(Chapter 20- Surprise)

As the car pulled up through the palace gate I mentally sent Chase a message to meet me by the door than cut him off. I didn't need him reading my mind before it was time. I needed a chance to do things my way.

Once the car stopped I sat there for a minute preparing myself for what was about to come. I silently hoped Chase didn't know anything about the picture or my past. I really didn't want to be mad at him but I knew I would if he told me what I didn't want to hear.

Just as I stepped out of the vehicle Chase was already running my way. He had a look of relief when he saw me standing there waiting. He must of thought I wasn't coming back. I had forgot how bad I had missed him until I saw his face. I couldn't stop myself from running into his arms.

"Oh my god Ashlyn, I'm so glad you're ok." Chase said as he grabbed me holding me tight.

"I'm fine. I'm in the same condition as when I left." I said.

"I love you, do you know how worried I've been." Chase stressed.

"I know but lets talk about his in private ok?" I said quietly.

I had drew some attention from everyone when I showed up like I did. I guess no one else expected me back either. Well that makes me feel good.

Chase nodded his head in agreement before he took my hand leading me into the palace. Our hands stayed intertwined as we climbed staircase to our room. Once we were at the door he opened it for me letting me go in first. He quickly followed closing the door behind him.

Keeping my back to him I mentally prepared myself hoping for the best. I really wanted to be wrong about what I pretty sure I already knew. I don't want things to change between us and I'm afraid they will once the subject is open. The more I keep thinking about it the closer I come to not wanting to know. Maybe it's better to not know and wonder than to know and be crushed. Once I find out there is no going back. Is that really what I want? As I thought about it, I came to a decision.

I slowly walked to Chase and put my hands on either side of his face before bringing it down to mine. I leaned up gently placing a kiss on his lips, he reacted by pulling me closer as he wrapped an arm around my waist. I leaned into his touch on my face deepening the kiss. I liked his bottom lip asking for entrance which he allowed. What originally started out gentle and sweet quickly turned into hot and passionate. I wanted to do this in case everything changed changed soon. That possibility killed me inside. I wanted to want Chase always and I knew that certain information could make me resent him forever.

Chase pushed me down on the bed and climbed on top on me. I voluntarily lifted my legs wrapping them around his waist bring him closer to me. His hands roamed all over my body in need and want as they came in contact with my skin. I ran my hands down his sides until I found the hem of his shirt. I grabbed the bottom and anxiously pulled it off him. He did the same with my shirt then pulled off my pants and his. We were both completely naked when Chase climbed on top on me positioning his self. I looked into his eyes as he began to enter. I screamed and moan in pleasure but still wanted more. I quickly flipped us so that I was on top now, my body easily worked against his in rhythm. I felt the build up inside just before I let out a pleasing scream. It was a good thing this room was soundproof. As Chase and I finished I collapsed my body on top of his before rolling off to catch my breath.

Chase smiled than began laughing. "What was that?"

"What?" I said innocently.

"I don't know, it almost felt as if there was a reason behind it." He stated.

"Well there wasn't." I said trying not to sound upset.

"Ashlyn what's going on? I know you. I know when some thing is not right." He said gently.

Now is the time. Now it was my chance to get some Answers. Please tell me what I want to hear. Please say you know nothing about it. What would I do if he did? Would I ever be able to trust him again? Would I leave him and go back to Don? Would I still love him? I honestly didn't know. I would like to think nothing could separate us but this just might. I would never want to be with someone who kept things hidden from me, especially if they were about myself.

I turned to look at Chase in his amazing entrancing eyes before I began to speak.

"I..I" I mumbled."Chase did you..."

"Did I what?" He asked curiously.

No I couldn't bring myself to do it. I don't think I want to know. I'm afraid it would hurt to bad if I knew.

"Nothing." I lied.

"Are you certain?"

"Yes." I replied.

God Ashlyn now all you will do is wonder. Are you sure that is better. Gah I'm so confused right now. All this thinking was making my head spin and my stomach sick. I held onto my stomach as it continued to get worse. I tried pushing the thoughts out of my head to make it better but it didn't help.

"Are you al-" Chase started looking at me worried.

"I think I'm going to be sick." I said jumping off the bed.

I ran into the bathroom in human speed to the toilet. I didn't want to risk making myself sicker. I knelt to the floor hanging my head as everything I had in me left my body. I jerked all over until I was done heaving and fell to the floor. Before I totally hit it though Chase caught me and picked me up.

"I'm going to get the doctor." Chase stated.

"No I'll be fine it's just nerves." I argued. I didn't to so well though with me barley able to talk.

"No arguments I'm getting the royal doctor." He said sternly placing me on the bed.

I decided not to bother arguing and let him go. It's not like they would find a cause other than what I told him. I was just uneasy about all the things I had recently found out and soon I would have to confront Chase about. Just that thought got me sick again. Oh no here we go. I jumped up and ran to the bathroom again but nothing came up. It was all just dry heaves and it hurt.

"I heard someone was sick, come one lets have look at you." An older man said.

I turned to glare at him. Well no duh I'm sick.

"Come on." He said ushering me up.

I walked over to the bed and sat back down. The doctor whose name I didn't catch to out a light and looked in my eyes, ears and mouth like most doctors do told me to lay back. I stretched out my body and did what he said. He placed his hands on my stomach and mashed it hard enough to make it hurt. I didn't think vampires were suppose to be affected by sicknesses and pain.

"What is it?" Chase asked.

"How long have yo been feeling sick?" Thee doctor asked.

"Just recently." I stated.

"Have you had any cravings for human food?" He asked.

"No but now that you mention it I could go for some steak." I smiled.

Wait aren't vampires solely blood drinkers? Why would I crave human food? Could I even eat it?

"Just as I suspect." He said.

"What? Is it serious?" Chase asked worried. "I swear if Don has done something to you I'll kill him."

"What's wrong with me?" I asked impatiently.

"Well your not dying." He smiled. "You're pregnant."

"What?" Chase and I said at the same time.

"Pregnant." He repeated.

Chase and I both just sat there in shock. I could tell this was not what he was expecting ad neither was I. How could I be pregnant? I mean I know Chase said we would have kids but I thought that would be many years from now.

"How do you feel about this?" Chase asked.

How do I feel? Am I happy? Sad? Mad? No I am ecstatic. I never really thought of being a mother but now I couldn't be happier. Chase and I were having a baby. We are going to be parents.

"I love it. I'm having a baby with my best friend what's not to love?" I said as happy tears escaped my eyes.

"Would you like another surprise?" The doctor asked.

"There's more?" Chase said.

"It's twins." He stated

"Oh my gosh. Chase do you hear that?" I exclaimed.

Chase looked shocked at first but then smiled brightly. He took a step closer to me and pulled me into a huge hug. "I couldn't be happier to be having children with you Ashlyn."

I felt Chase's tears drip down my face as I looked at him. Seeing him in this state made me more in love with him than I ever have been. In this moment I could feel the love radiating off of him. I could feel everything he felt for me and it felt great. I pulled his face to mine as I kissed the tears on his face then in return he kissed mine.

"Well I think I'll leave you two alone now before I see something I can't unsee." The doctor said uncomfortably.

"Wait I have a few questions first." I said quickly.

"Yes." He waited.

"Well what is a vampire pregnancy like?" I asked shyly.

"Exactly like a human one." He stated.

"How?" I asked confused.

That didn't make any sense. If we are not human how could it possibly be the same?

"Well you are a royal vampire and royals or one's with royal blood are the only one's that can reproduce. Their bodies are the only ones that are made for it.." He explained. "You're a vampire but your children will be born human but with the royal gene. You will need to and want to eat human food. It will be all the fetus can survive on. Your diet will change for them and you will share everything to keep each other alive."

"So that is why Chase had to be changed at 18 because he was technically human but with a royal vampire gene." I said in realization.

"Exactly."

"So our children will be changed on their 18th birthdays?" I asked.

"Yes." The doctor said.

"But why can't a human carry royal children?" I asked.

"Because the royal gene in the baby is not compatible with a human. It would kill them both." He said.

Well I can honestly say I'm glad I'm not human right now. As I processed all the new information Chase showed the doctor to the door. How will I go about this now that I am pregnant. Could I turn away the father of my children if it's true? What should I do?

"Lets go tell everyone the news." Chase said excitedly.

OK Ashlyn do this now. You need to. You need the peace of mind or you will never rest. Please let me know what I want to hear.

"Wait I have to ask you something first." I said stopping him.

"What?"

"Did you find a picture of me torn out of a book?"

"Yes it was here the day he took you." Chase said getting a little angry at thinking about Don.

"Did you read the book?"

"Yes and I was a little confused." Suddenly all hope returned. Maybe this wouldn't turn out as bad as I thought. Maybe Chase was innocent

"How so?"

"Well it's obvious Arianna is your ancestor but I can't figure out how. Then when I read that she was the soul mate of my great uncle I was surprised. I wondered why Grandfather never told me about her? When he seen you he should have said something."

"So you knew nothing?" I asked as excitment came through my voice.

"No but he did tell me not to let Don know about you that he would take you away from me. When I saw the picture from the book I immediately knew why. It was because you looked like the soul mate he lost and he might try to kidnap you and claim you somehow." He explained.

If only that were all. There is so much more to it than that and that's where it gets complicated. How should I explain all this? It can only come out two ways. Either Chase will be angry or he will be hurt. It won't be good either way but what choice have I? I don't want to keep anything from him.

"Well it turns out Arianna and I are the same person. I was reincarnated after I died and that still makes me Don's soul mate too." I said.

"Is that why he let you go?" Chase asked in shock.

"Yes he said he wanted it to be my Choice. He wants me to be with him by choice."

"Do you want to be with him?" Chase asked sadly.

"Not now, but when I was there he got in my head and told me things that made me confused." I answered. "I didn't know what to do or think."

"Do you love him?" He asked seriously

"No your the only one that could ever have my heart."

Chase smiled and hugged me. I could tell how happy and relieved he was. I was just as happy to but for some reason thoughts kept going back to Don. Why did I have him on my mind. It's like my mind was trying to tell me

something but I didn't know what?

****

Don's POV

"I can feel her trying to pull away from me. Chase must have convinced her to stay with him." I said angrily.

"What do you want to do now?" Gene asked.

"We need to make her remember everything." I stated.

I would have my Arianna back one way or another. I know she will love me again once she can remember everything from the past. Don't worry Ashlyn, I wont give up.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Author

Well was that a shocker or what? So who are you guys pulling for now? What do you think will happen once Ashlyn remembers? Can her and Chase make it through what Don has planned?