Crimson Gold

Part: 4: Chapter: 17: Stand Off

3rd Person POV

Highway

Speeding down the highway and barely avoiding police cruisers, Ryan's thoughts rushed through him like a torrent. How is this possible? he thought, avoiding a semi. Vampires can't get pregnant and— he cut off that train of thought. Wait a minute, that's it, he realized. She's not a vampire yet.

Pulling out his phone, Ryan quickly dialed his father's number.

"Ryan? What is it?"

"It's Bella," he replied. "She's pregnant."

"How is this possible?" Alex asked after a long moment.

"Well, when a guy and a girl really like each other—"

"Vampires can't get pregnant."

"Well, vampire women can't, but if Bella was still human...," Ryan trailed off. "Is it possible?"

"I'd say probable," Alex replied. "Dana's been researching. Apparently, according to some ancient folklore, a vampire woman can't get pregnant due to her body being unable to change to hold a fetus."

"So, since Bella is still a human, that's why she's pregnant?"

"It's the most likely scenario," Alex replied. "As for the child... I do not know how it will turn out. You say this has never happened before?"

"Seeing as how Alice was freaking out, I'd bet this is a first," Ryan replied, drifting around a corner and sliding under a semi before hopping into the next lane. "But what's confusing me is how Edward was able to get Bella pregnant. As far as I know, vampires don't have anything but venom in their bodies."

"Maybe it doesn't work that way," Alex mused.

"What do you mean?"

"Seeing how vampires are able to infect other humans with their venom," Alex explained, "then maybe the venom is the main reason why Edward was able to impregnate Bella."

Ryan nodded slowly. "What do I do?"

"Keep an eye on her," Alex replied. "If we're lucky, the child will develop regularly."

"And if it doesn't?"

Alex didn't answer that.

Timeskip

Pulling up into the driveway of the Cullens, Ryan swerved as Jacob got off his motorcycle.

"You heard?" Ryan asked, getting out of his car.

"Heard what?" Jacob asked irritably. "That Bella's sick?"

In response, Ryan walked forward and opened the door.

Inside, Carlisle was waiting for him. "Ryan, I am glad that you have returned," he said, nodding at him before turning to Jacob.

"Is it true?" the werewolf demanded.

"Hello, Jacob, how are you?"

"Listen, just give it to me straight," Jacob said as Carlisle closed the door.

"Jake, is that you?" a familiar voice called.

"She's here?" Ryan asked.

"They came home two days ago, just after Alice called Ryan," Carlisle explained before turning to the Prototype. "Alice was worried about you."