Rachael was off the table in a single bound. Her face was red and her eyes where flashing. They turned faintly pink. "No!"

"Rachael!" John Paul's voice was firm.

Instantly Rachael sat back down. "I'm sorry," she said softly. She took a deep breath. "I'm listening." The pink light faded from her eyes and she watched John Paul closely.

"This next assignment worries me greatly. But the Vatican insists that only the best go."

Rachael had pulled out a knife and was tracing patterns on the wooden table. "And who would the partner be?" she asked, her voice soft but full of warning.

"You know him well."

Rachael's head came up. "I do?"

"Well, you've heard of him. It's the man they call Van Helsing."

Rachael's mouth opened and she quickly sheathed the knife and came off the table. "Who?"

"His true name is Gabriel Van Helsing."

"Van Helsing." Rachael sighed. "I could have worse. But it won't…"

"You will remain with him at all times," snapped John Paul.

Rachael sighed. "What's the assignment?"

"A hard one. One you will not enjoy," said John Paul carefully, "But it is time to face your fears."

Rachael stiffened and her eyes darkened until they where almost black.

"Four years ago, Count Dracula was killed at the hands of Van Helsing."

"He did die though," said Rachael as she listened carefully.

"Yes. But according to legend, all his offspring where also supposed to die as well. That did not happen. With his first bride, a woman by the name of Elvira, Dracula had a son. One that came instantly to life and lived, because Elvira died, giving him life. He's alive and well now. And much more powerful than his Father. He goes by the name…"

"No," hissed Rachael. "No." Her eyes where hard but dark with fear. She stood. "I will not!"

"Rachael…"

"Of all the things you could do to me," Rachael's eyes filled with angry tears, "This is the worst! You know! You know all of it! And yet you betray me!"

"Rachael, please…" John Paul stood.

"No!" gasped Rachael. She stepped back away from him, horror in her eyes. "You have betrayed my confidence." She turned and ran from the room, fastening her cloak on as she went.

John Paul sat back and sighed. "You see how that went."

A tall man in a long black coat and a back hat on his head, stepped out of the shadows. "Yes."

John Paul turned. He smirked and shook his head. "I was right, Gabriel. You have been smitten."

Van Helsing was staring at the door Rachael had run out of. "Why is she afraid of Vampires?"