Chapter fourteen

Two weeks flew by. My classes were all mostly just refreshers for our finals next week. I wasn't worried about it, mostly because I knew I would pass no problem. Mark had made s few attempts to try and talk to me but thankfully either Aiden or one of my other friends, mostly Vanessa, were always around. When he tried to talk to me in class a few of my classmates would sit in the seats around me so that he couldn't. Even though I had never said two words to them I was still thankful. Perhaps they did it because of the faces I would make every time he tried to approach me. The thought of me being pregnant had been pushed to the back of my mind for the most part. Vanessa never mentioned it like she promised she would. A part of me still believed it wasn't true.

Unfortunately though when the full moon came on Thursday there was no period, no cramping, no bloating, nothing. I wasn't overly worried though because I knew I was slightly stressed and sometimes stress caused it to be late. Friday came and still nothing. I was beginning to think Vanessa might be right. There was still a chance it was just my stress though. Between finals next week, telling my dad next week that I had been seeing someone for the past month or so

This morning I had gone to the pharmacy near by and bought a few things including four pregnancy tests. I wanted to be absolutely certain. I had hid the tests under the sink so Aiden wouldn't see them. I wasn't sure when or if I was going to take them. He woke up shortly after I came back to the apartment and I tried so hard to hide the fact I was worried. He made me breakfast after he got dressed then kissed my head and left saying he had some business to take care of.

That was three hours ago. I did everything I could to stay busy. Yet here I was pacing back and forth in the bathroom questioning if I should take the tests or not. What if I took them and they were positive? I wasn't sure I was ready for that. What if I was terrible mother like mine had been to me? I knew nothing about raising kids. What if they hated me? I couldn't live with that.

I sat on the edge of the tub and glared at the boxes. I could feel my throat start to constrict. Great I was having a panic attack, this was not what I needed right now.

I wrapped my arms around myself tightly and squeezed my eyes shut. Aiden I needed to think of him, it would help. I thought about his smile and how happy he made me. I thought about that wonderful light headed feeling I got every time he kissed me. The warmth that spread through my body every time he held me. The way he made me feel safe. I thought about his voice and how it always made me smile the way he said my name.

I could feel my body start to relax so I opened my eyes and looked at the boxes on the counter. If I was pregnant it was my chance to be a better mother, to be the mother for my children that I wish I had growing up. I told myself that if I was indeed pregnant I was going to be the best mother I could be. Plus if I really was pregnant Aiden deserved to know as soon as possible. I knew how happy he would be and I could almost just see how he would react.

I opened the boxes and took the caps off the ends of two of the sticks. After a few minuets I recapped them trying very hard not to get urine on my hands. I set the timer on my phone and started to pace again.

How would I tell my parents? How would I tell my friends? Did I want a baby shower or a gender reveal party? I almost laughed at myself for that one. I had never fully understood the gender reveal party thing but the idea of keeping the gender hidden from Aiden and everyone just to surprise them at a party made me smile.

The phone alarm went off and I took a deep breath. I could do this. I looked in the mirror and just told myself no matter what I had Aiden by my side. I looked down at the tests. Two pink lines, both were positive. I smiled.

I left the tests in the bathroom and went to the kitchen to chug a whole bunch of water to help me pee again so I could take the other two tests to be sure. After another fifteen minuets I finally had to pee again. I used the last two tests and set the timer again.

I sat at the edge of the tub. How was I going to tell Aiden. He deserved to know first. Next I had to decide how I would tell my parents and friends. Did I even want to tell my mom? I sighed. She deserved to know. The phone timer went off again and I checked the tests again. Four positives. I was pregnant with Aidens child. I grabbed the tests and took a picture of them. I sent a text to Aiden simply stating I couldn't wait to see him with a kissy face emoji. I texted Vanessa telling her she was right and sent a picture of the tests to her. She replied with a heart and a congrats.

I decided to wait to tell my parents and friends until after I went to the doctors and got a confirmed pregnancy test from them. I would leave telling Aidens parents to him. I was so excited to tell him I couldn't wait.

I decided to surprise Aiden with the tests. I knew as soon as he came home he would go straight to the bathroom to change into his usual jeans and t-shirt. I grabbed a blank piece of paper and using a black sharpie I wrote surprise behind this. I propped it up on the sink and hid the tests behind it. I was so excited.

Aiden came home around three. I was sitting on the couch watching The nightmare before Christmas for what seemed like the hundredth time by now. It was my favorite movie and always made me feel good. Aiden gave me a quick kiss and then headed into our room like he always did. I smiled and as quietly as I could got off the couch and crept to our door. I watched him change his clothes then slip into the bathroom like he always did. I crept to the door and peeped in. I set my phone to record and recorded him silently as he washed his face then saw the paper. He dried his hands and lifted the paper. He saw the pregnancy tests and I could see his eyes widened. He looked at each positive and a smile crept over his face. He looked at the door and saw me through the crack. I pushed the door open and smiled at him.

"Surprise." I said as I did.

"Are you really pregnant?" He asked holding one of the tests still.

"Yes." I said adjusting my phone in my hand. He grabbed my phone turned off the recording and pulled me into the tightest hug possible. I laughed and kissed his cheek.

"I'm sorry baby this isn't how I wanted things to go. I wanted to wait until we were married before we got a baby in you. I wanted to get a house together before this. I wanted to meet your family first." I could hear how sad he sounded. I pushed away and looked him in the face. He looked upset.

"Aiden you told me before that things happen when they're supposed to not when we want them to. Our child happened when it was meant to not when we wanted to. There's still plenty of time for everything my love." He kissed me and held me right to him.

"How did you suspect?" He asked after a few minuets.

"Astrid mentioned it at dinner two weeks ago. She said it was only about a day along. She said she could smell the child. Then my period didn't come on time like it usually does so I figured better check."

"You know what this means right?" I looked into his eyes as he pulled away. "My family is going to smother you even more now. And your family and friends will probably hate me." I laughed and shook my head.

"No they won't. How does a pregnancy with a reaper child work though?" Aiden shrugged.

"I know the pregnancy lasts longer then a human pregnancy. Which on that note we are not seeing a human doctor about this." I nodded, that was probably for the best.

"How much longer does the pregnancy last?" I asked.

"How long is a human pregnancy?" He asked pulling his phone out of his pocket.

"Nine months." He looked up at me.

"Oh never mind they're the same length. Why did I think a human pregnancy was six months?" I shrugged and laughed.

"I don't know." I said shaking my head. I walked into our room and sat in our bed. He came and sat beside me pulled me into his arms. I snuggled into him only for his phone to ding. He ignored it though. It dinged again but again he just ignored it. After the sixth ding he finally groaned and grabbed his phone.

"Oh, crap." He said reading the messages.

"Everything ok?" I asked clinging to him a little tighter.

"My cousin Sylvia, the fate, just texted me congrats on the conception and has asked to sit down with the family for dinner tonight and basically my whole family is now demanding our presence." I felt a little nervous.

"Do we have to?" I whispered. I felt so comfortable." He sighed.

"Unfortunately. It's kind of like a family tradition thing that when one of us has a child on the way we all gather as soon as possible to learn the gender and what not of the child. It's dumb I know but my parents are excited." He rubbed his forehead with his finger tips.

"It's not dumb at all. How should I dress?" He smiled at my words and kissed my head.

"It is a formal situation so it's a perfect chance for you to wear the new dress I just bought you." I looked at him confused.

"What dress?" He grinned and got out of the bed. He opened his closet and pulled out a big bag and i inwardly groaned. I was capable of buying my own clothes.

"More like dresses and shoes." I rolled my eyes and went to my closet.

"What's wrong with the three I have?" He shook his head.

"Like I said before nothing is wrong with them just trust me Letty." I sighed and pulled out the dresses he had picked out.

They were actually all really beautiful. They were all styled in different ways. There was a good variety here. What impressed me most was that they were all dark colors. They all looked like something I'd actually wear. I peeked in the bag and grabbed the three pairs of black shoes in there. Two were heels but they looked comfortable surprisingly and the last pair were just a plain black pair of flats.

"Ok I'm actually impressed." I said studying each item carefully. Aiden laughed.

"See I told you to trust me. Now for today I really wanna see this purple one on you." I picked up the purple one and unfolded it. It was a dark plum like purple that cut down in a v neck and had three quarter sleeves. The dress looked like it was knee length and would frame my curves nicely.

"Fine. How long do I have to get ready?" He checked his watch.

"Twenty minuets it's a two hour drive from here." I nodded picked out some silver and purple jewelry and headed to the bathroom. I did my makeup with extra concealer to hide the small pimples that had formed a couple days ago. Did a simple Smokey purple eyeshadow and some highlighter. I pulled my hair up into a half pony tail and then slid into the dress.

I put in a couple earrings and my crescent moon necklace. I looked at myself in the bathroom mirror and was actually impressed. The dress was in fact knee length and clung to my curves just right but it just amplified everything. Although it had a v cut to it the deepest part barely showed cleavage. I made a mental note to take some pictures in this dress later and headed out to the bedroom again with five minuets to spare. Aiden looked at me and smiled approvingly.

"You look gorgeous Letty." I smiled and I could feel heat creeping to my face. I studied him. I understood why he had picked this dress, his dress shirt was the exact same shade of purple as my dress.

"I don't know I think you might look better." I said grabbing his tie." He leaned forward.

"My love we don't have time but when we get back I will gladly dominate you." I kissed him.

"Threat or promise?" I whispered. I felt him shudder beneath my hands.

"Both." He growled as he grabbed my ass and pulled me closer. I laughed and pushed him away. "Heels." He said pointing to one of the pairs of heels he had gotten me. I groaned but did as he asked. Surprisingly though they were comfortable and had decent support. I grabbed my small black purse and shoved my phone and a few other small items and headed to the door out of the apartment. Aiden grabbed his keys and we headed to the parking garage. In all the time we had been together I had yet to see what he drove surprisingly.

As we entered the parking garage we got a few looks from people who were just about. Some of them I recognized and others I had never seen before. I just pretended there was no one around except Aiden and I. The lights flashed on a big black Ford F-150 truck and I almost laughed. I have Aiden a questioningly look.

"What?" He asked opening the passenger side door for me.

"Not what I expected you to have." I said with a shrug. He shook his head.

"I don't know what you expected but I just like trucks." I nodded and he shut the door after I climbed in. I buckled my seat belt as he climbed into the drivers side and started the truck.

We pulled out of the parking garage and headed north. I wasn't sure where we were going but I knew if I asked Aiden wouldn't tell me anyways. I just relaxed and listened to the music he played. I knew we had slightly different tastes in music but I was still surprised when he played a couple bands I actually did like.

At some point I must have dozed off in the car. Typical for me. For some odd reason car rides always made me sleepy no matter if I was driving or the passenger. I only realized I had dozed off because Aiden was shaking my leg . I opened my eyes groggily and looked around. Where were we? There were trees everywhere. The woods? Or was this a Forrest? I looked at him confused as he drove up to a huge iron gate. What ever this gate led to it was definitely meant to keep people out. I watched as Aiden typed in some kind of code and a woman popped up on the screen. Aiden showed her his mark and I heard a buzzing sound as the gate slid open slowly.

"Where are we?" I finally asked. I saw him smirk from the corner of my vision as I I tried to look around.

"The City I grew up in is about five miles down the road still. We're almost there." Aiden said with a shrug. City?

"Which city?" I added still trying to see something through the trees. He shook his head.

"It's not something you would find on a map. There are a good number of cities like this all over the world. It is a city strictly for reapers, angels, demons and what not. Of course we can live anywhere we want but these Corrie's are private and secluded, no humans unless they are marked by one of us."

"Wait you said angels and demons? Why do they live in cities?" He glances at me slightly confused.

"You didn't think they permanently lived in the underworld and the heavens did you?" I blushed.

"Well yeah, that's kind of what we're taught." Aiden shook his head.

"Some do live there but some also live here in this plane. They mostly go to the others for business stuff I guess. I don't know Ariel always tells us it's not required of her to live in the heavens and I know many angels." He said with a shrug.

"Have you ever been to either?" I asked after a few minuets.

"Yes." Was all he said. I could finally start to see some buildings through the tree line ahead. We continued to drive in silence as we entered the cities limits. It wasn't like any other city j had ever seen. It was very pretty with flowers and trees incorporated everywhere. Every street lamp had a maroon flag with a silver rose on it. There were people every where. Looking at them I realized Aidens words were true as I started noticing different eye colors.

There were so many different shops I couldn't read all of them as we drove. There were buildings of every color it seemed and it just looked so clean. We stopped at a red light by a park and I glanced over to see dozens of children running around screaming and playing while their parents sat in groups chatting to one another. They really were no different then the humans I had always grown up with.

"This place is so beautiful." I whispered as we continued to drive. Aiden chuckled and I continued to watch everything. We drove straight through the city, literally to the other side before Aiden turned left. After a few minuets on the winding road he finally made a right.After ten minuets a house finally came into view. It was enormous and almost looked like a ski lodge on the outside. There were groups of flowers planted everywhere but it looked so well organized and beautiful. Aiden parked his car behind a few others in a roundabout and shut the truck off. He looked at me and smiled.

"Welcome to my home." He said climbing out of the truck. I opened the passenger side door as I undid my seat belt and slid out as well. I quickly hair and make up in the mirror just to make sure I didn't mess up anything with my nap. Aiden came up to my side and offered me his hand. I smiled and laced my fingers through his.

"This is where you grew up?" I asked. He shrugged.

"For the most part." We walked up the stone walk way and I noticed a woman standing my the enormous oak doors. I recognized her from the pictures.

"Aiden darling I'm so happy you could make it." She said holding her arms out to hug him. He let go of my hand and embraced his mother.

"It's nice to be home mom. Is everyone else here?" She nodded. He pulled away from her and reached for my hand again. "Mom I want you to meet my mate. Letty this is my mother Yevette." He said pulling me in front of him slightly. His mother studied me for a moment with her I've blue eyes. All the while just smiling.

"It's nice to meet you. I finally said remembering my manners and out stretching a hand to her. She shook her head and wrapped her arms around me in a tight hug.

"It's so wonderful to meet you Letty. I fully expect you to call me mom from now on. You're family after all." She pulled away but kept both hands on my shoulders. She was even more beautiful in person. Her hair was pulled back in a long braid that hung over her shoulder. Her light blue dress just amplified her ice blue eyes in a way that I couldn't even describe.

"Mom stop hogging her. I'm sure everyone wants to meet her." Aiden said after a few moments. She smiled and wrapped an arm around my shoulder leading me into the house. There were at least twenty people or more gathered around a huge living room. Every one was dressed up in formal clothing like Aiden and I. He wasn't joking. Aiden stepped forward and cleared his throat. His mother positioned me behind him then left us only to walk out of my line of sight. The room grew quiet.

"Everyone I would like you to meet Letitia, my mate, future wife and soon to be mother to my child." Aiden said. I could hear the happiness in his voice. He took a step away from me and I felt everyone's gaze shift to me. I smiled sheepishly and looked at the floor.

"Oh Aiden she's lovely." A woman's voice said as she approached me. I looked up to see a woman with golden eyes. Her black hair fell in curls and waves to her waist. She wore a lilac dress that contrasted her dark brown skin in a way that made her look almost angelic. She was absolutely gorgeous. Her smile lit up her eyes in a way that just made you want to smile.

"Thank you. Letty my love this is my cousin Sylvia." Aiden said taking my hand in his.

"It's nice to meet you." I finally managed to say after a few moments. She smiled even wider at me.

"It's so wonderful to finally meet you my dear. Now I know you're human and your traditions are not the same as ours. I'm going to reveal to you in a moment the gender and everything of your child. It's kind of like a good luck thing." She said with a shrug.

"Ok." I said feeling nervous.

"Don't worry darling I've seen your child and everything already. Fates see all past present and future. You don't need to me nervous." She said placing one of my hands in hers.

"I'm sorry I'm still getting used to everything." I said in a quiet tone. She nodded. She turned to everyone who was patiently waiting to hear about the child growing inside of m. Even I was somewhat excited. Sylvia took my hand in hers and Aiden wrapped his arm around my waist.

"Everyone she's having twins!" Sylvia practically squealed. Wait. What? Twins? I looked up at Aiden and the look of pride in his eyes made my heart melt.

"What gender?" I recognized the voice. I scanned the room and saw Aidens father Elias sitting in a chair with Yevette on his lap. Sylvia squeezed my hand tightly.

"One boy one girl. The son will be born first. The bond of the siblings will bring a much needed change to the world" she said excitedly. She let go of my hand and Aiden pulled me into a tight hug. Everyone started talking again and started to walk towards Aiden and I.

"Aiden let the poor woman breath." A woman's voice said behind him. He chuckled and kissed my forehead. He let go of me and a dark skinned woman with long braids and red eyes approached us.

"Sorry grandmother." Aiden said as the woman studied me. She smiled.

"Welcome to the family Letitia. I'm Aidens paternal grandmother Imi and this stubborn thorn here is my husband Solomon." She said poking at the man beside her. He closely resembled Elias.

"It's wonderful to meet you." I said happily. She hugged me tightly.

" I'm so happy Aiden has finally found his mate. If you ever have questions about anything feel free to ask anyone ok dear? I remember Natalia had a hard time adjusting to our world at first too. Don't worry child were a close knit family." She said hugging me tightly.

"Thank you." I said as she pulled away. Aidens grandfather just nodded. Before they walked away. Diedritch approached us next with his wife and three sons.

"Little brother when I told you to mark her I didn't mean get her pregnant too." Diedritch said placing a hand on his brothers shoulder and shaking his head as he laughed. Aiden shook his head.

"Wasn't intentional." Aiden mumbled. Lily smiled at me.

"I'm so happy for you both. Aiden you better treat her right or I will kick your ass." She said in a stern voice. She hugged me and their sons just ignored me for their cell phones.

"Welcome little sister." Diedritch said placing a hand on my shoulder before walking away. Little sister. I finally had siblings. The idea made me want to cry.

"Finally I'm not the only human!" A woman's voice exclaimed as arms wrapped around me in a tight hug. The man behind her sighed.

"Natalia you're not a human any longer." He said lightly laughing. Natalia let go of me and shook her head with a sigh.

"Yes I know but I was born a human." She said sticking her tongue out at the man behind her. Sylvia and her twin brother approached them as well.

"What happens to humans once were made immortal?" I asked her. It was probably rude to ask but I was curious. She smiled at me.

"Nothing really. Imi has told me stories of some being turned to demons or angels but well I never became either." She said with a shrug.

"It depends on the soul." Sylvia said. I looked at her confused.

"Evil souls become demons, saintly souls become angels, ones who are balanced and neither truly good or bad stay like my mom." She said.

"I see." What would I become I wondered.

"Any way. Congrats nephew." Aidens uncle Eric said shaking his hand then escorting his wife and children away.

The introductions and congratulations continued on. I started to see quickly who Aiden was and wasn't close to. Finally the last person approached us and I felt uncomfortable. I could feel the disgust radiating from Aiden so I moved closer to him.

"Well little brother looks like you've finally become boring." Aidens brother Marcel said standing in front of us shaking his head.

"What's boring about finding my mate and having a family? Oh that's right you prefer to just fuck anything with a vagina. To hell with marking or raising a family. You just like to throw your dick to the wind isn't that right Marcel?" Aidens words were harsh and I could tell he had no pleasant feeling towards his brother. Marcel shrugged.

"What can I say? Sex is bound to get boring eventually with a mate." He said he glanced at me. "Astrid was better looking brother" he said. I felt Aidens brother tense and I clung to him.

"Aiden ignore him." I said. Aiden looked at me and I smiled at him. He wrapped his arm around me, gave his brother the middle finger and started walking to the dining room as his mother announced dinner.

Aiden pulled out a chair next to his cousin Sylvia for me then sat beside me. Sylvia smiled at me and i smiled back. Everyone around the table chatted with each other as people I hadn't seen before poured out of the kitchen and put plates in front of every one. I looked at Aiden confused.

"Aiden you never told her?" Sylvia said glaring at him.

"I wasn't sure how to or when to."

"Tell me what?" I asked confused. Sylvia sighed

"Our family is basically like demon and reaper royalty if such things ex sister. Between Aidens mom being a direct descendant of the first celestial demon and our grandfather Solomon being one of the two sons of the first reaper. Other demons work here as house keepers, cooks and what not due to his mother's status. Personally she hates it but it's what everyone expects of her. She's very kind to the staff though and they all like her." I looked at Aiden. He just nodded.

"It's not something I like to discuss for a reason Sylvia." He said.

"I know cousin most of us have chosen to not live this way. But to be fair Letitia is part of our family now. It's only fair she knows everything." She said shaking her head. Aiden sighed.

"I suppose." He said as plates were placed in front of us. I looked at the girl who placed the plate in front of me and thanked her. She smiled and nodded.

"Well I'm glad you guys eat foods I like." I said with a grin looking at the three perfect cabbage rolls in front of me.

"To be fair Letitia I informed my Aunt Yevette Of What foods you do and don't like. She chose this for tonight because it's one of her favorites." Sylvia said with a smile. I felt slightly creeped out by her.

"Oh. So you guys don't normally eat stuff like this?" I cut one of the cabbage rolls open.

"Oh no we do I'm just saying my aunt tries to make sure everyone will like what's served. She's very considerate." I smiled at Sylvia and nodded.

After dinner the women in Aidens family ushered me into a room on the second floor where they all sat with me. Tea was brought up for me and Ariel while the rest who were not pregnant drank wine. I noticed Aidens mother and grandmother were not among us. I sat between Ariel and Natalia. Ariel was saying how she was due in a week with her first son who they were planning on making Thomas after her grandfather who had passed a while ago. As Aidens mom entered the room though the others grew quiet.

"Have you thought of what kind of baby shower you would like daughter?" She asked looking at me with a smile. I shook my head.

"No I'm still trying to figure out how to tell my parents about the pregnancy. I doubt they'll be as happy as everyone here." Everyone nodded. Natalia squeezed my hand.

"Well have you and Aiden talked about names?" I shook my head again.

"We just found out today. I do know what first name I want for our daughter though." I said with a smile as I touched my stomach.

"That's fine darling there's not rush to name my grand children. But it is tradition in our family the mother or mother's prepare the baby shower."

"I don't think my mother would want a part of this." I said looking at my feet. Despite this couch being very comfortable I suddenly didn't feel that way.

"She doesn't accept you for who you are and has made you suffer a lot hasn't she?" Ariel asked. I nodded.

"It was the same with my mother. When I married Eric none of my human family came, they didn't even care when I announced my pregnancy with the twins." Natalia said.

"Not to worry Letty we are your family now. You will never know that pain from any of us. I will love and treat you as if you were born from me." Aidens mom said squatting in front of me. I felt my throat tighten as my eyes started to water.

"I appreciate it." I managed to finally say.

"Now ladies as the men celebrate Ariel and Blaines child arriving next week and the news of the twins...Sylvia what's wrong?" Sylvia had turned ashen and was clutching her sides. Her golden eyes turned red and she started to hyperventilate. Yevette pulled her into her arms and stroked her hair.

"She's having a vision." Natalia said squeezing my hand. She must of sensed my distress. I watched as Sylvia breathing finally started to slow and her eyes started to return to their golden color. She looked at Ariel.

"Get Blain. Hospital. Now." She managed to mutter before falling asleep in the chair. Just then Ariel stood up and went left the room with Natalia. I was so confused.

"The baby is coming." Lilyexplained sitting next to me.

"Does she go through that with every vision?" I asked. Lily shrugged.

"She doesn't have many around us but when she does she doesn't have them that bad. I suspect the wine is what made it look so terrible." I nodded.

"Letty I'm sure you've had a long day. Why don't you go find Aiden and have him take you home?" Yevette said combing Sylvias' hair from her face.

"I don't know where they would be." Lily smiled and stood.

"I'll take you to them." I nodded and followed her.

Aiden and I were silent as we left. It was well past sunset now but there were still plenty of people walking around the city. As we exited the gates I felt a little sad. I finally felt like I belonged somewhere and it wasn't even with my own family.

"Get some rest baby. I'm sure you've had an exhausting day." I nodded and closed my eyes. I hoped Ariel would be ok and that tomorrow I could find the courage to tell my dad about Aiden and the baby.