4 Vamp Versus Vamp (37 page)

Whoa. I hadn’t planned on them finding out right away, but then again I couldn’t tell her not to; that would be rude. My heart beat a little quicker; I glanced at the guys, who appeared just as eager to have some. I swallowed hard, though no serum was rising.

I’d gone through all the scenarios in my head as I baked. I knew Beth and Al wouldn’t be happy about the timing of my pregnancy, but I didn’t fear being shunned by them. Ironically, I thought my parents would have taken it much harder than they. It still wasn’t a conversation any teenager wanted to have with parents of any sort when it involved them.

My stomach began to knot.

“You okay?” Kellan cocked his head.

I’d been certain to keep my thoughts blocked. I nodded. “Yeah. Um, I hope you all like it.”

Al dug out a cake cutter from a drawer as Kellan popped the airtight locks on the side of the dish. I held my breath as he lifted off the lid. My world came to a crashing halt as I waited with bated breath for his reaction. I watched as he read the chocolate letters stating,
‘
We’re
Having
A Baby.
’

I knew the moment it sank in. His green eyes grew darker as his lids stretched wider. Beth shrieked beside Al, her hand flying to cover her mouth. My focus was on Kellan, though. He looked at me, his hands dropping to his side, quickly being tucked into his pockets. Fear was etched in his features; my gut tightened.

“That’s why you’ve been sleeping so much?” he asked.

“Yeah.” My voice was low; I was uncertain.

He studied me, his eyes dipping to my stomach. “How are you feeling right now?”

I decided the truth was best. “Nervous. Scared. Worried.”

I had to give them credit. Beth and Al gave us our space, allowed us to have this moment without their interference.

“Don’t be. I’m not going anywhere.” He opened his arms.

I flew to him, clinging to his embrace. He secured me in his arms. I placed my cheek on his chest, thanking God that I had ended up with such a wonderful man. He never ceased to amaze me. There was so much more to Kellan than met the eye. He had an inner strength that kept me grounded. I wouldn’t be who I was without him, and I certainly couldn’t picture getting through this experience without him.

Tears easily streamed down my face as I held onto my protector, my best friend, my partner and
soulmate
. Age means nothing in the vamp world. It’s all about instinct, and my instincts were never wrong about Kellan. From the beginning I was drawn to him over everyone else, and he showed me why in moments like these.

I slowly lifted my head. He bent and softly brushed his lips to mine. His kiss was affirming what he’d stated, what he’d proven. He pulled back, pressing his forehead to mine.

“I love you,” he whispered.

“I love you, too,” I softly replied.

“Oh, my gosh!” Beth exclaimed.

I turned towards her and Al. Her eyes were glossy, proof of her tears still streaking down over her cheeks. She was tucked into her husband’s side. She dabbed her eyes, giggling as she did it.

Al looked at his son with respect. I knew it wasn’t what they’d planned for us, but I also knew from the love shining in their eyes that they would support us. Though this baby would only have one set of grandparents, those grandparents would be actively involved in its life.

Kellan leaned over and kissed my head.

“Whew!” Beth blew out a big breath. She was flustered, but seemingly happy. She smiled wide. She walked over to me, stealing me from Kellan for a hug. “We’re in this with you, sweetie. We’ll do whatever we can to help you.”

I felt myself choking up again. “Thanks.”

She broke away, peering down at my stomach between us. Kellan reached out and placed his hand over my womb. Beth copied his move. Al hesitated a moment, looking at me, almost as if
he were asking my permission. I nodded, smiling. He stepped forward and linked his fingers with Beth’s, settling over my lower stomach. Kellan grabbed my hand, entwining ours just the same before pressing my hand to the place his lay moments ago.

Beth was radiant as she looked around at their home. “Ooh! Come with me, Lexi. I want a nursery here for when we look after the baby. I was thinking the front office next to the master bedroom would be the perfect room.”

I looked back over my shoulder at Kellan. He gazed back at me, his dimple peeking from his cheek. I felt a sense of peace as Beth led me towards my future: a future that would be full of baby planning and love.
Lots of love.

***

*****

Dear Reader,

Thank you for your support of this series and for your ongoing dedication to
Lexi
and all of the supporting characters in her life. It’s my sincere hope that you enjoyed this installment of the Vamp Chronicles and that you are looking forward to book 5, Darkness Falls, later in 2012.

I started writing because it was my passion, and you allowed it to become my career. Every writer dreams big, but starts small. I’m amazed at how much this series has grown. My heart skips a beat each time I get a new comment or email regard
ing the Vamp Chronicles series. Everything I write contains a piece of me, so my success is tied to each book’s success. Thank you for helping me
achieve
all I have.

For the most up-to-date new release information, excerpts, contests and much more,
please
visit my website at:
www.christinlovell.com
 

And finally, thank you for supporting
vampeens
everywhere!
Christin