I don't really have a good enough excuse for not updating for months... But in my defence I did write a full chapter just to have it deleted by ... Well anyway, I'm sorry for the lack of updates but I can't promise I'll update often from now on...
Bertrand stared at the wall.' I'm sure there was a perfectly good reason for Vlad's actions. I must have appeared guilty... After all, I did betray his trust once, and he didn't know the murderer is a shapeshifter.'
"You're still there? It's been over a week now, so stop being such a bore and do something!"
Bertrand simply ignored the person addressing him, and went back to mentally trying to justify Vlad's attempt on his life.
"Earth to Bertrand, this is Erin. Can you hear me?"
Bertrand got up and went to the other side of the room, then stared at the wall opposite him.
"You know, you're going to have to come out soon or you'll starve to death."
She received no reply. This only added to her frustration. After looking around the room for some way to express her feelings, she found a book. Deciding this would be accurate enough, she promptly threw it at Betrand's head.
Before she even had time to blink Betrand was in her face. "What," he ground out, "was that for?" Erin smirked and replied, "Well, I suppose we've got to start somewhere."
"Excuse me?" Bertrand asked, not understanding what she was getting at.
"Dear little Vlad tried to kill you, betraying your trust in him, and he dishonoured my wish to die rather than become a vampire, which betrayed my trust. I propose we team up and give Vlad some payback. Are you in?"
"No."
Bertrand's answer was so blunt and cold, it even surprised Erin.
In the past Bertrand would probably have leaped at the chance to receive vengeance on anyone who dared try to mess with him. But this was now, and this was Vlad.
Though he's loathe to admit it, even to himself, he has become fond of the boy, and takes pride in him. Bertrand couldn't deny the joy he felt each time Vladimir Dracula learned something new thanks to his help, and he cannot rid himself of his desire to help Vlad achieve his goals. Over time, Bertrand learned to see Vlad as more than 'The Chosen One', his key to an abundance of power, and instead now saw him as a friend. Granted, he was sad and slightly angry at Vlad for trying to kill him, but he could see the logic behind his act and knew he only meant well. Even if he couldn't have found a reason behind Vlad's sudden violent behaviour, he knew he would never be able to harm the boy. One of the reasons was because Vlad's father would utterly destroy him if he dared ever attempt anything like that again, but the main reason was because he cared. Which led him to deny Erin's offer of companionship.
The smirk slowly faded from Erin's face as she made her way to exit the room. "If you won't join me in vengeance, then at least join me in getting a bite to eat. From the blood banks, of course." Just as Bertrand was about to deny the offer she added, "I won't take 'no' for an answer."
As she stood resolute in the door frame he sighed, and placed a palm to his head. "Fine." he said, accepting her offer, albeit begrudgingly. He could tell from the mischievous twinkle in her eyes that she would cause him a lot of trouble in future.
As she left the room he reluctantly trailed behind, steeling himself for any attempts she'd make to gain his support.
