Chapter 81: Count

Nelly

We arrive at the Count's castle, accompanied by Alexis. Quinn and my brother will remain in the car with her, as we didn't want her to be left at home alone, especially with Peter lurking around. Quinn's wolves are also present.

"Alright, my little angel, you behave for Uncle Kade and Uncle Quinn," I say to Alexis.

Vincent gives instructions, "You keep an eye on my princess. If anything seems amiss, you know what to do." They both nod in agreement. Alec, Vincent, and I enter the castle.

Stephen greets us with a smile, "Good to see you again. We have updates on Peter. I will fill you in after the meeting."

We nodded in agreement as Vincent firmly grasped my hand, leading me into the grand chamber. Taking our seats among the most influential vampires in the world, I discreetly held his hand under the table, feeling a wave of nerves wash over me. Stephen, the leader of the gathering, addressed the crowd with a commanding presence. "Thank you all for being here. Let's get started," he declared.

As the meeting dragged on for over two hours, I found myself growing increasingly bored. This was no different from the gatherings Vincent would host back home. Finally, the meeting concluded, and we approached Stephen to discuss the matter of Peter.

With a grave expression, Stephen revealed, "We have captured two of his men. They confessed that he is planning an attack on you. He has a sizable force, and it seems he is intent on eliminating both of you. All they could talk about was how you seem to have everything handed to you."

Vincent's shock was palpable as he exclaimed, "What? Does he not remember the years of torture I endured and all that I have lost?"

Stephen shook his head in disbelief. "He doesn't see it that way," he said with a heavy sigh. "You have the leadership of your horde and all the hordes in your area, something he feels entitled to. You also got the girl twice, and on top of that, you have a child. He's just jealous of the life you've built for yourself. He thinks you stole it from him."

Vincent's voice was filled with anger as he growled, "He can fuck himself and then go to hell. I went through hell and worked hard for everything I have. He took away my wife, who had every right to choose who she wanted."

"I wanted Vincent dead until I got to know him," I admitted. "I was already in love before Peter ever showed up. Not that I would have chosen him anyway."

Stephen nodded solemnly. "Just be careful."

After exchanging our goodbyes, we climbed into the car. The first thing I did was check on Alexis. "How was she?" I asked, my voice filled with concern.

Kade smiles. “Good, as always.”

Quinn inquires, "So, what's the latest gossip in the vampire world?"

I can't help but roll my eyes dramatically. "Oh, please! It's all so dull and predictable."

Vincent chuckles. "Indeed, quite uneventful. Although Stephen did mention that Peter is mustering an army to come after us. He's got it out for Nelly and Alexis."

Alec chimes in, "We should consider relocating, you two." But both Vincent and I are hesitant. "We also need to strategize on how and when Peter might strike."

Quinn suggests, "Let's convene at my pack house. I'll have my beta and scouts on standby."

"Sounds like a plan," Vincent agrees. And off we go to Quinn's pack house, with Vincent gallantly carrying Alexis.

“Ddddaaa,” she coos.

"You will not say 'Dada' first. I am your Momma. Say 'Momma,’" I playfully scold our daughter.

Vincent chuckles and squeezes our daughter close as we stroll along. "She knows who's her favorite," he teases.

I roll my eyes in mock exasperation. "Asshole."

Vincent laughs even harder. "Love you."

"Love you too." As we enter the room, I am immediately swarmed by a pack of enthusiastic pups. They adore me for some reason. They leap up to greet Alexis, who gazes down at them from Vincent's arms.

"Nelly!" Sally exclaims, her voice piercing the air.

"Hey, sweetie!" She glances at me, her face contorted in confusion. "What?"

Sally wrinkles her nose. "You smell funny."

"Are you suggesting I need a bath?" I retort.

Sally shakes her head. "No... I don't know. You just smell funny."

I shrug nonchalantly and reply before making my way over to where the guys are gathered. Alexis is sprawled out on the floor, playing with the pups. They all turn to look at me. Quinn's beta gives me a scrutinizing look before whispering something to Quinn, who nods in agreement.

"What's going on?" Vincent inquires.

"Nelly, you're pregnant," Quinn announces.

I burst into laughter, and Vincent quickly joined in. "Quinn, not fucking funny," he scolds.

Quinn shakes his head and lets out a dramatic sigh. "Well, you are quite the detective, aren't you? But moving on, I must say I agree with Alec. We must relocate you and Alexis to a secure location, especially now."

Alec raises an important question, "What about Stephen?"

Vincent interjects with a hint of humor, "Can we circle back to the bombshell news that she might be expecting?"

Quinn raises his hands in exasperation before turning to Vincent, "Oh, come on, man. If you've already got one kid, did you think you were off the hook for more? Seriously, wrap it up, Vincent. We all know those pills won't do the trick with her."

“Fuck off you mutt,” Vincent quips.

“Bloodsucker,” Quinn retorts. “But anyway, Nelly, go and see one of the elders. Sally will take you.”

"No, I'm fine. I want to know what we're going to do about Peter," I declared, feeling a bit off but attributing it to Alexis. Why is my timing always shit? Vincent is already overly protective, and this will only exacerbate the situation. Fuck me! Oh, wait, that's how this all happened!

After spending several hours brainstorming, we finally devised a plan. However, the part that doesn't sit well with me is that I'm being shipped off to the Count. I understand that Vincent is only trying to protect us, but I can't shake this uneasy feeling. On top of that, I discovered I'm about 2 weeks pregnant after encountering the elder.

Once we returned home, we settled Alexis down and headed to our room. Vincent approached me with determination and lifted me, saying, "You better give me a boy this time."

I couldn't help but giggle. "Nope. You're in for another girl."

He arched an eyebrow. "And why is that?"

"Just for fun and the pink princess tea parties, of course," I replied with a mischievous grin.

“Is that so?” His voice dropped low before he pushed me against the wall and ripped my clothes off. “I'm gonna fuck you till you can't walk.”

I long for happiness, but I understand why he's feeling so primal at the moment. "No, you're going to miss me because you're shipping me off tomorrow and won't see me every day," I tell him.

He sighs. "Fine."

"I still love you."

"I love you, too," he replies. That night, we made love... who cares how many times? I needed him. But now, I must be strong for both of us as I leave to ensure the safety of our children. At least this time, we made the decision together.