Chapter 4

"The Underground"

My eyes felt heavy as I tried to force them open, whatever sedative I had been given was wearing off finally and I began to now force myself awake. The scent of my surroundings were unfamiliar which immediately sent a message to my brain that I needed to wake up and if need be escape. My memory was foggy for the first time in my life as I tried to piece together exactly what had happened since I blacked out. The last thing I remember was falling through a large glass window in the beach house living room. Though I couldn't remember if I had cut myself or not, I couldn't immediately feel any pain so if I had cut myself I must have healed already. I took a deep breath and tried to find the scent of anything familiar but all I could get was a cold damp smell, as if I was in a poorly insulated basement. Finally I rolled off the small bed I had been laying on, onto my hands and knees. Only to realize I was chained quite heavily in a way that would make it very difficult for me to break free. Still I tried to use all my strength to break the chains as I pulled my arms together over and over again as I began to panic, all unfortunately to no avail. The chains were thick and heavy and although the room I was in was quite dark I could tell they were made of a newer metal as there was little to no rust. Crafted to fit in such a way that sent a shiver down my spine as I began to feel these chains had been intentionally made to fit me perfectly. A heavy metal collar had been placed around my neck and both of my feet as well. It seemed like a bit of an overkill overall, as the windows and a barrer door were also barred to keep me inside. I peeked towards the window with my eyes still half shut and decided to shuffle over to see what I could make out, unfortunately after three steps I was stuck in place and could not see out the window which was at least eight more feet in front of me. The chains squeaked as I yanked and shook them trying to break free but it was all just a waste of what little energy that I had to begin with. I rested my hand on my stomach and took a deep breath to calm myself. As I touched my stomach a memory hit me like a frat train whose conductor had lost complete control and my mind began to spin, the baby.

I closed my eyes tightly and calmed my breath as I searched within myself for the baby's heartbeat as I could not actively feel any movement in my stomach at the moment. It took a few minutes to settle myself down enough to look beyond my own loud, and quick thumping heart but finally I found her. Thank you… The sedative must have pushed through my system into hers but thankfully she was still alive. I made a metal not to check in every couple minutes as I found my bearings in this strange new place. Why is it so dark in here? Is it night still? Though I was terrified at the moment and filled with questions, hearing her heart gave me the confidence I needed to relax and figure out how to get out of these chains.

The more I searched the chains for a weak point I began to realize they would not be easily broken without proper leverage which I could not get with my huge stomach no matter how hard I tried. I understood that had been kidnapped and was most likely being kept alive for ransom. What a cliche. Where is Jacob? My mind began to panic once more as a memory of him being attacked took front and center in my mind. Did he get away? Is he here? No, he can't be here. Wherever "here" is. If he was near I would be able to feel him, to sense and most likely even to smell him. Jacob was far away. I knew he was still alive, however, if he was dead my heart would have nothing left but it was still quite full. I need answers and I won't get them here in this plain dark quiet room.

"HELLO! IS ANYONE THERE!" I shouted out into the dark room hoping someone would come and give me some answers.

I couldn't make out a ton of detail as my eyes were still coming off of the sedative but it felt like this room was inside a castle or large old building both would explain the dam smell. Focused my eyes once more on the window and realized there were no stars yet I couldn't tell if I was looking at a sky or not. I decided I needed more time to let my eyes regain complete control as I became confused and even more panicked as I couldn't understand what I believed I was seeing. There was only a bed with a pillow and white sheets inside the room and a second door that was not barred that I hoped led to a restroom as I began to feel the need to use the bathroom. I pulled on my chains once more to make a noise that would hopefully attract someone. As I looked down I realized I was wearing a long white dress with a white robe that I had not put on myself nor did I own. Oh my god… Someone dressed me? What the fuck? The sound of the door slowly creaking open caught my attention and I took three steps from the bed and soon realized that was my limit in this direction as well, which immediately frustrated me.

"Hello?" I asked into the darkness as a small woman came in carrying a light, she was human.

The woman cleared her throat then began, "Hello, my name is Amina. I have been ordered by the Alpha, as well as his second hand, to care for you. Is there anything that you require at the moment?"

A human, especially one as small as her, was easy to get past but these chains were a problem. I decided I needed to charm her to the best of my ability in order to get out of here asap.

"Can you take these chains off? They're rubbing on my skin, I promise I won't hurt you. I just can't move much and with the baby I'm already so uncomfortable. Please?" I begged.

"No. Anything else?"

Her answer was quick and emotionless. Someone had trained her well.

"I have to pee."

"I've left you a bucket underneath your bed. I'll collect it when you're finished."

"Is there no bathroom?"

"There is, but…." Amina began, "We'll I've been told until the child is born to keep you in chains."

"Told by who? This Alpha? His "second"? I'd like to speak to both of them now." I ordered.

"By the Alphas second hand, Priah. She believes that without proper leverage you might become vile which would then make this entire experience quite unpleasant for you and everyone involved."

"Leverage?"

"Yes, the child in your womb."

"My family won't take that long to come up with your Alphas or this Priahs ransom. We won't be here long enough for anyone to touch my child let alone use her as leverage."

"Ransom?" The girl questioned with almost a laugh.

"Can I ask how much this "Alpha" has decided I'm worth?" I asked as I sat back onto the bed and felt for the bucket.

"The Alpha seeks no monetary gain. We have no use for human currency. Not even diamonds or gold. Money was banned two hundred years ago, in the beginning of our new world."

"What? Then why the hell am I here?" I asked, my heart begging to race once more.

If not money, what could this Alpha possibly want from me?

"It is not my place to say. I'll give you some privacy."

"WAIT-wait. Amina is it?"

"Yes. What can you tell me about where I am? Is it night or day? How long have I been here? Please give me something…" I begged.

"I'll bring you food and collect your bucket in 10 minutes precisely. Is there anything in particular you're craving? Our palace chef is the finest in The Underground." Amina said with a smile.

"What is "The Underground"? Is that where I am?" I asked frantically hoping she wouldn't leave before she answered.

Her eyes lit up with anxiety and her eyes darted as her speech began to break, "I-I've said too much. I will make sure you have the cleanest blood in your cup and the finest food we have to offer. 10 minutes no more no less."

"Wait! Amina please!"

Amina struggled to open the door with a clip of giant metal keys but eventually left in a hurry. I listened to her feet scatter down what sounded like a stairwell. I counted her steps and made it to 44 before they were too muffled to hear any longer. I decided there was nothing I could do but wait until she returned and as much as I wanted to cry right now I needed to pee. The urge was overwhelming me. To my surprise the bucket smelt clean and fresh and had a roll of toilet paper inside of it. I suppose it could all be worse though not by much. As I squatted uncomfortably on the bucket I took a moment to think about what Amina had said this far.

1. I wasn't being held for ransom which made no sense.

2. What I had seen was true, I was kidnapped by Werewolves, real werewolves which weren't supposed to exist much anymore according to everything I had been taught.

3. They were awaiting the birth of my child for some unknown reason.

4. This "Priah" was also in charge of making decisions regarding my care and she had for whatever reason chosen a human to attend to me. Which I find incredibly strange.

5. I was in a place known as "The Underground".

As I recounted the last fact I stood and looked out the window once more and realized there really were no stars. This place isn't just called "The Underground" I am actually under the ground. Fuck… How the hell is anyone going to find me here?! Panic took over once more and I held my hand over my mouth to muffle my cries as I cradled my stomach with my other hand. Then as if the baby knew I needed her she kicked. Instantly my body flooded with relief and I was able to pull myself together again. Her heart rate was perfect and her movements told me that she was waking up as well and doing just fine. I moved the bucket as far away as I could as a sign of goodwill. If Amina knew I intentionally kept a good distance she wouldn't fear me as much as she would if I tried to trick her into coming near me. I needed to make Amina like me under any means necessary. I curled myself under the thin covers and turned away from the door. The chains made it difficult to get comfortable as my hands would not come all the way together so I let my right arm and leg dangle behind me.

Eventually Amina returned, she collected the bucket and bravely left food at a distance I could have easily reached her at. I knew she was slightly afraid as her heart raced for a moment. Before she left she asked if I needed anything and I intentionally stayed quiet and continued to face away from her. Thankfully she respected my silence and left quickly after letting me know she would be back in an hour to collect my food tray. I had zero intention of eating a single bite of what she had, had prepared for me but I knew starving myself meant starving my baby. As afraid as I was of eating anything prepared by a werewolf let alone anyone who had been a part of kidnapping me I knew I needed to eat for the sake of my unborn child.

Never in my darkest of nightmares was I ever kidnapped let alone by Werewolves. How did they sneak past Jacob and me? Was it the storm that threw their scent off? I knew Jacob was tired and so was I but it all just seemed impossible. Perhaps they had sedated him as well, snuck something into the air conditioning unit before we got to Isle Esme? I wonder how far back this all goes or if this was simply a spur of the moment decision made on their end as we unknowingly crossed paths with these monsters. What could they want with me? If not money I had nothing of true value to offer a Werewolf that I could think of. My baby danced around inside me as I drank the blood. It was human, if I was home I wouldn't dare but right now I needed all the strength I could gather. Plus human blood always made my memories much more vivid, my family will forgive me for this once we are reunited.

Amina continued to come several times a day over the next two weeks. I had been able to swindle her into more conversations and slowly I was most definitely gaining her trust. I learned as much as I could about her and continued to give her little to no information about myself in order to do my best at keeping my true identity a secret. Not that Amina is particularly self-centered, but she had not asked me a single question about myself specifically. Everything she asked was pertaining to my care as if she was a nurse. As the days passed on I spent more and more time looking out my window and reading pregnancy nooks Amina had brought to me to pass the time. Many of the "facts" within these books were wrong and completely not up-to-date with modern medical practice so I really only read them as if they were comedies to make myself happy. Though it was dark most of the time, I felt as if the days were flipped here in The Underground. When I felt as if it was day it was as dark as the dead of night, without a moon. However when light did peak through it was most definitely the light of the moon. Where this place was located it had a wonderful view of the moon but almost none of the sun. It made no sense and I grew more and more irritable and uncomfortable from the chains and my growing confusion surrounding my kidnapping.

So far this is what I have learned about Amina,

1. Amina is very young though I don't know her exact age yet.

2. Amina is very gentle and caring, if she wasn't my captor we probably would've been friends.

3. Amina grew up here and has never known or seen the surface world.

4. Amina gets sad when I mess with my chains, I'm positive she wants to free me from them. I need to press that matter gently but quickly.

As I was reciting these facts, I heard the familiar sound of light footsteps and the click of the door knob as the key opened the door. Amina came earlier then I had expected her too. Then again when it is alway dark it is quite hard to keep track of the time. as she entered the room I decided to immediately show the discomfort that my chains were keeping me in.

"Alright." Amina began as she looked at my chains, just as I had hoped she would.

She had a small wicker basket of what looked to be womanly care products and internally I was screaming with excitement at the smell of soap as well as the sight of a hairbrush and toothbrush.

"I know those chains are hurting you and I've finally put my foot down. In your best interest of course." Amina continued.

"Are you taking them off?" I said with a smile, I hoped immediately that I didn't come off too eager.

"Yes." Amina replied as she placed down the basket and took out her ring of keys. "Understand that as I do this I have chosen on my own behalf to risk my life in order to make you more comfortable. Plus you seriously need a proper bath." She continued as she first unlocked my feet, "If you would like to kill me and steal the keys and run, I would advise against it but I will not stop you. I've lived a long 14 years and though I do look forward to my coming birthday, I have said my goodbyes to my family in case I do not make it home today. They're upset but they understand that I can't let you continue on like this." Amina took a deep breath and finished taking off the cuffs on my wrist and neck.

"You're 14?" I asked, bewildered by her speech.

"I will be 15 in a month."

"Why did they put you in here with me? You're just a kid."

"Can we talk while you take a bath? I have fresh bars of Lavender, Spring Meadow, and Fresh Mint soap for you to choose from. All home made of course, as is everything in the underground." Amina proudly said as she presented me with the basket.

"Are we leaving this room or did you bring a bucket of water too?" I said as I rubbed my neck and wrist.

"There's a bathroom through that door, if you can believe it we do in fact have running hot and cold water." She smiled even wider now as she spoke. "As well as a toilet that you are more then welcome to use freely now."

"Oh my god… That sounds amazing. Thank you Amina Oh, and I promise I will not kill or hurt you. I swear on my life. I know you are not my enemy, just a pawn in whatever terrible game this is."

"I know we don't exactly know each other well but I will always do my best to care for you properly Renesmee."

"Wait? You know my name?" I replied once again caught off guard by her words.

Amina's breath quickened; she then cleared her throat as she turned to walk and open the bathroom door. Without speaking she began to run the bath. I followed her after a moment as I realized she was not going to answer. I wouldn't corner her or make her afraid but I would continue to ask more questions once I was bathed. Not once had Amina mentioned my name since I had been here so I now wondered what all she knew. Was she actually part of this? If she is, she is incredibly cunning. I never would have guessed it.

As I entered the room Amina came behind me and closed the door slowly. Locking us both inside which gave me some anxiety. Amina the turned the knobs on the bathtub a few more times and water began to fill the tub quickly. I needed this so bad my body had began to stink from wearing the same clothes for so many days in a row. Plus my skin had sweat badly from the strange temperatures in the room especially where my chains had sat these last two weeks, I felt disgusting.

"I'm not supposed to know your name… I overheard Priah talking to one of her guards the other day. I felt terrible once I realized I never actually asked you what your name is… I hope you can forgive me." Amina whispered.

"Why are you whispering?"

"They are always listening… To everything I say. Everything you say." Amina said as she then turned and opened the back of her dress quickly.

Her back was covered in either whip or claw marks that had been stitched up very beautifully. The cuts were shallow but must have hurt a great deal. I can't believe I hadn't smelt them before then again the amount of new scents I had been picking up throughout this pregnancy had ruined my nose and this new environment wasn't helping any.

"Oh my god… Amina… What happened? Who did this to you?"

"Priah… One of her spy's overheard me the first day mentioning The Underground. As I said then I wasn't supposed to tell you anything." Amina said as she fixed herself quickly and began to attend to the bath once more.

"I'm so sorry that happened to you…" I whispered a tear falling from my eye.

"You can cry? I thought Vampires couldn't cry? Wow… You really must be half human… Cool." Amina said with a smile.

"No, not really. A regular Vampire would never be in this position."

"Right… Again I'm sorry. I know I tend to speak too loosely but I'm just so excited to have this opportunity to be a part of introducing you to our community."

"How do you plan to do that from this cell?" I asked as I began to undress.

"Like I said, once your baby is born, everything will change. For the better I promise."

"Are you certain that it is your promise to make Amina?" I asked, slipping under the bubbles as she looked away now to give me privacy.

"No… It's not. I won't lie I don't know the entirety of the Aplah's plan but do know Priah originally wanted to be in complete control of your care. She is an awful woman. She would have done terrible things to beat you down… Once I found out I immediately offered my assistance to Alpha to help welcome you. I was able to convince him that a gentle approach towards you would better the odds of you ever falling into his favor."

"What do you think he wants from me?"

"I'm not sure… My guess is an alliance with your family but that hardly makes any sense… My father says I should not ask questions to the Wolfen people, only listen and offer assistance when it is needed. So that is what I do."

"You have a father? Is he a Werewolf too?" I asked casually as I began to wash my body with the softest loofah I had ever felt touch my skin.

Amina had confirmed to me that she was in fact not involved in my kidnapping and though it irritated me that she had no information as to why I was here exactly I knew humans had the annoying habit of forgetting about things they deemed small details quickly. However the right question could easily provoke a memory so I hoped if I kept her talking she might remember something useful.

"No-no. My father, Killian, is the best human Doctor within the underground. You'll actually be meeting him today… As well as… Priah. They're coming together after you've had your breakfast. Oh, I brought you new clothes as well, I'll have that robe and dress you've been suffocating in burned."

"Thank you. And that's good, maybe one of them will be willing to give me some answers. I promise I won't mention anything we have spoken about."

"Killian will only be here to check the status of your pregnancy, Priah had hoped you'd be closer to giving birth by now."

"Well I hope I am long gone by that time."

"Renesmee… I know this is difficult but I promise my father will do everything in his power to make this an easy healthy birth for both of you. He is a fantastic man and an even more fantastic Doctor."

"Well isn't that just fannnntastic." I mocked.

Amina was quiet for the rest of my bath as she stood facing the door. I thought twice about how easy it would be to kill her but both times quickly dismissed those thoughts. I would have to apologize for mocking her and hope it didn't break what little of a relationship we had built over the weeks. Once I was bathed and dressed Amina collected my lunch from a guard who had cleaned my bed and put fresh sheets on it and I ate in silence while Amina began to clean the bathtub. A small contraction came about out of nowhere as I was finishing my food. I immediately gripped the metal frame of my bed and began to breath heavily.

"Oh-oh! Is it happening now?" Amina whispered loudly as she hurried over to me.

"No! Just-God…. Just a small cramp is all…" I replied pulling air in through my nose and out through my mouth as I recalled a memory of Rosile teaching me and Jacob birthing breathing techniques.

"Knock Knock." A mans voice said as the door slowly opened.

"Father, she's having cramps! Could she be losing the baby?" Amina immediately blurted out.

"What?!" Me and the man said simultaneously, though mine was more of a surprised and annoyed question and his immediate concern.

"Calm down Amina. I'm fine." I reassured her as I rubbed my stomach.

"Amina, take this girl's tray away at once." An elderly woman who entered the room next snapped.

Amina obeyed without hesitation and mouthed the words to me "I'll be back soon" as she picked up my food tray and left. I was sad to see her go as I was now in a room with two strangers and I began to hope she would return quickly.

"Renesme is it?" The old woman began, I nodded and she laughed quickly to herself and then continued "What a stupid name for a strange little girl."

"Excuse me?" I replied.

"Killian you are here for a job are you not? I do not have all day." She continued ignoring me completely.

"Right. Hello, my name is Doctor Killian Magnus. Priah here has asked me to check on you-"

"I have ordered you to check on her unborn child's development, or whatever is growing in that things stomach."

"What the hell is your problem lady?" I said gripping the bed frame once more as a second contraction came along.

Priah smiled an evil smile that immediately haunted me as her eyes glowed red as if by magic. All of a sudden I was completely frozen.

"Watch your tone young lady. I may not look like much but I will kill you the second that child is born if you decide to defy myself or Alpha when the time comes."

"What does he want with me?" I whisper through grated teeth.

"Killian, do your job."

"Yes, Priah."

Killian walked over and before I could pull back a large splash of water ran down my legs. My water broke. I couldn't believe it. This can't be happening. I looked at Killian who immediately looked me in my eyes. He had kind features and reminded me of a long, dark haired rugged version of Carlisle. It was almost as if someone had meshed Carlisle and Emmett into one person. Perhaps it was my circumstance but I immediately decided I trusted him with whatever came next.

In what felt like seconds everything began happening quickly as Amina rushed back into the room and Killian began to prepare for the birth of my child. Priah looked on from outside the bathroom as I insisted on having my birth inside the tub specifically because I knew it would be hard for her to be within the room if Amina and Killian were working to help me with my birth. She stood by the side in the door frame and watched as they organized and collected everything they felt they needed. I had no idea how much time was passing, only that I was in excruciating pain as the contraction washed over me again and again. Killian asked if he could check to see how dilated I was and I refused, to which Priah insisted that he disregard my wishes. Thankfully Killian was kind enough to work around her orders and asked if Amina could check instead to which I reluctantly agreed to. I turned my body over in the tub because it felt more comfortable, then Amina reached down to feel for my cervix.

"Renesmee, your baby is coming out! Like now! Your next contraction you need to push!" She squealed with excitement.

I heard Priah groan, clearly upset at Amina's happiness.

"I can't… I can't do this without my husband…" I replied as tears began to flow from my eyes.

"You don't have a choice girl. Do as your servant says." Priah snapped.

"Renesmee, I know this is unpleasant but if the baby sits in your-" Killian began.

"I know! I know everything! God! Why is this happening to me!" I shouted as I began to cry profusely.

Killian hugged me tightly and I fell into his arms. They were nowhere near Jacob level warm and comforting but it was a true, kind, loving, fatherly type of hug and I seriously needed the support right now. I held his forearms as Amina positioned to catch my baby as I pushed on the next few contractions. I was cautious not to break Killians arms but I did bite into him twice revealing to everyone that I was not in fact venomous. The taste of his blood was familiar and I realized his blood was what I had been drinking these last couple of weeks. Priah seemed shocked at first at my ability to regain my composure but her interest quickly died once she realized I had not seriously injured Killian. Finally I felt the release of pressure as my baby slipped into the world from my womb. I heard Amina start laughing as she cradled my baby who immediately cried as he came out of the water.

"Thank you Killian…" I whispered completely exhausted as I turned back over and reached for my baby.

"It's a boy! What are you going to name him!" Amina asked as she handed me my son who was crying loudly in her hands.

He was perfect. A full head of hair and immediately all of his father's features. Not at all what I imagined as my dreams had me completely convinced I was having a little girl. I knew his name the second I saw him. Jacob, that is my son's name. I needed my husband near me as badly as I needed this perfect child in my arms forever. I began to cry again as I calmed my baby boy kissing and holding him close. Sharing with him a memory of his father which immediately calmed him but made me cry even harder.

"Let's give them a moment alone. Amina, let's go." Killian said as he held his hand out to his daughter.

"Okay. Renesmee, we'll be right outside preparing your room for the baby, holler if you need anything at all!" Amina said as she stroked my hair before taking her father's hand.

I could feel my body start the healing process as I looked into my baby's eyes as she slowly opened and closed them. I wasn't sure if I could breastfeed though my breast had grown two cup sizes since my pregnancy. After an hour of swimming in my own blood as my body contracted and pulled to put itself back together I decided to try and to my surprise Jacob immediately began to feed. The pain was still excruciating but for him I would endure it all a million times over. This wasn't perfect, wasn't what he deserved but I was determined to make the absolute best of this situation until I was able to return us both to our rightful place in this world. At his father's side.