Chapter Twenty One
Fate
The Count smiled fondly at the blonde haired Vampire in front of him. There was no denying it. He loved her like she was his own child. He loved seeing her happy.
Vlad hadn't been his usual wimpy self a-lately, he had been much colder towards her. But then again, he had Adze now, didn't he?
"Erin, come on.." Bertrand's voice interrupted The Count's thoughts.
Erin stilled. She let go of his hand.
"We can't just leave him here. You don't know what Jasper is capable of, I do."
"Erin-" The Count's voice was strained. "-Go back to the castle, I can look after myself, I promise." He squeezed Erin's clammy hand lightly, and beamed a big smile in her direction.
Erin hesitated, unsure of what to do. "Please be careful." She choked, trying not to cry.
"I will be." The Count lightly touched her cheek with his long, cool fingers.
Erin couldn't look him in the eyes. "Please, please come home in one piece." She could no longer control her tears. Despite everything he had subjected her too over the past few years, she was fond of him. She didn't want to be responsible for another death in The Dracula family, that was for sure.
Bertrand tugged at the sleeve of her jumper. "Come on, Baby-bat, lets go." His voice was low, different, as if he was trying to not let his emotions show.
"I don't know-" Erin began.
Jasper, behind them, yawned rudely.
The Count eyed him with pure hatred. "Manners, my dear boy, cost nothing."
"Oh, be quiet, old man." The Count gasped, affronted.
"Less of the 'old' thank you. I have good reasons to hurt you, my boy. Watch that infant tongue of yours, please." His voice was harsh. He turned back to where Erin and Bertrand were standing.
"Go, now. I promise you'll see me soon. I lo-" He stopped.
"I love you too, Mr Count." Erin said, laughing.
"You're like a daughter to me, Erin, please keep yourself safe, that's all I ask, please. If any one is to be hurt, it is to be me." Erin ran up to him and engulfed him in a great big bear like hug. The Count, wary at first, dropped his guard, and hugged her back.
"I will avenge Ingrid's death, Bertrand." He whispered over Erin's shoulder.
"Just be careful." Bertrand was trying so hard not to cry, that his face was all scrunched up, and he had to turn away from The Count.
"No tears are to be spilled over a silly old bat brain like me, you two. Understand?"
Erin released him and walked back over towards Bertrand. They both nodded in agreement. Both of them watched helplessly as The Count and Jasper squared up to one another.
"What's this?" Jasper laughed, obviously enjoying himself.
"This my dear boy-" The count snarled. "-Is Fate." He lu ed at him.
"Go!" He shouted to Erin and Bertrand.
Erin and Bertrand linked hands, and ran. They ran and they ran until they saw the familiar gates of the castle.