kissed her lovingly, tenderly. She loved him! She loved him! He was filled with incredible joy. Taking his hand, Kathleena rested it on her belly. "We both love you." In that very moment their child bumped against his palm and he gasped in amazement. She smiled, gazing into his pale face. The light of the moon burning brightly through the window shone in her eyes, making them radiant.

He took her quickly in the carriage and as they straightened themselves, he shook his head. "That wasn't well done. Forgive me Kathleena, but I can't seem to get enough of you."

She giggled, undaunted, "Nor I of you, Barnabas."

Suddenly he rapped his cane against the ceiling and the carriage halted immediately. Barnabas announced proudly: "Lo, the old house."

Kathleena gazed through the window. Gaslights lining the drive burned brightly, lightening the dark night. She could do nothing but stare, dumbstruck, as the magnificent Gregorian mansion stood majestically before her. A dozen or more huge columns spanned the first and second floors, standing like sentries on the portico as they performed the colossal task of supporting the massive upper structure. Twin chimneys rose up from the corniced roof top. The gurgling sound of water came from a huge fountain adorned with playful cherubs as it stood before the circular stairs leading up to massive double doors. Barnabas sat beside her and took her hand. "This is my original family home. It was brought, piece by piece on my father's cargo ships from England to America and rebuilt here."

She could not mistake the pride in his deep voice. "It is truly breathtaking."

"It is even more stunning in the… the sunlight," he added with a frown. Sensitive to his pain, Kathleena lowered her head. "My servant, Gregory will have orders to show you about the house and grounds whenever you wish."

The door to the carriage swung open and the steps were quickly lowered. "Welcome home, Mr. Collins." The driver tipped his hat to her. "Miss."

As Barnabas assisted Kathleena from the coach, the large wooden doors parted. A man dressed in a regal uniform descended the expansive steps. "Welcome back, Master Collins," he said with his thick Irish brogue.

"Thank you." He turned to Kathleena. "Gregory, this is Mistress Kathleena Tell. She will be my guest."

"Aye, sir." The man with the reddish hair bowed. "Mistress."

She smiled shyly in greeting.

"Come, the night air is a bit chilly. Let us continue on inside." Barnabas clutched her hand, carefully guiding her up the marble steps.

In the bright glow of the candlelight, the servant noticed Kathleena's delicate condition. More than a bit surprised, he lowered his gaze to the floor. As Barnabas assisted her to the settee, he turned. "Gregory, some refreshments if you please."

"Aye, sir." The servant left quickly, thankful to have something, anything to do.

Kathleena glanced about the room. "Barnabas, your home is magnifique."

"Thank you, my dear. I hope you enjoy it here."

She watched as he hung their overcoats on a brass rack beside the front doors. "I believe you will have to explain the situation to your man. He seemed rather uncomfortable."

"Yes, didn't he?" Barnabas laughed and Kathleena giggled.

She patted the seat beside her. "Come and sit by me." As he did so, she pulled her hair aside offering her throat. "Take me," she whispered. "I want it so." Needing no further encouragement, he sank deeply into her flesh. As luck would have it, Gregory returned in that moment.

"Sir, I-"

Barnabas withdrew from her, a look of shock crossing his features. His eyes darkened as her blood ran down his chin. Kathleena turned her head to the servant.

"I -I'm I'm so sorry, I-" Gregory stammered, frozen.

Kathleena raised her hand. "No, no please. It's all right."

Barnabas wiped his mouth with his hand. "She gives herself to me freely, without fear."

Amazed, the servant looked to her and she nodded her assurance it was true. Placing a hand on her stomach, Barnabas smiled. "Kathleena is carrying my child." The man was rendered completely speechless. "Gregory, say something," he chuckled deeply.

"Master, 'tis possible?"

"Apparently, for in four months' time I shall be a father."

A wide smile spread across the man's face. " 'Tis indeed great news, sir."

"Thank you. The coffee Gregory?"

After the servant took his leave Barnabas raised his hands. "Somewhat awkward but explanation accomplished."

She smiled and looked at him, love shining brightly in her twinkling blue eyes. "Where were we?" she asked teasingly.

Taking her chin in his large hand, he tilted her head to the side. "I believe, if I'm not mistaken, we were right here." Lowering his mouth to her throat, Barnabas buried deeply into her warm flesh. While he drank his fill, the couple was totally unaware of the icy blue eyes transfixed, watching them through the window. Eyes filled with possessiveness, hatred and rage.