Taken

Alaric could feel Eva’s heart pounding loud in her chest. Her eyes turned to the size of plates as she spotted the large ruby engagement ring on her finger. The stone, the color of blood, the diamond clusters around it, it was the most beautiful thing she'd ever seen, but the sight of it terrified her. Her body stilled and her eyes glazed over. Her lips parted, and he immediately clasped her face between his hands.

"Baby calm down…breathe.” She was in full-blown panic mode, her anxiety made her body shake. Tears of panic fell from her cheeks, but he didn’t let her go. "Eva, look me in my eyes…come on…30…29…28…” He slowly heard her count as well.

"I’m sorry.” She said after awhile.

He pulled her in his arms, "Don’t apologize.”

The two sat in silence. After a moment, she lifted her head and looked at him. "I-I wouldn’t make a good wife Alaric. I-I’m not even sure if I’ll make a good mother…”

Alaric’s eyes immediately reddened, and feeling her shrink away, he blew steam from his nose, "Sometimes I really wish I hadn’t eaten Charles, I should have sent his ass to Lucifer and tortured him instead.” His face serious, he caressed hers, "Eva I know you’re afraid. I know you’ve been through so much that it makes it hard to trust. I get it, I really do but I don’t ever want you to say anything like that again. The words are out now, and we’re going to work through them together, step one being you promise me you’ll never say them again.” Eva shook her head, and she saw his eyes soften. "You are the most amazing person I know Little Human and from the little I’ve seen, our little one thinks so too.”

He smirked, "Almost skinned me alive to protect you.” The comment made her laugh. Pulling her close, he kissed her temple and whispered. "You’re going to be an amazing mother because you’re already an amazing…everything. You know, I started a list of all the things I loved about you and quickly learned it was impossible to keep count? Do you know why I call you a peculiarly frustrating little human?” She shook her head no. He chuckled.

"Because from the very first time I met you, you awakened so many things in me I didn’t even know were there. Protection, love, adoration, friendship, longing…and you did that by being nothing but yourself.” He picked up her ring finger and kissed it. "I love you so much Eva. I can wait, for as long as you need, as long as I know that one day, you'll have me.”

Eva pressed her lips against his, feeling relief wash over her. "Yes.”

Alaric arched his brow, then smiled widely. "YES?”

She shook her head, "I'm ready."

He scooped her in his arms, "You’ve just made me so happy!” Moving down, he talked into her stomach. “Hey there, did you hear that? Your mom wants to marry me!” It was the happiest she’d ever seen Alaric, the light in his hazel eyes pulled at her heart. He kissed her stomach and she heard him whisper. "My wife…my child…my family...mine.”

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*Two Months Later*

"It’s open.” Mark tossed over his shoulder at his office door. His back was to it, as he stood by the window, face buried in his latest case.

"Hello…are you Mark?” The sultry voice called from behind him. Turning, his mouth dropped as he took in the raven haired beauty standing in front of him. Skin the color of snow, her long black hair laid perfectly straight down her back. Her red lips smirked at him, as she looked him up and down hungrily.

"Eva most certainly has good taste.”

Mark coughed as his breath grew hoarse, "Y-you know Eva?”

Drusilla closed the door behind her and slowly nodded her head. “Sit, let’s have a chat shall we?” Hesitantly, Mark walked to his desk. As he sat in his chair, his eyes widened when Drusilla climbed on top of him. Lips inches of his, she murmured. "Oh, you’re so cute when you're nervous.” Leaning back, she smiled and exposed her fangs.

"Y-yo-”

"You know what I am.”

He did and honestly after his chat with Alaric he wasn’t surprised. Leaning forward his face turned stoic. "What is it I can help you with...?”

"Drusilla.” Her name was as sensual as her lips.

"What can I help you with Drusilla?” Drusilla ran her red painted nails across his chest and popped the buttons, of his shirt. He grabbed her hands and repeated his question. "What can I help you with?”

She smirked and licked her lips, "I thought that was obvious.”

Mark blew steam from his nose, "I’m not in the mood for games miss.”

Rolling her hips on him, she chuckled, "You sure about that?"

His face flushed and Drusilla threw up her hands. "Fine, have it your way. Eva sent me.” Mark cut his eyes and Drusilla raised two fingers. "Scout’s honor.”

"Why would-”

"To say thank you for the help with you know who,”

He nodded. Mark hadn’t seen Eva in months, it was like she’d just disappeared. From what he gathered from her publicist, she took some time to regroup and write in a more secluded environment, but that explanation just never seemed completely accurate. As if she could see the wheels turning in his head, Drusilla spoke.

"She’s fine. She’s with Alaric but I’m sure you already guessed that.”

His throat dried, "Is she happy?”

Drusilla waved her hand dismissively, "I assume. They’re getting married and got a kid coming or something like that.” Mark sat in silence for a moment, taking what she said in. “Oh don’t tell me you’re going to cry, that would put a damper on my fun." She rolled her eyes, "Everyone loves Eva.”

He looked at Drusilla and tilted his head. "And you don’t?"

She sucked her teeth, "It’s quite hard to dislike her.” Mark chuckled, he knew exactly what she meant. "Anyway, she asked me to come to check on a friend of hers, and with enough convincing, I agreed.”

He smirked. "What did she bribe you with?”

"You. She told me once I met you, I’d become curious and I being curious by nature, couldn’t give up that opportunity to take a peek."

Mark found himself conflicted, knowing what Drusilla was. On one hand, she scared the hell out of him, on the other, he was also intrigued. Without realizing it, his eyes fell to her lips, and they curled into a smile.

"You can have them if you want.”

His face flushed again, and he immediately looked away. His professional nature returned. "As riveting as this is, I need to be getting back to work. So, tell Eva thank you for checking on me.”

Drusilla laughed and he stilled, "Why are you making this more complicated than it needs to be Mark? Do you not find me attractive?” He did but Mark also knew nothing this perfect just falls into your lap. He could feel the darkness surrounding her, intoxicating him just as much as the way she said his name.

He cleared his throat, "I’m not-”

Drusilla pecked him on the lips. Pulling back, she placed her lips to his neck and kissed slowly down. "I find myself intrigued by you human, and it takes A LOT to intrigue me. So, take that as a compliment and allow yourself to have a little fun.”

Mark closed his eyes and breathed in harshly then grabbed at her waist, making her gasp as he pulled her closer. Wrapping his hand in her hair, he claimed the lips he’d so badly wanted to taste.

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"Where are we going?” Eva smiled as Alaric covered her eyes with his hands.

"Do you trust me?”

"With my life.” Her words made him feel funny inside.

He whispered to her. "We’re here.” And removed his hands from her eyes.

She looked around in confusion, "The café...I don’t understand.”

Alaric grabbed her by the shoulders. "Well, I noticed that when you were driving me crazy about planning the wedding-” She punched him playfully and he laughed, "I noticed that you didn’t have any family there. Friends yes, but no family. Nobody to walk you down the aisle.”

Eva fiddle with her fingers, "Alaric why would you say that? You know I don’t have any family.”

He kissed her temple, "Yes you do, and I know for a FACT there’s someone who’d be honored to give you away to me.” He pointed his finger for her to look again, and Eva’s face fell. An older couple, one she hadn’t seen in years, one she’d thought she’d never seen again. As soon as she spotted them, she immediately recognized her foster parents.

She turned and faced him. "Oh-Charles said they die-”

"He lied.” His voice was stern, and she knew to let it go.

"D-do they know I’m pregnant... about… anything?”

Alaric shook his head no, "I may have sort of made two tickets appear and an invitation from you to come to visit so you can talk to them about everything. I also may have...sent word that Charles was dead.”

Eva looked from them to Alaric, her eyes glassed, "You did this for me…?”

He pulled her in his arms, "I’d do anything for you Little Human, you know that.”

"I love you.”

"I love you too.” She wiped her eyes and smiled at him, "Listen, I know you all have been waiting for this for a long time, so why don’t you go ahead in and I’ll be there in a second.” Eva stilled and he smiled. "It’s alright baby, I’m right behind you.”

She nodded and kissed him and he watched happily as she walked inside the café. From afar he saw as Eva cried and her parents wrapped their arms around her. Alaric took a step and his foot locked in place.

"Huh?” The world around him stopped. His eyes widened as the birds stopped in mid-flight in the sky and as Eva stood frozen hugging her mom. He closed his eyes and breathed in deep. "Hello, Raien.” Opening them, he saw Raien standing in front of him.

"You’ve done well, your father's pleased.”

Alaric smirked, "That’s new, but I’ll take it.” Adjusting his leather jacket, he smiled, "Now will you kindly let me go so I can join my fiancée? I have a lunch date with the in-laws.” He chuckled, but it slowly died as Raien looked at him sadly. A piercing pain shot through his back, and Alaric fell to his knees. "FUCK!” He screamed as his jacket tore from him, his white wings elongating. He stood, breath ragged.

"I don’t-”

"Your father is REALLY pleased Alaric. He wants you home.”

Alaric felt his world stop. He glared at Raien, "No.”

Raien shook his head, "You know you don’t have a choice in the matter Alaric.”

His throat dried, his eyes cut to slits, and his lips quivered in anger. "So now…you’re not only taking Eva from me again…you’re taking away my child?”

Raien pursed his lips, "It’s not under my-”

"Control-yeah I get how the old phrase goes.” He turned and looked at Eva, a lump formed in his throat. "Does...does she get to remember me this time?”

"Because of the baby yes. She’ll still need to go to Lucifer for proper care.”

"Can I say goodbye?” Silence. He whipped around. "Raien, I have NEVER asked you for a damn thing in my life, but I can’t leave her and not say goodbye." Raien didnt respond and Alaric felt erratic, the fear of leaving her taking over. "PLEASE RAIEN! I’LL GET ON MY KNEES AND BEG IF I HAVE TO! She won’t know what happened to me! I can’t just leave them and not say goodbye I-I can’t-I-” Alaric felt his entire body shake and his heartbeat began to thrash against his chest.

"Alaric, I promise you. She will know.” Alaric stood in silence, a tear falling, his eyes trained on Eva. Feeling his body pull away, he watched in anguish as the world returned to normal.

Eva wrapped her arms around her mother. "I’m so glad you’re here! I have so much to tell you…there’s so much…wait! I need you to meet my fiancé Alaric.”

Her mother smiled sweetly. "Alaric? Your college sweetheart?” Eva looked at her in confusion and her mother pursed her lips, "You used to always talk about him. Sorry, I just assumed it was the same one. Is it? If so, I’m not surprised you’re engaged. You really loved him and then…one day you just stopped talking about him. You came home and I asked, and you said you had no idea who I was talking about. I figured it was just a bad breakup, so I stopped pressing the issue.” She ran her fingers against the table sadly. "I-I wish I had…then maybe you wouldn’t have ended up with Charles. I know you’re not supposed to speak ill of the dead, but I can’t find a positive thing to say.”

Eva was floored, she felt flutters in her stomach and immediately she looked out the café window. She didn’t see Alaric.

"Hey…I’ll be back okay.”

Walking out of the café she looked around everywhere, but he was nowhere to be found. "ALARIC!!” Nothing, silence as the passerby looked at her shout. A sinking feeling washed over her. Hands shaking, she sat on a bench nearby. Eva rummaged through her purse, finding his book. She didn’t want to write in it. She looked around again. "Alaric…” She said in a whisper. Shakingly, she put pen to paper, and slowly began to write.

*Alaric stared at Eva as she hugged her family, his heart swelling knowing he’d made her happy. With all that they’d been through, knowing that he’d been able to give her the things she needed, made him feel complete. What he hadn’t realized was that in doing so, she wasn’t the only one healed. He’d opened himself and with it showed his father, he knew how to truly love unconditionally. With the completion of his test, his white wings were restored, and his redemption permitted. Alaric’s father sent for him and without a choice, Alaric exited from the land. The land his Eva and one day their son would now walk alone, while he would forever rule the Heavens. *

Alaric watched as Eva dropped the book, her hands to her lips. She clutched at her chest and he did as well, feeling the same panic set it.

*"My wife…my child…my family...mine."*

Alaric dropped to his knees. Eva held her stomach and let out a sharp breath, the sight of her agony tearing his to pieces. In the middle of the town square, the one betrothed to the one known to most only as Something Wicked, tried her best to control the shaking of her body as her eyes blurred with tears. Alaric stared at her from the Heavens, his heart beating through his chest. She started counting and so did he.

“30..29…28...”

They both collapsed before they got to one.