Chapter 4

(Pain is in the air)

Dracula's point of view

For the first time in almost eight years I opened my eyes. I didn't know what day or even time of day it was. Quietly I opened my coffin lid and quietly sat up. There was no light to speak of, but there wasn't a musty smell in the air to lead me to believe I was underground either. I gave my eyes a couple of minutes to adjust before I even considered trying to get up.

Slowly I rose from my coffin completely. My body didn't ache like a human's would. Even I must admit I felt a bit stiff, but then again I had been sleeping for quite some time. I had no idea where I was but hearing a noise on one side of the room I started to carefully make my way toward the sound.

Finding myself before a window I slowly pulled aside what felt like a very thick curtain and peered outside. There were city lights below and I quickly summarized I was on a hill somewhere. I pulled the curtains completely open to allow a little more light; normally I really didn't need light. My eyes were like that of a nocturnal animal that could see with no light. Having been sleeping for so long, however, my eyes were not as quick to focus as normal.

As my eyes began to focus I caught sight of a lamp and quietly walked over and turned it on. As soon as I did it I knew it was a mistake. I suddenly went blind. In my attempt to turn the lamp off I knocked something over as a crash suddenly erupted and something fell on my foot. I sighed. This was certainly not going to be the most dignified I'd ever looked.

I heard the door open just as I got the lamp off. Unfortunately, it was then the main lights of the room suddenly came on blinding me a second time. "Turn them off!" I swiftly demanded shutting my eyes once more.

"Apologies Master," I heard Sedrick say. "Is this better?" Slowly I opened my eyes to a very dimly lit room.

"That will do," I told him. I looked down to see I had broken a blue and white vase.

"You've awakened," Brock said entering the room. "We were getting concerned. You have been asleep for far longer than we anticipated."

"Yes, I know," I told them. "If you had left me in the blood baths I would have recovered more quickly." I left out the part that if I had stopped zapping my strength trying to speak to Fox I'd have also recovered faster.

"We did not realize," Sedrick said lowering his head.

"No matter. You both did well given the circumstances," I praised. "I believe I need to freshen up and then we have plans to make."

"The bathroom is through there," Brock announced. "Would you like me to light candles for you while your eyes continue to adjust?"

"Yes, do so," I told him.

"I will lay out fresh attire for you," Sedrick said and quickly went to the closet.

I sighed as I looked down at the mess still on the floor. 'They can clean it.' I silently decided. I stepped out from amid the shattered vase and with a glance out at the night sky I headed to take a much needed shower.

Memphis's point of view

I couldn't help but laugh as I watched Sasha chase Angel around the open area of the park. Watching her though I noticed Angel's speed seemed to be increasing even more. I noticed a few wide eyes as a couple of people passed and knew I needed to slow her down.

"Angel," I called to her. The red haired girl looked my way and I did a small downward motion with my hand. The happy girl nodded she understood and immediately began to slow her pace. I had devised a series of motions to signal her with when her vampire abilities became to apparent.

"She doesn't mean to," Katie said quietly.

"I know," I assured her. I looked over at the brown haired woman next to me. The woman hadn't aged a day. "She's a good kid." She looked over at me and smiled. "You've done very well raising her."

"I can't take all the credit. You and Sasha have helped; especially you," She replied. "Thank you for giving her a chance."

"I can't believe everything is evil because it isn't human. I've made my share of mistakes in the past, Katie, and believe me I do regret them."

She looked at me taking on a questioning appearance before saying, "I get the feeling there's a story to be told."

"Maybe, but not here," I replied. She nodded and we both turned our attention back to the little girl with bobbing red pigtails and the blonde woman that kept slipping every time she tried to catch her. We both laughed as the German born woman slipped once before abruptly ending up on her rear end.

Angel outright laughed at the woman and even Sasha laughed at what had transpired. Shaking her head she got up and dusted herself off before the two walked over to join us.

"Can I have my ice cream now?" Angel asked batting her blue eyes at me.

"Alright, let's go." Angel squealed before grabbing my left hand and pulling me towards the parking lot and my black explorer. Katie and Sasha only laughed and followed behind us.

Brock's point of view

Sedrick and I were both pleased and relieved to have the count awake again. I opened the safe and pulled out a binder that held pictures and information on both Angel and Katie. With the brown leather binder in my hand, I left the office and headed back towards the count's room.

"Where are you off to in such a rush?" I stopped and was surprised to see the count sitting in a chair by the now lit fireplace.

"I was bringing you this," I replied and walked towards him. "I thought you would like to see Katie and your daughter," I added and handed him the binder. I stepped back and waited.

The count slowly opened the binder to see a picture of Katie and their daughter. He smiled and gave a small chuckle looking at the child's red hair before saying, "When I decided to call her Fox I had no idea how appropriate it would be."

"How old is this picture?" My master asked.

"A few months ago." I watched as he looked up at me surprised. "We wondered if perhaps you'd marked Katie before…" I stopped leaving the unfortunate incident unsaid.

"No, I didn't," He replied before letting his brown eyes look down at the picture once more. He studied the picture for a moment and I watched as a thought crossed his face.

"Master?"

"It might be possible that Fox marked her." He looked up from the picture once more. "Is Tyler still guarding them?"

"Yes." It was only a second before I realized he knew who was guarding his daughter and Katie. I looked at him and said, "How did you know it was Tyler?"

"Fox told me," He admitted.

I was more than a little surprised. "You can communicate with the child?"

"Yes," He replied turning the page in the binder but not looking up. He looked over a few things before closing the binder and giving me his attention once more. "Fox is gaining abilities rapidly. Memphis is signaling her when she needs to slow down and such but that is not enough."

"Memphis?" I said both shocked and concerned.

"Yes, he has actually been protecting my daughter and Katie as well," He informed me before rising from the high backed upholstered burgundy chair. He didn't set the binder down; choosing to keep it in his right hand.

"Sedrick tells me that you have kept a list of the slayers movements as best you could," he commented.

"Yes."

"I want to see what you have compiled."

I didn't argue and lead him back toward the office I had been in only moments ago. I opened a drawer and took out eight binders full of information. I stayed silent as I watched the count open each binder before going to the oldest one.

"Where is he?" The count asked pointing to a slayer named Zack.

"He just arrived here in Paris today. To be honest, we were considering moving. We were afraid he might find us," I admitted.

"I trust you have a location for him here?" The count asked as he walked over to a window.

"Yes," I said with a nod.

"Excellent. Where is he?"

Dracula's point of view

It was well before sunrise as I waited in the shadows watching the slayer Zack who had almost succeeded in killing me. Truthfully, the only reason he'd almost managed to decapitate me was that he'd slipped causing the blade to shift. It was a lucky shot and nothing more. The fact he was constantly boasting he'd killed me, however, was rather annoying.

I watched as the slayer left the bar he'd been in and began crossing the street headed my way; a woman under each arm.

"So you really killed that vile thing," a blonde woman praised.

"He cowered and begged me for mercy," he boasted as they walked past where I stood in the shadows of the alleyway. I waited till the trio past by before stepping out of the shadows behind them.

"Did I?" I said. I watched as the trio turned to face me. The slayer looked at me and his eyes instantly widened in fear. "Do I look dead to you?" before any of them could react I was in their faces. I broke both women's necks killing them instantly and let their bodies drop to the ground like trash. "Beg did I?"

"You...you..."

"You are a fool!" I grabbed him and sank my fangs into his neck. He screamed in pain before suddenly passing out. I removed my fangs and allowed most of his body to fall to the ground. Keeping hold of a wrist I walked toward my waiting limo at the other end of the alleyway; dragging his body along behind me. I'd let him detoxify and wake up and then take his life, slowly. I left the two women's bodies there. They were of no use to me. When he awakened was when the fun would begin.

Tyler's point of View

My eyes scanned the park as I looked after Angel and her mother. Angel's speed was amazing. A child and yet I was certain she could match many adult vampires quickness. It gnawed at me I had to give Memphis credit for the signals he'd come up with. Part of me still couldn't believe he was not only accepting of Angel, not being fully human, but was also protective of the child. Who would have thought that a man who walked away from his girlfriend for not being human would be so openly protective of a Dhampir?

Dracula's daughter was a good child. While others threw tantrums when they didn't get their way, she often shrugged it off. But then it wasn't often the redhead didn't get what she wanted. Even Memphis usually bowed to whatever the girl wanted. Rarely would she try to force her way. If Katie or Memphis gave her "The Look" though she would immediately end her argument.

Memphis never tried to play her father; though he did fill the current male role in her life. He treated her with kindness and was always gentle with her. I hated to admit it and I knew the count would hate it but…he and Angel had a very good relationship. I even grudgingly gave him credit for Parker finally leaving five years ago.

As they headed for the Baskin Robbins I quickly shifted out of my wolf form into my human one. Cautiously I made my way to my waiting motorcycle. I revved the Harley up and casually followed after them.

It was a little longer of a ride as they went to one on a different side of town. I was glad I'd taken my bike. I almost hadn't. I pulled the bike over into a parking lot and pulling behind a black Suburban I watched them through the windows and waited.

I was surprised to hear the sound of a ringing phone but pulled it out of the pouch of my motorcycle while at the same time cursing myself for not turning the ringer off. "Hello?"

"Tyler"

"Reth," I said instantly recognizing my alpha's voice.

"Dracula has awakened."

"I assume he will be here soon?" I stated.

"No. He is awake but needs to strengthen himself longer before he can begin getting even shall we say."

"I'll stay put."

"Actuallyyouwillbejoinedtonight," Reth informed me. I remained quiet and continued to listen to him. "Foxisshowingtoomanyabilities.Sheneedstostrengthenthemandlearnsomecontrol.Wecanhelpher."

"You want me to bring Katie and…"

"No. Let's just say Memphis is in for a rough night."

"What does that mean?" I asked. The way my alpha spoke I knew something was up and I might like or hate it. The fact he wasn't forthcoming didn't look promising for me.

"The local pack has had a little issue. Let's just say Memphis is going to take the blame…that is until you, Benson, and Paul show up."

"What do you mean we are showing up?" I growled before I could stop myself.

"Let the pack hurt him. They can even hurt him severely but don't let him be killed. I want you three to show up like the heroes."

"Why?" I said less than thrilled. I knew there was a point but I wasn't thrilled about just standing by and letting another pack kill him.

"It will convince Memphis to let you bring them all here."

"Reth, that is not a good idea! Hope…"

"I think it's time Memphis faced Hope and…met their son. We need them here to help Fox gain some control. Memphis has actually done fairly well but the child needs the freedom to practice and learn."

"Fine, but I don't like it." I heard my alpha laugh and then hang up. I turned narrowed eyes to look into the window. I did not want to deal with Memphis on a regular basis. As my eyes fell on the blue eyed red haired girl, though I hated to admit it, it would be nice to not have to hide in the bushes anymore and have an open relationship with her. I enjoyed the few moments I got with her every now and then. The kid wasn't mine per say but…she had a way about her that drew you in.

Angel's point of View

It was well after dark by the time we got back to the three bedroom house my mom and her friends had rented. The house sat back off the road a bit but wasn't in a very populated area. We climbed out of the car with our arms full of bags and started up the small path of paved stones toward the small green house.

As we neared the house I sensed a presence but paid it no attention. Tyler was probably watching in the shadows again. I thought it was kind of funny he watched me so close but it also made me feel special. Daddy had sent him to protect me and that's just what he did.

We walked between some bushes and it suddenly didn't feel right. Something was different but I didn't know what.

"Memphis," someone growled.

I looked to my left to see three gray and black wolves and a man I didn't know. I was confused. I'd never seen them before and didn't know who they were. I scanned the area but there was no sign of Tyler anywhere.

"Who are you?" Memphis asked clearly unaware of whom they were either.

"As if you didn't know!" a man with dark hair and eyes said emerging from his wolf form.

I suddenly felt my mother take my arm and start to put herself in front of me. I looked at her but her eyes were focused on the unknown wolves. "What do you want?" My mother asked. I could sense her fear but her voice was calm and clear. My mother didn't back down or step forward.

"This doesn't concern you," He sneered at her.

Suddenly two wolves charged at Memphis. He dropped the bags he'd been carrying and instantly started to fight back. I watched with wide eyes as suddenly all four of the wolves were attacking him.

I looked around frantically for Tyler. 'Where are you?' I silently screamed. When I saw blood erupt from his mouth I had to help.

"Get away from him!" My mother demanded dropping her own bags. She picked up a fallen tree branch and ran toward them to help the fallen man.

"You leave Memphis alone!" I yelled and running in I pushed one of them away. I was surprised when he suddenly went flying.

Another wolf snarled and charged at me. Before the wolf could reach me my mother hit him as hard as she could with the branch and caused him to miss. "Stay away from my daughter!" My mother snapped at the angry wolf.

He launched at my mother but suddenly three other wolves were there. It took me a moment to realize one was Tyler. Sasha took my hand and moved me out of the way.

"Stay out of this!"

"It wasn't Memphis, Ron," A wolf I didn't know said as they all transformed into their human appearance. "You really think he could cause you that much trouble? He doesn't even have a group of slayers with him."

"Then who did?" the man with dark hair and eyes asked.

"Why don't you pay Braken's a visit? I think you'll have your answer," Tyler told him. The wolves huffed but then walked away.

"Memphis!" I looked over to see my mother looking over the injured man. "He's unconscious. We have to get him to a hospital."

"No." I turned my blue eyes to see a man with shoulder length blond hair. "Benson, Paul, take Memphis into the house," The man ordered. Instantly the two men picked him up and headed inside after my mother who quickly opened the door.

I looked at where Tyler stood no longer in his wolf form. I pulled my arm out of Sasha's grasp and stomped up to him. "What took you so long?" I demanded. He just looked at me. Mad, I abruptly kicked him in the shin. "You should have helped Memphis!" I shouted at him.

"My job is to protect you and your mother not Memphis!" The light but dark skinned man replied. "I owe him nothing!"

"What?" I think Tyler's eyes widened as wide as mine at the sound of my mother's voice. "How do you know him?"

I lightly bit my lip and turned to look at my mother. "Um…well…you see…" I had no idea how to answer her. I had been told not to tell her. I fell silent and looked down at the ground.

"Angel," She said as her voice started to sound firm.

I looked up to see her arms crossed and her face had "The Look" that said "Answer Me." A frown crossed my face. "I promised not to tell you."

"You shouldn't promise to keep secrets from your parents," She told me. Her eyes looked away from me and fell on Tyler, "Perhaps you would care to explain?"

"Tyler was sent to protect you both," The blonde man told her.

"Sent by whom?" My mother asked.

"Daddy," I told her. I watched as her eyes widened only a little bit before she seemed to force them back to normal size. I felt her uneasiness instantly.

"Why?" She asked a moment later.

"Cause he can't be here to protect us," I told her. I left Tyler's presence and went to where she stood. "Daddy wanted to make sure if anything happened we'd be protected. Since he can't be with us yet he sent Tyler to us."

"How long have…"

"Soon after Fox was born," Tyler replied. "I'm never far."

"The time has come that Fox needs to be some place where she can learn to control her abilities better. I believe even you would agree she's far from the average child."

"Who are you?" I asked looking at the wolf that seemed to be in charge. "I've never seen you before."

The blonde man smiled at me. "My name is Heath. You may not have seen me but I've checked up on you as well," he told me. His eyes looked toward the door. "How bad is he?"

"He's going to be hurting for a while but he'll live," the wolf with short jet black hair named Benson replied.

"I'll call Reth." Heath looked at my mother. "It's not safe for any of you to be here now."

"We're just supposed to go with you?" My mother asked clearly not comfortable with the idea.

"We knew Memphis before you did," Tyler told her. "He knows us and he owes us. I've protected you since Angel was born. Do you really think I'll suddenly hurt you now?"

"Maybe not, but I don't doubt for a second that if he showed up here and now you'd hand us over to him." I looked at her wondering who she meant. Her blue eyes looked into mine. "Go and get ready for bed sweetheart," She told me.

"Does this mean you won't be hiding in the bushes anymore?" I asked looking at the dark skinned man that had protected me for so long.

"No, he won't be," Heath told me.

"Okay." I turned and headed for the door. I walked inside and stopped listening just out of sight.

"You both belong to the count, Katie," Heath told my mother. "Deep down even you know that it's true."

"I don't doubt he'll come for us. I fear what he'll do once he has us," I heard her admit. She didn't hide the fear in her voice. I frowned at her words. Why was my mother afraid of my father? I didn't understand. Maybe Tyler could explain later.

I started past the room that Memphis was in. Unable to help, I entered the room and looked at him. There was blood all over Memphis. His face had several bruises as did his arms and the exposed part of his chest. It made me sad to see him so hurt.

"I'm sorry," I said. I walked over and hugged him. I felt bad I hadn't done more to stop the other wolves.

"It isn't your fault sweetie." I turned to see my mother. She too was bothered by the site of his beaten body. "Come on." She put her arm around me and led me out of the room and to my own room. "It'll be okay sweetie," She told me.

Mommy helped me get ready for bed and after tucking me in, she left the room closing the door behind me. "Please be okay, Memphis," I told the empty room. Tyler's friends had said he would live. I had to hope they were right.

Dracula's point of view

I watched with mild amusement as the slayer began to awaken from his little nap. His eyes blinked several times before they fully opened and he was awarded a view of his unfortunate predicament.

"Which one of us is ready to beg?"

He let out a scream as he looked down from where he was suspended to find himself hovering over a pit of baby alligators. I would kill him but first I wanted him to feel pain. "No, please!" He begged.

"Begging already?" I asked. A cruel smile crossed my face. "I haven't even begun to hurt you." I looked over to where Brock was standing by a table. "My whip." Brock only smiled as he picked up the very same two-edged whip that he had used on Danielle. He handed the whip to me. "Thank you." He gave a bow of his head and stepped back.

"This is Brock's favorite instrument of torture," I told the upside down man. "Do you know why?"

"Please…no …don't."

"Allow me to demonstrate." I flicked the whip at him and the slayer screamed as both sides of the whip cut him. "It takes very little force but administers such pain," I said before striking him once more against his exposed skin. Only the boxers he'd been wearing remained. The rest of the skin had no protection on it at all. I whipped him several more times randomly causing him to scream in agony. The razor sharp, but jagged, edges tore at his skin viciously.

Hearing a few crocodiles snap their teeth as a piece of his skin fell down to them, I laughed before looking at the slayer bleeding above them. "Did I mention they're hungry?" I looked at Brock and he immediately began lowering the man into the pit of hungry little crocodiles.

"No!" Zack screamed as he was lowered. He screamed even louder a few seconds later when a few of the gators attacked him in their attempt to devour him.

"Raise him." Brock raised the slayer out of the pit to reveal he'd been bitten several times and even had some flesh ripped off.

The slayer cried in agony and pain but I offered no comfort. "You will die slayer. You tried to kill me and have kept me away from Katie and my daughter." I watched as his eyes widened and laughed. "That's right. Katie has delivered me a child. You never could've won."

I looked down at the pit of hungry alligators. "I chose these young ones because a large one would kill you too quickly." I raised the whip and cut him in the area where he was clothed. I knew the cloth offered little protection. This is a game I would play. I would cut him and then I would allow him to be eaten until nothing was left. He had separated me from my bride and child and he would endure a very agonizing death to compensate for it.