Chapter 110-Uncharted Territory

After being released from the hospital, I was put on strict bed rest. I was not to be on my feet for longer than thirty minutes at a time, but my husband cut that time down to five or less if he could help it. Marcus was back to carrying me everywhere, but I didn’t mind. I knew he still held on to some guilt, not only because of how angry he was with me, but also because of what Florence tried to do. We had both made mistakes and had forgiven each other, he needed to work on forgiving himself.

Life was calm for a change. I hadn’t heard from Mulo since the fight, I knew I needed to reach out to him about turning me, but it would be a conversation best had after the babies were born. The babies were draining my energy a lot more the further along I got. Now that Finley was a teen she tried to help out more. She and Marcus were closer than ever and it was great to see, and he took on the task of the dreaded driving lessons.

At least this time I had a valid built in excuse. When she wasn’t out driving she was with her friend Zana. She was an interesting young woman. She was always very polite, but she had an interesting look, one that was starting to rub off on Finley. I didn’t mind Finley trying to express herself. Self-discovery was all a part of growing up. Zana spent a lot of time at our house, Finley said she didn’t get along with her step-dad that well and her mom worked long hours as a waitress. Tonight was another impromptu sleepover.

“Marcus can you go tell the girls dinner is ready?” I asked as I finished setting the table.

Continue Reading: "Chapter 110-Uncharted Territory"

Chapter 109-My Everything

Two weeks later, Marcus was still mad at me, even going so far as to sleep in the boys’ old room and I needed him with me. I couldn’t sleep; I would have nightmares about Florence. I was trapped in a door-less room and I just heard her laughter or I was choking, unable to fight or scream for help. I would wake up in a panic and alone. During the day, I tried not to focus on it too much, choosing instead to take care of Finley. She was very upset with me being gone and once I returned home she hardly wanted to leave my side. Just once I wanted to not have my children negatively impacted by outside forces.

I tried to be understanding of Marcus’ frustration, but I was starting to get annoyed with it the longer it carried on. When I tried to talk to him, he didn’t want to listen to me, the only thing he was willing to discuss was our marriage plans. The fact that I didn't want to even consider getting married right now only added fuel to his fire. He was so angry over Mulo, that he forgot about what I went through. I could have died, our babies could have died, but that fact didn’t seem to register with him. We were at a stalemate sadly. When Finely was at school, I spent time painting to keep my mind off the tension in the house. When that didn't work, I took the dogs on short walks.

“Where are you going?” Marcus asked as he stepped into the foyer. "You don't look like you are taking the dogs walking."

“I'm not, I'm just going out. I need some fresh air.” I replied taking another step towards the door.

“Out to where Amari?” He asked moving to block my path.

“I don’t know Marcus.” I snapped. “I wasn’t aware I had to ask for approval before leaving the house now.”

“Well you are a bit of a flight risk.”

Hearing his tone was like nails on a chalkboard, he didn't want to talk to me, but I was expected to remain on some sort of house arrest at the same time. I may have been on limited bed rest, but the stress of staying in the house was far worse than sitting at the park.

 “Why don’t you just say what’s really on your mind and get it over with!” I yelled.

 “Because I’m tired of you walking around with this chip on your shoulder.”

“You went to him Amari, how do you not expect me to be pissed about that?" Marcus yelled back. The anger he'd been harboring was finally coming out. "Him! Of all people! Then I show up to take you home only to find you half dressed in his clothes coming from where? His bedroom? His bed?”

I took a step back picking up on his hidden accusation. It never failed; it was always the ones that meant the most to me that could hurt me the worst. For him to even imply I would do something like that made me want to rethink more than just being married to him.

“Seriously Marcus? Are you forgetting that your psycho ex kidnapped and tried to kill us? I didn’t go to him Marcus; it wasn’t like I ran off with cold feet. He saved me. I am so sorry I didn’t come home right away, I am, but cut me some damn slack! I had just had an attempt made on my life, and then watched a woman be brutally murdered in front of me! It was a lot Marcus, that coupled with the previous fears about us getting married…” I stopped and rubbed my side. I needed to calm down because they were not happy.

“I can’t sleep Marcus. I have nightmares about her, about that day and when I wake up terrified the only person I want is you. But you aren’t there because you are too damn busy being mad at me!” I screamed before storming past him.

I didn’t get far because I got an intense cramp that caused me to double over in pain. Marcus was at my side instantly, all traces of anger dissipated.

“Baby what’s wrong.” I couldn’t answer; all I could do was breathe through the pain which felt strangely like really intense contractions. “I’m taking you to the hospital.”

“No.” I managed to groan. “Finley. I-have-to-be-here.”

“I’ll make sure someone is here, but you need the hospital.”

Marcus carried me to the couch and called 911. Then he made a phone call to Ceula since she was the closest. She spread the word to her siblings and would make sure that she was at the house for when Finley got home from school. Marcus kept telling me how sorry he was during the ambulance ride. I saw the worry in his eyes, I was just as worried.

Once at the hospital it was determined I was indeed in early labor. The stress, plus the fact I was carrying multiples set it off. They gave me medication to stop it, and a light sedative to help calm me. I tried to protest the sedative, but the doctor said that it would help the medication work quicker because they wouldn’t survive being born now.

Continue Reading: "Chapter 109-My Everything"

Chapter 108-A Long Time Coming

I awoke to the sound of raised and very angry voices.

Come quickly Love before I really hurt him.

I threw the covers off and rushed down the stairs. Aric stood in between his father and Marcus, the furniture was over turned, there were holes in the walls and some things were broken.

“Marcus stop!” I yelled when he attempted to lunge passed Aric to get to Mulo.

I’ve been holding back, but he’s trying my patience.

Mulo stood ready to defend himself should Marcus get past Aric. I hated seeing those two fighting but I hated even more that my son could get hurt trying to stop them.

"Marcus!" I yelled again.

This time he turned at the sound of my voice and came to me instantly. His face was bruised and bloodied just as Mulo's was. I knew he would heal, some of the cuts already were, but seeing him like that was a shock.

“Baby I’ve been worried. I thought you ran…” He stopped when he took stock of my clothes.

I forgot I was in Mulo’s shirt and underwear. I didn’t get a chance to explain before I saw the fury flash in his eyes as he let out this feral noise that I could only describe as a growl before he turned towards Mulo again.

“Marcus no!” I cried but Aric stopped me as I attempted to get to him. “Let go Aric!”

“No. You are in no condition to try and get between them. Even if you weren’t pregnant I wouldn’t let you over there.” Aric replied calmly.

“He’ll kill him Aric!” I pleaded trying to get free, but Aric used gentle pressure to keep me in place.

“No he won’t.”

I had to stand by and watch as those two attempted to rip each apart. Marcus was furious and with good reason. It was about more than me being here, it was about everything Mulo had done to hurt me, him, and our family. His life was stolen, he couldn’t get back that time and he had every right to want Mulo to pay for that. But I didn’t want him hurt. Mulo was older and stronger. Just like with his fight with Aric, I could see he was holding back, but I wasn’t sure how much longer that would be the case. How could I not think he would come for me once found out where I was? I should have known Marcus wouldn't just sit around waiting on me to come home on my own.

“What did you do to her?” Marcus yelled.

"Nothing she didn't want." Mulo countered with a smug look.

Marcus let out some sort of deep guttural roar, then I saw Mulo flying through air; he crashed through the glass window and skidded across the patio coming to a stop against the railing. When he got up I knew all bets were off. Thinking quickly, I flung my head back hard making direct contact with Aric’s nose and catching him by surprise. He released me on instinct and I scrambled quickly towards Marcus just as Mulo moved towards him. I braced for impact thinking I was about to be crushed between their two bodies.

Marcus threw his arms around me turning so that his back was to Mulo, allowing himself to take the brunt of the impact. I saw a blur and heard a thud as Aric tackled his father to the ground moments before he reached us.

“What the hell were you thinking?!” Marcus yelled at me.

I let out the breath I had been holding while taking a step back. My entire body was shaking from the fear and adrenaline. I have never seen Marcus like this; he’d always been so calm and understanding. This new out for blood him was scary, I never knew he had it in him to be so vicious. It was a little scary to see, but I had to admit it was also pretty damn hot.

 “She was trying to save you from imminent death.” Mulo said as he stood dusting bits of broken glass off his clothes.

Continue Reading: "Chapter 108-A Long Time Coming"

Chapter 107-A Woman Scorned

The kids took the news of the engagement well. Bynni, Ceula, and Nina all kicked into wedding planner mode since Marcus insisted on us getting married before the babies were born. Since I was again carrying multiples, I was on limited activity restrictions. I wasn’t totally bedridden, unless it was left up to my soon to be husband. The wedding was planned at a small chapel in town. We had done the beach, and the house, so I hoped having it in a church this time would make a difference. I still worried but tried not to let Marcus know. We had planned it for after the triplet’s graduation and that day had arrived.

“Mom you look absolutely radiant!” Ceula exclaimed.

“Yes. I don’t know if it’s the pregnancy or Marcus, but you are glowing.” Bynni added with a smile.

“I’d say it’s probably more Marcus than the pregnancy because these kids are kicking your mom’s ass.”  I replied laughing.

Seconds later Jonathon and Finley walked in.

“Ugh I don’t like this thing.” He complained pulling at this bow tie.

“At least you don’t have to be in a dress.” Finley retorted scrunching up her nose.

Nina walked over to softly scold both of them. “Stop complaining you two. You look very handsome.” She said kissing him on the forehead.

“Ew mom, stop that!” he whined wiping of the lipstick

.

She just rolled her eyes before turning towards Finley “And you are the prettiest flower girl I’ve ever seen.”

“Yes you are.” I agreed.

I hadn’t seen Finley in a dress since she was a toddler. Once she got older she turned into quite the tomboy. I didn’t push and wanted her to become her own person. She didn’t know it, but I did pack her a change of clothes so she wouldn’t have to stay in the dress the whole time.

“Ok you two, it’s time, go get ready.” Nina said taking their hands. “I’ll send in Aric.”

“Actually tell him I need about ten minutes.” I replied.

“Mom?” Elphie asked looking concerned.

All four girls turned to look at me. “I’m ok. I just need a moment to myself.” I responded.

They gave me hugs then filed out of the room. I exited the side door that lead out the gardens. It was a beautiful day, not a cloud in sight, an absolute perfect day to get married. Things were going well, my life was finally looking up, but I couldn’t shake the feeling of dread I carried with me. 

“Look at you.” 

 I turned when I heard her voice. Florence stood behind me with a scowl on her face and there was something off about her. She said some words I didn’t understand then gave me an evil smile.

“For me he postpone often, for you he wastes no time.”

“Florence, what are you doing here?”

“Came to offer congratulations.”

I looked past her towards the chapel, Aric would be looking for me soon. As angry as I was that she would just show up, I had to keep calm for the babies’ sake. She turned and looked towards the door as well then shrugged.

“They can look, but will not find. Just a simple cloaking spell. Gives us privacy.”

“Cloaking spell?” I asked confused with my uneasiness about her presence increasing.

Florence let out a wicked laugh before leveling her crazed gaze at me. “Marc no tell you. Naughty boy.” 

Her eyes lowered to my stomach for the first time making me instinctively wrap my arms around it for protection. “Well this will be more fun than I thought!”

Before I could say anything else everything went black.

Marcus POV

“What do you mean she’s gone?” I asked Aric failing in my attempts to keep calm. “Where the hell would she go?”

Continue Reading: "Chapter 107-A Woman Scorned"

Chapter 106-Third Time's A Charm

I let out a small sigh of content as I ran my fingers through Marcus’ hair while his head rested on my belly. From the moment I told him I was pregnant he’d barely let me do anything. I was lucky if I could walk to the bathroom on my own since he tried to carry me most places. I knew he was nervous because of the miscarriages Florence had, and I had my own history of high risk pregnancies, so I tried not to complain too much. Plus I liked being pampered; it had been a long time since anyone had taken care of me. The kids took the news of the new arrival just fine. They really were happy to have their father in their lives. Marcus wasn’t her dad, but he didn’t treat Finley any differently, in fact they had a really close relationship.

“What’d you say?” Marcus asked breaking the silence. I looked down at him with a frown.

“I didn’t say anything babe.”

“Shh, I wasn’t talking to you. I’m talking to my son.”

“Oh ok.” I replied laughing “and son?”

“Yes son, looking at my track record I’m pretty sure this will be another boy. Now if you don’t mind I need to get back to my conversation.”

“Oh well…” I said shoving his head to the side “excuse me for interrupting. Just pretend I’m not here.” I finished turning on my side so that my back was to him.

Marcus moved up pulling me into his arms. “I could never do that.” He said kissing my neck softly. “Besides our conversation was about you.”

“So not only am I not allowed in on this conversation, you two are talking about me.” I replied with a playful pout.

“Yep.” Marcus replied before kissing the tip of my nose. He got off the bed and before I could even ask what he was doing, he was back beside me. “What’s the saying? Third time’s a charm.”

Continue Reading: "Chapter 106-Third Time's A Charm"

Chapter 105-Victory

I snuggled closer to the body next to me and felt arms tighten in response. I inhaled deeply and was instantly comforted by a familiar scent. The sunlight streaming through the windows me me reluctantly open my eyes. His sparkling green ones were staring down at me. If I was dreaming, I didn’t want it to end.

“Good morning Beautiful.” He said with a warm smile.

I was filled with joy and a sense of peace; he really did come back to me last night. I stretched up and kissed him deeply and he responded enthusiastically. 

Marcus rolled on top of me parting my legs gently. I arched my back ready to accept him again. We enjoyed each other until I was exhausted last night. He always had impressive stamina but now as a vamp it was endless. I tried to remain quiet, but I knew facing the kids this morning was going to be a tad awkward. I ran my hands up his back as he settled his lean body between my legs. As our bodies joined again, I knew I was a fool for pushing him away and I was immensely thankful that he came back to me.

“I have to go back to the hotel.” Marcus said softly after we finished. My thoughts went to her, we didn’t do much talking last night but now reality was hitting me hard. He was still engaged to her. I didn’t know why he showed up last night, but now I guess I had my answer.

“You spent the night making love to me only to leave and go back to her?” I ask angrily pulling away from him. I suddenly felt very dirty and used and needed a shower to wash that away that feeling.

“Whoa! What?” Marcus replied quickly jumping off the bed to stop me. “I wouldn’t…you think I’d do that?” He looked hurt and mildly insulted by my accusation.

“I don’t know Marcus. You’ve spent the last week leaving me to spend your nights with her and…” my words faded out and I swiped at a stray tear that rolled down my cheek.

“Hey, no crying.” Marcus said softly. “Yes we shared a hotel room, but nothing else. I haven’t been with her at all while she’s been here. After that afternoon with you, I couldn’t and didn’t want to. I asked her to go back to Italy last night."

Relief washed over me when I heard him say that. Marcus turned me to face him and softly wiped away the tears that rolled down my cheeks.

"You know how sometimes something just feels…right. You can’t put it into words, but everything just fits. That’s what yesterday was for me. Being here in our house, surrounded by our children, I didn’t want to leave. Then talking to you, hearing you call me your husband still, hearing that you wanted me, wanted us. I realized I didn’t have to.”

The tears continued to stream down my face as I threw my arms around his neck. Marcus

held onto me tightly letting me take comfort in his arms for as long as I needed.

“I only need to go back to the hotel for clothes.” He said softly. “And to check out.” He continued pulling away to look at me. “I want to come home.” His eyes searched my face looking apprehensive about what my response might be.

Continue Reading: "Chapter 105-Victory"

Chapter 104-Goodbye and Hello

Marcus

I sat thinking about Amari. She never came back and I didn’t really expect her to. The mood shifted after she left. The kids all became less talkative with Florence sending a clear message that they supported their mother. Florence picked up the change as well and we cut the evening short. I was not handling any of this correctly. I couldn’t properly work through my feelings for one woman while I was with another. It wasn’t fair to either of them.

“Marc, what do you think?” Florence asked stepping out of the bathroom pulling me from my thoughts.

She stood seductively in front of me in a barely there negligée.

“I bought it a few days ago. You like?”

I looked over her body which she had on display for me knowing what she wanted. We hadn’t made love while she’s been here and she was unhappy about that fact. It was hard to explain, but after being with Amari I didn’t feel right being with Florence. Sighing heavily I put my hand out. She slid hers into mine with a wide grin on her face as she straddled me. 

“We need to talk.” I said quietly when she leaned in to kiss me.

“Talk?” she asked sounding offended. “I am practically nude and you want to talk?” She finished angrily climbing off my lap.

“Yes, we need to talk.”

“If this is about today, me talking to her, I said sorry. I did not know she would run off.” I picked up on the emptiness in her tone. She wasn’t really sorry, I knew that.

Florence had always been a jealous woman, full of spirit and at one time it was something I loved about her. However, in light of the current situation, I was seeing as more of a flaw. Getting off the couch, I walked into the bathroom to retrieve a robe. She snatched it from my hands and I knew this was not going to be an easy conversation.

“I’ve not been fair to you.” I start quietly. “I’ve handled things, this whole situation poorly and for that I’m sorry.”

“No you have not.” She agreed. “But you can make it up to me. We get the wedding plans back on track and things will fall back to normal once we marry.”

I walked over to the window and stared at the twinkling lights of the city. Out there I had a wife and family. One that was taken from me, but now I had them back. I found myself wondering what they were doing right now. Had Amari returned home finally? Was she still upset or were the kids taking care of her? It was thoughts like these that made being with Florence seem wrong.

“Florence, I think it would be best if you returned to Italy.” I said turning to face her.

“You are breaking off with me?” She cried rushing towards me. “I knew it! You leave me because I do not give you a baby. You blame me, you have always blamed me.”

“That’s not what this is.” I retorted quickly. “I’ve never blamed you. Each of our losses was hard on me, but I have always, ALWAYS been there for you. Those things are out of our control.”

“Then why?”

“Because I can’t stay with you in good conscience with these growing feelings I have for her. I need to sort through some things.”

“Sort through? How exactly are you planning on sorting out?” She screamed getting angrier.

“I don’t know.”

“I do! You want to be rid of me so you can be with her! You think I no see it, but I do. The look that crosses your face when you looked at her today. She give you something I can not and you leave me for it!”

“No! This is about me damn it! I had, have another life before you and what I’ve needed from you is your support and understand but instead I get this. You have become this selfish and one sided person that I don’t know.”

I felt my temper rising so I took a deep breath to try and calm myself. Florence stood speechless looking hurt and this wasn’t what I wanted for her either. There was so much going through my head, and she seemed to be so resentful that I was getting my memories back. It left me with questions.

“Florence I need some time and it wouldn’t be fair to keep you in this state of unknowing with me.” I pleaded hoping she would calm down and understand that this needed to be done.

“I no stupid Marc. You can say this is you caring about my needs, but it is a lie. This is why!”

“Why what?” I asked letting out a frustrated breath.

“Why you hand me a robe instead of making love.”

“You are losing sight of the point Florence.”

“No! You want to lie to me. Tell me Marc when was the last time? Do you even remember?”

I walked over to the couch trying to recall the last time. I knew it hadn’t been while she was here so it had to be back in Italy. The first time that popped into my mind was after my return from the first trip out. I looked up at her and knew that my recollection was correct.

“I’m sorry.”

“Just stop with this crazy talk Marc. We go back home, get married. All will be fine. You can even have the children visit. They will love it.” She said still refusing to admit what we both knew to be true.

“Florence. You won’t be satisfied not having a hundred percent of me and I can’t be with you with these lingering feelings.”

The hopefulness in her eyes quickly changed and I sensed her mood shift. Without another word, she got up and stormed off to the bathroom. She came back out cussing me in Italian as she gathered up her belongings. There was nothing I could say to her that would make this better. She refused to see things from any other point. I could have told her it wasn’t necessary to get another room, but I said nothing while she called the front desk.

“Florence.” I called out as she started to leave.

“What?” She snapped.

“Why did you never question my past? Even without the possibility of a wife and kids, how could you not wonder if I had other family that might be looking for me?”

She gave me a wicked grin. “It was not important to what I wanted.” She replied with a shrug. She looked down at her finger then slid the ring off letting it drop to the floor.

As I laid alone in bed, I wondered how I was so blind to her selfish ways for so long. I owed a lot to Florence and her family. They helped me through my change and never asked questions. A lot of the early conversations they had gave me a sense they were talking about me, but it was before I understood Italian. When I asked the connection to the woman that turned me, I never got a straight answer. Magic and fate was all they would say as to why I was with them. Now I knew there was more. Now I believed me being with them wasn’t random and they knew, she knew more about who I was than they wanted to tell me. Jumping out of bed I felt this urgent need to see Amari.

Mulo

“I wondered when you would be by.” I commented dryly as she stormed into my apartment.

Continue Reading: "Chapter 104-Goodbye and Hello"