Artemis motioned for Elisabeth to sit with him at the table. "You know, your grandfather was my best friend."
"Yes."
"When your grandparents and sister were murdered, I vowed to look after you and your brother." He closed his eyes and shook his head, the pain of remembrance refreshed.
"I'm sorry to disappoint you, but…"
"Oh, child, my disappointment is not the issue here. This is bigger than any one being's disappointment. Do you think if there were another way, I would ask you? I understand the gravity of the responsibility. The question is, do you?"
Elisabeth's lips quivered with her response, "I… I can't."
"Your mother said the vampire would agree to artificial insemination."
"I can't ask him to make that sacrifice… I won't.
"And what about the sacrifices the rest of your family have made? Your mother has endured countless miscarriages and stillbirths. God, I think she was pregnant more days than not during her fertile years…only three live births in all those years." He paused for her response. When none came, he continued, "Your father donated sperm whenever asked; willing to create offspring that weren't conceived with his mate. Not one successful fertilization. And Thomas - well, we can hardly call his part a sacrifice. The point being, they did everything in their power to replicate your gift, but failed. Are you going to let their efforts go to waste?"
"You don't know my gift would be inherited."
"No, we don't, but surely you bear a responsibility to try?"
"And what if I agree, and fail? I won't be an incubator. I saw what it did to my mother."
"What if I could convince the pack to limit the number of pregnancies?"
"And what would that limit be? Ten? Twenty? Fifty? I'm sorry. I won't."
Artemis brought his steepled hands to his lips. "The ruling pack has not produced offspring with superior strength for three years. We believe that gift is waning."
Elisabeth stood, jarred by the new information. "I had no idea."
"The Elders have not shared the statistics, but many are suspicious. We can't keep it secret much longer."
She returned to her seat. "I'm saddened by the news, but it does not change my decision. I refuse to bring a child into this world for any reason other than love."
Artemis stood and placed his hand on her shoulder. "I too am saddened. I have convinced the Elders to recommend allowing you some time to reverse your decision… ostracizing you will only serve to distance us even further from our goal, but child, I cannot postpone your exile indefinitely. Xavier has always been jealous of your family. He will not let up."