Let's Go For A Pint (Vampire/Humor)

1.10.5 New Kingdom

A week after arriving back at the apartment, Zenia came to visit. Some time before the raid she and Brendan danced between the sheets and a couple of days post battle she found out she was pregnant. We spent most of the time while Carmen was taking a nap talking about raising our own.

"I totally didn't see that coming," Zenia said after placing her glass of water on the table.

"I did. I mean, I was about to pass it off to some other, random human. With her gone for a couple of hours and not returning before the wedding started, it was a clear sign that she would be dead. Or Remi picked up on our conversation and put two and two together that we're close."

Zenia stroked my arm. "It's good both of you are alive. How many have you turned now? Second one?"

"Third, actually. Technically, it's two but I'm counting that failed attempt as my second."

"Still more than me. To be honest, I wish I could turn someone instead." She rubbed her belly. "Who knows how long until this one comes out. I could ask a witch to get me some herbs or mix me an elixir of some sort, but I don't know how that would affect the baby. There's a good chance he or she will be dhampir."

"What makes you suspect that? Brendan's basically human with magical tattoos and a piece of wolf fur."

"That's exactly it. He won't pass down any wolf shape-changing abilities, but his first change made him different so he'll pass on something. It'll definitely affect the little one's awakening when the time comes." She shifted a bit then winced.

"Your shoulder?"

She shook her head yes. "It took a beating in the fight. Say, you're not looking well yourself. Perhaps you should hire someone to feed Carmen."

"I can handle it. Draven is on the lookout for blood sources. I gorge on whatever he brings me. A whole human should last me at least four days, but with losing a lot of my own just nursing her it's almost half that. A couple more weeks and no more nursing."

"You're not considering having a partner in this relationship? There's Donnie—"

"I've raised my first one without any help from a partner. I'm aware it's less tiring but I'm still here, aren't I?"

Zenia chuckled. "You're strong. Definitely got to be that when you're raising one on your own. There is one thing that has been bothering me: how were you able to cross the River?"

I smiled. "How do you cross an ocean?"

"That's easy! I either fly over it or ride on a giant boat."

And then a light bulb lit up over her head. Literally. Draven appeared in a poof and announced, "You have some visitors, Mistress. You instructed me not to have anyone disturb you while Lady Zenia is here."

"Let them in. James and Max want to check on Carmen. They sent a text earlier saying they would come around now."

Draven vanished and went to admit the guys into the building. With him away, Zenia asked, "So basically, you rode in the same boat as the ferryman? What other boat was there?"

"Driftwood. I couldn't make a raft to save my life, so I asked if I can ride in the boat. After a trip across and back, I got immunity from crossing running water though he told me I would receive more than just that. Haven't figured out what that is yet, but I assume they're kickass. Doubt flying's one of them"

"You'll learn to fly one day. I'll miss changing into a flock of bats in my current state, but hopefully I'll take your advice for my little one."

"Yeah, I don't see me changing into anything that separates in my future."