The Vampire Legacy VII; New Beginnings

By Dawn Gray

When the prophecy ended, it left the Deveraux clan at an end point. All prophecies had come to pass, all had been successful, but there were things still hidden within the family line. Mysteries to be solved, and the birth of a new generation promised new beginnings. The children of the clan face their own adventures and dangers, but will being protected from one of the most powerful vampire families keep them safe or just make them a target for the rest of the vampire nation?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dawn Gray
• Release date: Aug 26, 2014
• ISBN: 9781310259364

Dawn Gray

I grew up in Vermont and for years have been occupied with my own worlds and creating my own characters. The entire seven book Vampire Legacy series is published and available here, based largely in New London/Waterford, CT these books follow a clan of vampires through their history with mortals. S.P.I.R.I.T has evolved to a three book series so far, and Raven and Before the Moon Rise are also stand-alone novels.The Arcane follows the adventure of a traveler on a road trip from hell and The Pack trilogy is just the beginning of a wild new ride for the Summerford children, members of the largest Pack in Massachusetts.

Book preview

Prologue

Michael stood out on the back patio, his hands on his hips. The news was something he hadn't expected. The thought of raising another child had been racing through his mind ever since he heard the news that Norah was pregnant. He had gone back and forth on what he would do different with this one that he didn't do with Jack or Sage, but the shock to find out that they were going to be a bigger family than once imagined, it took his breath away.

Dad? Jack's voice whispered as the young man stepped up beside him. Michael turned and looked at the dark-haired, blue-eyed vampire that was staring at him with concern in his eyes. Are you okay?

Yeah. Michael said, taking in a deep breath. I'm okay, wonderful actually.

Libby's up with Norah in the bedroom, but the Doc says that passing out isn't going to harm her or them. He shrugged and put his hands in the pocket of his jeans. So, twins, how about that?

Yeah. Michael laughed and ran a hand through his hair. How about that?

Jack smiled. You're freaked out, aren't you?

Beyond imagination. The older one replied. I'm an old man, with two hundred years under my belt, how am I going to explain that to them? And, Norah, she's not ready to cross over; I'm not going to force her. What will they say when they're twenty and we look just as young as they do?

Dad, they're part of us, part of this family, if one thing is for sure, they're going to grow up accepting the fact that we're a bit different. Jack smiled, patting him on the shoulder and watched as Libby walked out grinning. Michael turned to look at her too. How is she?

She's fine, sleeping actually. Libby answered, folding her hands behind her back as she grinned up at Michael. Wow, when you guys do something, you really do it well. Should I expect the same from Jack should I get pregnant?

Libby. Jack teased and wrapped his arm around her waist.

This calls for a celebration! Julian announced as he walked out with Quinn right behind. He handed Michael a glass of scotch, then one to Jack, and took one that Quinn was holding, and gestured to Libby, who politely declined and then looked at Michael.

Indeed it does. Michael smiled, getting over the initial shock of the news. He raised his glass and looked around the old homestead. To new beginnings.

Here, here! Quinn said and smiled.

To new beginnings, and having to renovate the house, Julian sighed as he put the glass to his lips, again.

1

May, seven months later

"LIBBY!" Norah's voice echoed through the mansion.

Elisabeth Wolf looked up the large flight of stairs and sighed. With a huff, she grabbed two handfuls of the long, red, silk dress and started up towards the second floor, mumbling under her breath.

I swear, if she freaking yells at me one more time, pregnant or not, I'm going to ring her neck. She grumbled and turned on the landing, feeling the familiar tingle in the back of her mind.

Take it easy, baby, it’s just one day. Her husband, Jack laughed as he tried to calm her nerves.

I hate crowds, and Norah knows it, so what does she do? Invites the whole bloodline! Libby whispered as if he were standing right beside her.

It's just your anxiety, we worked through this, remember. One little baby step at a time. He reassured her, but his last sentence made her stop, just as she reached the top of the stairs. What is it, Love, is there something wrong with the babies?

They're just restless today. She sighed and shook her head, not wanting to voice her worries aloud. They must be feeling Norah's excitement.

Are you sure that's all it is? Jack questioned nervously.

We'll find out later, one way or another. Libby replied and smoothed out the wrinkles she had made in the material before making her way into the room where Aly and Norah were. She smiled at the plump young woman, who was becoming quite frustrated that she couldn't see the bridal slippers she wore under her gown because of the round belly that was in her way. You bellowed, Bridezilla?

Ha ha, very funny! Norah snickered and sighed. Libby could see the worry in her eyes and walked over to sit next to her on the bed. She smiled as she placed her hand upon the bouncing stomach and closed her eyes. Why is it that you can hear them and no one else can?

Because I'm their Auntie and they think you’re too strict. Libby laughed and shook her head. They're restless, just like you. There isn't anything wrong with them except they're feeling what you feel.

Are you sure? Norah whispered.

Positive. Libby replied as Norah put her head on her shoulder and then looked at Aly who was finishing her make-up in the mirror. Are you two almost ready, I think the population is getting restless?

I don't even know half these people. Norah laughed and got up to glance out the window. But it was so good to meet Sage and Justin, Michael talks about them all the time, and Rowan, she's such a beautiful young woman.

I'll go down and tell the men that you're finally ready to get this damn thing off and going. Libby smiled and glanced at Norah, a small frown crossing her face as she looked over the pregnant woman once again. Take it easy coming down the stairs.

We will. Aly assured her.

Libby smiled and walked out of the room, back down the hall and down into the sitting room where she was snatched up into her husband's strong arms. He kissed her passionately, which Libby welcomed but she pushed at his chest and laughed as he put her down.

Sorry, don't mean to mess up your make-up. Jack laughed, his delight reaching his bright blue eyes.

Heaven forbid that you tick off the bride from Hell because you smudged my lipstick. Libby smiled and glanced around the room at the men of the house. Are you guys ready, because she should hopefully be coming down soon?

We're all ready. Quinn said and slipped on the sunglasses, which got a disapproving shake of the head from Libby.

I hope you're ready for the backlash, Mr. La Rouge, because you're playing with fire. She grinned, and turned to Jack, who took her hand and kissed it. I'm so glad we did it the way we did.

So am I, weddings are such a pain in the ass. Jack mumbled. Libby turned and looked up as Julian stepped closer to them, and she watched him sigh. What is it?

How are the babies? Julian whispered, glancing over at a nervous Michael, who paced by the glass doors. Libby smiled and took his hand, listening to Jack take a deep breath in her ear.

They're fine, just be prepared. She replied and kissed Jack's cheek quickly as she disappeared.

* * * * *

They lined up just the way she wanted, Damien, Jack and her Michael, and Norah smiled because she could see them and they couldn't. She glanced up at Julian, ever the prim and proper young looking man, as he stood right next to Michael, an old book in his hand.

The music started, a beautiful instrumental that seemed to come out of the sky, loud enough for her and the crowd of people to hear, and she watched as the two small children of Danielle, her co-worker from the Ravenloft, walked down the aisle together. A four-year-old girl with curly black hair tossed flowers after her as her brother; a six-year-old with troublemaker eyes followed his mother's gestures and made his way past the crowd that stared him down.

Alysant was next, taking it one-step at time as she held the bouquet of white roses close to her stomach. She glanced at the people around her briefly and then caught Damien's eyes.

He was wide-eyed and in awe as she moved towards him and Jack smiled at the completely gaga look in his eyes. Alysant grinned at the cousins and winked at Damien, who grinned back devilishly and straightened out his jacket.

Libby turned, giving Norah a kiss on the cheek and then she winked at Quinn, who was patting the nervous bride's hand and began her walk from the back patio down to where the archway stood in the luscious grass of the backyard. She tried to focus on making her way towards Jack, the strong pull for her soul mate led her down to the flower-covered arch, but she could feel Norah and the babies stirring behind her.

The beautiful bride took a step forward, Quinn beside her all the way and she looked up just in time to see the three men and Julian who was serving as Justice of the Peace each pull out a pair of sunglasses and slip them on. Norah almost stopped dead in her tracks, and Libby smiled as she felt the anger fume in the woman behind her, but Quinn tugged her on, wearing a pair of the dark glasses his self as the music played lightly in the background.

Everyone stood, all eyes were on her and she smiled away, but Libby almost paused to laugh as she heard the mother-to-be's vicious threats of what she would do to Michael when they were finally alone, and if she hadn't known the condition of the woman behind her, she would have almost been worried for her soon-to-be-husband’s health.

They paused before the alter, Quinn kissed her gently on the cheek and slipped away quickly as Michael offered her his arm. The killer look in the bride's eyes made him hesitate for a second, before he removed the glasses and leaned over her hand, kissing the back as she slipped it into his.

You know, I asked you not to do this. She whispered as they turned and moved towards Julian. Michael smiled in her direction and watched out of the corner of his eyes as Jack, Damien and Julian took off the glasses and folded them in their pockets.

It's all in good fun. He laughed and they looked at Julian who was grinning. I love you, and you look beautiful.

Suck-up! She smiled back and glanced at him.

Let's begin. Julian announced and opened the book before him.

Libby smiled at the beautiful ceremony, as vows were exchanged between her best friend and Michael, but she couldn't help but feel the strange uneasiness that lay just underneath the surface of everything. She smiled as they said 'I do', and clapped as they kissed wholeheartedly before the crowd, and as she took Jack's outstretched hand, he looked deeply into her aqua eyes and sighed.

Nothing's going to happen, Sweetheart, all the prophecies are passed. He sighed and watched her sigh.

Not all. Libby smiled and nodded as she passed people. Jack looked at her in confusion but didn't say a word.

* * * * *

Libby tied the sash behind Norah's back and watched as she braced a hand against the upper part of her pelvis. Aly glanced at Libby, who looked tense and worried and then at Norah, who was beaming in the mirror.

"I can't believe they had the nerve to do that! On MY day! She snapped and glanced out the window, grinning. Oh well, all in good fun."

You made it through the hard part. Aly laughed, and put her bouquet in the vase beside the bed. Now you just have to sit back and relax.

How long has your back been bothering you? Libby questioned as she fixed the bow and then stepped back, looking at Norah in the reception dress she had picked out.

It's just an ache, from being on my feet too much. You know carrying around twins is not exactly easy. She smiled and glanced at her two friends. What? What's the matter?

Just take it easy. Libby smiled and rubbed her arms. We're just worried because you’re so close.

I'm fine. Norah laughed and hugged Libby. Ok, let's go meet the guys at the reception.

Sounds good to me, I'm starving.

The three of them made their way down the stairs to the men who waited at the bottom. Each took the arm of their significant other and moved out onto the lawn, which had been transformed within the time that the bridal party had taken pictures and changed clothes into a beautiful reception hall, complete with dance floor.

They were announced by couples. Quinn and Lauren, Jenna and Julian and then the bridesmaids and groomsmen just before they announced the new couple. They took the floor for the first dance, something that Michael took very slowly as he held his wife as tightly as he could, not wanting to let her go. They smiled at each other, very much in love, and Libby watched with tears in her eyes as they stared at one another.

The food was served, everyone waited patiently as the last person was brought their choice of dinner and gently, Jack tapped on his glass. The young man with the bright blue eyes stood and looked at the group, then glanced down at Michael and patted him on the shoulder.

I'm not really sure how all this goes. He admitted quietly as he cleared his throat and glanced at Libby who smiled up at him from the other side of the couple. When they asked me to do the toast, I was a little taken back, I've known Mike all my life, but what was I going to say to his new wife.

Libby watched the smile fade from Norah's face as the bride reached out for her glass of water. Slowly, Norah turned and looked in her direction, worry filling her eyes.

Norah and I met in an unusual way and from that point on, I think our relationship has been just that, unusual. I married her best friend, and she took me into her life as if I were there from the beginning. Jack continued, quickly throwing a glance in Libby's direction, but as she shook her head, Jack carried on. The two of them are perfect for each other; both get on my nerves constantly.

What's wrong? Libby whispered, sliding closer to her friend.

I think I just peed myself. Norah replied, looking up at her, and then the color drained from her face, and she took Libby's hand tightly under the table. Nope, I didn't pee.

What then? She questioned.

I think my water just broke. Libby sat back and glanced up at Jack, who wrapped up his speech and then sat down as Norah tried her best to be natural and held up her glass to him, but she quickly turned back to Libby. What the hell do I do now?

We have a problem. Libby whispered, catching Jack's attention and he sat up straighter in his seat. We're going to see these kids sooner than we think.

Oh, God. Jack said aloud and sat back, which made Norah look quickly at Libby.

You told him! She questioned.

Told him what? Michael asked, and Norah smiled.

That Libby has to help me in the bathroom, you know, can't see my feet, how the hell do I sit down kind of thing? Norah replied and kissed him quickly. The two women stood and Libby glanced at Aly, who got up quickly and made her way down the hall with them. Are they talking? The guests? Are they wondering where we went?

No, girls always go in groups. Libby reassured her and sighed as she felt it just before Norah did. The first contraction had her sitting on the window bench, holding her stomach and breathing hard. Libby turned to Aly. You better go get the boys.

Alysant looked down at Norah, sighed, then turned, and moved back down to gather up the family. Libby helped ease the pain, gently surrounding her friend with a guard to relax her and then she looked up as Jack ran towards her.

Michael's on his way, he's getting the doctor. Jack smiled and looked down at Norah. Guess they wanted to be part of the festivities.

So not funny, Jack! Norah replied as she felt the pull of the contractions again.

Help me get her to the guest room down the hall. There is no way she's climbing the stairs. Libby whispered and her and Jack carefully walked her to the room, where they were able to have her lay down on the bed. With a sigh, Libby sat by her, brushing her hair from her face as Jack watched out the door. Are they coming yet? These two are not going to wait.

They're on their way now. He replied and slipped his jacket off, and looked over at his wife. Do you need something?

No. She answered, staring into his eyes and Jack smiled, stepping aside as the doctor came in.

There was so much confusion. The rushing around of people in and out of the room for supplies has Jack's nerves in a frenzy, and with his wife in the room, her energy wavering as the hours passed, they became almost too much to bare. His head was back against the wall, his eyes tightly closed, lending Libby all of his strength, and as he stood there with his hands deep in his pockets, he heard the first cries of the first of the newborn children.

He could feel Michael's elation, the exhaustion of the new mother as her task continued, and even the confusion of the newest member of the family, but he couldn't help but smile as Julian stepped out to get a breath of air.

We have a boy. We're not sure of the weight yet, but he's a big guy. Julian whispered and Jack watched the grin spread. Just then, there was a wail of another infant and the door opened quickly as Jenna joined her husband.

It's a girl. Jenna whispered and smiled. This is definitely a new beginning.

Do you think they're of the Kingdom? Jack questioned.

So soon? Julian said, shaking his head. I can't be sure about that. The fact that there is one of each makes me not really sure of anything anymore.

Jack nodded, feeling his uncle's uncertainty and slowly the door opened once again. Michael walked out slowly, followed by Libby who held tightly to his hand and he smiled at Jack.

You might want to take her upstairs to rest. He whispered to his son. She did all she could to keep Norah from the pain and now she's exhausted.

How is Norah? Jack questioned, gathering her in his arms.

"She's fine, tired but fine, and your brother and sister are beautiful and well. I'm going to run and find Sage and tell