A/N: Been away from this one for quite a while. To all my readers, you will have to excuse my absence. I have been dealing with something very personal that is still going on, but today I decided to distract myself and stepping into the world of Twilight once again behind every OUAT character that we love to see. I hope you all enjoy this update as much as I did. More will be posted tomorrow in time. For now, I appreciate your feedback as always and thank you for your love and patience. Happy reading! :)

Waves crashed at La Push beach. Ruby sat along the sand, chewing on her last slice of pizza, near the campfire. The others' laughter could be heard echoing as they played a game of soccer along the sand.

"You want some more?" Seth held a fresh box of pizza toward Ruby.

Ruby shook her head but said nothing, her eyes staring forward to the dancing waves.

Seth joined Ruby along the sand, picking off a slice of pizza and taking a bite. "Don't be sad, Ruby."

"It was her choice, Rubes." Quil said, joining them along the sand in their own little group. "You can't change what's about to happen, or already happened."

Ruby's frown deepened. "This wouldn't have to happen if she didn't choose her. I was such an idiot. I always seem to ruin every moment I have with her."

"It's not your fault, Ruby," Seth reminds her. "It's the wolf in you, you can't control that."

Ruby shakes her head, her eyes staring at the sand below her feet. "I wonder what cover story that leech is going to come up with for Henry." Her jaw tightens as her head lifts. "Maybe they'll say she was in a car crash. Or jumped and fell off a cliff." The corner of her lip lifts, "At least I'll get one thing out of it." Her mind became joyous at the thought of finally killing Emma for breaking the treaty.

"No, you won't." Graham stands a few feet from them, the soccer ball latched in his hands. Eyes turn to him. "The Swan's are not a danger to the treaty or the tribe."

"Well, she's either going to kill her or change her, and the treaty says-"

"I say. Ruby. I say." Graham warns. He glares for a full minute before returning to the soccer game with the others.

Ruby snorts, shaking her head. This peace treaty with the Swan's was ridiculous.

"You know, if you wanted things to be different, you should have become Alpha." Quil reminded her. As if Ruby needed reminding of that.

"Turning it down seemed like a good idea at the time." Ruby scowled. Her eyes focused on the crashing waves ahead.

"Come on, Ruby," Seth spoke. "Do you really think you could kill Regina if she comes back a vampire?"

"No-" Before Ruby could even answer that question to herself, Leah was already cutting in. "She'd make one of us do it, then hold a grudge against us-"

"Shut up, Leah." Ruby hissed.

"Would you just get over it, already? It's not like you imprinted on her!" Leah spat.

Ruby's eyes turned dark as they glared in Leah's direction.

Seth's eyes direct onto Graham and the rest of the pack, smiling and laughing among them, while his arm is protectively wrapped around Emily. "At least they seem happy." Seth remarks with a slight shrug of his shoulder.

"Happy?" Ruby snarls, shaking her head at the rest of the group. "None of them belong to themselves anymore." She turns to Seth, "And the sickest part is their genes tell them they're happy about it."

"At least if you imprinted on someone you could finally forget about Regina. I mean…" Said Leah, turning her attention back to Graham and Emily. "Being any kind of happy is better than being miserable about someone you can't have."

The engine to Ruby's motorcycle died down as she pulled into her grandmother's dirt driveway. Her eyes directed at the familiar police cruiser parked alongside Eugenia's truck. Henry. Dismounting her bike, she rushed through the front door of the house, where she was greeted by both her grandmother and Henry.

"What is it?" Ruby asked, her eyes shifting between the pair.

"Ruby," Eugenia took a step toward Ruby.

"What's going on?" Ruby's eyes locked onto Eugenia's, seeking the answer she dreaded to hear behind them. She held her breath as she waited.

"Gina called him." The corner of Eugenia's lip slightly lifted.

"Regina's here?" Ruby's heart accelerated inside of her chest. Her eyes looked toward Henry for more answers.

"Hey, Ruby," Henry smiled a little. His beard was a little more noticeable than it was since she last laid eyes on him. "I haven't seen you in a while. You alright?"

Ruby nods, nodding being the only action she could give him to ease his mind. "You talked to Regina? Where is she?"

Henry sighed, rubbing the throbbing point along the middle of his forehead with his forefinger. "Her and Emma are extending their trip. Seems she caught some sort of bug, and they want to wait a little before they travel back home."

A bug? Is that what they were calling it now? Ruby almost wanted to snort, but she held it in. "She's sick." She states through clenched teeth.

"Yeah," Henry nods. "Regina told me not to worry, but she seemed…" He lifts a shoulder. "I don't know. Off."

"I'm sure Regina will be better in no time, Henry." Eugenia assured him, placing down two plates of freshly cooked food. "Why don't we all sit down and eat? Perhaps she will call again soon."

Henry walked past Ruby, taking a seat at the breakfast table. Ruby knew better though. This wasn't any type of sickness that would magically go away with some type of over the counter medicine. Whatever was going on with Regina had Emma written all over it. Her entire family of vampires. And she was going to get to the bottom of it. Ruby felt it in her bones that Regina was back home and she had straight up lied to Henry. It wasn't the first time she lied on Emma's behalf.

Before Ruby could reach the door, Eugenia's hand was wrapped firmly along her forearm. "Ruby. Just let it go."

But the answer was already deeply engraved in Ruby's eyes. She was not about to let this go. No way. Pulling her arm back, she marched out the door, mounted her motorcycle and drove to the one place where she knew Regina would be, leaving Eugenia to deliver an apologetic smile to Henry.

"I'm sorry about her, Henry."

"I know," Henry held up a hand. "Teenage drama. Not like we haven't all been there."

Eugenia smiled a little again, leaving it at that.

Regina's hand traveled smoothly along Emma's golden hair as her arms hugged her legs, and her head rested along her lap. She hated seeing her like this. So devastated by something so magical they had somehow created together. Regina could never recall Emma ever looking as vulnerable as she did right now.

"We've got company." Mal announced as every one of the Swan family members- except for Emma- turned to the direction of the staircase. "No," her eyes flicked directly to Kathryn who eagerly stepped forward. "I'll go."

Ruby allowed her motorcycle to fall to the ground as she rushed through the gravel driveway of the Swan's home. And before her first could reach the door, Dr. Mal Swan was already standing there, holding it open, but blocking her path.

"Hello, Ruby," her voice was calmer than Ruby expected it to be. "How are you?"

Ruby drew in a breath, picking up on the stench that only vampires left in their wake. If that wasn't even a possible description for them. "I heard Regina made it back alive," she said.

"Yes. But it's really not the best time for you to see her." Said Mal.

"Ruby, is that you?" Ruby's ears perked up at the unmistakable sound of Regina's voice.

"She's here?" Ruby's nostrils flare at Mal, even if her beef wasn't directly with her. "Excuse me." Against her good nature, Ruby brushed past Dr. Swan, entering the house and rushing up the stairs.

After closing the door, Mal followed close behind, calm as ever, joining her family around the white couch. As for Ruby, she could feel the difference in this house. She's only been in this house once when Lily decided to throw that graduation party. But the ambiance from then to how it felt now was different. Even the entire family of vampires standing guard around the couch looked and felt different to her. There was tension. And something else that Ruby couldn't quite decipher. Even Kathryn was standing to attention, too close to where she imagined Regina was sitting. Only she couldn't see her. She could only see Emma, looking like she never looked before.

She recalls seeing Emma angry, she recalls her arrogance, and her bravery at some point. But this… this was agony. This was not the Emma Swan she came to know. And Ruby couldn't even bring herself to enjoy it. Something was up. Something big and possibly grave. Even Kathryn looked to be more on guard than anyone else. Which was strange.

"Will someone tell me what the hell is going on?" Ruby demanded. Her eyes looking to every Swan face in the room for an answer.

"Ruby…" Regina's voice croaked out, willing everyone to step aside, including Emma who stood from the couch.

And that's when Ruby saw her. Even Regina wasn't Regina anymore. She still bared her human scent, clearly, but her face was paler than she imagined it would be. Her hair was held back in a messy ponytail, her lips appeared to have thinned out, just like the rest of her. Ruby could clearly count the bones marking underneath her skin. She wore a pair of sweatpants that looked huge, and a shirt that looked like a football jersey on her. But Regina wouldn't be Regina if she wasn't still delivering that smile of hers that Ruby loved so much. Damn that smile. It was weak but it was still a smile.

Regina wasn't just sick. She was very sick.

Ruby's suspicions turned reality once Regina's throat bobbed, her body- clearly weak- leaned forward. Kathryn was quick to reach for a bucket and place it in front of Regina while she pukes her guts out. Emma dropped to her knees before Regina, but even she was stopped by Kathryn as her eyes glared menacingly at her, her hand held out, warning her to stay back. Kathryn was bent over Regina, holding up her strands of hair as she threw up. Standing over her in a strange and protective way.

By the time Regina's puke fest came to an end, she looked up at Kathryn and smiled apologetically. She gave her a nod as if saying 'I'm okay,' before turning her weak smile onto Ruby. "Sorry you had to see that," she whispered. Even her voice was different.

Ruby notices the adoration Regina's eyes give Emma as she stares up at her next and gives her a small nod, assuring her that somehow, she was okay. When Ruby knew better. Nothing was okay. And Emma also seemed to believe that. Something they could agree on, if you could believe that. Ruby didn't even realize she was making her way toward Regina until Kathryn appeared right between her and Regina, her eyes daring her to take another step closer, her teeth bare.

"That's close enough," Kathryn hissed through her bare teeth in warning.

"What's your problem?" Ruby asked, glaring right into Kathryn's eyes. Her fist tightening menacingly.

"Kat, don't," Regina whispered. "It's okay."

Kathryn moved out of the way, but from what Ruby could tell she hated to move. As if leaving Regina unprotected with her was such a bad thing. Scowling, Kathryn moved behind Regina, ready to launch at Ruby if need be.

Ruby's eyes glared directly at Kathryn before they softened as they looked back at Regina. "Gina… what's going on?" She kneeled before Regina, ignoring Emma and everyone else around them. "What's wrong? Are you alright?" She reaches for Regina's hand, which wasn't as warm as before.

It was a stupid question, of course. One that Regina didn't answer.

Ruby noticed how fragile Regina's hands had become, too afraid to squeeze them even in a loving manner, fearing to break a single bone within. "What is it, Regina?" She asked again, noticing Regina glancing at everyone around the room, ending once again with Kathryn who stood guard behind her, like a bodyguard waiting for instruction.

"Kat, can you help me up, please?" Regina asked.

Kathryn moved carefully, placing her arm behind Regina as Regina struggled to stand. She looked so weak, Ruby couldn't stand it. As Regina stood, the blanket that Ruby now noticed had been draped over her front slipped off of her fragile state and onto the floor, pooling by her feet. Ruby's eyes grew wide, her lips parted shockingly at the sight of Regina's fragile legs. But what shook her to her core more was the exposure of bruises coating her round belly that Regina was quick to cover up by tugging at the hem of her oversize shirt. Regina was not only pregnant, but she was also in a much worse state than she let her father believe.

Pregnant! How could that be possible? How could they have- it just wasn't possible! Ruby slightly shook her head, attempting to shake out her eyes from going bad, thinking that maybe Regina's stomach could be an illusion that she could rid herself of. But it wasn't. It was real, and very much there. In plain sight, being cradled and adored by Regina's own fragile hands. Protected.

Ruby didn't want to bring herself to believe such a thing was even possible. But it was impossible to ignore. And whatever… monster was growing inside of Regina, it was clearly killing her, sucking every ounce of blood she had within her. Sucking her dry at a chance of a life that Regina could have enjoyed had she chosen differently. Of course she didn't blame Regina. No. Because there was only one other monster at fault here.

Ruby's eyes glared in Emma's direction then, "You did this!" Her feet traveled as fast as they could carry her across the room, only to feel August's strong grip tighten along her shoulder. Jefferson stood by Emma, glaring menacingly at Ruby.

"Ruby," Mal spoke calmly, like Mal tended to do. "Emma didn't know this was even possible. None of us knew."

Ruby yanked August's hand away from her reach, her eyes glaring at Mal next. "What is it?" She demanded.

"We don't know. Ultrasound and needles won't penetrate the embryonic sack."

"I can't see it, either," Lily announced, her golden eyes flashing Regina an apologetic look. "And I can't see Gina's future anymore."

"We've been researching legends, but there isn't much to go on," Said Mal. "What we do know is that it's strong and fast growing."

Ruby scoffed, "And why haven't you done anything? Take it out of her!"

"This is none of your business, dog!" Kathryn spat, standing guard by Regina.

"Kathryn," Mal turned to her daughter. "All of this fighting isn't good for Regina."

"The fetus isn't good for Regina." Said Lily.

"Say the word, Lily. 'Baby!' It's just a little baby." Said Kathryn.

"Possibly." Jefferson stepped in.

Ruby's eyes turned back to Mal. "Mal, you have to do something."

"No." Regina spoke with an authority that Ruby had never heard before. Her eyes even glared darkly into Ruby's, even from across the room. "It's not her decision, it's not any of yours."

"Ruby," Emma spoke up, walking past Ruby. "Outside. I need to talk to you."

Ruby looked at Regina one last time before throwing a glare in Kathryn's direction as she stood in between them again, her arms crossed over her chest.

"Hey," Regina called out, stopping Ruby in her tracks. "Go easy on her. This isn't her fault."

Ruby's lip curled at Regina's request. Go easy on her? "I make no promises, Gina."

"Ruby." Regina's eyes stare up at Ruby, pleadingly now. "Please."

Ruby marched outside without another word or a single promise directed at Regina. She followed Emma across the gravel driveway, all the way toward the woods that faced the house. "I told her this was a mistake. I always knew you'd destroy her."

Emma rotated along the leaf covered ground, facing Ruby. It bothered Ruby how she didn't even seem to be watching her back anymore. As if she was punishing herself for whatever it was that she did to Regina.

"That thing… it's killing her, isn't it?" Ruby asked.

"Yes," Emma whispered. "Yes, it's killing her." There was pain. Actual pain in Emma's eyes that if Ruby wasn't so enraged right now, she would be reveling in it.

"So, why hasn't Mal done anything? She's a doctor, right? She can take it out of her." Ruby scoffed, shaking her head at Emma's pathetic looking state. "Aren't you her wife? Where's your authority in all this? Your decision? I mean, it's because of you that she's like this, right?"

Emma's frown deepens. "You don't understand, Ruby. Regina won't let us."

"She won't let you?" Ruby echoed, her voice being spat out like the bile that formed behind her throat. "Of course she's willing to even die for a monster spawn… that's so Regina."

"You know her well, Ruby," Said Emma. "You have a connection to her that I will never understand. She wouldn't talk to me on the way home. I thought she was angry at me for endangering her life. Again. But she's not even angry. You can imagine my surprise when I didn't know what she was planning ahead of time. Given that I can't read her thoughts. I didn't find out what she had in mind until we arrived at the airport and she ran right into Kathryn's arms. It wasn't until I read Kathryn's mind that I understood."

"So, what? Your kind can't with one of your own?" Ruby rolled her eyes.

"August will never allow us to harm Kathryn. He'll fight me before I can get to her. Mal stands with them. She doesn't want this to get any bigger."

Ruby scoffed, "This is already bigger!" She shakes her head. Her feet pace back and forth again until she's facing Emma head on. "You should have never come back into her life. Had Regina chosen me this would never have happened."

Emma's throat bobs, but her facial expression doesn't change. "We never imagined… I never dreamed," she breathes. "There's never been anything like Regina and I before. How could we know that a human was able to conceive a child with one of us, let alone another-"

"Another female vampire." Ruby nods, her eyes glaring menacingly and with clear disgust.

"Even you, Ruby, can't hate me as much as I hate myself right now." Said Emma.

Wrong. Ruby thought to herself, her mind thinking up many different ways she could begin by ripping her apart.

"Killing me won't save her," Emma said quietly. "You'll have to be a little more patient than that."

"Patience has never been my strong suit."

"Ruby, I need you to do something for me." Said Emma.

Ruby scoffed through her nose, sharply. "And you expect me to help you, just like that?"

"For her. You have to."

Ruby took a step forward, "I did everything I could to keep her away from you." She said through clenched teeth.

"Regina thinks she's strong enough to do this. She thinks Mal or me can turn her at the last minute. She won't listen to reason. Especially me. But she might listen to you."

"Why would she? What exactly do you want me to do?"

"You can offer her what she wants." Emma continued. "I don't care about anything but keeping her alive. Please. All I ask of you is to try. Make her see reason. This thing… whatever is growing inside of her… it's stronger than her already. If she wants to have this baby, Mal and I won't be able to save her."

Ruby's heart ached. Not save Regina? That she couldn't allow. And Emma knew it. "And what if I can't convince her? What then?"

"Then, Ruby, you'll get what you'll get what you always wanted." Emma lifted her chin, her decision made. "The moment Regina's heart stops beating, I will be begging for you to kill me."

That was an offer that Ruby couldn't say no to. "I must admit… that's the most tempting offer you've ever given me."

There's a hint of a weak smile curling at the edge of Emma's lip. "Then, we have a deal."

Ruby's eyes looked down at Emma's extended hand in disgust, but she swallowed it down and shook the cold hand being offered to her, firmly and with a sealed promise. "We have a deal." She agreed.