He cut me off. “I’m not most men. Rachel, he is mine. He’s mine because you’re mine. He’ll be the first of many, I hope, but this one we know will only be with us for fifteen years, and I plan to make the most of every single day of it before we lose him.”
“We might not have to.”
Gavin looked at me with a mix of sadness and confusion. “He’ll change because of what he is. We can’t stop that.”
“Maybe we can. Gavin when I was with Christina she told me it could be done if we just did it before the transformation. We could turn him.”
“You believed her?”
“I don’t know. I have no reason to believe her, she had every reason to lie. But still, when I asked Holly I didn’t get a clear answer. It might be possible, don’t you think? I mean, until his transformation starts won’t he just be human?”
“I don’t know, Rachel. We shouldn’t get our hopes up though, but when Holly is well enough we’ll talk with her. It’s a possibility perhaps. That’s not for a long time though, so let’s just focus on what’s in front of us.”
“You’re right,” I said. “I’m exhausted and so are you. Let’s go sleep in that big fancy room you built.”
“You’re not upset that I changed your house without talking to you first are you? I mean, I should have asked. You’ve lived here all your life, but once I got started I couldn’t stop.”
“Obviously,” I laughed. “It’s beautiful. It’s perfect. I love it and I love you.”
He smiled and took me in his arms once again, kissing the top of my head. Then we made our way into the new bedroom, pulled back the sheets and lay there, exhausted in each other’s arms. A feeling of warmth and peace rolled over me and I actually shed a few silent tears of contentment. Gavin wrapped his arms around me ever tighter as we drifted off.
“Rachel,” he whispered before falling into sleep. “Welcome home.”
Chapter Seven
In the months that followed we settled back into a routine. Gavin, Alexander and I were a little close knit family in our new home. I cooked every night, and ate it too, my appetite being more human as the pregnancy went on. My boys sat with me at the table every evening, whether they had to eat or not. Gavin said it would be good practice for when our children came. We would have to sit and at least act like we were eating even when we were not to maintain some sort of normalcy.
We made many trips to Sydney to visit the blood den. I had a strong desire to hunt but we rarely indulged in that. Gavin was his overly protective self, telling me he didn’t like the idea of getting into such a risky situation while I was pregnant. The blood den was at least a controlled environment.
Alexander never missed a chance to go even if he didn’t need to feed. Leiv, a dark haired and muscular young human had captured his heart and eventually the trips to the blood den stopped. Alexander had convinced him to stop working there, and so he spent a lot of time at Leiv’s home. The more they got involved, the less and less we saw of him. I was happy for Alex, but I missed him immensely. The time he spent at home was growing sparser and it was just a matter of time before he and Leiv would take the next step and move in together.
Gavin’s parents still sat vigil with Holly at the sanctuary. His father visited often, but if you wanted to see his mother you would have to go there. Holly had improved significantly but still had not recovered fully. She had her good days and bad days. Sometimes slipping in and out of consciousness as nightmares overtook her. In her sleep she called for Daniel, and doubled over in physical pain each and every time she thought of him. She had a long road ahead of her, but some days she was coherent enough to talk to, almost like her old self. Her appearance was still frail and sickly, but not nearly as gruesome as it had been. Some color was returning to her cheeks and her hair was slowly returning to its beautiful gold. It was a long time before I worked up the nerve to ask her about the baby’s possible transformation. She told us she had never heard of such a thing, but gave us the names of several vampires around the world, medical experts, who may be able to answer the question better than she could.
She had not spoken to any of them in more than a quarter century and so it was taking some time to track them down. I’d had a few leads, but mostly, I got nowhere. The question of whether or not this child would have to fulfil his destiny as a satyr would have to be one that would remain unanswered, for now at least.
In mid-summer my time was growing close, and I often lay in bed with my hands on my stomach, feeling the new life within me stretch and prod with a force that was undeniable. This little creature, this new little person wanted out in the worst way. In a way I wished I could have held on to him forever, but then again, like all pregnant women, I was getting just a tad uncomfortable. Gavin’s mother said it was because I was still so human. The pregnancy had slowed down my full transformation and so there was no telling what the actual birth would be like. Had I been a full blooded vampire the pregnancy and birth would have been quite easy.
I had been seeing an obstetrician in the nearby town of Antigonish, and Gavin had accompanied me to each and every appointment. I felt a twinge of guilt every time he had to do something in relation to the baby, but he was so happy and excited like any other father that I never felt that way for long. He seemed to sense this and whenever I was feeling very guilty he would simply come over, rest his hand on my stomach and smile. He never said anything. He didn’t have to.
On the night of August 10th I cleaned up after having made dinner. Alexander was with us, in between visits to Sydney, and I went upstairs to lie down. Gavin was busy playing a lively game of fetch with Maggie outside and I could hear the little dog barking as she ran back and forth excitedly.
I hadn’t been lying down for more than a few minutes when I felt a slight pain in my abdomen, followed by a huge rush of liquid. My water had broken. I screamed once and Gavin was suddenly right there. “Oh shit. What’s happening?”
“What’s happening?” I said with a sarcasm only a woman in labour can accomplish. “Having a baby here.”
Gavin ran his hands through his hair, trying to think and muttering to himself in a panic. He was talking to himself about suitcases and doctors and car keys. There wasn’t time for any of that however because a moment later I felt my stomach clench up in a mercilessly painful contraction that seemed to last forever. “Go get Mom,” I heard him say to Alexander who appeared in the doorway.
Alexander took off like a shot and as the contraction ended I could feel the baby’s head emerging. “He’s coming now!” I screamed.
“Now? No, not now!”
“Yes now!” I roared as another contraction hit. I screamed my way through that one as well, and when it ended I was barking orders. “You have to do it. There isn’t time for anything else.”
I had never known Gavin to be squeamish but he paled as he took a look. “Holy shit!” he said. “He’s halfway out.”
“I fucking well know that Einstein. Help me!” Gavin steadied himself, taking hold of the tiny head and shoulders in his hands as I had one more immense contraction, and with that, our son was born. Ryan Duncan MacDonald didn’t come into the world quietly either. He was there and he was screaming.
Gavin took him in his arms and held him for a moment before handing him over, and as I looked down at my newborn son the only emotion I had any room for was joy. All of the pain and grief and heartbreak disappeared and only pure love and joy and hope remained. I kissed his tiny, messy head and sobbed. Gavin sat next to me placing a small blue blanket he had retrieved from the nursery over him to keep him warm and we both sat there, wordlessly, looking down at this tiny helpless creature who was still wailing.
Seeing him there was no denying his true paternity. Once he finally quieted down he looked at us with large questioning eyes that were so dark, the darkest I’d ever seen on a baby, almost black, that you could get lost in them. He was born with a full head of dark wavy hair and was quite frankly, huge. Later when he was wei
ghed we would find out he was born at just over twelve pounds. I was eventually taken to the hospital where I was checked over and both the doctors and nurses were stunned that I had delivered such a large baby all alone.
But in that moment, when he looked at us, and we at him, his paternity didn’t seem relevant in the least. He was obviously biologically Aries’ child, but Gavin was looking at him in the same way all new fathers look at their babies. With awe and wonder, and perhaps a little fear.
Gavin’s mother arrived as we were sitting with our new boy. She appeared in the doorway, smiling wide. I think it was the first time I truly saw her smile since Holly had become sick. She held Ryan for a moment and then helped put things in order.
When I returned home from the hospital two days later the house was filled with flowers and little blue things from all the members of the clan. I was overwhelmed. I was always doubtful as to whether they’d accepted me or not, but this gesture served to calm that, at least for the time being. There was also a large amount of presents and food from our human neighbours.
That night I nursed him and tucked him into a little bassinette that we’d taken out onto the deck to enjoy the evening. The night was bright with stars and a full moon. We sat in silence watching Ryan doze off, Gavin’s arm around me. I had never been so happy.
Then suddenly I felt a presence behind me and a moment later a familiar voice spoke up. “Hope I’m not intruding. I thought I’d take a gander at my grandson if that’s alright with the two of you.” I’d not seen him since the night I left the mountain and when I turned around I was shocked at what I saw. Duncan had lost at least twenty years. His skin was bright and smooth, his eyes clear and beautiful. He still looked like himself, but a younger, healthier version.
“Duncan!” I exclaimed as I stood to greet him. He put his arms around me and gave me a kiss on the cheek.
“Congratulations Mama,” he said. Then extending his hand to Gavin he shook it. “And to Papa as well.”
Gavin smiled. “Duncan, it’s nice to see you again.”
“You look so different,” I added.
“Yes, well, sometimes all a fella needs is a little Oil of Olay.”
Ryan stirred in his bassinette as if knowing someone was there to visit. Duncan peered over and slowly made his way to the baby. “Hello,” he whispered, before saying a string of words in Gaelic. Ryan looked at him, fascinated. “Can I hold him?”
“Of course,” I said. Duncan took a seat and I handed him the little blue bundle.
“Jesus Murphy,” he said, feeling Ryan’s weight in his arms. “He’s a bruiser isn’t he?”
“That he is,” I laughed. “What’s that?” I said, noticing a large bag Duncan had dropped on the deck.
“Oh I just picked up a few things he might need.”
I opened the bag up. It was bursting with toys. Most of which Ryan would be too little to play with for quite a while. “Wow. There are a ton of toys in here, Duncan. You can’t go spoiling him.”
“Oh hush now. If a man can’t spoil his grandson then what’s the good of him?” I laughed and took a seat next to Duncan on the little wicker couch. “What’s the boy’s name?” he asked.
“His name is Ryan,” I said. “Ryan Duncan MacDonald.”
Duncan’s mouth hung open in shock. His eyes grew red but he blinked back the tears before any of them had a chance to fall. “A good Scottish name,” he smiled.
Just then there was a rustling of bushes and a familiar scent filled the air. Someone else had come to visit. Gavin growled, his eyes darkening and fangs thrusting out. He knew, as we all did, who had come.
Aries showed himself, stepping tentatively out of the woods, his normally cocky attitude subdued. Gavin got to the bottom of the stairs and began screaming. “Get the fuck out of here you filthy beast. You’ve got exactly five seconds before I kill you.”
A number of bodies emerged from the woods behind Aries, other satyrs, with swords drawn. “You coward,” Gavin sneered. “You can’t come face me alone like a man, can you?”
“Relax,” Aries said, his voice steady and calm. “I only want to see my son.”
“Your son? This is my son and Rachel’s son, but not your son.” Gavin was becoming more vicious with each word. His hands shook in anger. “You’ll have nothing to do with him. You have no idea of the pain you’ve caused. He’s ours and ours alone, and you’d be wise to never show your face here again.”
“Gavin, you know he’ll only be human until he’s fifteen don’t you? After that he’ll have to come be with us.”
“Never!” Gavin screamed.
“Then he’ll die,” Aries said, lowering his voice. “There’s no getting around it I’m afraid.”
Gavin growled once again before his blind anger got the better of him. He lunged forward, fangs bared ready to rip Aries apart.
I raced down the stairs and quickly got in-between them, stopping Gavin at the last second from reaching Aries. “You can’t!” I shouted. “He’s right. If you kill him, Ryan might be as good as dead.” It was true. We didn’t have any way to verify that Ryan could be turned before he’d transform, and if it couldn’t happen, Aries would be the key to keeping him alive.
Gavin’s eyes returned to normal as the sad realization hit him. He knew I was right. “It’s ok,” I said, taking Gavin’s face in my hands.
“Rachel, I don’t like this.”
I nodded. “I know.” Then I turned to Aries. “You have no right to what you’re asking,” I said.
“I know,” he said, dropping his shoulders. “But I am anyway. I just want to see him. To hold him just once. I’m throwing myself on your mercy, Rachel. If you let me have this I’ll not darken your door again until the time comes.”
“Fine. But I mean it. Don’t show your face around here until then. If you do I’ll kill you myself.”
The satyr nodded in silent agreement and I motioned to Duncan to bring the tiny bundle he was still clutching over to me. He placed him in my arms and I handed him over to Aries. Gavin pulled me close, as his father held him, squeezing my hand so tightly I thought he might break it. Aries paid no mind, the look on his face was one of pure bliss. He stared at him with fascination for a long moment.
“Didn’t I tell you?” he said finally, looking at me and bursting with pride. “Didn’t I tell you, little one? Didn’t I tell you that I’d give you a fine, strong son? Look at him, he’s radiant.” Aries pressed his forehead to Ryan’s and the baby let out a soft cry.
Then he turned, motioning for the herd to gather round. “My son,” he said to them. “What’s his name?” he asked.
“Ryan,” I said.
“Ryan,” he repeated. Each of the brothers took a turn looking at him. Some of the older ones smiled and stroked his head with their giant hands, the younger ones looked on simply confused as if they’d never seen a baby before. I couldn’t help but think of Zale. All the sons he had fathered were as good as dead because of what I’d done. My son at least had a chance to live beyond fifteen, but there were a number of other women who unknowingly would bury their sons, and it was me who was the cause.
“That’s enough,” I said, suddenly feeling an aching in my arms. I needed to hold him. Aries sadly turned back to me, pressed his son against his chest for one more long moment and then reluctantly handed him back.
“Thank you, Rachel,” he whispered.
I nodded. “Remember your promise,” I said. “I don’t want to see any sign of you until his time comes.”
“I understand,” he said, lowering his shoulders once more. “Take care of my boy. I’ll come back when the time is right.”
Then he turned away, silently slipping back into the woods. I actually felt a little sorry for him. The next time he’d see Ryan he would be almost grown. If he did get to see him. That time would never come if his father and I had our way.
“Well, I best be off,” Duncan said, sensing that we needed to be alone. “I’ll be back soon if that’s ok with
you two.”
“Duncan, you’re welcome here anytime,” Gavin said.
Duncan clasped Gavin’s shoulder and shook his hand once more. He then kissed Ryan on his little cheek and then it was my turn. “You’ve got a hard road ahead of you child. But you’re strong enough to handle it, always remember that. You’ve got the blood of kings and queens running through your veins. And you always know where to find old Duncan if you need him,” he winked.
“I do,” I smiled. He headed down our driveway, walking slowly this time and looking up at the stars as if taking in the beauty of the summer night. I wished I could do the same, but I felt suddenly like a huge burden had been placed upon me. Ryan’s life was dependant on my search for answers and I could see by the troubled look on Gavin’s face that he was having all the same thoughts.
“What do we do now?” I said.
He drew in a deep cleansing breath. “The only thing we can do, the same thing all parents do. We protect our son.”
Gavin put his arms around me and we held Ryan, so small and helpless, between us. Knowing everything we had to face I wanted to take that moment and stop time forever, but of course, that wasn’t to be.
We headed back inside and placed the now slumbering baby in his crib and stared down at him in silence. “I’m afraid,” I whispered.
“I know,” he said pulling me close. “Me too. But if there’s any way to stop his transformation we’ll find it. Rachel, I promise you that.”
“He just got here and I already feel like time is running out. I don’t want to lose him.”
Gavin’s voice grew stern with a determination I’d not heard in it before. “We won’t lose him. I swear with everything I have in me we won’t lose him. He’s ours…forever.”
As the night closed in we continued to stand over him, watching him sleep. This would be how we spent most of our nights that first year as we continued to search for an answer. Our quest to save our son would become our whole life.
Coming in fall 2014:
The Vampires of Soldiers Cove: The Unborn Page 21
