The next night, Alison awoke groggy and fatigued. She knew Dracula had slipped something into her bloodstream. She slowly stood up and almost fell. Her vision was blurry and her feet were wobbly. She looked around the room she was in and gasped. She was no longer in a dark, dank dungeon, but in a glorious master bedroom covered with crimson satin and silk. She felt like a princess. She looked down at herself and realized that he had changed her. She was now in a beautiful indigo satin dress that cut low across her bosom and accentuated her tiny waist perfectly. Her auburn curls were piled on top of her delicate head with a few stray ringlets falling around her pale but rosy face. She was very uncomfortable with the idea that he had seen her naked, but strangely turned on by it.

She opened the door to the hall and walked out. The castle was beautiful. Art, jewels, and ornaments decorated every nook and cranny of the fortress. She dizzily limped down the grand spiral staircase and walked around the foyer a bit. She was looking at a painting of a beautiful transylvanian landscape when she felt a strong arm grasp her waist around the front and pull her back into a muscular masculine body. His head bent down and whispered in her ear seductively, "Did you sleep well my darling?"

Alison turned to face Dracula and smiled politely. Even though she knew he was evil, she was always the sweet girl. "Yes... marvelous." And curtsied a bit before he shook his head and lifted her chin up.

"No... we are equals my love. I plan to marry you as soon as I rid myself of these worthless brides." He smiled and kissed her gently on the cheek. She pulled back and gasped.

"Married!...? No! I barely know you. I have to leave this place." she said as she began to run. He grabbed her easily by the arm and pulled her back. As she struggled, he noticed something on her arm. He pulled up her sleeve and gave her a puzzling look.

"What are these pray tell?" pointing to horizontal scars on the underside of her forearm. She pulled her arm back protectively and looked ashamed.

"Nothing. Just cat scratches..." she lied.

"Girl... I am over 400 years old. Do not think that you can keep your thoughts from me. You hurt yourself don't you?" He asked sympathetically.

"Yes..." she said. Tears welling up in her eyes. "I do."

"But why? You seem so perfect.... you ARE perfect."

"I know... that's the problem! Everyone thinks I'm just Alison. Perfect little Alison with no problems. But it's not true! My mind doesn't function like others. I feel confused and tired most of the time. I feel like my mind can't keep up with my thoughts. And this... this horrible habit! Is ruining my life. My health is deteriorating." She said looking down at the floor. Her auburn lashes brushing her rosy cheek.

Dracula cam up to her and wrapped his arms around her slim but curvy frame. "Ssshhh... It's alright. I had the same problem during my mortal lifetime. We were not meant for this mortal world. We were meant for immortality. Our souls are far too advanced for normal humans to understand. We are kindred spirits. And when we are wed, I will give you this immortal gift and we can live together forever. Have a family, make a home, love one another.. Live happily." He said looking deeply into her eyes.

"You really think so?" she asked. Her blue eyes still glistening from the slight watering of earlier.

"I know so. Just accept me." He said moving closer. Their lips almost touching. He could smell her vanilla-lilac scent, and she his masculine cologne.

"I... I.... I don't...know..." and after that, his hypnotizing eyes locked on hers as he bent his head for a kiss. Their lips met and she kissed her first kiss. It was wonderful. Too perfect for words. This good christian girl was falling for the son of the devil. As dracula pulled her closer and began to really get into the moment, one of the beautiful glass windows shattered, and boots were heard hitting the stone floor....