Chapter 4

Loves me, loves me not …

Selina had a really bad evening. After killing few demons she took Diana back home, where Angelic gave her daughter a strong hogwash to make the girl to sleep without any dreams.

Careful mother also put an amulet on Dia, it was that golden third seal, given by Vina. What to Diana, she wasn't sure it will help somehow and put on her cross besides the amulet.

When the girl fell asleep, Angelica and Selin had a private talk:

"Great, the Dark Lord wants your daughter. What shall we do?"

"My poor child, I can't hide her anymore. Maybe it's time to tell her the truth about us?"

"She won't believe you, by the way what's with her … reflexes?"

"What do you mean?"

"Blood lust. Vampire genes are stronger than any other, has she ever asked for something red?"

"No. I think that's because of her inner powers. Well, we have another problem."

"Lucifer."

"Exactly. I think I can fight with him for some time, but he's too strong."

"What do you think about the Apocalypses?"

"I try not to think … I just know that we should save my daughter from this. Remember? 'Sacrifice will return me …'"

"Ah, yeah, it means he'll kill Dia to come back."

"I won't let him even if I die."

"O.K., I'll return to the hotel. I need to think …"

Selin took a shower, then changed into a short red silk peignoir and was sitting on the bed, brushing her long golden hair. Worrying thoughts were in her mind. How to protect Diana or how to stop these stupid attacks. She was sick and tired of killing unarmed, in times of her serving to the Council Sel could easily shoot into innocent people, but after spending time with Van Helsing, she became more kind.

Selina took away the hairbrush and at this moment heard a knock into the door. She asked who was it and heard Gabriel's voice.

"Hello, hunter, what happened now?"

Van Helsing looked aside, not to make her feel shame.

"Hmm, I'm not watching, dress up quickly."

"I'm not naked so relax. Why did you come?"

"I've just arrived from Rome, my friend Emilio Malletty is the new head of the Holy Order."

Selin blinked twice, her eyes became wider and she took a pack of cigarettes.

"I didn't know you smoke …"

"A lot, but it never helps," she answered, watching the smoke of cigarette mixes with the air.

"You are not glad, are you?"

"Emilio killed by friend Karen long ago, of course I want to suck him dry."

"You're so beautiful …" he whispered, staring at her.

"Thanks, but have you found anything about Diana?"

"A bit, I spoke with one abbot. He said that all we can do is to protect her from outer enemies, not from the devil."

"So it's her fight?"

"Yes."

They kept silence for some time, while Sel was smoking the second cigarette, then she walked to the window:

"Dia has been to church and even there the Dark Lord tormented her ...

It reminded me those stories about humans who were obsessed with demons."

"And priests exorcised demons. I saw one ritual once. Maybe it can help?"

"No, I don't think so … Diana just hears his voice and loud music, but she exorcised him by herself. Strange …"

"Won't you be angry if I say … that I want to kiss you?" Gabriel asked quietly, making her to smile:

"You can try …"

He touched her face lovingly and then kissed her deeply. Funny, but it was their second kiss for all these years together, there wasn't anything more.

They fell on the bed kissing hungrily, Gabriel then started kissing her neck and chest when tears filled her eyes. He noticed the wedding ring on her hand and stopped, taking her hand in his.

"You haven't forgotten him, have you?"

Selin set up, wiping her eyes:

"Sorry, I can't … I …" she covered her face with hands.

Van Helsing took her by shoulders gently:

"He's dead, Sel, forget him."

"Give me more time …"

"Nineteen years passed."

"I know, but, please, don't force me to …"

"So it'd better to go for me, you need to rest," he said and went away, closing the door.

Seline left alone and started crying into the pillow:

"Why don't you let me, Vlad? I can't stop thinking about you … You had gone too early …" she sobbed.

At this moment she heard creaking sound of the opening door.

"Gabriel, I've said I'm not ready." Selin said tiredly, not looking at the visitor.

"Ready for what?" asked the voice she knew better than any others; this cold voice with accent … Sel stood up quickly, staring at Dracula, who was smirking strangely at her.

"H - How … Is it an illusion?" she asked unbelievingly. The count walked closer, so they could feel each other's breath.

"I'm real. I returned, but as I see you found a man who comforted you."

"No! I … I was waiting for you all these years, I hoped …"

"I believe you," he said firmly, (it was clear that doesn't believe); then took her by chin not as gently as he had before:

"You've changed, my dear …"

Tears escaped her eyes, and he wiped them off:

"Calm down, or Gabriel wasn't as good as I, he didn't bring you pleasure – that's the reason of these tears?"

"I've never slept with Gabriel, I love only you!"

"I've noticed how you love me."

"Vlad, I just kissed with him twice, not more! I swear!" Seline put head on his chest, pressing closer. Vladislaus breathed in the scent of her hair; his hands were caressing her womanly forms. He kissed her, his tongue discovered again the familiar area; he couldn't take it any longer, tore her peignoir into peaces, while she was unbuttoning his pants. They fell on the bed, and he started kissing her neck then making way down … She was moaning sweetly, pleading him not to stop, but screaming in orgasm when he entered her, increasing speed. It was what they both wanted so, he in hell, she on the Earth. Their desire and feeling of loneliness just made it worse. They haven't even spoken at all, just kissing, making love …

Selin awoke on the next evening, but Dracula was nowhere in sight. First she thought it was a dream, but then found a red rose near …

"He really came back!" Sel smiled to herself, breathing in the scent of the rose.

Suddenly she heared knocking and hurried to put on her robe:

"Selin, it's me, Kiara," said her friend, and vampiress let her in.

"You look so happy," Ki noticed, watching Seline, almost floating, not just walking.

"Am I? Oh, Ki, I've had the best sex in my life!"

"You and Gabriel?"

"Vlad and I … Yes, don't look at me like this. He returned!"

Kiara didn't know what to say:

"Wait a minute … How can it be?"

"Never mind, he has already returned twice before this time."

"So you two …"

"Yes! I just had gone mad! I love him!"

"So it was …"

"Marvelous, fantastic, yeah. But don't say anything to Gabriel … he'll be …"

"What?" asked Gabriel entering the room, making girls confused. Kiara forgot to shut the door and the hunter heard their talk.

"How could this … happen?"

"It was like an eclipse, Gabriel."

"Don't compare! He's an enemy! What assignment was given to him, you know!"

"Don't speak with me in such tone! Yes, I slept with him and it was really good! So good that never will be with you!"

Werewolves, no matter how true and kind they are, always act impulsively, giving up to passions. Van Helsing wasn't an exception. He became furious because of her words and couldn't control himself. Gabriel gave her a slap, with all werewolf's physical power. If Seline was a mortal she could fell on the floor with broken jaw, but as she wasn't – just rocked a bit.

He stepped back, realizing what he had done.

"Seline, I …"

"Go out …"

"Please, Sel …"

"Go out, I said."

He nodded and followed her words. The way she looked at him, the way she spoke … it seemed so cold … and surly …

Selin was standing like a statue, not even blinking.

"Sel, hurts?" Ki asked, staring at her friend.

"It was a hit by my pride. I remember Victor gave me a slap once … he also said that it wasn't disgraced because he's my master, but if someone else hurts me like this I should kill him. I didn't … What happened with that strong and determined assassin? Damn it all …"