A Vampire Saved My Life! GREAT! - But at what cost? ~1~

Dena's mind switched back to Matic, still hanging from the rafters. He would need at least a week to heal… if she didn't change her mind. She watched as his blood dripped to the floor, slightly echoing.

"Natasha…" He called out again.

She would think on it.

Three weeks later.

Natasha screamed as another contraction took her body by force.

"Come on Natasha! You have to push!" Kyle yelled out at her. Natasha's legs were spread for him, her body was covered in sweat as she screamed.

"I can't!"

"Push, Natasha… you have to. The baby is coming! You have to push!"

"NO! I CAN'T!" Nicky walked from the end of the room to Natasha.

"Yes, you can. You have to! You're baby is coming! Its time! Its Matic's child, Natasha. You have to do this!"

"NO! HE WAS SUPPOSED TO BE HERE! I NEED HIM TO BE HERE! I CAN'T DO… AHH!" She screamed, tears of pain and anger rolled down her face. "THERE'S NO ONE HERE! I CAN'T DO THIS ALONE! I NEED HIM! I CAN'T- OH GOD!" An other strong contraction took her. Nicky suddenly got up on to the bed and removed the pillows behind Natasha's back. She got behind her, Natasha's back pressed against Nicky's front.

"I'm here, Natasha. You're not alone in this! I'm here! And you can do this! I know you can! Take my hand!" Natasha grabbed on to Nicky's hand. "NOW PUSH!"

"AHHH!!!" Natasha screamed as she bared down, pushing.

"That’s it Natasha. Just two more good pushes. You can do it!" Kyle called as his hands held the crest of the child's head.

"MATIC!" She screamed as she pushed one more time.

Natasha… I'm here… I love you! Natasha's closed eyes flew open as she heard Matic's voice. He had communicated through her head, just like they used to be able to!

"PUSH NATASHA!" Kyle screamed.

I love you… His voice drifted away as Natasha bore down her final push, hearing a child's scream join with her own.

"Ah! Hello!" Kyle cooed as he held Natasha's child. He cleared away the blood with a white, clean cloth. Kyle cut the umbilical cord then wrapped the squirming crying child in another white cloth. He walked around the bed to Natasha. Her week arms reached out for her child. "You have a beautiful baby girl… congratulations…" Natasha carefully pulled the little infant toward her exhausted body. Natasha looked down as the child instantly calmed. The baby opened her eyes to revile bright tiny blue eyes. Natasha couldn't help but smile down at the perfect face.

"Oh, Natasha! She's beautiful!" Nicky whispered as she looked over Natasha's shoulder.

"You did good, Natasha." Kyle said also looking down at the new fragile being. "What are you going to name her?"

"Maleah…. Her name will be Maleah." The baby in Natasha's arms whimpered.

"It’s a beautiful name." Kyle said softly.

"Hello Maleah…" Nicky said from behind her. Natasha watched with tired eyes as her baby fell asleep in her arms. "Matic would be so proud." Nicky whispered.

"He will be… Matic's alive."

"What?" Kyle said, looking from the child to Natasha.

"Matic is alive… he contacted me through my mind. He's alive."

"Natasha… I saw with my own eyes… Matic's body was mulled beyond repair."

"It wasn't him."

"Natasha…" Kyle started again but she cut him off.

"He's alive Kyle! You're bother is alive! I don’t know where or how… but he is! Can't you just trust me?" Kyle didn't say anything, nor did he nod his agreement. He simply frowned.

"You need to rest… We'll talk about this later." Nicky said behind her as she got up. Once up she replaced the pillows. "Here… I'll put her to bed." Nicky took Natasha's daughter, laying her in the crib beside her bed.

"Nicky…"

"Yes?"

"Thank you. For everything." Nicky didn't answer as she placed the infant down.

"Rest well." She said then left the room along with Kyle. Natasha reached out with her mind to Matic.

Matic… are you there? Please… I need you here. Where are you?

There was no response.