Apprehended By My Mate novel Chapter 57

"Was the birth easy?" I laugh and shake my head.

"No, I was in labour for almost 48 hours before she decided to make her appearance. I was in so much pain because Derek said no drugs. I was close to having a C-section but I knew Derek would have been mad if it wasn't natural. I remember hearing her cry for the first time and the wet burse giving me a sad look. I knew then that I would do everything in my power to protect her and I knew that I needed to leave." I brush some hair off Grace's face smiling to her.

"The moment I gave birth the wet nurse cleaned Grace up before handing her to me. I cried because I knew her fate if I stay. Even though I was in pain I got myself out of bed and got ready. I didn't have time to get much beside lots of blankets for Grace. Once I had the few things I needed I ran into the forest and never look back for a year and well you know the rest." I look up and Conner who is shaking his head.

"What a poor excuse of a man he is. What man leaves there heavily pregnant wife to give birth alone." I shrug my shoulders not sure what to say. I know what type of a man Derek is.

We keep playing outside with Grace until the sky starts to darken and night-time settles in. Grace is asleep in my arms as I carry her up to our room. I change her out of her clothes and put her into her own bed which Conner said he set up the other day. I get dressed and climb into bed where Conner is waiting. Conner is on one side of the bed and me on the other. I don't like the distance so I move closer resting my head on his chest.

"Do you ever thinking about more kids?" He ask and I am not sure how to answer that question. I think I would like more children but I don't think I can ever be intimate with someone.

"I am not sure. I never saw it as an option before. I guess I would mind but I don't think I am ready." I look up at Conner who is smiling down at me even though I can see he is upset. "What about you? Do you want kids of your own?" he takes a sharp breath pulling me closer to him.

"Truth Clare, I would love to have kids. Lots of kids. I always imagined that I would find my mate and we would move into a house of our own and have lots of kids. Don't get me wrong I am happy with both you and Grace, but to answer your question. Yes I would like to have kids of my own." We both lay in silence and I take a deep breath.

"I am sorry Conner but I don't think I am ready for that step. I am happy with where I am at the moment." I mumble into his chest.

"I need the bathroom." I feel him slowly loosen his grip and I jump up rushing to the toilet. I don't actually go toilet but instead I sit on the cold floor. Before I woke up I was dreaming, something I seem to be doing more of. My dream was something I wish will never happen but the possibility of it occurring is highly likely.

"Clare you ok?" Conner ask behind the door as I take a deep breath.

"Yeah fine. I will be out in a second." I wash my hands splashing water on my face. I take a look in the mirror and really study myself. I look a lot healthier than when I did when I first arrived. My skin isn't so pale and my face and body isn't so hallow. I look more alive instead of a walking corps waiting to crumble into a pile of bones. I run my fingers along the scar on my face knowing that it will always be there a reminder that he will never leave me no matter how hard I try.

"Clare, I am coming in ok." I don't say anything as the door rattles and Conner steps inside. I keep watching the mirror at this stranger who is staring back at me as Conner comes into view behind me.