Chapter TWENTYSIX-ANOTHER VISION AND BABY SHOWER GONE WRONG
Staci POV
I was at my two-week checkup with Antonio. We had been back from Crescent Moon for a few days, and I wanted to check on the pup. I was now three and a half months and felt like a whale, but of course, our son made sure to use my bladder as a soccer ball.
He was very active during the days and nights, even more so when his Father was present. I gently rubbed my belly as Dr. Scott walked into the room.
"Good afternoon, Luna. How are you two today?" I smiled at the doctor.
"Well, Dr. Scott, considering our son wants to play soccer with my bladder and keep me up all night."
"I'd say everything is peachy," the doctor said, letting out a light chuckle. He wiped a fake tear from his eye, and I rolled mine.
"Well, that's normal for pups at this stage," the doctor mentioned.
The doctor did his exam and moved to the ultrasound machine. My belly protruded more, and I could see the ripples as our son kicked and changed positions. Solaris was humming, and for some reason, our son calmed down.
"Let's just check on the little Alpha, shall we?" I nodded as the doctor dabbed a little gel on my belly and moved the doppler around. I instantly saw our son's image on the screen and smiled.
"Well, not so little now, are we?" the doctor chuckled.
"He's a large pup, but this is considered since he is of Alpha blood," the doctor said.
I smiled and looked at Antonio as he held my hand. Our son was sucking his thumb as his heart was beating on the monitor. The doctor took measurements and played his heartbeat on the monitor, instantly making my day.
"Solid heartbeat. He's one healthy pup." The doctor wiped my belly off after he took a few pictures for us and left the room.
Antonio helped me sit on the bed as my head started buzzing, and a bright light flashed before my eyes.
"Solaris, is this another vision?" I asked as my wolf growled.
"Yes, it is," she snarled.
I could see the vision as clear as day. I held a royal blue blanket and smiled at the pup.
"Oh goddess," I held our son, and his eyes instantly made me smile.
He had his Father's greenish-blue eyes and jet-black hair, except it was curlier like his Grandfather's. I was cooing at my son as he yawned and looked up at me.
"Well, you came back," I felt shivers down my spine at the voice behind me and turned to look at the creature that haunts my dreams.
I held my son close to my chest. I didn't know what this vampire's intentions were with me, but I would do anything to protect my son from this monster.
"Who are you?" I asked as he smiled at me and flashed his fangs. I saw his red eyes glow.
"Who I am isn't important right now, but that abomination you're holding shouldn't even exist!"
"You are only allowed to birth my heirs, not that fucking mutt's!" he snarled, making me growl.
What the hell was he talking about? My son is not an abomination, and what did he mean to have his offspring? I would rather die than be a vampire's plaything.
"Beautiful and feisty, you would be the perfect bride," he hissed, widening my eyes as Solaris growled deep within me.
"I would rather die than be chained to the likes of you," I growled. I felt the buzzing again as the vision faded.
"Staci? Come back to me, my love," I heard Antonio's voice.
"Antonio?" I called out as he wrapped his arms around me.
"Where did you go, my love?" I looked at him, and he pulled back and looked into my eyes.
"I saw the vampire again," I heard him growl, so I grabbed his face and kissed his lips as I felt him calm down.
"Did you get his name this time?" I shook my head and told Antonio about my latest vision.
"He called our son an abomination and claimed that I was to have his offspring and be his bride," I told Antonio as his eyes flashed.
"What the hell does that mean?!" Antonio roared.
"I don't know, and he wasn't the type to share his intentions."
"But I will never submit to a blood-sucking demon," I growled.
Ever since Seth's Alpha ceremony, I have had visions more frequently lately. The visions are never clear, and the vampire is always there, but he never shows his hand. It was pissing me off because we needed answers and weren't receiving any.
On the bright side, today was the baby shower. Evelyn had planned it while we were away at Crescent Moon. My Mother and Rose were coming since Seth had Alpha duties to attend to, so he sent his gift with Rose. Alicia and Ricardo were staying for another week. Antonio's cousins were also coming. Their names were Megan, Katie, Nicole, and Kristie. I was excited to meet the daughters of his Uncle and Aunt.
Once I was back in my white sundress with floral designs, Antonio and I exited the room and walked toward the nurse's station to set up my next appointment. Antonio said he would be doing pack business and told me not to worry and to enjoy myself.
We also had a surprise for Evelyn and the girls. I had already discussed it with Antonio, who agreed we should share the news with everyone. After scheduling my appointment, we headed downstairs to the common area where the shower was being held.
Evelyn had everything set up. The colors were royal blue, white, and gray. She even had stuffed animals, cake, and gifts on a table in the corner. I smiled and almost got teary-eyed as my mate kissed my cheek.
"We have an announcement to make," my mate boomed to the ladies, and everyone gave us their full attention.
"You have the floor, my love," Antonio said as I grabbed his hand, turned my attention to the guests, and smiled.
"Antonio and I would like to thank everyone for this special occasion for our son and for all of you taking the time to set this up for us."
"I want to introduce you all to Ace Ronaldo Silva," I rubbed my belly and smiled.
I saw Evelyn and my Mother with teary eyes clapping their hands at our son's name. The pup even gave a few kicks, and I giggled. I turned and kissed Antonio as he left the common room and headed toward his office. As we began the baby shower, I sat in the chair that said the Mother to be on it in gray and white letters.
Antonio POV
I reached my office as Carter and Juliano were seated before my desk.
"Hey guys, what's up?" I said as they looked at me.
"Nothing much, bro, just going over training schedules," Juliano said.
"How's that going?" I took a seat in my chair behind my desk.
"Everything is up to par," Juliano stated as I nodded.
"So, I heard about the pup's name. Congratulations," Carter smiled.
"Thanks, man. I need to call King Magnus real quick," their eyes widened.
"What happened? Is Staci okay?" they both asked.
"Everything is fine, guys. She just had another vision about the vampire," I said. I picked up the office phone and dialed the number for the Vampire Kingdom.
"Did she get his name this time?" Carter asked as I shook my head.
Staci had been getting more visions lately, but nothing was clear about what this vampire wanted with my mate. I shared the news with the guys, and we were doing everything possible to keep our pack safe.
The line rang a few times before I heard a thick Russian accent. Magnus had vampires from all over the country loyal to him and his Father before he stepped down.
"Nyxshire Kingdom, how may I help you?" the voice said.
"Yes, this is Alpha Antonio from the Blue Eclipse pack."
"I need to speak to King Magnus," I said and heard movement in the background. The line was silent for a few minutes.
"This is King Magnus," Magnus's thick Romanian accent spoke into the phone.
"Magnus," I said and heard a chuckle.
"I figured you would call me sooner or later."
"Is it a special occasion?" he asked as I rolled my eyes.
"No, it's not."
"I'm calling because my mate has been having visions of the vampire," I sighed into the phone and rubbed my temples. There was a long pause.
"My Father and I will be there shortly," he said as the line clicked.
"What was that about?" Carter asked as I placed the phone on the receiver. I shrugged and pulled some files out of my top drawer.
Two clouds of silver smoke appeared in my office a few minutes later. I saw King Magnus and his Father, former King Roman, standing in my office.
"What the fuck," Carter and Juliano said.
"Alpha Antonio," Roman said my name as I looked at him.
"Roman," I said his name as he nodded. I watched as he and his son sat on the couch in my office.
"My understanding is that your Luna is a white wolf, correct?" Roman said as I nodded.
"Also, she has the power of the four elements and now has the gift of foresight?" Roman asked as I nodded again. I watched him scratch his chin as his purple eyes looked distant.
"Did she explain what he looked like?" he asked as I looked at him.
"She said he's tall, with deep blood-red eyes and pale skin," I said, watching Roman's eyes widen.
"No, it can't be," Roman whispered, but I heard him with my werewolf hearing.
"Can't be what?" I asked, wanting to know the secrets.
Roman POV
"It couldn't be," I thought.
We would have even more significant problems if King Alaric's second-in-command had proclaimed himself the vampire King and was now settling in the States.
I looked at Alpha Antonio as he asked me the question I had dreaded for the last few centuries. I sighed. I looked into the powerful Alpha's eyes.
"You already know the story of the White Wolf Clan?" I asked as he nodded.
"Well, let me tell you my version of it."
"See, I was once a follower of the former vampire King Alaric," I said, watching everyone in the room listen.
"During the war, I didn't like how Alaric was slaughtering wolves for power and pleasure."
"So, I secretly tried to create alliances with surrounding packs in the region to help bring down Alaric and his madness."
"During this time, Alaric had a second in command who was very loyal to him. He goes by the name of Abaddon."
"That is the vampire your mate is seeing in her visions," I say as Antonio seems to calm.
"So, what does he want? Why is she having these visions?" Antonio asked.
"The elders didn't tell you?" I asked as Antonio shook his head.
"They said they didn't know why or why he slaughtered an entire wolf pack in one night," Antonio said.
I shook my head. The elders should've at least told them that much. I sighed as I dreaded telling this next part.
"He wants your Luna for the sole purpose of having hybrid offspring to rule over the humans and supernaturals," I said and looked at the Alpha.
"The visions are likely a warning because of his sudden arrival," I said.
I heard a loud growl that shook the room and saw the Alpha on the verge of shifting.
"Alpha! Rein in Ares!" the Beta and Gamma yelled in unison.
"Get your Luna in here now before he does something rash," I told them as the Gamma's eyes glazed over.
A few minutes later, I heard the office door bang open as two men who looked similar to the Alpha ran into the room.
"Son, calm down, please," the older man said as he tried to hold his son down.
A few minutes later, a tall blonde ran into the room. I could sense her power and aura radiating from her, and I knew she was the white wolf. This Luna was quite interesting, and she didn't even realize it.
Something was also interesting about the Silva bloodline. I heard rumors that Alpha Antonio's Grandfather, Adonis, is a descendant of the first werewolf who happened to be a royal. Of course, that was just a rumor, but feeling his Alpha aura compared to his Luna's, they are evenly matched. Alaric's Father killed Adonis in battle because of his venom. Antonio doesn't know this, but their families have been at war for centuries.
Staci POV
I sat in my chair, enjoying the delicious food after opening everyone's baby gifts. My two favorites so far were the black-and-white stuffed wolves from my Mother and Evelyn.
I was about to put a strawberry-flavored cupcake in my mouth when someone tried pushing at my mental block. I let my block down as Juliano's deep, accented voice filled my head.
"Luna, we need you in the office now. Antonio is on the verge of shifting!" he said through the link. I gasped and quickly rose from my seat.
"Staci, what's wrong?" my Mother asked in panic.
"Antonio needs me. He's shifting!" I said quickly as I ran toward the elevator.
Because of my belly, I couldn't move as fast. When I felt strong arms picking me up and carrying me, I saw it was Liam.
"I got you covered, Luna," he said and smirked.
"Thank you, Liam," I said as he nodded.
We made it to the fourth in record time as Liam ran to Antonio's office. He gently set me on my feet before the door as I burst through and ran over to my mate. Black fur covered his arms, and his claws and canines protruded out.
"Ares, look at me, baby, please," I pleaded with his wolf, his black eyes focused on me.
"Mate!" Ares snarled.
"I'm right here, baby," I touched his face gently as he purred.
"Can I have Antonio back, please?" he rubbed his scent all over me and licked my mark, which made me shudder.
"Not here, baby, we have company," I whispered. I watched as his eyes changed back to those gorgeous greenish-blue orbs.
"There's my big, strong Alpha," I said as he kissed my lips. My toes curled, and I moaned until someone cleared their throat.
I saw King Magnus and a man who looked similar to him.
"Who is that?" I asked and looked at Antonio.
"That's King Magnus's Father, former King Roman," Antonio said as I nodded and sat on his lap.
"So, what are they doing here?" I asked and looked at the two vampires.
"To help us understand who this vampire is and why he is after you," Antonio said, explaining what Roman had told him earlier. I slightly stiffened and felt Antonio rub circles on my back.
"So, that's why he kidnapped Alpha Godric's daughter and killed her later," I said as Roman nodded.
"How is that possible when her Father was a white wolf and an Alpha?" I asked, wondering how she didn't get a white wolf.
"Her mother was a Gamma's daughter."
"I don't know how the white wolves' genetics work."
"But I can say that your pup will be a white wolf," he said, looking at Antonio and me.
"He's right," Solaris said, making my eyes widen.
"How do you know that?" I heard Antonio ask.
"Simple, your Luna is the only female white wolf born of an Alpha."
"You're an Alpha with a unique bloodline."
"You don't know your family's history, do you, Alpha Antonio?" Roman asked my mate as he shook his head.
"Your Grandfather Adonis is a descendant of the very first werewolf who was a royal," Roman said, widening my eyes.
I heard gasp around the room, except for Antonio's Father and Uncle.
"So, it's true then, judging by your Father's and Uncle's looks, I'm correct."
"I now see why the Goddess of the moon paired the two of you together," Roman said, smirking.
I watched Antonio turn his attention to his Father and Uncle as a deep growl rumbled in his chest. My knees went weak, and I held my breath.
Antonio POV
"What the actual fuck, Dad? You thought it best to keep this secret from me?!" I roared and looked at my Father as he shook his head.
"Não era minha intenção filho,"(That wasn't my intention son). My Father spoke.
"Não, não, não fale português comigo agora!"(No, no, don't speak Portuguese to me now!). I said shaking my head.
Ares and I were pissed to find out secrets like this. I felt Staci tremble in my lap as I tried to control my anger and wolf. Ares wanted out and rip into something.
"Sobrinho nós pensamos, estávamos fazendo o que era melhor para você,"(Nephew, we thought we were doing what was best for you). My Uncle tried to reason.
I looked at my Uncle as Ares pushed forward and growled.
"O que era melhor para mim, tio? Meu avô era uma deusa descendente de um nobre, e vocês dois pensaram que era melhor eu não saber?"(What was best for me, Uncle? My Grandfather was a goddess damn descendant of a royal, and you two thought it was best that I didn't know?). I snarled.
I laughed at this crazy shit. Staci did her best to soothe Ares's rage, but he snarled and clawed to get out.
"Porra, porra, porra"(Fuck, fuck fuck). I grabbed my hair and felt a headache approaching.
"Antonio Gabriel Silva, language young man, your Father and Uncle are right. It was best you didn't know for various reasons," my Mother said as I looked at her.
"Agora não mãe"(Not now Mother). I said and rubbed my temples in frustration.
I felt Staci rub her hand against my cheek. I knew she was worried and scared.
"It's okay, baby," Staci said as I looked into those crystal blue orbs and tried to rein in Ares.
He was mad at everyone for all the secrets and bullshit. I sighed.
"So why was this kept from me?" I asked my Father and Uncle.
"A vampire killed my brother. He was bitten, and the venom slowly killed his wolf," I heard my Uncle say, and I turned to look at him.
"Who was the vampire?" I saw my Uncle's eyes drift to the floor.
"It was Alaric's Father, King Draco," Roman spoke, making me growl.
"So, we have been at war with these blood-sucking demons, and now one is after my mate."
"Who happens to have served alongside the son of that fucker that killed my Grandfather" my Uncle nodded.
"No offense to you or Roman," I said to the two vampires in the room as Magnus shrugged and smiled.
I was trying not to lose my shit. I felt Staci grab my hands and place them on her belly.
"Baby, please calm down. Our son needs his Father," I looked at Staci as I felt him kick my hands.
I kissed her lips, then gently kissed her belly as Ares purred in my head.
"Pup, that's our pup," Ares pranced. I straightened up and got back into Alpha mode.
"Okay, we know that the vampire has probably sided with the Alpha of the Blood Moon pack and..." I was saying this when I heard my Uncle growl.
"Did you say the Blood Moon pack?" he asked as I nodded. His eyes switched between his and his wolf's.
"What do you know, Uncle Ric?" I watched as my Uncle tried to get his wolf under control as he spoke.
"I know who the Alpha of the Blood Moon pack is," my Uncle said as everyone gasped.