Chapter XIII

I only have eyes for you

Kraven stood in the shadows of the mansion, his gaze fixed on the object of his century's long infatuation. She had just returned from a hunt, she looked radiant, she always did after a successful hunt; she seemed to glide through the endless maze of the mansions corridors, her long coat sweeping behind her. She had been distracted in the months following the last inspection, Kraven had watched with envy as she formed a bond with Amelia's heir. He had watched her closely since Malachi's departure, he had her phone calls monitored, he listened as the two made small talk and he hated what he heard. He knew full well that if Selene, Viktor's favored chylde, and Malachi, Amelia's favored chylde were allowed to pursue a relationship then that dynasty could severely undermine Kraven's status within the Vampire world. What's more, if he lost Selene now, everything he had worked for all these centuries would mean nothing without a queen to share it with.

"Are you going to watch me all night?" asked Selene impatiently as she turned to face her admirer

"That depends on you Selene." He said cryptically

"What's that supposed to mean?" she asked, rolling her eyes at him.

"Why don't we go back to my room?" he suggested

"You have got to be joking?" Selene exclaimed, almost in disbelief

"Come on Selene, you know we're meant to be together. I know I have made mistakes, but if you just give me a chance I can make you happy."

"Oh for God sake" she groaned in frustration "Kraven, there is no you and me, there never will be."

Kraven smiled and shook his head "I can't believe that Selene" he began smugly "We had something, you wanted me as much as I wanted you. I think we can get that back."

"That was six hundred years ago Kraven!" she spat in anger "And yes I thought you were handsome, and brave… and everything a prince charming should be. But then I saw what you were really like, weak, jealous and ambitious. Yes Kraven, once upon a time I thought I felt something for you, but I was a girl then, it is six hundred years later, and I have done a lot of growing up in that time."

Kraven looked vacantly at Selene, visibly hurt by what she had said "I love you Selene" he said simply.

"No you don't" she said through gritted teeth "You don't know how to love anyone but yourself. What you have is an infatuation, a sick obsession. If you really loved me you would respect my wishes and let me move on with my life."

"Move on" he repeated with a slight laugh "move on with him? With Malachi?"

Selene blushed a little, and corrected her stance as if she was a little unsure of herself "My relationships have nothing to do with you" she said quietly

"Why him Selene?" he asked menacingly "Why!" Selene avoided eye contact with Kraven, she was clearly embarrassed by his questions. "Are you in love with him?" he continued.

"I'm not in love with him" she began sheepishly "We live on opposite sides of the world, we hardly know each other, and I know we will never have a proper relationship, but he makes me feel special, I like that feeling."

"I can give you that" he pleaded with her "just give me a chance"

She looked at him with no emotion what so ever "You're not in the same league" she said, her voice full of hostility.

"Not in the same league?" he repeated "Just how much do you know about your new boyfriend?"

"Enough" she said coldly

"He's just a child" began Kraven "He hasn't even been a Vampire a century."

"And yet he's already achieved more than you" she smiled

"He has achieved nothing" hissed Kraven "Everything he has today has been served to him on a silver platter, just because Amelia took pity on him. Do you know where Amelia found her chylde?" Kraven watched as Selene half listened to him, clearly unimpressed by his rant "She found him on the streets, in some dingy London alleyway, tattered clothes, no money, and no class. He has achieved nothing. Whereas I have worked for everything I have. I killed Lucian, and I have sweat blood for this coven."

"Oh please" she laughed at him "Killed Lucian? Kraven you lit a fire and have been living off of the benefits ever since. Malachi is Amelia's head of security, he is regarded as the best warrior in the New World and what's more he is a warrior. I saw him decimate a pack of Lycan while he was here." Selene allowed herself to smile as Kraven hung his head in shame "You're pathetic Kraven" she spat "Stay out of my life, and out of my relationships."

Kraven was forced back as Selene pushed passed him and continued to glide effortlessly through the mansion, he watched her disappear from sight without having casting him a second glance. He allowed his mouth to form a sneer, as images of hatred and anger flashed through his mind. He felt like lashing out at something, he clenched his fists and hissed a little. However, he felt two petit delicate hands come to his shoulders and gently massage them "I don't know how she can talk to you like that." A soothing voice spoke gently in his ear.

"Erika" whispered Kraven as he relaxed against her touch

"Come with me My Lord" she said softly as she took him by the hand "I can make you forget her insolence."

Kraven looked down at the beautiful creature standing before him. Erika worshiped Kraven, her entire existence was an effort to please him. Yet he felt nothing for her, he looked down at their entwined hands, and gave the girl a nod. With a beaming smile she led her sire towards his chambers. It was true Kraven felt nothing for her, still he saw no reason why he should spend a day alone."

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Kraven awoke during the day with Erika lying beside him clinging to his body; he rolled his eyes and let out a sigh of boredom. He rolled over with no consideration for Erika's comfort and picked up a packet of cigarettes that rested on his bedside table. "My Lord" she smiled wearily as he lit a cigarette and took a deep drag. "Leave me" he snapped "I wish to be alone."

Erika looked confused "But…"

"Run along Erika" sighed Kraven "I have much to do" Erika gathered her clothes and quickly exited Kraven's chambers. As Erika left Soren entered his master's room, seemingly oblivious to the half clothed Erika who had just passed him. "Ah Soren!" exclaimed Kraven as he took another puff "What can I do for you?"

"My Lord we have a problem" began Soren

"What sort of problem?" he asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Its Lucian My Lord" he stated coldly "He's back"

Kraven's eyes widened as his bodyguard hit him with this revelation, his cigarette fell from his mouth "What do you mean he's back, back where?"

"Here My Lord" replied Soren unfeelingly "He's back in Budapest, and he is demanding to speak with you."