A/N: Disclaimer in Chapter 1.

Sorry I haven't updated over the last few days.

I had a severe allergic reaction to a new and stronger set of antibiotics I've been given because my flu just wouldn't go. I was rushed to hospital with severe breathing problems.

I've been there since Thursday morning, I was only released today.

The final part of this saga, 'Survival' will be up on Tuesday.

Chapter 29: Regret

Erin's face scrunched up in confusion, "What do you mean hiding in plain sight?"

"She's somewhere she thought she could possess the mirror." Baylor answered. Olga would have been in her rights to hold onto it if she truly was Grand High Vampire.

"Garside Grange." Erin mumbled. Olga didn't know that Stokely wasn't as bad as they had made it seem although Vlad didn't want to return there again. The only other place she knew of was Garside Grange.

The mirror had been moved after Olga's transformation. The youngest member of the Dracula family had been transformed so it passed officially onto Vlad's hands as he was the one to be mated and as Grand High Vampire he became clan leader by default giving him control over the mirror.

"Even though she knew she couldn't get the power she thought she could hold it over you." Mikhail explained more clearly.

"We need to sort this out tonight." Vlad whispered to Erin. She nodded in agreement; there was no point in waiting. Every moment they waited Olga grew stronger and stronger.

Vlad was forgetting something, or so Mikhail thought. "What about the deal?"

Vlad paused and took a deep breath before throwing over his shoulder, "I'm thinking about it."

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Vlad winced as each stitch was pulled from his skin. It shouldn't have been this painful.

"You shouldn't have left it so long Master Vlad. The skin has healed around the stitches." He pulled on another one and Vlad let out a hiss of pain. The stitches were being forcibly removed from the skin, tearing it slightly as they were removed.

"He's right Vlad." Erin told her husband, Vlad had left it too long with them in.

"I had things to sort out…ow!" He finished with a glare at Renfield, that stitch had really been painful to remove.

"Wimpire." Ingrid laughed at him; she glanced away at Vlad's reproving glare. Looking at Erin before looking away from her as well at Erin's matching expression. Ingrid couldn't help it her brother always left things this late and said that it never hurt now he had to eat his words much to her amusement.

"You try having stitches and see how you feel when they're taken out!" He protested biting his lip again.

"Erin had them twice." Ingrid pointed out, she looked across at the vampire in question. Erin typically looked sympathetic at Vlad, she'd been there so she knew what it was like.

"I have had them twice." Vlad muttered as Renfield stood and walked around to Vlad's back and began removing the stitches there. Technically the set on his back was his second set.

Erin rolled her eyes and pinched him, Vlad jumped away from her not expecting that action. Erin didn't look the least bit remorseful. Her eyes held fear and hurt though and Vlad knew he hadn't been thinking, she would have remembered herself needing them and they would have been far more painful.

"Sorry." He whispered grabbing her hand and lacing their fingers together. Erin's injury had been life threatening, his hadn't.

"So she's at Garside?" Ingrid clarified, feeling she'd taken the joke a little too far when Vlad had remembered Erin having stitches.

"Yeah." Erin answered, "She's trying to get Bertrand to train her."

"We need to get him back tonight." Jonno muttered, speaking for the first time. "Stop Olga before she grows too powerful."

Ingrid gave a small shrug, "The most powerful she can grow is to match Erin and Erin knows tactics Bertrand hasn't taught her."

Erin choked at that comment, Vlad looked away. Ingrid gave them a confused look, Erin had beaten Vlad a few times and using techniques she knew Bertrand had never taught her.

Vlad tried to open his mouth to speak but nothing came out. The reason for these tactics was that they knew each other too well and intimately. They knew where the other person was sensitive and how to use this to their advantage, like stealing a kiss in the middle of sparring.

Erin was the one who was strangely composed, especially considering her previous coughing fit. "We've made up a few of our own." Her voice was still high and came out as more of a squeak though.

Ingrid couldn't understand what she'd said, she almost expected them to start blushing – that's if they weren't vampires.

Jonno decided to distract them, knowing Ingrid would comment and make things worse. She couldn't help herself. "Have you got a plan?"

Vlad didn't generally think of those before a situation he usually came up with them during the situation. He gave a small shrug, he honestly didn't have a plan he only had an objective. "Get my crown back."

Obviously that meant no.

"Vlad." Mina warned as she looked out of the window, beckoning him over. He followed her, she tried to keep him from the light forgetting momentarily about the filters on the windows.

Vlad luckily didn't see what she was doing so she didn't feel as much of an idiot. Erin followed him, peering over her husband's shoulder, perching her chin on it. "What does she want?"

"I don't know, but I don't want her here."

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Chloe stepped into the foyer, she wasn't a vampire so she didn't need and invitation to come in. That's the downside of vampires they always needed an invitation to enter somewhere for the first time.

She glanced around at all the décor, the sheer size of it made her laugh. This should have been hers, all of this. She should have been the one who was Vlad's Queen. She had known him for far longer than Erin had ever known him. It was the least she deserved.

A mating was permanent and Vlad would have grown to love *her*, she would have made sure he'd forgotten about Erin. Robin had foiled her plan to object when he refused to bring her to their mating ceremony. Erin had deserved that slayer, regardless of being a vampire she couldn't truly understand the burden Vlad carried.

Chloe had done more to save him and his family, Erin could never have done that.

She moved forwards, not moving to look ahead and walked directly into something solid. A solid, muscled, cold wall. A wall that shouldn't have been there.

Chloe turned her head for the first time catching sight of Vlad. Her heart beat faster as she looked at him, he truly hadn't aged at all, it was clear to see with Jonno that he'd aged a fraction, he'd become more mature but Vlad looked like he would always remain eighteen. It wasn't common knowledge but vampire males aged to the age of eighteen naturally so they could look 'of age' when the time came it was from the days before having to have ID to prove your age to anyone who asked.

He was more handsome than when she'd known him as a thirteen year old and it hadn't diminished at all in three years. She'd seen digital captures of him recently but she hadn't seen him in person, unless you counted the five minutes when she'd arrived with her parents looking for Robin.

Vlad had something that he never had before, an air of danger about him. It was clear for all to see not just her, Vlad wouldn't stand for any nonsense from anyone.

Chloe scowled at Erin who looked just as young as Vlad.

She felt sick as she looked at the bite mark on Vlad's neck and the double one's on Erin's. To know that they'd given each other those bites willingly showed their commitment to each other. Vlad clearly didn't have a problem with that aspect of his culture anymore.

"What do you want?" Vlad asked looking at Chloe angrily. "I have enough to deal with I don't need a breather as well." He wasn't in the mood for pleasantries, what she nearly made him do was going to be etched onto his mind for a long time to come.

"I just came to see if my brother was back yet." Chloe told them nonchalantly, sitting herself down on a nearby seat directly opposite Vlad and Erin, scowling severely at their closeness.

Erin laced their hands together, she didn't need any form of telepathic connection of Vlad to know that Chloe's presence was disturbing for him. She'd hoped that Vlad could have friends from those days but clearly that wasn't going to happen. He only had Robin from then and a friendship with Jonno that hadn't existed back then.

Vlad felt Erin's arm, she was shaking – he hadn't noticed it before. 'Are you okay?' He was concerned, she hadn't seemed right since the entire incident with the stun grenade.

Erin twisted her head to face him, nodding 'I'm fine.' She tried to assure him but he wasn't so sure. Vlad lifted his hand to brush away the bangs of hair that fell into her eyes to make sure for himself how she felt. He placed his palm against her forehead, she wasn't burning up. He trailed his fingers across her skin to her pulse point, there was no pulse. Whatever was happening could only be put down to the lingering effects of the stun grenade.

Chloe asked, seeing the way Erin was shaking. "What's wrong with her?"

"None of your business." Two people snapped at the same time – Jonno and Ingrid. Ingrid didn't want to have to deal with Chloe not when she wanted to get in and out and get Bertrand back.

Chloe gave them a scathing look. "I wasn't talking to you." She didn't like how they refused to let her talk to Vlad. If looks could kill Ingrid would be a pile of dust about now.

"My answer was going to be the same." Vlad confirmed. Chloe always managed to look 'hurt' when Vlad answered her curtly.

"Where's Bernard?" She asked nonchalantly.

"Bertrand!" Ingrid corrected rising to her bait. Erin scowled at Ingrid telling her to calm down. Ingrid took her advice and focussed on the portrait of Vlad on the wall behind them. Vlad hated it but Erin liked it. It was commissioned in honour of his crowning by the Council.

Vlad shook his head telling the rest of his family to remain quiet. Then Chloe seemed to notice the looks they were shooting each other. "He's done a runner." She summarised with a laugh in her voice.

Erin was the one who spoke next. "Don't talk about things that you know nothing about."

"Vlad get rid of her or I drain her." Ingrid warned her brother angrily. She was giving an ultimatum, it would break the treaty but she'd enjoy every second of it.

Vlad nodded, it wasn't like he wanted her there in the first place anyway. "Chloe I really think you should leave."

"Mum and Dad said I wasn't to go back unless I brought Robin back, so you're stuck with me until he returns. Assuming your Dad hasn't drained him." Vlad winced at the deliberate jibe to his family, the Count hadn't tried that in years.

"I'll drain you if you don't get out." Ingrid snarled, flashing her fangs.

"You don't scare me." Chloe laughed, she'd had enough experience with Ingrid to know what to expect from her.

Erin took the initiative, withdrawing her hand from Vlad's. "Leave my husband alone." She spoke, her two fangs protruding, they weren't as impressive as a natural vampire's four but they were still terrifying. "After what you did to him, I really don't think he wants to see you ever again."

Chloe hadn't expected a challenge from Erin so she was shocked when she received one. Chloe stood to meet her challenge before her fear took cover her and she tried to step back instinctively only for the backs of her legs to come into contact with the bench.

"Just because you're 'mated', it doesn't mean you can tell Vlad what to do." Chloe spoke, after a few moments, with a forced laugh.

"You tried to do that before Vlad had even proposed to me though didn't you?" Erin snapped back without skipping a beat of Chloe's heart. "You're not welcome here Chloe. You never will be."

Chloe looked to Vlad, who didn't move a muscle, he agreed with his wife completely. "Fine." She stepped back from them both. "You'll regret it though."

"Vampires don't regret anything." Ingrid spoke and Vlad just about managed to restrain himself from rolling his eyes.

Chloe turned on her heel and walked away from them, they were all sure it wasn't for the final time though.

"Sunset?" Jonno asked him quietly so Chloe couldn't hear as she retreated from them.

"Sunset." Vlad confirmed.

Jonno cast a meaningful glance towards his mother who understood exactly what her son was asking. "We'll meet you there."

It wouldn't take them long to get to Garside Grange if they left now. They needed back up and they needed to make a pit stop at the Slayer's Guild to fully organise that.

They would stand by Vlad and see this thing through.

Together they were all stronger, besides it would ensure that everyone survived.

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Erin was just slipping on her jacket when Vlad entered the room, he seemed on edge – not that she could blame him though.

She yanked the zip up to her collar; it always stuck whenever she tried to zip it up completely, something about the teeth not being lined correctly. She gave it another tug and this time it fastened all the way, she winced as a small amount of hair caught between the teeth and she was forced to yank it free.

"Are you going to be okay to fly?" Erin traced his t-shirt covered shoulder before lowing it to look at the freshly healed silver scar on his shoulder. She ran her fingers gently across it, watching with relief that he no longer winced at it being touched. She kissed it gently, smirking as Vlad shivered at the sensation.

"I'll be fine." He assured her with a slight smile. His shoulder felt fine although he still had the lingering sensation of the stitches being removed.

"Just be careful." She asked him softly, tears sparkled in her eyes. Vlad knew she wasn't just talking about flying. "I'm not going to lose you tonight."

Vlad sighed and pulled her close, she buried her face in his shoulder holding him tightly to her. Vlad buried his nose in her hair smelling the scent that was uniquely Erin. He always treasured the scent especially after Erin had been forced to hide it from him for months.

"You won't lose me."

"If she's got Bertrand to train her…"

"Erin I'm more worried about you." He pulled back and cupped her face lifting it up. "Olga knows she can't hurt me but she won't hesitate in going after you."

"Vlad…"

"Erin I'm serious. You're at more risk than me."

"You know every time you say that the opposite happens." She reminded him with a smirk, "Its almost as bad as getting kidnapped when you try to protect me." Vlad winced, she'd never let him live that one down would she?

"Erin, trust me. We'll make it through this." His eyes spoke the truth, he'd always protect her. He'd kill his cousin if he had to, to keep her safe.

"I'll hold you to that because you can't get killed without an heir." She told him fiercely, although she hadn't meant for that last part to slip out. She'd been thinking about it more and more with this whole crown situation lately.

Vlad froze, they hadn't discussed this before. His head tipped slowly, "Erin?" He asked quietly.

"I'm not." She answered, asking his silent question if she was pregnant. She ducked her head down, "But I don't want to lose that chance with you." Vlad tipped her chin upwards, "I want to be a mother some day and without you that won't happen."

"Erin…" He drew out slowly. "Are you saying now?" Vlad needed to know if she was saying she was ready, he was never going to push her after she was nearly forced to breed slayers.

"Not now." She couldn't expose a child to this world the way it was at the moment, it was far too dangerous. "Just someday, I'm nearly ready but I don't want to lose that because I wasn't ready for it in time." Tears finally slipped down her cheeks. "I'm almost ready Vlad." She promised. "We've been together four years, I know it's a long time to wait…"

Vlad wiped her tears away as gently as he could. "Erin I told you I'm ready when you are and not before. You're my wife not a breeding machine. I love you so I'll wait. Besides we still have another six hundred years if we want to match Dad."

"Or two hundred and fifty if you want to match your Mum." Erin teased back. Her face became serious and she kissed him lightly, breaking away quickly. "I love you too."

"I promise I'll be careful, if you are." Erin nodded, she'd be careful she wasn't the reckless one – not counting the stake in her stomach.

"Good."

He leaned down again and closed the distance between them, their lips brushing gently at first. Vlad slanted his mouth over hers to kiss her more easily as the passion built as they conveyed their fears and love for each other. Vlad nipped her bottom lip causing her to gasp and open her mouth, he slipped his tongue inside and soon their tongues battled for dominance.

Erin clutched at his hair with her right hand holding him tightly to her, forcing him to bend slightly awkwardly. With her left she traced the skin underneath the hemline of his shirt.

Vlad's hand slipped back up to her jacket and he yanked the zipper down, ignoring the fact it had taken her a few minutes to do. Slowly he pushed it from her shoulders, letting it drop to the floor behind them.

After a few moments all thoughts of Olga and the throne slipped away, leaving them in complete peace even if only for a short while.

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They all watched, as the sun grew dimmer and dimmer as it sunk lower and lower in the sky until disappearing beneath the horizon completely.

The three vampire's bounced on their toes as they waited until they were certain it was alright to leave the confines of the manor.

Vlad nodded to Erin, he was ready. A nod echoed from Ingrid.

The door suddenly burst open and three familiar faces entered, one slightly smug.

"Right young man, where's my son he hasn't contacted us in four days…"

"Go!" Vlad shouted, he didn't care at this point. They couldn't delay any longer. He knew they'd arrive at a 'convenient' moment, looking at the smile in Chloe's eyes he knew she was behind it. Her face might be perfectly composed but he knew the truth she'd brought them here for a reason.

Chloe's expression changed as didn't expect Vlad to utter that command.

The three vampires morphed into bats as fast as they could.

The sound of two bodies hitting the floorboards echoing behind them as they flew into the night.

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Vlad didn't bother to announce his arrival formally as he once had to do he barged into the room. Erin on his left and Ingrid on his right.

The large assembly hall seemed fitting for this again, two vampires vying for the control of the throne and the power it held. It was just like facing Sethius.

There was only one major difference this time.

The room was empty apart from the new arrivals. They waited half expecting Olga and her minions to jump out from behind something.

There was no sign of Jonno or Mina as they had landed, Vlad didn't know what had happened to them at all, and all he could do was hope that they arrived soon. They hadn't received any form of communication so Vlad assumed that they would be here soon.

"Maybe you should introduce yourself." Erin muttered half sarcastically, they obviously weren't concerning with guarding their entrances.

Vlad nodded, they might be waiting her a while otherwise. "OLGA!" He roared loudly, the whole school shaking under the strength of his voice. Fragments of shimmering dust fell from the rafters as Vlad spoke, the building rumbled and creaked as they waited for their hosts.

They waited for her to appear, Vlad knew she'd heard him so all it would take would be a few moments.

He wasn't disappointed when Olga appeared, a look of pure shock on her face as she looked at him. She'd been expecting him but not so soon.

"Vlad."

"Olga." He returned just as monotonously. He looked around, the size of her supporters hadn't grown, it looked like she hadn't had chance yet to gain more supporters.

Olga extended a hand towards the darkest corner of the room. "I believe you know my loyalist pet." The figure in the shadows stepped forwards.

Ingrid gasped as she saw it, the unmistakeable, healed mark on his neck.

The mark that took his loyalty from the Draculas.

Ingrid couldn't look at the blemish that marked his once perfect skin any longer.

Her eyes snapped up to Olga, fury burning in them.

Olga wasn't going to get away with this.

She would regret ever touching Bertrand.

TBC

A/N: Thanks for reading