A/N I am really so sorry that it has taken this long to put up this chapter. My computer threw a wobbly at me a few days ago and I've only been able to fix it now. I hope you enjoy!
Chapter 6: Plotting
She watched as he paced impatiently. To the fire, back to the chair. To the fire, back to the chair. He cursed silently, shaking his head and throwing his long coat out behind him.
"Pardon me my Lord," she started.
He spun around to glare at her, eyes blazing. "What!? What is it that you feel the need to tell me? More about your failure? Or more about how you disturbed my rest to carry out your petty vengeance?!"
His words struck her silent and she shook her head shamefully, keeping her eyes on the floor. He watched her for a few moments, then relented. He walked up to her and rested his hands on her shoulders.
"Come now Marie. You know my anger is exaggerated. It will fade, as soon as we get out of this place and back to my castle." He slowly lifted her chin for her to look into his eyes.
"It will be ready soon my Lord, as soon as Jacob has completed the repairs. This place isn't too bad though. I understand you stayed her with Dr. Frankenstein once, isn't that so my Lord?"
He clicked his tongue. "Why does one so beautiful as yourself feel the need to call me that, hmm? Call my by my name. Vladislaus." He held her gaze for a few moments, her breathing grew shorter and she licked her lips. He moved his face closer to hers then suddenly drew away. He sat down a in large high-backed chair by the fire.
Marie looked up in confusion of the feelings racing through her. She could have sworn he was going to... 'Oh forget it Marie!' she mentally reprimanded herself.
"Tell me, how is my old friend Gabriel Van Helsing?" Dracula said, motioning towards a smaller chair opposite his own. "Where is he staying? Is he aware of my presence after your little stunt this afternoon?"
Marie sat down.
"He knows of Jacob and myself, but not of you." Marie said, blissfully unaware of Alexander's comment to Anna.
"Good. He will no doubt start hunting for you soon." He tapped his chin with his finger thoughtfully. "And he will find me instead." Dracula chuckled lightly.
He looked back at Marie as a new thought entered his mind.
"And what of the Valerian, Anna? Is Gabriel still so captivated by her?"
Marie ground her teeth at the mention of Anna's name. "Yes. He's spent the greater part of the last three days in her room." Dracula raised an inquiring eyebrow.
Marie continued explaining, "The Princess was hurt during the battle at your fortress," she lowered her voice, "not badly enough though."
"Come, come Marie! One as beautiful as yourself his little to envy."
She smiled up at him from behind her black hair.
Suddenly, a window flew open, giving way to a blast of icy air. Jacob, in his pale vampire form, came soaring in and landed behind Marie. He transformed and bowed reverently to Dracula.
"My Lord." Dracula nodded.
"Your castle is ready."
"Very good Jacob. Shall we depart?" He stood up.
"Um, my Lord?"
"Yes Jacob?"
"I took the liberty of flying over the village."
"And? What did you find?" Dracula said impatiently.
"Van Helsing and the princess. They're planning on coming after us, as soon as she is well." Jacob said nervously.
Marie watched him with satisfaction. Jacob was arrogant and bold with her, but around the Count, he had been reduced to a cowering servant. The thought amused her. Jacob bowing was a sight she rarely saw, and she was rebelliously enjoying every moment of it.
"That is to be expected. It is a pity we are so lacking in ranks. Were it not for your impatience, we would have one more present." Dracula's voice became harsh.
"It was Alexander's own fault he was killed." Jacob said defensively.
"But who was the impetuous fool who sent him and Marie there in the first place?!" Dracula demanded. "That was reckless, Jacob! Reckless and stupid. And for what? To capture the princess when that is precisely what I plan to do!"
Marie was catapulted out of her pleasure at the mention of Anna.
"Why her though?" she interrupted. Marie instantly knew she had made a mistake in interrupting. She waited for the flames, but they never came.
"If Van Helsing is as in love with Anna Valerious as you say he is, she is a direct route to his heart and, ultimately, his demise at my hand." Dracula turned to Jacob. "And in that way, my friend, both our desires are satisfied. You get the princess, and I get Van Helsing."
Jacob nodded in understanding as thoughts of his long-awaited revenge flashed in his mind. Yes, he would force Boris Valerious' spirit from the grave through the sheer agony of his daughter. He would avenge his family's death. For a moment, he had doubted that bringing Dracula back had been a good idea, but now he was certain it was.
"Come now Jacob. I forgive you for Alexander's death." Dracula said. He turned to Marie.
"Why wait for tomorrow? The night draws near. Go to the Valerious Manor. Don't return without the princess. Jacob and I will be waiting at Castle Dracula."
Marie nodded and transformed into her vampire form. With one last glance back at Jacob, she swept out the window
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"I'm sorry Gabriel, but I will not have it!" Anna said crossly.
"Anna, be reasonable. You cannot go charging off with three broken ribs. You've barely had three days to heal. And after the attack in the village...no! You cannot go off to battle." Van Helsing shook his head.
"But Gabriel. We have no idea how many of them there are. You said you saw something odd in the sky last night – what if it was one of Dracula's vampires? What if we didn't really kill Dracula?" Anna ran her hands through her hair as she paced from one end of her room to the other.
When they had returned from the village, Gabriel had been able to calm her long enough to get her to her room in the vain hope that she would rest. All she had done was remove her corset swearing all the while about the pain it caused. Carl had been so considerate as to remind Van Helsing that although he had caught Anna, the fall had probably done some damage to her already delicate ribs and that rest was the best option.
Van Helsing moved from where had been leaning against the fireplace to stand in Anna's path. Her pacing stopped in front of him and she looked up at him. He quickly put his arms around her, pulling her to him.
"I just don't want to see anything happen to you. I just got you back Anna, I love you. Don't let me lose you again." Van Helsing said, his eyes imploring hers.
"I love you too Gabriel, but I can't help worrying about this. Shouldn't we hunt then vampires down and get rid of them. Kill the threat before it grows?" She rested her head on his chest and Van Helsing began gently rubbing her back.
"Tell you what. Just wait a day or two, give yourself some time to heal. You won't be able to kill anything if you can't move properly. Once you're better, we can kill all the vampires you want." He gently pulled Anna away from him to look in her eyes. "Okay?"
Anna sighed in mock irritation. "Okay. But that doesn't mean I'm spending all my time in bed! I need to organize weapons. I lost the replacement sword the blacksmith gave me outside the pub this morning. I must go-"
"Nowhere." Van Helsing interrupted. "I will sort out the weapons. Carl will have to sent a new telegram to the Vatican anyway, so he'll be going to the village anyway."
Anna was still unsatisfied.
"But-" Gabriel brought his lips down on Anna's to silence her. The kiss was tender at first, but it deepened and became more demanding. Anna let her eyes slide closed and parted her lips to allow him to explore her mouth. Small shots of heat and pleasure began to rush from her lips through to the rest of her body and she ran her hands through his hair, pulling him closer to her.
The kiss lasted for a few minutes. To Gabriel, it seemed as if the whole world was standing still, as if he and Anna were the only people who existed. He forgot all about the vampires, about the Vatican and Carl.
Arms still around each other, they moved backwards towards the bed. The covers had already been pulled aside by Van Helsing in one of his attempts to get Anna to rest. He lay Anna down with her head on the pillow, still pressing his lips to hers. Gabriel ran his hands down her legs to her boots and dexterously undid their buckles, pulling them free of her feet.
Van Helsing reached over to grip the duvet and slowly pulled his lips away from Anna's. He looked deep into her eyes and she smiled.
"Sleep tight." He said with a grin.
"What?" Anna frowned, then looked around, realizing what Gabriel had done. Before she had a chance to protest, he flung the duvet over her and leaned down to kiss her on the nose.
"Shh. Get some rest, love. I'll see you in the morning." Gabriel whispered.
Anna smiled softly and shook her head. "You never give up!"
Gabriel grinned and nodded. He leaned down once more and kissed her again before blowing out the candles and shutting the door behind him.
Anna relaxed in bed. She hadn't wanted to admit it to Van Helsing, but her ribs hurt like hell. She knew that she should be out hunting the vampires, but Van Helsing had been persuasive enough and she welcomed the opportunity to rest. She hated to admit it to herself, but she enjoyed being taken care of for once and not having to worry about the rest of the Manor.
Images of herself and Van Helsing living together and getting married began to saunter through her mind and she soon fell into a peaceful sleep.
A/N Well, I'm stopping there now. I'm off to go see my buddy's new puppy – and it can't wait! I love things that are cute and fluffy. Or pretty and shiny for that matter. Or, if it isn't already obvious, things that are hot and toned like...Hugh Jackman. But seeing as Countess Jackman already got him, I'll have to look around ; )
Thanks for the amazing reviews guys – they really keep me going.
To Verona and LadyDracula: I'm sooo sorry if my reviews have been crappy. I haven't had much time to read, but things are falling into place!
LadyDracula: WOW! What an amazing climax! What happened between Adam and Madeline was so touching – it made me want to cry. But then Anna and Gabriel's son makes me happy – what are you going to call him? And that birth! You really can paint quite a vivid picture when you try! What I liked is that you kept it realistic – and said it how it was. Not that I'm a fan of painful birth, but it sounded good – and at such an opportune time in the story too! Keep going girl! And when this one is over – a sequel, yes?
Oh, and please let me know your website address – I want to read that Dhampir info!
Verona: Who is this mystery woman? At first, I thought it was Seline from Underworld, but apparently I'm wrong. Don't keep me guessing – I'll give you four orange M&M's to tell me everything about her!