His Immortal | Marcus Pike

35

Two years later.

As I sat in the passenger seat of the car, I watched the scenery flash by in a blur as Marcus expertly manoeuvred the vehicle down the highway. The autumn leaves had turned the trees into a vibrant canvas of reds and gold, creating a picturesque backdrop as we road-tripped towards our destination for Thanksgiving.

In the backseat, our young daughter Sanova gurgled and cooed, contentedly gumming on a small teething toy. I glanced back at my little girl, a smile tugging at my lips as I watched her chubby cheeks rosy with the chill. She was the spitting image of Marcus, with his dark hair and eyes, but there was a hint of me in her stubborn and determined nature.

I turned my attention back to the front, watching as Marcus expertly navigated the winding roads, his focus solely on the route ahead. The journey was peaceful, the only sound was the steady hum of the engine and the occasional coo or gurgle from Sanova in the backseat. The miles flew by, and the sun was just beginning to dip towards the horizon when Marcus finally spoke.

"Looks like we're making good time," he said, his gravelly voice breaking the comfortable silence. He glanced over at me, his gaze soft and affectionate. "We should be there by sundown."

"Oh good," I replied softly.

Marcus nodded, his focus returning to the road. The golden hue of the setting sun dappled his face, accentuating the rugged lines and casting soft shadows across his sharp features. He glanced at me again, a hint of a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "And I'm sure Sanova is getting restless back there," he added, his tone gruff but affectionate.

"I need to feed her and change her diaper," I said gently.

Marcus nodded, his expression immediately becoming sympathetic. He knew firsthand just how often Sanova needed to be fed and changed and he was more than willing to oblige. "Alright, we'll pull over at the next rest stop," he said, his eyes scanning the road for a suitable place to stop. "I'll find a spot where you can comfortably tend to her."

"Thank you," I spoke gently.

Marcus nodded in acknowledgement, his eyes never leaving the road. "Of course," he replied gruffly, his voice a low rumble. A few minutes later, he spotted a rest area up ahead, and he expertly manoeuvred the car into a parking space. He killed the engine, the car falling silent, and turned to look at me.

Marcus watched from the driver's seat as I climbed into the backseat and began tending to Sanova. He observed silently, his gaze softened by the sight of me breastfeeding our baby. He couldn't help but feel a rush of protective affection for both of us. Seeing me care for our daughter and the bond we had with her, tugged at something instinctual within him.

He leaned back in his seat, watching as I fed and comforted Sanova. The sound of her soft, contented coos filled the car, the atmosphere warm and intimate. Marcus's features were no longer stern and reserved. His expression was soft and affectionate, his eyes filled with a quiet reverence as he watched the motherly bond I had with our child.

Even as the minutes ticked by, Marcus remained quietly observant, not wanting to disturb my moment with Sanova. He could hear me murmuring gentle words to her, her tiny form wrapped snugly in my arms as she nursed.

He watched as I stroked Sanova's head gently, my touch gentle and soothing. Her tiny hands clutched at my shirt, her little fingers grasping at the fabric, as she suckled contentedly. Marcus could see the love and devotion in my eyes as I gazed down at our daughter. It was a love that was all-consuming, unconditional, and beautiful. He felt a pang of something within him he couldn't quite identify, a mixture of amazement, protectiveness, and a strange sense of yearning.

Marcus watched as I gently lifted Sanova to my shoulder, patting her back to coax a burp from her tiny frame. He knew how challenging and rewarding parenting could be. He couldn't help but admire how effortlessly I navigated motherhood. My caring and nurturing nature was on full display as I comforted and soothed our daughter.

As Sanova let out a soft, satisfied burble, Marcus chuckled softly. "She's got some good lungs on her," he remarked a hint of amusement in his voice.

"Want to see Daddy?" I said to her. Marcus's expression softened immediately as he looked at Sanova. Her tiny hands reached out towards him, her little legs kicking with excitement. "Of course, I want to see you, sweetheart," he cooed, his gruff voice taking on a gentle tone. He held out his hands, ready to receive her.

I carefully handed Sanova over to Marcus, her small body fitting perfectly against his chest. Marcus cradled her gingerly, supporting her head with one hand and holding her securely against him.

Sanova looked up at him with wide, curious eyes, her tiny fingers grasping at the fabric of his shirt. She babbled incoherently, her soft, innocent voice filling the car. Marcus chuckled, a smile playing on his lips. "She's gotten so big," he mused, his voice filled with tenderness.

"I know, 8 months already. Time is flying by," I said gently.

"Yeah, it is," Marcus agreed, his eyes never leaving Sanova as he held her. "Seems like just yesterday we brought her home from the hospital like a little bean." He gently caressed Sanova's cheek with his free hand, his fingers tracing the soft, delicate skin.

"Who would've thought that two years ago, I would be here married and have a beautiful family? Because I really did not see my future like this at all," I spoke faintly.

Marcus smiled gently, his eyes meeting mine as I spoke. "Neither did I," he admitted, his voice thick with an unexpected emotion. He carefully adjusted Sanova in his arms, shifting her against his chest with a tenderness that contradicted his usual gruff exterior. "But it's been the best two years of my life," he added, his tone laced with undeniable truth.