June 24

Apollo, Naya and AJ arrived late last night. I let them sleep in this morning while Caleb fixed them breakfast.

“Are you ready to meet more family, Este? I know your Uncle Apollo is a weirdo but you’ll grown to love him as much as I do.” I cooed at her before kissing her forehead. I got her changed and fed before I heard AJ running down the hallway, yelling for me “Aunt Wera!!!”

I love that boy so much.

Apollo cut Naya off in order to hold his niece first. Naya huffed at him in pretend annoyance and sat down in the rocker while Apollo introduced himself to Este. “I’m your Uncle, kiddo! I’m gonna spoil you, pump you full of sugar and then hand you to your Mom right after you take a big dump in your diaper.”

Este blinked at him before making babbling noises. I guess she liked his ideas. Me? Not so much on the full diaper thing.

“I’m your Auntie Naya. I’ll make sure your Uncle doesn’t give you too much sugar and I’ll teach you all about fashion. You are so cute.” Naya whispered as Este drifted off to sleep in her arms. I guess meeting family tired her out. 

AJ had to wait his turn, so he played with some toys I bought him in our sitting room.

After Este’s nap, she had a bit of a explosion in her diaper. We had to break out the back up bassinette so we could clean the one Lilith bought her. Caleb got to do the honors.

I was walking around downstairs, looking for my nephew and my dog. I found them both in the nursery. It was adorable. AJ was on his tippy toes, peeking at his cousin.

I decided to give him a helping hand so he could see her better. “Baby!” AJ exclaimed with a huge smile on his face. He’s getting really big, I almost couldn’t hold him there. 

“Yes, that’s your cousin, Este. You’re going to be a good cousin to her, aren’t you, AJ?” I asked him, resting him on my hip. He could still look at her that way. Este for her part was staring at AJ in wonder. 

“Yeah!!” AJ exclaimed, clapping his hands together. 

I think a bond has been struck between the two of them. Family is a treasure when you have one like mine.

June 22

After giving birth, I spent time cuddling my little starfish and nursing her. Caleb and Annalise cleaned up a bit, while the others were still on guard for James. There has been no sign of him, which I’m very thankful for.

I finally let Caleb convince me to let Lilith watch our daughter while I cleaned up after being checked over by Annalise. So far,so good.

Lilith was the happiest I’ve probably ever seen her. “I’m going to spoil you rotten, Este.”

I took a nap in a freshly made bed, which ended up turning into me sleeping until after midnight. There’s perks of having two vampires in the house. We sent Dakota home, Lily and Lilith are staying a few days, just in case. Tomorrow Caleb is going to pick up Joise and Lucky from Rahmi’s. I miss my fur babies.

Honestly most of it is so they can bond with Este. Babies’ are miracles in general but this is kind of surreal for both of them.

“She has Vera’s eyes.” Lily commented when I slowly walked into the nursery. Caleb was sitting in the rocker, grinning. I don’t think the smile has left his face since Este made her way into the world. 

It’s true, Este has the same eye color as me which means she has my Dad’s eye color. I was kind of hoping she’d have Caleb’s eye color but this makes me happy too.

I sat down with Annalise to talk about how Este is doing so far.

“She’s doing great, I still advise you to take her in for a checkup as soon as possible but so far I don’t see any evidence of her being a vampire.” Annalise told me. Obviously number one is Este’s health. Though it is hard to tell sometimes, we merfolk don’t show any signs of what we are until our teenage years. I’m not sure how it is for a possible vampire child, since there are few of them in existence. Plus, she wouldn’t be full blooded even if she does take after her Father in that way.

We’ll cross that possible bridge when we come to it but not matter what, she’s our little girl. Nothing will ever change that. We’re so happy she’s here!

June 21

I somehow managed to get in more of a nap then I thought I would, when I woke up it was shortly before midnight. I had Caleb use his phone to check on Dakota, Lily and Lilith. They were all doing well, no sign of James. I took another bath with some help from Caleb, it was getting harder and harder for me to move without the fear of falling or something. I was feeling unsteady, so I had Caleb walk with me a bit before I sat down on my very purple ball for some exercises Annalise recommended to help with labor.

I finally couldn’t take it anymore.

I screamed in agony from a contraction and ordered Caleb to help me change into something not only cooler but to help me get rid of my pants. After that I slowly and stubbornly made me way to our bed and leaned back carefully into the birthing pillows.

Caleb seemed worried as he lovingly held my hand, placing kisses on it. He was whispering something but I couldn’t make it out. We had Annalise first check the baby’s heartbeat, which was good and strong.  Then she finally told me news I wanted to hear, I was almost fully dilated.

I reared up, yanking off my headband in agitation during yet another contraction. “Get this baby out of me!”

Caleb placed his hands on my face and tried to console me though part of me wanted to cut off his favorite appendage at that moment.

The feeling passed when he lovingly kisses my forehead. “I have never loved you more than I love you right now. You are about to bring our child into the world. You are truly remarkable.”

I cried out of pain and out of all the emotions and thoughts that were swirling around inside me like a hurricane. Annalise asked to check me again. My body was finally ready, mentally and emotionally I had been ready yesterday.

Caleb helped me onto my knees, we had decided he would be the one to help guide our child out as long as there were no complications. Annalise would be close by just in case and to instruct Caleb on what to do.

After what felt like hours of pushing and screaming on my part, it finally happened.

We heard the first cry out of child, Annalise helped me sit back on the bed as I almost collapsed from exhaustion and emotion.

After nine months she finally arrived. Our little starfish, Este Evie Vatore. Named after both our mothers. I can’t wait for all our loved one to meet her.

June 20 – Part 3

After Rahmi came and got Josie and Lucky, I tried to walk around a bit. Annalise said it’s good for helping my body along with labor. I made it slowly to the living room and saw Dakota.

“Shouldn’t you be in bed?” Dakota asks me, stunned to see me upstairs.

“Annalise said walking is good during active labor.” I explained, reaching for his hand. “I want to go sit on the porch for a bit and get some fresh air.”

Dakota nods and grasps my hand, walking with me outside. I was still able to walk on my own but I felt better having someone with me. Caleb was talking to Lilith, Lily and Annalise about a few things for after delivery.

We reach the love seat on the porch and Dakota helps me sit down. Still not the most comfortable but it felt good to get off my feet for a few moments. “So, anything new with you?”

“You’re a bit crazy, you know that? You’re in labor and you’re asking if anything is new with me.” Dakota comments.

I laughed softly “Helps get my mind off it, plus Jillian sent me a odd text saying you two had news…”

Dakota nods his head and begins looking like a kid in a candy store. “Jillian is pregnant.”

My eyes almost popped out of my head and not from a contraction. “Wow. Congratulations!”

I really am happy for them, there was a small little twinge of something in my heart that I couldn’t and wouldn’t name but overall, I felt thrilled for them. I know they’ll make good parents.

“It was a shock at first but now I’m excited. I always planned on having kids someday and it looks like we’re starting now.” Dakota told me. 

I wanted to continue our conversation but I felt a contraction starting. I gripped Dakota’s hand and he looked at me like “Ow”, I softly apologized and had him helped me back inside while he called for Caleb.

We passed by Lily and Lilith, who were talking out front. Lily had shifted into her werewolf form, the first time I had seen her transformed. Once we got back inside, Dakota handed me off to Caleb who led me towards his study.

Annalise listened to the baby’s heartbeat – which was good and checked me to see how far dilated I was. Not close enough.

“Is there a way to hurry this along?” I asked, rubbing my stomach on my both sides. It didn’t really help.

“Other than what you’ve been doing so far? Not really. In this case, it really is best to just let your body and nature do the work. It’s the safest way unless you want to do a C-section?” She asked me.

I shook my head, only if it became necessary.

Caleb helped me back down the stairs and I had to go pee. I assume I did anyway. It was kind of hard to tell at that point.

“This sucks.” I mumbled, leaning against my husband after I washed my hands and face up a bit. Caleb swayed with me, he looked content for the most part. Jerk. 

“It will be worth it in the end. We will finally get to meet our baby.” He reminded me softly, while rubbing my back. I whimpered and squeezed his shoulders through the pain, at least I can’t really hurt him. Though the idea might be tempting later on.

Once the intense pain passed, Caleb gathered me up and carried me into our bedroom. He was aiming for our bed but I told him I wanted to sit with him on our love seat. I felt bone tired and trying to nap sounded good.

After Caleb made himself more comfortable, outfit wise, he cuddled me into him and I managed to doze off somehow.

June 20 – Part 2

I was downstairs in what Caleb calls our sitting room when I felt it. The pain shot through my body, worse than any cramp I’d experienced except for maybe during my miscarriage. I didn’t want to think about that.

I had to brace myself on the wall as I focused on breathing and calming myself. “CALEB!!!” I screamed, thankfully with Caleb, he can be almost instantly there when I call him.

He helped me turn around and I smiled at him. “It’s time.”

Caleb stood there in disbelief for a few seconds. “It is?”

I nodded my head, wanting to get Annalise and Dakota called as soon as possible.

Walking was not the most comfortable experience in the world. I thought walking before today had been awkward but walking while in labor sucked. Caleb guided me to our room as Caleb called to Lily that it was time to call the others.

Having a vampire doctor has some advantages, like her speed to arrive when needed.

“Oh yes, you are most certainly in labor, Vera.” Annalise said with a smile. “I’ll get a mop.”

I could feel the contents of my water all over my carpet and myself. Poor Caleb was kneeling behind me, rubbing my back – no doubt getting it on himself as well. I felt the strong urge for a bath, which Annalise said is good for me. It’ll help my body relax.

After Caleb helped me take a bath and he changed his pants, he helped me upstairs because there’s something else we had to do.

Hugging Josie close to me helped me feel more at ease for a few moments, but I knew I wouldn’t see her or Lucky again until after I gave birth. Rahmi was going to take them to her farm, just in case James did show up and managed to get inside, Caleb and I didn’t want them there. They’d be safer somewhere else and I know Rahmi and the kids will take good care of them. I just hate parting with them, especially my Josie.

June 20 – Part 1

We invited Lily to come stay with us for a few days, she arrived yesterday morning.

She handed her bags to Caleb and set in on making us food. I was grateful. We figured it’d take her the longest to get here so it may be wise to just have her come early.

I may have also had a plan attached to that.

Because it will allow her to spend time with Caleb and Lilith. Lilith has booked herself a cottage nearby since our house only has one spare bedroom. Lily is staying in it. Unless someone wants to sleep on the nursery room floor.

I’m also enjoying talking to Lily again. There’s something about her that I find comforting, outside of her being family. Maybe she reminds me of my Mom a little and I find myself really missing my parents right now. They had been so excited when I was pregnant during college, they really wanted to be grandparents but both of them passed away before the got the chance. I believe though that they are holding and watching out for the baby I lost and in some way, they already got to know AJ and the baby I’m carrying before we even get to know them. Maybe I’m wrong but it’s what I believe.

June 19

Sometimes there’s only so much pipe organ music a being can take.

James had just returned from his second walk around Forgotten Hollow for the day, the sound of the Count’s haunting music was driving him insane. So far he had kept his mouth shut, rare for him, for some reason. He wasn’t sure why. Maybe he’s mind has been elsewhere. He’s not making as much progress as he’d like in his quest to cure vampirism. It’s aggravating him and Asa both, for different reasons. Liberty had finally indulged him in a martial romp, that increased his mood quite a bit, but nothing could make the constant sulking music better except for it to cease.

Count Straud sits in his normal place, at this favorite pipe organ. He likes the one in the basement too but this one is his favorite, he’s had it since he moved into the estate and has it had maintained well over the countless years. Every since that vixen Lilith Vatore had found a way to ban him from her grounds, he’s been in a dark mood. Darker than usual. He doesn’t like being denied anything, especially something his undead heart actually desires. He hasn’t seen her since that night, she’s oddly been keeping to her home or visiting who knows who.

“May I have a word, Count Straud?” James beckons, actually using his manners. Vladislaus almost misses a key at the sudden request and cringes.

“Since you asked politely, very well.” the ancient vampire responds, slowly rising from his seat after he finishes his song. He follows the warlock downstairs.

“What’s eating you, Vlad?” James questions, not that he cares really but if it stops the music for a while, that would be a delight. 

“You people have such strange lingo sometimes…” Vladislaus grumples, nothing could “eat him” but after thought he figures out what James is actually asking him. “None of your business, warlock.”

James smirks “Look, you have no friends. No one to talk to. I’m actually offering an captive ear to you, so you might as well just spill it.”

“I rather spill your blood all over my rug instead.” The Count bites back. 

James actually has a good chuckle at this, which annoys the vampire. “We both know magical blood is too tempting to just spill.”

Vladislaus almost huffs at James laughing but keeps his composure in tact. “I’m not telling you anything.”

James watches the vampire seated by him and then it hits him, he smirks again. “The spell on the Vatore estate is bugging you, Lilith has blocked you from her home and from getting into her pants.” this earns him a glare from Vlad, which James enjoys. 

“How do you know about the spell?” The count asks, still glaring at the warlock. 

“I happened to catch it being cast.” James replies, not naming Dakota though it’s a bit obvious who did the spell. 

Vladislaus almost grinds his teeth together in anger. A little warning would have been nice but then again, why would James warn him? That would be odd.

Straud is tired of talking about himself, so he flips the conversation to James instead.

“Shouldn’t you be off trying to steal the Vatore spawn or something?” He asks James, he sees a flicker of annoyance go across the warlocks face which makes Vladislaus feel accomplished. 

“Firstly, you can’t steal something that hasn’t been born yet and secondly, why does everyone thinks I’m going to do something to this kid?” James asks, rubbing his head in boredom more than annoyance now.

“Maybe because you hate Caleb and enjoy poking and prodding him when you get the chance?” the vampire supplies as an answer. 

“Fair point. I admit, I’ve enjoyed watching them get their little guard dogs in a row and get all ready to battle me if I try something.” James says, running his fingers through his silky hair. 

Vladislaus nods, he knows if it were him, he’d enjoy it as well but something inside him wants to know if James is going to try something merely so he can warn Lilith. It’s her nephew or niece they are talking about.

“They can have their little crying brat. My goal has been accomplished without really even doing anything.” James comments before rising to leave. He’s done with this conversation. 

Mid Summer of last year

Ever since the warlock James had paid Inna a surprise visit, thoughts had been swirling around in her mind. She doesn’t have any intentions of being a part of his plan, but to say she got curious would be correct. She spent hours searching the internet on this Vera Grant. Of course she found things like a simbook profile and a profile on the new big thing – the social bunny media app. Inna has to have them all due to her career. Smartly, Vera seems to have all her personal stuff hidden to where only her friends can see it. But the more she stared at the profile picture of Vera on simbook, the more she reminded her of someone, she just couldn’t put her manicured finger on it until she went on a stroll down on the Del Sol Valley walk of fame. She was casually reading the stars, like she usually does – vowing one day her name will be there too – when she saw it. Right beneath her feet, the star that reads “Evie Grant.” It all clicked together. Armed with the new information, she spent even more hours googling Vera Grant and her family. She finally had to stop when the information ran out after Evie married a man named Paka’a Uha and became pregnant with her first child. It seems Evie wanted to drop out of the spotlight for the most part after that. Only a few appearances happened for charity up until her death.

It changed nothing. She just found it interesting, that was all. Nothing more, nothing less.

“Who is the girl in my kitchen, Vlad?” Inna questions. She had asked him here for information, not to play hostess to someone she doesn’t know. Not that she minds playing hostess but she prefers to have a heads up first. 

“Do not mind the child, she is simply cooking.” One of her mentors tells her. The other half, Elle DeVampiro, is currently over in Italy at one of the pairs’ many Villas. 

“You don’t usually travel with witches…”Inna trails off, something isn’t right about the situation. 

“Very smart of you to keep food in your kitchen, dear one. Just in case you need to entertain those who require mortal food.” Vlad continues in his usual tone. Not bothered by the young vampires’ proding. “You wanted information, yes?”

Inna just looks at him and bites her tongue not to make a snarky comment, both Vlad and Elle did a lot for her over the years. She pretty much made it impossible for Lilith to help her after Caleb turned her and Lilith had no choice but to hand her over to Vlad and Elle. They helped her tame her blood lust, which she would always be grateful for. She has never killed anyone, something she feels happy about. Her mentors also taught her about the finer things in life and etiquette, while also opening doors for her in the field she loves – acting. “I would be much obliged.”

“Vera Grant-Uha is her legal name and she is indeed the child of Evie Grant. She also has a brother, Apollo, who lives in Sulani with his wife, Naya and son Apollo Grant Junior. Miss Grant currently resides in the village town of Henford-on-Bagley. Miss Grant and Caleb Vatore are set to wed on September 20th of this year in Windenburg.” Vlad supplies, it wasn’t hard for him to get someone to gather the information. Money is a great tool at his disposal.

Inna nods and glances at the witch in her kitchen briefly, who was still cooking, before looking back at the vampire in front of her. “Thank you, Vlad. You always come through for me.”

This earns a smile from the elder vampire. He’s not quite as old as Count Straud himself but close. “I have to ask, out of concern. You know that even though I did not turn you I am quite fond of you, dear one.” Vlad pauses before asking”Are you planning to see Caleb Vatore again?”

Inna looks at him and shakes her head. “No. I won’t lie and say I’m not curious about who has finally stole his cold undead heart. I’m also a bit worried, does she know what she’s getting herself into?”

“If you are concerned he may turn her against her wishes as he did you, you need not.” Vlad assures her before speaking again because he can tell Inna is confused. “He can’t turn her. Vera comes from a long line of merfolk. “

Inna blinks, truly stunned. She kind of wishes her mentor had lead with that bit of information to start with.

June 18

Since we are still stuck waiting for the baby’s arrival, we decided to spend some time in nature today – on town really is a beautiful place – we did our last pregnancy photoshoot, using our usual photographer due to Caleb’s special photographic needs. As always, she does an amazing job on our pictures.

Hopefully we won’t have to wait much longer to meet our little starfish.

June 17

After taking a few days to make arrangements and gather her thoughts, Jillian finally arrives in Brindleton Bay. She had called Dakota yesterday to make sure he’d be home today when she arrives.

The first part of their reunion is filled with happiness as Jillian jumps into Dakota’s arms, he catches her and they share a kiss filled with their longing for one another. It had been weeks since they had seen each other.

Once they finally make it inside and Dakota goes into the kitchen to get them both sometimes to drink, he comes back to a sight that worries him.

Annabel Lee looks at the stumped male warlock in a way that says “Well, are you just going to stand there or comfort the poor girl?”

“Jillian?” Dakota questions, slowly approaching her as he could hear soft sobs coming from his girlfriend. He receives no response from her which worries him greatly. 

He slowly lowers her hands and rubs her arms in a effort to comfort her. “What’s wrong?”

“I need to talk you about something very important.” Jillian mumors quietly, not looking at Dakota. 

Dakota gulps, thoughts that she may be breaking up with him flash through his mind but why would she have greeted him with such happiness and a kiss just a bit ago if she was planning to end their relationship?

Jillian manages to dry her tears a bit before looking over at Dakota, she nervously grasps her hands together in her lap in a some effort to calm her nerves.

“Are you breaking up with me?” Dakota asks her, flashing back to when in this very room Vera told him she was choosing Caleb over him. Maybe this room was cursed? He has to know though. Better now than later. 

“No!” Jillian denies almost immediately. She sees Dakota relax slightly. She isn’t sure he’ll stay that way for long. She isn’t sure how to tell him but he seems to be waiting patiently for her to speak now that he knows she isn’t breaking things off with him. “I’m not sure how to say this. It’s so early in our relationship and we didn’t plan this….” Jillian inhales deeply, her exhale coming out in a shaky breath. “I’m pregnant.”

Dakota blinks, he was not expecting her to tell him that, of all things. “What?” was all he could manage to say. He tries to process the news. She’s pregnant, they’re expecting a baby. Together. He’s going to be a father. All these thoughts shoot through his brain in rapid session. 

Jillian in her mind wasn’t expecting Dakota to do backflips over her news or hug her in excitement but her heart was. She feels her chest get tight as new tears threaten to spill from her eyes. She stands, hugging herself and stepping away from the the man she loves.

“I’ll understand if you want some time to think about things.” She manages to say before she knows she won’t be able to speak. She feels her heartbreaking, more than it did when Branson chose Neia over her. 

Dakota stares at Jillian in confusion before he rises, following her as she seems to be making her way towards the front door. “I don’t need time.” 

Jillian stops in her tracks and turns to look at Dakota, feeling hope spring up inside her.

“We’re in this together.” Dakota tells her, stepping in front of her to stop her from going any further. 

Jillian grasps Dakota’s hand. “Do you really mean that?”

“I do. I love you and this baby…this baby is ours. I’m going to be there for them and for you.” Dakota tells Jillian, glancing down at his cat as she meows in approval. He even thinks she may be smiling. He blinks and focuses back on his girlfriend. 

“I love you too.” Jillian says, crying for a different reason this time. She flings her arms around Dakota. They might not have it all figured out yet but it’s a start.