Protecting Them (Only His Series: Book 3) *NEW VERSION*

Prologue

My Dearest Cordelia and Leo,

My precious children. I miss you with all my being. I would give anything to hold you in my arms right now. You have to understand, once you become a vampire you can never have children again. I've lived a hundred years longing for the children I loved and lost as a human. When I found out I was carrying you, I was shocked for lack of a better word, but know that I have loved you since the day I first heard your heartbeats. Sadly, I am not in a safe place. The truth is your father and I have made a mess of our home. I knew that you both would be unsafe here if you were to stay, so I had to send you away. I am doing everything in my power and so is the entire family to fix this mess and bring you both back.

Your Uncles Elijah and Kol are tracking down the location of the last five moonlight rings. My close friend and confidant Victor and your cousin Hayley have found out who has three of the 12 rings that weaken your father. All that's left is to find the location of the last two and retrieve all of them. At this rate though, the city will be safe soon and I'll be able to hold you in my arms again. There are other minor issues to take care of but they're really quite trivial, but if you wish to know, ask me when you're older.

In lighter news, I've finished furnishing your rooms. I brought you both some stuffed animals yesterday. The raven is for you Leo, his name's Damon, after my older brother, and the teddy bear is for you Cordelia, his name is Charles after your oldest brother. Charles and Damon would have loved you both, but even though they aren't with right now - they're always watching over you.

I love you both so much, and dream of the day you come back home.

Your loving mother,

Alexandria Salvatore

December 25, 2013