A Life for a Life

Chapter 6

A/N: Once again, thank you to everyone for the wonderful reviews. It is really appreciated! I also want to thank everyone for being so supportive throughout the story. I was really scared of what you guys thought about the last chapter, but once I saw the reviews all of my fear faded and was replaced by an urge to continue strongly. Enjoy this chapter!

I do not own anything.

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Tessa could hear her feet beating down on the floor as she ran down the hall. She didn't know where she was going. All she could do was chant the same thing over and over in her head. How could this have happened? How could this have happened? She could feel her heart beating in her throat and there was a ringing sound in her ears.

Tessa rounded a corner and felt herself colliding with someone. Will grabbed her waist and steadied them before they fell over. "Whoa, what is the rush?" he said, but when he saw Tessa's face he pulled her closer, almost cradling her in his arms."Tess? What's wrong? Are you hurt? Is it Jem?"

Tessa shook her head. She opened her mouth to speak, but nothing came out. She could hear herself hyperventilating, but could not get herself to stop. Not even her limbs were working properly. Will took her face between his hands, forcing her to look at him. "Tessa, calm down. You are in shock."

Tessa caught Will's piercing blue eyes and tried to focus on them only. After a while Tessa could feel herself breathing normally again. "There you go. That's my girl. Now tell me what happened."

Tessa took a few more calming breaths, still clutching to Will for dear life. "He told me, he told me" Tessa stuttered.

"Who? Jem?" Will asked.

Tessa shook her head. Slowly she started explaining. "I saw a doctor today."

Will's concerned expression changed into one of fear. He pulled her more closely to him. "Are you okay? Are you ill Tess?"

"No. I am very healthy." Tessa took another deep breath. "He told me I was pregnant."

Tessa watched Will's face change from fear to confusion to shock. "Tessa are you sure?" Warlock's can't-" He looked deep into her eyes where he saw all her fear and confusion. She was just as shocked as he was. He wiped away a single tear running down Tessa's cheek. "Unless you are not a warlock." Will said as gently as he could.

Tessa buried her head in Will's chest, trying to make sense of everything that has happened. "Will? What am I?"

Will could hear the desperation in her voice. She was begging him to give her answers. Answers he did not have. Instead of trying to make her feel better, Will decided to tell her what he knew was true in his heart. "I know what you are."

Tessa looked up at Will. Surprised by his answer. He returned her look with a sincere smile, before continuing. "You are a beautiful, wonderful person. Who is always willing to help others. Who always sees the good in others. Hell, Tess you even saw good in me."

Tessa gave a small smile. Leave it to Will to make her laugh through times like this. Will returned Tessa's smile with one of his own. "You know what else I know?" Tessa shook her head, not knowing what else Will could possibly say. "You are going to be a wonderful mother."

Tessa's eyes brightened up instantly. "Do you really think so?" Will tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "I don't think. I know."

Tessa's face lit up into a bright smile. She threw her arms around Will and embraced him in a tight hug. Will hugged her back, loving the feeling of her against him, but all too suddenly they pulled apart.

A smile was still on Tessa's face. "Thank you." Will simply nodded. "My pleasure. Now you better go tell Jem." Tessa planted a kiss on his cheek before turning around to leave. Will watched Tessa walk down the hallway and whished just for one day he could have Jem's life. He wished he could have what Jem had.

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Tessa entered the library where Jem was seated near a desk. All of a sudden very nervous to share the news. What would Jem think? Would he be happy? Would he be scared? With a nervous sigh Tessa stepped into the room. Jem instantly lifted his head when he caught sight of Tessa. The look on his face was one of pure relieve.

He flew from behind the desk and embraced her. "I was so worried. The doctor took so long. I was about to knock the door down."

He placed a few butterfly kisses over her face, then faced her with a serious look. "Was the doctor able to help?"

Tessa leaded Jem to two nearby chairs and forced him to sit down. She didn't know who needed the seats more. "Jem, I really do not know how to tell you this. When the doctor told me I could not bring myself to believe it and I know it will be hard to believe."

Jem took Tessa's hands in his and if she didn't know any better she could swear his hands were shaking. He started tracing circles with his thumb on Tessa's palm. A sign that he was trying to comfort her. "Tessa you are scaring me and that says a lot coming from a shadow hunter who fights demons for a living. Jem's voice shook a little when he added. "I do not want to lose you."

Tessa felt tears stinging the back of her eyes. It never ceased to amaze her how lucky she was to have Jem Carstairs as her husband. She could never have asked for anyone better. It made the information she was about to give so much easier. She placed both hands on Jem's face and kissed him passionately. "You will never lose me."

Jem rested his forehead against Tessa's. "Then please, tell me what is wrong."

Tessa smiled at him brightly while fending off tears of joy. It seems like everything was starting to sink in. "You are going to be a father James Carstairs."

Jem let out a surprised gasp, but did not move away from Tessa. His face seemed blank as if he was repeating the information over and over in his head. "How?" was all he got out.

"I really don't know how. It was a shock to me as well." Tessa said truthfully. Jem stared at his shoes for a while which started to make Tessa regret telling him, but after a while he pulled her onto his lap and pressed her small frame against his. "I'm going to be a father." Jem said.

"Yes James, you are going to be a father." Tessa repeated.

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Hope you enjoyed the chapter! Next chapter will include some action. Until next time.