Draculin Bride
Scene One
It began with my awakening. Not as the vampire I am today but the soldier I was first known as. Sailor Cardea, named as the protector against the demons, werewolves, and vampires that rampaged across the plains of Transylvania. My very first battle was a minion vampire. That in itself was terrifying but it got better as I got more and more in tune with this new side of myself.
Born as Wilhelmina Murray, I obtained the nickname Mina from my great-grandmother. I lived in the late 1800s, nearly at the turn of the century and had graduated from college to become a full-fledged schoolteacher. During those times, fear was a natural element. Living in a place ripe for the bizarre, nightmarish, and unbelievable creatures, I found myself face to face with a duty to protect.
But time wore on and I found myself changed in the most horrific way. If I didn't have my beloved friends, I would have lost myself all the more quickly. But now, as the time continues forward, my strength and will are slowly deteriorating and I have reached a new goal.
--
I rummaged through the grocery bag, trying to count to ten. My hair, falling freely down my back to my knees, fell forward in strands as I dipped into the bag with disgust.
"That's it!" I looked up with a fierce glare. "I'm going to ask this ONCE. Who took the beef?"
Frank looked up from the newspaper, effectively hiding the small smile he bore.
I turned my glare to focus on Jacob. His messy black hair strewn over his ears, his penetrating eyes a glittering light brown, he was a beautiful man. Who also, at the moment, had a streak of red blood dribbling down the corner of his wolfish smile. "JACOB!"
"I didn't do anything," He smirked.
"That cost me a fortune! AND it was for dinner!" I raged. "Of all the…."
"Look, I'll just go get some more.." He began.
"No way, Jose!" I shook a finger at him. "You'd just eat it!"
"Well, excuse me for having taste," He sniped.
"Frank, help me here?" I implored. The newspaper lowered slowly. Dressed in blue jeans and a dull black, wool turtleneck, all that effectively hid a great deal of deformation, he looked simple but nearly as beautiful as Jacob did. His bleached blonde, nearly pure white, hair always retained the same gleaned back hairstyle that hid the small bald spot near the top center of his head. His blue eyes looked around before focusing on me again.
"Can't stop instincts. I told you not to bring him." He began to bring up the newspaper again.
"GOD! Men!" I groused.
"Oh, now, loverly, don't be so," Jacob wrapped an arm around my shoulders. "You did get dinner, I just ate it without all of your pretty preparations.."
"Listen, your digestive system can handle raw meat but I happen to like having things cooked. And you wasting my money like that is not fair!"
Needing a breather, I went to my bedroom. I was assured that Frank would put what food I had gotten away and maybe Jacob would go buy more meat. At the moment, I just wanted some space.
I glanced at myself in the mirror. I noted the pale skin and sighed. I really did wish to tan, at least a little so I didn't look so sickly. My amber eyes peered out, large and round. My dark brown hair framed my face, no bangs per say but hair that fell down my shoulders, down my back, and past my buttocks to my knees. My hair was my pride and joy. It was soft and thick as well as manageable.
I brought out the thistle brush and carefully brought down the frizzy level brought on by the cold season. I heard children's laughter from outside my window and peered out. The sun was shining on a winter scene, the forests and cozy homes dotted across the near horizon. Branching out to the far left was the town, a modern state of place to get whatever you wanted. Living in Transylvania, that was pretty surprising but eventually, time had to move forward and catch up to current trends.
Several of the orphans were playing what looked to be tag. I grinned and resumed my brushing before I placed it down as someone knocked on my door.
I opened it to reveal Frank. "You all right?" He asked as he handed me a cup of Sweet Tea. "Careful, it's still a little warm."
I hovered my hand under it and frowned, the heat radiating off the bottom like a miniature sun. "You set it down," I waved him in. It was a clean and spacious room and I was prone to never leave anything embarrassing on the floor. Not since Jacob found my delicate black thong and played with it. I had to throw it out due to his fun and the rips he made into it.
Frank set it upon my desk, also neatly made. I watched him do a quick glance before giving a slight smile. "It wouldn't hurt to add some bright colors," He noted.
"I do best with dark hues," I shrugged before looking away when he peeked at me. I hadn't realized I was admiring his profile.
"Busy night?" He leaned against the wall, his ankles crossed. I grinned to myself, recognizing the pose as something a young sixteen year boy would do.
"Nah, Jacob dealt with the ghoulies," My smile dimmed. "Though it's been getting rougher later. You'd think they'd fade into obscurity due to today's technology."
"As long as there is fear.." His eyes misted over, his fingers unconsciously rubbing his neck.
I reached up, pulling it down where the sewn skin between his shoulder blade and where his neck met was exposed. The skin was drying out and I frowned, chewing on my lip. "Not good…" I rubbed my face worriedly.
"I'm fine," Frank muttered shyly.
"As if," I felt myself move toward him habitually before I pulled away in surprise. His expression never changed though the gaze was soft. I turned red as I tried to look anywhere but at him. "Stop that."
His chuckle went through me. "As I said, I'm fine."
"Are you drying out anywhere else?" I asked firmly.
"Not that I know of but I could be wrong," Frank shrugged and pressed away from the wall. "I'll see about dinner."
It was a flash to his eyes as I wordless transformed. He turned slightly, seeing the blood red eyes peering at him before I was on him. A single snap of the teeth, which brought a decayed taste to my buds, and I pulled away to watch the skin lighten from red to the normal pale hue.
"Good thing I don't have blood," Frank said lightly but his heart was in his eyes. "Thank you.." He ran a finger along my cheekbone.
I smiled, a strained look as I returned to normal. I normally didn't transform this early in the day but I felt better knowing I helped a friend. Those few moments took a toll on me as I moved and nearly fell to my knees.
"Mina!" Strong arms, too strong for normal men, lifted me like a feather. "Honey, are you all right?"
A door banged against a wall and out of the corner of my eye, I saw Jacob rearing, readying for a fight. "JACOB!" I used all the energy to shout the wordless order from him to stop his movement. He froze as I hoped and Frank gently lowered me to my bed.
"She was healing me," Frank offered simply.
"You!" A long finger wove under my nose as Jacob practically claimed my bed. He moved with anxious jerks, his eyes narrowed with concern. "This has been happening for a long while now. What is wrong, woman?"
I managed a shrug.
"Wilhelmina Murray, you will not lie to me!" His light brown eyes swirled with streaks of white gold. He bared his teeth, his canine teeth long against his jaw.
"I don't know, all right?" I was starting to feel better and attempted to move up. Jacob's hand pressing me against the bed wasn't what irritated me. It was that he pressed between my breasts and knowing he was getting a feel at that so I didn't feel all that bad when I whacked him in the head.
He yelped and pulled away with a wounded look. "Jacob," I spoke as gently as possible. "When I say I don't know, I mean it."
"And let me up. I'm fine now."
"He had good reason to be concerned. You've been not only getting weaker afterwards but your ethereal traits are progressing dangerously," Frank noted.
"If I knew why, I'd get it fixed but since I don't.." I trailed off with another shrug.
"Then don't transform," Frank spoke plaintively.
"Then who will protect these people?" I frowned. "With the increasing number of baddies, someone has to make sure their existence doesn't fade."
"Don't worry, Franken," Jacob spoke firmly. "I'll make sure she's safe and in control."
I rolled my eyes. "I'm getting hungry. Frank, you get on that while I go check on the children. Jacob, kindly leave my room and don't touch anything!" I added savagely, seeing his slipping hand to my dresser.
"So what happened to my favorite panties?" He asked brightly.
"Long since thrown away," I muttered darkly. I marched determinedly out of my room.
Frank, Jacob, and myself lived in the back half of the estate mansion. The front half was the newly opened orphanage. And new for me was about ten years since current time. After seeing the homeless living, I opened my doors for those who had nothing but I specialized in children. I was once a schoolteacher in my old days.
Nowadays, I, along with my teammates, were an open secret. Because we did good, we were social ably acceptable and pretty much preferred. At least others knew we would do no harm. But I still never let anyone see my other alter ego, much like Jacob and Frank did the same.
Most of the children had come in from the cold. The hired nannies were mingling in the rec rooms. One for the artistic children, one for relaxation if by reading or writing, and then the television room, where a television blared a cartoon. Several of them greeted me with bright, cheerful tones. I didn't stay long, just looking enough to see if something was amiss but satisfied, I returned back to the long kitchen where I found Frank shifting a salad.
"Fresh," He grinned. "The gardens are being very fruitful."
"Only you can grow things during winter."
"Having an inside greenhouse helps," He offered before he nodded behind him. I followed the pointed direction and spotted Jacob roasting a duck.
"Well, well, looks like you're either well behaved or you're still stuffed."
"I'm always well-behaved," Jacob protested.
"He ate two ducks before this one," Frank said, without bothering to turn around.
"I DID not!" But it was a weak protest. Jacob favored Frank with a heated glare before turning to give me a radiant smile. "Hungry, love?" He pulled a fresh piece from the breast, held in ginger fingers. I attempted to take it but something in Jacob's gaze made me stare him down.
"What?" He asked innocently. "Would you like me to feed it to you?"
A sudden thwack was heard as I glanced behind myself to see Frank carefully righting the mug he had sent flying forward. "Here, let me help," I said weakly. I plucked the meat from Jacob's fingers, stuffed it in my mouth, and grabbed a roll of tissue. "Here Frank."
He nodded but didn't look up. I could feel Jacob's eyes on my backside and I really wished that I could be sucked into the ground.
"It's smoking," I said pointedly, glancing at him. He jumped in surprise and hurriedly lowered the flames. "Is it fine?" I looked over his shoulder. It had only been the flame smoking, not the food itself.
"How are the children?" Frank asked.
"Doing well. The few that had the flu are getting better quite well and fast as well."
"Amazing what today's medicine can do," Jacob smiled. "To have seen today, it's a blessing and a curse. A blessing because so much good had been discovered but a curse since some things are still backwards." He stabbed the duck, licking his lips.
"Don't eat it all," I said pointedly.
"Did it taste all right for her Majesty?" He quipped.
"Listen, we've had this discussion before.." I began.
"Yea, yea. My guts are better than yours."
"Do you want me to be sick?" I crossed my arms.
"I'd love to feed you soup," His wolfish smile snaked across his face, the eyes glowing.
"I don't think it's soup he's thinking of," Frank smiled lightly, holding the salad bowl in one hand, with plates in the other hand. "I'm done, are you Jacob?"
"Yea, yea.." He pulled out the carving knife. "Just need to cut it up. Woman, go set up the table."
I stepped on his foot as he grunted, his hand with the knife flying forward several inches before he resumed his cutting.
"He'll get back at you for that," Frank said.
"Stupid prick. Don't be bossing me around," I muttered to myself, ignoring Frank's comment.
--
Dinner was quiet as the radio played on the classical music station. My mind was elsewhere, as I felt the air change minutely and something trailed up my spine as I lost focus on my food. I pulled the glass of wine to my lips, trying to clear my head of all thoughts but something was calling me and I couldn't understand it.
"..ina? Mina?" Jacob wove a hand in front of me and I blinked foggily.
"Hmm?" I looked at him as he blinked with a slow frown.
"Something wrong?" He asked with an intense gaze.
"No, not really," I forced a bite before I swallowed convulsively. I could taste the hint of blood still lingering and my toes curled with a sense of urgency. "I think I'll be heading out."
"Jacob," Frank began. Jacob was already wiping his mouth with his sleeve, pushing up to his feet as the chair scrapped against the wooden floor. "Be sure to keep your senses," Frank stared down Jacob who surprisingly, didn't make a snide remark.
I walked off, my feet quickening the pace as my voice picked up. "Cardea's Protection, Make Up!"
Energy pooled from my chest as it wrapped around me. Black bat wings flipped just above my ears as Tuscan red orbs formed where they attached themselves, shrinking down. Holding the ornaments were a simple black band of metal wrapped around my forehead. My ears adorned in partial red rings steeped in my earlobes. My bodice was black and covered my chest to end at my neck in a frill, leaving my shoulders bare. My choker was a Crimson red metal band just below the end of the 'turtleneck' frills. The collar was duo-layered, the top being a Tuscan red partial cape edged in a Crimson red frill that reached to the middle of my back, the bottom a heavy silver cape that trailed to my ankles. The brooch attached to the dip between my breasts was diamond-shaped and Tuscan red with a Crimson red metal edging.
I wore a duo-layered of skirts, the top a part of the bodice, a black fabric and underneath was a transparent silver lacey skirt. Around my waist was a Crimson red metal band. My arms were covered from palm to nearly to my elbows in a Tuscan red fabric, the top ending in a frilled design. My wrists bore a Crimson red bangle and each fingernail was coated in Crimson red polish. My legs were covered in Tuscan red stockings that reached to the middle of my thighs, where I wore silver legging stemming from the black heels. The silver leggings reached halfway to my knees, and were buttoned up on the outsides of my calves with Tuscan red buttons.
My eyes blinked slowly, the light brown fading into a blood red as my mouth curved into a smile, the fangs white against the suddenly red lips.
The call was stronger in this form but I ignored it as best as I could, focusing on the wind and air currents, trying to pick up the scent of what was traveling in dangerous territory.
"Vampires," Jacob's hiss was from just behind me. His eyes had lightened into white gold, his teeth bared fully as a growl vibrated through his entire diaphragm.
"They've been congressing more and more lately," I glanced at the skies before I took off in a swift run. Jacob kept slow enough to keep in step with me.
The scent finally came fully as I recognized it. I came to a sudden stop with an inward gasp. "Elizabeth!"
Jacob pivoted on his heels, his eyes narrowed. "Her? But how?"
"I don't know," I couldn't keep the be wilderness out of my voice. "Oh shit, here she comes!"
A blacken figure landed like a falling star to reform into a beautiful, if sinister look of a beautiful raven haired woman. With eyes as dark as her hair, her skin so pale it was nearly translucent, and clothed in what could only be considered gothic nowadays, she moved forward slowly, her pointed tongue lapping at her dark red pouty lips.
"Oh, how sweet to meet again, no?" She spoke with a lint of the French accent. "Little Mina, you are still around?"
"I should ask you of the same thing," I spoke carefully, warily. "Where have you been now?"
"With Master, beloved. He has not been happy for so long but finally, he is breaking free."
"How could he?" I spoke harshly. "I fought and won!"
"Won nothing, my dear," She pulled back, her hair fluttering around her lithe frame. "You came to a standstill. But you should know.." her smile sharpened. "Hear his call for you?" Her whisper stung in my ears. "Desire and lust and need… oh, but you have not been exempt, now have you? You know what he wants and he knows what you want.." Her suggestive tones made me want to box my ears.
"Get away!" Jacob hissed at the few steps she had taken toward me. "She is a protector against evil! She will not fail!"
I stood straighter. "No, I won't. Regardless whether he survived or not.."
Her laughter was musical and cunning all in one. "Oh, my dear fool, you have no idea. He is awakening more and becoming stronger. You will find that all of your senses and good will will be utterly destroyed in the fire he brewed in you. Have you not noticed any changes?"
I swallowed my scream. I wasn't stupid but it took a long, long time for those slow changes to happen. I just thought it was merely me becoming a soldier, not because of this.
Her laughter was condescending as I moved. "Deathly Leech!" Black energy erupted from my pointed hand as it formed into bat wings, wrapping around her. I heard a muffled curse and then a streak took across the stars as Elizabeth fled.
I found myself panting before I began to whack myself with my hands with confusion. "God! Like I really needed this!" I swore angrily.
"Mina."
I looked up with a start as fingers wrapped gently against my wrists. Up close and in soldier form, my nose picked up his masculine odor as well as the blood in his veins. I found myself curling into him without realizing it and feeling his hand weave in my hair.
"Mina.." Though he spoke, there was no hint of emotions, as if he suddenly closed off against me. I flushed and pushed away, rubbing my face worriedly. "I'm sorry." This time, he spoke with remorse, shifting worriedly.
"We have a long night so let's get going," I spoke, looking over his left shoulder, unable to look into his eyes. I was afraid more for myself. I knew how I felt and how torn I was. But while I could be more sure of what Frank thought and felt, Jacob, even after over sixty years of knowing each other, was still a mystery.