"You don't need a weapon at all when you were born one."

**************

Emma's POV

I work up alone in bed.

Alone.

That motherfucking Roman wasn't here.

I looked at my phone and saw the time almost hitting twelve in the afternoon. I groaned and buried my face deeper into the pillow; sleeping late wasn't my thing till that fucker knocked me up. I placed my hand over my stomach, talking with the small little bean, "You are draining all of my energy, and it's becoming really hard to love you, you know that," I groaned.

I rubbed a hand over my face before I got up to my feet, my body aching and tired. Great.

On lazy footsteps, I washed my face and changed my clothes before I left the room, searching for my lame excuse of a husband, and ready to make up a fight since he didn't wake me up earlier. I reached the kitchen but he wasn't anywhere in sight. Instead, my eyes fell onto his mother as she moved around, preparing food or something and I resisted the urge to roll my eyes, as if I needed to wake up to this.

"Morning, sweetie," She said, noticing my presence, and flashing me one of her big affectionate smiles.

Don't swear at her, Emma, don't. Hold on a second. Breathe in and breathe out.

"Morning," I said, forcing on a smile I had no energy for, "Uh, where is Roman?" I asked, my eyes drifting around in pure loss.

"Oh, he left like two hours ago," She said.

That motherfucking bitch!

"He said he had something urgent to do but he'll be back soon," She added.

What urgent thing he had to fucking do without me? Someone missed my knives, I see.

"Why don't you join me for a late breakfast?" She suggested, hopeful to sit and get to know her angelic, sweet daughter in law better.

Ugh, I hate this. I hate Roman for putting me through this. He will pay for it with his blood.

I nodded my head, unable to find an excuse to run away before I sat down on the stool. Amanda's smile widened and she placed a plate full of pancakes, bacon, eggs and whatnot in front of me before she placed her own and sat down.

I tried my best not to look at the pancakes because last time I placed them in my mouth I ended throwing up and I can't do that now, or else she will suspect it. I gulped down, feeling my stomach acting up already. I pressed my palm against my thigh, fighting through the feeling and begging that life-form inside of me to stop messing with my body and emotions. Isn't it enough that it's stealing half of my food, what more does it want?

"Did you sleep well?" She asked, fishing for a conversation.

I nodded, internally thanking the stars as the nauseous feeling started to slowly fade away, "Yes, thank you," I said, giving her the smile she is seeking for, "You have a lovely house."

Her smile wasn't as bright as it was seconds ago and her gaze drifted from her plate to me, "It's okay, Emma, you don't need to pretend in front of me anymore," She said, her smile a bit sad and understanding, "I might not know Roman that well, but I can sense it when he is lying."

My eyebrows pulled closer at her observation, "So, just be yourself now, I'd appreciate it if you're honest with me."

I shook my head, "I don't know what you're talking about," I said, with a low chuckle, pretending this conversation is too silly to discuss.

She placed her fork down and gave me her full attention, "Look, I know the type of life my son lives," She let out a low sigh, "I know what Maxwell raised him to be, and I can clearly see that what you two have isn't your typical usual marriage," She added, "That's why there is no reason for you to fake it anymore."

Oh, she is good.

I backed away into my seat, finally breaking that fake angelic expression I had to pull on since yesterday and crossed my arms over my chest, "Firstly, I don't really like you," I started, giving her the brutal honesty she is waiting for, "Second, I am not the sweet goody two shoe you think I am, and I am definitely not head-over-heels with your son," I added with a scoff, "Our marriage is just a deal on a paper."

She nodded, none of my words surprising her, "I know that deal," Sadness swirled into the green of her eyes, "It's what ruined my marriage," She said, "It's what made me lose my son and the man I loved."

I shook my head, "I don't think it's anyone's fault but yours," I said, attacking her.

Her eyebrows pulled closer, "And how was that my fault?" She whispered, my words hitting her in a sensitive spot, "I couldn't throw my daughter into danger, Maxwell couldn't, and we needed to find a way."

I scoffed, "And your way was throwing your own son away?"

Her eyebrows pulled closer, "Maxwell took him from me," She said, the anguish etching lines over her forehead and I shook my head, disagreeing, "No, you could've just left with him, you said you lost your son and the man you loved," I scoffed, "You could've had that by simply being with them and don't tell me you were protecting Cara from our life, you could've protected both her and Roman at the same time by being there with them, instead you left your son to grow up without a mother."

I stood up, the whole conversation not settling well with me, "You see, I just hate these excuses you all use in the name of protecting and all that crap," I slammed my fist over the table, unable to understand my immense anger at this, "If you want to protect your kid, you be there with him and you face everyone who comes in your way, instead you all pick the cowards way out."

She stared at me for a long second, "You're pretty defensive for someone who is not head-over-heels with my son," She commented, recalling my previous words.

I shook my head, "He is my husband, whether it's on paper or not, he is mine, and I am very protective for the things that are mine," I warned her before I walked away, "So, keep that in your mind."

***************

Nikolas's POV

"I doubled security around your place," I said as I raked an anxious hand through my hair, all of my nerves on high alert after the lunch from hell I had an hour ago, "Just in case."

Alex's eyebrows pulled closer, "You really think Isaac is going to pull something now?"

I nodded, my jaw clenching tight, "I am sure he will."

You will pay for this. That sentence keeps repeating over and over in my head.

Alex huffed out a troubled breath and backed into his seat, the worry surging in my veins vibrated off him in waves, "You really had to go and punch him, huh?"

"Just punch him?" Ronald said as he pulled a chair and joined us, "He did it in front of everyone, killed three of his men and aimed a gun at his head," His eyebrow raised, scoffing, "I have a feeling Isaac isn't a fan of public humiliation."

My fist tightened and I looked away from them, "I was willing to kill him," I said, rubbing a hand over my jaw, the throbbing ache at my throat squeezing and scratching, "I lost my control, and if he didn't mention Max, I was really going to pull the trigger."

Alex nodded, understanding and I added, "Just don't let Cara and the kids be alone at all, at least till we figure this out."

He agreed, "She was going to her mother's for dinner," He said, nodding toward Roman, "Roman and Emma are there as well, but I will join too," He let out a sigh, "You never know."

Roman rushed a hand over his face, just as anxious as the rest of us, "This is the last thing we needed, you know," he commented, his words directed at me, disappointed and blaming.

My jaw ticked, "I am fucking aware of that," I shot out, my rage tumbling out within my words as I edged forward in my seat ready to punch him if he says more, "So, instead of complaining about where I went wrong, let's just not give him the chance to do anything."

Alex shot a glare at Roman, shutting him up from replying back before he turned to me, "Let's make sure everyone is covered, we play our part right and then Isaac won't be able to keep his word," He said, being the logical one here for the very first time.

"Hold on," His eyebrows pulled closer and he added, "What about Nat-"

The second I realized he was gonna mention her name, my hand moved and subtly knocked down the coffee cup, it fell over the table in a second, the coffee spilling down and into Alex's pants, "Dude!" He shot out and abruptly moved away, his previous words interrupted. His chair screeching as he stood up, "Okay, you're so lucky this wasn't hot," He shot me a hard glare, "If anything would've happened to Alex junior, Isaac would've been the least of your problems!"

I ignored his threat and he huffed out a very annoyed breath as he looked down at the mess I caused over his pants, "This is oddly bringing back kindergarten memories," He mumbled and Ronald chuckled, totally oblivious of what Alex was about to say before he got up to his feet and excused himself, walking away, and ready to get the tasks I gave him done.

My eyes fell on Emma as she entered from where Ronald left and strode forward toward us. She paused to a stop by Roman's chair, her angry raged gaze at him and she slapped the back of his head, "You fucking piece of shit!"

Roman turned his head back to look at her, startled at the punch and the curse, "Oh hey honey, I missed you too," He added, ever so sarcastically.

She punched his shoulder and he winced, "Why didn't you wake me up?" She snapped, settling down on the chair beside him.

He looked at her like she grew another head, "Mind I remind you that the last time I tried to wake you, I ended up with a scar on my neck," He shot out, pointing at his neck and I rolled my eyes, having enough of these people.

Emma rolled her eyes as well before she looked at Alex. She chuckled, "Oh god, someone forgot to wear a diaper today," She commented as Alex wiped away at the stain.

"Funny," He shot her a glare, "It's your stupid brother and his stupid reflexes," He said, shooting me another murderous glare and I decided to ignore these two for now as I thought of the possible things Isaac could be planning at the moment.

Roman got up to his feet, "I will go and help Ronald finish up the security measure," The muscles of his jaw worked as he talked, "We need to be fast because Isaac is always a step ahead of us," He added and I nodded, agreeing, "I will meet with you two in a bit," I said.

He was about to walk away but Emma's hand grasped his wrist, stopping him, "When you get back, get me a milkshake," She said and his eyebrows pulled closer at her out of the blue request, "Vanilla, with whipped cream and sprinkles on the top," She added with a dreamy sigh, "Also, pickles, not on the milkshake of course, but..." Her eyebrows pulled closer, "But, I want pickles for some reason."

Alex shot her a confused look as he settled back in his place, "What, are you pregnant or something?" He scoffed.

For a mere second, she tensed up before her shoulders relaxed down and she shot Alex a glare, "You really think I would stoop this low and sleep with him?" She said, raising her eyebrow mockingly as she addressed Roman.

He looked so fed up with her and snatched his hand back, "Anything else, honey?" He said, staring at her with a very bored expression.

She flashed him the fakest smile she could master, "That's all, babe," She said, just as sarcastic as his tone, "If you forget to bring them, remember my words from yesterday," She added, the threatening in her voice proved me we really do share the same blood.

When Roman left, Alex turned to me, "What was that about?" He asked, raising an eyebrow, "You almost ruined my chance of having future babies, not that I want to but yeah, I'd still like to have the chance, you know."

I let out an annoyed sigh as I remarked, "Just don't mention Natalie in front of anyone."

He narrowed his eyes at me, confused a bit, but he nodded nevertheless, "There is a lot I need to tell you, but later, now I need to take care of whatever this is," I added, addressing the whole Maria and Isaac part that I haven't explained to him yet.

"So, you are still seeing her?" Emma asked, a hint of tease in her tone at the mention of Natalie, "Weren't you just protecting her and whatnot?"

"Emma, I am not in the mood for this," I shot out, having enough drama for one day.

She got to her feet and came behind me, her hands rested over my shoulders, sensing my level of distress, "Relax big bro, whatever Isaac is going to do, we'll fight back," She said, assuringly, "He won't hurt him," She added, her tone serious and her eyes drifting between me and Alex, because that was our biggest fear now.

He'd use Max as a pawn for his sadistic games.

I can't let him.

"We won't let him," She added, giving my shoulder a light squeeze.

She moved to Alex's side, "Come on, we're both going to the same place," She said and looked at me, "You can finish things up with Roman and Ronald, we can make sure Cara and the kids are safe and we'll keep in touch...in case anything happens."

The panic prodded at my chest and twisted in my stomach at those specific words; in case something happens....Something is going to happen, I could feel it deep down in my bones and the fear of the many possibilities jackhammered my brain, adding more to my endless guilt.

We all stood up, ready to see the end of this. Alex's eyes met mine before leaving, he gave me a reassuring look, silently asking me to get myself together, to have some hope and not break down yet. I gave him a small nod, telling him that's it's okay before we all exited the place and left.

I got into my car and drove away toward my destination. I parked the car beside Natalie's apartment, checking if the men I asked to watch her are here. True, he said he won't hurt her, but I don't trust him still. His hate for me is bigger than anything else, he would still use her against me if given the chance. I can't give him that chance.

I leaned forward into my car seat, and my eyes flickered to her apartment's window, checking if she's here but the curtains were down, giving me nothing. It's Saturday, she can't be at the office, but she could be anywhere else still. I let out a sigh, I just need to make sure she is safe and all covered before I could leave her with a peaceful mind.

I got down the car and into the building, the anxiety's grip over my throat didn't loosen up, not even for a second as my brain went over every fucked up way this day could end. I released out that distressed breath and knocked at the door. Seconds later and footsteps echoed as they moved closer before the door got opened.

Her blue eyes fell on me and they widened a bit, "Nikolas," She said, a bit taken aback before a small smile lifted the corner of her lips, "Hey," She mumbled before she nervously fidgeted with the hem of her shirt, "Uh, come in," She gave me space to enter before she moved the mop out of the way, "Sorry, I was just cleaning," She let out a nervous chuckle and my eyes took her state in.

She was wearing a baggy grey t-shirt, almost covering the short she wore under. Her hair was pulled up into a messy bun, with a pink and white headband that had bunny ears bouncing off. Involuntary, a small smile lifted my lips, she looked like a hot mess, a very cute mess.

She noticed my stare and her throat bobbed anxiously before she tried to smooth her hair, "Uh, I look terrible, don't I?" She added, looking down at herself, "I just didn't expect to have company."

I just shook my head, I don't think it's ever possible for her to look terrible; not when her blue eyes twinkle like that, not when her innocence flushes those cheek with a pinkish redness, and not when her lips form that small shy smile. She really is something else.

At least Isaac was right in one thing; the wolf should be kept away from her.

"I just came to check on something," I cleared my throat and said, "Will you be here all day, or do you have somewhere you need to go to?"

She shook her head, her gaze lost at my question, "No, I was just planning to clean up, and spend the rest of the day relaxing with some good snacks and TV," She said with a small smile and I nodded, a bit relieved at the answer, "Yeah, I think it would be better if you stay here and in case you go somewhere, can you inform me?"

Her eyebrows pulled closer and she edged forward, "Is there something wrong?"

I nodded, "I think my father is going to pull something out," I explained, "I just need to make sure you're okay," I added and shook my head when the worry crept her eyes, "You don't need to worry or anything, but I just need to think of all the possibilities, and you're safe, I have two men around your place making sure of it."

She nodded, confused lines etching her forehead as she tried to understand, "You looks so stressed," She observed and I rushed a hand over my face and hefted out a low breath, "I fucked up, Natalie."

She inched closer and her hand rested over my arm, "What happened?"

"I triggered him and whatever he is going to do now, it's on me."

She shook her head, "No, don't say that, it's not your fault," She said, "You're not responsible for his actions."

"But I am responsible for mine," The plan was simple; do everything he wants, stay calm and in control till I find that one thing that will give me the upper hand over him.

"Look, I would hug you now, but I smell of detergent and you really don't need that," She said playfully and breaking the tension before she run her hand over my arm soothingly, "Hopefully nothing will happen, okay? Just don't blame yourself," She stressed out, "And don't worry about me, I am not scared, I will be just fine, just go and make sure everyone else is okay."

I nodded, "I would stay here but-"

She immediately nodded, her level of understatement toward my lifestyle is unbelievable, "I know," She said, "You have a lot of people out there depending on you."

Her hand traveled till it met mine, her fingers wrapping over it, "Just when this day ends," She said, concern tightening her brows, "Can you please drop by here, just for a minute, so I can make sure you're okay."

I gave her a nod and my hand squeezed her hand back, trying to take some of that innocent hope, some of that positiveness as she added, "It will be okay," She said, smiling, "Now go and be a hero."

Her words made me smile, not the usual relaxed smile she gives me, but the one that can't comprehend how innocent she is, "I am not a hero, Natalie."

She shrugged, not denying nor accepting it, "Maybe you are the villain in your story, Nikolas, but in mine," She stared at me with utter adoration I couldn't grasp my head around, "In my story, you are the hero."

***************

Emma's POV

Cara rolled her eyes when I went down Alex's car, "Seriously?" She hissed at him, addressing me.

I resisted the urge to slam her head against something. She is my husband's sister and all, but I still don't like her. I hefted out an annoyed breath, "I am here to make sure you don't get killed," I said as I crossed my arms over my chest, "So, suck it up."

"The nerve of this-" She gritted her teeth and marched forward but Alex placed his hand over her arm, holding her back as he mumbled something like ignore her.

I rolled my eyes and took a quick scan around their house, checking for something out of the ordinary or if anyone is around or watching. Nothing seemed to grab my attention and I turned around to see Alex take the small baby from Cara's arms and place him in his baby car-seat.

Oh shit, I am gonna need to buy one of those.

I found myself inching closer, for the very first time ever, curious about that little human. Alex buckled him up, kissed his tiny head and when he moved away, I was finally able to see him. He was a small little thing, so small I still can't wrap my mind over the fact that they actually come in an even smaller size when they're born.

His eyes moved around the car, eyes so green, juts like Nikolas's. His nose so tiny, it made me wonder how can he breath from it. His mouth also very small as he tried to suck at his hand and fingers, covering them in saliva. Eww, disgusting but...cute.

My gaze flickered to his feet, he was wearing a small Nike white sneaker that made my heart skip a beat. Oh sweet lord, they make those for kids? My pulse took off and the urge to both throw up and hold that small disgusting thing between my arms stirred in my chest. My emotions a total mess as I realized I will have one of those things living with me after a couple of months.

I gulped down and when I let eyes drift away, the fell on Cara, who was staring back at me, her eyes narrowing in suspicion as I stood there and silently gazed at her son. I ignored her and got into the back seat, to notice another small thing sitting there as well.

Lilly's big brown eyes flickered up to me, her arms wrapped around a small teddy bear, "Hey," I said.

"Hey," She replied back, her voice so soft and sweet. Her small eyebrows pulled closer, "Who are you?"

"I am Emma," I said, my eyebrow raising, "And who are you?"

"Lilly," She said, introducing herself then she pointed at the toy in her arms, "This is Mr. bear," She said before she looked at her brother, "This is max," Then she pointed at the front seat, "This mommy and daddy."

I couldn't hold my chuckle as she introduced the whole family to me, "Mommy, this is Emma," She added, introducing me to them and Cara turned to her, smiling adoringly at her little girl before she fixed her two little braids and urged her to keep the seatbelt on. That foreign odd feeling clouded my chest as I watched them do normal things and just be a...family; Envy, was it? I don't know. I just don't understand anything I am feeling lately.

Alex took off and Lilly beside me tucked her little teddy bear inside the seatbelt as well, before she turned her head and kept looking at me. I looked back at her and she kept staring back, not shying away or breaking contact.

"Do you like ice cream?" She asked, out of the blue, the letter r leaving her lips more like a w.

I nodded my head, "Yes."

She nodded, "I like too."

Was she just making me a conversation with me, or what's her purpose?

My gaze drifted to Max beside her to see that he had fell asleep, his cheek resting against his seat, his lips a bit parted and a few strands of his hair had fallen over his forehead. I had the sudden urge to inch closer and move them away but I stopped myself. The fuck is my problem?

I miss hating kids.

My eyes fell on Lilly again when I felt her still staring at me. What the hell is her issue with me?

I gulped down and pointed at her braids, "I like your hair," I said and she broke into big wide smile and held them both with her hands, "Mommy did it," She said.

"Mommy can make yours too," She added and I scoffed at the suggestion. Cara turned her head around, her gaze confused at the whole me being civil to her kids concept but she didn't comment.

After a rather long drive, all spent with Lilly never shutting up and talking with me, we finally arrived back to their mother's house for the supposedly family dinner. Ugh, again with all the love and affection that I can't handle.

Cara went and helped her mother while I tried to steer away from them both. I went to the guest room and made some calls, trying to see if I can get any inside information about Isaac's whereabouts but almost an hour later and I got no leads or whatsoever.

I left the room, the anger creeping into my veins as I walked down the stairs. Right then, I saw Roman walking inside the house, finally getting back. I went to his side, "I hate you, you know that," I hissed at the fact he left me alone to deal with his family. He gave me that fake smile that makes me wanna push his balls up his ass, "Hey, sweetheart," He pushed a bag into my chest, rather harshly, "Here is your milkshake and pickles."

My anger faded away almost immediately as I opened the bag, "Yaay!" I squealed, happily as I pulled the cup out, "But Roman, if you call me sweetheart or honey one more time, I will bust your teeth in," I threatened ever so sweetly as I sipped on my milkshake.

"Maybe you wanna keep that threatening and cursing down a level, don't you think so?" He suggested, nodding his head toward my stomach, "Or else he's coming out cursing like a sailor."

I rolled my eyes, "I am sure this small little bean that is messing with my fucking life, draining me emotionally and physically can barely hear me, so don't worry, but if you ever leave me alone with your family again," I took another heavenly sip from my sweet drink, "You won't live to see this child of yours get born let alone hear him talk or swear."

Per usual, he ignored my threats, placed his hand over my lower back and pulled me with him to where everyone else was gathered, "These hormones of yours are gonna cost me my life one day," He mumbled.

I nodded, agreeing as I sipped whatever was left of my drink, "Being pregnant sucks," I mumbled and pushed the empty cup into his hands before I pulled the jar of pickles and took one, "For example, I always hated pickles, but now I am willing to finish this whole damn jar," I added, chewing on my pickle and reaching for another one.

"There is one advantage though," I said, looking down at my shirt, "My boobs are getting bigger."

Roman's hand over my lower back tightened the slightest, and when I turned to him, "I am painfully aware of that," He said, without looking at me.

I paused in my steps, "Aww, you've been checking me out?"

The muscles of his jaw worked before his eyes fell on me. My eyebrow raised, "You know what we haven't done in a really really long time?" I suggested with a teasing smile.

"You were just threatening to kill me two seconds ago and now you wanna have sex?," He asked in pure disbelief.

I nodded, "I mean yeah, I would still wanna shoot your annoying ass and push you off a cliff, but that doesn't mean I don't wanna fuck you," I said as a matter-of-fact, "It's two different separate things."

Roman looked like he was regretting the second he suggested we get married and he let out a sigh, "How did I ever love you," He said, more to himself.

"You loved the girl I was pretending to be," I said, my teasing smile dropping because our past isn't a topic I like to discuss.

He nodded, "Yeah, true," He said, his tone as cold as always, "I would've never loved this you."

"Let's go," He resumed his way back to the backyard while I stood there for a second or two, his words for some reason, they...they made me feel something. Something not good, something I didn't like. Hurt? No, they could've not possibly hurt me. The last thing I need or want is a validation from him.

I ignored that silly feeling and followed him. The rest of the family dinner was just as boring and nauseous. I ignored everyone and everything, but I kept checking outside and the surrounding for any sign of Isaac's men. Nothing was alarming and I just hoped for this day to end already.

I reached for the pink drink Amanda had placed in front of me and took my first sip. Thinking it was some fruity drink, I definitely didn't expect the alcoholic sting I felt. Before I could swallow the rest, I inched the cup closer to my lips and subtly spat the cocktail back in the cup, hoping no one noticed.

The smell of it triggered that nauseous feeling again. I excused myself immediately and went up the stair to the bathroom. Letting out all the dinner I just ate, I stood up on shaky legs and washed my mouth and face, giving up on counting how many time I've lost this battle.

When I left the bathroom, I found myself take a different turn, heading for the room I saw Cara place a sleeping Max in a few hours ago. I pressed my palm over the door and silently let it slide open. On hesitant footsteps, I walked closer to the big bed. The little boy was placed in the middle, stuffed between pillows on each sides. His little arms were both thrown up, resting beside his head.

My head tilted as I gazed at him, longer than I should. My fingers itching as I leaned closer and brushed the hair away from his forehead, smoothing it out. His skin was so soft and he smelled so good, a unique baby scent that made my inside a bit warmer.

I pulled the blanket up his body, tucking it under his neck. Right then, I felt another presence in the room and I immediately pulled away, turning to the intruder. Cara's eyes met mine, her gaze unreadable as she walked inside the room.

Her eyes flickered from Max to me, "So, you're pregnant."

My eyes widened at how confident she was with her words. My jaw tightened and my hand curled into a fist at the side, "Roman told you?" That motherfucker, I will-

She shook her head, "No, you were just acting weird all day, and then I saw you spit your drink out and you rushed to the bathroom, probably to throw up," She added, very observant, "And you're being oddly warm toward my kids."

I run a hand through my hair, "You can't tell anyone," I warned.

She shrugged, "Who would I tell?"

I shook my head, "Just no one," I said, coldly and more than ready to threaten her.

She didn't argue, instead she just nodded, like she understood. Max tossed around, grabbing her attention. She sat down on the bed's edge and ran her hand gently over his head, calming him down and urging him to fall back asleep.

"I shouldn't be pregnant," I found myself saying as I watched her be the supposedly perfect mother she is.

Cara's eyes shot to me, "You don't want the child?" There was no judgment in her words, no accusation, just a bit of worry if possible.

I gulped down; I don't know what I want, "It's definitely not something I planned, or anything I would've ever chosen," I added; why was I even talking to her about this? I don't like her. I should shut up and get the hell out of here, "I kill people, Cara. It's a big part of my life, it's what I was born and raised to do, it's what I will always do, with no regrets because I am also good at it," I talked and she listened, "I don't know how will I ever take care of something that small and little and innocent," I pointed at Max, "In a life like this."

"So, it's not about not wanting it," She said, "It's about being scared of this life of yours hurting him?"

Not just this life of mine, it's me who I am scared of the most.

"I used to not fear anything, it's what made me good at what I do, it's that I didn't care about anyone but myself, but now this, it's making me terrified," Was I this desperate to share these thoughts with someone else that I am out-straight telling her everything I was keeping inside over the past week, "It's making me insecure, it's draining my energy and it's taking my focus away from the things that should matter," I shook my head, "I am gonna have to love this life more than anything, but what if...what if I can't, what if I just don't feel it?"

She smiled, a small smile, "Every mother goes through what you're going through now," She said, her eyes on her little boy as he peacefully fell back into his dreams, "We all have our insecurities," She shook her head, "None of us is born a natural," She added, "But when your baby is born, and when you hold him in your arms that very first time, you will feel so silly for ever doubting yourself," She assured me, "It's an instinct Emma, a one you won't be able to fight, believe me."

"And after that, yes, you might need to work hard, you might need to learn a lot, but most of it, you learn along the way," She added, for some reason being supportive.

"Don't stress over it," She added, reading my thoughts, "If you're worried about this from now, it only means you won't be a bad mother."

"Isaac will kill him," I voiced out my other biggest fear.

Cara shook her head, that same overprotectiveness cursed through her gaze, "Not if we kill him first."

That thought feels impossible with every passing day.

Cara got up to her feet, "Anyway, I should head back downstairs," She said.

"You won't tell anyone, not even Alex," I stressed out again, not a request, but an order.

She nodded, "Not even Alex."

My eyebrow raised, "If you expect me to say thank you, then don't waste your time."

She scoffed, "Don't worry, I still hate all there is about you," She said, being just as honest, "That was just one mother talking to another, that's all."

Oh holy crap, I am gonna be a mother.

****************

Nikolas's POV

I rested my back against the car seat and I let my eyelids glide down for a second or two, paving my way out of this negative aura I can't seem to shake. I rushed a hand over my face, heaving a breath out before I placed my hand on the handle, opening the car's door and getting down.

All of my senses on high alert as my gaze flickered around, noticing Ronald and the other guys in their assigned positions, ready to attack whoever is willing to intrude. The night had taken over, a perfect setting for Isaac to make his move.

My eyes drifted to the house ahead of me, knowing very well that Lilly and Max are inside, Cara and Alex are, Emma and Roman as well. Fighting through these mixed emotions, I stepped away and into the side road, sensing the bomb that's about to be ticked off.

I walked down the bushes, going for the places any attacker would think of. It was silent, an uncomfortable one, and right then, a low scrunching sound echoed from my left, almost undetectable. On instinct, my hand went to my gun, my fingers tightened over its grip, more than ready to shed some blood after such a day.

I silenced my footsteps as I headed for the sound's direction and right there, I found my prey, leering, hiding and ready. Having his back to me was an advantage and I marched forward, my arm going around his neck and pulling him to me. He struggled out of my hold, his weapon-welding hand pressed over the trigger, shooting aimlessly at the air, a warning for his other friends.

Not giving him a second, I pressed his head down before I twisted his neck, snapping the life out of him. Letting go of his limb body, hurried footsteps echoed closer till Ronald came into view, checking what happened, his wide eyes falling onto the dead man by my feet.

He sensed the danger and we both jogged out of the bushes. He and the others checked around for the others while I pulled my phone out, dialing Alex, ready to set an alarm when out of nowhere, somewhere from behind me, something small flew into the house before a sound similar to an explosion echoed all around us just as the smoke filled up the whole area.

The smoke bomb was a distraction I wasn't going to fall for as I marched inside the house, barking orders at everyone outside to make sure no one slips in.

We were under attack.

**************

Emma's POV

"I want to go back home," I mumbled, whining to Roman for the umpteenth time as he poured himself some water.

He sighed and I added, "I hate it here," I said, and he turned to me, his lips parting to say something when suddenly the ground we were standing on shook violently I had to hold into Roman for a moment to keep my balance.

Gasps flew from the other room and Roman's eyes met mine, it took us a second to realize what caused it. Roman pulled his gun out and so did I, the look in his eyes was the deadliest I had ever seen on him.

We were under attack.

"You get everyone out, I make sure I kill everyone who gets in here," I said to Roman and turned around but his hand shot to my wrist, stopping me, "I am getting you out as well," He said, gritting his teeth as he pulled me closer.

My eyes widened and I snatched my arm back, "Roman, I don't want to waste time but god help you if you think I am going to run away and hide," I snapped, "I would end you myself!"

His eyes narrowed, "You're pregnant, Emma," He hissed.

"That doesn't make me useless!" I glared back before I walked out, him behind me as he stressed out, "You better not get hurt, or I am killing you myself," He added very seriously and I took mental note to punch him later for threatening me.

Smoke enveloped the whole house and Roman gathered everyone, trying to get them into safety but Cara fought against his hold, refusing and that's when I noticed that Alex was already up the stairs, going to get Max.

"Roman, get them out!" I stressed again, my eyes on Cara, giving her a promise, "He will be okay," I said before I whirled around and ran up the stairs, reaching for Alex.

I coughed as the smoke went straight into my lungs, I ignored the feeling and rushed inside the room, my eyes falling on Alex as he cradled a crying Max between his arms, "Is he okay?" I asked, in panic.

Alex tightened his hold over the boy, covering his face from the smoke, "Yes," He said and I let out a relieved sigh, "Okay, you go down and I will clear your way, make sure no one is following."

He nodded and we walked out of the room, my eyes doing their best to notice any slight movement between the white smoke. I squinted when I glimpsed a big shadow and I shot out, "Alex, go down, quick!"

I marched forward toward the shadow, my other hand pulled the knife and I jumped over the huge guy's back. He groaned and fought, trying to shake me off, "You bitch!" He hissed and my knife-welding hand moved over his neck so fast, slicing his throat before I jumped off and with my leg kicked at his back, pushing him forward. With my gun, I aimed and fired at his head, making sure he was all dead. I wasn't taking my chances now.

"This is what happens when you call me that," I stressed out with gritted teeth.

I heard what sounded like glass crackling and I immediately turned around, my gun pointed at the face of my attacker. But the gun slipped from my hand right away and I staggered backward, the strange weak feeling taking over every nerve of my body as I glanced down at...the blade that penetrated my stomach.

"Your father says, you can't hide anything from him," The foreign man said, smirking as he twisted the knife. His words and his brown eyes were the last thing I remembered before everything went dark.

***************************************

So, that happened xD

I had half of this chapter already written, that's why I updated this one first. I just wrote the rest from my phone because I still don't have a laptop charger yet!

See ya next chapter! ;)