Alucard Lubov Dracula arrived a mere two days after the hotel had officially opened its doors.
Martha lay back against the bed, exhausted but happy as the wriggling bundle of joy was cleansed, wrapped in a dark black blanket, and then brought into her arms.
Their friends reacted the same way to this new child as they had when little Mavis was born - with tears, and hugs, and many congratulations for Martha and Dracula at the new bundle of life that was their second baby. Mavis's reaction to her younger brother was shining with positivity as well. While the little girl couldn't quite speak yet, she still smiled broadly enough to show her little fangs when she first saw the infant.
Al himself was a handsome little boy, with straight dark hair like his father and soft features that resembled his mother. Dracula's heart practically melted right there and then when the baby first opened his eyes and looked at his parents for the first time. The newborn didn't cry, but the Count did. Tears of happiness slid down Drac's face and he leaned over the tiny head, pressing kisses to his son's soft cheeks as Martha cradled the child close to her bosom.
"He's perfect," he said softly. "Just like you and Mavy."
"And you," Martha reminded him gently, kissing Dracula chastely on the lips before their attention was turned back to their son.
The tender moment lasted another few minutes until someone knocked on the door.
"Mr. Count Dracula, Sir! Your presence is being requested in the lobby!" It was one of his suit-of-armor guards.
Drac groaned. "Now?" he called out in question.
"Yes, Sir!" the suit confirmed.
He groaned again, not wanting to leave his little bubble of peace, but ultimately being urged by his wife.
"Go," she said softly. "You run a hotel now, remember?" She giggled. "I'll be fine."
A warm look of reassurance was in her eyes, and he nodded. She was right. This was the purpose of this place - to be protected. Suits-of-armor were on all 13 floors of the castle for that very reason. He kissed her again and then went out, shutting the door gently behind him.
The lobby was a flurry of activity. Monstrous guests of all shapes and sizes milled about, laughing and talking excitedly. Witch maids cleaned up after the messes that some made, while the zombie bellhops assisted in carrying luggage and doing valet. Suits of armor stood alert on every side, and Dracula approached one.
"So, what is the situation?" he asked.
"There, Sir!"
Dracula followed the direction of the suit's pointing finger and saw the check-in desk, where his father casually leaned and waited. The elder vampire had a smirk on his face as he took everything in. "Wow. So you run a hotel now, eh? From the Prince of Darkness to the King of Room Service!"
He gave a laugh at Drac's frown, but then the Count laughed too. "Yes, yes, it's nice to see you could come, Dad."
"Oh, I wouldn't miss it," he grinned. "Besides, I think I'd like to meet the other little Dracula in the family. But first... why don't you show me around this place real quick?"
Drac nodded. "Absolutely."
So he did. The vampire guided his father around to see all that the luxurious 5-stake hotel had to offer, from its Olympic-sized swimming pool, to its steam bath room and spa, to its expansive ballroom, to its bar and lounge area, to its library, and to the suites. Vlad had to admit that he was impressed by it all. His son had been able to create something that was truly remarkable within only nine months of conceiving the idea. And another little creation had been made in the same amount of time as well.
Quietly entering the room, Dracula allowed his father to follow him up to the bed where Martha lay, cuddling Al in her arms and with Mavis on her lap.
She tensed slightly, still not quite used to the newfound peace between her husband and his father, but then visibly relaxed.
"Hello," she greeted. "It's been a little while."
"Yes, it has," Vlad agreed. "I take it you've recovered well?"
Martha nodded.
Vlad nodded back. "Good."
On her lap, Mavis cooed at the sight of the elder vampire and Vlad grinned. "Hey, kiddo! Long time no see, eh?"
He ruffled her hair, and she squealed happily in reply. Smiling, Vlad turned to Drac who gestured a hand toward the bundle that Martha was delicately carrying.
"Dad, I want you to meet your other grandchild, Alucard Lubov Dracula."
Vlad chuckled. "Did you really name him 'Dracula' spelled backwards?"
"Hey, I like it!" Dracula protested. "It's better than - "
"Vlad the Second?"
Dracula gasped and shushed his father. "Dad! I told you not to call me that, like, ever!"
"Well it IS your name," Vlad pointed out, grinning.
Martha in the meantime looked slightly confused. "Wait, Drac... your first name is... well... Vlad?"
Drac groaned. It was all the answer that she needed, and she couldn't help but giggle slightly at his reaction.
"I can't believe he never told you he's a Junior!" Vlad said with a laugh. "Ah, but let's not pester him anymore. I need to get acquainted with my grandson!"
Nonsensical coos began to pour from Vlad's mouth as he fawned over the baby and his granddaughter. Martha smiled fondly, unable to help herself in joining in on the adoration of her children.
The sight of them so happy and content dissipated any prior embarrassment Dracula felt. The Count's shoulders relaxed and his lips released a sigh of tranquility. Here was his family, whole and healthy, safe and sound, starting a new chapter of their lives and together as one. Whatever terrors had preceded certainly would not be forgotten, but for the time being they could be put aside. His heart swelled with pride and love.
They were all going to be okay.
THE END
