Page 22 of Rescued By the Vampire Rogue

"I don't need your help," I shot back, anger and fear lacing my words. "I love Kael! He's taking care of me and our child. He will get me anything I need."

"Kael's love cannot change the fact that you're carrying a Dhampir," Cade insisted, his tone gentle but firm. "The chances of you surviving the birth are slim without the assistance of someone who knows how to deliver such a child."

His words hit me like a brick, and for a moment, all I could do was stare at him in shock. Deep down, I knew that there was only so much the doctor who had been tending to me could do with their lack of experience.

"Please, Ivy," Cade continued. "This isn't about Kael or me. It's about your life and the life of your unborn child."

"And what if I would rather go back to Kael?"

"I can't let you do that." Cade sighed. "You won't survive if you go back."

As much as it pained me to admit it, Cade's words struck a chord within me. I wouldn't leave Kael. I loved him, something I knew wasn't being controlled by a vampire glamor. For now, I had no choice but to bide my time until I could get back to Kael.

"Alright," I whispered, my voice shaking. "I'll listen to what you have to say."

"Thank you, Ivy," Cade said softly, relief flooding his features. "I promise we're on your side."

I studied Cade's face, my mind racing. He seemed sincere in his desire to help me, yet so much of what he said led me to believe he knew more about what was going on with my child than I did. A sudden realization dawned on me.

"Wait," I said slowly, "you must be a half vampire, right? That's how you know all this?"

He nodded, a tinge of sadness flickering in his eyes. "Yes, I am a Dhampir or a daywalker. And unfortunately, my mother died during my birth because no one knew what would happen."

My heart ached for him, but the thought of facing something similar with my own baby sent shivers down my spine. Escape seemed impossible. There were more obstacles in my way if I tried to escape than there had been in Kael's panic room. For now, I had to accept Cade's help and find Kael when it was safe, or hope that Kael would come for me. Until then, I needed to learn as much as I could about daywalkers.

"Tell me more about yourself, Cade. How does being a Dhampir affect your life?" I asked, swallowing my fear.

"Being a daywalker has its advantages and disadvantages," he began, leaning back against the wall. "We possess the strength and speed of vampires, but without their weaknesses. We can walk in daylight and aren't bound by their thirst for blood."

"Then why do you want to help me?" I questioned, suspicion creeping into my voice. "Why should I trust you?"

"Because I don't want anyone else to suffer like my mother did," he replied earnestly. "And besides, not all vampires are as noble. They have their own agendas, and many would love nothing more than to exploit a daywalker child for their own gain."

"Alright," I said finally, "I'll listen to what you have to say. Teach me everything I need to know about daywalkers."

Cade's face softened, and he nodded in agreement. "Of course, Ivy. I promise to do everything I can to help you and your baby. We'll provide everything you need. I'll have the team in soon to give you an exam and make sure the baby is okay."

In that moment, I knew that I had no choice but to trust him. At least for now. The stakes were too high, and the well-being of my unborn child was my top priority. Kael would find me eventually, or I would find my way back to him. But first, I needed to ensure the safety of our child by learning the truth about the world I was now a part of.