Author's Note: Well here we are, the final chapter. I can't believe it! There will be an epilogue as well after this, but for now… Enjoy!
Chapter Forty Seven: Meteor Shower
"I can finally see,
That you're right there beside me,
I am not my own
For I have been made new,
Please don't let me go,
I desperately need you…"
Ooo0ooO
(Annabelle's POV)
It felt like all the air in the room had disappeared. Time ticked by slowly as I felt my tears slide down my cheeks and my heart pound in my chest thickly. My eyes were blinded by the brilliant sparkle coming from the engagement ring in front of me.
Klaus watched me with gentle, patient love in his blue eyes as he waited for me to find my tongue. I stared a moment longer before blinking rapidly and wiping the tears from my eyes, focusing my gaze back at my mate.
"Yes," I declared. Klaus's eyes went a little round before a smile burst across his face.
"Yes?" he repeated. I lunged for him, knocking him over on the floor. I stared down at him before kissing him fiercely. Klaus groaned and pushed my hair back, kissing me back with equal vigor.
"Yes," I repeated against his lips. "Yes, yes, yes." I kissed him each time and he began laughing before rolling me over. His eyes shone down at me and I saw the glimmer of tears in them. I reached up to capture them before they fell, even as my own fell. Klaus reached over and plucked the ring from the box, poising it at the end of my ring finger, looking at me again.
"Yes," I whispered. He slid the ring on my finger, a perfect fit.
Suddenly, a powerful, electrifying feeling burn through my body, causing me to gasp. Klaus inhaled sharply too and I knew he felt it. We both looked down at our wrists, where the mark of the soul bond were glowing bright- mine a bright blue, his a bright gray. We watched as the colors cooled off again but the marks didn't disappear.
What the hell? I thought. Klaus inhaled again, his eyes huge. I looked at him with confusion.
"What?" I asked.
"I can hear your thoughts," he said with a shaky tone. My jaw dropped as I stared at him.
Can you hear mine? I yelped, slapping a hand over my mouth as I felt my eyes begin to bug out of my head.
How is this possible? I asked. Klaus shook his head.
Aren't you the one to say 'how is any of this possible'? I removed my hand and stared at my engagement ring.
It was beautiful and unusual, not the traditional diamond I would have expected…but I found myself pleased it wasn't. It was a small, oval sapphire in a gold setting with markings along the slightly thick band that resembled those of the soul bond. I twisted my hand to look at them and saw at the base of the band the tiny cravings came together to spell one word.
Forever.
I smiled at that and traced a finger over the small word that held so much promise. I looked back at Klaus and pulled him down for another kiss. He shifted so he was cradled between my legs and I sighed against his lips.
Slowly, we undressed each other in front of the fire. Klaus picked me up so he could spread out some pillows before lying me gently down. We explored each other's bodies, taking our time.
When we finally became one, his hands intertwined with mine as we moved slowly together. His eyes stared into mine before he leaned down to capture my lips again while we reached that golden peak.
We stayed wrapped in each other's arms while the night crept on by. Klaus and I were lying on our sides, facing each other. I looked down at my ring again.
"Why a sapphire?" I asked. Klaus smiled as he rolled to his back, propping his arms behind his head.
"When I lived in the Old World, the sapphire was said to be a jewel that meant hope and faith and was worn amongst royalty." His gaze slid back to me. "It can also mean power, strength as well as kindness and wisdom. It was said to bring those who wore it good fortune and repelled any sort of black magic or ill wishing."
"Seems appropriate," I joked with a grin. Klaus smirked. I turned my hand a little so the stone would catch the fire's light.
"Thank you," I murmured, shifting so I could cuddle against his chest. His arms went around me as he kissed my forehead.
"Do you think it worked?" I asked. "You know, against black magic and stuff?" Klaus shrugged.
"I'm not sure," he said. "Every stone has a different power. Perhaps we should ask Sophie about it."
"In the morning," I said immediately, giving him a mischievous smirk. Klaus's eyes darkened as he pulled me in for another kiss.
Ooo0ooO
(Charlie's POV)
I stared out the window of Meredith's apartment at the night sky while she quietly slept against my chest. The moon was slowly becoming less full and I sighed.
Meredith had stayed with me while I had shifted a few nights ago, which always secretly pleased me. I was glad to find someone who accepted who and what I was.
I heard my phone buzz softly from my jeans which were lying on the floor. I slid out of bed slowly, mindful not to wake Meredith. I looked down at the screen and saw it was my sister.
"Anna?" I murmured quietly, walking into the living room. "Is everything okay?"
"Oh, everything is grand," she replied and I could hear the smile in her voice. "Do you think you could come by the mansion tomorrow for lunch? Klaus and I have something to tell you."
"Oh my God, you're pregnant! Oh wait…" I snapped my fingers. "That's already covered…"
"Ha-ha, very funny, Charles. Bring Meredith, will you? Come by at 12," she requested. I chuckled.
"You got it, boss."
"Good night, Charlie," Anna said before hanging up. I smiled before sliding the phone back into my jeans pocket.
"Charlie?" I turned and saw Meredith standing in the doorway, her hair loose and messy. She wore nothing except my shirt and I felt a stir of desire deep within my gut.
"Sorry I woke you, Anna called," I explained. Meredith's sleepy brown eyes sharpened a little.
"Is everything okay?" I nodded, walking over to her. I kissed her gently.
"Yeah, everything's fine by the sound of it. She wants us to go over to Klaus's place tomorrow for lunch. They have a big announcement."
"Mmm," Meredith hummed with a smile on her face. I cocked my head at her.
"What's that look for?" I asked.
"I have a good idea what that announcement might be," Meredith replied, running her hands up my arms. I raised my brow at her, pulling her closer.
"Care to share?" She laughed.
"Oh c'mon, Charlie, don' tell me you're really that clueless," she teased. I pouted and she leaned up on her toes to kiss me.
"Come on," she said, tugging on my hand. "Come back to bed."
Grinning devilishly at her, I scooped her up quickly, causing her to squeal.
"If you insist," I growled playfully.
Ooo0ooO
(Klaus's POV)
While I began cooking lunch for our guests, Annabelle set up the dining room table. She rearranged the roses a little, refilling the vases with fresh water. I watched as she twirled around the room with the grace and ease of a dancer. She wore the deep pink dress she wore when she met Elijah for the first time and looked beautiful, as always. Her hair was tied back in a loose, curling ponytail to frame her face and simple gold crescents in her ears to set off the gold flashing on her left finger.
I felt a swell of smug pride seeing the ring- my ring- on her finger, marking her as mine forever.
"Well, what do you think?" Anna asked, stepping back to look the room over with her hands on her hips.
"I think if you wanted to, you could have been a wonderful interior decorator," I said, walking over to her to kiss her forehead. Anna snorted softly, smiling up at me.
"I think that would be a very boring life," she replied, wrapping her arms around my neck.
"Ah," I chuckled. "I see the life of adventure has made quite an impression on you." Anna pursed her lips and tilted her head.
"Mmm, that or I couldn't picture a life without my Big Bad Wolf," she teased. I kissed her quickly.
"Hybrid," I corrected against her lips, which curved.
"Whatever," she said before kissing me more thoroughly.
The door bell rang and I stifled a disappointed groan. Annabelle laughed, pinching my side teasingly.
"We haven't been interrupted like that for a while," she remarked, walking towards the entryway. She opened the door and let out a squeal of delight.
Charlie and Meredith stood at the front door holding a large vase of flowers; a mix of daisies, tulips, baby roses, and baby's breath. I walked up behind Annabelle to give our guests a welcoming smile. I noticed the slightly wary look in Meredith's eyes as she returned the smile.
"Thank you! Oh my gosh, it's so pretty and colorful," Anna gushed, taking the vase from Meredith. She turned and handed it to me.
"Be a darling and put it on the dining room table?" she asked, beaming at me. I looked at Charlie and rolled my eyes which got a hearty chuckle from him. I took the flowers and moved into the other room.
"Wow, Anna, look at all the roses! It really brightens up the place!" Meredith said to my mate.
"This was all Klaus's doing," Anna told her. "He surprised me the other day after I got back from a day out."
"How sweet," Meredith replied.
"Yeah, what a darling," Charlie teased as they entered the dining room. I shot him a dirty look which only made him grin.
"Oh man, what a spread," Charlie said, eyeing all the food. "Did you cook?"
"It's one of my many talents," I said dryly. Charlie scoffed, slapping my arm as he strolled by.
"Don't sound so smug about it," the older werewolf replied humorously.
"Please, sit down!" Annabelle said, gesturing to the chairs. "Would you like some wine or sparkling cider?"
"Wine, please," Meredith said as she sat beside Charlie, who sat across from Annabelle. I sat down at the head of the table per usual.
"No beer?" Charlie joked, winking at his sister. Anna just rolled her eyes and filled his glass with the crisp white wine.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa," Charlie said suddenly, grabbing Annabelle's arm. "What's this?"
His hand slid down to grip Anna's firmly, making the engagement ring catch the sunlight that was filtering into the room. Anna just smiled slowly.
"That was why I wanted you guys to come over," she explained. Charlie just gaped at her until Meredith elbowed him in the ribs.
"Klaus and I are engaged," Annabelle said smoothly, sitting down. She smiled at me, taking my hand in hers.
"E-engaged," Charlie spluttered ungracefully. Meredith rolled her eyes and elbowed him sharply again, smiling at Annabelle.
"That's wonderful news. Congratulations to the both of you," she said, raising her wine glass in a salute.
"Thank you," I said to her. Charlie stood up abruptly.
"Klaus, can I talk to you?" he asked through gritted teeth. I saw Annabelle glare at her brother. I stood easily and nodded, gesturing for him to follow me into the other room.
As soon as we were out of the room, I heard Meredith speak again.
"So have you set a date yet?" she asked Anna. I rolled my eyes.
Women, I thought.
I heard that, Annabelle said wryly. I chuckled softly before turning to face Charlie, who looked as troubled as a storm cloud.
"So, you and my sister are getting married," he began, sticking his hands in his pockets.
"Yes, that's what usually happens after an engagement or so I'm told," I replied easily, rocking back on my heels a little. Charlie gave me a fierce look and I shut my mouth.
"You guys have only known each other for a few months," he argued. "Isn't this moving a little fast?" He began pacing, clenching his jaw.
"It's getting close to a year, Charlie, and need I remind you she is my mate who is carrying my child?" I asked calmly. Charlie ran a hand through his hair.
"I know, I know, it's just all crazy," he muttered. He stopped and looked me dead in the eye.
"You love her?"
"You know I do."
"What about fifty years from now when she's nearly eighty and you're still you?" he shot back. I raised a brow.
"Annabelle and I discussed her becoming a Hybrid when she is ready. It won't happen while she is pregnant but it will happen." Charlie's eyes narrowed.
"How? The doppelganger is a vampire and you need her human blood." I smirked.
"I have a feeling another opportunity will make itself known soon," I replied.
"That's not vague at all," Charlie hissed. I rolled my eyes.
"Do you have an opposition to your sister becoming a Hybrid?" I asked. Charlie sighed, his shoulders slumping.
"How can I? She chose you, you're mates. I can't stop her from becoming immortal even if I wanted to," he replied. His eyes sharpened as he met my gaze.
"But I swear to God, if you ever hurt her-,"
"Haven't we gone through this?" I interrupted, raising my brows at him. Charlie bared his teeth.
"If you hurt her or this baby, don't think I won't kick your ass even if I'm old and gray," he growled. I nodded at him.
"I'll keep that in mind," I said. Charlie glared at me before his posture relaxed. He tilted his head at me.
"How are you going to change Anna when the time comes?" he asked. I walked up to him and clasped him on the shoulder.
"Rumor has it a five hundred year old vampire may or may not have been given that cure everyone wanted," I said quietly, giving him a pointed look. "The vampire who is a part of the Petrova doppelganger bloodline." Charlie raised his brows.
"And you're not going to do anything about it?" he asked in a low voice. I shook my head.
"I spent five hundred years hunting Katarina down," I told him. "I don't see why I have to rush to find her now if she is indeed human." Charlie eyed me then shrugged.
"I don't know, man, that's more your forte. You know what my forte is?" Charlie turned and winked at me. "Beautiful women. Shall we get back to ours…bro?" I smiled slowly, clasping Charlie's shoulder briefly, happy for his acceptance and rather odd blessing.
"Let's," I said.
Ooo0ooO
(Annabelle's POV)
As the evening went by, Meredith and I started making tentative wedding plans. We decided a late fall wedding would be best, when the leaves were changing color and the weather was cooler. I wouldn't be too far along to where I would have to waddle down the aisle, but enough to give me- as Meredith called it- "a wedding/pregnant glow". That made me laugh.
We also made plans for me to go into the hospital the following day to have a check up and to make sure everything was okay with me and the baby. Klaus immediately said he wanted to go, which pleased me immensely.
When ten o'clock rolled by, Meredith started nudging Charlie towards the door, making noises about me needing to get plenty of rest. I promised to see her at eleven the next day before waving her and my brother off. Charlie gave me kiss on the cheek and warm hug before he left.
I closed the front door and turned to smile at Klaus. He gave a slight sigh of relief before walking over to kiss me gently.
"Do you want to go to bed?" he asked quietly. I smiled, wrapping my arms around his neck.
"I was thinking a bubble bath first," I said slowly, giving him a teasing smile. Klaus smirked and scooped me up, carrying me up the stairs.
While he started the bath, I slid out of my dress and hung it up in the closet. I toed off my shoes and sighed with relief. I turned to walk out of the closet and bumped into Klaus. I gasped then smiled.
"Hi," I whispered. Klaus looked me over slowly, taking in the pale peach bra and matching lace underwear I wore. I eyed him as well, since his shirt had disappeared and all he wore was tight briefs.
Klaus drew me out of the closet before pulling me into his arms. He leaned in and kissed me slowly, running his hands down my arms, encircling my waist. He lifted me up and I wrapped myself around him like a vine. He groaned softly before turning to carry me to our bed.
Klaus placed me down on the duvet, his body covering mine. I arched against him, trailing my hands down his back before gripping his hips.
His lips trailed down my neck before he removed my bra, scraping his teeth over my breast. I shivered and wrapped my legs around his waist, rocking against him.
Klaus continued moving down my body, sliding my panties down my legs, trailing kisses along my thighs. I trembled and cried out at the sensation.
Klaus sighed my name before he entered me slowly. He tilted my head back and kissed me, thrusting inside me inch by inch. I groaned and rolled my hips against him while my nails dug into his back.
We began moving slowly at first, but then faster. Klaus slid a hand underneath me and lifted me a little off the mattress, making my back arch more. I cried out again, tightening my legs around him. My hands moved up to grip his hair, my fingers losing themselves in his blonde curls.
Heat began building up inside me and I felt Klaus's desire and love intertwined with my own. I tilted my head back as he nibbled on my neck teasingly. I moaned his name.
I opened my eyes to look into his while my world began falling apart. His eyes blazed into mine, a fierce blue with gold flecks until he leaned in to kiss me. We swallowed each other's cries as we climaxed.
Klaus collapsed on top of me, catching the bulk of his weight on his forearms. He shifted so he could press his cheek to my lower stomach. I played with his hair with a smug smile on my face.
"What happened to a bath?" I asked teasingly. Klaus chuckled, pressing a kiss to the sensitive skin underneath my belly button.
"Shall we move into the bathroom?" he asked, his eyes dancing as he looked up at me. I sighed and ran a hand down his face.
"Maybe in a few minutes," I replied. Klaus just smirked and kissed my skin again.
"Your body is changing," he murmured. I looked back down at him.
"What, am I already getting fat?" Klaus gave me a bland look before tracing a finger over my lower abdomen.
"No, not fat," he sighed. "Your body is just changing. Your belly is already beginning to curve very slightly. Your breasts…" He moved up to kiss them gently, causing me to gasp. "Are beginning to swell, just a little."
"I'm not that far along," I argued. "You're just imagining things." Klaus raised a brow at me.
"Well maybe you can't see it," he said quietly. "But I can." I smiled before pushing at him gently.
"Come on, let's go take that bath," I said, pushing aside any thoughts of me already gaining baby weight.
Ooo0ooO
(Charlie's POV)
Meredith and I sat in her bed, cuddling, while a movie played on her TV screen. I wasn't really paying attention to it as I played with her soft curls.
"Charlie?" she asked, sitting up. "What are you thinking about?"
"Mmm? Oh, nothing," I said. Meredith gave me a look and I sighed.
"I was just thinking of Anna," I said sheepishly. Meredith smiled and curled into my side again.
"You know, some women would get jealous if they knew their man was thinking of another woman while in bed," she joked. I chuckled.
"She's my sister," I said simply. "I worry about her."
"There's nothing to worry about," Meredith soothed, kissing my lips softly. "She's happy and you should be happy for her."
"You don't think this is all happening a little fast?" Meredith laughed.
"What, them or us?" she quipped. I grinned and pulled her closer, kissing her temple.
"You're right, as always," I said. "I just hope she gets everything she wants."
"She has her mate who she is going to marry and start a family with. What more could she want?" Meredith asked. I sighed and rested my cheek against her hair.
"I don't know," I said softly, even though I knew the answer.
Even if Anna wouldn't admit it, I knew she wanted one last thing before she started her new life with Klaus. Something she couldn't have, especially with the Expression Triangle closed.
She would have wanted a chance to say good bye to our parents, one last time.
I frowned a little and shoved aside those thoughts. I might have gotten to see them for a few moments but their memory was still an old wound that festered, and I didn't want Anna to continue to quell on that when her future held so much promise and hope.
Ooo0ooO
(Annabelle's POV)
The next morning, Klaus and I made our way over to the hospital to meet with Meredith. She greeted us warmly and led us to one of the private rooms. She instructed me to sit up on the table while Klaus stood beside me, keeping a protective hand on my shoulder.
"Now, let's see how everything going," she said, starting up the ultrasound machine. I leaned back and put my fee up comfortably as she moved the gown aside to put on some of that ultrasound goo on my stomach.
"There's the uterus… And the embryonic sac… Ah, there's the little one," Meredith commented, pointing to the screen. Klaus and I leaned in a little and saw the tiny life within the dark sac.
"Is the little white, flickering light its heart?" I asked. Meredith nodded.
"It is," she confirmed, turning her hand so we got a new angle.
Suddenly, she frowned and moved the screen so she could examine it more closely. I looked at Klaus briefly before looking at her.
"Meredith?" I asked worriedly.
"Well, well, this is unexpected," she murmured. She turned and gave us a radiant smile that chased away my nerves.
"What is it?" Klaus asked, still looking tense. Meredith turned the screen again and pointed.
"What do you see?" she asked him. I peered over at the screen like Klaus. I saw the tiny baby move slightly, the little white light flickering…but it almost looked like there was something else… Another little light…
"What is that?" I asked, my eyes widening. Meredith smiled hugely again.
"Well, it's surprising to see this this early in development, but that looks like a second heartbeat," she said.
"A…second heartbeat," Klaus repeated. Meredith gave him a warm smile.
"It looks like you guys are going to have twins," she finished. "And by the look of it, they're about six or seven weeks along, which is why I'm saying it's rare to see their separate heartbeats this early…but then again your gestation rate might be faster than a human's, obviously. If they look like that after four weeks of pregnancy, I imagine you'll be giving birth a lot sooner than imagined."
"Wait, wait," I said, shaking my head. "Go back to where you were saying twins?" Meredith laughed.
"Yes, Anna, you're going to be the mother of two," she announced. Klaus made an odd noise and I looked up at him. His eyes were a little round and dark as he stared at the ultrasound image.
"Twins," he repeated very softly. Abruptly, he sat down and buried his face in my chest. My eyes widened but I smiled, running a hand over his hair. Klaus looked up at me, his eyes brimmed with tears.
"Annabelle," he murmured huskily. Leaning down, I kissed him briefly but fiercely. I began laughing, ignoring the tears that began spilling down my cheeks. Meredith handed us some tissue before quietly excusing herself.
"I love you," Klaus growled, kissing me again. I leaned my forehead against his and sighed.
"I love you too," I whispered, looking into his eyes.
"Twins," he repeated again, grinning broadly. I realized something and gripped his hand.
"Like the dreams," I said. "There were always two kids in the dreams."
"Are you sure you're not psychic?" Klaus asked, eyeing me with a smile. I giggled, leaning my head back to stare at the ceiling. I covered my eyes briefly before sitting up and looking at Klaus.
"Twins!" I squealed, throwing my arms around him. Klaus clenched me close, burying his face in my hair while I hid mine in the crook of his neck.
Ooo0ooO
(Klaus's POV)
When we left the hospital, I called Antonio on the car phone. Annabelle was leaning back with her seat reclined, a small smile gracing her face as her hands covered the baby- babies.
"Ciao?" Antonio answered.
"Antonio," I greeted.
"Ah, Klaus! How have you been, mio amico? How is your beautiful mate Annabelle?"
"Hello, Antonio," Anna said sitting up a little.
"Bella!" Antonio said warmly. "What news do you bring me?"
"It seems Annabelle and I are going to be having twins," I said easily. Antonio laughed deeply.
"Bene, bene! This is cause for a celebration, no?"
"Indeed," I agreed. Annabelle smiled at me.
"Antonio, I do hope you'll be able to make it for the wedding. It would be an honor to meet you finally," Anna said.
"Of course, cara, it would be my pleasure," Antonio replied, a smile clear in his tone.
"Antonio, I need you to tell me one thing about werewolf pregnancies," I said.
"What do you need to know?" he asked pleasantly.
"How long do the pregnancies typically last? I imagine they're faster than human pregnancies."
"Si, si, the pregnancy of a werewolf can vary. Many say it lasts from four to six months but since you are Hybrid, I am uncertain how long your Anna's pregnancy will last," Antonio explained.
"Our doctor said it looks like the twins are nearly a month ahead in development," Annabelle told him.
"Ah, bella, than your bambinos will be here before you know it! Perhaps in less than six months, that is for certain," Antonio declared. I pulled up in front of the mansion.
"Well, thank you for your help, Antonio," I said smoothly.
"Anything for you, mio amico," Antonio said. "And Anna?"
"Yes?"
"Make sure to take care of yourself, cara," he instructed. "And look after Klaus." Anna gave me an amused smile.
"I will, Antonio. I look forward to meeting you soon," she said.
"As do I! Ciao, ciao!" I smirked as I ended the call, getting out of the car. Annabelle smiled at me front over the car's roof.
"Is he always in high spirits?" she asked. I smiled.
"I don't think I have ever seen Antonio frown in all the time I've known him," I replied, which made Annabelle laugh.
Ooo0ooO
(Annabelle's POV)
I called Charlie and asked him if he knew he news, which he confirmed, thanks to Meredith. He congratulated me and Klaus, joking how he was excited about becoming an uncle.
When the sun went down, I convinced Klaus to go on a night hike to the river. The stars were out and shining brightly in the dark sky and the moon was full and beautiful.
We reached the river and I went to the old redwood tree and jumped up on the highest branch. I patted the seat beside me and Klaus joined me a second later.
"We haven't sat up in the trees in a while," Klaus commented. I leaned against him, resting my head on his shoulder.
"I like sitting in the trees with you," I sighed. Klaus kissed the top of my head and put his arm around me.
"So do I."
As we watched, one lone shooting star streaked across the sky. I smiled and closed my eyes to make a wish.
"Anna, look," Klaus urged. I opened my eyes and gasped.
The black sky was now streaked with shooting stars and meteorites. They ranged from blue to pale yellow to white, making the sky look like the heavens were falling down.
"It's beautiful," I whispered.
"I think it's a sign," Klaus said, kissing my shoulder. I smiled and looked over at him.
"A sign?" I repeated. He nuzzled my cheek.
"A sign that everything is falling in place for us. We have each other," he said, tracing a finger over the ring on my left finger. "And now we know we have two new additions to this family coming our way. I believe this is a sign that the tides are changing for us and a new future is starting for us." I smiled and rested my forehead against his.
"I couldn't agree more," I said with a smile.
To be continued….
Ooo0ooO
Author's Note: Well, did you guys like that ending? Let me know! The epilogue is coming up next!
