Meeting Destiny; Lachlan’s Story (Annalese and the Immortals) (7 page)

Vlad thought a little longer and “son of a mother fucking bitch” he was laughing. “Unfucking real. I can’t believe it! No fucking way.”

Lachlan was on his feet. “What!?”

Vlad grinned. “Celibate for 100 years and gods be damned, you get her pregnant in under two weeks. What are the fucking odds?”

Lese and Lachlan both stood mouths open. “Are you sure, I mean it’s only been two weeks. How can you be sure?”

Lese was about to hyperventilate.

“Oh I’m sure. Lach, you are gonna be a dad. Congrats, man!”

Lachlan was white as a ghost, for only a second. Then he had Lese in his arms kissing her. “Oh, angel, thank you!”

Sophie came in. “Hey guys, what’s going on?”

Vlad spoke. “Ah, pixie, Lachlan and Annalese are having a baby.”

Sophie squealed. “Oh God! This is awesome! Vlad, I want one. Talk to your sperm, get the job done,” as she hugged the couple. “Congratulations, did you see the doc yet?”

“Ah, no, um Vlad just kinda figured it out. But I’ve got nine months so….”

“Lese, angel, Vampire baby hybrids grow fast. I think it’s only five months. Vlad?”

“Yes, it’s five. So, my friends, expect to start seeing a change very soon. Mehmet could tell you what it is, if you like. So can I.”

Lachlan looked to Lese, his hands on her stomach. He was beaming. “That, lass, is up to you. I have no preference—boy or girl. Do ye wanna know?”

“Lachlan, we need to figure things out, like where we are going to live. My apartment or yours and—”

Vlad cut her off. “You should live here in the castle with Sophie and myself. As you can see, I have room. There are seventeen bedrooms. Pick one for your nursery. This baby is Tepes, my heir. I would like very much being able to keep my family together.” Vlad was done.

“Lese?”

“Oh boy, Vlad, are you sure? I feel like we’re intruding already. My job, money, you know.” Lese and Lachlan both were surprised by Vlad’s offer.

“Ah my dear, Lachlan has plenty of money, and I have much more. Money is not a problem. I can build you two a home on the grounds if you’d like. Something of your own. I’d just like you close.”

“Sire, it would be a great privilege to stay here, raise our child in this home surrounded by family.”

Vlad nodded.

“I’d like to steal me angel for just a moment.”

Lachlan took her hand and they walked out on the balcony. December was unusually warm—fifty degrees. He pulled her to him. “Oh angel, I canna believe we did it. A baby. Gods, ye are amazing.”

She cuddled as close as she could. “Oh Lachlan, I love you.”

And that was all that was said. They just held one another. Life was perfect.

They went back into the kitchen. Vlad and Sophie were still sitting with their coffee.

“Vlad, I want to know. How can you tell?” Annalese asked.

“Ah, come here.”

She stood before him. He placed his hands on her belly, closed his eyes for a few moments and then grinned. “You have a happy baby, very healthy. And it’s a boy.”

“Holy Christ on toast. I’m havin’ a boy.” Lachlan was thrilled, so was Annalese. A boy. She hoped he got his daddy’s eyes.
Dear God, thank you
, she thought.

T
he next few weeks went quickly. Lese had to make a trip with Sophie to the boutique. Her belly was already swelling and nothing fit. Lachlan loved it; he could barely keep his hands off her.

The men dealt with Percy; even Gary helped. He felt he was due a little revenge. And Lachlan let him take it. Gary was learning fast. He was fast becoming Vlad’s apprentice. Vlad wouldn’t sire him, but that didn’t mean he didn’t like Gary and wouldn’t teach him how to become the best Vampire he could be. He was still on bagged blood. Vlad had explained he needed to learn control before he could draw fresh. Gary never once complained. He would spend early evenings in the kitchen with Marcus, learning to cook, helping him clean up—whatever was needed. Gary found his gift: fire. From Lachlan, Vlad had said. Lachlan could command fire and since Gary had his blood, the gift had passed.

Vlad spent hours training Gary, then more with Lese. Her pregnancy was enhancing her gifts. He hoped his “grandson” got both hers and Lach’s gifts. He was becoming a very proud “Pops.”

Later that week, as they were all having breakfast, it happened.

“Oh!” Lese was taken off guard.

“Angel? Annalese, love, are ye OK? What happened?” Lachlan started to panic.

“Oh!” She knew. “Lach, give me your hand.”

He did and she laid it on her belly. After a minute he felt it too. “Christ on toast angel, is that me son doin’ that?”

“Yes, fang boy, that’s your son. He’s kicking. He wanted his daddy to feel him. What do you think?”

He was teary. “Ah, Christ!”

Vlad looked and asked. “May I? I’ve never had the pleasure.”

“Sure, Vlad.”

Vlad looked to Lachlan as if asking him too for permission.

“T. donna need to ask me. It’s me angel’s tummy you’d be touchin’.”

“Annalese?”

“Oh really, you just asked me. Come on, Pops!”

Vlad growled, then burst out laughing. “Fucking Pops again. This poor kid won’t know what to call me.”

He sat next to her and placed one hand on each side of her belly. “Baby Lachlan” as she called him, since they had not chosen a name, felt Vlad’s touch and started to kick and kick. Vlad was in awe. “I don’t want to let go. It’s the most miraculous thing I’ve ever felt. Thank you, Lese.” Vlad moved his hands away.

“Sophie and I want this. We’ve been trying for years. I’m afraid this old vampire’s sperm may be past its expiration date.”

“Angel?” Lachlan spoke up.

“Hmm, my love.” She sipped her tea.

“Canna talk to ye outside?”

Outside must be important, plus the walls are soundproof. No one outside could hear anything and vice versa.

“Lach, baby, what’s going on?” Lese was way past curious.

“I was watching me sire with ye, and never once in me life have I ever seen a tear in that man’s eye. T. is a hard man. He never cried, even when his mother died, not once. Today, when he was touchin’ yer belly, feeling the baby. I saw it, Annalese. A tear. We need to help them. If he and you would agree. I’ll give my sperm. He’s my sire. We have the same blood, angel. They could use it to help Sophie get pregnant. Please, angel. I really want him to know the joy I feel knowing our child is growing inside you!”

“Lachlan, I love them both so very much. I know how bad Sophie wants a baby. We talked about it even before I got pregnant. Yes, Lach, of course, I would never say no.”

He hugged her tight.

“One more thing, fang boy. When the baby comes, Mehmet will return to do the naming ceremony, right?” I have something in mind for his name.”

“Lass, what are ye thinking?”

Oh those blue eyes just sparkled.

“I have a couple ideas, but they stay between us. It’s a surprise. Oh, and I want to talk to Vlad. I think he may be more open to the idea if it comes from me.”

In the kitchen, they took their spots and Lese spoke up. “Pops,” she giggled. “Okay, really we have something we’d like to talk to you about. An offer of sorts. Promise me you will think it over before deciding.”

Vlad had an odd expression on his face. “OK, tell me.”

Lese explained everything. How they would use Lachlan’s seed and Sophie’s egg, and then after fertilization, they’d plant it inside her and hopefully it would work. “Lachlan and I thought once the baby is born we could do this for you. For Sophie. I felt your emotions when you were touching my belly. Vlad, you really want this, I know it. Accept it. This is our gift to you. And it stays between us. No one else will ever know.”

Vlad got up and walked to Lese and put his arms around her. It was the first time in his life the Original cried. And he did cry, like a newborn babe. Without a word he left the room and went to his chambers.

Weeks flew and months passed. Life was almost perfect. Percy was gone. No more threats. Even Nico had been around. He would spend time with Annalese. He used her like a therapist, saying she made him want to be a better man. Lachlan wasn’t happy about Nico, but he knew his mate loved him and had no interest in Nico Angelov. So he tolerated it for her. He could tolerate just about anything for that angel of his.

“Lachlan,” it was Nico’s voice.

“Hey, Nico. Where’s me angel?”

“That’s what I came looking for you about. She said, and I’m quoting, ‘find my mate.’ Tell him it’s daddy time and find Vlad.’ So I’m guessing your son is ready to make an appearance. She went up to your suite.”

“Christ on toast, Vlad Tepes!” Lachlan was screaming. He leapt up the staircase, one swoop, Vampire speed. He was banging on Vlad’s door.

“What the fuck, Lach!” Vlad was not happy.

“T. it’s time, me son,” was all he could get out.

They flew, literally six feet off the floor to Lachlan’s suite. They flung the door open to find Annalese holding her belly propped up on the bed, humming a Scottish lullaby she’d learned.

“Hi baby, got my message from Nico I see? Is he with you guys? Nico?”

“Ah fuck lass, are ye OK? Is there pain? Christ, what canna I do?” He was going 100 miles an hour.

“OK, Lach, first and most important: calm down. Vlad, where’s the booze? Give him the whole bottle. And you, Pops, better get one too. You look pale. Nico, are you there?”

“Yes, Lese, I’m here. I’m dying to meet this baby.”

She smiled. He’d certainly changed a lot over the past few months. “Good, your job is to keep those two,” she motioned to Vlad and Lachlan, ”calm. Babies are born every day, and this one is no exception. My water broke hours ago and I’ve been timing the contractions. I’m guessing another hour and Michael will arrive.”

Vlad raised an eyebrow. “That’s the first time I’ve heard his name. Michael. I like that. Where did you take it from?” Vlad thought biblical.

“Lachlan’s middle name. He wouldn’t let me name him Lachlan, so I chose Michael.”

“And the rest?”

Sophie appeared in the doorway.

“It’s a secret until the ceremony. Better call Mehmet.” She winced. A contraction.
Breathe, one, two, three, exhale
. OK. Over.

“And my girl parts are not going to be on display, so that means guys, if you’re staying, you sit up here by my head. Otherwise, get out!”

Lachlan didn’t move from her side. He planted soft kisses on her forehead and rubbed her belly. “Oh angel, gods do I love ye. I’m so sorry for the pain yer in, I just wanted a child so much I didna think.”

Lese put her head on his chest. “Lach, it’s okay. It’s natural. Childbirth is painful, but it’s all worth it. Your son will be here soon. You OK there, Daddy?”

“Aye, hell no! But I willa be. As soon as Nico brings that scotch.”

Vlad sat beside her opposite Lachlan. What a sight. Two huge, scary Vampires who were both petrified of childbirth.

Vlad spoke. “Annalese, I know you said you didn’t want your parts on display, so say no if you need to, but I’m six hundred and fifty-six years old, and have never been witness this miracle. Can I please be honored to help bring my grandson into this world?”

She looked to Lachlan and got the nod. “Of course, Vlad. You need the practice anyway if you two are going to try.”

Less than an hour later, Michael made his debut. Seven pounds, seven ounces, and twenty-one inches long. He was perfect, and just like Lachlan, black hair and sapphire blue eyes. Vlad and Lachlan both swooned over Michael.

“Aye, angel, me son is perfect. You did so good, Annalese. How you could go through that and not cry out I’ll never know. You are so strong, me love.” He held her, kissing her. Vlad played grandpa.

Sophie was in love with Michael, and Gary and Nico waited patiently.

“Vlad, I know you’re having fun being Pops, but I think Nico wants to see him too.” Lese waved him in and everyone gathered around the bed.

“Nico, meet Michael.” Lachlan spoke. He had really started to like the SOB, God help him. Nico adored Annalese, Lachlan knew that. But even more, he valued her as a friend and wouldn’t cross the line.

“Damn Lach, he looks just like you only he’s gorgeous, and you my friend are not even close.” Nico just held Michael, staring at him, then passed him to Gary to do the same. Before long, Sophie took him.

“OK, Mommy and Daddy, Auntie Sophie has him. Get some rest, clean up. Do whatever you need for a few hours. This baby is coming with me.” And with that she left.

“Well angel, how about a bath? I’ll wash your hair for ye.” He was still beaming. Everyone left the new parents alone to relax awhile. Lachlan bathed Annalese with such care. There was no way not to see how much he loved her.

A knock came at the door. They assumed it was Sophie. “’Tis open. Come in.”

In stepped Mehmet. “Lachlan, Lese, congratulations. I’ve seen Michael. He’s perfect. Vlad is making arrangements. Do you realize he is the first hybrid in one hundred and fifty years? He truly is a miracle. Now, have you decided on his name?”

“Aye, we did. We’d like to be the ones to verbalize it for the first time during the ceremony, if that’s OK. It’s a surprise.”

Mehmet nodded. “Two nights from now, the festivities will begin at sundown.” He left without another word.

“God, he was odd,” Lese thought.

Lachlan and Lese went hand-in-hand to the kitchen. Vlad jumped up. “Why are you up? Fuck, you should be in bed!” He was a mess.

“Vlad, I’m fine. It’s been hours and my mate is taking very good care of me. So chill, big guy.” That brought laughter from everyone.

“Okay, I’ll try to ‘chill’. Lach, may I borrow your mate for a few minutes? I need to talk to her, if that’s OK?”

“Aye, she’s all yours. Sophie, I want me son. Give him up.”

Vlad took Annalese to the gardens. May was so lovely. Everything was in bloom.

“OK big guy, spill it. What’s wrong? Because I know something is.”

“I need this to stay between us. Sophie and I are already having issues, and this will make it worse.”

Lese was actually afraid of what he might say.

“I’m having trouble sleeping. A
lot
of trouble sleeping. It’s why I held off killing Percy for so long. Without the torture I can’t sleep. It’s pathetic. I’ve come to this in my life. The torture and pain feed me. My body relaxes and I can sleep. Without Percy I wasn’t sleeping. I found a place I could go for it and I started sleeping again. And Lese, this time I’m the one who is getting cut and other things I will not mention. Can you tell me what the fuck is wrong with me? Without it, I can’t, um, perform my manly duties and I think Sophie is on the verge of leaving.”

Oh, shit.
Well, she loved Vlad so she’d try. “OK, let me read you. See what’s hiding. Maybe I can figure things out. Here’s a private question for you. Can you do it on your own…you know, masturbate?”

“I don’t know. I haven’t tried, but I will tell you I get very aroused during my, ah, sessions. I feel like I could then.”

She took his arm and closed her eyes. His emotions and thoughts filled her head. She felt enough. “OK, Vlad, send Sophie on a cruise or whatever. I have no idea what it is; I’m not gonna speculate yet. I need to share this with Lachlan. I know what you said, but you’re gonna need him too.”

Vlad gave the nod. He took her hand and returned her to her mate.

Lachlan smiled. “Angel, are ye OK?”

“Of course. I’m good.” In her head she spoke.
Lach, Vlad needs us. Don’t say anything. I’ll explain later, but he’s going to need both of us. And I have a feeling we’re all going to be very close.

Lachlan got the hint. Sex. Something was wrong with his sire and it was about sex. He wasn’t sure if he could handle even Vlad touching his mate that way.

“Angel, let’s take Michael up, change him, and let him sleep awhile.” They made it to their rooms, tended to Michael, and put the babe down to sleep. He fell out right away.

“OK, angel, yer not fucking me sire. I canna handle that!”

“Oh God, Lachlan, no; that’s not what it is. I mean, yeah sort of… just listen.”

She explained it all, and then he understood.

“Aye, help him like you did for me that day, remember? You were taking me blood. He really told you Sophie won’t feed from him like that? Like we do. I canna believe he opened to ye like that. He must really care for ye.”

“So I am going to need to do for him what I’ve done for you. I want you there when it happens. I know I’ll have a blood bond to him, but he’s family. If Sophie leaves for good, it will end him. And you know what’s going to happen when I cut him. We need to let him handle his, um, business. Just be there with him, hold him. You know how difficult coming to me had to have been Lach.”

Sophie came to see Lese, to tell her she was going to travel a bit. “Í love him, I really do, but I can’t deal and he is not talking. I know you know and I won’t ask, but Lese, help him. Whatever it takes, I want my asshole Vampire back.” With that she hugged her friend and Sophie left. The house would be strange without her.

Michael was a perfect baby. they all ate, slept and did their bodily functions as normal.

The night of the naming came. The party was just as Vlad said it would be: perfect. He stayed close to both Lachlan and Annalese. He missed Sophie. When the time came, Mehmet gathered everyone.