I do not own Dracula. I only own Annabell.

Story Start

"Are you glad you're back home?" my Uncle asked me softly as we rode in the carriage through the streets of London.

The early morning fog filling the streets made me feel nostalgic to my childhood. I had grown up in this city, but the last few years I was in America traveling. My Uncle thought it would benefit me to see the other country and their way of doing things, and it was interesting. I met many great people, but now that my Uncle was ready for me to marry, I was brought back to London.

"Of course, I'm happy to be home. However, I am not happy for the reason why you brought me back when I was not done traveling," I said and brushed my light brown curly hair away from my face. My annoyed dark blue eyes glanced at my uncle, who just gave a small frown.

"You're already 23 years old, you should have already had grandchildren by now," he said and gave a tired sigh. "I was sad the day your parents passed, but I promised them I would take you in and raise you well. I know I've done that but when can this old man get some grand babies?" he asked and tried to give me a grin.

"I appreciate everything you've done for me, and you've become my father. However, you will not be getting grand babies until I find a man that I can tolerate," I told him with a smirk.

"I'll never get grand babies," my uncle said with a small whine.

"Probably not, so what is happening tonight that has the whole city in a buzz?" I questioned as we neared my Uncle's estate.

"An American, Alexander Grayson, is inviting the elite of the city to his home to show off his new technology, which will destroy the country's dependency on oil," he informed me as we exited the carriage and walked into the house.

"Does he enjoy placing a bulls eye on his back?" I asked since I knew how ruthless the men in the oil companies here were. I had already had the displeasure of meeting all of them, and I quite happily would watch them burn in the oil.

"That's not nice, Annabell," my uncle said as he tapped his cane on the floor.

"But it's true," I replied before walking upstairs to my room to get prepared for the event since I knew my uncle would not let me miss it. However, I would be lying if I said I was not intrigued by Mr. Grayson's idea, whatever it was.

I washed and changed into a new dress. I decided to go with something a little bold to welcome myself back into the city and the social life. I was not the most well loved amongst the men of the society since I spoke my mind and did not believe that men were of a higher status. However, I did have two good friends that I knew would be excited to see me again. Lucy and Mina did not always understand everything I did or chose to do, but they were always there to support me.

"You're wearing that?" my uncle exclaimed before chuckling. He had just watched me walk downstairs with my hair flowing down my back with gold jewelry in my hair and on my neck. The gold stood out beautifully with the red dress. "This city will definitely remember you," he said as he took my arm and we walked outside to the carriage waiting for us.

"Well that was the idea," I said with a laugh as the carriage took off to Mr. Grayson's estate.

The ride to Mr. Grayson's estate was passed with Uncle and I catching up on what I've missed. He informed me about how Mina was doing well in her medical studies with Dr. Van Helsing. Lucy was being her usual self but now she was courting with a man, who her mother actually approved of for once. I grew more excited the closer we got to the beautiful looking estate. I was surprised at the size of the home, but I knew grandeur would not impress Mr. Grayson's competition.

"This should be fun. Uncle I'm going to find Mina and Lucy," I said and he just frowned at me because he thought it was wrong for me to just run around by myself. I pity the person who tries to bother me or accost me while I'm by myself.

Walking through the home was fun but I stayed amongst the crowds. It would be rude to venture into the interior of the home without permission. After a little bit of searching I saw a familiar blonde and brunette, who were always inseparable. My two friends were standing between two men, who must be the ones courting them now. With a smirk, I quietly sneaked up behind the two of them.

"Hello girls," I said and laughed when they jumped in fright.

Mina was the first to turn around and stare at me in shock. "Annabell," she screamed before pulling me into a tight hug.

"Hey Mina, it's so good to see you again, you too Lucy," I said with a smile when I saw a perturbed looking Lucy. She always hated when I scared her.

"When did you get back?" Lucy questioned while latching her arm with her man's as if I would want him.

"Earlier this morning," I said while Mina detached herself from me. "Hello I'm Annabell, the childhood friend of these two," I introduced myself to the men, who were then introduced to me.

"I'm glad you're back. I have so much to tell you," Mina started telling me before a man's voice silenced the crowd.

"Presenting Mr. Alexander Grayson," a man at the top of the stairs informed everyone. He must be Mr. Grayson's butler.

Everyone watched as a man in a nice suit and slicked back hair stepped into view. His dark hair, pale skin, and blue eyes made him a striking and handsome figure. He scanned the crowd and I froze as his eyes met mine. My heart jumped when our eyes met.

"He looks familiar," I softly whispered as he kept his gaze on me and slowly descended the stairs. Nobody heard what I said, but I saw Mina and Lucy's men holding the women closer to them, which made a clear path to me.

"Welcome to my home," Mr. Grayson said as he stopped in front of us. He smiled at the others around me before holding out his hand for mine. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss," he said as I slipped my hand into his and he kissed my knuckles before looking at me expectantly.

"Annabell," I said and gave a courteous smile, but I was still feeling strange since I felt like I knew him. However, I had never seen him before in my life.