Part 1

I wanted to tell Gregori my water broke but he is too busy getting us out of here. But I know I still have time. My contractions haven't started yet. Although I can only hope we will make it back to the castle in the time.

"Come Treasure, this way. We need to go through the woods. There are too many of them." My beloved whisper says, while squeezing my hand in a reassuring manner. I nod my head - silently following him.

It's dark and barely seeable, no torches or anything since we didn't want to bring any more attention to us.

We keep walking for what feels like hours. All together there is 10 of us. That helps in moving faster, unfortunately I am the one who is keeping us a bit behind their schedule. But what can I do? I am pregnant for god's sake and barefoot.

I already feel I have few splinters in my feet.

"Gregori love, I-i can't anymore." I say just before my legs give me away. They haven't been feeding me properly and this whole experience was very travail.

He catches me, and brings me in an even tighter embrace. "Just a little more my love, just a little more. We have a safe shelter based there. Want me to carry you?" I shake me head saying no. I know he is tired too and I am heavy. He looks at me hesitantly but nods his head.

Gregori hooks his hand under my rib cage and lean me on himself. He is basically carrying me.

We take a few steps but I step on another broken branch and hiss in pain. "That's it. I am carrying you." He lifts me up bridal style like I weight nothing. My hands go around his neck and I lean my head against his shoulder.

I dose off from time to time for few minutes and then wake back up. I hope I am not heavy.

Gregori chuckles. Did I say it out loud?

"No treasure I can hear your thoughts. And I am a vampire love, I could carry you like this for hours, besides you know I am in shape and you are light as a feather." He kisses the top of my head and we go quiet again.

This time I don't fight sleep anymore. I welcome it.

•••

I feel someone shaking me so I slowly open my eyes - meeting Gregori's perfect blue ones. I look around and notice we are in some kind of fancy tent with some light furniture.

Suddenly I feel pain in my abandonment and realize contractions have started. They are still bearable for now.

"Where are we? What happened?" I rush out wanting to get some answers while trying to sit up.

My beloved sighs and sits next to me on bed.

"Castle attack was a distraction for kidnapping you. I believe my father was behind it. Was there anything particular you might have seen or heard?"

"I couldn't see where we going since they hit me in my head pretty hard. Umm your father and your uncle were behind it. They just want me gone. Me and our baby. I was locked in the dungeons, so that is all I know." I explain. Gregori nods his head.

"Doctor checked up on you and did physical examinations. Besides those splinters - which you should have told me about, a cut in your head, and a broken water - which again I should have known earlier, oh and not to forget you were starved and dehydrated, you are perfectly fine." I smile at his attempt of lifting up the mood.

"Gregori my contractions are starting. Will we be home soon?" His hands intertwine with mine and he moves even closer to me.

"We have to wait two more hours for day light. And then we go. I hope our baby will wait for birth this long." I nod my head and we fall into welcomed quietness.

Gregori lays down beside me and embraces me. He kisses my cheeks and whispers: "I missed you love. I was so worried about you two. I haven't sleep or eat. I couldn't - not until I found you."

I feel a few tears escape my eyes. "I missed you too. I wanted nothing more than to be back in your arms. To kiss you." I whisper against his lips.

He kisses me passionately and then we both fall asleep. Safe in each other's arms. Finally back together.

☺️