Folklore. Stories passed down by generation involving legends, mythology. In the Balkans, such tales rose speaking of the species known as Dhampires. A creature born from a female human, fathered by a male vampire. Children of a forbidden union. A result that now Zoe Van Helsing had conceived.
Despite the force behind her punch, Dracula did not move a muscle. Not even offering a wince at her gesture. He did, however, stare at her rather perplexed, studying her gaze as if looking for some kind of falsity behind her words.
"Huh," he seemed to ponder. "That's quite an interesting accusation I haven't been accused of before."
"The tests don't lie, Count Dracula," Zoe countered. "And seeing as you are the only partner I've engaged in...relations with, there is no denying that you are the…" She hesitated. "The paternal genetic make up of my...offspring." Even the mere aspect of referring to the anomaly as a 'baby' was still hard to grasp. "Whether this was your plan all along or not, I am expecting."
He seemed to think for a minute, processing the doctor's words. Zoe wasn't sure what to expect next. Anger. Fear. Denial. But when his lips curled into what one might consider a borderline smirk, her own blood began to boil. Amusement.
"Fascinating," he commented. "Why, I never considered such a thing to be possible. In the centuries of science I've acquired, countless knowledge, the ability to procreate in such a way never passed by mind!" He chuckled, noting Zoe's darkening stare. "What a momentous occasion! I'd offer you some champagne but," the vampire looked her up and down. "Based on your condition, I hear that drinking alcohol is ill advised."
If she thought it would've caused damage, Zoe would've hit him square in the face again. But he was impervious to most sorts of pain. Too bad she didn't bring a crucifix with her. Or an entire bag. That would've provided some sort of vengeance.
"So, would you like to come in? I assume you were here to discuss things."
Dracula's voice pulled Zoe back to reality. She shook her head, clearing her thoughts. Just being in his presence was giving her a headache.
"No," she frowned. "I'm leaving. I don't...I don't know why I even came here in the first place."
As she turned to go, already heading towards the stairs, she heard Dracula's voice call out.
"Does the Foundation know?"
Zoe stopped in her tracks, her heart skipping a beat. Until that very moment, she hadn't even considered mentioning to the institution of her latest discovery. A laboratory that sought on studying every detail, every aspect of the vampire himself.
"I'd advise against it," he said. "You can never be too careful when it comes to places of science. Experimentation is a rather unpleasant thing."
The doctor didn't reply, finally finding the will to move again. Though she'd never admit it, Dracula was right. If someone found out about this, someone who knew what she did, the result might not be in her favor. Zoe hurried back to her car, throwing her purse into the passenger seat before taking off. As she pulled out of the parking lot, she could've almost swore she saw Dracula watching her through the window.
A wave of nausea overcame Zoe the moment she stepped into her home. This time, however, she was unsure if it was due to her cancer treatments or being pregnant. She exhaled, running a hand through her hair as she set her purse down on the counter. Exhaled. Stressed. She wandered into her bedroom and collapsed onto the mattress. Even the idea of changing into her pajamas seemed tiring. Taking off her jacket and shoes, she lied back on the bed, allowing her eyes to close. Perhaps she could escape this nightmare in her sleep. At least there was that luxury.
"Well, you've gotten yourself into quite an unfortunate situation."
Zoe's eyes fluttered open and she immediately sat up in bed. She looked around the room nervously, trying to locate where the voice had come from.
"Oh don't look so panicked, I'm not going to hurt you."
A figure stood at the edge of the bed, her long habit creating a shadow that stretched to the back wall. Zoe squinted, her eyes fixated on what she could now tell was a woman's face. Her features were striking. Almost familiar. Nearly too much so.
"Who are you?" Zoe whispered, clutching her comfortable. "And why are you in my room?"
"For someone so smart, I'm rather surprised you don't know," the woman smiled. "I am, after all, your great, great aunt," she paused. "Give a few 'greats'."
"Agatha?" The doctor asked, brow furrowed. "But how, I…"
"Not exactly in the flesh, but you are correct," the nun stated. "As to how, well, I'm assuming it could possibly relate to you consuming Count Dracula's blood. Seeing as he consumed me and you then drank from him, due to our lineage connection, our minds are connected."
"Are you saying you are a part of me now?" Things just seemed to keep growing stranger by the hour. "Am I...possessed?"
"Possession would suggest I have dark intentions. An evil spirit if you will," Agatha chuckled. "In my opinion, I don't believe that I am-though, others may see differently," she shrugged. "No, I'm more a voice inside your head. A legitimate one, you are far from crazy."
"I...still don't understand," Zoe mumbled wearily. "Is this real?"
"As real as your sexual intercourse with Dracula," she replied, folding her arms over her chest. "And the result of that. I'm still in awe you allowed yourself to be seduced by him. Rather unbecoming of a Van Helsing."
"I wasn't seduced," Zoe interjected. "I was drunk...off blood."
"Well, I suppose we'll both see what is to come because of that," the nun sighed. "Now, I'll leave you to your sleep. We'll stay in touch."
With that, the apparition disappeared leaving Zoe once more alone in her bedroom. Zoe massaged her temples, shaking her head. First a vampiric pregnancy and now being haunted by her own kin. Life had really taken a sharp turn. Closing her eyes, the doctor tried to fall back asleep. If there was a God, he'd let it be dreamless.
"8:00 P.M? I didn't realize you would be open so late? What happened to my noon appointment?"
Zoe placed around her kitchen, phone glued to her ear. She was just about to head out when she received a call from the doctor's office. Her once assigned time had apparently been cancelled and rescheduled without her knowledge.
"There was a change in the schedule," the nurse replied apologetically. "A fluke. But we have it set straight. Are you able to still come in even if it is at a later time?"
The doctor sucked a breath through her nose. "I suppose," she mumbled. "Has my oncologist been made aware of the change?"
"We've contacted her," the woman replied. "She is on board with it. We can move that appointment too to tomorrow if that is convenient for you?"
"I haven't much of a choice, do I?" Zoe sighed, sitting down in a chair. "That'll do."
"Great," the nurse answered, sounding more cheerful. "We'll see you at 8:00, Dr. Helsing."
Once the line clicked, Zoe put down her phone. If misfortune was a magnet, she was its attraction. Not having much planned besides her prior appointment time, she took to busying herself around the house. Cleaning the kitchen. Reading one of her novels. Enjoying a peanut butter and mayonnaise sandwich-an odd combination she chalked up to pregnancy cravings. By the time 7:30 rolled around, she finally gathered her things and headed out the door.
"I can sense your nervousness."
The doctor inhaled sharply, surprised by the voice. Glancing over, she noticed Agatha sitting calmly in the passenger seat. Her eyes remained fixed on the road, her expression curious as she studied the other cars going by. Having died in 1897 and seeing how everything had changed since then must have been interesting to say the least.
"Go away," Zoe muttered, pulling into the hospital parking lot. "I don't want to talk to you."
"I'm only trying to offer you some comfort," the nun stated. "I must admit, I'm rather excited to see what this is all about. I've always found vampires curious. What makes them tick."
"Right now, my main focus is figuring out what is going on with me," the doctor explained, shutting the door hard. "Now go, I don't want people to think I'm insane talking out loud to myself."
Much to her relief, Agatha threw her a look before disappearing. Holding on tightly to her bag, Zoe entered the clinic and took the elevator to the correct floor. Her heart was pounding, nerves on edge as she reached for the door handle of the office. When she pushed it open, her stomach dropped. There, sitting casually looking at a maternity magazine, was none other than Dracula himself.
"Oh, you're here, good," he grinned. "I hope you don't mind. I pulled a few strings, I thought you might want me here."
"You…" Zoe stammered. "I…"
Anger. Pure, red blooded fury rushed through the doctor's body. She tensed up, watching as the man eyed her with false innocence. Of course. She should've known. As she opened her mouth, uncertain what might come out, a doctor stepped out from behind a door.
"Dr. Van Helsing? I'm Dr. Clyde, I'm so glad you could make it. Ready to come back?"
Dracula smirked as he rose from his seat, placing the magazine down. Zoe was still in too much shock as she followed behind him into another room. Nauseated. The migraines. She found herself situated on top of a cot without even realizing she had. At this point, her body was on auto-pilot, alarm bells ringing.
"You must be dad," Dr. Clyde smiled, pulling a machine forward. "Congratulations!"
"Dad."
Zoe turned her head and saw Agatha standing in the corner, her eyes locked on Dracula's. The vampire didn't seem to notice, alluding to the fact that thankfully only Zoe could see the ghost. Still, it didn't help that two people she really didn't want present were.
"This is going to be a little cold," the doctor apologized, reaching for a tub of gel.
"Might I offer you my hand?" Dracula smiled, meeting Zoe's glare.
"That pencil might make a for a good stake if you use enough force," Agatha suggested, nodding to the counter.
Zoe squeezed her eyes shut tightly, secretly hoping that she was still back in bed and this was all just a dream. When the transducer probe made contact with her bare skin, she stiffened slightly. The doctor's eyes followed the monitor as the obstetrician moved the device about on her lower abdomen.
"Let's find that heartbeat, shall we?"
"Will it even have one?" Agatha inquired. "Do the offspring of vampires have that?"
Until that moment, Zoe hadn't really considered that. Now her own heart really pounded. She waited, watching the screen carefully when all of a sudden, the sound of thumping filled the air. Dr. Clyde smiled, studying the picture. Dracula too leaned over, clearly curious as to what was going on.
"The sac looks perfect," he commented, moving his mouse over it. "Measuring right...oh…"
"Oh?" Zoe exclaimed, a feeling of dread washing over her. "Why, oh?!"
"There appears to be two present," the doctor grinned, clicking over to a second blob on the screen. "Congratulations, Dr. Helsing, you're having twins!"
Fuck.
I hope you enjoyed this chapter. It was amusing to write. Comments/Reviews/Kudos are greatly loved and appreciated! Let me know your favorite parts! I'm always curious! Until next time! Stay safe and healthy! -Jen