~Blood Brotherhood

II: Valentin Volger

2009-12-17T11:52:00.000-06:00

Valentin's Biography Click HERE

Part II: Valentin Volger

Valentin opened his door, the last person he expected to see was Elias Draven.
What had it been, over 8 years? He met him when he was doing an article on local rock groups, Val had hung out with the band for weeks. He heard the group played the Palladium in London, then he lost track of them, figured they went to America. Never expected to see Elias ever again.

"Surprised, Val?" The years-of-smoking-cigarettes voice rasped. "You haven't changed, you never do. It took some doing to track you down."
"Surprised, yes. I can't imagine what you want of me." Val replied.

"I want you to take the job of lead singer. We have had a few changes in personnel, we are changing our name, too. We are now, 'EndCrier'. Your voice is just what we need to kick start this new venture." Elias stated.

Val was stunned. Lead singer?! He did not reply for some moments. "Well, I never liked the name 'Cheap Bastards'. EndCrier is better. But are you high?? Me, a singer?" Val scoffed.

"Mate, that night we were out drinking, and you took the stage on a lark, do you know how good you are? You blew us all away. I never forgot. I got chills man."
Val motioned to the back. "Come outside, let's walk along the beach..."

The tide was in, the waves caressing the warm sand. Val stopped. "Eli, my brother is the singer, he has the voice, not me. One drunken night of me making a fool of myself does not mean I am capable of leading a band."

Eli shook his head. "Well, then it must run in the family, you have a three-octave voice, rare in this business."

Val snorted. "My brother has a five-octave voice. Perhaps you should talk to him."

"I don't want your brother, I want you. You've got the package man, looks, build, voice...you will fill the seats. You have a presence. A quality. You will make all those broads wet, maybe some of the guys too. Sex sells. You got it. We can make a mint here." Elias said firmly.

Val could not believe what he was hearing. Sex Sells. Sure. "I don't need money, as you can see...I am doing fine. And having some screaming teens throw their underwear at me does not appeal. I am very private Elias."

Elias sighed. "Cheap Bastards imploded. I am starting from scratch, we will have to play the local clubs all over again. Will you at least consider it, temporarily mate? Until I find someone else? I do need the money, so do some of the blokes. You would be helping us out, we are desperate man, we need your help, or I would not be here. You are...our last chance."

Elias continued. "I not getting any younger man. This is my last shot at some serious money. I got married 2 years ago. A baby on the way. I need this, my family needs this. I am begging..."

Val was feeling very uncomfortable. He knew he could sing, he just never bothered with it much, like his brother Victor, he never really pursued it. But, he was in a rut, still brooding over Katrina, perhaps this band lark would get his mind off her, help him try and forget her. Time away..."Listen, Eli...what do you want me to do?"

Eli exhaled. "Thank Christ. Can you be in London, at Nightsong Recording Studios next Thursday at 3PM? It is only a small place..."
"All right Eli, we will give this a shot, but listen. Temporary. Try and find someone else. And fast." Val said firmly.

Elias took his hand and pumped it, gave him directions to the studio, turned and walked away.

Val felt a wave of nausea roll over him like a rogue wave from the beach behind him. What had he done? Thrusting himself in the spotlight like this...mistake. Big fucking mistake. He never sang in public before, just that one time at the pub, and he was stoned out of his gourd. He didn't even sing in the shower, for shit's sake.
Well, what else was going on in his life right now?
Nothing.
What the hell.

At Nightsong Studios the following Thursday Elias waited patiently for Val's arrival. He asked another new member to attend the audition of sorts, a young guitarist called Tristan Wolfington that he had just hired.
Elias had a good feeling about this, the kid could rival Jimmy Page for sheer talent, he made that guitar hum. Pure magic. Now to convince Valentin to be the singer...

The sound of a motor bike roared outside the double doors, a leather clad Val strode through the entrance.
He glanced around the room, the studio was small and insignificant indeed, no doubt all Elias could afford.
"Well, I suppose we should begin..." he murmured.

Elias introduced Tristan, explained he was the new lead guitarist. Elias would play keyboards/guitar and sing backup. The drummer, was on route, hired from somewhere in northern England.

"So Elias, then you are really the only one left from the original group then." Val observed.
"Yeah mate. Just me. This is my show. My plan." Elias replied.

Val glanced around the room, stopping at the microphone. His insides were lurching.
Nerves.
Maybe he should have had a few drinks before he got here, liquid courage.
Tristan walked over to his guitar. "What song did you want to try, maybe I know it..."

Song?? Christ...He searched his brain, what song could he pull out of his ass?

Val walked over and took the Mic. "Let's try 'Until It Sleeps', it is a Metallica song..."

"I know what song it is, and who recorded it," Tristan snapped. "What key?"

Shit, how the hell did he know? "Just play...I will sing in whatever key you choose." Val smiled. At least, he would try.

♪ Where do I take this pain of mine
I run but it stays right by my side

So tear me open and pour me out
There's things inside that scream and shout
And the pain still hates me
So hold me until it sleeps...♪

Elias listened...closely.
Val started shakily, but as he sang each line...his voice grew stronger, more confident. It would not take much to have Val performing as he should, voice and stage wise.
He was right, Valentin had it...in spades.
His presence was mesmerizing.
Hi voice, pure and heartbreaking in its cadence and timber.

The song over, Tristan lowered his guitar in its stand and watched as Elias enthusiastically complimented Val. He smiled slightly. Tristan knew what Wetmore was, oh yes. His nostrils flared. Bloodsucker.
His thrope senses were on full alert.
He knew Dhampyres senses were wobbly at best, different with each one. It was not a constant thing. Not that dhampyres could sense a Thrope anyway. Well, most of them. Victor Harker did, but he was different.
This should prove to be interesting.

Val was back at his home in about two hours. He had a contract in his pocket. He lit the fire in the hearth.
He had done it.
It was surprising to him how easily the performance came to him. The serenity he felt, when he sang. All these years, he had no idea.
But what would it be like in front of a crowd? However small and intimate?

He had not signed the contract. He needed a solicitor. Rod...Rod Jamison. Aidan's son. He had been here a few months now, was taking over all the legal business for the clan. He would get him to look over the contract, see if it was on the up-and-up.
Then, he would go see Katrina. He had to know, once and for all, before he made his final decision.
Signed on the dotted line.

A few days later,Val stopped at the house Rod was living in. A modern brick with lush gardens. Put his few scrawny bushes and shrubs to shame.
He did not know Rod all that well, only spoken to him a few times, seemed a decent bloke, for an American.
Valentin had sent the contract to Rod to look at, today he was here to get his opinion.

Rod greeted him warmly and showed him upstairs into his office.
Val had a look around, wonder what decorator he used, his house was amazing. Val felt a little jealous. He had really done nothing with his place except a fresh coat of paint.

"I take the A2 law exam next week, then I will be able to practice law here in Britain. But I have been pouring over law books these last months and I have a firm grasp of the UK law concepts, I believe. Your contract is for one year, with an option to renegotiate at that time. Also the contract will be renegotiated should the band be offered a recording contract."

Val was stunned. He never even considered that option.
It would never happen. They were playing some clubs and pubs, for quick money, nothing else.

"Are you sure you want to do this, Valentin? How well do you know this Elias Draven? He seems to be calling all the shots here. However, that said, the split is more than fair. You may be thrust into the limelight, I thought the clan avoided such exposure?" Rod questioned.

Valentin shook his head. "I cannot fathom that will happen, getting a wide exposure. I am considering it more for a change of pace, and helping out a close acquaintance more than anything."
Rod raised an eyebrow. Whatever. But he had the distinct feeling this will not go well at the next clan meeting.

Outside of Herne Bay, in a large solitary beach house, Terri McKirnan lived alone. By choice, most decidedly by choice. Her family lived faraway in the Scottish Highlands, she visited them infrequently, again, by choice.

She had one close friend, Cherie Pilar, who just left. She had managed to talk Terri into going to a club outside of London tomorrow night, why she agreed, she did not know, must have been caught at a weak moment. Some new local group, EndCrier. Never heard of them. But Cherie was gushing over the new lead singer, whom she met at an intro party for the group.

After seeing Cherie off, Terri went around to the back of her home, looking out at the waves rolling gently to the sand. How she loved that sound. The quiet...only the waves.

Terri tried to think of a way to get out of going to the club. Damn. Not in the mood for Cherie drooling over some leather clad, tattooed skinny goth with body piercings.

Terri sighed and took a seat. Oh what the hell. A few hours out would not kill her. She would just shut out everyone and perhaps the music would not be too bad.
She would let the music rule her senses...not the voices. Those insistent, inner voices, not her own.
Here at her home, was the only place she did not hear them.

Changing into her bathing suit at dusk, Terri decided to go for a swim. Before she plunged into the chilly North Sea, something came over her...a feeling.
Something was going to happen. Something Big. Life changing perhaps. Was it to her? Or someone nearby? It was hard to read. As it often was.
As quickly as the feeling came upon her...it was gone.
She shrugged and headed to the water.

Two days later, Valentin went to Victor and Katrina's new home, not far from his own.
Victor was not in, but Katrina was.

Her heart skittered a little in her chest, truly, he was a beautiful man. A little taller than Victor, more muscular...just as handsome.
They stared at each other for some moments, the air between them hummed.

Val walked up behind her, putting his arm on her shoulder. "Listen, Katrina...Do not interrupt. I have to tell you. How I feel, have felt, since the first day I met you. I tried, so hard...to forget you, put you out of my mind and my heart, but it has been a struggle."

He paused. He would not say the word love. He would only walk to the edge of the cliff so far. "Is there any hope, do I have a chance..." his voice trailed off.

She leaned back and closed her eyes, as if letting the words caress her. She reached up and touched his hand on her shoulder, she was soft next to his hard planes, as if drinking in his essence, taking his strength for her own. He could smell the fragrance 'Sunflowers' in her hair.
It was a trusting gesture, her leaning against him, he dare not move.
Or his control and resolve would be shredded.

She walked away from him, pacing the floor, not answering right away. He walked away as well. He wanted to kiss her like he wanted to keep breathing, he shut his eyes and fought the urge. Still, she did not answer. A glimmer of hope sparked in his heart, perhaps all was not well with Victor?
She came and stood next to him, so close he could feel her cool, silken tresses next to his cheek.

She reached up, and caressed his stubbled cheek. "Oh Valentin...if I had met you first, who knows what would have happened. You are a wonderful man. How fond I am of you..."
Jesus, her touch was igniting his very soul. But he saw regret flicker in her eyes.
Damnation.

Katrina stepped back. "But Valentin...I love Victor, with every fiber of my being. I cannot imagine life without him. He is my life. My love." She drew a soft breath. "We had some difficulties, Victor was afraid to commit. I became angry."

"But that is all past now. Victor has pledged his heart to me Valentin. We love each other. Deeply. We are talking marriage. I am so sorry..." Katrina whispered.

He could hear the pity in her voice. Maybe even a little remorse. That he did not need...or want. Her pity. He fought down his feelings, and tried to paste a smile on his face.
He should be glad. His dear brother, happy at last, after all these decades. He deserved it.

Valentin smiled bravely. "Katrina, may I offer my congratulations to you both. I am pleased."

Katrina sounded almost relieved. "Really Valentin? Truly? Victor will be so pleased. He loves you so."

That kicked him in the heart. He loved his brother too. So why was he here trying to make a play for the woman Victor loved?
Deplorable.
At least now he knew.
There was no chance.
Ever.

He kissed her hand, told her of his plan to go away and travel around the UK touring with EndCrier. He asked if she and Victor would watch his place. She agreed. He told her to tell Victor to come and see him before Friday, as he would be gone. All very polite and civilized.

But as he turned away, his face fell. His disappointment was crushing. His heart was badly bruised. Broken perhaps? Sure as shit felt like it.

~TO BE CONTINUED~

VALENTIN RAYNOR VOLGER

2009-10-20T23:10:00.008-05:00

NAME: Valentin Raynor Volger
CURRENT ALIAS: Valentin Wetmore
BORN: August 24, 1939

PARENTS: Count Dracula (Garrard Volger) Raylene Maria Nightwood
GRANDPARENTS: (maternal) Raynor Nightwood, Mina Hannah Harker (both destroyed)
SIBLINGS: Half-brother, Victor Harker, Brother, Rudolph 'Rudi' Harker
LIFE STATUS: Dhampyre, half human, half-vampire
LIFE SPAN: Could be hundreds of years, no one is really sure.

CREATURA LIMA: Dhampyre 'Inhanced' meaning he has slightly more than half-blood, as his father was a 'pure', his mother a 'half'. No one knows the ramifications of this, will he live longer than his brother Victor, have a few more powers? If he possesses any special skills, he has not spoken of it to anyone in his family or in the clan. Otherwise, the standard Dhampyre creatura apply, limited sun exposure, little food or sleep, agile, some enhanced senses and strength.

MARITAL STATUS: Never married, rather private

BEVERAGE: Diet Coke mixed with Type O blood. Also big on Irish cream ales.

Took journalism courses in university during the late 1950's, even worked as a reporter for a time for the 'London Evening Standard.' Like the rest of the clan, extremely rich and propertied.
Serene in his countenance, blessed with an astounding masculine beauty, Valentin has had no problems through the decades securing the attention of the opposite sex, or the same sex either for that matter, whether he wanted the attention or not. No long term relationships.
Has been more or less rudderless the last couple of decades, write the occasional local newspaper article. Has tried writing a novel, but cannot focus on the task.

And old acquaintance shows up on his doorstep and offers Val a job as a lead singer in a band he is starting, 'EndCrier'. (upcoming story)

Even though only 2 years separate him and his older brother Rudi, they are not close, Looks up to and admires older half-brother Victor.

Like his father and brothers, emotional, ( to a point) highly sexual, protective of his family and the clan, guards his heart just as closely, but he does carry a torch for Victor's new love, Katrina.
Will Val meet someone who will breach the protective walls of his heart?

JULIAN LENARD NIGHTWOOD

2009-12-16T11:23:00.001-06:00

NAME: Julian Lenard Nightwood
CURRENT ALIAS: Stopped using one 20 years ago, went back to using Nightwood
BORN: June 10, 1917 Volger Bay, U.K.
PARENTS: Raynor Nightwood, Mina Harker (both destroyed)
SIBLINGS: Wolfram Nightwood, Raylene Nightwood Volger

MARITAL STATUS: 1st marriage to Charity Blewett,(deceased) 2nd marriage to Mallory Harker
CHILDREN: from 1st marriage-Lucius Nightwood, from second marriage, Raynor Nightwood II
LIFE STATUS: Dhampyre
LIFE SPAN: Unknown, could be centuries.

CREATURA LIMA:Born of a pure, Raynor and a human, Mina. Dhampyre, the standard Dhampyre creatura apply, limited sun exposure, little food or sleep, agile, some enhanced senses and strength.

BEVERAGE: Mulled Curor Wine, basically Mulled wine with blood mixed in, loads of sugar and nutmeg, served hot. Also enjoys tea, A Ceylon blend.

Julian is the youngest son of an ancient vampire, Raynor Nightwood, or known when he was still human and a Teutonic knight, Raynor Von Nachtwald. Raynor was close friends with Garrard Volger. When Garrard became a vampire,(and became Count Dracula) he turned Raynor against his will. Raynor married Mina Harker (granddaughter of Dracula's Mina) merely to take advantage of the bloodline that allows procreation. Raynor wanted children.

Julian was conceived when after a shaky period in their marriage, his parents reconciled. He did not witness quite the amount of animosity Wolfram and Raylene had to endure.

Close to all his siblings, though the death of Ulrika during the flu pandemic in 1918 rocked the family to its core.

The Nightwoods are close, tight. Extremely protective. As they harbor a deep, dangerous secret.
"The Concealment', a form of vampire madness runs in the Nightwood bloodline. Like the flu, there are many different types of "The Concealment", Raynor discovered he had the type that shows up every 100 years or so. The vampire loses all control and the blood lust takes over, he kills, literally ripping apart his victim, draining their blood. It has yet to show up in his children, if it will at all. Raynor was protective of his family for this reason. And secretive.

It is the stuff of Julian's nightmares. He is plagued by incessant images of blood, chaos, and torn bodies, but does not really know why, as the Concealment is only known now to Dracula and his son Victor.

Julian was a playboy in his early years, driven by his lusts. In was in this state he began an ill-fated affair with a barely out of her teens Charity Blewett, while engaged to Adelaide Van Helsing. Adelaide walked in on the two of them having sex on the floor, she fled.

Guided by the wise words of his father Raynor, when Charity announced she was pregnant with Julian's child, he stepped up to the plate and married her, though he did not love her. Tragically, Charity died in childbirth, giving Julian a son, Lucius.

Julian soon after went off to London to attend University and pursue a medical career. He rarely saw Lucius as he grew up, leaving him in the care of his father, Raynor.
Julian soon went back to his playboy ways.
Until the summer of 1958, he took an extended leave, came home to Volger Bay to regroup, get a new alias and plan to start a life somewhere else, when he met Mallory Harker, The late Vic Harker's daughter and Victor's granddaughter. She was 19 and beautiful, touching his heart in a way no other woman ever did. Julian was unaware his son Lucius was quite attached to Mallory emotionally. His relationship with Lucius was strained and distant to begin with, this interest in Mallory only widened the gap.

After leaving Volger Bay to start a new life in Manchester, Julian realized he was in love with Mallory, he returned to Volger Bay, sweeping her off her feet. They married in 1960, and have been together ever since, they had one son, who they named after Raynor.

Julian and his family moved around some in the last forty-odd years, but in the last year, returned to Volger Bay, when he learned of the destruction of his father and mother.
Julian now has a part-time practice in the village. Is also the exclusive doctor to the clan.

To complicate matters, his estranged son Lucius has made an reappearance. How will that shake up his life, and can Julian get past these mysterious nightmares that plague him so?
More to come...

VENATOR: HELLHOUNDS

2009-10-22T14:45:00.006-05:00

You will soon meet Tristan Black. Creatures of shadow call him VENATOR, or hunter.
Hunters are loners, usually with their own sad stories to tell. But all hunters, from all over the globe have one thing in common, destroy evil where ever they can find it, in whatever form they find it.

Venators are the elite of the hunters, assassins to a point. They have their own agendas. While they do take jobs or 'hunts' from an outside source, whether from within the Shadow World or outside it, generally they hunt for themselves.
Some hunters work for the creatures of the underworld as a 'gun for hire'. A supernatural gumshoe. They are referred to as PATRONUS.

In a Venator's mind, clans of vampires, packs of Wolfen, covens of witches for example can exist without interference from them as long as they stay hidden, living quiet lives. Cross the line and harm a human, and to a Venator...you are then fair game. Literally.

Autumn 1999

Duncan Charlton had been driving around for hours. Aimlessly. Without a clear destination. Trying to forget. He took his classic 1970 Dodge Challenger off the main highway, he was on some barren back road, no idea where, he stopped looking at road signs ages ago.
Lost track of time as well.
Drive. Forget.

Lights. Nestled in the hills, there was a bar. Some rundown, shit hole roadhouse from another era. He could use a drink or four. The rain was getting bad, he should pull off anyway. He looked through the fogged up windshield at the flickering neon sign,
"Lucky's Lounge." Yeah, he could use some luck about now.

Duncan had just left the hospital, where they informed him there was nothing more they could do for his wife, Daisy. His love, his partner for the last 4 years. They were going to move her to a hospice, all hope had been exhausted. he could not accept it, he did not want to accept it. The pain roared through him, how could he go on without her? He would do anything...anything...to keep her with him. Alive. Healthy. Beautiful.
Goddamn cancer!

The hiss and crack of neon assaulted his senses, along with something else, some foul odor...maybe the garbage he just walked by, where rain slicked rats were foraging noisily.
Jesus, this really was a dive. If he was smart, he would get back in his car and keep driving. But the lure of brain-numbing alcohol was too great.

He walked in, surprisingly, there were a few people in the bar. And not your usual roadhouse barflies, these people seemed well-to-do, if he were to categorize them as such.
Who cares...he looked over toward an empty table and walked over.

A noisy video game was popping and screeching behind him. He glanced over, some pale woman with tattoos and a skimpy black dress was killing aliens with impunity.
His thoughts drifted to Daisy, lying in that bed, hooked up to wires, and tubes and mindless machines. She was barely conscious most of the time now. Over to the hospice...to die.
Jesus...

He laid his head on the table. The grief and anger overwhelming him. A deep, raspy female voice asked, "What can I get you, sugar?"

"How about a miracle?" He mumbled miserably.
"Well sugar, you came to the right place, this is called 'Lucky's Lounge'. And you certainly picked the right night. Want to tell Lucinda all about it?" Her deep, sensuous voice trilled.

"Maybe later, all I want right now is a drink." he sighed, misery in his voice.
"Suit yourself sugar, I will get you that drink, but you will want to tell me all about it, and whatever it is, I can make it happen."
Duncan laughed sharply. "Right. Sure. Just a drink, bring 2."
"Come over to the bar and sit, sugar, save me some steps..."

Three beers later, and Duncan was telling his sad tale. How cliched was this, pouring your guts out to a bartender. But, to her credit, she listened, was sympathetic.
"I can make it right for you sugar. Tell me, is there nothing you would not do to save your love's life? Even, give up your own?" She whispered.

"I would give up my life in a heartbeat if it would save Daisy." he rasped.
She slammed the glass of whiskey on the table. "Then, come outside...and let's make a deal."

They no sooner stepped outside and lightening roared and cracked, touching down at the crossroads.
"Jesus!" Duncan cried out, it was enough to almost sober him up, but not quite.
Lucinda took his hand. "Come sugar, we are going to stand just where that lightening struck...to make the deal."
Duncan belched. "Right...deal. Sure, whatever."

She stood very close, and began to whisper, a cold, insistent voice. "I will give your wife back her life, she will live to a healthy, ripe old age, I promise. But instead of taking yours in exchange, I offer you 10 years. It is quite a bargain, I am feeling generous tonight. You will get 10 long years with your pretty wife. Then, I will send for you, you will be collected, then, your soul will be mine. Do we have a deal?"

Duncan threw back his head and giggled. How drunk was he? Who the hell was this woman?

"I only offer this once...see everyone in the bar? before the night is through, they will be making deals as well. I want you, to be the first. Do you accept?"

What did he have to lose? This was a sick game, he was getting wet, he just wanted to drink some more. "I accept!" He said grandly...and a little drunkenly.

"So...what do we do, shake on it?" Duncan laughed.
"No sugar, this is how we seal the deal..." She grabbed Duncan and kissed him, all but swallowing his entire mouth.
It was done. His fate, sealed. His soul...gone. And soon, his life.

Autumn 2009

Tristan Black stood, he could hear...it...coming down the passageway. It was dragging a lead pipe along the brick wall, a loud, ragged moan in accompaniment. He had been tracking it for 2 months.
Tristan was a hunter.
Not the type that mounted stag heads on the wall, but a hunter of the underworld, all things unexplainable, unprovable in most cases. All things...supernatural.

The odour of death assaulted his nostrils, rotting flesh, which he knew of quite intimately, and the smell of fetid earth. Was this a zombie? It sounded like one, the brainless moaning, the dragging of the feet. The 'tard gait these fucks always had. So easy to kill. They couldn't get out of their own way.
But what kind of Zombie, a rage, a ghoul, a demon zombie? He was going to guess a ghoul Zombie, the gait, the moaning. A bullet to the head...and fire. Where was he...Tristan looked down at the gas canister at his feet.
Dude.
He smiled slyly.

Tristan threw himself to the ground and fired the shotgun straight for the head. A Nurse!? In bloody clothes...interesting. He grabbed the gas canister and rolled it to the feet of the killer nurse/zombie and fired a bullet straight at it, piercing the canister.
It exploded, as Tristan rolled away and stood, escaping the blast.

"Burn, hell bitch."
The zombie, responsible for grisly deaths in two counties, was destroyed. One last moan, and the creature was dead.
Again.
Tristan stood and watched as it burned. Was it re-animated, or did it come back on its own? Or a voodoo curse? No way to prove it now, anyway, it was toast. It's bloody reign ended.

The passageway completely engulfed, the Zombie reduced to ash, Tristan walked away. In the distance, he could hear fire sirens. They would find nothing, assume teens started a fire for a thrill, and go back to the station and play cards or PlayStation, and eat lasagna.

Tristan took a deep breath. Fried Zombie. Nothing like it. And nothing like a kill. He headed toward his classic '79 Trans Am. He could go for some breakfast right now. Eggs, ham, hash browns, toast. Orange marmalade. The whole enchilada.
Then back to his apartment. Check his messages.
Maybe there was a new job waiting...

After his early bird breakfast at a roadside diner, a few hours later he was back at his large apartment. Been gone a few weeks, and the place was cold, so Tristan lit a fire.
Maybe check his mail, messages, email, and hit the sack.
He was tired, and he ached all over, he knew without checking their would be bruising on his side, where he hit the pavement.

He looked at the unopened correspondence on his desk. He was not in the mood to look at it right now, his eyes were burning with fatigue. No doubt bills in the pile as well.

Luckily, he had a trust fund, investments he could live on, because being a hunter earned him no money, not even any thanks or praise in most cases. It was...a lonely existence.
He looked up at his digital phone, the voice mail light was blinking.

He pressed the button and listened.

"Hello...Tristan? It's...Duncan Charlton, I know it has been a while, Ok, hell, it has been 12 years. Since we graduated University...I need your help man, I am in trouble. Big time. Your kind of trouble. Call me at 204-555-8123. Please."

He could hear the desperation in Duncan's voice. He and Duncan were best friends once. Duncan was one of the very few people that knew what he did for a living. Or did with his life.

Duncan could not believe it. He read it again, "Famous Novelist Found Dead in Penthouse". Charlene Ames. The woman that was in lounge the same night as him. Yes, he knew all their names, followed their lives, as they no doubt followed his. They all had a deadly connection. That fateful night 10 years ago, at Lucky's Lounge. Jesus, had ten years gone by already?
Were they taking them alphabetically? How methodical.
Charlton...he would be next.

Daisy walked in twirling her car keys on her manicured fingers. "Hi Dunc. Going shopping, want to come? I thought I would hit Bloomingdale's, Prada and Mark Jacobs...Dunc, you are not laughing, I am joking, I am actually going to Walmart for toilet paper and sensible underwear. Maybe stop at MacDonald's. Come on, it will be fun!" She laughed.

God, she was beautiful. Not a day went by in the last ten years he did not admire the inner light that shone through her face, those eyes, he could dive in and lose himself forever.

There were no children, even though she did a miraculous recovery from her cancer, the damage was done to her ovaries, that did not correct itself. Not part of the bargain, he guessed. Should have been more specific.
It was happening again, it was happening more often...her face began to distort...

Hollow, eyeless sockets stared at him...the thing...hissed at him through its broken, rotting teeth. Not Daisy. Not Daisy.
In the distance, he could hear barking dogs...or was it howling wolves?
His time was drawing near. The hallucinations were the proof.

He closed his eyes, shutting out the horror. He just got off the phone with Tristan. He would be on his way over, would take him a day to get here, hope it wouldn't be too late, the visions were getting worse, the barking and howling getting closer. Was he going mad?

"Dunc? Are you alright, darling?" She asked softly.
"Yes, sorry love. No, I can't come shopping. Listen, why don't you go visit your sister for a few days, leave tomorrow."
"Are you trying to get rid of me?" She said, feigning anger.

"Well, yes. I just spoke to Tristan Black, he is coming up tomorrow for a visit. I know it has been a long while, we have a lot of catching up to do, male bonding, drinking, sports, you know the drill. Could be some puking involved, you know."

Daisy laughed. "You nut! Tristan? I thought..your friendship was over. I am surprised."
Duncan shrugged. "Got nostalgic I guess, for my college days. I made the first move, we decided to bury the hatchet."
Daisy smiled. "Alright, I will call Jennifer. I will go upstate tomorrow, and leave you to your male bonding."

Tristan arrived right after lunch the next day, shown to Duncan's study, he had a look around. Lush, expensive. Ah yes, he remembered, Daisy came from money. Big money.
So much so that Duncan did not have to work.
Duncan volunteered he was a part-time reporter for the local paper, wrote a column once a week. Yes, a rich man's occupation and past-time.

Duncan explained what happened almost 10 years ago. In fact, just a few days shy of 10 years. He explained about the deal, what he asked for. That he put no credence in it, until he returned to the hospital and Daisy had more or less recovered, the cancer, shrinking.
In two weeks, Daisy was cancer free. The doctors were flummoxed.

He contacted the other people in the bar, the man in the wheelchair...could walk again. The woman, now a famous novelist, and now dead.
Another man, won the lottery.
They got everything they asked for.

Tristan could not believe it. "Are you insane? Are you aware of what you have done? You made a deal with a demon. A demon, Duncan. That barking you hear? Demon dogs...or hell hounds. They are coming for you man, they can appear out of nowhere, like a phantom, they are coming for your soul, the one you so callously bargained away. They are coming...for you. They will rip you to shreds, then take your soul to hell."

"You mean...you would not have bargained for Chelsey's life?" Duncan whispered.
Tristan's eyes narrowed. "No. Never. Not to a demon. What was the deal, 10 years?"
Duncan nodded.
"You selfish bastard, you deal with the devil to keep Daisy with you, now you are going to let her live through your death? Leave her alone, to suffer? To mourn?" Tristan hissed.

Duncan closed his eyes. Tristan was right. "What...what can I do about these werewolves?"

"Hell hounds, are demon servants. Protectors of Hell. Werewolves are a type of Wolfen creature, of which there are Lycans, Thropes, Lupusnox, and I hear, there are now Vampire/Thrope hybrids. Totally different from hellhounds. Hellhounds are relentless, they will not stop. You said that writer was found torn to bits?"

"What do you have, some hunter newsletter?" Duncan asked incredulously, still trying to get his head around the different Wolfen creatures.

"We all keep in touch, we have our ways. The Writer?"
Duncan exhaled. "She was on the 30th floor, in a locked room. Yeah, torn to bits."

"That proves it, Hellhounds. Daisy is away?"
Duncan nodded.
"We have to go back to this roadhouse. I need to gather a few things, to summon the demon. We will go tonight. I will be honest, I am not sure I can do anything here to help you. But, I'll try."

Later that night:

"Are you sure it is out this road?" Tristan asked.
Duncan looked around. "I think so, I haven't been back in ten years...what if the place isn't here anymore?"

"It isn't the bar, it is the crossroads it is sitting at. Centuries ago, they used to bury criminals and suicide victims at the crossroads, it is a place of evil. Where evil, congregates. Where I can summon the demon."

Duncan raised his eyebrows. "How? And do what? Play 'let's make a deal'? What about the other people that were in the bar that night?"
Tristan shook his head. "I can't be concerned about them, this is about you. As it is, I have one chance for this, or we both will be roasting on a spit in hell."

"Tristan...I don't know what to say. All these years, we did not speak. Over...what? I can hardly remember. And now, you are helping me, to the detriment of your life." Duncan said quietly.

"This is my life's work, Duncan. And come on, you KNOW why. Chelsey. When she...died. I couldn't continue with University. I had to find out who or what killed her. That's how I became a hunter. We fought, you said I was insane."
Duncan exhaled. "Right...Yeah. I tried to find you, to apologize. But you disappeared off the face of the earth. For years."

Tristan pulled the car into the roadhouse lot. They both got out of the car. "How did you find me, by the way?" Tristan asked.
Duncan shrugged. "I have my ways."

"Get the stuff out of the truck, I am going to make a circle on the ground of rock salt, you are to stay in it until I say different, hear me?"
"How are those hell hounds going to find me out here?"
Tristan snorted. "Dude, they can find you anywhere, in this world. You can't hide."

Duncan stopped short and looked around. "God, nothing has changed, in 10 years. Nothing."

"10 years IS nothing, it goes by in a flash. You may think it is a long time, but the demon knows, it is no time at all. Put the bag over by the sign."

"Is the lounge even open?" Duncan wondered aloud.
"Who cares, no one will bother us." Tristan replied.

The rock salt on the ground, Duncan stepped inside. "And what does this do again?"
"It will keep the demon away from you, and hopefully, the hell hounds, too."

"HOPEFULLY??" Duncan yelled. He stopped. "Tristan, I hear them, the dogs. Dig faster. Can you hear them?"

"No dude, they are not coming for me...yet."
"What is the the box you are burying?" Duncan was nervous, and his incessant chatter was starting to wear on Tristan.
"Hoodoo stuff, bones from a dead black cat...and other things. Buried at the crossroads, it should summon the demon."

"Shit!!! They're here!!" Duncan yelled.
"How many!" Tristan roared back, digging faster.
"Ah...five!!"
"Have they crossed the line of salt?" Tristan cried.
"No, it is keeping them back!"
"Under any circumstance, do NOT cross that line, dude. Or you are hamburger, they will rip you to shreds before they take your soul!!"

Tristan no sooner got the hoodoo box buried when the demon appeared. "Well, what have we here? Tristan Black. My, you are even more handsome than I heard. What can I do for you sugar?" The demon glanced behind her. "Hmmm, something to do with him? Or is this long-distance call for you?"

Tristan remained nonchalant. Did not want to give the demon any extraneous information. "You might say it has to do with him. I came to make a deal, with you."

"You do not have anything to offer, sugar. But, I could offer you something. Your precious Chelsey. Your young, innocent love, the only woman you ever really loved, I can bring her back." The demon trilled.
Tristan fought to keep his face neutral. "Let me guess, and I get 10 years."

"No sugar, not you. You are coveted too much in hell. 5 years. That's it. But you get 5 loving years with the woman you could not save, the woman you loved so much." The demon laughed mockingly.
Tristan walked toward the demon, backing her up toward the wall of the bar.

"Do you think I would ever deal with the likes of you? Listen hell whore. I am here to bargain...for him."

"Tristan, how cold. You would not deal for your lovely Chelsey, but you would for that man. I see. Did not know you swung that way, sugar." The demon tried to walk toward Tristan, but could not move. As if her feet were set in cement. She closed her eyes.

"Look up, 'sugar'" Tristan snarled. "I got you. You, are mine."

On the rough wood roof jut out above the demon's head, was a hastily drawn 'devil's trap' or heptagram, in chalk. Very effective, the mystical symbol was used to imbolise and control demons, Tristan went nowhere without his book, 'The Lesser Key of Solomon" which contained spells and rituals for both demons and angels.

"Damn you! Let me out of here!" The Demon screamed.
"Shut your pie-hole. I think, we are now ready to deal." Tristan laughed cruelly.

"Go to hell!" The demon roared.
"You first, bitch." Tristan reached down into the bag and pulled out an ancient book. A book of exorcism. "I am going to send you there, on an express elevator, going down."

Exorcizamus te, omnis immundus spiritus, omnis satanica potestas, omnis incursio infernalis adversarii, omnis legio, omnis congregatio et secta diabolica, in nomine et virtute Domini Nostri Jesu + Christi, eradicare et effugare a Dei Ecclesia..."

The demon began to growl and snarl, her head and body starting to vibrate. Her eyes rolled back in her head.

eradicare et effugare a Dei Ecclesia, ab animabus ad imaginem Dei conditis ac pretioso divini Agni sanguine redemptis.

"ALL RIGHT! STOP!!" the Demon roared. "What do you want?"
Tristan snapped the book closed. "Let Duncan out of his deal. He walks away clean."
"You...all right. Fine." The demon gritted her teeth. "I will not take his soul."

"Call off the hounds...now." Tristan whispered in a deadly voice.
"You are going to be sorry for this, Tristan Black, mark my words. You just moved up on our most wanted list. Oh yes." She whispered. The demon snapped her fingers and the phantom hounds disappeared.
"DUNCAN! Are they gone?"
"Yeah...they are!" He yelled back.

Tristan reached up to break the chalk line in the circle, allowing the demon to step outside.
"You should have been more specific in your request, Tris, sugar. This deal? Breaking it has wiped out the previous one. You really are not too bright, are you sugar?"
"What are you saying??" Tristan hissed.

"You will find out soon enough. And don't try coming here to summon me again. I will not answer. Our dealings, are done. And I am more reasonable than most. I will put the word out, no demon will ever deal with you, at least, not as fairly as I had. So long sugar..."
The demon was gone, in a puff of thick, black smoke.

"Is it over?" Duncan whispered. "Am I free?"
Tristan did not know what to say. He had this feeling in the pit of his gut. He never thought, never dreamed, the previous deal would be wiped out. How could he be so stupid? Demons will cross you every chance they can get, he knew this. It was all on him.
"Tristan...what..."
Duncan's cell phone rang.

"Jennifer! Calm down! What is it? What has happened..."
Duncan grew quiet. But Tristan could hear Duncan's sister-in-law in hysterics. He could make out what she was screaming.

Daisy...was dead. She dropped dead right in front of her sister Jennifer in mid-sentence. And Tristan knew, if and when they did an autopsy, she would be riddled with cancer, just like she was 10 years ago.
'Breaking the deal wiped out the previous one' Oh Jesus...

Duncan dropped the phone, it hit the dirt, with Jennifer still screaming on the other end. Duncan's legs gave out, his knees hit the soft soil. He was crying. Then, he let out a soul breaking wail that shook Tristan to his very core. "NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!"

Tristan felt sick. What could he say, "At least you had 10 years?" Fucking lame. Things went back to the way they were, they way...they should have been.

"Look, you made a deal with the devil, do you really think you can play with the devil or his demons and have him play nice? The deal was binding. It would have cost one of you, I see that clearly now. Damn!" Tristan hissed.

3 weeks later:

Duncan and Tristan met at the graveyard where Daisy was laid to rest. "You were right Tristan, the autopsy said she was riddled with cancer. Goddamn demon bitch."

Tristan swallowed. "It's my fault, I should have known. I am so sorry Duncan."
Duncan sighed and looked off. "Well. It is done. But Tris, you now got yourself a partner. Like it or not."
"Duncan, this is no kind of life..." Tristan began.

"Without Daisy, that doesn't matter. I've got nothing that means anything to me...nothing to lose. But I have means. I am quite good at research, sniffing things out, I found you. We had better get started." He then said with a cold smile, "To evil, I will be as the biblical pale rider because to evil it will be as if hell follows me."

Drops of rain began to fall. Distant rumblings of thunder was getting closer by the minute.

The two men began to walk away. Both had lost the women they loved to some supernatural creature or circumstance.
Both wanted revenge in their own way.
Both men were determined to get it, anyway they could.
If they had to kill or destroy every demon, spirit, vampire, wolfen, zombie, ghost, demi-god or mythological creature to do so, they would.

Lightening touched down not far from where they were walking, neither man flinched or batted an eyelash.

"Where do you want to start?" Tristan asked.

"There have been attacks not far from here, in Vermont. People's throats ripped out. Could be one of these Wolfen creatures you talked about." Duncan replied, in a cold, determined voice.

"Guess we better load up on the silver bullets and silver knives..." Tristan sneered.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
THE END~ for now...And listen to the music, I LOVE the Marilyn Manson one...PERFECT for this. If this was a TV show, THIS would be the theme, LOL! "Leave a Scar."

A big nod to the TV show 'Supernatural" am I borrowing from it, hell ya~ Tristan is my very vague version of Dean Winchester. But also the internet has proved fascinating fodder, I was not aware there were 5 types of Zombies! And I now know how to kill them!
Any further updates on these guys will be found at this blog. Thanks~

AIDAN EDWARD BLEWETT-VAN HELSING

2009-11-22T16:29:00.012-06:00

NAME: Aidan Edward Blewett-Van Helsing
CURRENT ALIAS: Aidan Waterhouse
BORN: July 20, 1906 Vojvidina, Austrian Empire
PARENTS: Edward Van Helsing Jr, Sabrina Harker (destroyed)
SIBLINGS: Braden, Bethany (twins) half-sister Charity Blewett Nightwood (deceased)

MARITAL STATUS: Never married, currently unattached
CHILDREN: Roderick William Jamieson with his cousin, Adelaide Van Helsing
LIFE STATUS: Dhampyre enhanced, born of a 'pure' and a 'quarter', slightly more than half-blood, a little more powerful than a regular dhampyre.
LIFESPAN: Unknown, could be centuries

CREATURA LIMA: Dhampyre 'Enhanced' meaning he has slightly more than half-blood, as his father was a 'pure', his mother a 'quarter'. No one knows the ramifications of this, will he live longer than a regular dhampyre, have a few more powers? If he possesses any special skills, he has not spoken of it to anyone in his family or in the clan. Otherwise, the standard Dhampyre creatura apply, limited sun exposure, little food or sleep, agile, some enhanced senses and strength.

BEVERAGE: Grozdova Rakia on ice, a fruit brandy from the Balkans. Also enjoys Schweppes Bitter Lemon mixed with 1/4 AB negative blood, chilled over crushed ice called "Lemon Cyte".

Aidan strongly resembles his mother, the twisted Sabrina Harker. His eyes are his strongest feature, they flash all manner of emotions, his gaze can look into your very soul.

Born of a revenge coupling between Edward Van Helsing Jr, (a turned vampire) and his mother, who was one-quarter vampire (daughter of Dracula's late son, Peter) Edward hated Sabrina, as she had a hand in his turning, and Aidan so resembles her, it was a detriment to having any normal relationship with his father Edward through the decades.

His childhood was unstable to say the least, born in his great-grandfather's castle in Vojvodina, he lived there until he was seven years of age, often left in the care of Dracula's ancient servants while his mother Sabrina enjoyed the company of many local men.

Dragged back to the U.K. and thrust in front of Edward Van Helsing, he witnessed first hand his father's rejection of his mother, and ultimately, himself. It shaped Aidan's behaviour for years to come, a 'wretched brat', his father's own words. He rarely saw Edward over the next few years.

His mother married Dr. Colin Blewett, a human, when Aidan was 12 years old. The man saw and felt Aidan's deep unhappiness and unfathomable loneliness. He reached out to Aidan, who was grateful for the love and attention. He looked on Colin as the father he never had. When he turned 16, he adopted Colin's last name out of his love and respect for the kind Doctor.
His relationship with his mother was strained. She was not maternal in anyway, neglecting him constantly. Sabrina had a daughter with Colin, Charity. Aidan adored his much younger sister, was protective of her.

Aidan has his issues, but is, at heart, decent and loyal, especially to family. Has very few friends, does not just let anyone in his circle. Besides Colin and Charity, Wolfram Nightwood is really the only other person he let get close. Very close. A brief, very intense physical relationship with Wolfram at emotional low points in their lives in the 1930's, has now settled into a tight, deep friendship.

Wolfram's younger brother Julian, however, is not in Aidan's circle. They always hated each other, no more so when both he and Julian were vying for the love and affection of their cousin, Adelaide Van Helsing (Jon's daughter and Edward's niece) Adelaide found Julian in flagrante delicto, with a young Charity Blewett. Adelaide ran to Aidan's arms, and to his bed. She then fled the country, breaking Aidan's heart. He never heard from her again. Adelaide went to the U.S., where she married and gave birth to Aidan's son, Roderick. Aidan had no idea (and neither did Roderick) until the 100 year old Adelaide confessed all to Roderick shortly before her death in 2008. Roderick came to Volger Bay to seek answers.

It was Roderick's arrival that urged Edward to breach decades of hurt and neglect and hard feelings, and to reach out to his oldest son. After a heart-to-heart talk, the two men healed the damage, and pledged friendship and Aidan opened his heart to his father at last, tacking on the Van-Helsing name, but keeping Blewett, in honour of Colin and Charity.

Charity had become pregnant with Julian's child, (in the 1930's) but died in childbirth, angering Aidan and deepening the hate he felt for Julian. A hate that exists still. Aidan feels protective toward Charity's son with Julian, Lucius.

Adores his sister, Bethany, but finds Braden entirely without a soul and too much like their mother, Sabrina. Avoids Braden when he can. His mother being destroyed in 1940 made little impact on his life.

After his very short dalliance with Wolfram, Aidan has been heterosexual, indulging in sporadic, short-term relationships with various women of no consequence. Presently lives with his friend Wolfram, at the Nightwood Estate.

Some changes are coming for Aidan, will he find lasting love with a woman at last? Time will tell. He will also be drawn into Lucius' and Wolfram's stories.

WOLFRAM MAURICE NIGHTWOOD

2009-10-22T10:14:00.004-05:00

NAME: Wolfram 'Wolf' Maurice Nightwood
CURRENT ALIAS: Wolf Harrison (took this name from his grandfather)
BORN: November 28, 1910

PARENTS: Raynor Nightwood, Mina Hannah Harker (both destroyed)
GRANDPARENTS: (maternal) Harrison Samuel Harker, Laura Ellene Carberry (both deceased)
SIBLINGS: Ulrika (deceased) Raylene, Julian
LIFE STATUS: Dhampyre/werewolf
LIFESPAN: Could be hundreds of years, no one is really sure.

CREATURA LIMA: Born of a pure, Raynor and a human, Mina. Dhampyre, the standard Dhampyre creatura apply, limited sun exposure, little food or sleep, agile, some enhanced senses and strength. A wrinkle in this is being bitten by a Thrope, making him a werewolf. Currently taking medication to suppress the monthly lunar change into a walking-on-2 legs Wolfen beast.
However, the long term ramifications of having vampire, human and werewolf blood all battling each other is unknown. Very keen sense of smell. Fast runner.

MARITAL STATUS: Never married, no long term relationships

BEVERAGE: Red Granger (blood, raw hamburger and other ingredients pureed into a smoothie.) Canadian Club on the rocks.

Wolfram is the oldest son of an ancient vampire, Raynor Nightwood, or known when he was still human and a Teutonic knight, Raynor Von Nachtwald. Raynor was close friends with Garrard Volger. When Garrard became a vampire,(and became Count Dracula) he turned Raynor against his will. Raynor married Mina Harker (granddaughter of Dracula's Mina) merely to take advantage of the bloodline that allows procreation. Raynor wanted children.

Wolfram's childhood was marred somewhat by his parent's shaky marriage, but when they did realize they loved each other, a more stable environment ensued. Close to all his siblings, though the death of Ulrika during the flu pandemic in 1918 rocked the family to its core.

The Nightwoods are close, tight. Extremely protective. As they harbor a deep, dangerous secret.
"The Concealment', a form of vampire madness runs in the Nightwood bloodline. Like the flu, there are many different types of "The Concealment", Raynor discovered he had the type that shows up every 100 years or so. The vampire loses all control and the blood lust takes over, he kills, literally ripping apart his victim, draining their blood. It has yet to show up in his children, if it will at all.

Back in the 1930's, a young Wolfram went with his close friends Warner Van Helsing and Gary Harker to the Swiss Alps for a holiday. It was during a hike through the Alps, Wolfram was bitten by a wolf. It is later learned the wolf was really a 'Thrope", a Wolfen creature that can shape-shift into an actual wolf. A bite from a Thrope can turn a person into a werewolf. Wolfram has not been the same since, not only physically, but emotionally.

Before he was bitten, he was vibrant, muscular, outgoing, a real ladies man. After, he withdrew, drifting away from his friends. Became thinner, struggling with health issues tied to his battling bloodlines.
Entered into a very close symbiotic relationship/friendship with Aidan Blewett, which was very briefly, sexual.
They are still close, sharing a house at the moment, whispers about them still exist, even within their own families. However, both men are just friends now.
Wolfram avoided any long-term relationships with women. Had not really met one he felt could deal with his many life status issues.
Until Jessilyn. A Thrope. More to come on this.

LUCIUS STRATON NIGHTWOOD

2009-11-28T09:42:00.003-06:00

NAME: Lucius Straton Nightwood
CURRENT ALIAS: Lucius Taron
BORN: October 13, 1939 Volger Bay, U.K.
PARENTS: Julian Nightwood, Charity Blewett (deceased)
SIBLINGS: Half brother, Raynor II
MARITAL STATUS: Never married
LIFE STATUS: A Quarter "enhanced" Father was a dhampyre, mother had 1/8th vampire blood.
LIFESPAN: Unknown

CREATURA LIMA: He is barely considered an enhanced Quarter, as the clan does not recognize anyone with 1/8 vampire blood or less as one of them. But his father Julian is a dhampyre, his grandfather, Raynor Nightwood, A 'turned vampire', so some of the family powers have passed on to Lucius in a lesser form. Also a blood trait of the Nightwoods, was the "Concealment" passed on to Lucius? Only Dracula and Victor know of this malady of madness for the time being. So far, no other Nightwood has manifested any signs...yet.

BEVERAGE: Irish Car Bomb-Irish stout mixed with a shot of Irish Whiskey (preferably Old Bushmills) and a shot of Irish Cream.
Also enjoys a Blood Bellini, B positive blood, heated with Prosecco and peach puree.

Lucius Nightwood, the only child of Julian and Charity. The result of an ill-fated affair and short marriage. Julian was actually in love with Adelaide Van Helsing, but was caught in the act with Charity, Adelaide fled his life and the country. Charity found herself pregnant, so Julian married her, even though he did not love her in the least. Charity died giving birth to Lucius. Charity's father, Dr. Colin Blewett was so heartbroken he could not save his only child, left Volger Bay, never to return.

Lucius was left in the care of his grandfather, Raynor Nightwood, and various nannies. Rarely saw his father Julian, as he was off in London going to university to become a Doctor and persue his career. Lucius grew close to Raynor, in the few hours a night he saw his vampire grandfather.

Became close with Mallory Harker, daughter of the late Vic Harker and Megan O'Mera (who later married Jon Van Helsing). Childhood playmates, it grew to something more as they reached their teens. An intense summer romance in 1958, Lucius and Megan entered a brief physical relationship, the first for them both, Lucius believed himself falling in love, but Mallory had other ideas.

Julian, after years of education and practicing his medical career in London, returned to Volger Bay for an extended visit in the autumn of 1958. For Mallory, it was love at first sight. Lucius was crushed, widening the gap between father and son even more. He could could not stand to watch his love and his father grow closer, Lucius began his vagabond life style, traveling aimlessly about Europe, indulging in every vice, embracing the party life of the latter half of the 20th century.
Lucius settled in Belfast for close to 16 years, only sporadically in contact with his family, mostly Raynor. One of the few members of the next generation of the clan not to attend University or pursue some sort of career, a total drifter.

Lucius has learned over the decades to hide his emotions and feelings behind a Goth boy party facade and flippant attitude. His sneering, cutting remarks alienate people, including members of his own family.
Being a Nightwood, his emotions run deep, his sexual appetites...voracious. While masking his emotions, Lucius certainly did not hide his lascivious leanings. Has enjoyed many women through the decades, no serious relationships to speak of.

Recently returned to Volger Bay unannounced, Lucius was devastated to learn of Raynor and his grandmother's destruction, but kept the feelings to himself. Presently staying with his Uncles, Aidan and Wolfram.
How long will Lucius stay in Volger Bay, and can he face his father, and Mallory, his former love and now step-mother for the last 40+ years? His step-brother Raynor II is a virtual stranger, can he accept him?
Also more disturbingly, his Uncle Braden seems to have taken an interest, taking Lucius on his hedonistic adventures. What will come of those? More to come with the tortured Lucius.

EDWARD RADULF VAN HELSING JR.

2009-11-17T18:01:00.003-06:00

NAME: Edward Radulf Van Helsing Jr.
CURRENT ALIAS: Edward Stryker
BORN: January 12, 1879 Volger Bay, UK
PARENTS: Edward Van Helsing Sr and Jane Amelia McMasters (both deceased)
SIBLINGS: Jon Van Helsing (died 1974)

MARITAL STATUS: Currently single, was married in the 1930's to Sophronia Carberry, no children from her.
CHILDREN: with Sabrina Harker: Aidan Edward Van Helsing, Bethany Catherine Van Helsing, Braden Yager Van Helsing
GRANDCHILDREN: By Aidan and Adelaide Van Helsing~ Roderick Jamieson
LIFE STATUS: Pure-blood, 'turned' vampire
LIFESPAN: Immortal

CREATURA LIMA: At age 25, Edward was bitten in a malicious act of jealousy by Sabrina Harker, a "Quarter" or one-quarter vampire. Her bite could not turn him, instead it made him fatally ill. Dracula, Sabrina's grandfather, was left with a choice, let Edward die a lingering, painful death (which was very tempting to Dracula as Edward's father was his mortal enemy) or complete the 'turning'. He chose to turn Edward. Now he is tied to Dracula, his maker. Over the decades they have come to a grudging respect for each other. Edward has inherited a couple of Dracula's powers through the 'turning'. He can ascertain if a person has Vampire blood.

BEVERAGE: Koldt-Rodpeber- Very cold O Positive Blood with a dash of A Negative, served over cracked ice with a sprinkle of fresh ground pepper.

Accepts his life-state with aplomb, a serene look to his countenance, Edward is one of the more balanced members of the clan. But do not cross him or his family, his wrath is terrible to behold.

Edward, like his father before him, is a skilled scientist. As soon as he was turned, after the initial shock of his new-life state, Edward decided he was not going to dwell on what the fates bestowed upon him, instead, he embraced it. If he was now to be a vampire, he would do what he could to make that life state as tolerable as he could. With his nephew and close friend Victor, they managed to concoct a serum that allows 'pures' to move about in late afternoon, as long as they stay out of the direct sun. He and Victor also toiled without much luck, in trying to reign in the blood lust.

Edward's personal life has had such varied successes and failures as his professional life. He was once in love with Mina Harker (Mina's Murray's grandaughter) But after he was turned, she ran from him and his new life state in horror...straight into the arms of Raynor Nightwood. In a fit of heart break and anger, Edward took Sabrina Harker to his bed, a devious woman, a 'Quarter' who loved Edward her whole life. He loathed her. But, nonetheless, that one encounter resulted in Sabrina giving birth to Aidan.
Edward was livid, the last thing he wanted was to procreate with Sabrina of all people. He could not take to his son, who looked so much like Sabrina. It caused a decades long rift between father and son, which only was breached in 2008. They now enjoy a close relationship.

Edward met a distant cousin of Mina's, Sophronia Carberry. They fell in love and were married in late 1919. There were no children, as Sophronia was not related to the side of the Harker family that has the bloodline needed to procreate. But they enjoyed a loving and serene marriage of close to 17 years, until Sophronia fell ill and died suddenly. It was in the throes of his deep, unfathomable grief that Sabrina drugged his favorite blood drink, and appeared before him in a wig and nightgown that made her look like Sophronia. Poor Edward made love all night to Sabrina, a woman he hated to his very marrow, thinking it was his dead wife returned to him.
Of course, ever fertile, Sabrina became pregnant with twins.
Told of Sabrina's pregnancy, Edward is devastated, and extremely angry. He asks for complete control and custody of his children, no way does he want that witch to get her fingers on them. The clan agrees to his request. The twins are born and whisked away from Sabrina, Edward names them Bethany and Braden.
Sabrina appears before him once more, declaring her love, asking that they all become a family. Edward is sickened.

Sabrina is desperate to win Edward at any cost, she calls in a favor with Roman Vladimirov, she wants to be turned into a pure, when he does this with Dracula's blessing, he uses his chosen power to read her mind, he tells Edward and the Clan elders that Sabrina poisoned Sophronia. Sabrina is destroyed.
Glad the bitch is finally out of his life, Edward continues on, a few long term relationships get him through the latter half of the 20th century. But no other woman truly touches his heart.

He watches as his dear brother, Jon Van Helsing, dies of old age in 1974, as he watched his parents do the same years before. Same with a few women he was involved with since Sophronia's death. He always seemed to have relationships with humans, never any woman with Vampire blood.
That is about to change.
Roman's daughter is about to come to Volger Bay...and take Edward's breath away.
Soon~

ROMAN AFANAS VLADIMIROV

2009-11-05T12:16:00.004-06:00

NAME: Roman Afanas Vladimirov
CURRENT ALIAS: Roman refuses to use one
BORN: May 7, 1654 in Salsk, Russia

MARITAL STATUS: Currently married to Gabriella Harker, Dracula's granddaughter (she is a Quarter)
CHILDREN: with Sabrina Harker: Nikolai Valery Vladimirov
With Gabriella: Kellen, Polina, Alexsi
LIFE STATUS: Pure-blood, chosen vampire
LIFESPAN: Immortal

CREATURA LIMA: Roman is one of the rare, a 'chosen' vampire. Who exactly did the choosing, is still cloaked in hazy secrecy, a dark force of some kind. It is not discussed. Roman is more powerful than a 'turned' vampire, has to sleep in a coffin. Can read the thoughts of those he 'turned'. Has other powers he has not yet revealed.

BEVERAGE: Rat-Stayshan, a combination of the blood of a freshly killed rat, and human AB Negative, warmed over a wood smoke fire.

Roman was a chosen, on his 30th birthday, he became a vampire. In Russia, his family was very powerful, rich. His father was a boyar, a great noble tied closely to the Romanov dynasty in the 1600's.
Using his father's influence and example, Roman formed his own clan, his friend, whom he turned, Dimitri Ordina, was his second in command. Roman soon became involved with Dimitri's sister, a human, Nadia. She would be turned on the day of the wedding. However, Roman was caught in a compromising position with a female vampire, Nadia was heartbroken, Dimitri, livid.
Nadia, killed herself. Dimitri vowed revenge, set Roman up with trumped up murder and extortion charges, Roman was expelled as leader of his own clan, and was about to be voted on for destruction, when he made his escape, thanks to his sister, Veronika.
Wandered about Europe for decades as a rogue vampire, a rogue was usually shunned by other clans, a lonely existence.

In the late 1800's, he came across Sabrina Harker in Vojvodina, kept captive (punishment from her clan) in a castle Roman knew belonged to Dracula, a vampire he had had dealings with on and off through the years. When he found out this woman was Dracula's granddaughter, and that Dracula's clan had somehow found a way to procreate, Roman wasted no time seducing Sabina, impregnating her. Not only would he have a child at last, but this would be a way to get the protection of Dracula's clan.

With a pregnant Sabrina in tow, Roman interrupts a clan meeting, boldly stating his request.
Dracula relents, allowing him to become part of his clan, enjoy their protection. Roman needed this, to regain his wealth, strength and credibility. Sabrina gives birth to a son, Nikolai.
He finds he loathes Sabrina, a wretched, manipulate bitch.
Meanwhile, he meets another granddaughter of Dracula's, Gabriella, Victor's daughter. She refuses to have anything to do with him, as she had made a vow to herself to stay away from any man with Vampire blood.

Roman tries all his charms, of which he possesses many, being a vampire, he fairly oozes sexual prowess and virility. She stands her ground, though as the years pass, she relents. As she gets to know him, she realizes despite his rank arrogance and overly confident manner, he is an honorable man deep down.
Just as they are growing closer, Dracula tells Roman a hunter, Matt Gordon, has given them a heads up that Dimitri Ordina has finally tracked Roman down, and hired Matt to bring him back to Russia for a clan trial and possible destruction. A tearful parting, Roman must go on the run once again, something that injures his pride. Dracula and Gabby offer to take over the care of Nikolai.
For almost 10 years, Roman was on the run. He at last arranges for Gabriella and Nikolai to join him. He and Gabby are married, and have since had three children.
After more than 50 years of not seeing or contacting her family, Gabby is homesick. Roman contacts his son, Nikolai, who returned to Volger Bay 20 years before, and asks if it is safe for them to return. Dracula advises against it.
Meanwhile, the Ordina clan has never given up their search for Roman.
Will Roman and his family return to Volger Bay and the clan, and will the Ordina clan track him down?
More to come on Roman and his family.

RAYNOR NIGHTWOOD

2009-11-02T12:20:00.008-06:00

NAME: Raynor Von Nachtwald
CURRENT ALIAS: Raynor Nightwood
BORN: March 23, 1208 in Germany

LIFE STATUS: Pure-blood, Currently destroyed
CHILDREN: With Mina Harker: Ulrika (deceased) Julian, Wolfram, Raylene
GRANDCHILDREN: From Raylene: Rudi, Valentin,
From Julian: Raynor II, Lucius

CREATURA LIMA: As explained below, Raynor is a 'turned' vampire. Not one of the 'chosen'. As a 'turned', he is not required to sleep in a coffin. Powers are less than a chosen, but he can inherit some powers from his 'maker', in this case, Dracula. Also, he is tied to his maker, he can never destroy him lest he be destroyed himself.

BEVERAGE: Blood, all types, all temperatures. From Human and beasts alike.

It was the 1200's. Raynor was a Teutonic knight serving in the Carpathian Mountains. His name then was Raynor Von Nachtwald. His dearest friend and fellow knight was Garrard Volger. He is known as 'Count Dracula'.
Never were two men so inseparable. When Garrard married and stayed behind in Hungary, Raynor stayed behind as well, as he could not bear to be separated from him. They loved each other, and thought of each other as brothers.

After Garrard's death, he appeared to Raynor in his dreams. They were so vivid, Raynor went to Castle Dracula down into the cold, stone tomb where Garrard was having his eternal rest.
The dream Raynor had was aggravating him greatly. He could not possibly have appeared in his room!

Raynor quickly opened the cover of his coffin (what happened to the spikes holding the lid closed, he wondered). Garrard looked like he was sleeping, not dead! His eyes were closed as peacefully as a sleeping child! However his teeth looked sharp and pointed, his skin almost translucent. Veins were visible on his whitish skin...Raynor could have sworn he saw his chest move!
He let the heavy marble lid slam shut with a sickening thud.
What kind of evil proceedings were these?

That night, Garrard appeared once again, he lured Raynor into a trance, he was frozen; terror had paralyzed him. This was no dream.
Raynor could not speak, nor move.
Those dismal, cold eyes of his pulling Raynor into the depths of darkness, never to return.
It seemed to be a dreadful nightmare; a nightmare that carried its ghastly horror into waking life.

Garrard began to hiss most horribly. It was a frightful and hideous sound, from the depths of darkness.
He moved toward Raynor with lightening speed, the room grew dark, He could remember nothing after that except a deathly cold breath on his neck...then blackness.

Raynor could not stop him; Garrard sank his sharp fangs into his neck. This was the second and fatal bite he delivered to Raynor; there was no turning back.
A ghastly roaring was screaming in Raynor's head. The room grew cold, damp; it was reeking of decay, and the smell of freshly turned earth.
Raynor could not find the will to speak, let alone fight him off.

He released Raynor, his body shook and a perceptible shudder ran through him.
Garrard at last spoke, "Rejoice, Raynor! We are now blood brothers for all eternity!"
Raynor could hear his own blood rushing through every vein in his body; he felt as if he were falling into a black void, a endless pit filled with unknown terror and evil.

The transformation was painful...Raynor's mortal body and soul were being changed, forever altered. An awful nameless panic chilled his spine, a panic borne from mortal horror.
In a matter of moments, the abominable deed was done; Raynor was 'Vampyre', a loathsome creature of darkness.

Raynor hissed at the foul monster that had transformed him. His dear friend had become a demon, a malevolent spirit, and now Garrard had cursed him for all eternity!

"The blood is the life, Raynor and now it is ours! I have given you a great gift!" Garrard cried. He sounded almost joyous!

"Why did you do this? Does your revenge extend even to me, your brother?? You did not even give me a choice! You have pulled me into the pits of wickedness and corruption, where I will suffer the iniquitous torments!" Raynor was overcome with fury, and unrestrained rage.

Raynor listened with dread as Dracula explained the 'rules' of his new-life state. Raynor would not be as powerful as Garrard...but in time, his powers would grow. Raynor would be forever tied to him, as he is the one who made him.

Raynor could never destroy him, or he would be destroyed myself.
His dark menacing voice rumbled deeply, he spoke urgently, stating he wanted to keep Raynor with him always, his brother...his friend...to share this wondrous new life-state.
Raynor spat at his foul attempts at an explanation. "I never want to see you again." He hissed with repulsion.

The sun's early morning rays were coming up over the horizon. It was at that moment Raynor knew he would never see another sunrise ever again. They both cowered from the rays. Dracula disappeared in a puff of smoke. Thus begun centuries of hate...

Raynor fled to Scotland, as far from Garrard as he could get. Over the centuries he lived in isolation in the highlands, altering his name to Sir Raynor Nightwood. Living the life of a vampire, hunting...feeding.
It is rumored, Raynor became some vampiric blood-thirsty Highlander, leading his clan in night raids over the hills. Horror stories are still told of this murderous beast.
It was here in Scotland Raynor met Mina Harker, Mina Murray's grand-daughter. Raynor used his seductive skills and soon had Mina under his spell.

They were soon married, and on their wedding night, Raynor told Mina what he was. And why he married her. It was not for love...
"Now listen closely my sweet, I have married you for one reason only...I want children. It was not from a lack of trying over the years, but it seems vampires cannot procreate; it is extremely rare. However it seems there is something in your family line that allows you to mate with vampires."

Raynor snarled. "I don't believe in love, I never have, I never will."

But over the years, Raynor fought his emotions, he was starting to care for Mina. Mina, also fought her feelings. Finally, she confessed her deepest soul.

"I despised you for tricking me so, for making me believe you actually loved me. I was hurt...I am still wounded. And when someone is hurt, they lash out, as we so often do to each other. I want it to end, the pain, the hate...because I must tell you Raynor; I love you deeply, and have almost from the beginning. I tried hard not to. Especially when you were so cold and distant, but I loved you then...I love you still."

"My soul is muddied and murky; my heart is black and shriveled, darkness rules my thoughts, hate is the only emotion I know. It is better not to love me." Raynor said, his gravel voice thick with emotion.

However, the death of one of his daughters from the Influenza Epidemic pushed Raynor over the edge. Raynor let the intense feelings of love and grief seep into his very soul. He choked back sobs, and at last let himself mourn...and feel.

"My little love, forgive your wretched father, forgive him for his perceived coldness and seeming indifference. I am greatly flawed; know I loved you dearly, even though I was incapable of saying the words. I swear to you now, I will make it up to your brothers and sister, and your beloved mother, who I have wronged terribly.
Rest my love...sleep." Raynor whispered, his voice cracking with emotion.

Raynor returned to Mina, and spoke his heart at last. " I cannot change what I am...what Garrard made me. You see my sweet, pledging my heart forever holds no appeal for me; I find it appalling. That is why I have not formed any lasting relationships over the years. However, I am willing to try for you...and the children. It will not be easy, but...but I care for you all, as much as I am able at the moment. Let us all try together." Raynor whispered.

And so Raynor did try...he stayed close to his family through the ensuing years, but Raynor's heartache and despair were not over...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Mina, now in her early forties, realized she did not want to live without Raynor, nor grow old before his eyes, she asked that he turn her. Raynor, did, only he botched the job, deep in the throes of the 'bloodlust' he bit her twice within minutes (instead of waiting 24 hours between bites), and passed a deadly vampiric virus to Mina, 'The Concealment'. She was in a coma for over 70 years, adding to Raynor's torment.

In 2008, Raynor had an episode, the 'concealment' reared it's ugly head for the first time in 120 years, and while in a hotel room with a prostitute, his feeding took on a frenzied state, where he tore apart the woman, literally bathing himself in her blood. Victor Harker was called in to help cover up the incident.

Finally, through scientific means, Victor and Edward Van Helsing Jr. found a way to bring Mina out of her twilight coma state. When she does, she is completely mad, the Concealment had taken over, she was a snarling, vampiric beast. Dracula informs Raynor Mina must be destroyed.
Utterly devastated and blaming himself for her state, Raynor asks that he be destroyed with his love, he cannot bear to go on without her any longer.

The method chosen, 'dawn's breaking light'. Both are reduced to ash.
Mina's ashes are scattered at sea, Raynor's however, are held by Dracula in a secret place. Could a possible resurrection be possible?
And what ramifications will "the Concealment" have on Mina and Raynor's children and grandchildren, if any?

VAN HELSING CHRONICLES SUMMARY from TSR, not based on movie

2009-11-02T12:17:00.001-06:00

In 2007, I wrote a nine part continuation of the 5 part Dracula Saga, all published at TSR. For those not wishing to read all nine parts, here is a quick synopsis of the VAN HELSING CHRONICLES.

NOTE: This has nothing to do with the movie of the same name. NOTHING.

The next generation of the Dracula Saga, Victor Harker, biological son of Count Dracula and Mina Murray Harker, is now married to Carolina Harker, and they have one son, Vic.
Victor's half-brother Harrison Harker is married with three daughters, Mina, Sabrina (who, we find out in the previous parts, Father is Peter, son of Dracula) and Verity. Story begins in 1905.

Over at the Van Helsing Estate, Edward Senior has since died, leaving his wife Jane and their oldest son Edward Van Helsing Jr. and Jon Van Helsing.
Edward Jr. is 25, bright, handsome, intelligent, just graduated university with a Science degree. He has an eye on Mina Harker, but Sabrina is jealous, wants Edward for herself. Edward is annoyed by her school girl crush, but to Sabrina it is much more.

Sabrina is petulant, spoiled and ultimately dangerous. Even at her young age, she begins to plot. She is seething with jealously that Edward is interested in her older sister, Mina. (named after her grandmother, Mina Murray) She makes a vow she intends to keep, "Oh you will regret swatting me aside, Edward Van Helsing...You will regret it for the rest of your life, you and my miserable sister!' she vowed through her clenched teeth. " One way or another, you will be mine...I promise you!!

Overhearing a conversation between Harrison, Victor and Edward, Sabrina learns of her Vampire heritage, and digging some more, find out where the remains of Count Dracula are. Running away, she performs the St. George Day ritual and resurrects Count Dracula, her grandfather. After Dracula regains his strength, they travel back to Britian, as Dracula is anxious to see his son Victor. Family is important to the Count.
Sabrina finds in her absence that Mina and Edward have grown even closer, wedding plans are eminent.

Her jealousy stoked beyond all imagining, Sabrina, one quarter vampire, bites Edward Van Helsing. Edward is extremely ill, the family is told he will not recover, they all prepare for his eventual death. Dracula is incensed that Sabrina dare perform such an heinous act, a breach of the vampire code. He has two options, let Edward Van Helsing die a painful, lingering death, or 'turn' him. He gives Sabrina the choice, jealous and not wanting anyone to have him, she says for Dracula to destroy Edward.

To teach Sabrina a lesson, Dracula bites Edward. 2 bites are needed, 24 hours a part for someone to be 'turned', Dracula makes the second bite. He is a very powerful vampire. Perhaps deep down, Dracula imagines he is finally getting revenge on Edward van Helsing Sr, by turning his oldest son into a vampire. The irony is not lost on Dracula.
He points out to Sabrina that Edward will no doubt hate her for eternity for his new-life state, also, serves her right, Edward will also be more powerful.

Edward is desolate, angry over his new life-state as a vampire. Dracula takes Edward to his son Victor, who is shocked not only by Edward's vampire state, but the resurrection of his father.
Edward stays with Victor for the time being, where he slowly learns to accept his life-state. Now comes the hard part, telling his family. Jane is desolate, Jon, wary but accepts it, what choice do they have?
Now Edward has to tell his betrothed, Mina. She is in shock, and runs from Edward in horror and revulsion. Edward is devastated by Mina's rejection.

Mina flees to Scotland to stay with her cousins, the Carberry's, to get away from Edward and the horror. While there she meets Lord Raynor Nightwood, an imposing, handsome man who sweeps Mina off her feet. He pursues her relentlessly, courting her, until she falls under his spell, and falls in love with him. All thoughts of Edward seemingly gone.
Meanwhile, Edward's younger brother Jon has fallen for young Verity Harker, they grow closer, even though they are still teens, they wish to marry, Edward talks them into waiting until they are 18, they agree.

After a whirlwind courtship and quick marriage, Mina finds out on her wedding night that Raynor Nightwood is a vampire. She is horrified, she runs from Edward only to land in the clutches of another vampire?

Meanwhile, Edward stops by the Harker home to speak to Harrison, but finds Sabrina, who revels in telling Edward that Mina is now married to a Scottish Lord. Angry, jealous and in a rage, Edward beds Sabrina, hoping to punish Mina, but also Sabrina, to giver her a taste of what she will never have. When he is done, he leaves her, saying it will never happen again.
Sabrina, so effected by Edward's lovemaking, vows she will have Edward for herself, if it takes her years, she will have him.

Mina and Raynor move back to the small village where her family lives. The marriage is not a happy one, Raynor is cold, unfeeling...distant. However a magnificent lover he is, his heart is locked firmly away. Mina is torn, on one hand part of her loves Raynor, and on the other she is still horrified by his life-state. He also feeds on her now and again, declaring he does not believe in love, never has, never will. He also states he married her so she would give him children, vampires are not supposed to procreate, yet Dracula has with her grandmother, something in the bloodline.

Meanwhile, now of age, Jon Van Helsing and Verity Harker exchange vows before family and friends and are married. Vic Harker, Jon's best friend, is secretly devastated, as he harbors a love for Verity himself, which he vows to keep to himself.

Carolina, now almost 40 years of age, finds herself expecting a child. Victor, at first worried for Carolina's health, is extremely pleased.

Edward van Helsing has moved on, he settled in to a resigned acceptance of being a vampire. His looks have changed considerably. His boyish handsomeness has taken on a more feral, gaunt and slightly ferocious look. But he remained a remarkable and imposing male specimen nonetheless. Still he struggled silently with his heartbreak over Mina's rejection of him and her marriage to a Scottish Lord. He addresses his blood needs methodically as Dracula instructed him, just taking enough to make a person feel ill the next day.

Mina has now given Raynor a daughter, Raylene and a Son, Wolfram, but still Raynor is distant, going out most night heavens knows where and with heaven knows who.

Some years have passed, Vic Harker is now graduated from university and now a Doctor, the twins Carolina gave birth to, Gabriella and Garrard (or as called by his family, Gary) Victor Harker still looks 25 years of age, as Carolina begins to show her age as she slides toward 50 years. But Victor's love has not wavered, he loves her still, more even. And the thought Carolina will slip away some time in the future is a bitter pill to swallow and haunts his dreams.

Meanwhile, Sabrina has not given up hope. When she found herself expecting a child, Dracula had her sent away to one of his other castles to live for awhile, hoping her obsession with Edward Van Helsing would cool. No such luck. She returned to Volger Bay still enamored with Edward, flaunting her son Aidan, Edward's son, under his nose.
She claimed her never wavering love for Edward, demanding he be a father to Aidan. Incensed and hating Sabrina still, he lashes out that he cannot stand her nor her son. Aidan over hears this declaration that he is a 'mistake', vowing to hate his father forever. Aidan becomes even more of a wretched brat.

It is now the early summer of 1914. Jon is now firmly established at the Royal Bank of London. His happy marriage to Verity continues to thrive as does his children, Adelaide is 8 years old and Warner is 7 years of age.
War breaks out in Europe, and in a fit of patriotism, Jon joins the army, and asks his dear friend Vic to watch out for Verity and the children.

Finally, Edward has managed to move past Mina, and finds himself attracted to her cousin, Sophronia Carberry whom he met when she was visiting. Sophronia was also finding herself taken with Edward Van Helsing. There were such layers of power, an elemental male presence she found intoxicating. She was not aware he was a vampire.
They grow closer, while Sabrina seethes in the background. Edward bares his soul and his deepest secret, Sophronia does not run from him in horror as Mina had done, he is silently grateful, and finds himself more in love with her.

Mina and Raynor continue to fight and argue, years pass and they do not even sleep together anymore. Raynor at last reveals his troubled past, how Dracula turned him, the devastation he felt, the hatred which has dominated his life for centuries. Mina, feeling a rush of sympathy and love, reaches for Raynor, and the physical side of their rocky relationship resumes. 2 more children are born, a girl Ulrika and a boy, Julian.
Raynor revels in being a father, but still guards his heart from love.

Jon prepares to leave for war. Verity is devastated. But no more so when Jon's commanding officer comes to tell her Jon is missing and presumed dead. Missing...he could be anywhere, lying in some filthy, water filled trench. He could have been taken prisoner by the Germans. She prayed that was the case, at least he would still be alive!! But a prisoner of war.

Harrison Harker's wife, Laura Carberry, has succumbed to TB. As the family gathers for the funeral, a lot of soul searching results, Victor tries to console his brother, all the while thinking he will someday be standing at Carolina's grave.

Verity is finding it hard to cope, not only with her mother's death but Jon's continued MIA status. So Vic moves into the Van Helsing home temporarily to assist Verity with the children and the running of the house. Waking from a nightmare one night, Verity cries out, dreaming of Jon. Vic runs to her room to comfort her, finding his feelings for Verity have not abated at all, in fact, they have deepened.
Verity as well is feeling something.

Jon Van Helsing is found wandering on a battlefield, no ID, taken to a nearby hospital in France, he cannot remember who he is, or where he comes from. He has shell-shock, and suffering from amnesia.

Vic joins the Army medical Core, and in his tearful good-bye to Verity they share a passionate kiss. Verity realizes she has feeling for Vic, and it disturbs her greatly. Was it possible to love two men at once? Her mind was a confused mass of emotions. She loved Jon deeply, completely. But something about Vic touched her very soul. Vic returned the kiss hungrily; he may never see her again.

Jane Van Helsing, Edward's now aged mother, passes away from a massive stroke.

Raynor enters into an affair with Mina's sister, Sabrina, who gives herself to Raynor for the promise he whispers in her ear, to turn her into a vampire. Raynor is driven my his vampire lust, he has no feelings for Sabrina, in fact, he does not trust her, knowing her devious soul.

Mina cannot take this any longer, the coldness, the indifference. She pleads with Raynor to give them a chance, she declares her deep love for him. He is touched by her tender and emotional declaration, and feels immediate remorse for his sick dalliance with Sabrina. Raynor confesses his infidelity, Mina, hurt, ultimately forgives him. However, as Raynor agrees to try and let love into his heart, he is still holding back.
Raynor goes to Sabrina and ends it, rescinding his offer of turning her into a vampire. Needless to say, she is livid.

For over a year Jon languishes in a French makeshift war hospital, as he recovers his strength, he begins to help out around the facility, and grows close to a young novice/nurse, Maria.

Still smarting from her rejection from Raynor, Sabrina enters into yet another affair, this time with her cousin Vic's Medical Associate, Doctor Colin Blewett, the poor sap is so smitten with Sabrina he proposes marriage, and the ever fertile Sabrina is pregnant once again, but she is not sure, is it Colin's, or perhaps Raynor's?

As the war begins to wind down, the flu epidemic strikes, and Victor watches as his brother Harrison dies. Also getting sick is Verity and his own beloved Carolina. Verity dies a week after her father. Carolina makes a slow recovery.

But the tragic aspect is Raynor and Mina lose a daughter Ulrika to the Flu epidemic, Raynor is inconsolable and has an epiphany at his daughter's grave. He goes home to Mina and at last confesses his love for her and the children, and is eager to start again.

Over in France, Vic is inspecting the various hospitals dotting the front when he cannot believe his eyes...JON! He informs Jon of his real identity, and together they see a Doctor whom through hypnosis, brings Jon's memory back. A tearful and wistful farewell to Maria, and he is ready to return home with Vic.
The men's homecoming is marred by the news of Verity's death in the epidemic. Both are stunned and devastated.

Sabrina, now bored with her marriage with Colin Blewett, has just given birth to a daughter Charity. She hears the news Edward and Sophronia are to be married, she confronts Edward in his lab and in another fit of rage induced jealously, throws holy water in his face, scarring him.
Luckily, Dracula informs him he will heal, though it will take months.
Sabrina is banished for this final henious act. She is sent to a far off castle of Dracula's to be kept under guard.

Vic is able to 'sense' vampire blood, one of the skills he inherited from his grandfather. He informs a relieved Colin Blewett that Charity is his daughter, and not Raynor's.
As Dracula and his family gather for Xmas, they are relieved they have come through the past world events relatively unscathed, and wonder what lies ahead for Dracula and his clan...

BIOGRAPHIES AND SOME NEWS

2009-10-17T15:47:00.004-05:00

Oh no...not an announcement! I thought you swore off those?
Well...y...y..esssss. And No. This is more of a FYI.

I have made a decision that the Blog Dracula's Diaries will be closed down and eventually deleted. (not this blog, the old one)

Why? Well, I do have my reasons, and I will not get into them publicly. I thought of doing a summary as I have for other stories, but have decided to do detailed bios on the characters covering plots that unfolded in Dracula's Diaries, cheripye's great Bios on her Dark Eyes characters gave me the inspiration.
I may be changing the template here, or not, depends.

This will not happen overnight, it will take awhile, and I am away Nov 7-Dec 5, so nothing will be done during that time.
So if you see Bios appearing at this blog sporadically, that is why. First Bio posted, see link on right, Victor's is done.

I will not be changing the concept here at Blood Brotherhood, I will still be doing character driven stories, that focus on that specific character. And the updates will remain short (for me, anyway)
Sorry to start Valentin's story and not post a follow up. I will when I return in December. There are three more short parts. Here are a few teaser shots of what is to come.

Also, am working on a Halloween Story that will probably be posted at the COLLECTIVE
Called HELLHOUNDS. Sneak peek here at my main blog.
I created(well using a sim made by Xtinabobina) the character of a hunter, Tristan Black. (seen below) I am toying with the idea of folding him into the Blood Brotherhood blog. We will see. Or I may just do occasional stories of him, and post them here. I have a lot to work out, LOL!

EDIT: Sorry will NOT be posted at the Collective, but here instead.

Anyway, that's all the news fit to print...thanks for the continued support!

Oh, and see my comment inside, I think I found a way around the backdating/blogroll issue. Maybe. If it makes any sense. let me know.

VICTOR GARRARD HARKER

2009-10-01T13:36:00.004-05:00

NAME: Victor Garrard Harker
CURRENT ALIAS: Victor Tremaine
BORN: October 13, 1859

PARENTS: Count Dracula (Garrard Volger) and Mina Murray Harker
LIFE STATUS: Dhampyre, half human, half-vampire
LIFE SPAN: Could be hundreds of years, no one is really sure.

CREATURA LIMA: He is a Dhampyre, a half-human, half-vampire, the first one since 1165. Has inherited some of Dracula's powers, but they do not always work all the time. Needs little sleep or food to survive. Possesses heightened senses and higher than normal strength. Loathes bright sunlight. Needs blood only sporadically. Will have a longer than normal life.

MARITAL STATUS: 1 marriage to Carolina Harker until her death 1939

CHILDREN: With Carolina, Garrard (Gary) Gabriella (twins) and Victor Jr. (deceased)
BEVERAGE: Hennessy, straight up. Occasional warm blood, with a touch of fresh parsley.

Born of a unholy affair between the powerful vampire, Count Dracula, and the betrothed to Jonathan Harker, Mina Murray, Victor spend most of his life thinking he was Jonathan Harker's son. He did not really know his mother, as she died in an asylum when Victor was 4.
By this time, Count Dracula was rendered 'destroyed' by Harker and Edward Van Helsing Sr.

Though his childhood, plagued by dreams of a tall, pale man. Also knowing he was 'different' somehow. A loveless childhood, except for the affection shown him by his younger brother Harrison Harker (son of Jonathan and Mina) and Jonathan Harker's second wife, the governess, Jane McMasters. Also loved fiercely by Carolina Harker (daughter of Jane and Jonathan)

At age 17, the truth came out of his parentage and life status. Jonathan threw him out, taken in and mentored by Edward Van Helsing Sr. University educated in the Sciences, Carolina grows up, and declares her love for Victor even though she still thinks they are half-siblings.
Victor decides his father Dracula, should be buried on the Carfax Abbey Estate, he inadvertently brings Dracula back. Both he and Dracula are shocked to discover Mina had another son while in the asylum, Peter is found and restored to the family. Peter is not what he seems, and showdown accumulates with Peter and Dracula caught in a castle fire in Transylvania. See
SON OF DRACULA and PRINCES OF DARKNESS
Victor returns to England, tells Carolina and Harrison everything, at last, he and Carolina marry.

The only devastating event to mar their happiness is the death of their oldest son, a Doctor, Victor Harker. It is later learned Peter's own daughter, Sabrina, had a hand in his so-called accident.

More than 60 years together, 3 children, Carolina dies in his arms of old age in 1939. Victor is devastated. Unable to accept her death, he falls into a decades long dive into a hedonistic lifestyle, of drinking, women and partying. By the time the late 1990's roll around, Victor has tired of it all. Selling his flat in London, he moves back to Volger Bay, to take up the more sedate life of a country gentleman. Dividing his time between his father's Carfax Abbey and a flat in Volger Bay, Victor still dallies with a few nameless, faceless women. A chance meeting at his friend Brian Hammond's bar, and Victor becomes intrigued with Brian's cousin, Katrina Hammond, a romance writer.

He fights the pull toward her at every turn, as it churns up old feelings, he does not want to relive the horror of watching a woman he loves die in his arms, again. After a night of love, he tells her good-bye.
As he reads a novel Katrina has written, a Regency romance where Katrina has obviously based the damaged Duke on himself, he comes to realize he does love her, and cannot live without her. After the break-up, they find their way back to each other, with Victor, finally, embracing love again.

What is ahead for Victor? He runs the clan alongside his father, but many consider him the true leader. Some outside forces and other creatures of shadow may play a role in the continuing saga that is Victor's life. stay tuned.

I: Valentin Volger (and a wee bit of Victor)

2009-10-05T22:18:00.003-05:00

NOTE: This was a chapter from the now closed Blog, Dracula's Diaries. Done ages ago. Ages.
The shift in the next three parts shifts almost exclusively to Valentin, it will be all new.

Valentin Volger~Dracula's son with Raylene Nightwood.
Victor Harker~Dracula's son with Mina Murray.

Winter 2009

Katrina went for a walk along the beach. It was snowing lightly again, and Victor was not here...again. It was just like when they first starting seeing each other, they would grow closer, only to have Victor pull away, not call her for days.
He was doing it again.
They would share such closeness, such love and desire, now he was distancing himself, physically and emotionally.

Katrina stopped, the snowflakes melting on her flushed cheeks. And she knew why. Carolina, his wife. For all Victor's pronouncements of being ready to move forward, to love again, it was obvious he was not. He was not over Carolina, nor the trauma of holding her in his arms as she died of old age. He did not want to live through that again, and he would, with her.

Katrina exhaled, and hugged her body. She was feeling the chill, time to go in. Would Victor be back tonight? Somehow, she doubted it. Could she live like this? Moments of complete bliss punctuated with his cold withdrawals.
She should have never mentioned children. That was the first sign of his pulling back. Damn.

A few doors down, Valentin stood in his bedroom, watching the snow fall gently over the bay and beach area. His thoughts were full of...Katrina.
He was finding it extremely hard to forget her. Never had a woman captured his attention...his heart, in such a way.
And she loved Victor.

It was foolish and futile to long for her so. Even now, she was probably in Victor's arms, his bed.
For all his pronouncements to both Victor and Katrina that he was fine, he wasn't.
Not really.
His feelings for Katrina made him realize how lonely he had been, for a long time.

A voice drifted over to him from across his bedroom interrupting his thoughts. "Are you coming to bed?"

Val glanced at the reflection in the mirror. "Just a moment..."

Val walked over to the bed, he stared for the longest time at the young man lounging seductively on his bedspread.
"No, I think not. We will not be doing this." Valentin finally said.

Marcus Steele looked off out the large picture window. "I see..." The snow was letting up.
"I am sorry I brought you all the way here...for nothing. As you can see, the prospect of sex does not appeal. It is nothing against you."

"So I was an experiment I suppose. A cheap thrill. You approached me in that bar. Showed interest, not the other way around." Marcus stated in a clipped tone.

Val could not blame the man for being annoyed. Vampires sometimes slaked their sex and blood needs with either sex. Some more than others. On the whole, his family was more or less heterosexual. Val had never bitten a man before, nor slept with one. What possessed him to bring a man home, THIS man, was indeed puzzling.

Marcus stood and walked toward Val. "Then I suppose I should make a discreet exit."

"You are very beautiful," Val said quietly. "Marcus, I suppose there was something that drew me to you. I am indeed sorry to give you the wrong impression." Val reached out and touched his chest lightly "You have vampire blood. We are brothers. Perhaps that is what drew me to you."

"I know..." Marcus whispered. "It is why I came with you. I have never been in this situation before. I too, was drawn to you."

Marcus went to dress, Val grabbed a towel to put around his waist. Marcus reentered the room and laid a hand on Val's shoulder. "Perhaps another time, another place. We will meet again, I can feel it."
"Take care of yourself Marcus. Again, I am sorry." Val touched his arm very lightly, barely making contact.

Marcus gave a careless shrug of his shoulders. "The thing of it was, I would have stayed with you. All night if you wished.That is surprising to me, a revelation. Since I became a vampire, it seems I desire men as well as women. It will be something I will have to accept. Good-bye, Valentin."

Val stood and listened, Marcus' footfalls descending the stairs, then the soft click of the front door.
Was he so desperate for love, affection, that he would consider a man? There were plenty of women in the bar, why not one of them? Because they were not Katrina?

Never in his long life did he ever desire a man. But there was something about Marcus he could not put his finger on. He thought it was sexual attraction, but once he got him in his bedroom...nothing.
Not a flicker of interest. And the man had vampire blood, from where? Val could not ascertain. Was that the reason he was drawn to him?

Marcus stood on the front lawn. His mind a swirl of confusion. He never desired a man in his life, but he desired this one. Why? Well, the man was breathtaking. But, since being 'turned', he has had a whole myriad of feelings he never had before. His older brother would be disgusted. Devlin would also be angry...because since that Dracula bit him, he had not been able to take his wolf form, he also lost some of his Thrope abilities. What could it all mean?
He would not be perfect anymore, not worthy of being a Thrope. He would be exiled, or worse, put down...destroyed.
Oh Jesus.

A FEW MONTHS LATER

Victor stopped by the home he had just purchased. He sold another property in the village and bought this one. He wanted to surprise Katrina. The home had it's own private beach just across the road, she would love that.
The home was huge, but Victor was looking forward to the extra space. He really had not lived in a home of his own since Carolina died. Since then, he was either at his flat here in town, or in rooms at Carfax Abbey, or a flat in London.

He slipped the key in the door and entered. It would need decorating, paint, wallpaper, whatever. Something they could do together, he supposed.

This was a hell of a step. Marriage and children were the farthest thing from his mind. It took all he had to just get this far, to admit his feelings, have them move in together. Was he doing the right thing? Will the damned doubts ever leave him?

Looking through the empty house, Victor heard the door bell, he came outside and found Devlin Steele standing there. Steele dropped a briefcase at Victor's feet and kicked it over to him. "In there you will find some of the pills as promised in our deal, also the recipe for making new ones. It will contain your werewolves during the full moon. Also papers stating the deal to clean up the mess after Raynor Nightwood's feeding frenzy has been fulfilled." Devlin spoke with no emotion.

Victor was irritated, these damn Thropes can sniff you out anywhere, how in hell did Steele know he was here?

"I see, and what of Wolfram Nightwood?" Victor inquired.
"The Thrope female is pregnant, we have no further use of Nightwood, unless she spontaneously aborts it, then we will try again. You may tell him he is not to come around, contact the female in any way. Their liaison as it were, is at an end."

Jesus. These Thropes.
"So Wolfram will not know his child?"
"No. We do not place family in such regard as humans, or even you vampires do. It is offspring, nothing more, another member of the pack." Devlin sniffed.

"Yes, I can see that. The little regard you feel for your own brother. How is Marcus by the way?" Victor replied.
Devlin looked off. Marcus. There was a disappointment. Devlin did not reply.
"I suppose he will be the grand stud in your little pack of wolves now, unbelievable. I would never consider using any of my brothers in that way." Victor scoffed.

"You know nothing. Nothing of the struggles we have had to endure, the pain, the loss. I am making it my life's mission to ensure we never grow weak again. If I have to be cold and calculating to achieve that goal, so be it. The pack is everything."

Victor looked at Steele. The man actually spoke with passion for once. He could understand the reason for that passion. Victor felt that way about their clan. Protective, would do anything to ensure its survival. But he would draw a line, he would NOT sacrifice his loved ones, his family. Not ever. There was more Steele was not saying. "What is it, Devlin?" Victor asked quietly.

"I made a mistake, with Marcus. You are right, I never should have asked my brother to make such a sacrifice." Steele whispered.

"I warned you Steele." Victor stated flatly.
"Yes, you warned me. So did your wretched father, but I went ahead anyway. Arrogant in my thinking. Well, now I have a decision to make. A very unpleasant one. Regardless, the deal still holds. We will stay out of each others business, allow each other to survive. You here, us in Folkestone. I bid you good-day, Harker."

Devlin turned and walked away. Unpleasant decision? Victor did not know what that meant, but he suddenly felt sorry for Devlin and Marcus.

Valentin was pressing buttons, turning dials...and nothing. The washer would not start. He began to bang on the machine in frustration. Who in the hell needs 20+ cycles, and what in hell was 'steam refresh'?
Hundreds of pounds, and for what?
Valentin roared in agitation.

Losing it over a washer...but that was not the reason. Not really.
His emotions were still in an uproar. He almost had sex with a man a few months back. He rubbed his head. A shot of pain throbbed behind his eyes. He still could not figure out why. Not that it disturbed him, Val always was under the impression whatever anyone got up to behind closed doors was their own business.
He never desired men, guess he still didn't, so why that guy? Must be the vampire blood.
Even now after a couple of months, it still was in his thoughts.

Val turned back toward the washer, randomly pressing buttons again, finally, some water began to swirl into the machine...success!

Maybe he should get Katrina up here to show how to use these things. Val smiled slightly. Any excuse to see her, talk to her. He should stay away...but he couldn't.
Nor could he forget her, dismiss his feelings.
Pathetic, mate.

Victor brought Carolina to the estate not far from the Captain's cottage they were now living in. He wanted to surprise her, he expectantly waited for her reaction, to squeal in delight and throw herself in his arms like she often did, much to Victor's deep pleasure.
But such an outpouring of happiness was not forthcoming.

Katrina turned to face him. His smile disappeared.
"Victor...it is lovely..." She began tentatively.
"But what, Katrina? I sense a 'but' here." Victor said quietly.

"Are you sure you want to do this, take this step? Us living together? Because it seems...you are having second thoughts. These last months, you have been...withdrawn. I want us to be honest Victor, with each other. You did this when we were dating this past summer. You would open your heart just enough, then step back and shutter your emotions. You are doing it again."

Victor was silent.
Katrina put her hands on her hips. "You cannot deny it Victor, some nights you did not even come home. Not once did I question you as to your whereabouts, as I do not want to be some shrew..."

"Clan business sometimes requires my absence." Victor replied tightly.
"I think I have come to know you well enough Victor. You are holding back, not giving your whole heart to me. You are afraid. You admitted as much yourself!"

She was right, of course. He was terrified. That dream. Damn his dreams. He did not want to do that again, hold the woman he loved in his arms while she died of old age. It was so wretched. Not just for him, Carolina suffered as well. Did he love Katrina as much? Yes, oh yes. Maybe more, if that were possible. That was why he was holding back. He was torn, but he knew a part of him would always be closed off. How to make her understand? Could she accept him the way he is?
Victor motioned to the rug. Taking her hand, he lead her over to it.

Laying back on the cushions, Victor took her hand and laced his long fingers through hers. "I love you Katrina. As I never thought I would ever love again. Yes, I am finding it hard to open my heart completely. I promise I will try not to withdraw from you emotionally. I suppose it is a defense mechanism, has been there for decades, since Carolina died. You see, I promised myself, I made an oath over her dead body, that I would never love again. You are the first to breach those defenses. I need time, can you give me the time I need?"

Katrina sat up, leaning on the pillows under his head, "Oh my love, time is what we have so little of. I know you loathe to hear it, but it is true. By the time you open your heart completely, I may be gone."
"Don't...Katrina..." Victor rasped.
"We cannot ignore it. I will only be with you for so long. let us not waste it, these precious moments. I beg you, Victor...open your heart, let me in. Make love to me, now, right here." She whispered.
Victor moaned aloud.

It was so easy to open his heart when he was in her arms. It was here, he felt at home. This was his place, a welcome refuge where he could rest and live forever.
Deep, deep inside.
Surrounded by her warmth, her love.

As Katrina writhed and moaned under him, it struck him. He was being selfish, wallowing in his torment for decades. Why was his loss any worse than many in the clan have suffered? What his own son Gary just suffered? What made him so special?

All he did was whinge and moan. It is a wonder anyone put up with him these last decades. Everyone else seemingly moved from one relationship to another. Edward was a prime example. Why couldn't he? At least try? Gary showed more courage and heart in his wretched loss than he ever did after losing Carolina.
He had to try. As difficult as it may be, he had to try. He did not want to lose Katrina. And he would, if he continued to hold her from his heart at arms length. He leaned down and kissed Katrina thoroughly, deeply. "I love you Katrina...my heart...is yours."

Wolfram had not heard anything regarding the deal since he left Folkestone close to two weeks ago.
All he knew is...he missed Jessilynn. She touched a part of him. A deep hidden part. Why, he did not know. She was a cool customer. Would not talk about herself or her life, she seemed untouched by emotions...love.
All the thropes were a cold, calculating bunch.

Say what you will about vampires, pures, halves, quarters, whatever. At least they showed emotion. They loved. Showed loyalty. Affection.
Yes, vampires could be as devious and dangerous as thropes, maybe more so if pushed.
But at least they loved.

Victor stopped by after dropping Katrina back at the cottage. He nodded to Aidan. "I have news from Devlin Steele, do you wish Aidan to stay?"

Wolf nodded. "Yes. He knows everything."
Victor looked at Aidan, who was watching Wolfram with a worried look on his face. These two are tight, never saw friends so close. Victor thought to himself.

"The female, Jessilynn? She is pregnant. Devlin Steele dropped by to inform me, and leave some of the pills. Edward and I are analyzing them now, the compound seems solid. We will start administering them to you and Warner right away. Perhaps they will help with the listless feeling you have been encumbered with for decades." Victor explained gently.

"I am sorry to tell you this Wolfram, but Steele said you are to have no contact with the female and her child, when born, any longer." Victor continued.
He saw the look on Wolfram's face. Wretched devastation. "I can see by the look on your face you have formed an attachment to this woman. It is not wise. Steele was most adamant. To maintain peace between the factions, you must stay away Wolfram. I am sorry."
Wolfram looked off, and nodded slowly.

~TO BE CONTINUED~

Next up, the focus shifts to Valentin almost exclusively.
Included this part about Wolfram and Devlin as a bit of a teaser, was part of a defunct chapter from the old blog. Will get to Wolfram...soon.

IV: Gary Harker~Conclusion

2009-09-13T22:20:00.000-05:00

PART IV: Gary Harker~Conclusion

A few days have passed since Emily and Gary got the devastating news. It was late afternoon and Gary went over to his Grandfather Dracula's estate, Carfax Abbey.
Dracula could sense Gary's wretched sadness as soon as he walked into the study.
"What is it, Gary? What tears at your heart so?" Dracula inquired, concern in his voice.

Gary reached up to touch his heart, as if it were contracting in pain. "It is Emily. She has cancer, inoperable, fatal. She has six months at the most." He whispered miserably.

Dracula felt his own heart tighten. To say he was pleased at last that his grandson had found love was a decided understatement. They were days away from taking a vote on allowing Gary to tell his lady about the clan and all the secrets. What an abominable thing to happen to Gary. And that poor dear girl.

Gary sank into the nearby wing chair. "I have come grandfather, to ask a favor of you. I want you to 'turn' Emily. I have thought long and hard about this, it is the only way...that I can keep her with me. I cannot allow her to die....to leave me."

Dracula exhaled. "My dear boy. Vampirism is not the cure-all for what ails a mortal's body. While I am sure Emily's hearing loss would reverse, due to the fact it is tied in with the senses, her other ailment, the cancer, would not be eradicated."

"She would have eternal life, and would not catch any other disease or develop any condition, Vampires are immune. But the fact she has cancer when she was turned, would mean, in essence, she would have cancer for eternity. And suffer the effects. For all time." Dracula whispered softly. "It is a great responsibility to 'turn' someone, many factors have to be considered before it is done. She would outlive you Gary. She may not want to live...forever."

Gary's eyes mirrored the pain. "Then turn me as well, make me a pure the same time you turn Emily. I care not about living forever, as long as we are together. I love her, I cannot bear...bear that she would leave me." A single tear trickled down his cheek.

"Gary lad, she would leave you anyway. She is mortal. Did you not hear me? Listen with your head, not your heart. I cannot turn her. It will not cure her cancer. She would be in pain and suffer from cancer for eternity. You would not wish that on the woman you loved." Dracula said regretfully.
"Are...are you sure of this?" Gary murmured.

Dracula turned away. "Yes. Very sure. I cannot...will not do it. It would bring misery and never ending torment to you both. Forever Gary. It is not to be borne. You must...let her go. It is the only way, for both of you. I am so sorry."

Well...so much for that. What in bloody good was the use of having vampire blood, or a powerful vampire for a grandfather, if nothing could be done?
Never had Gary felt so powerless, useless...wretched.

Emily awoke from her nap. Sleep had been erratic the last couple of days, since she and Gary got the news. She had yet to break it to her family. She knew what they would want...for her to come home, to die. But she did not want that. She wanted to be here, with Gary...and only Gary. How to make them all understand? The last months had been the happiest of her life.

She also came to another decision. She would not spend her last months puking her guts out from Chemo. She wanted to be as lucid as she could, she also would not be taking any of those pain/brain killing drugs until the end. Until she had to.

Gary knocked and entered the room, she lay back down on the bed. He sat next to her, stroking her forehead, running those glorious masculine hands through her hair. He was so tender...gentle. She smiled. Yes, she wanted to be with him, to feel him next to her, inside her...until she took her last breath.

"Did you sleep, my darling?" Gary murmured.
"A little..." In an even, firm voice, Emily told Gary of her decisions.

His eyes never left her face. She was dead serious. He would respect her wishes. He continued to stroke her hair. What else could he do, but love her? Until the end.
He would not turn from her, or cloister her away in some hospice. He would do it all. For her. For the woman he loved.
"Let's get married, Emily." He whispered.
She said nothing for a few moments. "Yes...Let's."

It was done, they married in London, told no one. It was private, just them. Emily also went to see her family, her aunt was there as well, and she told them, everything. A lot of crying and hand wringing, but Emily made her family understand this is what she wanted. To be with Gary. There would be a few visits, but she wanted to spend every last moment with Gary...and only him.

Gary could feel her family's discomfort and hurt over her wishes, but they agreed.

Gary closed his eyes. His insides were a bloody mess, but he was hiding it well.
He could not help but think he was cursed, he allowed himself some reflections of self-pity. Any woman gets close to his heart...and she dies?

But Emily's eternal optimism and joy kept those dark thoughts at bay. For the most part.
She accepted her dying as she accepted her hearing loss. She did not let it get her down.
And neither did Gary. For her...it was all for her.
Sacrifice, and love.

They watched the sun go down, watched as the few clouds parted showing a star-encrusted sky, they stayed in each others arms...they talked, they touched.

Then, under those stars, they made love. She whispered in his ear this is what she wanted, to feel him close, inside...until the end.
He would do whatever she wanted, he loved her that much.

"Gary, I know what you are." Emily said, after they had finished loving each other for the third time. "Auntie Vera told me, after our second date. You are a Quarter. I know you have vampire blood. And I do not care."

Gary's vampire blood was now boiling. How DARE that hag break the covenant?? Did she not know the penalty?? Interfering old biddy! If Gary had Auntie Vera in front of him, he would have happily snapped her neck.

Gary gathered Emily to him. He said loudly so she could hear. "It was before the clan, permission to tell you. We do not tell our secrets to just anyone, it had to be approved. Your Aunt broke a serious decree. I was going to tell you."

Emily must have heard the tightening anger in his voice. "Please, do not be angry with Auntie, she was worried. She told me out of love, for me. Do not report her."

Gary exhaled. Jesus, he was tempted, but whatever she wants, he would do. "I promise..."

Emily stepped back and caressed Gary's cheek. "Thank you." she whispered.
Night creatures trilled and sang in the grass and surrounding trees, moonlight washed over them both. "I would like to know more about your family, your life...will you share this with me?" Emily asked.

He would tell her...everything. "I am 102 years old, there is a lot to tell." he stated, smiling at her heated touch.
"Then you had better start...but first..." Her hand left his cheek and trailed down his chest, and lower, leaving a trail of flame in its wake.
He moaned aloud, Yes...first.

A couple of months have passed by, time seemed irrelevant, he hardly ever looked at a clock or calendar anymore, what was the point of marking the time? It was ticking down, he knew that without having the proof slammed in his face.

Emily was asleep, she was sleeping more and more. He could see the concealed pain in her eyes, the dark circles. She was growing weaker. She would have to start taking more Demerol soon, then...morphine.

But he would not think of that now. Tonight he would fix her a steak dinner with all the trimmings, even though her appetite was waning, he would coax her to eat it.
Going to the wine cooler, he selected Egri Bikavér or "Bull's Blood", a Hungarian wine, perfect for the T-Bones he had marinating in the refrigerator.
He heard the door bell ring. Damn, who in hell was that?

Gary opened the door, it was Vera! He did not hesitate. With very little effort he grabbed her by the throat and lifted her off the floor, squeezing, but not too tightly.

"I ought to throttle you, interfering bitch. You are aware of the penalty for speaking aloud of the clan, for outing a member of the clan? You did not even give me the chance to tell her myself. Backfired, didn't it? Emily did not run screaming into the night..." Gary squeezed to punctuate the point, he heard Vera gasp.

"Go ahead, report me to the 'Ancient One', what does it matter now? Emily is like a daughter to me, the daughter I never had. I loved her too much not to warn her. I would do it again. You are like a pestilence, the whole bunch of you..."
Gary snarled, baring his teeth. "I could snap your neck like a turkey bone, you deserve it. What do you about any of it? Of what we have to endure..."

Vera laughed sharply, her eyes never leaving Gary's face. "And what do you care of what we have to endure, having you lot in our midst? Fear is the single emotion for this village. They live in fear of what you all will do to them. Well not me, not anymore. Go ahead, turn me in, I am not afraid."

Gary roared his frustration, and flung Vera into the living room. "You are most fortunate your niece loves you so, she made me promise not to report you. But hear me lady, one word, to anyone, ever again, and I will gladly see to your extermination myself. The Ancient One is my grandfather, his blood flows through my veins, I do not make this threat lightly. You know this. Think of it more as a promise."
Vera nodded and turned away.

Gary's voice softened slightly, but his anger was still present. "Go upstairs and see Emily, say your good-byes, as you will not be seeing her again." Gary hesitated. "If I hurt you, in the past, I apologize. I am not that man anymore. And Emily is the reason why. But do not force my hand."

More time passed...the end was near, members from both their families came to pay their respects, to say good-bye. Emily's hearing was gone by this point. Gary barely spoke above a whisper now, she read his lips. She was out more than she was in, sleeping around the clock.

Gary was administering her medications, seeing to her comfort. Even though she was weak, she insisted he make love to her, it was really only a joining of their bodies, she was too weak for anything else, but it gave her peace. He gently put her nightgown back on, as she was shivering again.
"Oh dear, I am afraid this is like that maudlin movie from the 1970's, 'Love Story'." She chuckled weakly.
"You and your movies..." he whispered.

Emily laid Gary down, embracing him. "Speaking of movies, you will see that song is played...played at my funeral? Promise me?" she wheezed.
Gary tried to stem the tears forming in his eyes, she was watching his lips for a reply. "All the arrangements are made, my darling, just as you requested, the song, the service...everything. Do not fret. Relax."
Gary saw it, the light in her eyes was flickering. His heart spasmed in pain.

He stood, bringing Emily with him, cupping her face. "Look at me my darling..." He mouthed the words. "I remember everything, all the promises I made. I will keep them all. I swear it, I swear it on our love, on what is left of my life. I will not disappoint you. I will honour the gift of your love. I will never forget you. I love you Emily. LOVE. With every fiber of my miserable being."

Emily exhaled a ragged sigh. "Oh Gary, how I love you so...I..."

Gary watched, it was if someone flicked a switch, the light...and life...in her eyes were gone. There was no final breath, she did not even get a chance to complete her sentence.
She was gone.
Her body went limp, her head fell forward.
She was gone.

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The blessings given, the sympathies exchanged, the graveside service was at an end. Only Gary and his father Victor remained. It was as Emily planned, a small, intimate affair with family and a few friends. "Into the West" from her favorite movie, "Return of the King" was played in the chapel. A lot of tears.
But not from Gary. He had been shedding his for months, he had no more to spill.

"My most sincere condolences, Mr. Griffiths." The vicar intoned. "Perhaps you would like to say your private farewell..."
Gary looked at the Vicar. Yes, say good-bye and get out, the grave diggers wanted to get to work. He thought to himself cynically.
Emily did not want to be cremated, Gary followed her instructions to the letter. He nodded wearily at the Vicar and rose and walked toward the casket.

My darling...Good-bye. I will hold true to the promise I made you, I will not wallow in self-pity, nor mourn you so much I close off my heart. You have opened it. I vow it will stay open, I will love again, someday, only because you taught me it was possible. I will move forward. Emily...my...love.

Victor walked up to his son. Gary had been so stoic through this whole thing, a rock to everyone.
"I know what you are feeling, Gary, believe me, I do..." Victor said softly.

"Yes Dad, I know you do. I made a promise to Emily, not to sink into despair, I aim to hold to that. No going off the edge."
"You mean...like I did, when your mother died." Victor whispered.
"Yes...that. I am not going to rant and curse the fates, or indulge in every vice, instead...I am going to take a trip." Gary exhaled.

"Grandfather has suggested his castle in Vjovdina. I think that is best. I need time alone. I would ask Dad, one favor. Sell my house, and everything in it. I will not be living there again." He laughed gently. "Too many memories, good and bad. We were married you know, Emily and I..."
"You never said." Victor smiled warmly.
"No...it was for us to share, with no one else. I need...time alone."

"Then go Gary. Heal. I will take care of what you ask." Victor replied.
"Thanks Dad, and thank everyone in the clan, our brotherhood, who could make it, tell them...I appreciate the gesture and their kindness." Gary shook his father's hand, he could not bear to embrace him at this moment, or he would fall to pieces.
Victor instinctively knew this, and returned the handshake, then watched as his son walked away.

Gary took one last glance at the coffin. He felt different. A new man, a better man. Thanks to the love of that delicate creature. He smiled. Thank you Emily. I will never forget you. Never.

♪ Lay down, your sweet and weary head.
Night is falling.
You have come to journey’s end.
Sleep now, and dream of the ones who came before.
They are calling, from across a distant shore.
Why do you weep?
What are these tears upon your face?
Soon you will see.
All of your fears will pass away.
Safe in my arms, you’re only sleeping.
What can you see, on the horizon?
Why do the white gulls call?
Across the sea, a pale moon rises.
The ships have come, to carry you home.
And all will turn, to silver glass.
A light on the water.
All souls pass.
Don’t say, We have come now to the end.
White shores are calling.
You and I will meet again.
And you’ll be here in my arms, Just sleeping. ♪

~THE END~

That's it for Gary's story...FOR NOW. LOL! I am sure he will return someday.

Coming sometime soon~ A little Victor, a lot of Valentin! But until then, this blog is on hiatus, as I have stated elsewhere I will not be updating this blog until I have the complete story done for a certain character, so check back often!

Valentin Volger Son of Dracula, half-brother to Victor.

Victor Harker, son of Dracula and Mina Murray. (And father to Gary)

~Cheers and thanks for reading~

III: Gary Harker

2009-09-05T17:49:00.000-05:00

Later that afternoon, Gary opened the door and smiled warmly. She was so beautiful, so delicate. He wanted more than anything else, to protect her. She was losing her hearing, someday soon, she would be completely deaf.
Gary did not care.
He wanted to help her, he would give his own ears to her if he could, he would be her ears, tell her everything she needed to know about the sounds surrounding that beautiful head.
Damn. He did love her.

Love. Yes, he did. And that realization slammed him like being struck by an imaginable force.
For the first time.
In his long, sometimes barren life, love. He thought he found it with Helaine, but it was nothing to this, to her.
Emily. And her goodness, her courage. She was reaching for him across years of loneliness.
Just saying her name sent roils of heat and need through him.

They sat in Gary's living room in front of the fire, talking, sharing. They made some vague plans about going out to dinner, but Gary's heart was not in it, he wanted to stay here, alone with her.
As if she could read his mind, she grew quiet, and getting up on her knees, moved over closer to Gary.

"I will let you in on a secret, Gary." She whispered seductively in his ear. "I would much rather stay here with you, than go out. I want...I want you to make love to me Gary."

His insides dropped to his knees. A deep, quiet, longing moan escaped his lips. Her words stoked him like none he had ever heard. He felt the thud of his own heart as it tripped into a landscape it had not been before.
His body responded immediately.

He rested his hands on her hips, and she placed herself between his muscular legs, her hands gently caressing the top of his head, her fingers running through his silken hair. Every nerve sparked with desire. He brought her body in against the part of him that sparked the most. "Are you sure, Emily?"

"Yes Gary." She let her breasts brush past his cheek, Gary moaned aloud again.
"Here...now." She whispered. "Please."

No...this was no pickup, no one night stand. No quick, heated tumble in the sheets leaving one feeling bereft of feeling.
This was love, pure and simple.
Finally.

For the next several weeks, they were not out of each others company.
Or each other arms for that matter.
The feelings were so new, to both of them. They were disoriented by the the want, the desire...the love.
And the need, to make her his own, forever.

Never had Gary felt so lighthearted, so carefree...so at peace.
It was if he had a metamorphosis.
Into another being entirely. Another person.
One that no longer lived to please himself, but to please...her.

He had decades of experience. Of quick rolls-in-the-hay, heated couplings in club restrooms, lost weekends of sex.
No more.
He wanted to share his plethora of knowledge with no one but Emily.
She stirred his blood, but not enough to feed from her, thank Christ.
When he would tell her of his life-state...he would worry about that later.
But tell her, he would.

The were in bed, more than they were out of it. 'Like John and Yoko Ono', he teased her, 'having our own bed-in.'

Emily giggled and snuggled up to him. "You're so funny!"
He never used to be.
Only with her.

After a break and a little snack of fresh fruit and bottled water, Gary had to have her...again. And again. "More?" she questioned.
"Much, much more." he replied softly. He could not get enough of loving her, of showing her how he felt. Liquid heat uncoiled in them both.
But it was time to speak the words.

"Emily...I love you. I have never told another woman that before. Believe me when I tell you, I have never felt this way. Don't go back to Hammersmith. Stay. With me. Move in, share my life, my bed...my love." He was careful to make sure that she read his lips.

Emily's fingers stroked the back of his neck, he saw the tears form in her eyes. "Oh Gary, yes...I love you so much."

Gary moaned, he leaned down and captured her lips in his.
"Love me..." he whispered. "Again..."
Her nails raked the skin on his back deep.
Deeper.
Unstoppable. Elemental.
Emily.
And the hours of night spread in front of them in endless possibility.

A couple of months have passed and Emily did indeed move in with Gary. He went with her to Hammersmith to get her belongings, met her parents.
As for her aunt, Emily mentioned inviting her over for tea a few times, but Gary always found an excuse. He did not want that woman in his home.
It was all just too...weird.

He settled into a domestic tranquility he never thought he would have. They began discussing plans for new furniture, perhaps some alterations to the older home. Anything she wanted, he would do it all.
They planted some flowers, went to home improvement places like Wickes on Saturday mornings to look at paint or bathroom fixtures.
He was even thinking...marriage.
He already asked permission of the clan to tell Emily of his life-state, the clan secrets. He was just waiting for the outcome of the meeting next month.

Emily opened the fridge. "I can't believe you never saw 'Lord of The Rings', Gary! But to go out and buy the extended set! What shall we have to eat? I wish we had bought crisps, they would go with the sandwiches..."

Gary smiled at the sink as he did up the few dishes. He thought it adorable the way she prattled on sometimes.
He did not care for fantasy stories, but for her, he would sit and watch all 50 hours or however long the bloody thing was.

Emily began to prepare the sandwiches. Gary walked up behind her, putting his arms around her slim waist, pulling her back against him. He nuzzled her neck, and moved his hips gently. "Are you sure, my darling, that you wish to begin this epic right now? There is always later..." He purred directly into her ear, hoping she heard.

Emily smiled. Oh God. She was tempted. Teasingly, she rubbed her backside against him, she heard his moan. "Later Gary. Movie first." She laughed teasingly.

Emily put the first disc in, and while Gary felt it started slowly, he found himself totally enthralled with 'Middle Earth' and all it's characters. He had bought a home theater system since Emily moved in, and he had it cranked, it was almost making his ears bleed, but he wanted her to hear as much as she could. For it seemed, since he met her, her hearing had declined at a shocking rate.

Emily looked over at Gary. How she loved him. She really could not hear much of the spoken words, but she certainly felt the vibration of the sub-woofer pounding out the bass. The pictures on the wall behind her were rattling on their hooks, she could feel that too. Even with the closed-captioning on, she knew the movie by heart. She loved it. Seen it 10 times or more. Sharing it with Gary made it all the more memorable.

Boromir: "You carry the fate of all of us, little one. If this is indeed the will of the council, Gondor will see it done."

Elrod: Nine companions, so be it. You shall be known...as the Fellowship of the Ring."

Gary soon moved over, bringing her next to him, cuddling her close to his heart. His hand began to move up and down her thigh.
He had to admit, he was enjoying the movie, very much if truth were told, but he had other things on his mind besides Hobbits and rings of power.

"Gary!" Emily smiled. "We are getting to the best part! The Orcs are about to attack, and Boromir will..."

Gary stroked her shoulder, while reaching for the DVD remote with his other hand. He hit the pause button. "Boromir and the Orcs will have to wait..."

In one smooth motion, Gary leaned Emily back on the sofa, he began to kiss her deeply. God, she was passionate. Meeting every caress and kiss and touch. She might as well as set him alight, his body roared with such heat.
"Gary..." She murmured under his lips. "Here?"
"Yes my darling...here and now."

Some weeks later, Emily had asked him to accompany her to a specialist she had been seeing, he assumed, with regard to her hearing.
The morning of the appointment when she awoke, she clung to him in almost a fevered desperation, asking that he make love to her. He needed no further inducement on that score. But now, as they were about to leave for London, Emily seemed strangely subdued. Too quiet.
Gary tried to get her to smile or laugh, but she did not.

Doctor Tobias Early. Hearing Specialist. He looked at the young couple in front of him. Sometimes, he hated his job. No more so than today.
"Emily...I have the results of the CAT scan and ultrasound we did a few weeks back..."

Gary arched an eyebrow. Emily did not tell him she had gone for tests.

"I am afraid Emily, the news is not good. There is a tumor, growing at the base of your auditory nerve, the Cochlear nerve in particular. It is aggressive. Already in the 5 months since your last scan, when you tested negative, it is now almost the size of a pence piece. That is why you have been having pain, and losing your hearing rapidly."

Pain!? Emily never said a word. Gary was floored.

The blood in Gary's body began to rush with tremendous force. The doctor was continuing to talk.
Tumor. Cancer. Inoperable.
No. Christ no.
Not Emily. Not the woman he loved.

"...As far as Chemotherapy and Radiation, There is only a slight chance, barely 10% that it would shrink the tumor. It is up to you of course."

The room was eerily quiet. The hum of the computer on the Doctor's desk the only noise Gary could hear. That and his heart pounding in his chest.
Finally, Emily spoke. "How long do I have?"

"I would say 4-6 months, gauging by the rate of growth. I am so sorry Emily.
Think over and decide what you wish to do." Dr. Early stated quietly.

Emily said nothing, her face showing the shock of the news. She was going to die.
Gary lowered his head, he felt sick, his head was thumping and roaring. Die? Not if he could help it...

~TO BE CONCLUDED~

II: Gary Harker

2009-08-28T13:53:00.000-05:00

Gary Harker, a 'Quarter', one quarter vampire and grandson of Dracula. For more info on Gary, click in the link bar above 'Characters' or click HERE for Chapter 18 of Dracula's Diaries, where Gary's story begins...cheers~

North of France Late Autumn 1941

He opened his eyes, but all he could see was a wall of orange flame. What was left of his Spitfire plane.
He survived the Battle of Britain to be shot down on a reconnaissance mission? Where was O'Brien?
He could smell jet fuel, he was covered in it, he crawled away, groaning with the effort.
He felt himself fading away, everything was growing darker. Damn...damn.

Gary's eyes opened, he was staring at a wooden ceiling. He blinked twice, even that hurt.
There was a crash, they were shot down, surely. It happened so fast, without any warning.
Which means the Germans would be looking for survivors.
And looking for the photos.
Where was he? Birds trilled musically outside his window. He flared his nostrils, he could smell hay, flowers and cool moist air.

He swung his legs around, groaning in pain as he did. Everything ached...everywhere.
Someone had taken the trouble of bandaging him up, tending to his injuries, bringing him to this room, but whom? Was it the Germans? Patching him up so the could interrogate him?
They were notorious for that.
Did not fit somehow. He would be back at a German Army camp, not in some hovel. Or would he?

Gary laid back down on the bed. A few moments later and a woman walked into the room. Gary blinked, focusing his eyes. She was...beautiful.
"Ah, you are awake. My name is Helaine Derube, and this is my home." She said in a heavy French accent.

"How...how did I get here?" Gary rasped.
"I saw the smoke from the wreckage and brought you back in the wagon. It was not easy getting you into the house...but come, you must be hungry, can you walk to the kitchen?" She asked kindly.
Gary nodded, he introduced himself and slowly and gingerly followed her to the next room.

"My co-pilot, O'Brien...where is he?" Gary asked.
She shook her head sadly. "Your friend did not make it, I am sorry. I saw his body in the burning wreckage."

Gary gulped deeply. Poor bugger. "German patrols will have spotted the wreckage..."
"Oui, there are German patrols around here, also the Luftwaffe does regular flyovers, I am sure they will see the wreckage." Helaine agreed.

"Well, I cannot stay, they will be doing searches, house-to-house searches." Gary explained.
Helaine shrugged. "Perhaps when they find the body of your friend, they will think that is it, the pilot perished."

"No, the Germans know we fly in pairs, they will not rest until they locate me. I am putting you in danger by staying here." Gary stated firmly.
Helaine shook her head. "You are too weak to leave, you must recover. I will get out word to the Resistance to try and contact your people."

Gary thought about it. The woman was speaking sense. He had to be reunited with his squadron, he had important photos...The photos!! "Was there a camera in the wreckage?"

"Oui, I brought it with us, I know what it looks like. I shall show it to you, it is in bad shape, maybe it is ruined?"
Then poor O'Brien would have died for nothing, that thought was sobering. Guess he was staying put...for now.

Volger Bay 2009

Gary arrived right on time, tonight, they were just going to go for a drive along the shore, he was looking forward to this all day. It has been a couple of days since their first date, she had to pospone their second date, Emily claimed her aunt was not well enough to leave alone for any length of time.
Funny, to Gary, the old dame looked fine. Did she tell Emily...anything?

Oh My. Emily could not help but admire the man standing before her. Her thoughts went back to those few heated moments in the hallway, before he pulled away and left. Dear God, she never felt anything remotely like that before.
"Come in, I just have to get my coat and purse..." She smiled, leading him into the front parlour again.

Vera James slowly stood and walked over to the man. Her niece had left the room, now was her chance. "I know you, Gary Hardcastle." She said softly. "I know what you are."

Gary regarded the older woman. "Is that a fact? What do you think you know?"
"Please, I beg you, leave my niece alone. She is so innocent in so many ways." Vera whispered.

Gary took one step closer, hands on his hips he leaned toward the older woman. "I said, what is it you think you know? Speak." He hissed.
"You are one of 'them', those...those 'Pyres'. A creature, not human. A bloodsucker." Vera hissed right back. "I do not want you sullying my niece with your foul..."

"Do I KNOW you?" Gary interrupted. He was surprised...Pyres? Is that what the villagers called them all?
Vera looked at him for a moment. "1954. I suppose I was one of many. The big war hero, the fighter ace, with all his medals. You certainly got a lot of mileage out of that. Quite the seduction tool."

Gary swallowed deeply. "What are you saying, that you...and I..."

Now Vera put her hands on her hips. "That is exactly what I am saying. I was one of many, I found out later. You certainly got around. At least you lot take it out of town now." Vera huffed.

She was not afraid, it all came back to her, being completely swept away by this...this man. She closed her eyes at the memory. He got what he wanted and walked away. She had seen him through the years, those Pyres walked around the village like Gods, hardly noticing anyone nor caring about anyone, anyone but themselves. Their own pleasures. Wretched creatures.

Gary's tone and look softened. "I am sorry, but I am not going to hurt Emily. I care for her. You are not going to tell her?"
"I do not want some vampire anywhere near my niece." There. She said the word.

"I am not a vampire, I am a Quarter. I am more human than Vampire. I promise you I will not hurt your niece." Gary said gently.

"Quarter, Half, full... what does it matter? I will be watching, and no, I will not break the covenant, unless you hurt her in any way." Vera stated firmly.

Emily had walked in the room then. Gary and her aunt seemed to be deep in a discussion. She could hear nothing, but made out the word 'Quarter' from both of them. What did that mean?

A week had passed, and he and Emily had gone out a few more times. He had not dated the same woman like this in...years.
Was he sure of where this was going? If he had to be honest with himself, he had not felt stirrings in his heart like this since...Helaine.
Helaine...

France 1941

In over 10 days of being in Helaine's constant company, things began to progress quite rapidly.
She was napping on the bed, Gary climbed in next to her, pulling her against him. She sighed softly and awoke.
Gary slowly pressed his hips next to her softly rounded rear.
Helaine gasped a soft moan of surprise, and pleasure.

He flipped her over his body so she was facing him. "Helaine..." He whispered huskily. This had been building for the last several days. He want, his need of her.

"Are you well enough..." she questioned softly.
Damned straight he was. His hand began to move over her curves. "I never felt more alive..." He answered.

He circled one arm around her waist and brought her up on her hands and knees. With incredible gentleness, he lifted her nightie over her head, she was now naked, he began to explore every inch of her luscious skin with his hands and lips and tongue. He rotated his hips against the softness of her rear. She closed her eyes and sighed at the feel of him.
"Are you sure, Helaine?" He asked, in a voice that was deep and ragged with need.

Her response was to grab him and kiss him thoroughly. It had been so long, not since her husband left for war. Almost 2 years, she lived as a cloistered, chaste nun. No more. This man appealed to her as no other. The depth of her desire for him astounded her.
Her body thrummed with anticipation. Oh my, she was falling for him, and quite fast.

Regardless of his injuries, he made tender love to her. Slowly, methodically...with gentle care. Never had she ever been loved like this, she looked away and smiled. She did not want it to end, ever. She wanted him inside her, always.
She let a low, languorous moan escape her lips, as soft as a summer breeze.

That moan did him in, he did not know how long this lovemaking lasted, time seemed to stand still. Injured as he was, his stamina amazed even him. No doubt his vampire blood, but it was more, oh so much more. He never denied himself physical pleasures through the decades, but never had lovemaking felt like this. Love. Not just sex. Was he in love?
He closed his eyes and moved his hips with more vigor.
Helaine shuddered beneath him...it was only the beginning, they had all night.

Volger Bay 2009

Christ. It seemed so real. So vivid. So long ago. He was so sure it was love. Was it? Was he falling in love now?
All he knew...he wanted Emily. Not just her body, he wanted it all. Sharing. Caring.
Christ. You fool.

Later that night, Gary tossed and turned, moaning aloud. He was dreaming. He was back in France again, over 65 years ago, since he had been dating Emily, Helaine was in his thoughts and dreams constantly, for the first time in decades.
They had two blissful weeks together, alone in her small farm house. Two weeks of loving...talking, sharing. He never opened his heart like that before...or since.
Until Emily.

France 1941

He let himself be loved, cherished. Adored. Helaine was generous with her affections, her love. Gary had never met anyone so open with her emotions. He soaked it up, he was not aware just how starved he was, he was not sure if it was the war, he had seen so damned much. Perhaps he was more damaged than he thought, and Helaine was the soothing balm he needed at that moment.

Regardless, he reveled in her attention, her love. They could not keep their hands off each other. They made love constantly, or were each other's embrace. It was encompassing his very soul.
She was in his blood, and moving very quickly toward his heart.

But it was about to come to an end. Gary knew it was just a matter of time. He was feeling better, he should have left days ago, but he did not want to leave Helaine's arms or her bed. Idiot.

"Gary!! Quick! Out back! It is a car!" Helaine cried.

Helaine led him around the back of the farmhouse to a cellar. She pointed to the bookcase. "In behind there is a secret room. It was used decades ago for smuggling, but it will hide you safely.
Do not come out no matter what you hear, though you will not hear much, it is pretty sound proof. I will get rid of them, and come back down to get you when they are gone. Go!"

Helaine pressed the button and opened the door, Gary walked through, stopped and looked back at her. "Helaine..."
"Go my love. Hide. It will be all right. German patrols come through here every so often. I have got rid of them before, I will do it again. Not a peep." She smiled assuredly. "I love you..."
She closed the door before Gary could respond.

The bookcase slammed tightly. He sunk down on a crate. He should have said the words back to her. Was he in love? It was as foreign a feeling he had ever known. He could not bear to be from her, that was a fact. How many times did she declare her love to him, and he had said nothing? He would tell her tonight. tell her he loved her, then he would tell her he had to leave. Could she come with him? Get her safely to England?

It was not a German army patrol that stopped by Helaine's farmhouse, but two members of the Gestapo. They were the elite, Hitler's secret state police. And they were here to investigate reports of a sighting of the missing British pilot, and the possibility of him being hidden and protected, perhaps by this woman.
The cold implacable look of both men was not to be disregarded, even the German army were fearful of the Gestapo.

"You will let us search the premises, Madame." The older Gestapo captain said coldly. "It will go very bad for you if you are hiding this British pilot. He is apparently quite famous, a hero of the Battle of Britain, decorated by Churchill himself, his people are most anxious to get him back. As you can imagine, we are just as anxious to find him. Speak now, tell me what you know."

Helaine cocked an eyebrow. "I know nothing of any pilot, sir."

The man grabbed her roughly and brought her to her knees. "You lie, Madame. Your neighbours have told us they have seen a man here at your farm. Do not tell me it is your husband, because that same neighbour told us your husband is dead. Again, speak."

Helaine tried to hide her surprise without much success. A neighbour? Her place was being watched! Damn. Helaine did not respond. Her insides rolled and fluttered nervously.

The man dragged her outside into the falling snow, forcing her to her knees once again. He pulled out his Luger. "You will not talk, Madame? How unfortunate for you."
Helaine could feel the barrel of the gun in the back of her head. "Then you shall die."

Helaine turned to the other man, who up to this point, had done and said nothing. "Monsieur, please...I do not know what you both are talking about, I do not know of any pilot..."

*BLAMMMM*

Heyrich gagged as the back of the young woman's head flew apart like a watermelon being dropped from a great height. He looked down at his pant leg, there were bits of her skull and blood clinging to his pants. He grabbed his stomach to fight down the bile.

"Christ Rolf, you did not even finish questioning her!" Heyrich yelled.

Rolf sniffed. "I have had it with these French. It is time they learned a lesson. This woman is a friend and collaborator to the Resistance. Let them find her, perhaps they will learn we are not to be dismissed. Start searching the premises. And leave her where she lays."

After about an hour, Gary heard nothing, he slowly moved his way out of the cellar and went outside. The car was gone. But he saw Helaine. He fell to the ground and pulled her into his arms, looking down into those lifeless beautiful eyes, the back of her head a dripping mass of blood, brains and skull fragments.
He closed his eyes tightly, as if that would stem the roar of pain roiling through him.

That is how they found him, standing in the cold, flurries falling around him. He stood before her grave, the grave he dug, for hours. He fashioned a wooden cross for her.
He did not feel the cold. Only the cold icy wall that was building itself around his heart.
The French Resistance whisked him away, reunited him with his Squadron, the pictures safe.
But he was hollow inside, and remained that way...for years. Decades.

Gary snapped awake. It was still vivid, even after 65 years. He closed his eyes. It was as close as he came to being in love. If he and Helaine had been allowed some more time, she could have been the love of his life. Maybe. God, what did he know about it?
But it was not to be. Fate.

The woman died protecting him. Because she loved him. That sacrifice he could not imagine making for anyone.

He went and looked in the mirror. Emily was coming over early this evening. This was it, sink or swim. Does he roll the dice here, take a chance with his heart? Would he make that sacrifice for Emily? To put her life above his own?
They had a few dates. She was a sweet girl. But never had he felt this tug on his heart and soul. Not even with poor Helaine. Not to this extent.

~TO BE CONTINUED~

I: Gary Harker

2009-08-21T15:44:00.000-05:00

Gary Harker: A Quarter (one-quarter vampire) grandson of Dracula. To read more on Gary see Chapter 18 of Dracula's Diaries.

Volger Bay 1940

Gary Harker waited patiently for his father to come home. He had already said his good-byes to his grandfather Dracula and his family, his sister Gabby and little Nikolai Vladimirov who was now living with them. Now he was just waiting on his father, no doubt partying in London again.
Since Gary's mother Carolina passed, his father was gone every evening, sometimes stayed at his club in London, or at the house of whatever woman he wound up with at the end of the night.

It was well past 1 AM, when he heard his father stumble in. Gary could smell stale tobacco, cheap perfume and the Henessey his father no doubt consumed, before the man even stepped in the room. His father reeked.

Victor stopped dead in his tracks, his blurry eyes focusing, he barely recognized his own son. "What have you done, Gary?" He whispered softly, looking at his clean shaven face and shorn locks and the crisp, new uniform.

"I guess you have been too preoccupied to notice I have been away these last few months. I have been training in Scotland. Sydney Hammond got me appropriate ID and a new identity so I could join the RAF. I made Lieutenant. Lt. Gary Hardcastle. I am leaving to join my squadron tomorrow morning." Gary stated.

"My God...why didn't you come and talk to me about this? The RAF? You are aware the Germans are threatening to attack? You will be in the thick of it!!" Victor cried.
"You would have tried to talk me out of it." Gary replied calmly.

"Damn right! Your brother Vic was never quite the same when he came home from the war, and he hardly saw any action! A Fighter pilot, Christ Gary!!" Victor swallowed. "You are the only son I have left."

Gary laid his hand on his father's shoulder. "Dad, I can't just sit this out. It would be so easy, so tempting. I am rich, off the government's radar, I could sit here in Volger Bay until the Germans decide to invade our beaches. But I can't. I want to contribute, be part of history, serve my King and country."

Victor could not fault Gary for that. But an icy chill settled on his heart, if he should lose Gary too...he could not bear it. "All right, where will you be stationed? Will we see you at all?"

"I am going to be here, in the 11 group, at the Biggin Hill Airfield. The 32nd Squadron. I am told we will be flying patrols over Northern France to start. Dad, even though I am within driving distance, I will not be getting many passes. I will come home when I can, I cannot promise anymore than that." Gary said quietly.

Victor sighed, his voice quaking. "For God's sake Gary, be careful. I...I love you son." Try as he might, Victor could not keep the emotion from his deep voice.
"I will dad, and I love you too."

Volger Bay 2009

Gary sat in the small coffee shop, sipping on a cup of tea. The older lady behind the counter was staring at him quite intensely, he cocked an eyebrow and stared right back. Damn, did I date her once, he wondered.
Of course, this would have been decades ago. Perhaps he did. Who knows, there have been so many. So...so many.
Gary had been taking stock lately, while he still enjoyed socializing in all ways, it was getting tiresome, boring even. Which was surprising to him.

Sipping on his Darjeeling, he looked out the window and noticed the girl...woman he almost ran down with his car the previous week. No mistaking that sunset hair.
He almost upset his tea and the table in his haste to get up.
What would he say to her? He had thought about her the past week, toying with the idea of tracking her down, would not be too hard in this small town.

He hurried toward the door before she was out of sight.
He called out, but she just kept walking, just how deaf was she? Or maybe she really was ignoring him, always a possibility.
Either way, he had to find out, he wanted to talk to her, see her.

Gary burst through the door and stopped in front of her, she smiled warmly, Ok, maybe she wasn't ignoring him.
"Your scrape has healed, why, it is like you never cut!" Emily cried.
She was even more lovely in the light of day. He was swamped with an overwhelming feeling to protect her, hold her. Wow.

Emily also gave Gary a once over in the bright February sun. She wasn't sure if she liked the long hair, not fond of it on men, but for him, it seemed to fit somehow. She could not get over his eyes, such a weariness about them, like he had seen plenty. Such a remarkable shade of gray. His lips were moving, and they were certainly enticing. She felt herself flush, she could make out asking her inside for a coffee.
Emily nodded.

Gary turned away and said something, this was not going to work.
"Gary, I am sorry, but you are going to have to look at me when you speak, my hearing is far worse than I let on, especially in a public place, all the noise, I cannot pick out voices very well." Emily said quietly.
Ah, so she did not hear him before. It would be no hardship to look at her while he spoke. None at all.

They began to talk on all manner of subjects, of course, he had to prevaricate about his livelihood and name and every other damn thing, but after decades of this, he slid in 'lie' mode quite easily.

She had to stop working because of her declining hearing, she was on a disability. Gary did not want to probe about why she was losing her hearing, so found other subjects to discuss.

She seemed smart, witty. Emily was not letting her hearing loss get her down, apparently. They laughed. The discussion warm, intimate almost.
Next thing Gary knew, he was asking her out on a date. A real date, not some sleazy pickup in a bar, which is what he usually indulged in. Frequently.
He asked her out to dinner, and she accepted, happily.

Now this, he did not expect. Meeting someone out of the blue, she stepped off the curb and into his life. He could feel it, that tug on his heart, a feeling he had not had, well, since WW II. Dear God.
Did he want to explore this further? Every instinct told him to walk away, but his heart was saying something else.
She asked his age...I am 102 years old, he mumbled to himself, and I feel every fucking year.
Aloud he said, "I am 38." It seemed a plausible answer.
She seemed to accept it, now will she accept him?

A couple of days later, Gary was getting ready for his first date with Emily. He took stock in the mirror. Jesus. He had let himself go. He rubbed the scruffy goatee, he had it for decades, and his hair. Surely he could make it look neater, at least for tonight.
He filled the sink with hot, soapy water and reached for his razor.

He looked at the end result, no hair hanging in his face, goatee...gone.
Jesus, not only did he shave off the goatee, but a few years off his face. He looked younger somehow. Not bad, you'll pass muster, Gary smiled to himself.

"Auntie Vera, do you have everything you need? I will only be out a few hours." Emily asked gently.

"Yes pet, I will just watch a little telly, Robin Hood is on tonight, I have my sandwich and mug of tea, I am fine. What was the name of this young man again?" Vera asked, loud enough so Emily could hear.

"Gary Griffiths. I told you Auntie. The poor man almost ran me down." Emily explained patiently.

"What does he look like?" Vera questioned.
"I will bring him in to meet you when he comes, He's tall, long dark hair..." What else could she say? That just looking at him sent her insides burning with longing?

Vera told her the doorbell had been rung. Emily had barely heard it. Her hearing was getting worse. Soon, she would be entirely deaf. What man would want to be saddled with that? She walked into the hall, there was no mistaking the rugged build of the man standing on the front stoop.
Her stomach tipped clear to her toes.

Emily opened the door and let him in the hall, she almost gasped aloud. What a difference in his looks!

Gary watched her face closely, saw her look of surprise. Did she like it? Maybe she preferred the scruffy look better. He was surprised to realize her opinion mattered to him, very much. He never put much stock in his looks, but he wanted to be appealing, for her.

Emily's face broke out into a sunny smile. "Gary! You shaved off your facial hair, I like it! Very much!" Oh my God, did she like it. With his hair pulled back, his handsome features were on full display, he was even more handsome than she first thought.

Gary exhaled. Whew. He got her approval...for now.
Emily led him into the living room.

Vera looked at the man standing in front her. He was one of 'them.' She knew right off. He was one of the 'Pyres', that group that no one spoke of, dared to speak of, ever. Those...creatures.

Gary Griffiths...right. I knew him as Gary Hardcastle. Oh God, he was honing in on her dear niece! Vera thought worriedly to herself.
What could she do, or say? She had to warn Emily, but how? Without putting herself and Emily in danger?

Jesus, what was it with the old dames in town, all giving him the fish eye?
He saw the apprehension on the older woman's face and something more. Fear. She knew, what he was. He could feel it. Did he know this woman, from another time? What was her name? Vera James. Hmmm. There have been...so many. Oh, so many.

Gary exchanged cool and guarded small talk with Emily's aunt, then he turned and suggested they go, the dinner reservations were for 7PM, and it was almost that now. With a nod to Vera, he escorted Emily to his car.

Gary took Emily to a small restaurant on the road to Herne Bay, it was quiet, private. They had a delicious meal of steak and shrimp, the waiter had just been by to open the wine. He ordered a bottle of chardonnay, since she did not want dessert, he thought he could prolong the evening if they were sipping wine slowly.

When was the last time he was out for dinner like this with a woman? It had been years. All his 'dates' wound up back at his house...in his bed.
He knew deep down, he did not want to put Emily in that situation. Not tonight. Not their first date. Yes, he wanted there to be other dates. Surprising.

Gary proposed a toast, something lighthearted and sweet, hoping aloud this would be the first of many such pleasant dinners and some such. Emily seemed to like it, she raised her glass in agreement.

He tried not to think of her Aunt's frightened, concerned look, would she tell Emily what he was? The old woman wouldn't dare. She would break the covenant, there would be ramifications. The bigger question, was he going to continue to see Emily?

That was answered when Emily gently reached over and put her hand on top of his. She slowly stroked his long masculine fingers, sending waves of heat and desire up his arm and through his body. No woman's touch had done that to him for decades. Jesus.
Where was this heading? She was only in town a short time, should he just enjoy her company while she was here, then let her go?

Her hearing impairment did not matter to him, it would limit their activities, movies and concerts were no doubt out, but he liked talking with her, and looking at her when he talked. He was not used to just talking with a woman.

Back in the hallway outside her Aunt's flat, Gary gathered her in his arms, she felt so soft, so perfect. One kiss, then he would leave.
It was proper.
He pulled her close, his nostrils flared. Her scent was appealing. Clean, fresh...inciting. Innocent.
He could feel his own blood rushing through his veins. He wanted her. With a force he had never felt before. He wanted...

He kissed her. He kept it sweet, as innocent as he could muster. His tongue was barely making contact, he did not invade or plunder her mouth, as much as he was tempted to do so.
She kissed him back, it was entirely innocent, like she had not done it much.
Gary found that stoked his desire even more. His blood, the vampire part, was roaring in his veins, urging him on.

Gary backed her up against the wall, his hands on either side of her head, he leaned in, his knee between her legs. He was standing so close, the heat, the want. The need.
Dare he lean in toward her soft curves, and let her feel what kissing her had done to him? Christ, he was tempted. He kept his hardened body inches away.

"Oh...Gary..." she murmured. Her eyes did not lie, she wanted him. Her hands were caressing his broad chest.
No...not tonight. But soon.
"Are you able to go out tomorrow night." His voice was husky, low...singed with passion.
"Yes, oh yes." She whispered.
Gary kissed her nose and left her trembling in the hall.
Soon.

~TO BE CONTINUED~

COMING SOON...

2009-06-11T22:24:00.001-05:00

This new blog will replace the DRACULA'S DIARIES BLOG and will consist of stand-alone stories on an individual character or characters. This will not be a continuing serial/chapters story any longer. It will be written in such a way you need not be familiar with all the previous chapters. However, clicking on the characters link in the linkbar above may give you an idea of each of the characters.

I will move over to this blog after chapter 18 of Dracula's Diaries. Not for a while yet. ~Cheers.