A/N - Enjoy.
Come to me, my bride...
My dearest wife...
Wake up.
I awoke gently, unlike the usual violent spasms I generally endured. His voice echoed in my mind and his touch wafted over my skin. I was in his coffin. The dank air was warm but smelled of wood, dirt, and wet stone.
The fog of memory was on my mind and I shook my head slightly, trying to clear it. The lid was on the box and all was dark and quiet. I felt beside me only to run my fingers over the soft red velvet. He was not there and my agitation formed. I began to think maybe it had all been a dream after all and I had just lost myself in delusions.
I was still undressed as I looked down upon myself but could not see, only feel the air against my naked skin. I let out a huff of frustration and reached up, sliding my fingers over the wood and pushed. Somehow it was unusually heavy. Like moving a block of granite. I struggled to push it up and over just enough so that I could squeeze myself out.
Slipping through the crack, I crouched low feeling the cobblestone beneath my feet. It was dark in the room and the fire was no longer roaring. The chair and wine still sat vacant and untouched. His jacket was gone and so was the dress that had lain across the floor. Sighing, I used what power I had left to summon up some attire. Just choosing to wear a loose black sweater dress with black tights and combat boots. I ran my hands through my hair, finding the curls in perfect condition as always.
I stepped forward and listened to the echo reverberate off of the walls. I walked cautiously to the end of the bedroom. I thought it unusual that a room, albeit in the basement, of such a large household should be bustling with noise but all was eerily silent. Looking up, I realized holy seals protected this place. Or rather, sealed it.
I nearly growled in anger. How dare he leave me down here to fend for myself. Especially after we just...
I blushed and gingerly touched my neck, feeling the light sting around his bite and I realized then that it had not been a dream which was of some satisfaction. Sighing, I realized that I would just have to make do without him. Just waking up, I could already feel his blood within me, beckoning. He must have known I had awoken and felt my displeasure. He was calling.
I strained my eyes in darkness to look for a way out. I didn't have enough power left to materialize or otherwise so I must find a more practical way to leave. As I approached the end, my keen hearing listened to an echo that bounced down a hallway of sorts. Lifting my foot up, I realized it was a rather large stair case. Wrapping my arms around myself, I walked upward. The seals along the walls - implanted into the very stone - made my skin hurt.
Realizing the way he had been kept, Abraham must have indeed kept him as more of a pet. As a vampire, I couldn't have stomached living in such a place. Without the freedom to hunt or run. No freedom to congregate with others or even read. What an undead life. It must have been like living in a rather spacious stone coffin, entombed with your memories and no one to assuage your pain.
As I approached the end of the endless stairs, I reached out my hand to feel for a door knob or a notch of some sort but I found nothing. My hands slid across the the wall which was oddly smooth like fine grain wood instead of the stone that surrounded it. I pushed and pulled but all it did was rattle. It definitely was not part of the rest of the wall so this had to be the exit. Finally, after pushing against the wood, it slid out just a little. Letting a stream of light flood into the stairwell, bringing with it the smells and noises of the household that immediately assaulted my senses.
I dug my fingers into the crack and pulled. The door slid out easily and I stepped into a dimly lit hallway. Turning around, I saw that the "door" was actually a large mirror and I could see myself staring back. My flawless pale skin and subtle petal shaped lips. My dark curls bounced gingerly down my back to rest just above my knees. I could see the wildness growing in my eyes as I hadn't fed very well and my power was waning although I could feel Alucard's presence within me. He pulled me as If luring me towards a certain part of the mansion. I slid the secret passage closed gently and followed his guidance.
The hallways, like the rest of the manor, were finely decorated. Long fine red rugs adorned the cherry wood floors. As I walked my steps were silent which was a relief. I didn't know how many other creatures they would have dwelling here. Many paintings and fine pieces of art work glittered under ambient lighting. Finely painted china and vases sitting upon equally fine dark wood tables and displays.
As I went, following the hallway down and traveling up a short case of stairs, I could hear the chatter of the maids as they worked busily down stairs, the clang of glass as they prepared their mistress' afternoon tea. It was all so assaulting and no matter how hard I tried to feel him out, I could not hear Alucard nor his past master. No one spoke. Which made me think that they were waiting for me.
Anxiety rose in my throat at the thought of it but I had to swallow it.
Come to me, little one...
As I followed obediently, I eventually came to stop in front of a rather large pair of oak doors that were stained darkly. Large golden handles stuck out, glittering. Two armed guards stood there but paid me no mind and I sniffed in my displacement.
Inside, I could finally hear the soft breathing of Integra and her heart as it beat rather calmly inside of her bony cage. Dracula's presence called out to me as if he were standing right next to me and it made me want to swoon. Most likely because my lack of feeding.
I reached out my hand but before my fingers could even brush the metal of the knob, the door opened for me.
I bit my lip, peering into the dark room. I could feel him within trying to coax me and comfort me and I drifted forward on my feet on none of my own free will.
As I stepped around the large door, I could see Integra sitting at a large wooden desk. Dressed in her usual blue suit, her silver cross glinting in the light.
It was not day time as the room has many large windows and I could see the cold stars in the distance, twinkling. I nearly blushed as I realized I must have slept all day.
Dracula was waiting for me, sitting in a chair across from his had-been master. His eyes were fresh with life and he smirked at me, holding out his hand. The door creaked as it closed behind me and I walked towards him, letting my arms fall to my sides.
He looked different. His skin was darker though his hair remained just as wild. He was wearing the same fine black suit but behind his thick curls his ears had pointed and the features of his face were more defined. He looked like a very fearsome Nosferatu indeed.
As I came closer, I could see another vampire. Tiny and blonde. Her mouse-like face and cautious eyes peeking out from the shadows she was engulfed in. She was dressed in a red uniform marked for Hellsing. It made me hesitate but Dracula beckoned me further.
I reached out and my hand came to rest in his and all was right. His touch immediately soothed my nerves and I sank slowly in the chair adjacent to his.
It was Integra who spoke first, clearing her throat and taking a long drag off of her cigar.
"We were just discussing the... Agreement you two decided upon."
My eyes flickered over to Alucard and back to face the blond woman. He seemed calm enough so I just nodded. His thumb massaged the back of my hand.
She continued. Curiously, I noticed that her hair was strangely out of sorts, her hand was bloodied, her lip was split. Her eyes had reddened and swollen.
"I knew you two would come to that decision. It was something myself as well as my father had been preparing for. I know you wish to return to your homeland with each other, which is agreeable. Alucard is no longer bound to me and is once again his own master. You see, I am quite the old lady now and I have no one to be my successor. So, I myself have come up with a position to offer. My Hellsing will be needing a director and I would like for Alucard to take over my position."
She spoke firmly, her cold blue eyes gazing directly unto me. I stared back. It was Alucard's voice that spoke next. His deep voice rumbling from low in his chest. I hadn't noticed until now that he had developed an accent that was reminiscent of my homeland.
"Integra wishes for me to be the director of Hellsing. Since we will be residing on the continent however, Seras," He waved his hand towards the short vampire girl, "Will be one of my advisors while I am away. Integra and Her Majesty are letting us leave freely if I agree, which I have."
His warm red eyes washed over me and I couldn't help the need to agree. After all, it seemed all the decisions had already been made and Dracula was now my master. I couldn't object.
I knew this was just a way for Integra - or rather - The Queen and the organization to keep tabs on Alucard, or as they say, "The pride of Hellsing" but I could say no more on the matter. It already looked like they had quite the disagreement as I noticed the broken glass and books that littered the floor around the office. The wounds in the wall where it has obviously been stabbed repeatedly. A pity the ruckus hadn't woken me up, it would have been funny to watch.
"I know your situation has become quite complex as of late however, we would greatly appreciate if you would consider continuing your yearly funding," Integra nodded slightly towards Alucard, removing the cigar from between her lips.
I nodded once again and pursed my lips. Every one was looking upon me as If I had something important to say.
"Of course," I stuttered nearly melting under her gaze. There was a fire burning there in anger and spite. I know she wanted nothing more to reach across the table and slap me. Or perhaps stab me a couple hundred times. She was fierce and seemingly protective and now she was just expected to let go of the thing the Hellsing family took so many decades to perfect. Their weapon of mass destruction on the lose once again. It made me wonder as to her relationship with said vampire. They must hold some deep affections.
My thoughts overcame me as I envisioned her atop me, trying to tear out my heart. I knew Dracula could see yet I couldn't stop. He knew as well. He respected the woman and perhaps, even loved her.
I wondered at last why he did not change her.
After a few silent moments, Dracula turned back and nodded. My thoughts were clearly his undoing. He roused to his feet gracefully, taking me with him.
"We leave now." He announced.
"It has been a pleasure, Count," Integra smiled slightly before stubbing out her cigar and nodding towards me, "Countess."
"We will see each other soon, Sir Integra. Seras," He regarded her deeply, his eyes softening.
"Why does she not come?" I asked in his direction lightly, motioning with my eyes to the tiny girl who was clearly my vampire sister. "She is your fledgling, is she not?"
"She is," he started slowly, recovering from my unexpected question, "But she has drank of another and is her own master. She wishes to remain in England for this is where she was created. She knows nothing of our land."
She smiled sheepishly, almost blushing quite delightfully, coming to stand by the directors side without a word.
After another long pause, Dracula bowed slightly and swept me from the room. He traveled swiftly, bringing me to the front corridor without saying a word. I could tell he was in a hurry and his face was pensive. It concerned me.
Suddenly a chubby little butler with red hair and sweat on his brow scuttled up and handed me my coat. The one I had abandoned previously. I took it gratefully and he scuttled away. Wrapping myself up in warmth, I felt my phone still in the left pocket.
Alucard himself was still dressed in his fine black suit, however, now he had a nice button up pea coat tossed over it. To perpetuate the human need for warmth, no doubt.
He placed his hand on the small of my back and led me outside onto the same rocky gravel. It was a harsh night and the wind was whipping fiercely. There was a fine Mercedes waiting for us in the drive. Dracula opened the door and ushered me in. He slid into the vehicle after me with his usual unnatural grace and shut the door softly. The driver was separated from us by a glass wall, but he tipped his hat and sped off.
As we left the manor grounds, Alucard did not even look back.
I settled back against the warm leather seats and stared out the window at the same rolling fields that passed by, glowing with moonlight. London was but a distant roar in the background.
"Did you sleep well?" His voice was softer now.
I tore my gaze away to look at him and nodded.
"You should have woken me up," I reprimanded him harshly, looking away once more.
He chuckled beside me.
"You were resting." He said. I could feel his power curling around me.
I pouted and continued to watch the rolling pictures.
"... You didn't really say goodbye." I said finally, glancing back over at him.
"... We had already discussed the situation. Integra is not really concerning herself. She was merely being polite. Since you are mine, so are your funds and estates. She can be sure I will continue to support. You slept for so long we had already procured our dues." He answered slowly, his voice becoming tart.
I raised my eyebrow at him. So he was suddenly going to lay claim to all of the things and relationships that had taken me centuries to build?
He chuckled at my thoughts and leaned down, his burning eyes gazing into mine. His hand held my face gently, his claws opening tiny wounds over my flesh.
"Do not worry, my dear. I will be a good husband to you. You are my most beloved. Do you not remember?"
I struggled to close my eyes in some futile attempt to shut out his gaze.
"No..." I whispered and suddenly I was shaking.
He did not let me go for some time before I tugged at his fingers and they gave away. I tore my face away from him and sat in silence. I wanted to rage and hit him. Hard. The image of his flesh hanging between my claws, his blood running over my lips somehow enticed and aroused me but I digress. Such violence would not help my situation. The car was thick with melancholy.
"Where are we going?" I asked finally, clicking my tongue in annoyance. My mind had been mulling over his true relationship with his previous master.
"You left your things. Did you still want to get them?"
"Oh." Was all I said. It was night. Aulus and Clara would be out. I hadn't returned to them for nearly three days. They must be searching, I realized. As we drew closer to the city, I could feel their auras against the backdrop of the other immortals who lived in London town.
I stifled a yawn and almost bit my tongue. I was too thirsty.
Dracula chuckled once more, his arm coming to wrap around my shoulder. He was reading my thoughts and I was too powerless to ward him off.
He drew me to him which forced me to face him.
"Drink." He commanded and I did.
Hauling myself up, I straddled him best I could and bit into his flesh.
He had probably just fed as his body was hot. He must have fed on many. The blood flowed into me, splashing down my throat. Soothing the burning deep in my gut.
I didn't take much. I did not want to leave him weak for travel. He growled appreciatively as I drank, almost whining when I had had my fill.
"Do not worry," I purred, licking my lips. "There will be time."
He smiled haughtily and kissed me fiercely. After he let go, it seemed as if I were out of breath.
I growled at him playfully.
"You should stop that or i'll be tempted to take you right here." I smirked, pushing off of him.
He smiled but said no more, his hands crossing neatly in his own lap.
It was some time before we pulled into the city, zooming down the narrow streets. The mortals all seemed merry. Drinking and dancing. Lovers on the street. Teenagers in groups wandering.
We pulled up to the hotel quickly, other suave looking vehicles pulling out quickly with their rich mortal beneficiaries in tow. As we pulled up to the door, I swam in anxiety. I couldn't feel Aulus nor Clara inside, but they were close by somewhere. I did not know if they meant to trick me.
"Do not worry. I have been hiding your presence," Alucard said finally after sometime having watched my mental debate, "Get your things and then we will be home. Quickly." He chided.
I wanted to slap the stupid look off of his face as he commanded me but instead, I summoned up my power and walked out into the night.
"Where is she?!" Clara sounded panicked. The usually stoic and cocky woman was out of her mind trying to find the woman they had been given the task of watching over.
"I know not," Aulus growled, sniffing the air once more. He could not feel her not pick up her scent. He was starting to wonder if she had left the country. "The fucking bitch."
They had searched nearly the whole of London and the surrounding country side trying to find Aurelia.
"What will Stefan say?" Clara whimpered, envisioning the torment the demon would put her through.
Aulus backhanded her harshly. The blond woman fell against a brick wall, leaving a fine indentation in the building before she collapsed to the ground.
"Enough. She is not here. We must go to the Hellsing place."
Clara, despite her punishments, wanted to object. Hellsing was quite frankly where stupid vampires went to die.
"Please, no." She stood before him, clutching her injured face. A gash was already beginning to close itself and she stepped closer to him. The dark red blood seeping back into her skin.
"Enough, I said," Aulus growled, going to hit her again. Clara cowered back to the ground to avoid his hand. When it did not connect with her flesh, she nodded slowly.
He grabbed her by fine blonde curls and yanked her up.
"Let's go."
As I entered the hotel room, Aulus and Clara were both no where to be found as well as their belongings. Which made the situation all the more concerning and curious. I as anxious to get back home and solidify my estates and my power should an attack be looming.
I collected my things with ease, having my coffin transported down to the car by apprehensive bell boys. It was done in a hurry and before I knew it Dracula and I had sped off and were being led into the airport. My jet liner was fully fueled and ready for us, much to my surprise.
Heavily armed guards escorted us through the terminal and on to the plane.
"Courtesy of Her Majesty," The pilot bowed before jumping into the cock pit.
Our things were loaded quickly. A separate car pulled up with Dracula's coffin and other things as well. I looked over at him curiously but he said nothing and only gazed at me blankly through his orange goggles.
I originally sat in a seat opposite to Alucard but my head started to pound as the plane began to ascend into the skies. After it had leveled, I rose from my seat and went over to sit in his lap. Of which he did not object. I buried my face in his chest, inhaling his pleasant scent.
"I missed you." I said lightly as he stroked my hair back, his fingers dancing lightly over his bite.
I felt his cool lips against my skin in response and all was well for the moment.
A/N - :3