Cheryl’s POV
I woke up looking at the ceiling in a hospital bed. I could see concerned faces all over the room looking back at me. The pack hospital is near the training area, and it was a great idea to have it built there. I can see Raven, Reagan, Stella, Kevin, and Robert all staring at me with their fearful eyes trained on me. I went to sit up and Raven stopped me by saying, “The doctor is coming. Justin carried you here, he went to get Doctor Max right now.” I laid back against the back of the bed, as I still felt a little off. I have no idea what is happening right now. I am wondering if this was because I was pushing it too hard like Akayla had told me when the door suddenly opened and Anton rushed into the room and straight over to me. He was panting a little and that only happens when he pushes himself really hard.
He took my hand in his and said, “What happened? Why did you pass out?”
I shrugged and said, “I have been tired for a while now, even before we moved into the new house. Akayla told me I was pushing myself too hard, she may be right. I just need to slow down for a minute. I just need some rest, I will be fine, don’t worry” I told Anton and I gave him a smile to show that I wasn’t worried, but he was still worried. It was all over his face. He stepped back and told Kevin and Robert to stay with me, as he went into the hallway to make a call. I calmed them down too. They were both anxious and worried as well. They had already put in a call to Doctor Gurin at the coven as normally they would draw blood to see what was going on, but that is not going to work in this situation. I kept a brave face for my sons, who were hovering over me asking what I needed them to get for me, or do for me. I had to tell them to calm down, because their nervous behavior was starting to make me nervous. I knew that ever since I was worn down enough toescape Black Moon, I had never gotten fully back to my old self. I knew that years of abuse had taken it's toll on me. I just wanted to be back to my old strong self. I knew as long as I didn't give up, I would get there one day. Justin had slipped back into the room after Anton went into the hallway.
Due to their limited knowledge of vampires, they were all really waiting on Doctor Gurin to arrive to help shed some light on this. I felt better, the dizziness had passed and I was actually embarrassed at all the attention, and ready to go home and rest. I didn’t want to stay here, but Anton had come back into the room and said, “Alexei and Doctor Gurin are on their way here. You will be fine, my love. Nothing to worry about.” He seemed calmer now and less worried now that he knew they were coming. I nodded at him and said, “I am fine, I feel better now anyway. We can just go home to let me rest, and they can just come there to check on me. I don’t want to stay here when I just overexerted myself. I was sparring with Stella and she is a powerhouse.” I got a few light laughs from the group, as everyone knew that I was just trying to lighten the mood. I could tell that they were all still really worried about me.
I don’t want people fussing over me, there is no need. I just need to get more sleep, and I will be fine. I do not sense that there is a problem, I have just been working too hard. I need to take a day or two off. Brandon showed up with Alexei and Doctor Gurin, and I saw two warriors now stationed in the hallway. I doubt that I was under the threat of attack right now. With some of the strongest members of the pack here in the room with me, I was as safe as I could be. Alexei came over to put his hand on Anton’s shoulder to help calm him. We could both tell that he was incredibly worried about me. Doctor Gurin got straight to work and kicked everyone out into the waiting room while he checked me over with Doctor Max.
I appreciated that Max was willing to learn about vampires to be able to treat us if the time ever came, at least to buy is time for Doctor Gurin to get here. They checked me out, including drawing some venom, and having me pee in a cup. They left to go wait for the lab results to come back, and then let everyone come back into my room. There were more people now, as Clive, Beta Truett, and my brother, Leander, were now here too. Robert and Kevin had been sent to the dining room to eat with their friends and cousin’s to try to keep their minds off of what happened. I felt better and had even gotten up earlier with no problem, to go use the bathroom. I was positive that I would be going home very soon.
About 40 minutes later, the door opens and Doctor Gurin, and Doctor Max entered with a laptop on a rolling cart and a few different sized paddles resting in the slots on the side. I felt Anton’s hand tighten on mine, and I murmured to him, “It is fine, Anton, I am fine.” Alexei is looking at Doctor Gurin and after about a minute of them looking intensely at each other, Alexei’s eyes snap to me. What in the hell is going on here. Is there a serious problem? Did I just give Anton false hope?
“Well, I am sorry ladies and gentlemen, but I am going to have to ask you all to exit the room, one more time. We need to check a few more things out, and Cheryl will need some privacy for it. She and Anton will let you know the results very soon. Do not worry. I believe that we have this well in hand, and she will be fine. I can guarantee it” Doctor Gurin said to them as Raven, and Stella came over to hug me on the way out. Reagan stopped and squeezed my hand and said, “Everything is going to be just fine, Cheryl.” I have to admit that I am less optimistic right now, than I was 5 minutes ago. Anton grabbed Alexei’s hand as he passed him to exit and looked at me to see if I was OK with Alexei staying. I know he needs his brother right now, so as long as there is no real invasive or exposing things done, I am good with him staying with us. I nodded at Anton and Alexei steps back in place to stand behind Anton again.
“OK, so we don’t know what is wrong, but we suspect what is wrong with you. We have discussed everything else, and we know for a fact that it isn’t any of the other suspected issues. When that happens, it leaves only one answer, then that answer, however farfetched is the correct answer. So I am going to need you to pull your tank top up for us. We need to see what is going on inside” Doctor Gurin told me and I was stunned. They don’t know, they can only suspect. Is this how things are going to be from now on, guessing?
I pulled my shirt up and Doctor Max stepped forward pulling the cart with him, and pulled out a bottle of ultrasound gel. I have no idea what he is going to be doing, but I can feel Anton tensing up at Max got nearer to me, and I knew I needed to say something as Anton was already worried. Max touching me, might very well push him over the edge. Before I can open my mouth I heard Alexei say in a smooth tone, “Perhaps you would do the honors, Doctor Gurin.” I let go of the breath I was holding and Doctor Gurin smoothly stepped in front of Doctor Max to motion to me to pull the waistband of my leggings down.
“Um, how far do you need them down?” I asked Doctor Gurin, looking at my flat stomach. I am now sorry I let Alexei stay in here. I have never had any of this done before, and I have no idea what they are looking for right now.
“Just a little bit. I just don’t know how much we will need to look around to see what we think might be the problem” Doctor Gurin was cryptic with his reply. I let go of Anton’s hand and slid them down about 2 inches and the cold gel was applied. I know I have a frown on my face now. So many issues and diseases that it could be. I am worried myself nowand reached out to take comfort from Anton again. He is just as worried as I am, but the doctors and Alexei just seem to be focused on the screen as they looked around pressing the paddle all around my stomach.
I can’t even tell what they are look for, and I am worried as I haven’t been a vampire for that long. I haven’t asked if they are prone to any sickness, or diseases yet. Werewolves, are for the most part very healthy, and it is rare for us to get sick, like really sick. I should have asked, what if what is wrong with me might kill me. I can feel the fear taking grip of me, and I couldn’t stop the whimper of fear that escaped me. Anton was just was nervous and upset as I was and finally let his thought's ring out in the room, “What is wrong with her? I demand that you tell me right now.” He was upset, the same as I was, but the other three are now smiling at the screen.
“I cannot believe it, Alexei. If I wasn't looking at it with my own eyes, I would have never have believed it, if someone told me this. The Goddess and Maacah must have done this. They have been blessed” Doctor Gurin said while staring at the screen.
“Cannot believe what?” I said loudly, because I was close to snapping on them if they don’t tell me what the hell is going on right now.
“You are pregnant, Cheryl. It is almost unheard of something like this happening in our kind. Our mother bore us, but she had royal blood. But you will be having a baby, Cheryl. This is usually reserved for royal descendants, or extremely powerful vampires. Congratulations brother, I have to say that I am happy for you, and a little jealous too” Alexei said, and I looked over at the screen myself, as I am still in disbelief.
“Actually, she will be having twins, Alexei. I can see two in there. From the size of them, I would say that she got pregnant while she was still a werewolf. These babies are advancing at an increased rate than a pure vampire baby” Doctor Gurin said and I was stunned. How in the heck is that possible? Anton said he was accepting my sons as his, as it was basically impossible for a pregnancy to occur between us. Neither of us expected this kind of news today. We never took precautions as we didn't think we needed to.
I looked at Anton’s face and he was staring transfixed at the screen. He was happy to hear what they said, but he is still clearly in shock. He had always wanted a baby, but he had given up hope. Alexei was just as happy as Anton was, because this gave him hope too, hope that one day he would be having a baby to carry on his line too. I saw the tears fall from Anton’s eyes as he got up from his chair and leaned over to give me a kiss. I am still a little stunned, at this change of events. I did not expect it, plus my stomach is still flat. How could I possible be pregnant with twins? I have been a vampire for 7 months. How could I not have known? I felt nothing at all, not the first sign of being pregnant, today’s dizziness was the first clue for me.
“That is not true. I told you to slow down, to stop putting so much pressure on yourself. I told you that with all four of your pregnancies,” Akayla said, and she was very happy.
“How am I not showing yet at 7 months? I have just been a little tired, the dizziness today was the only real sign. How could I have known?” I asked them.
“I am absolutely positive that you must have been pregnant from when you were a she-wolf. Normal vampire pregnancies are usually a little over 2 years. We don’t progress quite a fast as werewolf pups do. I delivered both Alexei and Anton, their mother was a royal, and she carried them for about 25 months each. I can’t say for sure, but it looks to me like you are around at the halfway mark with your pregnancy. I believe that at around the 14th to the 16th month mark, we will have new members in our coven. We are going to have to monitor you, and keep an eye out for any problems, but they look just perfect to me right now. I am sorry that I can not give you a more definate time frame. This is a first for our kind, and we are in unknown territory. I will have to get my notes as I will need to compare this to my other documented pregnancies. I will also keep track of yours very carefully too, as this is a new and exciting change to our species. I would slow down on any vigorous training for now. Don’t overextend or over tax yourself. You need to take care of the babies.” Doctor Gurin said to me.
“It is amazing that she didn’t lose them when she was turned. I feel guilty for us not checking her when we did it now. But clearly the Goddess and Maacah have plans for these babies. They protected them through all the changes that she went through. We all know how difficult it is for us to get pregnant, let alone get turned while pregnant. I am stunned, but so happy to hear this. I know our father sired several half-bloods with humans. I believe that these babies will indeed be very special. I am so happy for you and Cheryl” Alexei said as he squeezed Anton's shoulder. We could all hear the wistfulness in his voice. He wants to have some babies too, and my heart breaks for him. I hope when he does find his mate, that she can provide him with his own children too.
“You can stay with us, at our home to help keep an eye on Cheryl Doctor Gurin, Alexei already has his own room. Do we need to schedule weekly visits? Does she need a special diet? What do I need to do?” Anton fires off question after question to the doctors. I need to know too. I need to make sure that what I am doing is the best for them. I need to tell Robert and Kevin that they are about to become big brothers again. I am getting over my surprise, and getting excited about being able to give Anton something that he has always wanted, but thought that he could never have. I am so happy and Anton wraps his arms around me to thank me in my ear and then starts promising me quite a nice reward for making him a father. I blushed because I know that they all heard what he just whispered in my ear, and although I am fully on board with what he suggested, I could have waited until we got home to have heard about it. Which reminds me, I need to ask, even though I really don’t want to.
“So, is it safe for us to still have sex? I don’t want to do anything that would put them in jeopardy” I asked them with my face flushing even redder at my question. I am still feeling so guilty to the babies about not even considering that I could be pregnant when I was changed. I will make sure that from now on, I will make sure that I protect them as best I can. I mean it was within less than a week of us starting to have sex. We were completely different species. We just didn’t even consider the fact that I could possibly even get pregnant.
Doctor Gurin smiled at us, and said, “Yes, sex is still fine. I really think that you will be fine for the duration of the whole pregnancy. You just need to do what you normally do, just less forcefully than you normally do it. I will call Anton with a schedule for you on when I will be here to check on you. Your fluids looked fine, we didn’t see any problems at all in your venom, or urine. I will send you an email for your diet. The babies will need extra iron, as you and they won’t have blood, like your other pups had. I just happened to remember Antonina passing out when she was in the middle of a battle, and had to be rescued before she was hurt. That was how we found out that she was pregnant with Alexei. It had been so long ago, that I had forgot. I happen to know that you are a very strong woman. You showed us that, on the day you were turned, I am so happy to see the legacy continuing for the boys, it gives us all hope for the future.”
He left that sentence hanging as it went without saying that the vampire numbers were dwindling. Mostly from people just assuming that any vampire, was a bad vampire, which is not the case. Just like with any species, there are good and bad in it. Unfortunately, you do not know whether they are bad, until it is too late. So, some just hunted all vampire down, to kill off when they found them. I worried about them, and their coven, and I wanted to suggest that the safety of the wall be extended to where their coven could be made secure too. I know that they were going to be coming here to fight along with us, but they needed to secure their coven and their land. I have been meaning to mention it for a while now, but with everything going on, and there being no trouble right now, I kept forgetting. Since Alexei was here now, I was going to mention it to him while it was still fresh in my mind. He looked a little surprised at my suggestion, but when I reminded him that Graham was coming to us, and it might be best for his, and the whole coven’s safety, he nodded thoughtfully.
“That is a good idea, as we could actually get here faster in case of emergency by just running straight over here. I will speak to Brandon about it. We would need to see how he feels about putting some openings between our land for our people to slip through. My new sister-in-law already cares so much about us, and our well-being. We appreciate you too. I am looking forward to having you come to the coven to meet all of our members. They were already looking forward to meeting you, with this pregnancy being announced, they will all be ecstatic” Alexei told us.
I do not mind them being told about the pregnancy. I just wanted to tell our children first before anyone else here in the pack found out. I mindlinked Kevin to bring Robert and for them to come back to my room. I wanted to tell them both first. I also told him to tell Raven to give them a five minute head start before they came back into my room. I did tell him that I was going to be fine, and that it wasn’t serious. That way he could relay it to the group in the waiting room too. Doctor Max took out the machine, and he and Doctor Gurin both exited the room. I could not stop smiling now, and when I glanced up at Anton, he had a huge grin on his face too. I guess he was given a heads up by his God too. It was just like the Goddess does for us. I had thought that 6 bedrooms in the house, was way to many, with only 4 rooms really taken. It seems like the house was absolutely perfect for us now. I reached down, and ran my hand across my stomach. I am very happy as I always wanted more children, but Blake had insisted that I get on birth control as our family was perfect with 4 pups.
I never knew if Blake said that because he actually thought that our family was perfect, or if it was the start of Graham’s plan. I always suspected that it was because Blake was being petty. A lot of werewolf couples, have a large family. I had felt like he was punishing me for whatever reason at the time, but didn’t know who was behind it until years later. I am so happy at getting this opportunity, my babies are still so little. I am not showing at all, so I never suspected that we would be getting blessed by the God’s themselves. Anton is enthralled with the knowledge that he is going to be a father, of children that I am praying will look just like him. I see his hand reach out toward my stomach, and hesitate. I know he thinks he could hurt them, but look at what they have already survived. I took his hand in my and guided it right to where they had the paddle earlier, over our unexpected gifts.
I see the wonder on his face, as he feels like it is real now. Like he can somehow sense them in there with his hand placed on my stomach. I see the tears in his eyes as he lowered his head to give me a kiss as our hands stayed on my stomach. What a blessing indeed that we have. My excitement grows as I can’t wait for the door to open, so we can tell the boys that our family is growing.
A Shocking Surprise