Chapter 3
Khryssa and Alexander were seated within the Lucard Industries jet. The captain had just announced that they were free to move about the cabin. Khryssa, having had been up for over twenty-four hours, was napping in her seat next to Alexander.
"Victoria, please bring a blanket for Dr. Hart."
"Yes Mr. Lucard."
The flight attended returned with the blanket quickly. It was never good to make Mr. Lucard wait. She started to place it upon the sleeping woman when she was interrupted.
"I will do it Victoria, thank you."
"Yes Sir. Is there anything else?"
Alexander glanced to his sleeping companion. "Make sure there is coffee ready for when Dr. Hart awakens. That will be all."
Victoria left quickly, but not before looking back at the sleeping Khryssa Hart with a wistful glance. His attention was already turned as Alexander covered Khryssa up with a thick cashmere blanket. Lucky bitch thought the flight attendant. What does she have that I don't?
The flight was not a long one, less than two hours. Khryssa had slept for about half of it. Stretching a bit, she opened her eyes. Alexander put down the file he was looking over and closed it, turning his attention to her.
"Good morning sleeping beauty."
"Hi." Khryssa smiled a sleepy smile.
"You look so amazingly innocent when you sleep. After earlier this morning, I know better now."
Blushing and chuckling, she smiled. "You are the one that corrupted me."
"And I will continue to do so my dear."
Victoria came over immediately with Khryssa's coffee. She accepted it gratefully and took a sip. "Thank you very much. I am sorry; I did not get your name."
"It is Victoria Ma'am."
"Thank you very much Victoria. It is greatly appreciated." Khryssa's smile was warm.
"Yes Ma'am." She left as quickly as she appeared.
"Still not going to tell me where we are going?"
"Persistent are you not?"
"It is a good quality to have when you deal with powerful billionaires."
Alexander laughed. "Touché." Looking over at his traveling companion he touched her cheek with a gentleness that made her smile. "No. I am not going to tell you. You will find out when we arrive."
Khryssa glanced at the table where Alexander had been working, there was a black iPod sitting there. Curiosity getting the better of her, she asked. "What were you listening to?"
"Bird York."
It was her turn to laugh. "Am I rubbing off on you Mr. Lucard?"
"It was inevitable was it not?"
"I suppose, she is one of my favorite of the more modern type of genres."
"Oh what is your favorite of the classics?"
"You would have to define classics Alexander. Are we discussing the true classics, such as those that would be considered from the Romantic period and what not? I would have to say Puccini or Dvorak. The modern classics would have to be some of Webber's pieces with the vocals of Ramin Karminloo."
"You have delightfully eclectic tastes Khryssa."
"What of you Alexander?"
He had to think for a moment. "I am rather fond of Mozart and Bach. Though there is something about The Beatles that I have always found interesting."
"The Beatles?"
"You sound surprised."
"Incredibly surprised would be more accurate."
"I am a man of diverse tastes." He protested playfully.
"Now that is not surprising in the least." She smiled mischievously at him.
Alexander started to speak and the captain came on and cut him off. They should be arriving in about ten minutes at a private airfield. The captain did not give away their destination. Right after landing, Khryssa noticed that Alexander was getting antsy. She placed her had upon his, and asked with concern.
"Is everything okay?"
"It has been a very long time since I have been here." Unbuckling his seatbelt, he did the same for Khryssa. Alexander wasted no time in getting them both off the plane. They were standing on the tarmac of the private landing strip and before she could look around he slid his arms around her waist. Standing behind her, Alexander nuzzled her ear and spoke. "Welcome to Sighișoara, Romania, and the place of my birth."
Turning in his arms, Khryssa looked at him with shock. This was completely unexpected. Taking her hand, Alexander smiled. He looked almost shy for a moment. This was something he had never done before. Never before had anyone mattered enough for him to even want to explain his childhood to, until he met Khryssa.
They walked everywhere. Alexander explained small details of things he remembered. He had only lived here for a few years, but the town meant a great deal to him. While he was explaining the citadel, Khryssa could see the excitement in his blue eyes. The number of churches was mind-boggling. Alexander explained that he had grown up in the Orthodox Church. When he was imprisoned, he was forced by his captors to convert to Catholicism. It was just going through the motions, all of it. He had never been, in his heart, religious. The Orthodox Church excommunicated him none the less. Every so often they took a cab to a destination. Alexander's Romanian was perfect, of course. Perhaps a bit more formal than the people that were currently in the region, times do change after all.
"How is your Romanian?"
"I know enough to get in trouble, that is about it Alexander."
"We will have to fix that."
She chuckled at his exuberance and was pulled in another direction. They entered square. Walking around the small shops, Khryssa had always been curious of something. "Alexander? The artwork that depicts Vlad Tepes always shows y-" She had almost said you, correcting herself quickly. "-him as having dark hair. You on the other hand, do not."
"My hair was always light. I darkened it with grease and ash to look more like my countrymen when I was younger. When I became immortal, it did not matter any longer."
She nodded, curiosity sated. Slipping her arm around his hips, her fingers tugged at the belt loops of his jeans. "Thank you for this. Thank you for sharing a part of your life with me."
"It is I who should be thanking you. I never had the need to share my life with anyone. I do now. I want you to know me Khryssa. I want you to know all of me."
She kissed his throat gently, laying her head upon his shoulder. "I want to know all of you Alexander. I want to know everything I can about you."
They kept walking for a little while. Alexander knew the town well, including all of its history from the twelfth century through modern times. Khryssa marveled at the relaxed atmosphere of Sighișoara. Nothing seemed to move overly fast and they moved together was a casual ease.
"Are you hungry?"
"Hm, I suppose I am. What of you Alexander, do you need to eat?"
"No. I actually need quite a bit less- "He cleared his throat. "food than you think. I will be more than happy to dine with you ."
"I believe we have a date then."
Taking her in a different direction, it was apparent that Alexander knew where they were going. It was only about a ten minute walk when they arrived at a rather non-distinct, but quite lovely, building. There was a sign out front of the building. It was in the shape of the typical Hollywood vampire. Puzzling over what appeared to be a tourist trap, Khryssa turned to Alexander with a questioning look in her eyes.
Alexander brought her closer to him. He was not looking at her, but at the building instead. "Yes I know it is an odd place to bring you. This was my first home. This was where I was born. I wanted you to see."
She kissed him. No words were needed in that moment. Alexander pulled her against him forcibly. Turning her around, he backed Khryssa into the wall. Her shoulders hit the stone and she pushed back into him. His hands gripped her hips, seeming as if they would tear through the denim. Oblivious to any other person, his lips traveled from her seeking mouth down to her throat. Khryssa cried out with abandon. It was then they realized they were not alone.
"Keep this up and I will take you right here right now." His rumbling voice grazed her skin.
"I don't think I would argue at this point."
Pulling away he looked into her eyes. He loved the way her dark gaze drank him in. "Perhaps it would be a better idea to not get arrested."
"I have bail money."
He laughed. It was a rich throaty sound. "Come, let's go in."
Straightening themselves out, they entered the café. The hostess asked them how many in broken English.
Alexander replied smoothly in Romanian. "Just two, somewhere private please. But first a tour."
The hostess took them through the whole café. Alexander looked terribly amused by everything. Their hostess went to explain that the home had been completely renovated. The entire tour took only fifteen minutes. Taking them to a corner table in the back of the main room, they were alone.
"What did you think?"
"The rooms have changed dramatically from what I can remember. Much of the history was incorrect, alas."
"I had the feeling you wanted to correct her on a few things." Khryssa tried to hide a smile.
"What would you like to eat?"
Glancing at the menu, it was in several languages and she could read most of them. "I have no idea. Why don't you choose for the both of us?"
Beckoning the waiter over, Alexander spoke fluidly. He ordered zacuscă and dark bread to start with. Mămăligă and mititei was ordered for their meal with an addition of smântână They would have beer to drink. Khryssa gave him a quizzical look.
"So what are we having?"
"Typical country food." He grinned at her. Alexander was looking forward to the meal. "A bean and eggplant spread on black bread to start with. Dinner will consist of what equates out to a polenta type dish with grilled ground meats and a sour cream like sauce. I was going to order coffee for you, but the mititei needs beer. When I was a child mămăligă with honey was one of my favorite things to eat."
"It sounds wonderful! I am starving now."
Reaching across the table, he took her hand. "I am glad you are here to share this with me."
"Me too. This was a wonderful idea. You realize it will be my turn next."
"I would be honored to trek back through your young life Khryssa."
They smiled intimately at each other. The bond that they had shared in the beginning was strengthening. Talking quietly while waiting for their meal, they were interrupted by a man dressed as the worst Dracula movie stand-in ever.
Alexander listened to the man and started to chuckle. Turning to Khryssa he explained what was going on. "Dracula would like to know if the lady would like her picture taken with him."
Khryssa started to laugh. There was a twinkle in her eye. "And here I thought all this time that vampires could not be photographed."
"I am afraid that the legends must be wrong, all of a sudden." Alexander was trying desperately to look serious.
Shaking her head, she replied to their new friend in Romanian. "No thank you."
"You even got the accent down, well done my dear."
"I am a quick learner." She winked at him.
After trying to cajole the couple into a picture, the 'vampire' gave up and let them resume their conversation. They were both comfortable and casual in jeans and button down shirts. Stealing glances at each other while holding hands, they looked like a pair of newlyweds on their honeymoon.
"I rather like it here Alexander."
"I am very glad. It is my intention to make you a very happy woman. I-"Alexander was interrupted with the arrival of their meal.
Digging in, they ate heartily. It was one of the things that Alexander truly enjoyed Khryssa. She was not the sort of woman that ate plain lettuce and complained about her weight. She enjoyed good food. She liked to eat and try new things. Oh yes, Khryssa gave her treadmill a hard workout daily. She had been running the Marine Corps Marathon yearly since she was eighteen and was in excellent physical shape.
"So what did you think?"
"It was delicious! What's for dessert?" She grinned at him. If someone asked her mother, she would have told them that Khryssa had sweet teeth not a sweet tooth.
Taking a glance at the menu, Alexander smiled. "Scoverzi! I have not had these since I was a young boy!"
Khryssa knew how old Alexander truly was. It amazed her to see him light up like a child over the food. If nothing else had endeared him to her before, it was this very moment. Fortunately for Alexander, she was already smitten.
Their dessert arrived. The pastry filled with a sweet cheese was delicious. Relaxing for a little while longer, they chatted about everything and nothing. Khryssa could not remember the last time she had enjoyed herself so much.
"We should be off Khryssa."
Nodding, she agreed. She didn't have her watch on and had left her cell phone on the jet, but given all that they did she knew the hour was growing late. Alexander paid for the meal, much to her protests.
"Alexander you can allow me to pay for things."
"That would not be a gentlemanly thing to do. Besides, I plan on getting reimbursed from you in other ways." He leered at her and then started to laugh.
"Pfft!" Swatting him playfully, she looked serious for a moment. "Fine. Tomorrow night we shall have dinner at my place. I will cook for you then."
Remembering her overly large kitchen, Alexander liked the idea. "Perfect. I will accept that as payment." He gave her another wolfish grin. "For now."
Taking her hand, they proceeded to head out of Alexander's childhood home. They had not quite crossed to the outdoors when their 'vampire' friend reappeared. The man held his cape across his body and spoke in heavily accented English.
"Be aware m'lady, vampires roam the countryside at this hour!"
Khryssa and Alexander both started to laugh. With a grin, Khryssa spoke to the man. "I think I am safe." Giving a wink to Alexander, they headed outside.
Both were surprised to see that darkness had already fallen. Walking hand in hand down the quiet streets and back to the small landing strip, Alexander spoke. "You think you are safe? Who is going to protect you from me?" Grabbing Khryssa, he picked her up. Her long legs wrapped around his waist, holding tight to him. He kissed her. His lips promising something that words could not begin to say.
They were both tired when they reached the jet. Having both been up far too long, Alexander took Khryssa to the back cabin of the plane. It was a private bedroom that he used when traveling long distances. Pulling her onto the bed with him, Alexander wrapped her in his arms. The both settled into a deep sleep for the trip home. Once they were back on the tarmac at the private airport of Lucard Industries, Khryssa checked her cell phone. There had been seventeen missed calls.
"This is not good."
"What is wrong Khryssa?"
"I think my phone blew up with people trying to reach me while we were gone."
She scrolled through the voice to text messages, cringing slightly. "I need to make a couple of calls before we leave here."
Alexander nodded; he went up to the front of the jet to talk to the pilot and to give her a modicum of privacy. Khryssa returned the first call.
"Hi Uncle Gustav, you have been trying to reach me?"
"Do you know what time it is young lady?" The voice on the other end shouted.
"It is around ten at night."
"I have been trying to reach you for almost twelve hours Khryssa Leigh!"
Middle name usage, not a good sign she thought. "I was on a trip Uncle Gustav. I did not realize I had to check in when I planned to go somewhere." I think I am 26. That is what it says on my ID card.
"You realize that while you have been missing that Lucard was missing as well? We thought he had you!"
Technically, that would be a yes. "Uncle Gustav I was with Alexander Lucard, nothing happened. The plane just landed. I will be heading home shortly." She sighed.
"DAMNIT KHRYSSA! You know who he is! You know what he is capable of doing. Why are you so insistent on risking your life? I was ready to call your parents and the police. The police might not have done anything on my word alone, but if your father had known and gotten the embassy involved. Do you not think of the repercussions of your behavior?"
"Uncle Gustav! ENOUGH! I am an adult. This is not a new revelation either. You know where I work. I apologize for the fact that you needed to get in touch with me and I was not able to answer my phone. I am not at your beck and call. What I do is not any of your concern. Do you understand?" She was furious.
Gustav Helsing knew that he had crossed a line with his extremely stubborn niece. "I am sorry Khryssa. We worry about you. You work too closely with Lucard. He will hurt you one of these days. Your usefulness will wear off and either he will kill you or he will turn you. Please understand this."
Pinching the bridge of her nose with her thumb and forefinger, Khryssa counted backwards from ten. Still not calm enough to speak, she tried from twenty. "Uncle Gustav, I know you worry. I am fine. I am absolutely fine. You need to trust me."
"Do I have any other choice Khryssa?"
Khryssa knew it was bad when Uncle Gustav called her by her first name. She had been simply Khrys for as long as she could remember. "No, you don't. Good night Uncle Gustav." She didn't wait for a reply, disconnecting the call immediately instead.
Alexander came back in. He had heard everything, of course. "Are you alright Khryssa?"
She nodded and rose from the seat. "You know this part of my family as well as I do. The fact that I am within eyeshot of you sends them into a panic."
He cupped her cheek with his hand. "I will do everything in my power to see that you come to no harm, from me or anyone else."
Turning her head just enough so that his hand moved, Khryssa kissed his palm. "I know." She tried to smile, but there was an underlying weariness to it. "Shall we?"
"But of course my dear."
Alexander had his driver take Khryssa home. It was at her insistence. He did not like the fact she would not be with him that night, but he was not going to push. Walking her to her door, he kissed her goodnight.
"Does five o'clock sound good to you for tomorrow?" She asked.
"I have to wait that long to see you again?" He teased.
Khryssa chuckled lowly and kissed him again. "Good night Alexander. Thank you again, for everything."
"Good night my enchantment, until tomorrow."
"Until then."
Stepping inside, she closed the door. Khryssa took only the time to shower and change before falling into an exhausted sleep. Unfortunately the alarm went off at six o'clock in the morning. Groaning softly she rolled over and smacked her hand across the top of the alarm clock. It did not help, exactly seven minutes later it went off again. Third time is always a charm. Considering either getting up or throwing the clock across the room, Khryssa climbed out of bed. The first order of business was coffee.
After coffee, she headed out the door. Khryssa hurried off to the market down the road. Greeting the store owner, she went about the small store with purpose. The shopping took a while. She was choosy about what she needed and only wanted the best possible. After a couple of hours she finally had everything that she needed. Pausing on the street, Khryssa made a detour. Heading into the wine shop she picked up a few bottles of wine. With her arms laden down with groceries, she hurried home.
The dinner that she was planning was a complex affair. Khryssa turned up the music, and began to work. The day passed quickly for her. Dinner preparations were done, the finishing touches just needed to be added. The house was, as always, immaculate. A moment of panic set in. What to wear?
Running up the stairs, Khryssa got cleaned up quickly. Buffed, polished, primped and she was then ready to find something suitable to wear. This was going to take a miracle she thought. Standing in her closet, wearing nothing but panties, she looked through her clothing. Nothing she owned seemed appropriate. Too dressy, work clothing, jeans, what was I thinking when I bought that went through her mind. Then seeing one thing that might work, it was a simple black silk shirt dress. Khryssa had never worn it. Actually, she did not even pick it out. Her mother purchased the dress for her on the thought that Khryssa might go out with the son of one of their friends. The date never happened and the dress was never worn. Sliding the dress on, the silk felt cool and fresh against her skin. She did a quick check in the mirror. The dark material set off her pale skin perfectly. The hem skimmed just a few inches above the knee, but the long sleeves were more appropriate for the cooler night. Fishing out a pair of sandals, she was ready.
Alexander arrived at Khryssa's home at exactly 4:58 p.m. He eased out of the back of his chauffeured car; carrying a beautiful bouquet of flowers. The summer evening was comfortable. The light breeze felt wonderful and it ruffled his blond hair just enough to make him look touchable. He had dressed casually for the evening. Wearing a knit shirt and slacks, he had the look of elegant coolness. Walking with ease up the neatly kept walkway, Alexander started to knock and changed his mind. Opening the door, he called out to Khryssa, announcing his arrival.
"In the kitchen!" Her cheerful voice called back.
Following her voice, he walked into the spacious kitchen. Setting the flowers down, Alexander went to her. Sliding his arms around Khryssa, he drew her close to his chest. Lips finding her soft full ones, he kissed her tenderly. Looking into her eyes, he spoke softly.
"I missed you."
"Mmm? Already?" Khryssa's eyes sparkled with warmth.
"Yes. "
"I have been thinking about you all day Handsome."
"Handsome?" Alexander sounded amused by this. "I do not believe anyone has ever called me by a pet name before."
"Well I just rectified the situation." She grinned at him.
"So what have you been thinking?"
"Well mostly about how dramatically things have changed between us."
"I hope you are pleased?"
"Very much so."
She had just put the finishing touches on their dessert and placed it in the refrigerator.
"Yes. What have you prepared for us?"
"That is a surprise." Khryssa winked at him.
Reaching for the bouquet, he drew a single flower across the nape of her neck. Khryssa shivered with the light touch. Stepping back, she turned to face him once again.
"For you my dearest."
The bouquet was made of a dozen calla lilies, wrapped with a black satin ribbon that was edged in silver lace.
"They are beautiful. How did you know my favorite flower?"
Alexander gave her his best rakish smile. "I started vetting my employees even better."
She laughed, shaking her head. Khryssa took the time to place them in a vase and brought them into her formal dining room. They matched the table setting perfectly. Everything had been placed on the table just minutes before he arrived. "Alexander if you would like to have a seat, I will be right in."
"But of course my gracious hostess." He stepped out of the room.
Taking a deep breath to steady her nerves and hoping that he would enjoy the evening's offerings, Khryssa joined him in the dining room. She had set it up so that Alexander would be seated at the head of the table and she would be to his left. The seating was preferential in such a way since she was left handed. Khryssa had prepared something light to start with. It was a seared scallop salad with haricots verts and truffle oil; she paired it with a medium bodied white wine.
"I was expecting a typical American style dinner. This is fantastic. I am impressed with your cooking abilities Khryssa."
"Well, I could not imagine serving you a burger with fries Alexander, so I went for something a little nicer. I had actually had the first thought of doing a traditional Italian meal like my grandmother used to make. There was the issue of the garlic that made it seem like not such a good idea." It was true; when she started at the market earlier that day she had planned on Italian.
"I rather like burgers. As long as it is a good burger that is. Your heritage is Italian? I did not know this."
Khryssa nodded. "My father is Italian. My mother is German."
"Hart is not a very Italian sounding name, was it changed?"
"Yes, when my father's parents immigrated to the US their last name was Cuore. They changed it to a reasonable facsimile, in their eyes. I am not sure why they chose to drop the 'e' instead of keeping it as Heart."
"I believe you have my ancestry down pat now."
"But of course, it is not often that a woman gets to date a prince." She gave him a wink.
"Is that what we are doing Khryssa?"
She looked startled by the question. "I suppose, I have no idea what else to call it."
"I would say that I am courting you."
"You already have my affections." The reply was almost shy. She smiled gently.
Khryssa needed this conversation to end. It was far too serious and she was uncomfortable with it. To change the subject, she started to serve the main course of their meal. It was a hearty fare; hence she only made this a three course dinner. The veal rib chops with caramelized fennel and figs had a small addition of roasted fingerling potatoes as well. It was time for a different wine, a Merlot. Khryssa was an artist in the kitchen. The plates she created were worthy of any three star Michelin rated restaurant in the world.
"I cannot believe you went through all of this trouble Khryssa. You said you enjoyed cooking once before and after seeing your kitchen, I believed you fully. This I was not prepared for. Perhaps I should convince you to leave your current position and come to the castle as my executive chef."
"Thank you, but I will have to decline. I much prefer my lab to the kitchen, especially when you have provided me with all the latest technology." She smiled.
"I am at a loss Khryssa. For most women it is easy to impress them with a nice car or baubles. You want the latest gamma-ray knife."
Laughing, she did not deny the comment. "But Alexander, a car is nice but the gamma ray knife produces gamma rays from the decay of Co-60 of an average energy of 1.25-" Khryssa frowned. "Maybe you are right about me working too much."
It was his turn to laugh. "Does this mean you will quit fighting me when I tell you no about going into the office?"
"I doubt it."
They sat and talked after the main course was finished. Alexander marveled at the woman before him. She put him at ease. He was comfortable with her near. It had been so long since he was able to truly relax. He did not have to put on airs with her. Khryssa wished to be around Alexander because she enjoyed him. There was one other thing that he had not recognized in himself, he was able to relax because she would fight for him as fiercely as he would for her.
"Would you like dessert?"
"You really went all out didn't you?"
"No, this was a fairly simple meal. If I would have gone all out you would not have seen me for a couple of days."
"We cannot have that happening." The thought of going a day without seeing her was abhorrent to him. "Dessert would be lovely, thank you."
"Would you like to go out onto the veranda? I started a fire in the fire pit earlier. It may need tended to if you don't mind."
Alexander kissed her softly, resting his cheek in her hair. "You amaze me."
"Well hopefully dessert will too." Wrapping her arms around him, Khryssa held him.
"I shall await for you outside." He stole one more kiss and left to go tend to the fire.
Finding a tray to carry everything outside, Khryssa placed the 1997 Quinta Do Noval Nacional and two glasses down, linen napkins, silverware, and the white chocolate-blackberry crème brûlée tartlets were added. Picking up the tray, she walked through the quiet house. Stopping at the door to her backyard, she paused. Alexander was seated before the fire. The flames licked upwards illuminating him in warmth. He was breathtaking. Going to him, stopping only to put the tray down, Khryssa kissed the nape of his neck. With the fire having warmed his skin, he felt like heaven on earth against her lips.
He smiled with her kiss. Reaching for her, Alexander pulled her onto his lap. "Now this is the perfect place for you."
"Best seat in the house, quite possibly the world." Khryssa laid her cheek upon his shoulder. She was tired all of a sudden.
"I have not been letting you get any rest recently have I?" He could feel the weariness that took over her.
"I could always tell you no."
"But you wouldn't"
"Only if I had to."
"Let me take you to bed and then I shall take my leave of you for the night." Brushing back a strand of her hair, Alexander kissed her with the devotion that he felt.
"It is early yet. You do not have to leave."
"Alas, I must my darling. While the dinner you prepared for us was magnificent, I have other dinner requirements."
Ah. She had not thought about that. Khryssa smiled gently and kissed him. "I understand." She started to slide from his lap so that he may leave; Alexander pulled her back against him.
"I thought you needed to leave."
"I do, but I wanted to do this first." He kissed her. It was a long soul searching kiss that took both of their breaths away. Khryssa wrapped her arms around his shoulders, her body pressing tight his. Alexander could feel his need for her growing, reluctantly he pulled away. "I must leave." He had not fed in a while. With the desire for her body settling over him, the need to feed was growing stronger.
Khryssa rose from his lap and he stood when she did. Alexander touched her cheek lightly. "I will see you in the morning. Do you wish for the driver to pick you up?"
"I think I can drive myself." She chuckled and kissed him once more time. "Good night."
"Good night my darling, until tomorrow." Slowly he pulled back and then with just a charge in the air, Alexander disappeared into the night.
Khryssa stood there for a few minutes. She smiled softly while looking up at the stars. Collecting the tray and turning, she went back inside to clean up from dinner and get ready for bed. Sometimes the realities of life became even stranger when you were dating a vampire.
The morning was uneventful, thankfully. Khryssa was getting ready to go out with Alexander. It was an afternoon date to the opera. They were planning on seeing Khryssa's favorite, La Traviata. She was dressed simply in a navy sheath dress with a cream belt. The heels matched the dress to perfection. Picking up her clutch, she was ready to go when the doorbell rang. Khryssa ran down the stairs and to the door.
"Hello Handsome." She smiled at her date.
"I didn't realize we were dressing to match." Taking Khryssa's hand, Alexander kissed her knuckles lightly. He was wearing a navy suit, with a matching shirt and a cream colored tie.
"Let me go change, it will only take a moment."
"No. You look marvelous. Are you ready otherwise?"
"Yes, I know how you feel about being late." She smiled.
The chauffeured car took them to the small theater in town. A special showing of the opera was being done there for the local community. Normally, they would have gone into the city for such a show. They sat for the three hours that made up La Traviata holding hands. The comfortable silence shared between the two was refreshing. Every so often Alexander leaned over and kissed the warm skin of the woman next to him. Khryssa's smile would shine bright enough to light the stage every time he did.
They were walking out of the theater building hand in hand when someone whistled loudly. Khryssa and Alexander turned together, looking in the direction of the sound. A bright light blinded them for less than a second. A reporter had taken their picture. Alexander started after the man, only to be stopped by Khryssa.
"Alexander, it was one picture. I don't think you need to worry." She whispered softly.
Fuming with anger, he nodded sharply. Leading her back to the car, Alexander made a call to his security officer. "There was a photograph taken, if it causes any problems shut it down." That was all he said before hanging up.
"Are you okay?" Khryssa hated it when he became angry.
"I am fine Sweetheart." Alexander smiled gently. "Where shall we go, the day is still young."
"How about some coffee?"
"As you wish my darling."
They enjoyed the café and the conversation. Soon it was time to depart from each other's company. They both had to be at work in the morning and both of them had busy schedules. With the falling of night, they left each other, wishing for more.
The morning had been busy and the afternoon was proving to be so as well. Alexander was not having any of it. Punching the button on the intercom, he told his assistant to clear his schedule, he was leaving. Walking out of the building, he did not bother to call for his driver. Taking a small black Maserati that he kept at Lucard Industries for just this very reason, he went off to the market district. Parking the car a good distance away, he strolled down the cobblestone street with a plan.
The building was a small, dark and extremely private affair that Alexander disappeared into. The process took several hours. When he finally left the building, the sun had already started to set. Alexander had a triumphant smile upon his lips. This project would take several weeks to finish, but when it was done, he could not imagine wanting for anything else. Walking the several blocks back to his car, he considered calling Khryssa. She would still be at the office. Alexander decided to wait. He needed to return there as it was. He had almost reached the car, when he noticed a woman standing on the street corner looking somewhat lost. He did not have the time nor inclination to help her.
"Excuse me, Sir?" The woman stepped to him and Alexander's jacket sleeve a tug.
His brow arched high, she was disturbing him. "Yes?" Alexander got a good look at her. She was an older woman, perhaps in her fifties. The clothing that she was wearing had seen better days and she appeared to be rather gaunt.
"Would you like a kitten?"
"Excuse me?" He was not sure that he heard her correctly.
"Would you like a kitten? She is a sweet little thing, purebred even. We call her Calla. I can't afford to take care of her." The woman's voice changed with embarrassment. "And I need the money." She took the small animal out of the basket that was in her arms. It was a hairless kitten. Pink with grey smudges on its skin instead of fur, it was a funny looking little animal. The kitten had large blue eyes that looked up at Alexander, just staring at him. It made a little mewl. It was not frightened in the least of the vampire.
Alexander was taken aback. Animals normally feared him. At the very least they did not like him and would try to fight. He reached out to touch the animal. It batted at his fingertip with a tiny paw. It was ugly. It was very ugly, but there was something about the animal that was also charming.
"How much are you asking for the creature?" He began to think. He had no use for a kitten. Alexander knew that Khryssa loved cats. Actually, she loved animals in general but cats had a special place in her heart. There was also the fact that the kitten was named 'Calla'. That was Khryssa's favorite flower.
"100 euros would do me Sir."
"You said that you had papers?"
The woman looked frightened. "Yes, but I don't have them with me." The words came out in a rush.
"I see." Alexander looked at the kitten again and then smiled. "I will tell you what. I will give you 1000 euros for the kitten and if my beloved is pleased I will reward you further."
"Oh no Sir, just 100 euros is fine. I ain't trying to cheat anyone."
"Do not argue."
Taking the kitten from the woman Alexander held it gently. It weighed next to nothing. The little creature felt strange without a heavy coat of fur. It was soft and warm, feeling almost like a peach with the little bit of downy fur that it had. He paid the woman a thousand euros. Thanking him profusely, the woman got out of Alexander's way in a hurry, afraid that he would change his mind. She left him standing on the street corner with the kitten.
"Now what are we going to do with you little Calla?" He made a call to Greta, his assistant. Telling her to go right away and pick up the essentials for a kitten then to bring the items to the office immediately, he hung up the phone. The kitten started to mewl at him once again, giving a scratch to the kitten's tiny head; Alexander placed the tiny animal in the inner pocket of his jacket.
Thankfully, the drive back to Lucard Industries was a short one. Alexander strode in past the security checkpoint with purpose. He did not even bother to glance at the guards. He went to the private elevator and swiped the key pass. Taking the elevator down to the lab, he could feel the kitten purring against his chest. It was almost six o'clock. Amelia, Khryssa's assistant, was starting to close everything up for the evening.
"Amelia, where is Dr. Hart?"
Looking up at the sound of his voice, Amelia stuttered. "Good evening Mr. Lucard Sir. Dr. Hart is in her office; she just came out of the lab and may be indisposed."
"Thank you Amelia." Ignoring the warning, he went into Khryssa's office without knocking.
Khryssa was seated in her chair; she had just finished getting dressed not even five minutes before Alexander came in. Looking up, she smiled.
"Hey Handsome, I was getting ready to call you to let you know I was done for the day."
His face softened when he saw her. "Good evening Dr. Hart." He replied formally.
Khryssa chuckled. "How was your day?"
"Busy to say the least, but it was productive." Leaning down, he kissed her gently. Right as his lips touched her's the kitten gave a little mewl.
Pulling back, she looked up at Alexander. "What was that?"
"I have a small surprise for you." Reaching into his jacket, he extracted the kitten from the inner pocket. It curled up in his hands, purring loudly. "Khryssa Hart, may I introduce to you Miss Calla."
"Where on earth did you find this little darling Alexander?" Taking the kitten from him, she held the little girl gently. Using just the tips of her fingers, Khryssa stroked Calla's head. "She is beautiful!"
"I had some business in the market district earlier today and a woman was selling her. I have never had an animal not be frightened of me since I was a boy. I could not leave her with the woman, who knows what would have happened to her. So, I brought Calla back for you."
"For me?" Khryssa looked incredulous.
"Yes for you my darling. You need someone to keep you company at night when I am not able to be with you."
Khryssa kissed his cheek gently. "Thank you."
"What are your plans for the evening?"
"Well I need to run and pick up a few things for Calla."
"It is already taken care of Khryssa. I had Greta pick up what you would need."
"You need to give that woman a raise Alexander!"
"She is well compensated."
"Alexander, the things that you have her do and shall we talk about putting up with your temper as well?" Khryssa started to laugh.
"You might be correct in this matter." He smiled. "Shall I take you home so that we may make Miss Calla comfortable?"
"I would enjoy that greatly Mr. Lucard."
Khryssa grabbed her keys and briefcase, only to have Alexander take them from her. They stopped by his office first, and picked up the items for Calla. They carried everything out to the car. Making a mental note, Khryssa decided she needed to send Greta a thank you tomorrow. Calla rode the way home sleeping against Khryssa's chest.
"I believe I may be getting jealous of the cat." He smiled, kissing the top of Khryssa's head. He made a mental note to have his security people find the woman and reward her handsomely.
"Hm. I think there is plenty of room for the two of you."
Alexander smiled and put his arm around her. "I am glad that you like Calla. It was done on a whim."
"I love her. She is beautiful." Khryssa stroked the sleeping cat, looking upon it with complete adoration.
They arrived at Khryssa's home, with the help of the driver this time they brought everything in. Fixing the kitten's food and water bowls, everything was falling into place. Alexander returned from setting up the cat box. Grinning at him, Khryssa was still amazed.
"I never thought I would see Alexander Lucard setting up a litter box."
"Don't expect to ever see it again." He joked.
Letting the kitten wander around some, they decided to sit. Alexander took a seat on the sofa with Khryssa taking the floor. Calla never let Khryssa far from her sight. Running up to her new owner, the kitten climbed her way up to Khryssa shoulder. Hopping up from there, she landed in Alexander's lap. Curling up into a little ball she started to purr and mewl at him, Calla was demanding attention.
"I think she knows who saved her life Handsome."
Stroking the soft little animal, he looked down at the beautiful woman at his feet. "This is the perfect evening, you know that my darling?"
"Yes it is. Would you like a glass of wine?"
"That sounds superb. Bordeaux?"
"I have a 1979 Lafite that is supposed to be wonderful."
"I would like that greatly my dear." Reaching down, he stroked her cheek. "I-"Glowering as the phone rang, he answered it sharply.
"Lucard." Alexander's features darkened with what the person on the other end was saying. "That is not acceptable. I will be right there." Disconnecting the call, the anger was apparent. "My darling, I must leave for a bit. Some business I conducted this afternoon has gone awry and I must go into the town proper. I will return in a bit."
"Is everything okay Alexander?"
"It will be when I am finished." Picking Calla up off his lap, he gave Khryssa the kitten. She immediately curled up against her new owner with a little huff. Bending low, Alexander gave Khryssa a kiss. "I will see you in a little while."
"Of course." She frowned.
"There is nothing to be concerned about. It is just a problem with a recent purchase I made."
"Good night Alexander."
"No it is not, I was looking forward to spending the evening with you. I will return shortly." He gave her one last kiss and disappeared.
"What was that line from the Wizard of Oz about people coming and going around here so quickly?" Chuckling to herself, Khryssa picked up Calla and went upstairs. She got ready for bed. Tying her hair back into a ponytail and putting on one of Alexander's shirts to sleep in, she climbed into bed. Calla was napping in the little kitten bed that was nestled up next to the nightstand. Khryssa had added an old heavy cashmere scarf to the bed so the kitten would know her scent and have something warm. Curling up on the bed with a book, Khryssa started to relax.
Hours had passed; it was approximately eleven in the evening. Alexander appeared once again down in the living room of Khryssa's home. The house was silent. Finally she is getting some rest, he thought. Then noting that the light was on upstairs, he went up to her bedroom. Standing in the doorway, he spotted her. Khryssa was on the bed, asleep. The book was dropped by her side. Curled up against her chest and resting its head at the hollow of Khryssa's throat was Calla. They were both sleeping soundly.
Alexander did something unusual for him. He pulled the phone out of his pocket, and took a picture of the pair sleeping. The flash went off, waking Khryssa.
"Alexander?" She mumbled sleepily.
"I apologize; I did not mean to wake you."
"Mmmhmm. Come to bed, please Handsome?"
"It looks like you already have company." He said with a smile.
"What?" Then Khryssa felt the kitten. Calla had started to nuzzle against her chin. Chuckling softly, the kitten was of course stroked with much affection. "I don't have the heart to move her."
"Leave her be, I will share you. But only with the cat, of course." Alexander started to undress. His eyes were fixed upon Khryssa the entire time. The desire he had for her warmed Alexander's soul. Climbing into the large bed and pressing against her back, Alexander kissed the nape of her neck. "You still are the most beautiful creature I have ever seen."
Khryssa made a little sound of acknowledgement, but she was already slipping back into her dreams. Alexander stayed awake. He just laid there watching the woman and the kitten sleep. With hope that the words would permeate her dreams, he spoke softly in the darkness of the room.
"I love you Khryssa Hart."
Morning came far too early. The alarm started going off at 4:15 a.m. Pinned between a vampire and a kitten, Khryssa struggled to turn it off. Putting Calla back into the little bed, she sat up and stretched. Alexander was still asleep. Kissing his cheek, it was time to get ready. She had just turned back around when Alexander grabbed her. Pulling Khryssa back into the bed, his eyes were opened. The beautiful blue had changed to the deadly yellow.
He was still asleep, even with opened eyes. Not having bothered to have fed the evening before, Alexander was hungry. He had let himself get into a state that he could not control. He hissed at her. Khryssa saw his fangs; she screamed a blood curdling scream. Using his body to pin her down, Alexander's weight drove her back into the mattress. It was macabre simulation of their lovemaking. He touched her. Feeling her thighs and stroking up her belly, his lips touched the softness of Khryssa's throat. She fought him and Alexander just smiled. Trying to get out from beneath him, Khryssa smashed her hands against the side of his head, boxing his ears with everything that she had. At last, Alexander woke from the dream that he was having. He was furious with the strike she had made against him.
She was angry. The darkness of her own eyes flashed with a certain fire as she spoke. "Get the hell out of my home Alexander." It wasn't just anger that reared its head; it was the feeling of betrayal. Climbing over him and off the bed, she went to the doorway. "How dare you? How fucking dare you even try that?"
He rose from the bed, the bed that they shared and rushed to her. His hand wrapped around her throat. At the same time Khryssa was pushed back into the wall. He looked into her eyes. His once again yellow eyes met her dark ones with a fierce glare. His voice roared through the house. It ripped apart the senses.
"I am Dracula! It would do you well not to forget this Khryssa." He stared at her with malice. She did not wither nor cringe. It had never happened before. There had never been a time when he could not mesmerize a human. He knew she would be difficult, but not at all? All it did was increase his fury.
"You have no idea who you are dealing with my dear Dr. Hart." He pushed closer to her. His hips started to grind against her bare thighs suggestively. Even now with his hunger for blood, he wanted to take her. He wanted to plunge deeply into her body and make her his all over again. The hand around her throat tightened. His lips brushed along where fingers pressed. "You are so beautiful my dear." He kissed the pulse point upon her neck. "So delectable and now I can taste your fury. Oh it tastes so very sweet." The hunger that he felt drove the bit of humanity that Khryssa fed him away.
She reached out and slapped him. With the surprise of the new attack he reared back and she drove the palm of her hand upwards into his nose. They both felt it break and it was not so much pain but the intensity of her anger that stopped Alexander. It broke the reverie that hunger caused. He knew right then that this had gone too far. His hand dropped from her throat and within a blink of the eye, he vanished into nothingness. The room was strangely quiet. Khryssa just slid downwards with her back to the wall. Hitting the floor gently, she started to cry. Her only comfort was the small kitten that came to nudge it's new owner's thigh.