Chapter 82: Bad Decision

Vincent

The following morning, we hastily packed bags for my wife and daughter. The sorrow etched on my wife's face mirrored the heaviness in my heart. I yearned for her presence by my side to ensure her safety and well-being. Yet, a lingering sense of unease gnawed at me, casting doubt on our decision to seek refuge with the Count.

"I'll stay. I refuse to leave. I'd rather face the unknown within the walls of our home," she declared, her hand resting gently on my chest. The possessiveness in her words, claiming our daughter as her own, spoke volumes about her emotions. Plus, I loved it when she used the word 'our' to refer to things. The only time she said Alexis was her daughter was when she was mad at me, which happened near daily, but the make-up sex was worth it.

"I can't shake this feeling of distrust. Something doesn't sit right with me about the Count," I confessed, pressing my forehead against hers in a moment of vulnerability.

"Has he ever given you cause to doubt him before?" she inquired, her gaze searching mine for reassurance.

"No, but with you and Alexis, I demonstrate that I possess more power than him. This ability to create full-blooded natural vampires is a power that anyone would kill for," I confess passionately. Power has never been my motivation; my family is my priority, and I will do whatever it takes to protect them.

"So, if he takes down the power couple, what then? He remains in control? Surely he knows you wouldn't stand for that, none of our allies would," she retorts sarcastically, hastily packing her belongings. "Plus, he knows that you never wanted power, right?"

I nod solemnly. "Yes, but every time I have not actively pursued something, it has fallen into my lap. He may believe that the hordes would flock to me instead of him because of how easily I got power when I filled in for my leader, especially now that we have Alexis. The hierarchy of the Dark Ones has always been complex, and now it is even more so. I never could have imagined this when I first claimed you as mine."

"I have no intention of informing him about my pregnancy. I will conceal it for as long as possible," she declares resolutely. I pray that I do not miss out on too much of this pregnancy, as I have already missed so much in the past.

"Excellent, do not worry. One of the wolves will accompany you," I informed her. When she inquired about which wolf it would be, I was unsure, so I informed her that Quinn was in the process of determining that. Quinn has become an indispensable member of our family, despite his persistent attempts to persuade my wife to have Werepire pups with him. As I approached her from behind, I slid my hands under her shirt and gently caressed her flat stomach. "I desire a son."

She chuckled softly. "We must be patient. All I want is for our child to be healthy."

"If not, we will continue trying until we succeed," I assured her. She turned in my embrace and kissed me.

"I love you more than words can express. Promise me you will be cautious. This mission is unlike anything we have faced before. These vampires are formidable opponents. I need you by my side, always," she whispered tenderly.

"I swear to you, promise me you'll stay alert. There's something off, I can feel it," I said, unable to shake the feeling of unease.

Nelly locked eyes with me, her gaze intense. "Then why not let me stay? Trust your instincts, there's a reason you feel this way," she insisted.

She was right, as much as I hated to admit it. "That's the problem. I don't trust any of this. It feels like we're being manipulated from all sides. Keep Alexis close to you at all times," I instructed.

"I will," she promised, planting a kiss on my lips as we embraced. "I need her blood packs!"

I chuckled, relieved to have one less thing to worry about. "Already taken care of. I ordered extra so you won't have to hunt."

As we made our way downstairs to meet the wolf who would be accompanying her, Quinn introduced us to Hunter. "Vincent and Nelly, meet Hunter," he said.