Author's note: I do not own Hellsing, X-men, or their characters.

My Beloved Monster

Integra strode into the mansion. There were a number of things that Walter could have sent her. She had requested more ammunition and weaponry at the beginning of the month, and Walter probably had purchased her a small gift. And knowing Alucard, there was probably something from him in there as well. She blinked in surprise when she came across three cardboard boxes and a coffin. He hadn't.

With a sigh, she first turned to the cardboard boxes. The first two contained weaponry and ammunition. Integra turned to the third, ignoring the coffin as well as the audience that she had acquired. It proved to be Christmas presents and cold weather gear. That just left the coffin. Taking in the packing tape and packing straps, Integra turned to the gathered audience.

"Does anyone have a pair of scissors I could use?"

Rogue produced a pair. "So why are people sending you coffins?"

Integra grimaced. "Because they want to give me headaches. Honestly, I'm not sure. I'm hoping for an explanation when I open it."

She felt a mental intrusion, and for the first time in months, she completely closed off her mind. Then Integra kicked the coffin. That prompted a raised eyebrow from Rogue. As Integra set to work removing the bindings on the coffin, Logan strolled into the room with a cup of coffee. Integra looked up from her work.

"Those two boxes can go to the garage. I'll take the other up to my room. Was there any thing else delivered?"

He shrugged. "There was something else, but it's been held up in customs according to the delivery man. Why exactly is the coffin for?"

Integra cut the last of the bindings. Sitting back on her heels, she stared at the coffin before rapping on its top. "Of course it was. Out. Now. No dramatics. No scaring people. I want an explanation, Alucard."

The coffin lid rose. There were shrieks from behind her. Integra ignored these. Alucard sat up and grinned at her. Logan took a step back while Integra simple rubbed her temple. She could feel the headache coming on.

"Alucard. Explain. Now."

"My master isn't happy to see her loyal servant?" The vampire pouted at her.

Integra rolled her eyes.

"I would have preferred some prior warning. And stop making eyes at him," she called over her shoulder at the girls who were admiring her vampire. "Trust me, you are way out of your league."

Her vampire sighed and muttered something about her ruining all his fun. Integra tapped her fingers impatiently. Alucard stepped out of the coffin and settled beside her. "Walter had been concerned given your recent activities. I am fully aware that there have been some rather close calls."

She did not fidget under his gaze, and Alucard did not pry. They would get to that matter at a later date and hopefully privately as well. She doubted her monster was pleased with some of the risks she had been taking.

He continued, "Furthermore, Walter thinks that my presence at Hellsing without you is undermining some of the intelligence gathering he's doing."

Integra took that to mean Alucard was bored and making a general nuisance of himself. Logan was looking torn between laughter and terror. Integra sighed. Alucard had that effect on people. Rising to her feet, Integra decided not to overwhelm the group for now. She imperiously gestured to the one cardboard box.

"Bring that with you, Alucard. We'll finish this discussion in my room."

Integra pulled the blinds, shutting out the sunlight before taking a seat on her bed. Alucard dropped the box at the foot of the bed before lounging beside Integra. His head rest on her thigh, and he smiled up at her.

"Is it really so bad to have me here, Master?"

It wasn't, but she wasn't about to acknowledge that verbally. There was no need to give Alucard any more ammunition. "What were the other reasons for you coming here?"

His grin widens. "So suspicious. We've taught you well. There have been hints at an attempt to remove you from your position. Walter wanted a little insurance and to remind the council part of why you are the Master of Hellsing."

She nodded. That made more sense. Integra was the only one who could control Alucard, and they could not afford to have the council forget that. She supposed that her late uncle could have fathered a child or two that would have the proper bloodline, but Integra doubted they would pass her monster's tests. Alucard had implied that even her father had just barely met his standards for a master. She was not sure what had she had done to impress her monster so, but Integra wasn't going to argue with the results.

Alucard shifted, capturing one of her hands in his own. His crimson eyes twinkled at her. "I'm hungry, Master."

"And when was the last time some fed you?"

"Before Walter shipped me."

And no doubt the medical blood was in the box that got held up in customs. She thought over her options. Alucard would be perfectly fine without a meal for a few weeks. However, he would be rather whiny and obnoxious about it. And it would keep him from being at full strength. While she doubted that it would be an issue, strategically it would be better to have the vampire at full strength.

"Don't get used to this, Alucard." Integra reached for her nightstand. "Once the medical blood arrives, I won't be hand feeding you any longer."

Alucard sat up, watching as Integra carefully sliced across the palm of her hand. Alucard lifted her into his lap, wrapping on arm around her waist and pressing her injury to his lips. His tongue was warm against her skin, and Integra did her best to relax. This wouldn't be the first time she had deliberately fed Alucard, but it wasn't something she was used to. Alucard made a pleased noise and held her a little closer.

Jean chose that moment to walk into the room. She stared at the scene they made in shock before screaming. Integra tensed, and Alucard snarled at her.

"What do you want, Jean?"

"What the hell is going on here?"

Integra sighed. "Alucard, enough. I'll feed you tomorrow."

Her monster made a noise of protest but licked her palm one last time, sealing the wound. Integra disentangle herself from the vampire and rose to her feet. Time to take charge of the situation before things got out of hand.

"Jean, shut your mouth or something might fly into it. Alucard, come. I should speak to Xavier before rumors start running rampant."

Thankfully, Xavier was in his office, though he seemed rather nonplussed when she strode in with Alucard in tow. Alucard took up residence in one of the chairs while Integra explained the situation. She couldn't tell if Xavier was surprised or simply afraid.

"You're saying that this is a vampire? And he is bound to you and will now be living here?"

"Yes." Integra shrugged. "You need not worry. Alucard will obey me. He will not feed on any of your students. My butler has sent a supply of medical blood for Alucard, and until it arrives, I will feed him personally."

Xavier appeared too stunned to do more than simple accept what she had to say, and Integra excused herself and Alucard. She would have to make some announcements regarding her monster, but that could wait until dinner when everyone was assembled. Until then, her time would be better spent getting the vampire settled. Him staying in her room was out of the question. Beast's lab took up most of the basement, but perhaps she could find some unoccupied space to set up Alucard's coffin. It would not be as spacious or comfortable as his quarters at Hellsing, but it would do.

She managed to get Logan to help out with that. The older man seemed very wary of Alucard, but Integra simply took that as common sense. Logan was the only one other than herself that knew what Alucard was capable of. With her monster settled, Integra took a few minutes to herself to compose herself and figure out what exactly to tell the other students. She had laid out some ground rules for Alucard, but Integra was wise enough to know that she couldn't change the vampire's nature. All she could do was give warnings and hope the students here wouldn't end up too emotionally scarred.

Integra waited until everyone had been served before standing and making her announcement.

"I am sure everyone has heard that I have received some packages today. One of them contained my servant, Alucard. He is a vampire, and he will be staying until I leave. You need not fear him feeding off of you, but please be aware that Alucard is very fond of teasing people and has a different sense of what is funny than most people. He is also not something to be crossed. He was no qualms about killing and is very good at it." Integra looked around the table. "Furthermore, I would remind you that he is not human and does not share our sensibilities about many things. If there are any issues or complaints, you may come to me about them."

She resumed her seat and tucked into her meal, carefully watching the reactions of the other students. Things were definitely going to get a little more interesting. Integra only hoped that there wouldn't be any casualties. She didn't need the paperwork those would cause.