Chapter 16

(This Could Be a Problem)

Parker's point of view

When the meeting had first begun I had paid close attention and given ideas. Now, eight hours later, what had begun as a joint venture to kill the creature that had kidnapped my girl seemed to be turning into a quest for dominance between the leaders of the various groups of slayers. I rolled my eyes and getting up I walked over to a window in the church tower and looked outside.

What had started out as a sunny morning, had now turned into a rainy afternoon. Rain fell from the sky drenching those walking in the courtyard below. I couldn't help but sigh as I ignored the arguing behind me. My eyes looked in the direction of the count's castle and thoughts of Katie entered my mind. I knew he hadn't turned her yet but I couldn't help but be concerned he might have forced himself on her. I'd heard about the leers Katie had been given by the creature. Trent had even told me they'd been just in time to stop him when we'd gotten her in England.

I rubbed a hand through my blonde curly hair. Not being able to do anything was wearing on me. My mind and heart screamed for me to stop wasting time and go after her. Common sense, however, is the only thing that stopped me.

"Will you still want her if he's had her?" I looked to see a woman with jet black hair looking at me. Actually she was leering at me; I ignored it.

"She's mine," Is all I said and stepped away from the slayer from Jordan. The only woman I wanted was Katie.

"She doesn't have to know," She said suddenly before me. Her hand rubbed over the outside of my shirt over my abs.

"I only want Katie." I practically threw her hand away from me and walked back over by Monica and Memphis.

"Careful around that one," Hana told me as I joined her, Monica, and Memphis. "Badia is a good slayer but she's also known for stealing men."

"That doesn't surprise me," Monica said and crossed her arms. Memphis gave me a slightly uncomfortable look and I had to look away so his girl didn't see me smile. Something told me the Arabic woman just might have hit on Memphis. I looked back to see a glaring Monica. 'Damn it!' I lowered my head in apology. Monica rolled her eyes and looked away. If she was being normal, I was now forgiven.

Memphis Point of view

With the meeting getting too heated it was decided a break was needed. I left the tower and headed down stairs and into the sanctuary. Monica was still mad at me even though I had nothing to do with Badia hitting on me. I walked along the hallway. With the church closed we didn't need to be as careful about where we were.

Something caught my attention out of the corner of my left eye and I stopped. I walked back to the window and looked out. A man was walking away. Although I couldn't be completely sure, everything in me told me it was Sedrick. 'Shit!' I silently cursed. If it was Sedrick, the count would know we were here. Then again he might only know about the other slayers. Either way we could be in trouble. I'd have to let everyone know. Quickly I headed back toward the tower. I needed to let Dennis know first.

Dracula's point of view.

I left Katie's room feeling very satisfied. I had barely walked a few feet away from my bride's door when I heard the sound of rushing footsteps approaching my direction. It was only a moment and I watched as my servant, Sedrick, rounded the corner entering the hallway I now occupied. His movements were quick and hurried and his face held a look of concern. There was a problem. Calmly I walked towards him.

"What troubles you?" I asked the blonde man.

"The slayers are here!" Sedrick said sounding like he was trying not to panic.

An unconcerned smile crossed my face. "Anca is never gone long," I replied.

"No, Memphis and Danielle's son."

"Ah," I said keeping a calm demeanor while recognizing his concern. "I see."

"There's more," My servant warned. "Parker is alive."

I silently cursed at the news. I'd expected Katie's lover to be dead not heading for my doorstep! This was not something I needed. "Get Brock and meet me in my office." Sedrick bowed and quickly left my presence.

Once alone again I let out a silent sigh and considered kicking a wall. It would be juvenile, of course, but it also might make me feel better at least for a moment. I turned and looked back towards my bride's door. This could be an even bigger problem. Whatever happened if they got a hold of Katie and learned she might be with child they'd kill it. I wouldn't know for sure before tomorrow. If I had been successful, I would have to find a way to protect Katie and the child.

Turning away from Katie's room I began walking through the halls toward my office. I needed a plan to keep them from obtaining my bride.

I reached my office just as Sedrick and Brock arrived from the other direction of the hallway. We entered and after reaching my large black desk I took a seat in my chair and the two men approached.

"I assume Anca and Memphis have teamed up?" I stated.

"Yes," Sedrick confirmed. "Others have arrived as well." My eyes fixated on him. "There are five groups of slayers total."

"They mean to strike during the Harvest Moon when you turn Katie," Brock added.

"Yes, well, that may not be possible at this time," I told the two men. I watched in hidden amusement as the two men casually looked at each other trying to decide who knew what.

"You wish to wait now?" Sedrick said not hiding his surprise.

"No, it seems my bride is fertile," I informed them. I leaned back into my chair and watched as realization dawned on my servants. "I won't know for certain before tomorrow. If she has in fact conceived, I shall have to wait to turn her."

"Master, if they get a hold of her and she is…"

"I'm aware, Sedrick," I told the concerned human. Katie knows nothing of my kind or of dampiers; keep it that way," I instructed. "Should they manage to obtain my bride and she discovers later she has conceived, she will assume it is her lover's more than likely. If she does, she won't be telling them there's a chance it's mine."

"If they find out she's had intimacies with you…" Sedrick began.

"They'll ask her if Master raped her; which he didn't," Brock interrupted. The brown haired man turned his attention toward me. "Perhaps informing her that the slayer would turn away from her if he knew she'd willingly been with you will keep her silent."

"The slayers will suspect something if you suddenly decide not to make her a bride," Sedrick said knowingly. "They'll come for Danielle after they believe you are dead."

I remained silent but Sedrick held valid concerns. Five groups of slayers could be deadly. "Find out about the other slayers," I told them. "We need to know more about our enemies before we make any further plans." The two men bowed and quickly left my presence closing the door behind them.

I rose from my seat and walked over to stand by a large window. A frown covered my face as I looked out at the afternoon rain shower that had begun. Things were not looking good.

I had fought in several wars and lost several skilled vampires. Most of my current fledglings were less than a hundred years old. There were other ancient vampires alive but they were in a deep sleep. I could call on them but by the time they awakened, fed, and got here it would be too late.

If all five groups of slayers were excellent, the vamps currently here wouldn't stand a chance. If I wasn't careful, this battle could be my destruction; something every slayer longed for.

"Destruc…destroyed." I said as a thought began to form. If things became truly bad, I may have to suffer pain but I could make them believe they had succeeded in destroying me. It would probably mean allowing my enemies to gain access to my bride and "rescue" her; at least for a time. After a short recovery, however, I could raise my armies and take back Katie and destroy my enemies.