Vowed (The Vampire Journals, #7) - Morgan Rice Page 0,57

must have been the torn page. She reached in and extracted it.

He slowly shook his head.

“That is not for this place,” he said. “Your necklace,” he corrected.

Caitlin momentarily forgot what he was referring to; then she reached down and removed her small antique cross, grateful once again that she still wore it.

The man gestured towards an ancient, bejeweled chest, and Caitlin knelt down, and inserted her cross with the click. She turned it, and it slowly opened.

She could not believe what she saw.

CHAPTER TWENTY SEVEN

Polly awoke from a night of exquisite dreams, happier than she had ever been. She had been riding on cloud nine ever since Sam had proposed to her the night before. She had been secretly, deep down, hoping that he would, especially on Caitlin and Caleb’s wedding night. She knew that she had no real reason to expect this, given that they had barely been together a few days—and yet somehow, deep down, she still hoped for it anyway. She had never loved anyone as much as Sam, and she’d wanted him to propose to her more than anything.

Polly had gone to bed ecstatic and had dreamt all night long that she and Sam had been walking through a field of white flowers, white rose petals showering all around them, as the sun never seemed to set. She saw the two of them walking into the white light, and she awoke with the most peaceful feeling of her life, feeling so relaxed and content. She’d had the strangest, fleeting thought, that, given how happy and content she was, she’d be perfectly happy to die right now, on this day.

After all, there was nothing more she could ever want from the world.

After laying with her in bed most of the morning, Sam had finally arisen, seeming as happy as she was. He’d said he wanted to celebrate, to go out and hunt for them, to find the biggest, wild boar he could, kill it, and bring it back for a special feast for them two of them that night. It was to be a celebration of their love, he’d said. And he wanted to find the perfect animal himself.

Polly loved the idea. She could use the day, herself, to get ready and prepare all the vegetables that could go with it. It would be like their own special wedding night.

Polly gave him a long kiss goodbye, knowing she would see him in just a few hours. Yet deep down, she had the craziest feeling that she might not. She didn’t understand the feeling at all—it made no rational sense. Still, as Sam turned to walk out the door, she reached out, grabbed his wrist, and pulled him back to her, and hugged him tight. She did not let go for several seconds.

“What is it?” Sam asked, surprised, looking down with concern.

Polly slowly shook her head and forced a smile, knowing she was just being crazy.

“Nothing,” she said. “I just love you.”

Sam leaned in and kissed her, and then turned and walked out the door.

That was when Polly felt it. Her first pang.

It struck her so hard in the stomach, she keeled over from the unfamiliar sensation, having no idea what it was. Just as she tried to stand, it hit her again.

And again.

Finally, Polly realized that something was wrong. She sat on the edge of her bed, in a sweat, wondering what on earth it could be. After several more pangs, she had the craziest idea. Could it be possible that she was pregnant?

She knew that two vampires could not get pregnant. But then again, Sam was no ordinary vampire. And neither was she. She also knew that vampire pregnancies manifested quickly, usually within 48 hours. Could it be possible?

Polly quickly ruffled through her drawers, and finally found the ancient locket her great-great-grandmother had passed onto her. She remembered her words, from centuries ago: if a vampire is pregnant, then her reflection will show once—just once—in this ancient mirror. If you see yourself, for the first and only time, that is how you will know.

Polly wiped the dust off the heavy, silver locket and slowly opened it, her heart pounding. Part of her knew she was being ridiculous, given how unlikely it was. But another part of her had to know.

Polly looked down and stared into the mirror.

She saw herself, staring back, with a startled expression. It was such a shock to see her own image in the mirror—she never had before—and at the same time, her