My arms hurt after a long and laborious day in the kitchen, helping Maude. I had helped her skin the rabbits, first recoiling at the thought but then getting used to it. The sight, the smell, the sound of the knife cutting the skin, tearing it. The worst part was the touch. The feeling of rabbit fur under your fingers, soft and innocent, to reveal the bloody red muscle underneath.

We would have raw rabbit for dinner. Well Matthew would. He had not had a drop of blood since his last hunt, three weeks ago and he would have to get some nutrients into him. He refused to drink any of my blood while I was with child-or with children should I say-even though I was profuse with it. I almost missed him feeding from me, it had kept us close. Now he was hardly ever there, demanding that I rest for the children's sake. I always disobeyed. It did not feel right to let Maud do all the work. Yet every evening I was reminded that it was her job and when Matthew had finished scolding me, he would storm downstairs. I would hear the shouts and the snarky comments made by Maud, reminding him that "Elle sera bien"; she will be alright. I smiled to myself.

I was going to be alright.

I placed a hand on my stomach.

We would be alright.

Matthew came back into my room and saw me, saw my hand on my abdomen.

"What? Is something wrong?"

"Ils seront bien." I grinned and he replied.

"Yes, they will be alright." he smiled and embraced me, turning me in his arms and nuzzling the spot behind my ear.

"They will be fine." he whispered and placed his hands over mine, cradling my little baby bump.

I felt my happiness combust and fill my entire body as his breath warmed my neck and his words filled my mind. I couldn't help but anticipate the future, I would have a family. The Clairmont family would have new kinsmen. I would be a mother...and suddenly all the defiance towards Matthew melted away. He was only trying to protect me. Only trying to protect us.