136

136

Jacob’s POV

Sophia’s recovery has been slow, but it’s happening, and I can’t help feeling a little… giddy, maybe? I’d never thought about being an uncle, and now, with Sophia’s pregnancy, everything feels new, a little different, like we’re heading into uncharted territory.

Ian’s got his usual stoic, serious face, but I can tell he’s trying to hold it together. It’s not like him to show emotion, but this? This has rattled even him. Every time I see him glance at Sophia, it’s like he’s thinking, This wasn’t supposed to happen, but I can see a hint of something else in his eyes—pride maybe? Hope? Who knows with him?

Me, though? I’m straight-up excited. Yeah, the whole situation is complicated beyond reason. But hey, life’s always been complicated for us vampires. There’s something refreshing about focusing on something other than the usual doom and gloom. And a baby? That’s something different, something worth getting worked up about.

I walk into the room where Sophia’s resting. She’s looking better now—her skin’s got a little more color, her eyes are open more often, though she’s still too weak to do much. Ian’s sitting beside her, his hand wrapped around hers, like he’s afraid she’ll disappear if he lets go. They’re talking in low voices, and I catch the tail end of their conversation.

“I still can’t believe it,” Sophia says, her voice soft but steady. “A baby.” She smiles brightly at him, her hand moving to his and caressing softly while she caressed her stomach with her other hand.

Ian gives her a small smile, though there’s a strain in it. “Neither can I.” He replied quietly, kissing the side of her lips. I crossed my arms, resting against the wall. They didn’t even know that I was here, and it made me smile.

It’s moments like this that make it all feel real. A freaking baby. In this mess of a world we live in.

“Hey, Sophia,” I said at last, walking over to her bed. “How’re you feeling?”

She looked up at me and smiled, her eyes shining. It felt like she had gotten much better ever since she had gotten the news about the baby. “Better. Tired, but better.”

I sat on the edge of the bed, careful not to hit her. “Good. You’ve got to get strong again. I’m already thinking about all the uncle duties I’m going to have. Spoiling the kid, teaching him—or her—how to be a little badass. You know, all the important stuff.”

Sophia laughs, and it was really good to hear that sound again. It took me a while to realize it, but I already did. Sophia was like the shining light in our life that held all of us together. “You? Spoiling a kid? I can’t even picture it,” she replied with a light laugh.

“Hey, I’ve got a soft side,” I replied her with a grin. “It just doesn’t come out often.”

Ian shoots me a look, but there’s a flicker of amusement in his eyes. “Try not to corrupt our child, Jacob,” he murmured, looking at me like he didn’t trust me.

I raised my hands in mock surrender. “I’d never. This kid’s going to be raised right. But… a little rebellion never hurt anyone, right?” I replied with a wolfish grin.

Sophia shook her head, her smile still in place and also getting brighter. “I can already see you being the troublemaker uncle.”

“Damn right,” I replied leaning back a little. “Gotta keep things interesting.”

The truth was, I’m already attached to the idea of this kid. I haven’t said it out loud, but I’m all in. I can’t help imagining what this baby will be like—if it’ll have Ian’s stubbornness or Sophia’s kindness. Maybe a mix of both. Whatever happens, I know I’ll be there, making sure the kid knows they’ve got someone in their corner, always.

A thought came to my mind but I pushed it away. I wasn’t sure if Jenny would want it, but someday, a child between Jenny and I would not be so bad. In the future, maybe when all of these council and rebellion bullshit had ended, we could consider it.

Sophia shifted a little, and her expression turned a bit more serious. “It’s strange,” she said after a pause. “I never thought about this, about being a mother. Not like this.”

I nodded, understanding. “Yeah, it’s a curveball. But you’ve got this. And you’ve got all of us, too.”

Ian squeezed her hand. “He’s right. We’ll figure it all out.”

There’s a lot we haven’t figured out yet—like how the council’s going to react once they know. Or how we’re going to keep this baby safe in a world that’s constantly on the brink of war. But for now, I just want to focus on the good. On the fact that Sophia’s getting better and that she’s got this life growing inside her.

“Do you need anything?” I asked her after a moment. “Anything I can get for you?”

Sophia shook her head. “Just… stay. Talk to me. It’s nice not to think about everything for a little while.”

I nodded, settling in a bit more comfortably. “Alright, let’s talk. So, have you thought of names yet?”

Sophia laughed again, a bit weaker this time. “Not yet. I think it’s still sinking in.”

“Well, don’t worry,” I said. “I’ve got plenty of suggestions. And all of them are awesome.”

Ian rolled his eyes. “I’m almost afraid to hear them.”

I smirked. “You should be.”

The conversation shifted into lighter territory—jokes about baby names, the absurdity of the situation, and everything in between. It’s good to see Sophia laughing, good to see her smile after everything that’s happened.

I caught Ian’s eye a few times, and I knew he was worried. Hell, I’m worried, too. But for now, it’s about keeping things light, keeping things human. Because, vampire or not, we’ve got something real to hold onto. And damn if I’m not excited about it.