Chapter 10

(Re-United at last)

Katie's point of view

It was strange as I stepped out of the limo at Caesars' Palace. I thought it was odd to take a limo but Isaiah insisted Whitney, Sasha, and my ball gown, along with any of the other female wolves dresses, would not work in a normal car. Whitney had made the comment it would be fun and so I'd simply gone along with it. I have to admit it was kind of fun to be driven down the street with others looking at us. It was even amusing as people stopped to wait and see who was getting out of the limo now.

"Shall we?" Reth said offering me his arm.

I smiled and accepting his arm we headed into the casino; toward the Octavius Ballroom. A masquerade ball was being held and Reth had gotten tickets and insisted we attend. I pretended like I minded far more than I did. In truth I was excited to go. I like dressing up sometimes. Besides I hadn't been to a masquerade ball in years; in fact I'd been a teenager.

We entered the ballroom to find it exquisitely decorated. Masks and ornate decorations were placed sporadically throughout the room. The room was so beautiful it was breath taking.

"It's so pretty," Sasha commented. I nodded in agreement. "What a wonderful thing to do on Halloween."

The moment she said Halloween a strange feeling came over me. I knew it was Halloween. I'd known it was about to be Halloween. Yet the way she said it disturbed me. It was almost like she revered it. It gave me chills.

"I've always like Halloween," Raquel's mother commented. I only gave her a small smile. She noticed I didn't seem as enthused and said, "Don't you like Halloween?"

"I did once," I admitted. It was true. There was a time when Halloween had been one of my most favorite times of the year. I had loved decorating for it, loved going to parties, and even handing out candy. That was before my life had been forever changed. Before that night at the theater when the most feared man in existence, Count Dracula, had laid claim to me.

"He cares for you, Katie," Whitney told me.

"I want to believe that but…"

"Then believe it," The dark skinned woman told me. "He means you no harm."

"Whitney, as much as I would like to believe that I still remember the pain he inflicted on me; physical pain," I told her. "Dra…he can be gentle, I know that, but he can also be the cruelest person in existence." I mentally scolded myself at almost saying Dracula. This was a place where many humans still had the luxury of believing Dracula was simply a character in a horror film. I envied their state of ignorance.

Whitney dropped the subject and we allowed ourselves to enjoy the music and the dancing. I danced with several of the men that had come with us that night, but Reth allowed no one outside of the group to dance with me. I knew it was because of the count.

"May I have this dance?" I looked over to see a blonde man wearing a crimson red mask.

"I'm sorry but I…"

"Of course," Reth blurted out. I looked at him surprised. "Dance with him."

I was surprised by his sudden change of heart, but without an argument I walked with the blonde man out onto the ballroom floor. Slowly we began to waltz. "Are you a friend of theirs?" I inquired. I could only understand Reth allowing this stranger to dance with me if he was somehow connected to him.

"Actually I don't know many of them. I am here on someone else's behalf."

"Someone else…" my words died as he suddenly twirled me. "What do…" I lost my voice as the man I had been dancing with was no longer there. Instead a man wearing a black mask with ornate gold markings was.

He stepped toward me and I felt his power. Gently he pulled me towards him, taking me into his arms as we began to dance. He said not a word but he didn't have to. I would know him anywhere. His brown hair lay gently around his shoulders the way it always had; rarely did he pull it back. It seemed almost appropriate when the orchestra began to play Music of the Night from Phantom of the Opera.

"You're early," I told him. "It's not Christmas."

"No my beauty I am not," The count said calmly holding me closer than any man had that night as we danced.

"You said the most powerful night of the year," I told him.

He smiled at me before bringing his face close to mine and whispering into my ear, "Tonight, my dear, is the most powerful night of the year for an immortal." He pulled away from my ear and brought his face close to mine so he could look into my eyes once more.

"Have you already taken Angel?" I asked trying to not allow the panic I was beginning to feel take hold.

"Two of my most trusted are collecting our daughter now," he said calmly as we continued to dance.

"You sent va…others to get her?" I whispered as I began to panic.

"Calm yourself, Katie," Dracula told me as he tightened his grip. "Do you truly believe I would send just anyone to collect my daughter?" I looked at him less than pleased. "Our daughter," he quickly corrected. "She is ours Katie but she will be seen first as my daughter," he said in a tone that was gentle. It was gentle and explaining at the same time. It was uncharacteristic of him.

Gently the count touched me cheek; I couldn't help but close my eyes at the sensation. I had been panicking only a moment ago but a feeling of peace began to flow through my being. Feeling a finger on my lips I opened my eyes. He traced his finger over the crease of my closed lips as he looked at the burgundy lipstick I wore.

"We will not be parted again." Gently he reached down and lightly kissed me. I couldn't resist the feel of his lips on mine. The past didn't matter when he acted like this; like I was his everything. It had never been the count that I'd wanted, but after we'd created Angel I knew no one would ever affect me the way he did. I had surrendered to him and once you surrender to darkness there's just no going back.

Dracula's point of view

The feel of having Katie in my arms made the wait worth it. I knew she feared the future but at least here and now she was not surrendering to it. Instead she was being the beauty I'd fallen for all those years ago.

I kissed her gently wanting her to remember the feelings I could stir in her; feelings that were not of possession but love. Our kiss ended and as I looked into her eyes I saw her eyes were slightly glazed. I was succeeding in making her remember something other than how cruel I could be.

As the song came to an end so did our dance. "Come, my Katie." I didn't wait for her to agree. Instead I put my arm around her and lead her out of the ballroom. I felt her start to lose her dreamy state and kissed her again as we entered the elevator. I closed the doors with my magic not allowing anyone else to enter.

As the elevator rose I continued to kiss the woman I loved. I held her close and slipping my tongue into her mouth I deepened the kiss further. Hearing the elevator ding I swung Katie up into my arms and walked off the elevator.

We entered the penthouse and I quickly made my way to the bedroom. In this state I knew Katie wouldn't refuse me and while her dreams were nice reality was so much better. I moved my finger and the bed turned down.

I became so caught up in kissing Katie and the passion I was igniting that I was caught off guard as I suddenly felt the flesh of Katie's hip. It was only a moment and I realized we were both naked. No other woman had ever had the effect on me that Angel's mother did.

Katie was well under my spell of passion. It was so easy. I could have her so easy and I wanted her. Yet something in the back of my mind projected a warning. If I took Katie now in this state she would see me as taking possession of her again. Katie had a physical attraction to me; an intimate attraction to me. If I ever wanted her to look at me with love in her eyes I needed to stop.

Against my nature I pulled back and waited. I wanted her so much but…the first time we'd made love it had been a bargain. I didn't want this time to be as well. My brown eyes stayed fixated on Katie's blue eyes as I watched her slowly come out of the spell I had cast.

"Where…." She gasped realizing where she was and the lack of dress she was in. "You…"

"No. I wanted to but no," I told her. Katie looked at me unsure. "I want you to know, accept, and enjoy."

"I…"

"Wouldn't you rather experience for real what you have in your dreams?" I suggested. "To feel what you remember?" Katie didn't respond at all. I knew she was torn. Gently I reached over and brushed her cheek. When she didn't pull away I scooted closer. When she still didn't flee I reached down and very gently kissed the side of her neck. "You have only to say the word," I told her.

Katie never flinched and I began igniting the passion once more. I kissed her and touched her as I had all those years ago. Katie didn't disappoint me as she began to respond to my touch. Calmly I positioned myself over her. I kissed her passionately and then took her as I had when we'd created our daughter.

Angel's point of view

Raquel had gotten the reaction she wanted from Nick. Unfortunately she'd attracted a bit more attention than even she meant to. I laughed as she found herself surrounded by guys. Isaiah had been a bit concerned but Tyler assured him he'd make sure nothing happened; of course Tyler never said he wouldn't let Raquel be harassed.

"You have no sympathy for her at all do you?"

I looked over to see Phoenix. "Nope. She wanted his attention and she got it! Come on, you can't tell me you don't think it's funny as well. I mean, come on, how long did she keep me at that costume store?"

"I'll give you that," he said and handed me a cup of coke. I just looked at it. My mother had always told me never to accept an open drink at a high school or college party. "Angel, I poured it. You don't really think I'd give you anything do you? Besides you, once you recuperated, your mother, Tyler, Reth, my mother, and let's not forget who your father is. I kind of like living."

I smiled and laughed. "Thanks." Phoenix nodded and we both took a sip of our cokes.

"Do you…" Malcolm let out a growl seeing a group of guys around his little sister. "You just had to find that one didn't you," he said looking at me less than thrilled.

"Did you see the genie, sexy witch and naughty nurse costume in the store?" I asked.

"Yeah?" Malcolm said.

"You're welcome," I told him.

"She was going to…of course she was!" Malcolm said running a hand over his thick 1-inch hair.

I looked over to see Phoenix looking at me with a very amused expression on his face. "What's so funny?"

"Don't take this wrong, but given what you are your costume is somewhat disturbing," The blonde haired blue eyed wolf commented.

"And my name isn't?" I quipped. "I'm just projecting who I am." Malcolm nodded as he looked over my short dressed angel costume. I was certain nothing had ever been as much of an oxymoron as I was at that moment. A Dhampir who had been named Angel and was wearing an angel costume.

"I wonder what your dad would say if he could see you now," Phoenix commented.

"He thought it was funny," I informed them. "I think my name disturbs him though. I think that's why he likes to call me Fox."

"I think it's more because he couldn't be with you and didn't know what you were for so long," Phoenix replied. "Besides you love that he has his own nickname for you."

"Maybe," I replied causing them both to smirk. Phoenix and Malcolm were both older than me; both were seniors. Raquel and I are both sophomores and Malcolm likes to remind us often.

"You are…" Malcolm went silent as all three of us suddenly felt a surge of power enter the area. Raquel's brother looked at me. "Any chance…"

"No," I said knowingly. I'd know my father's presence but this power was not it. "Wait it's Halloween!" I said pleased. "It might be Crina and Dragos!"

"Whoa Fox," Phoenix said stopping me. "We go together. Malcolm, get Tyler." The dark skinned teenager didn't hesitate and walked away. I looked at him disappointed but I knew he was right.

It was only a couple of moments and we headed outside to see who was paying the party a visit.

Dragos point of view

Crina and I stood on the sidewalk. We would have entered but sensed power moving towards us. Chances were high the count's daughter had sensed our presence. It was but a few minutes that the front door opened and a group of teenagers came out to greet us.

I have seen and experienced many things in my long existence but nothing could have prepared me for the site of the counts daughter before me now. I opened my mouth to speak and had to shut it. Of all the costumes my old friend's daughter could have been wearing, an angel costume was the last one I had ever suspected.

"That's an…unusual choice," Crina commented looking at the girl and feeling as dumbfounded as I did.

"Yeah, dad thought it was funny too," She told us. She looked over at the blonde man on her right. "See, Phoenix, I told you it was them."

"Better to be safe than sorry," He replied.

"Tyler," I said looking at the mulatto man. "It is time," I said and gestured to a waiting limousine.

"Right now?" A teenage girl with curly black hair said sadly. "She's my best friend; can't you give us another hour?"

At first I was confused before realizing she thought we were only taking Fox. "You are to accompany us Raquel."

"I am?" She said suddenly hopeful.

"Yes," Crina replied. "You, Tyler, Malcolm, and Phoenix are to come with us now."

"Okay!" Raquel took the hand of the count's daughter and was in the limo in less than a full second.

"No one mentioned Raquel and Fox are a bit…high stung when they are together at times did they?" Tyler commented seeing my surprise. I didn't comment and the three wolves entered the limo with Crina and me following. The door closed and the limo headed down the road.

"Are we going to get my mom now?" The counts daughter inquired.

"Your father is collecting your mother now," I told her. "We will make a stop by the house so that you may collect your things and then we will meet your father at the airport." The red haired girl smiled pleased. "I suggest you change out of your costume."

"Nah, I want my dad to see it," she replied.

"Then before we arrive at your father's castle," Crina said in a firm but compromising manner. The redhead nodded and the subject was dropped.

Dracula's point of view

I silently cursed for letting myself get so caught up with my need I'd completely worn Katie out. It wasn't my intent. I'd meant to make love to her only once, but once I'd started I hadn't been able to stop until my beauty had become so exhausted she'd fallen asleep. I didn't regret it, I simply hadn't meant for it to happen.

"You always did have a powerful effect on me," I commented looking down at the woman now sleeping soundly. I looked to the clock. Reth would bring Memphis here soon. I got up from the bed and slipping into the bathroom I quickly showered and dressed once more. I'd meant for Katie to be on her way to the airport when I spoke to Memphis but so be it. She was so exhausted there was little chance she'd awaken even if things did go badly between the slayer and me.

I finished securing my bow tie just in time to hear a knock at the door. I could've walked out but didn't knowing Sedrick was now there. He would let the wolves and slayer in.

Fully dressed I looked over at where the brown haired woman peacefully slept. In all my years I was still certain no human woman had ever looked as beautiful as she did whether she was awake or asleep. I walked over to the side of the bed and leaning over I gently kissed her forehead. "You'll never be alone again my beauty," I told her. I touched her cheek and then left the room.

The wolves were seated on the sofa. Memphis, however, stood against the wall. I couldn't blame him; not really. He was in unknown territory with a former and possible future foe.

"I trust Sedrick has seen to you?" I said calmly as I walked out making my presence known.

Memphis looked at me but remained silent. I sensed his fear but unlike so many other humans I also sensed he'd never cower before me. Parker would have cowered. Dennis and the others easily would have. Memphis, however, was different. Then again, he didn't strike as quickly as most slayers did either.

"Where is Hope?" Reth asked. "I told Memphis…"

"Memphis and I will speak first," I told them.

"Do you want Katie taken to…"

"Thank you, Reth, but no."

"Where is she?" Memphis asked. It wasn't demanding but it was firm. "What have you done to her?" He asked sensing something I had done had changed my plans.

"I haven't harmed her Memphis," I assured the concerned slayer. Memphis kept his gaze on me clearly wanting to know more. "She's sleeping."

"Sleeping?" Isaiah said. "Why would…" I looked at the dark skinned wolf and he smirked understanding what had taken place.

"Tell me she consented." I looked at Memphis surprised. I would have thought he would immediately believe I'd raped her but he hadn't. The way he was asking was questionable perhaps but it was clear he didn't expect me to have forced myself on the human woman. "I know you didn't rape her the first time. Used leverage perhaps, but it isn't the same thing."

"Katie could have said no at any time," I assured him. Memphis gave only a nod and seemed to immediately relax about the subject. It surprised me really. He didn't even accuse me of using my abilities on the woman.

"Shall we?" I said and gestured to a room off to the left side of the penthouse. Memphis didn't hesitate and followed me to the other side of the room and into the second largest of the bedrooms. "Reth, you may join us."

Memphis point of view

I expected a lot of things when the count and I came face-to-face again; a civil conversation was not one of them. We entered the second room and he walked over to a large window that looked out at the balcony and beyond.

"Sit," he told me gesturing to a small table with two chairs.

I admit part of me screamed he was lowering my guard but the other part said something was different about the count. He'd always seemed harsh and ruthless. He'd always had a regal manner about him but this was different.

"I believe you would agree our last meeting was…not pleasant," he began. I watched as he turned around and brown eyes looked at me. "Things have changed in many ways, Memphis. Not in every way but in many."

"I'm listening," I told him.

The count got an amused smile on his face. "You're expecting a threat."

"As you said, our last encounter didn't go as anyone planned," I replied. "I was part of a team that almost killed you."

"Yes, you were," He agreed with a calmness I didn't expect. "However, you are also one of the reasons Katie and my daughter are alive. Even after you knew Fox was mine you protected her."

"They had no right to decide to kill her or threaten Katie," I told him. "Angel hadn't even been born. Katie isn't evil and it was wrong to jump to the conclusion Angel would be just because you happen to be her father."

"You think I am evil," the count stated.

"At the moment I'm not sure what to think," I admitted. "You've had plenty of opportunities to kill me or have me killed and you haven't taken any of them. Even now you know I'm unarmed. If I'm alive because of Katie and/or Fox then either you were never truly evil or something in you has changed."

"Reth told me why you left Hope." I looked over at him. "I think you would agree that slayers sometimes kill without a reason, yes?"

I let out a sigh not knowing if I liked where this was going. Grudgingly I nodded. "It may have happened," I said and looked down and away from him.

"It's happening a lot right now," the count informed me. My eyes instantly snapped to him. "A war is coming, Memphis. One that will change many things."

I looked at Reth. "He's right, Memphis. You've been out of the loop for a while. Slayers have been hunting down anything even remotely different. Vampires, shifters, even psychics in a few cases."

"What?" I'd never heard of slayers hunting down humans before.

"Not every vampire that feeds, kills," Reth told me. "In fact the count has declared none are to be killed unless given no choice."

I looked at the count more than a little surprised. "I admit there was a time when I thought of humans as food and nothing more. However, a wise friend once told me that wiping out humans also wipes out the food supply," the count said. "I no longer wish to wipe out humans. However, the needless killing of my kind and the woman you love needs to end."

I wanted to rebuke what he said but I couldn't. I didn't like that the vampire knew my feelings for Hope.

"You must make a choice Memphis," The count said speaking in a calm but commanding tone.

"What choice?"

"You can have Hope and your son," Reth told me. "They can both be yours this night. Hope wants to be with you, Memphis. She never stopped loving you. All you have to do is agree and they're yours."

"Agree to what?" I asked as a feeling of dread washed over me.

"There are humans that must be dealt with…"

"You want me to hunt down slayers for you?" I said shocked as I abruptly rose to my feet.

"It isn't just slayers, Memphis," Reth said rising to his feet as well. "There are vampires that need to be taken out. There are even shifters that need to be taken out. Help us and Hope and your son are yours. I know how close you are to Katie and Angel. You won't lose them."

I didn't know what to think as I stood there. "If I say no?" I asked. I knew I wouldn't like the answer but I still had to ask.

"I believe you know the answer already," Dracula replied.

"I join you or I lose them forever," I said.

"It may seem cruel but in truth would the slayers not make you choose them or your son and the woman you love as well?" The count said. "We are leaving the airport in one hour. You have until then to decide. Once the plane leaves the decision is made. You are either an ally or an enemy." The count gestured to the door. I nodded and getting up I walked out of not only the room but the penthouse.

I headed down the hall toward the elevator. I hadn't seen Hope and now I knew why. In a sense the count was protecting her from my refusal. I'd walked away and lost her and an unknown child once. I didn't know if I could or even wanted to again.

Angel's point of view

I was sitting at the window board when I saw a limo pull up. I knew without a doubt it was my father. Quickly I adjusted my halo and wings and walked out onto the planes staircase just as my father got out of the limo.

"So what do you think?" I asked revealing my costume.

My father let out a chuckle and seeing him wave to me I was down the stairs and in his arms before anyone could blink.

"My little girl has grown quite a bit." I only smiled and hugged him. I finally had my father for good.

"Where's mom?"

"Sleeping."