Heyyy, sorry I haven't updated in a while, but I've been busy. I would loooooooove to thank the wonderful TWO people who reviewed. This Chapter is for you. Thanx!!

XOXO,


I could see from the start that there was something more to Gabriel than other men. He was quieter and more withheld, he didn't try to befriend me at first, let alone talk to me. He was more absorbed in his work, and seemingly Velkan. His determination led me to believe that there was something more to this "assignment" that met the eye. He had other reasons to be here, reasons of his own. I had a feeling that I was about to find out what these reasons were, whether I wanted to or not.
They arrived at a large room, crudely decorated in peeling old wallpaper, with a quaint round table in the center, it wasn't extravagant in any way, however Gabriel decided he liked it best so far. A fire roared in the fireplace, casting shadows on the cracked walls. It was here that Anna decided to meet.

"We greatly appreciate you help," Velkan said smiling, "Most people won't come near our family, they're afraid the family curse is contagious," He laughed.

"We're not here to jest and laugh, we have business to attend to, our guests don't need this" Anna said.

"It's quite alright, there is nothing wrong with joking once in a while," Gabriel replied.

"Carl, you haven't said a word since I've met you!! Are you alright?" Velkan questioned, trying to break the tension fighting it's way into the room.

"I'm fine," Carl said, a bit shyly, "Just tired,"

Gabriel put a comforting arm around his friend's shoulders," Perhaps you should go to the inn a bit earlier, I will tell what goes on in this meeting when I arrive there myself," Van Helsing said kindly.

Velkan sighed heavily, "I still insist that you stay here," he almost pleaded. He had to think of something, anything to keep Van Helsing here, he felt something towards him, and they had only just met. Velkan wasn't like Anna, afraid of commitment, afraid to get close to anyone, or take a lover. He had had plenty, mostly just some girls from other towns, unbeknown to the "curse". But he never had felt he would fall in love. With another man especially!! But he believed he was falling, and falling fast for this man.It was indeed love at first sight.

" If you are here than it will be easier for you to protect my sister, and easier to complete your mission. We do after all have the information in this castle of how to find the one you seek,"

"Protect me??!! I need no protecting!!! I'm not the one who called for help after all, my dear brother!!" Anna felt humiliated. Did Van Helsing now believe she was a coward, because of what Velkan said? That she was just another girl, incapable of protecting and fending for herself? Velkan knew how tough she was, why had he said that?? Was he trying to keep this man away from her? Hadn't he always said that she should be married at her age? What if this man was the one? Or worse still, what if he wasn't?

"We will stay here if you wish, we don't want to burden your family though,"

"You are the farthest thing from a burden to our family, Mr. Van Helsing, "It would be a pleasure to have you here,"

"We will begin our hunt tomorrow," Anna interrupted. "Meet me in the front foyer at dawn, If you aren't there at that time, I'll assume you've decided to chicken out, and I'll go alone," With that she left.

"I don't know what's gotten into her," Velkan muttered, apologizing for her behavior, "I'll show you to your rooms,"

The entered the dark hall once more, taking several turns, and climbing more stair cases, until they arrived at an extravagant chamber, Velkan turned to Carl, pointing at one of the many rooms, "You may reside there, it has many books I think a man as yourself will find interesting"

Carl thanked him with a smile and scurried off.

"There are separate bathrooms, a sitting room, and a kitchen, I'm sorry but we don't have any maids, but I will be happy to attend to you and your friend,"

Gabriel smiled again, "I don't have a need for a maid. I thank you for your hospitality; you are so kind for someone I've only just met!!!"

"You are much different than I'd imagined you'd be, "the prince responded, "A lot handsomer, and less rugged,"

"Thank you, I don't know about handsome, but I do like to keep myself clean,"

Velkan brushed some of the dark waves of hair away from Gabriel's face, "You underestimate your own looks!!! I hope you don't feel the same way about your slaying skills!! Or you'll have a lot of trouble facing the Count, which requires a lot of bravery, and trust in your defenses,"

Gabriel felt his heart pounding at the prince's touch. He remained silent, but unconsciously touched his face with a trembling hand.

Velkan felt his heart skip a beat. Was this an invitation to kiss him? Was it wrong to kiss him when he had only known him for a part of a day?

He decided to take a chance, leaned in and kissed him full on the lips. Gabriel let out a gasp in surprise, but returned the gesture. They remained like that for a few more seconds, until Gabriel broke from the kiss,.

"Well I better go, we have a long day ahead of us," Velkan left the room, the adrenaline still rushing through his body.


I should have never kissed him. This foolish gesture was the beginning of our romance, and the beginning of a war, a feud to be correct, a feud that would tear me apart from my best friend, and beloved sister. When I had learned of Anna's feelings, I didn't back off, but neither did she. I should have told her then about the kiss, or about other things but I f I didn't tell her someone was going to get hurt.

Heyyyyyy! I hope you enjoyed this chapter!!!! I will update my other story soon; I just have to fix some of the first chapters!! Don't give up on me yet!! PLEASE REVIEW!!!! I WILL LOVE YOU FOREVER IF YOU DO!!