Chapter Forty:

The Shepherd Rejoins With The Lamb

Grissom froze. He was surprised that Darius knew the truth. He wasn't even sure of the truth.

"The baby carries my blood because we completed the ritual. My blood joined with Sara's…and the baby."

Sara moaned softly as Darius stroked her hair.

"You're still bound to her because I never…took her," Darius swore. "You old man should know that the bond can only be broken if one had sex with a fallen angel. She didn't but Sara was willing in order to save your lives!"

"Why…why…"

"The old man is speechless," chuckled Darius. "Oh I tried. I couldn't…unless I liked having my gut twisted. Every time I tried to touch her, I felt the worst pain…Sara was somehow protected. No harm could come to her."

Grissom and Francis looked shocked.

"You're still vile," spat Francis.

"Yeah, I hope so because I would like to gut you if anything happens to Sara or the baby."

"Darius, no," Sara pleaded.

"Let me harm him…just a little," he half begged as his hand felt her forehead.

"We saw..heard," insisted Grissom.

"You heard a video...you saw us in bed but we were not doing the dirty deed. You need functionable equipment to pull that off. It seems that The Holy One put a kink in my unholy plans. While I was trying to figure out why I couldn't do the dirty deed you guys show up so I decided to give you what you wanted to see. Sara went along with it in order to get you out of there in one piece," Darius griped. "Really guys, did you think you could just rush into a demon infested house and rescue her...without any weapons?"

"I could have taken you...and the others," stated Francis.

Darius snorted. "Not likely. It was a suicide mission but then Grissom probably knew that...didn't you?"

He did. If Sara was lost to him then he didn't care if they killed him.

Sara cried out once more as Doc sat next to her motioning for the others to give Sara some privacy as he examined her.

"We got problems here, guys," stated Doc. "Sara is almost fully dilated."

They jumped into action as Darius lifted her while the guys put towels across the bed.

She screamed as he laid her back.

"My back! I feel like I'm being split in two," she panted.

She gripped Darius' hand like a vice, fearful of delivering a baby in these conditions.

Her eyes roamed around the room remembering when she had miscarried in this very room.

Doc could see the fear in her eyes. "Sara, I'm afraid to give you anything for the baby…besides I don't have much pain medication in my bag."

She nodded. "Doc...the baby," she choked.

"He's going to be fine...but I need you awake…you're weak and…" he didn't finish as he cursed while struggling to his feet to prepare what little he had.

"Sara, it might not be too late for..." Sara interrupted Doc. "It is."

"How can you be so certain?" he asked.

"Doc! Please!" she cried.

"Okay Sara," Doc soothed as he patted her hand. "We'll wait to do the blood ritual after the baby is born. Okay?"

"Yes...after," she emphasized.

The room had not changed as she glanced around, swallowing the fear that threatened to choke her.

Darius knew she was remembering the miscarriage.

"You're safe...the baby is safe," he assured her.

She took deep breaths, trying to calm her nerves.

She closed her eyes but opened them when she felt a cool washcloth on her forehead.

Grissom held it in place, hoping that it would give her some relief.

"Feels good," she murmured not noticing whose hand held it in place.

She couldn't see Grissom as she looked about the room, wondering where and when he had left.

"Grissom," she choked as she caressed her abdomen, not able to consider the possibility that the baby would not survive.

She closed her eyes, the memories of the miscarriage were too vivid.

She felt a warm hand caress her cheek.

Her eyes drifted open as she stared into Grissom's face.

"He's not going to die, Sara," promised Grissom.

She clung to him, letting the tears slip down her cheeks.

He held her tight, feeling her body visibly shake.

"It will be different this time," he choked.

"It feels like before," she wept.

"It's not," Grissom assured her.

"It's not like before," she repeated over and over, hoping to convince herself as a steady stream of tears poured down her cheeks.

He finally released her body but continued to gently swipe the washcloth over her body, easing the tension.

"Just rest," whispered Grissom. "I'll...watch over you," he choked remembering the times he made love to her in this very bed.

This child was conceived in this bed.

His hand held hers, the scars aligned perfectly as he softly talked to her, soothing her fears.

She drifted off as the men became alarmed.

"Pray this isn't a long delivery. I'm not sure how much she can endure," whispered Doc.

Grissom swallowed. "Doc...I'm not sure...she's very weak."

"Her pulse is steady...keep sitting with her...hold her hand. We need to try to keep her as comfortable...damn I wish I had something to give her. Pray we don't run into any complications."

She was able to sleep for almost an hour before the pain intensified.

She woke in a panic, panting through the pain as Grissom assured her everything was okay.

She seemed to calm the moment she heard and felt Grissom's presence.

She scanned the room for Darius finding him near the window and grew alarmed.

"Are they here?" she gasped. "Have they come?"

"No. The guard's unexplained death probably has them spooked...they won't come," he assured her, hoping he was speaking the truth.

"Silas? Silas will come," she worried.

"It's safe here," Darius urged.

She nodded needing to believe him.

Another contraction came several minutes later as she tried to breathe through the pain.

Francis stood off to the side as he watched Darius and Grissom coax Sara through the contraction.

An hour passed followed by another.

Sara could barely rest before another contraction hit her.

Suddenly the contractions stopped.

She lay there, shaking her head. "Something is wrong," she choked. "It's happening again."

Grissom silently pleaded with Doc as he continued to stroke Sara's forehead with the washcloth.

Doc listened for the baby's heartbeat. "He's fine, Sara. His heartbeat is strong. He's trying to give you a break. Just rest."

"It's a boy?" asked Francis.

"What do you care?" griped Darius.

Sara gasped for air. "Can't breathe….another contraction."

She screamed this time as she felt the baby move further down the birth canal.

For thenext several minutes, she pushed until she lay back too exhausted to try anymore.

Doc glanced briefly at Grissom.

"Sara, push!" ordered Doc.

She tried but fell back, too tired to push again, shaking her head.

"Sara, you have to push…now!"

She lay there unmoving.

Grissom lifted her as he sat down behind her, pulling her against his chest.

"Sara, push," Grissom urged as he kissed her on the temple.

She moaned.

"Push, honey. It's almost over."

"I...can't," she cried.

Grissom glanced at Doc.

"I don't want to perform a C-section in these conditions," whispered Doc. "I'd have to cut her open…without anesthesia. We have to get the baby out."

"Sara, I'm going to help," urged Grissom.

Grissom placed his hands on her stomach and pushed.

She screamed from the pain but she pushed as well, forcing the baby further.

"You're hurting her!" yelled Darius.

"I see the baby's head," reported Doc.

"Come on, Sara. Help me push him out," urged Grissom.

She tried but fell back, too weak to move anymore.

Grissom repeated the procedure, choking down a sob when she cried out once more from the pain.

"His shoulders are almost clear," urged Doc.

"Once more, Sara," urged Grissom.

"Can't," she whispered.

"Sara Jane!" yelled Grissom.

Sara jerked awake. She pushed one last time and with Grissom's effort the baby slid free.

Doc hurriedly cleaned out the baby's airways.

"No sound," Sara murmured. "Why don't I hear him?"

Grissom wrapped his arms around her, blocking her view as Doc continued to work on the baby.

"No sound, Grissom. Why can't I hear...him," she cried. "What's happening? I need to see my baby."

Grissom held her tight, trying to shield her eyes from the sight of Doc working with the baby.

Darius rushed over and stood in awe at the newborn.

The baby gurgled as he stared at Doc while he cleaned him with the towel.

"He's fine," announced Doc.

Brass stepped forward to look at the baby.

"He's looking at us, kiddo," announced Brass. "The little fella doesn't seem bothered by his delivery."

Grissom stroked her hair as he kissed her on the cheek his arms still wrapped firmly around her.

Darius reached for the baby but Doc stepped back.

"I want to hold him," stated Darius.

Doc glanced at Grissom.

Grissom swallowed his fear as he nodded.

Darius took the small bundle into his arms.

"He's…perfect," he marveled.

He stepped away from the others as he held the baby.

Brass stepped closer not sure if he could be trusted with the newborn.

Francis did as well.

Grissom quickly came to his feet, fear written on his face.

The very man who had killed their firstborn was now holding their son.

Darius looked at Sara. "He's beautiful, Sara."

There was a slight catch in his voice as Darius whispered, "Hold him, Sara."

She tried to reach for him but her arms dropped to her side.

Darius brought the baby and placed him in her arms.

"He's small…but strong, Sara," smiled Darius as he stepped away to admire the baby with Sara.

She stared at the baby, unwrapping the blanket as if she needed to inspect him for herself.

She kissed the baby over and over as she snuggled him close to her.

Grissom was eager to see him.

She could sense his need.

"Griss…take him," she whispered.

Gently he took the baby, feeling guilty that Sara had only been able to hold him briefly after having endured hours of torture to give him life.

Grissom smiled as he glanced down at the baby, enthralled at the enormity of the baby's eyes that stared intently at him.

Gently he leaned over and kissed the baby's forehead.

Sara's heart fluttered at the sight, grateful Grissom had been there to help bring their son into the world.

Without him, she knew she would not have been able to do it.

She took a gulp of air, fighting off exhaustion, needing to see him with the baby one last time.

The other men gathered around Grissom.

Sara closed her eyes as the men admired the baby.

Doc yelled suddenly. "Sara….stay with us."

Grissom gripped the baby tight as he watched in horror as Doc checked for a pulse.

Darius rushed to her side. "Sara!"

Doc rechecked her pulse and sighed. "It's weak…too weak."

Darius slumped to his knees as he stroked her hair. "Don't break your agreement," he wept as he took her hand, kissing the palm.

She opened her eyes, smiling at Darius.

Her hand gently swiped one of his tears away. "Not fallen," she whispered as she stared briefly at Francis.

Francis jerked Darius around and was shocked to see his face wet from tears.

"Don't touch me," he warned.

"Gil, take the baby in the other room while I tend to Sara," stated Doc.

Grissom lingered for a moment while the others filed out of the room.

"Doc, is she alright?" Grissom asked worriedly.

"Her pulse is a little stronger," he encouraged. "I'll clean up the afterbirth and make sure her body is doing what it's supposed to do. Last time she healed quickly," Doc added.

Grissom gathered the baby closer.

The baby's small hand found its way to his mouth and he suckled on his fist.

"I better hurry. That little fella is going to get hungry soon," stated Doc.

Grissom stepped into the living room and was bombarded by Francis and Darius.

Grissom clutched at the baby, not wanting to let go of him just yet.

"I want to hold…my son," declared Darius.

Grissom bristled.

"Please," added Darius to Francis' surprise.

Grissom reluctantly handed him the baby.

Darius sat down in a chair as he admired the small bundle.

Brass stepped to his side as did Francis but Darius glared at them while Grissom slipped back into the room to be with Sara.

The guys refused to back away even though Darius glared at them once more.

"I'm just admiring your…son," stated Brass.

Darius cooled immediately as he swayed gently with the baby.

The baby yawned and continued to stare at Darius.

Darius held the baby close as he kissed him on the forehead.

Francis stood there dumbstruck as he observed the interaction between Darius and the baby.

"Can I hold him?" asked Brass.

"No!" huffed Darius.

"I'm family," retorted Brass.

"How so?" Darius asked.

"Sara…is my daughter," Brass lied.

Darius handed the baby to Francis and then lunged at Brass taking him by surprise.

Grissom had opened his mouth to inquire about Sara when he heard the commotion in the next room.

He rushed back out and grabbed Darius just as he was about to slug Brass.

Grissom shoved Darius against the wall.

"Stop!" ordered Grissom.

"He hurt Sara!" yelled Darius.

"I did not!" yelled Brass.

"You said you were her father. I know what her father did to her. I saw!" Darius glared.

"Darius…then you know that Brass can't be Sara's father….he was killed," stated Grissom.

"Oh…yeah," admitted Darius. "I didn't harm him," he said matter of fact. "You tell Sara. I didn't harm him."

Brass got to his feet. "I meant…figuratively."

Darius turned to get the baby but Francis was rocking him back and forth.

"He's…so angelic," whispered Francis. "Look! Look how he watches me…not a single cry…such a trusting soul."

Darius stepped closer. "He takes after Sara."

"Right," muttered Brass.

Grissom stepped back into the room as Doc had just finished.

"She's lost a lot of blood," Doc stated. "But her pulse is steady."

"Doc, is she going to be alright?" he repeated, his fear evident on his face.

"I think so," he finally said.

"You think so?" griped Grissom.

She seemed quite pale as she lay there.

"Hopefully the baby will not need to nurse for a few hours so Sara can get some rest," whispered Doc.

The door opened and Darius stepped inside. "How is she?"

"She's resting….getting stronger," stated Doc.

Darius nodded as he stared at her.

"She doesn't need to be disturbed," cautioned Doc.

Grissom knew that Darius was not going to leave as long as he was there.

Grissom stepped back into the living room and Darius followed.

Grissom took the baby from Francis despite his protests.

"Do you want me to call Catherine and have her get some things for the baby?" asked Brass.

Grissom nodded as he stared at the baby.

The baby yawned once more but then whimpered.

"Not yet," whispered Grissom. "Momma needs her rest."

"Tell Catherine to bring bottles and formula in case Sara can't nurse him," stated Grissom.

"Our babies nurse from their mothers," declared Francis.

"Only the best," added Darius.

Francis nodded in agreement.

Darius looked around. "Is there any food in this place?"

Brass was given the task of ordering food.

Francis took up a watch to ensure no one was watching the house.

Brass had already ordered an unmarked car to patrol the area for any suspicious persons lurking.

The baby began to whimper more instantly.

Grissom smiled as the baby gnawed at his small fingers. "You're such a good baby," he whispered. "I know you're hungry….maybe Momma can help us now."

Grissom took the baby and slipped back into Sara's room.

Doc smiled as he admired the baby.

"He's getting a little fussy," whispered Grissom.

Doc gently nudged Sara.

Her eyes flitted open briefly.

"A little fella is hungry," whispered Doc.

Doc helped her to a slight sitting position.

Sara tried to extend her arms.

"I'm not sure I can nurse him," she said weakly.

The baby whimpered.

Grissom placed the baby in Sara's arm but helped to support him.

He hungrily latched on as if he had done it several times.

Doc chuckled. "He learns fast…or he's going to take after Greg," teased Doc.

Sara stared at the baby as he suckled.

"Are you alright?" asked Grissom.

She nodded, too filled with emotion as she felt her son nursing.

She kissed the baby on the forehead as she leaned back, closing her eyes, no longer able to fight the exhaustion any longer.

Grissom glanced nervously at Doc.

After several minutes, Doc motioned for Grissom to switch the baby to the other side. The baby fussed slightly but stopped as soon as he was given access again.

"Definitely takes after Greg," grinned Grissom.

He'd hoped the comment would get a response out of Sara but her eyes remained closed.

Darius stepped into the room and smiled at the sight but then quickly added. "Did she see him?" he asked.

"Yes," replied Grissom.

Doc motioned for Grissom to take the baby.

"Gil, I think we need to do the blood ritual," whispered Doc as he motioned for Darius to leave.

Darius started to object, not wanting to leave Sara but then there were voices in the other room.

Grissom recognized it as Catherine. He handed the baby to Darius and he carried it into the living room.

"Gil, she didn't want to do the blood transfusion until the baby was born…to fulfill this damn agreement but now there is no excuse. She's weak…too weak for my comfort."

Grissom sat down on the edge of the bed, taking her hand into his.

"Doc, if you'll give me the scalpel," whispered Grissom.

She stirred, pulling her hand to her chest and shook her head. "You're free…of me. You won't die," she said. "Gracen…Gracen said the ritual with Darius would release you from death."

"And yet we're still bonded together," stated Grissom.

She pulled her hand from his and he let her, knowing she needed to conserve her energy.

She shook her head once more angering Grissom. "Sara, you're weak…too weak. I can feel you."

"The birth just took a lot out of me," she countered. "I'm feeling better. Wait."

"No," insisted Grissom.

"What do you care? I'm dead to you," she whispered rather angrily.

Doc stepped away giving them some privacy.

"I didn't know the baby was mine, Sara. That night, I saw you…walking freely about Vegas…pregnant by the very man who caused the death of our child so forgive me if I…lashed out at you…wanting you to feel the same kind of pain I was…I'm still feeling," he choked.

"You think I didn't? But I did what I had to do to protect…us. Gracen said it was the only way to keep you and the others safe…from Darius. I did what Gracen said to do…I did the ritual with him…and I saw what they did to him. He's not evil…he's not like them. He's risked his life by going against the clan. Silas will kill him."

He reached out to caress her cheek but she flinched from his touch.

"I'm sorry," he said. "If I could take back…those words…everything I ever did…to hurt you, I would."

"I've heard those words before," she replied.

She closed her eyes not wishing to see his face anymore.

He pulled Doc toward the door. "She's weaker."

Doc glanced at him. "How do you feel?" he countered.

"Good," he admitted.

"If she's not better in a few hours, then…"

Grissom pulled him further away from the bed. "I won't risk it. I want to do it," emphasized Grissom.

"Gil, she's not going to let you."

"Then…give her something…to make her sleep while I….do it."

"Gil…"

"Doc, please!"

Doc sighed. "We have no idea what we are doing."

"Yes, I do," he vowed.

I want to bound to her...

If she dies, I die...

Living without her is too hard...

Note from author:

Well, this cliffhanger isn't so bad...LOL. I'm glad I left it on a better note, I think...