Chapter Forty-Five

"Vinnie, you can't hold them forever." Reece chuckled softly. I cradled the twins in my arms

"Why not?" I asked.

"Because their father wants a turn too." He said, lifting Percy out of my arms. It had been seven blissful months for us to be a family. Reece notified the council as soon as they were settled in at home, much to my reluctance. Reece's grandfather had given us seven months to be with just them before bringing them before him. As much as I feared and distrusted the council we had to, he was their family and at least it wasn't the entire council. Just him.

Quinn was the older of the twins. She had Reece's black hair and my eyes. Although unlike her father, they didn't glow and she wasn't as pale as him. Reece said that since they were only half vampire, their appearances would be more human. Quinn was definitely the more lively one of the pair, always making noise and wanting attention. On the frustrating side of things, she was sensitive and hurt and cried very easily. And few things calmed her down, it was either Percy or both Reece and I. Her little problems aside I loved her with every bit of my being.

Percy was the opposite of his sister in almost every way. He had my hair and Reece eyes. And he was quiet and happy all the time. Funnily enough, he reminded me of Blu sometimes. Reece liked to joke around and say Quinn sucked away all of his emotions besides joy and took them on herself. When he laughed you could see his tiny baby fangs which Reece thought was the cutest thing in the world. Quinn had them too, but whenever her mouth was open it was normally crying.

"Don't be so down, you know this is unavoidable." Reece said as I carried Quinn down the stairs.

"That's exactly why I'm down." I sighed, settling Quinn into her highchair. Reece appeared beside me and did the same for Percy.

"Sure that's all that's bothering you?" He asked.

"Totally. Well I did have this really weird dream last night." I shrugged.

"Yeah me too." Reece said. We both stared at each other for a moment before giggling. I always forgot that we shared dreams now and again, and as of late even shared thoughts.

"And what about you?" I asked.

"Huh?"

"Are you okay? It is your grandfather." I said.

"I don't know...the last time I spoke to him was six months ago, and before that it was years and years since we'd talked." Reece sighed, his gold eye downcast.

I leaned forward and gave him a quick kiss.

"We've got this, it's just a meet right?"

"Right."

"So I guess we actually have to leave now huh?" I sighed, wishing we could just stay in the house forever, never having to deal with the council. Reece nodded and moved around me to pick up Percy. 

"At least they didn't call at four in the morning again." Reece smiled, reaching for his car keys off the counter. I balanced Quinn on my hip and laughed lightly, following him out to the car.

Our drive was all silent but the radio and the twins making baby noises in the backseat. Reece pulled into the empty parking lot and we unloaded the kids. With a deep breath I followed Reece inside.

"Reecy!" Catalina purred, her blue eyes lighting up. Her eyes instantly locked onto Percy and then onto Quinn. "Do my eyes deceive me or are those yours?"

"Catalina." Reece said sharply. "We're here on business, and we'd like to be here no longer than we have to."

"Fine." She pouted, crossing her arms. "Your grandfather is waiting in the council room."

"Thank you." Reece nodded and gestured for me to follow him. I made a weak attempt at a smile towards Catalina as I scurried after Reece, Quinn tight in my arms.

"Why is this place so empty?" I asked softly, my voice echoing off the walls. Reece shrugged.

"Most of the council is probably asleep, or off working with the small councils of other supernaturals."

"There's other councils?" I whispered. My mind drifted to Axel, I was pretty sure his father was a high ranking warlock. Axel. Kaya. I needed to see her again. Although by now she probably hated my guts. Reece stopped in front of the same double doors as seven months ago. We exchanged a glance and a nod and Reece opened the door. His grandfather's red eyes and sour face met us inside.

"Nice of you to show up boy." Daminier snapped. I jumped at the harshness in his tone. Reece looked like he was struggling to keep his temper down. Percy tugged at his shirt, bringing a smile to his face.

"Thanks for the warm welcome Daminier." He said icily. His grandfather's hostile eyes raked over the twins.

"So this is them?" He asked.

"Yes this is 'them'. Percy and Quinn." Reece said. I stepped closer to him, displaying our daughter to her great-grandfather. Daminier raised an eyebrow.

"Mind if we speak alone?" He asked suddenly.

"What? No, Vinnie stays-"

"Reece there are things I wish to discuss that her ears need not hear." He said harshly. Reece set Percy on the ground and I did the same for Quinn.

"It's fine." I said, grateful that he didn't want me in there. I didn't want to be there with him. Reece frowned. Lately he didn't like leaving me alone, especially in places like this. Places of the council. I knew his trust for them wavered.

"Are you sure? Because you can-"

"No Reece. I'll go it's fine." I whispered.

"You may wait in the room across the hall Vivienne, there's chairs in there." Daminier said. All the hairs on my arms stood up as he addressed me directly. I nodded numbly. Reece gave my hand a squeeze before I slipped away and out the door. It clicked shut behind me and I faced the next set of doors. Some peace and quiet in this creepy place. I pushed open the doors.

And was met by a familiar face and Scottish accent.
"Hey there beautiful." Cedrick grinned.

Chapter Forty-Four

The next two days after the council meeting were filled with worry and stress. I avoided anything having to do with the engagement and Reece didn't press it. I had gone to bed alone, Reece had been roped into many phone calls from lawyers and people his father had worked with. It was around one in the morning that I woke up to terrible pain. Looking around the dark room, I was alone. Reece was still on the phone.

I tried to roll over back to sleep but the pain got worse. With a huff, I sat up, hoping the adjustment helped. It didn't. Something was wrong.

"Reece!" I called, my voice hoarse and quiet for some reason. No response. 

"Reece!"  I yelled this time and immediately heard him come thumping up the stairs.

"Vinnie? What's wrong?" He opened the door and hurried over to me, flipping on the light. 

"It hurts." I said, my throat tight. He kneeled in front of me, placing a hand on my leg gently.

"What? What hurts?" He asked.

"I feel sick, dizzy." I said, wincing at another round of pain. "But I don't think that's what it is."

"Okay-"

"Reece, I think it's time." I wheezed, pointing to my stomach. His eyes widened and he jumped up.

"Oh! Oh god!" He cried, running over to the dresser. He tossed a pair of shorts onto the bed for me and yanked on his sleep shirt. I pulled the shorts on and stood shakily to my feet.

"I got you." Reece said, sweeping me gently off my feet and out of the room.

He headed out into the dark hallway, and hurried down the stairs.

"You feel warm, like fever warm." Reece said suddenly. He picked up the pace and out the front door, kicking it shut behind us. The brisk night air bit at my bare legs as Reece sped down the walkway towards the car. 

Reece opened the passenger door and placed me on the seat. Shutting the door he hurried around the front and into the drivers seat. He clicked the door shut and started the car. I pulled on the seat belt.

"It's gonna be fine, you're gonna be fine." Reece assured me as we pulled off the driveway and down the dark road to the hospital. 

We arrived within ten minutes, due to Reece's speeding. Once in the parking lot he jumped from the car and scooped me out of the passenger seat and raced barefoot into the hospital. Thankfully the nurse at the front desk was a vampire, so all she needed was a look at Reece's face and they took us immediately. One perk of being a Hawkwood.

I was settled into a private room and the nurse assured us the doctor was on her way.

"Vinnie, talk to me." Reece said.

"Not what I had in mind right now." I whispered, gripping the blanket tightly.

"What do you want me to do?" He asked, a hand on my shoulder. I reached up and grabbed it at the next round of pain. The door opened and the doctor came in.

"Just shut up and hold my hand."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

After an a half an hour emergency C-section, we were parents. It was at 2:03 am on February 7 that our twins, Percy David and Quinn Sabine, were born. We gave my father's name to be Percy's middle name and Reece's mother's name to be Quinn's. 

"I feel like I'm going to break her." Reece said, cradling Quinn in his arms.

"Me too." I sniffled, holding back tears. I was beyond exhausted, but all I wanted to do was hold them. But they were still newborns, so they were whisked away by the nurses, including the vampire from the front desk. I lay back in bed, closing my eyes for a second. The quiet tap of Reece's fingers on his phone made me open them.
"What are you doing?" I asked, groggily.
"Letting the council know. As much I don't want to, I have to." He sighed.
"Did you send good pictures?"
"They're of them, so of course they're good." Reece grinned, his happiness bringing a smile to my face.

They kept me in the hospital for four days, I was impatient the entire time. I didn't want to be there being poked and prodded by doctors and nurses, I wanted to be home. They'd determined that the fever I had was from a sudden bad case of strep, but I didn't believe them. With everything that had happened to me in the past two years I didn't believe anything was that normal.

We came home finally, and got the twins settled in their rooms. I pulled on a pair of pajamas from before I was showing and crawled into bed with Reece.
"I still can't believe this is real." I sighed. Reece pulled my hand over to his heart.
"Does that feel realer?" He said.
"I don't know if I can do this. I barely know the first thing about being me, let alone a mother." I confessed.
"I feel the same way. But hey, we've got each other and we'll figure it out." Reece said. "And if you're worried about they're safety then don't. The council will protect them."
"That's worse. I don't want them anywhere near the twins." I frowned. He squeezed my hand.
"Trust me, I don't either. But they'll be safe." Reece assured me.
"I guess." I sighed.
"God, what am I doing? You're probably exhausted, let's get some sleep. Who knows when those two will wake up." Reece said, leaning over and turning off the lamp.

"Wait, one more thing." He whispered suddenly.
"Hm?"
"Thanks. For letting me give Quinn my mom's name." He said. I stood on my knees and pulled him into a hug.

"She was your mother, of course Quinn should be named after her." I said.

"What about your mom, or Lauri." He mumbled.

"Percy has my dad's name, and they aren't even my real family." I replied bitterly.

"Hey, don't say that."

"Anyway," I said, changing the subject. "You never talk about your mom."

"I guess I just don't know what to say." Reece shrugged. I kissed the top of his head and laid down.

"Well if you ever do, you can tell me." I rolled over, not facing him and closed my eyes. Silence filled the room.

"Reece." I whispered after a few minutes.

"Yeah?"

"We're parents." I sighed happily. In response he wrapped his arms around me and pulled me close, snuggling his face into my shoulder. He gave me a tiny kiss and we both closed our eyes, now no longer the only two in the house,

Chapter Forty-Three

Within the next hour we were dressed in the nicest clothes we could muster up at 4 in the morning. Reece walked over to me, taking my hands in his, and gave them a little squeeze.

"It's going to be fine." He assured me, as if reading my mind. Although these days I was pretty sure he could.

"Okay." I said weakly. "Are you sure I should be coming though?"

"Of course. We live together and you're pregnant with our children. You count as part of the Hawkwood family."

"Oh." I felt myself blushing.

"I just can't believe he's dead." Reece sighed suddenly, letting go of my hands.

"Reece, he was your father it's okay to miss him." I said.

"I don't mean it like I miss him, I mean it like I don't actually believe he's dead." Reece retorted, crossing his arms. "It doesn't make any sense at all."

"Could Koran have gone after him for any reason?" I suggested.

"No, I doubt it. Koran wouldn'tve killed him to be the heir to the family, as his first born that role is mine. That's why the council called us, at least that's one of the reasons." Reece speculated. He seemed to mentally shake himself for a moment and turned towards the door. 

"They're waiting for us, we should get going."

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The outside of the building looked like an old house which was comforting to a degree. But what lay withing was far from comforting. On our way inside Reece didn't speak much. The only thing he confided in me was that his grandfather was on the council. I froze.

"Y-you're grandfather?" I stuttered.

"Yeah, his name is my middle name. I'm not really close to him at all, he's kind of a creepy asshole." Reece shrugged.

"What's your middle name?" I asked.

"Daminier." Reece said and a few...unpleasant memories of encounters with Koran resurfaced.

"She's has to be in there! Daminier told us about 'the silver child'. He said she was their daughter!"

"Daminier was right." He whispered to himself while he looked at my hair.

"Vinnie? You okay?" Reece prompted, pausing outside a set of doors. I shook myself.

"I-um..." I trailed off.

"C'mere." He said, drawing me into a hug. I squeezed my arms around him tightly. I wish I could just stay there stay and cozy in his embrace. My thoughts drifted back to Reece's grandfather. Not being able to find the words I pushed the thoughts towards him. He drew back instantly.

"Vinnie-"

"It's fine. I promise, let's please just get this over with." I whispered. Reece nodded and put his hand on the door handle. We exchanged a look.

"I love you."

"I love you too."

We stepped into an ongoing and very heated argument. I didn't understand what they were talking about but they instantly quieted when Reece coughed. A woman close to us looked up, bright red eyes scanned over me.

"Ah Reece, so nice of you to finally join us." She said, her voice smooth and musical.

"It was three and the morning when you called me." Reece retorted.

"And now it's four in the morning so what?" A pale young man who sat across from her snorted. I flinched slightly, Reece squeezed my hand.

"We were sleeping." He responded levelly. An old man near the end of the table coughed, similar to how Reece had, and brought the attention to him.

"Would you care to introduce the council Reece, I am aware some of our company does not know the others." He said, his voice sending chills down my spine.

"Anastasia Adams, Leon Artis, Daminier Hawkwood, Rohan Duran-" Reece said, going around the circle. I recognized that last name. Maria, Maria's father. I squeezed Reece's hand even tighter, so much so that he winced from my nails. I lighted my grip and the pale man chuckled lightly. "Magdelena Poe, Catalina Aria, and Cedrick Artis." Reece finished.

"Thank you Reece," Rohan said, drumming his fingers across the table. "Our first order of business is your father, my condolences of course."

"Don't bother." Reece said sharply.

"What about her? Come on Reecy, introduce your mate." Catalina interrupted, a pretty accent in her voice. I felt myself blush. His mate? Is that what I was to them?

"Vivienne Matthews. And don't be creepy Catalina, she's my girlfriend." Reece said, his faltering slightly on 'girlfriend'. Seems we were both unsure of what to call each other.

"Also the girlfriend who is pregnant with the next Hawkwood heir." Cedrick noted, with a heavy Scottish accent. A soft murmur went up at the other end of the table.

"Yes. She is." Reece said curtly.

"Just curious is that hair color natural for humans?" Cedrick asked, cocking his head to the side.

"Cedrick please, we are getting beyond off topic here." Magdelena snapped.

"What? She's pretty for a human." Cedrick grinned slyly.

Reece stepped forward with a low growl and I gently placed a hand on his shoulder, coaxing him back. He let out a deep and angry sigh.

"Cedrick." Rohan hissed sharply, yanking the attention away from the two young vampires bickering.

The golden blonde, although greying, hair and icy eyes were identical to Maria's. So close it was scary. The way he look and Reece and I was scary as well.

"Yes, back to the matter at hand. Rasco is dead and you're up to take his place as head of the council." Rohan stated clearly.

"I understand. And I accep-"

"Not so fast Hawkwood." He held up a hand to pause him. "Your loyalty to the council and your father's decisions seems to be have wavered in your youthful years."

"My youthful years? Duran, you know I'm only nineteen." Reece interrupted calmly.

"What I mean is the complete ignoring and immaturity towards your engagement-"

"That engagement was made when I was four, and was never acted upon by you or my father." Reece said sharply.

"Engagement?" I whispered. Cedrick laughed.

"She doesn't know?!"

"Ced, shut up." Leon barked.

"The engagement was made to come into effect when you turned twenty-one. And your death-threats to both my daughter and your father are...extensive." Rohan said.

"I threatened your daughter and refused to marry her was because she was a complete psycho. As for my father he arranged for Vinnie to be kidnapped two years ago and went after her to kill her when she was twelve. And directly after her parents went missing. I have no problem being loyal to the council but if it's my family then don't count on it." Reece snapped. I glanced at Reece, realizing he didn't put the blame on his grandfather. Maybe it was better that he didn't make a big deal of it in front of the council and if his father really was dead then better leave the blame to him and let the whole thing go away.

"A convincing argument." Leon nodded.

"Rohan if I may?" Daminier spoke up, Rohan nodded.

"Vivienne." It made me jump when he addressed me directly.

"Y-Yes?"

"You carry twins, if I am correct with my information?" He asked. I nodded. "The genders, if it isn't too intrusive?"

"A boy and a girl." I said, straining to keep the fear from my voice.

"Cedrick has recently informed me of his son. He should be a year old by now." Daminier said. I wasn't following where he was going with this conversation but Rohan was.

"I see. Then Reece Hawkwood, when your daughter turns eighteen she will marry Cedrick's eldest son. If you want the trust of the council that is." Rohan said.

"What?!" We both cried.
"Yes, either that or your council position as well as position as heir to the Hawkwood line falls over to Koran." Daminier said harshly.
"Are you insane?" Reece snapped. "Why is there even any punishment?"
"Because boy, you lack loyalty. How can we trust you if you've gone off and married a human. You should be grateful that I'm even offering Cedrick's child to your half-ling." Rohan added.
"Our answer is no. I don't give a damn about being on the council or being heir. Go ahead and give it to Koran." Reece hissed threateningly. I couldn't believe what was happening; one minute Reece's father is dead, the next they're trying to marry off our daughter!

"Or, we can kill her and the twins and you proceed with your previous engagement to my daughter." Rohan said suddenly. My heart nearly stopped. Reece's seemed to as well. He was trapped.

"Fine." Reece said, his teeth gritted. "I accept the position."

"What?!" I stepped back from him. Some strange emotion passed over his eyes and his hands clenched into fists.

"I'm glad you accepted Reece." Anastasia spoke up. "You know you're basically the prince around here, although now I guess you're king."

"Very well Reece Hawkwood. We'll come into contact later." Rohan said calmly before averting his gaze to me. "And do send pictures when they're born."

"Yeah we'll be on that." Reece huffed, putting an arm around me and steering me out the doors. They clicked shut behind us and I broke down.

"Vinnie, I'm sorry. I didn't want to bring you in the first place." Reece's voice and movements softened instantly as I started crying. I was afraid and angry but also, unfortunately, hormonal.

"Why didn't you say Maria's father was going to be there?" I sobbed.

"Because I didn't think the whole council would be, he rarely shows up." Reece said. My tears quickly turned into anger and I rounded on him, pointing an accusing finger at him.

"I can't even begin to believe what you just did!" I cried. "You just bartered our daughter's life away!"

"Vinnie I swear it was the only way-" Reece started.

"The only way what? The only way you'd get a position on the council? Why?!" I demanded. 

"So you wanted me to let them kill you and the twins?" Reece said calmly.

"No! Of course not!" Overwhelmed with the moment I dissolved back into tears and Reece caught me in a hug.

"We'll fix this. I promise Vinnie, we'll fix this." He whispered, stroking my hair gently. But I barely heard him.

Chapter Forty-Two

 A few days after I'd brought Reece to Alexa and Tony's house, we settled into their small backyard to talk. I'd snagged a beach towel from the hallway closet and Reece spread it across the grass.

"Vinnie." He said after a while of silence.

"Hm?" I looked up.

"We can't stay here forever."

"I know, but where do we go? Surely your father knows I'm alive by now." I sighed, inching my fingers over to his. "And with what money?"

"You seem to be forgetting the other part of who my father is, head of the Vampire Council? Owner of multiple homes across the world? Money isn't a problem." Reece chuckled lightly.

"True..."
"Do you want to go back to Bridgeport? Back to...well everything?" He asked.

"Would it be wrong if I said no?" I said. Reece reached over me and slid me into his lap.

 Placing a hand on the side of his head I kissed him gently, relishing in his presence.

"Of course not. Really though, we can go anywhere you want." Reece assured me.

"But I don't know where I want to go. I've never really been away from Bridgeport until now."

"So city then?"

"No, somewhere quiet." I said, taking a moment to think. Reece stood up, taking each of my hands and pulling me up with him.

"Maybe Moonlight Falls?" He suggested. I nodded, remembering scenic pictures of the northern forest town.

"Let's go look then."

"Look?" I raised an eyebrow.

"They've got a computer in the living room, let's go look up houses." Reece said. I let him take my hand and lead me into the back door and up to the computer.

 In a few swift clicks he had a website up on Moonlight Falls real estate. He began scrolling through the houses and paused at one.

"Not a mansion, just a house!" I exclaimed, swatting him gently. Reece laughed and continued scrolling. We both hm-ed and eh-ed at what we passed until I spotted something. I grabbed his arm.

"Wait, what's that one?" I pointed to a three bedroom cabin with a scenic view and close access to the downtown area. We exchanged a glance; gold eyes into green.

"Pack your bags." Reece said with a grin. "We visit tomorrow."

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 "Oh Reece," I sighed. "It's perfect."

"Wait to make decisions 'til we get inside missy." Reece snickered. I waddled ahead of him, hiking my way up the stairs. 

"For all you know I've made up my mind completely." I smiled.

 The house looked large, but considering the other options in this town it was basically a cottage. It had three bedrooms and two bathrooms. I was adamant that the twins have separate rooms and Reece was insistent that we have at least two floors. Our compromise became this house and I knew immediately that we'd be spending a big deal of our lives together here. Almost the same feeling I had when I first saw Reece.

The climate was slightly colder than Los Aniegos, so we had to come wearing sweaters and jeans. Felt a little odd after my few months of beach living but it felt like home for some reason.

Stepping inside just further confirmed my desire to have this house. Normally I'd be against the wood paneled walls alongside wood flooring but I just adored it here.

"Reece." I said, taking his hand.

"Yes?" He asked, walking further inside to investigate the living room area.

"I need this house."

"Vinnie are you absolutely sure-"

"The babies need this house. See? She's kicking me right now." I pleaded, pointing to my stomach. Reece rolled his eyes with a smile and faced me. Taking my other hand in his he looked me in the eyes. Even now, after being a couple for two years, I still melted at his eyes and smile.

"You need it?"

"I need it."

"Then it'll be ours by the end of the month." Reece said.

I squealed with joy, throwing my arms around him into a tight hug. My heart drummed unsteadily in my chest; this was it. We were buying a house together. I was pregnant. Our lives together were truly beginning now. I just hoped it lasted like this for a long time. 

"I agree." Reece whispered in my ear.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 After a week and a half the house was ours. And after two and a half weeks we had moved in. Reece did all of the furniture moving, with help from Tony and a local friend of Reece's. All three men insisted that I sit by and just tell them where to put things. Of course Alexa had come along with Tony and as a fellow pregnant lady, sat beside me and yelled instructions at her boyfriend. Her sort of spunk reminded me of another spitfire ginger in my life.

Our first night in the house was quiet. We lay beside each other, not speaking, just breathing. But something from earlier in the week was on my mind and I needed to say it.

"Reece." I whispered.

"Yeah?" He mumbled, eyes closed.

"What about Kaya and Axel. They don't know I'm alive, do they?" I asked. I saw Reece's eyes open and they glowed in the dark, reminding me of a night long ago.

"No, they don't." Reece sighed. "But we can contact them and invite them to visit if you want."

"I don't know if I'm ready for a visit. What if she hates me?" I whispered.

"Then I'll simply pass on the message." He said. I nodded, my hair brushing against the fabric of the pillow case, and let the silence resume.

Looking at Reece I realized this was our first time sleeping in the same bed since...well since the first time we slept together. I suddenly felt awkward. Reece started snickered. He must have heard my thoughts.

"Vin, I can sleep on the couch you know. If you're uncomfortable, that is." Reece whispered.

"What?" I felt my face go red. Shoving the silly, juvenile thoughts out of my head I snuggled up to him.

"For God's sake I'm only pregnant with your children." I laughed as he put an arm around me.

"Hey, just making sure." He kissed my forehead and settled back into his pillow. For the first time in a long time I felt sleep beginning to wash over me and I wasn't afraid of it. I welcomed it.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 In the early hours of the morning, Reece's voice woke me up. I sat up, rubbing my eyes. 

"Yes, I understand. We'll be there soon." Reece mumbled, talking on the phone in the corner of the room. He hung up the call with a deep sigh.

"Reece what's going on?" I yawned. He jumped slightly, turning around. He had an odd look on his face. Reece walked over and switched on the light next to me.

"Sorry, did I wake you?"

"It's fine, what's wrong?" I yawned again, standing up beside him. The odd look on his face turned to one of slight distress.

"The council is requesting our presence." He began.

"Now? Why?"

"My father's dead."

Poll Time!

Hi all! Sorry for the chapter delay as I've been busy withe exams at school but now it is summer and chapters should be much more frequent! And that brings us to today's topic: a poll!

Before Chapter 41 can arrive I need results for this poll:

Clicky Clicky!

Voting ends July 3!

Thanks for the help!

~Em