Disclaimer; I do not own Van Helsing or Law and Order SVU. Only C!

Sweet Confinement!

Count Dracula reappeared in the suite of the Hilton Hotel. It was early in the morning and he felt his need for rest weighing him down, but first; he had a Dampire to take care of. Cradling C close to his chest, he walked over to the bedroom, for Ranfield was currently curled up on the sofa; dozing the hours away. Setting C gently on the bed, he went back into the living room to wake up his servant.

"Rise, Ranfield. There is a task I need you to do," The Count commanded coolly and the man awoke with a start and moved to adjust his attire as he bowed to the vampire.

"Oh! Yes Master? What is it you acquire of me?" The British man asked in his usual cheery tone.

"Go to the hotel that C was staying at and retrieve all of her belongings," He said and sent the address into his mind through his telepathy, "Then I need you to confront Detective Olivia Benson and retrieve C's other clothing's from her."

"She's here!?" The man's eyes brightened considerably and looked about the room for her. "That is wonderful news, Master! But – is she well?"

"Not yet, but she will need time to heal," The old vampire sighed coolly and turned to leave. "We must stay here for the time being. The local law enforcement believes they will be able to find out who is behind these recent attacks on her. Until I have reined in her dark power and lust for blood, we shall remain enclosed in this environment for the time being."

"I understand, Master," Ranfield bowed and then grabbed his coat and bowler hat and headed for the door. "I'll pick up a few extra supplies too. She'll need more than just blood to calm her cravings!"

"Do what needs to be done, and be quick about it!" Dracula growled as the man left with a slam of the door. Breathing out to calm his nerves again, he walked back into the bedroom and shut the door. Stripping himself free of his cloak, coat and boots, his gaze turned to the bed and he allowed himself a small smile to grace his pale face. C slept peacefully on the bed. Her chest rising and falling in slow and steady paces as her dress fanned out below her waste. She will want a change of clothes when she wakes. He mused to himself as he sat next to her. Drawing up a finger, he lightly traced her soft face and even tucked a loose string of black hair behind her ear.

Finally. She was back with him, and he with her. Together again. Though it will take some time (but not as long as before) to regain her trust; bringing her here was the best choice to make. Now that she knew that he loved her, he wondered if she will accept him more than before. But – as he had concluded, it will take time. Unfortunately, time wasn't a luxury they no longer had. She must understand now, for the sake of her soul and everyone around her, she had to give into his powers of darkness, so as to better control her own.

But for now, rest is required. He thought and suppressed a yawn. It had been a long night indeed and they both could use it. Lying down beside her, he removed those sticks in her hair and set them on the nightstand, allowing her longer, black hair to fall to her shoulders. Then, he removed those high heeled shoes and tossed them to the floor as he tucked her into his chest, letting her arms fall on either side of him. He smiled as she wiggled closer to him in her sleep and he tightened his arms around her waist. Breathing in her minty scent, he rested his chin on top of her head as the pillows beneath gave them some comfort. As the first light of morning started to filter through the heavy drawn curtains, Dracula allowed the power of piece to draw his mind and body into slumber; grateful that he can now sleep without worry that his Dampire would get into any more trouble. Well – until she wakes.

It wasn't until late afternoon that he awoke to her moving away from his embrace. He kept silent and seemingly asleep as she awoke to her new surroundings. No doubt she will not be pleased about the new arrangements to our situation. He smirked to himself, but was curious anyway so he remained the way he was while her bright hazel eyes roamed the room.

Now where am I? I thought as I woke up in Dracula's arms. Not that it bother me, but I still wasn't happy that he casted me into sleep and then whisked me away. Granted; it was a dreamless sleep, and I feel a lot better, but still! The room we were in was mostly dark, for the heavy, dark blue curtains blocked out most of the sunlight. It must be past noon for it to be that bright out. Damn! The others must be wondering what happened to me! Nearly blushing at the memories of last night, to perhaps make them guess of what was happening to me now, I slowly moved off the bed and placed my bare feet on the ground. Noticing that my hair sticks were gone too, I shot a glare at the sleeping Count. The nerve of him! Well, at least he hasn't removed the dress on me, which is now becoming uncomfortable! I mentally groaned as I yanked off the gloves and reached behind my back for the zipper and pulled it down. Wait! I can't undress here! I don't have my clothes!

"You will have to wait until Ranfield returns with your belongings," Dracula's rich voice makes me freeze on the spot. I turn to see him with his eyes still closed and still lying on his back on the bed. "Until then, come back to bed."

As if! I frowned and crossed my arms under my chest. "Why did you bring me here?" I asked rather unhappily, for he should know I dislike being snagged and dragged away!

"I had to. We both need a peaceful place to rest and regain our lost strength," He said, as if it were obvious. One of his eyes opened to reveal the intensity of a blue iris while he smirked. "As well as repair our relationship, my dear."

"Relationship my ass!" I scowled at him and clenched my fists, for I was resisting the temptation to lung for his carcass and strangle the unlife out of him. "We got more important things to do than lounge around in some fancy hotel!"

"I am aware of it," He said and closed his eye again while his arms moved to support his head while he crossed his legs in a lazy fashion. "And so are your police friends. They wish for us to stay away, as it were, and lay low for the time being until they find the ones responsible for attacking you."

"No way!" I gawked at him as well as feel my ire rise even more. "You mean I'm stuck here, with you, until they say so!?" I couldn't believe this! I mean I know they wanted me to talk to Dracula but this was not what I had in mind! It was like I was being punished or something! Shit!

"Is it really so bad?" He quirked an eyebrow at me while both his eyes were half opened and glared at me calmly while I threw my silent tantrum.

"Yes! Actually! You know I hate being tied up in one place for too long!" I said as I noticed the mischievous glint in his bright eyes and in his growing smile. Ooooh no! I have a strange feeling that he's going to enjoy this more than I am!

"Yet, I shall be here with you, my black rose," He grinned at me as he saw the faint blush grow on my face. He then removed one arm and patted to the empty space next to him. "Now come. Stop fussing and relax. It has been a trying two weeks and we both could use the rest."

"Why do I get the feeling I was 'manipulated' back into your arms?" I groaned to myself as I rubbed my temples from the sudden pressure. Hearing a sigh from him, I looked up to see him sitting upright and starting for me, but before I could move; he moved faster! With a quick grab of my arm, he pulled me back to the bed and had me fall on top of him, both his arms wrapping around my waist like steel straps.

"Hey! Let me up, damn it!" I growled but he kept me in his ever persistent grasp.

"Is that really what you want?" He smirked at me as my arms pushed against his chest, leaving my face just a foot from his.

"I'm not in the mood for one of your games!" I hissed at him as I continued to struggle, but he didn't. In fact his hold seemed to tighten on me as he brought my face closer to him. I held my breath when his eyes slightly narrowed at me and his lips were in a frown.

"I play no games, my dear," He spoke darkly to me but then brushed the back of his hand on my cheek. "You nearly voiced to me once that you were in love with me. Were you mistaken when I returned you feelings?"

The blood seemed to burn under my face as I felt my heart beat fiercely under my chest, and I have no doubt he could hear it. My breathing felt heavy as my mouth dried some while his eyes searched me. He was serious! Oh man! He's got me stuck and he won't let me go until I say something. Well – In a way, he isn't wrong. I behaved like a broken hearted idiot when I shouted that at him right after I stabbed him through the chest. So – I guess this is it. No turning back now.

"No," I admitted with a small voice and tried to look away, but he held my gaze with his own. "It's – it's just – that I…"

"I know, my C," His smile grew soft and sincere as those cold fingers ran through my black hair. "I wish I could give you more time to think on this, but that time is now passed. We must regain what was lost in order to find this fool that dares to challenge us." When my lower lip moved to pout, he smirked as his blue eyes twinkled in amusement. "Did you know that you are positively adorable when you are upset?" He grinned with both fangs as my face grew redder.

"I am NOT cute!" I hissed as my eyes hardened while he chuckled at me. "You are such a devil." I rolled my eyes as his chuckle continued, making me shake with his laughter.

"Ah, but you are!" His white teeth flashed at me as I bit my lower lip to try and calm my nerves. "And am I not your devil?" He flicked a finger across my nose, making me purse my lips in irritation at his obvious teasing.

"Maybe. But you're also a romantic nut!" I accused and he only smirked at that, his hands now spreading out on my back, releasing a storm of electric sensations. Remembering how my zipper was now undone, I can feel those fingers to their fullest on my bare skin!

"Is that all?" He challenged as I rested my head on my fist, my elbow promptly pressing into his lower abdomen, but he didn't seem to mind.

"Hell no!" I spat and his smirk only seemed to strengthen. "You're also a kill joy and a complete control freak. Then again – you also intend to misjudge others way too easily."

"A fact I am well aware of," He smirked as those hands of his began to rub my shoulder blades, making me tremble some, but also began to relax. "And something I wish for you to overcome as well. Yet, I believe we will have all the time in the world to work out such differences. You have a unique yet headstrong mind. I would hate to see it broken by our cold ways of life."

"Somehow, I have a feeling that it's not going to be so cold,"I smirked back as his eyes flashed and grew darker at me. His hands suddenly gripping my shoulders pulling me down even closer to him until our noses almost touched. His smile grew sinister as I swallowed a bit while my blush continued to grow under this moment of seduction.

"Indeed not, my darling C," He husked out and then closed the remaining space by placing his lips on mine. I tried to pull away but his arms trapped me like a python would it's pray. It's been sooo long since we've been together that I'm surprised the fire is still there! Though I can hardly feel my other half resisting as well, I decided to go along with it. Surrender never felt so good! As soon as I wound my arms around his waist he growled in his throat and kissed me harder. Opening our lips until our tongues did battle, and he won of course. But still, the way his hands smoothed and groped me had me longing and moaning in return.

When he felt her leg drop between his legs, rubbing against his need for her, he growled even louder and rolled them both over where he was now the dominant one. Carolyn. He very nearly snarled into her mind as he continued to possess her black lips, licking them clean along with tracing her fangs. The smell of her arousal and the sound of her feminine moans left him acing for her. His hands trailed everywhere. Feeling her up and down as he nearly ripped off the scarf from her neck and began leaving a row of kisses on her face and under her chin, leaving her panting for him. He sucked and kissed the mark that was still his as his lower half rubbed against her thin clothed body. When she arched into him, he groaned again and his hands took her head as he kissed her deeply in return.

Mine! He horsed into her head as her hands wandered under his black shirt, feeling his cold yet strong chest. You are MINE, Carolyn! Mine for all eternity!

I was about to agree with him too! The way his hands felt me up and how his kisses left me burning hot to my very center had me withering in his embrace. I was about to shout it to him too… that is if it weren't for someone knocking on the bedroom door.

"Master? I've brought C's clothes along with the rest of her things like you asked," Ranfield's voice came from the other side. "Should I leave them in the living room?"

Dracula growled with hot frustration as he was forced to release me. His pupils were dilated giving the glow from his eyes a look of an azure eclipse, while his fangs had grown a bit during the moment, giving his image a very raw look of pure primal desire. It made me tremble as I now realize how much this vampire really wants me! We had to take a moment to catch our breath, and I had to pat him on the shoulder some in reassurance, knowing very well he wanted to kill the man for interrupting us.

"In a moment, Ranfield!" He hissed out darkly, but never lifted his eyes from me. I must look pretty desirable too, what with my dress being half off and my chest heaving for air, and I can still taste him on my lips while he is still straddling me, leaving me blushing as red as a cherry!

"I'll go," I smiled some and went to move away. Surprisingly, he let me as he sat on the bed while I went to the door, trying to regain some sense of modesty. "Not the best of times, Ranfield." I moaned more to myself as I turned the doorknob and opened it, though I should have been better prepared for the results. "Just leave the stuff on the –!"

"Ceeeee!" The old, gray haired, cleaned faced, glasses wearing British man had dropped all the bags and suddenly tackled me into a fierce hug. "Oh, I am so happy to see you again! I was worried sick about you! You have no idea what we had to go through just to find that you were still alive here in New York!"

"GAH! Ah shit! Ranfield!" I gasped as I tried to wiggle free, but the old guy was still as strong as can be. "Let go! I HATE hugs! Goddamn it, man! Let me go!" I growled as I spotted Dracula grinning and chuckling at the scene from his place on the bed. "Will you tell this mad-man to let me go!?"

"Mad, C? I believe he is only showing affection after your long separation from us," He smirked in reply as I bared my fangs at him. "However, you are right about the timing. Ranfield, do compose yourself and release my Dampire."

"Oh, yes! Of course Master!" He said cheerfully and finally released me as those dimples of his glowed with his smile, yet he didn't let go of my hands. "It's just – it's so wonderful to see you again!"

"Ya, ya, just stop – STOP already!" I growled when he tried to pull me into another hug. "God! Take it easy! You all think I was going to jump out the window or something!"

"Considering other things that I have heard you do, it wouldn't be a surprise," Dracula sniffed in my direction and I frowned. Who knows what else the Detectives must have told him while I was running around the city. Changing the subject, I noticed what bags Ranfield had brought.

"Mercy!?" I gawked then quickly pulled the twelve gage riffle to my chest, like I was trying to protect a child. "What the Hell were you doing in my apartment!?"

"Master sent me to fetch them for you since you'll be staying here a while I thought it best to get everything and close the account you had at that place." Ranfield explained rather calmly as I stared lividly from him then to the Count.

"You won't be going back to that dismal place again," Dracula stated calmly. "Nor are you to continue to sing at that… night club," When he saw my eyes turn red and my anger began to flair he stood up to face me, yet tensed in preparation for whatever I would dish out, "I also wouldn't mind if you didn't have that gun on you either," He said as I gripped the barrel of Mercy tightly, somewhat protectively too, "Your things will be kept safe. I promise you. But you must believe me, C. It is for the better that you stay away from populated areas until I am sure you are in full control of yourself."

"I am in control of myself, can't you see that!?" I hissed out rather darkly, for my throat was already vibrating with my rage.

"Yes, I can certainly see that," Dracula frowned as his eyes were icy and stared down at me almost challengingly. Ranfield had backed out of the room some, for he didn't want to get in between two vampiric beings that wanted to fight. Smart man. Yet, from the look in both their eyes, I can see that the Count had a point. Though it was reasonable, and rather thoughtful for him to be concerned about me, it still didn't mean that I wasn't going to be all pissed about it.

Taking a deep breath, I reined in my temper and, so slowly, set Mercy against the wall. Seeing the muscles relax in his shoulders and stance, Dracula let out his own sigh, through his nose, and waved Ranfield off after he set the rest of my things to the far side of the room.

"I'm not get rid of the rifle," I stated rather coolly as I picked up a bag filled with my Gothic wear. "It was a gift from my Godfather."

If Dracula was surprised to hear this news, he did not show it; rather he walked around as I started to lay out what I needed to change into, on the bed.

"As you wish," He said then I heard him take my rifle, along with my other weapons and set them in a closet. "But nor will you be needing it now or anytime soon," He then closed the door as I glared at him. "They will be safe in here."

"Fine," I sighed and gathered my black shirt, bra and pants and headed for the bathroom, shutting the door behind me. "It's not like I can blast you back to Hell anyway," I muttered as I kicked off the dress and strapped on my bra. "I'd just be wasting a bullet."

"I heard that," Dracula's voice chides me, rather coolly, from the other side. Smirking, I rolled my eyes and pulled on my top and pants, frowning when I noticed how my marks on my wrists and ankles where showing. Opening the door again, I noticed how Dracula was waiting for me on the other side. He smirked when I gave him an annoyed glare and moved to walk passed him, intending on reaching from my socks and gloves, but a cold hand gripped my wrist before I could reach them.

I froze and turned to shout at him, but stopped when I saw how his eyes were staring down at the burns. I nearly winced, mostly from fear, as he traced those long fingers over my marred skin while his blue eyes seemed to harden with… anger? He flipped my hand to see the bigger burn on the back. He's perhaps the only one who gets to see these marks of mine up close. Besides my Godfather that is. But then, I see his expression turn soft and almost sad like.

"I can heal these for you," He said in almost a whisper yet I heard and held my breath, "If you want." He finished and turned his gaze up to hold mine once more. Concentrating on my breathing, because I didn't want to burst into hysterics again, I took a step forward and then another. Our eyes so close yet so careful of trying not to reveal our hidden feelings that I almost wanted to laugh at the whole thing. Here we are, on the brink of – whatever this was – and he still tries to pull the Help Me card out.

"I – always wondered what kept me alive," I began but in a more careful tone. His hands squeezed mine, just a bit, as I lifted my other hand to cover his. "To be honest I don't really feel ashamed about them either." I admitted rather tiredly as his other hand went up my arm to hold my shoulder, like he was trying to keep himself from falling to the floor. "I – wish I could forget that – but I can't."

"I understand, Carolyn," He breathed out and took a step closer to me, our body's just inches apart. "To be… tortured… is not something one wishes to remember. I – would know."

I frowned at him for comparing my past experiences with his, but I did not slap him for it either. Rather I was a little surprised that he would bring it up now. It was rare that I would hear anything of his 'human' life other than what I read in books.

"Ya well, from what I read in history, you took care of those people by putting them on spears," I made a small smirk and saw how his blue eyes burned some at the memories.

"Indeed," He said and then released me and turned to face a window. Though the drapes were closed, I can tell he could see what was going on outside this tall building. "It would seem that no matter how much time has passed; no matter – how humanity wishes to 'improve' their lives, so to speak. There will always be methods to bring pain to the body, even after the soul has left this world."

"It doesn't look to me that your soul is gone," I stated out of nowhere and he quickly turned to face me with just the same amount of surprise as I did at myself. "Umm…," I began as I rubbed the back of my neck for an explanation. "Well, from what I've seen and – stuff that's happened around here even," I noticed how he was slowly walking towards me again, as if trying to figure me out while I continued to ramble, "Your soul is only gone if you give it up. You… may have changed for the sake of revenge in the past, but your still you. You are in control of all of your actions and – oh boy – that other form, so – what's the point in saying that you don't have a soul even though you said you wished to save mine?"

He stared at me long and hard, mulling over the words I had just said before a smile began to work its way on that pail face of his. "Perhaps… you are right." He said and then lightly held my head with both his hands. "Then again, you always know what to say at the oddest of times, don't you?"

"Not really. I just learned to roll with it," I shrugged as his fingers smoothed and massaged my skin. "Then again, having a life threatening experience intends to open the mind a bit more." Maybe I shouldn't have said that. I thought as I watched how his eyes hardened.

"If you believe that then why did you shoot yourself to begin with?" He asked rather icily yet kept his tone even.

He knows about that!? Oh crap. Now that's a tough one to explain! I sighed as I tried to move away but he held my shoulders, keeping me from moving. Seeing as how he wasn't going to let me off that easily, I put my hands in my pockets and leaned to the side, almost lazily; acting like I had been caught doing something naughty but didn't think much on it. "Because I wanted to see if it was really you that kept me alive." I admitted as his face hardened even more. "Sure you told me once that we shared power but I wanted to know how much. Now I know. I can't be killed in any way; just like you, even if I wanted to. Besides, I got so low that day that I just wanted to try something to stop all the pain and nightmares."

His eyes seemed to soften at that, but that still didn't mean that he wasn't angry, and so I found it safe to force those hands of his to release me, and he didn't fight me. "Besides, I bet you were plenty busy back in Romania." I said as I walked away and sat on the bed to pull up my socks.

"Actually, my dear, I was searching the lands for you," He said in a miff tone, yet his eyes didn't move away from me. "I – still believed you were somewhere close by, but being kept hidden from me. I even went back to Tibet to see if the Council had anything to do with your disappearance."

"Really?" I raised an eyebrow at him as I pulled on my gloves with the missing fingers. "Wow, and here I thought I had it rough."

"Do not start with me!" He hissed angrily as he clenched both his fists to his sides. "There was even a message, written in your blood, saying that you had died!" Though it really didn't say that; he knew that it had been a rouse to make her death seem real, yet found it best not to tell her just yet. "I couldn't believe it because I can still feel you, C! This bond we share makes it so I can feel…" he trailed off when he saw her looking upset again.

"So it's my fault now that you grew a goddamn conscience?" I growled.

"No. That is not what I meant," He quickly stated as I stood up to face him, even though he was still three inches taller than me. Yet, as my eyes flashed a waning, his grew softer. "Though, it is your fault that I have fallen for the most intellect yet stubborn woman that I have ever met." He smiled as I rolled my eyes at him.

"To think you would know by now that flattery doesn't go far in my book!" You ass! I thought and watched how his eyes twinkled with mirth. Oh, so now he accuses me of giving me his heart and now he tries to make it up by being all horny again? I'll fix that!

I quickly went to throw a punch in that arrogant face of his, but his left hand shot up and caught my fist before it made contact with his nose. I hissed out an "OW" as he started squeezing it some.

"Na, ah. We are not starting that again," He smirked and wagged a finger at me. I tried to pull out of his grasp, but he didn't let go.

A rumble of frustration vibrated through my throat, before a plan quickly formed into my head. With my other hand, I gently laid it on his arm, making him think I was being all seductive and shit. It worked to, though his eyebrows rose in suspicion, he loosened his hold and stepped closer to me and tried to give me a kiss. But as soon as he was close enough, my grip on him tightened and I hauled my legs up to wrap around his torso. As those eyes of his grew with surprise, I had flipped us both on the bed, his face pressed into the mattress as I sat on top of him while holding one of his arms up, threatening to pull it out of his socket while my other hand stayed on his back, keeping him there.

"For shame Count. You also forgot I'm a Black Belt too," I smirked at his grunt of pain, or was it from being smothered by the bed sheets? My legs held tightly to his hips, also keeping his other arm prisoner so that he couldn't try anything. For the moment, I believed to have the upper hand that is… until he started chuckling.

"Yes," He huffed out as he pulled his face to give me a devious, sideways glance from the bed as those eyes of his glowed with power. "And yet it is you who quickly forgets who is in charge here!"

In a flash, and I don't know how he did it, he flipped us around so fast that it made me dizzy until I realized he was straddling me now. Both my wrists were being held above my head with his hands clamping down on them as his own legs held my lower torso from moving at all. His eyes showed his amusement as I tried to struggle out of his grasp, but it was useless. I might as well have better luck removing a steel garter than him!

"Surrender?" He almost purred as his face was mere inches from me. I frowned wanting to spit in that arrogant face of his, but thought better of it. After all, I did throw the first punch. Huffing from the exhaustion of fighting in his hold, I lowered my eyes, giving him my answer. "Do not fret, my darling C. Although I do enjoy your little displays of strength, you must save your energy and concentrate on relaxing. Otherwise, none of us will be able to move pass this point. Although, I do feel rather comfortable now." He grinned as a blush began to burn under my face.

"Such a devil," I huffed out and he smirked as his eyes sparkled with approval at my usual insult, yet he might as well be taking it as a compliment. "Get off me now! Since I can't do anything to hurt you, I might as well go eat something."

"Not until you say please," He smiled when I growled at him. "And do not growl at me. If you want something, you must give me something in return, yes? Let's just start with your cooperation, hm?"

Oh, for the love of God! Can't he just refrain from being cruel, for once!? I thought as I sighed and froze when I saw his smile go down along with the cold presence of him leaving my mind. Damn it all!

"I am only as cruel as you've made me to be," He said rather stiffly and then removed himself from me entirely. "You may go now. Eat your fill and do refrain from causing any more trouble. I shall return shortly."

With that, he disappeared like he was never here before, though that last encounter left me breathless, I was still wondering why he suddenly looked pissed. Maybe it was because of what I thought. Oh, fuck him then! He's always been cruel and now he takes it as an insult!?

Tired and moody, I walked out of the bedroom and found Ranfield in the small kitchen, cooking (from what I could smell) eggs and sausages with toast.

"Ah, C!" Ranfield smiled at me, leaving me in a strange sense of déjà vu. "I made you a plate full of goodies." He said and set a big plate of breakfast in front of me. "I knew you would be hungry once you woke up so I got straight to work! Oh! You will need this as well." He also sat a bottle of donated blood next to the plate of food. "Come now! Sit down before you pass out, girl! You need sustenance after all you'll been through!"

"Ummm, thank you, Ranfield," I said, feeling numb as I sat down on the stool and picked up the fork. It seemed like nothing had changed. Dracula and I would get into our usual spouts and Ranfield was always there making things better for me. This made me wonder. Was I destined to be with Dracula all along? If coincidence and fate walk pretty closely together, then was there really nothing I could do to avoid Dracula at all?

I pondered this for the rest of the day. The Count had yet to return and Ranfield was doing his usual thing, like a servant should, while telling me of what I missed back in Transylvania. Not like I was listening, for the TV was on. But nor was I watching anything. I seemed to be in a state of wonder. I was hardly registering anything around me other than performing bodily needs. Like walking around, using the bathroom, or just sitting on the recliner staring into space. Before I knew it, night had come again and it started to rain and thunderstorm, but not badly.

"I'll be right back, C," Ranfield said, looking towards me in worry as he grabbed his coat and hat. "I've got to go fetch a few more things but the Master will be back soon."

I only nodded his way before staring at the TV again. Sighing that nothing was entertaining, I turned it off and walked into the kitchen for a snack. The only think I saw worth anything, to my other half, was the bottles of blood. Swallowing some, I took a bottle and walked over to the recliner, but instead of sitting on it, I walked behind it to sit on the floor, resting my back against the hard, yet leather covered board. I stared at the wall for hours. Thinking. Worrying. Even hating at myself for everything that's happened. I found myself crying those awful bloody tears as I lowered my head to my lap. It was several minutes later that I found I was no longer alone in this darkened apartment. The rain was silent, but his footsteps ever faint as he came closer to me. I said nothing and neither did he as he just stood there, staring down at my pathetic form.

Dracula had gone after she thought of him cruel. He wanted to shack and shout at her for being the cruel one, not him! But, nor could he disagree with her. He had gone exploring around the city, looking for any clues himself. He even went as far as eavesdropping in on the SVU Department, but no. Nothing. Nothing at all. It infuriated him to no end that this enemy was keeping himself scares. And for what!? Why? And how? What kind of being takes the weak and doesn't leave evidence. Answer; he was planning something! It couldn't be a simple human, because he could have easily tracked him down by now! No. THIS was something entirely.

Another vampire? Cornwell! His mind raced over and over at the possibilities. For that annoying maggot said that he was far from through with them. This brought him back here, to the hotel. He couldn't leave her alone like this. Even after she thought of him cruel, he was not without mercy. Besides, it was starting to rain and thunder. Not that he minded, for he always enjoyed a good thunderstorm, but his need for the Dampire overcame that and quickly teleported back to where he left her. Yet, as soon as he reappeared, he smelled her sorrow as well as her tears and immediately regretted it. He found her, hiding behind the recliner, a bottle of blood in one hand and her face in the other. Her sniffs made her fragile form flinch from time to time, but he remained where he stood, neither one saying anything to comfort the other; as much as he wanted to, he had to let her accept him. As much as it annoyed him, yet he froze when she spoke first.

"W-why – why must we suffer?" She choked out in a low town and he found himself in awe. She was questioning both their virtues! She seemed lost, and yet as much as he wanted to help her; he was just as lost.

"If I had an answer, I doubt I could give it to you," He admitted as I sat there, rubbing my eyes in despair. I nodded in return for the honest answer, for even knowing the truth wouldn't help. If there was one thing I did admire him for, it was for his honesty.

"Carolyn –."

"I love you," I announced in a small voice but he heard. From the corner of my eyes I could see his grow and stare at me in wonder. "I – I've loved you for the longest time now. I just – I started something here and I just can't walk away from that! As much as it hurts… as much as I want to hate myself… as much as I wanted to die… I just… I love you. I just…"

I stopped when I felt his strong yet gentle arms wrap around me and pull me to his firm chest, his chin resting on my head as he slowly rocked me in his embrace. We stayed like that for another few minutes before he pulled away and whipped some of the tears from my face.

"I know," His soft smile made me feel warm inside as those eyes; those beautiful yet deadly azure eyes of his seemed to shine a light to my soul, as well as my heart. He leaned forward until his lips touched my ear. "Despite all our past aggressions, you have always held my approval. It was months later after you were gone that I found I couldn't live without you because… I had grown to love you as well. I thought I would never see you again and that left me… hollow. Even more so that I ever would have imagined. You… are my world, C. Not just my greatest accomplishment. Not just the first Dampire that has fought and beaten the odds that most vampires would have failed at. But… my true and most precious love that I would never trade with. Not even for the Devil himself."

I couldn't help but smile at that. He would even risk the Devil's wrath; the one that made him King of the Vampires, just to keep me in his arms. I really couldn't have asked for more. I've made my choice. We've made our choice. Sink or swim (hopefully not). Fly or fall. We'll battle the odds together.

I'm not alone anymore. I thought as more tears fell from my face, but this time they were tears of joy. That's all I ever wanted from this world. Was to belong. To be a part of someone's life and have them in mine. Amy, as annoying as she was, will always be remembered as my first friend. Godfather Dean; my only father figure and family. And now Count Vladislaus Dracula; my one and only love. God! I sound corny! But – it is how it should be. Or how I chose it as.

"Not alone. Not anymore," He whispered in my ear as his arms tightened around me in a hug. For once, I accepted the embrace and wrapped my arms around his neck. When he pulled back to look at me, I didn't hesitate by placing my lips on his. He was startled for a moment, only a moment, before he kissed me back. Those strong, yet gentle arms held me closer as he pulled us both up from the floor. Before I knew it, we were in the bedroom and the door closed silently behind us.

Kicking off his boots, I knew what he had in mind next, and it left me burning inside. Taking matters into my own hands, I went for his black army coat and flung it from his shoulders. I felt him smile against my lips as those hands of his gripped my hips and pulled me tighter against him. When I felt his hardness rubbing against my stomach, separated only by our cloths, it left my throat dry.

I heard him groan as my hands rubbed behind his neck and ears while his hands quickly removed my shirt. "Beautiful." He muttered, making me blush. He smiled and started to leave a trail of kisses from my face, to my neck, taking great pleasure in sucking at my exposed veins, but he did not pierce there. Not yet anyway.

"V-Vlad!" I gasped as his hands took off my bra and he began to feel my breasts. He growled as his lips became more possessive and I found myself on my back, his very male part now giving attention to the space between my legs. Even though our pants were still on that didn't mean I couldn't feel it.

"Carolyn," He growled out as his lips went even lower making me cry out some when he started ravaging my breasts.

The rain beat hard against the glass windows, but none of us cared. When he saw how nervous I was, because of the scares I still possessed on my back and such, he decided to rectify that. Turning me over, on my stomach, he kissed and bit as well as licked away every inch of burned flesh, leaving me blissfully aware how he was straddling me, while his saliva was healing me. It seemed like forever before he was done with my back before going to my ankles. Kissing and licking around each foot left me trembling in need for him. Lastly, I was rolled over again so as to watch how he licked and cured each wrist from the marks that the silver wires had left behind. His pupils grew as the blue in his eyes darkened while he removed the rest of our clothing. His hair fanned around his shoulders as I took off the gold clip and tossed it aside. He looked positively devilish with his hair down! Handsome as a Dark Prince would be.

"I love you," I managed to breath out as he pulled me closer to him, our bodies brushing against so tightly you would think we were one.

"I shall always love you, my sweet Carolyn," He whispered back before taking my head and giving me a deep and long kiss.

He made long and sweet love to me, neither one of us quitting for hours as we hollered each other's names into the air. He even bit me; only because I was begging him to. He obliged with a heavy groan and sunk those lethal fangs of his into my throat. I heard him mutter something into my head, but I didn't care, all I know was I was feeling the best moments of life with him, and I didn't want it to end. As much as I wanted to bite him in return, I held it off as we finally passed out in each other's arms.

It was morning when I found myself awake first in the bed. I was lying (naked of course) on top of him as his arms held me tightly to him. He never looked so… well… beautiful! It was weird to define a male that but he was. Perhaps because of him descending from aristocrats. Oh well, all I know was that I was still sore and tired so I just tucked my head back under his chin and went back to sleep, hardly aware of the arms that stroke my back.

I woke up again, still in Dracula's arms, but this time he had moved us on his side so my head would also be resting on a soft pillow. I moaned a bit, for the sudden light in the window was irritating, and yet I allowed my nose to brush against his muscled peck. I heard him chuckle in his throat as he held me tighter.

"Good evening, my dear," He said in his typical rich, yet deep and velvety voice.

"Already?" I horsed out and cleared my throat, "Too early. Need more sleep."

"As much as I would let you, my dear, you are going to need to feed soon," He smirked as my eyes snapped open to the sound of my stomach rolling.

Moaning, I sat up and rubbed my eyes while his arms stayed around me. My black hair was in a state as I tried to comb it with my fingers while I spotted a bottle of blood on the nightstand. "What do you know? Somebody planned ahead." I smirked. Dracula quirked an eyebrow at me and I pointed to the bottle next to him.

I don't remember that being in here. I heard the Count think in wonder and I wondered if I just heard that or if he sent the thought to me. Maybe it's because he re-strengthened the bond between us? Because I know for a fact I'm not a true vampire yet! My heart is still beating!

"Ranfield," I pointed out as he blinked at me in wonder than his eyes lit up in understanding.

"Of course. He always knew what either of us needed beforehand," The vampire smirked as he stretched his arms and moved them behind his head as the covers slid off of him half way, giving me a very 'eye candy' display of his chest, abs, and sharp hips. Noticing my staring, my face burned brightly.

"Still acting modest?" He teased as his lengthened black hair slid over his shoulders. "Although, I have no complaints of staring at you in return." His grin grew when I noticed that the covers were no longer covering up my front half. Fuck! I quickly pulled the covers to my chest, but a pair of arms stopped me as they quickly imprisoned me in his tight embrace. I shivered some as our bare chests brushed against one another while he was tilting us back some. With him sitting up and my arms trapped by his, there was little I could do in this type of situation. "Now what are you going to do, my little vixen?"

"I don't know," I started to say as my smirk grew. "Beg for mercy while a take a swig from that bottle over there?"

He chuckled and reached for the bottle of blood, his eyes staying on me as he brought it closer to me. When I reached for it, he pulled it away just where I wasn't able to grab it.

"Now, now, C. Where are your manners?" His blue eyes sparked while playfulness as I glared at him. "Remember our agreement on cooperation? Say please, and I shall give it to you."

"Fine," I sniffed at him as he grinned in return. "Please give me the bottle oh Master of darkness."

"That last bit was unnecessary, C, yet –!?" He stopped when I kissed him full on the lips. A small moan escaped him as his free arm tightened around me while his other, held the bottle, and came closer to me. As soon as it was within my reach, I snatched the bottle from his loosened grip and pulled away while wearing a winning smile on my face.

"Thank you," I smirked and he blinked at my sly trick while I undid the cap and took a long drink.

"And you call me a devil," He smiled as he shook his head at me while my hazel eyes winked at him. Knowing him, he was going to make this a long day.

"You are! I just happen to have more tricks than you do."

"We will see about that." He grinned rather evilly. "Yes. We shall certainly see."

Back again! Sorry for the long wait but I had a lot of things going on. Hopefully I'll have more free time this coming weekend. Anyway, I hope you love the chapter, for it took me a while to control my own 'urges.' Eh hem! Well, REVIEW and REVIEW and let me know, because all your awesome comments keep me going!

As the plot thickens so does the excitement! Stay tuned for more chapters! Love to all; BR2