@BlackPanther

Sasha O'Neill

Slowly Sasha stirred awake. Her thoughs were hazy and a bit slow as she tried to recognize the room she laid in.

ahh right, she fell asleep in vlads room.

but she had woken up already, so why.....

Sasha delt somethin heavy draped around her hips. A strong arm had her within its grasp and had pulled her against the body on wich the arm belonged to. Slowly, as to not wake the person Sasha turned around, snuggeling herself in his chest. Vladimir.

Sasha could still not believe what she had done with him and smiled. She felt so unbelievable happy after she had given herself to him. He had been so incredibly gentle to her and Sasha only felt deeper in love than before. She smiled, after last night she understood what the fuss was about, sharing a bed with the one you love feels incerdible.

She decided not to move away until Vlad would awake, she wanted to see his reaction as well as his grey eye's.

@Ojo chan 42
Vladimir's sleep was not the most peaceful. His body occasionally trembled as nightmares plagued his mind. Eventually, he pulled Sasha closer in his sleep...as if he needed the comfort to assure him that his nightmare was not reality. Then suddenly silent tears fell from his closed eyes. He whispered softly in his sleep. "Please....not her too." the trembling increased until finally his eyes opened. The look of panic was there until they focused on Sasha.

Once they were focused, panic dissipated. He kissed her gently. "Good morrow" his eyes took in her face and all other emotions but content and bliss dissipated from his eyes.

Grant Holiday

As they walked back to the manor, Grant walked hand in hand with Piper. He leaned in close to Piper so Nora could not hear.

"My dear, I wish to lay claim to the need that you not breathe a word of what was said in our discussion. I have a job to do, and if Miss Nora knew it would only cause complications."

When Nora looked back at Grant and Piper Grant managed to looked innocent enough, looking her in the eyes maintaining an innocent look then turning his head after a few seconds. Nora looked forward and Grant looked back, slightly smiling to himself.

@wick

@BlackPanther

Sasha O'Neill

For a moment Sasha tought that Vladimir was awake as he pulled her closer. It seemed however that he was suffering from a nightmare. A silent tear rolled down his cheek and Sasha silently watched him. She found it odd to see the normally strong Vladimir cry.

''Vlad, I am here'' Sasha wispered as he talked in his sleep. Sasha guessed that in his nightmare somehting had happened to her. However, she also did not eclude the fact that he was maybe he was dreaming about an old lover.

When he opened his eye's Sasha could clearly see the fear in his eye's. It quickly dissapeared as his eye's became clearer and foccused on her. Slowly she kissed him back and smiled.

''good morning'' Sasha said back, placing her hand against his cheek.

''Are you alright? you seemed to have a nightmare just now'' She asked carefully, she did not wanted to remind him of painfull times, yet sometimes you have to face your past in order for you to enjoy the present and look forward to the future.
''you can tell me'' Slowly Sasha pressed her forhead against his, giving him Eskimo kisses.

@Ojo chan 42
Vladimir inhaled and closed his eyes before getting enough courage to speak about it. "I am a widower. I was married for a brief time before she was killed because the village found out what I was. They waited until I was gone...buying a gift. I returned to watch horrified. It was....brutal. They had raped her first" his jaw clenched before he continued. "I snapped and killed the entire village I left coated in blood I know I will never be clean of" he avoided eye contact. "My earring is our wedding rings melted down" he continued to avoid eye contact.

"My nightmare was the same happening to you" that was spoken in a whisper. His voice somewhat shaky...even though he hadn't said so it was clear that he still blamed himself. He seemed much more vulnerable as he opened old wounds and showed them to Sasha. This moment was a key moment and he was terrified. She might think him a monster.

@BlackPanther

Sasha O'Neill

Silently Sasha listend to him, her breath was soft and slow, taking in every word he said as he spoke. He revealed a bit about his past, wich was even more horrific than she could have inmagined. Back them it was other times, humans were follish and acted on their fear and believes. Married, he even had been married, and he still wore their wedding rings in his ear. Slowly Sasha reached her hand towards the silver ring soldered shut in his ear. She hesitated for a moment before soflty touching the precious jewel, asking herself what kind of woman his wife had been.

''Monsters'' Sasha wispered closing her eye. ''I am sorry we humans are such monsters'' Sasha's heart stung as she saw how much it hurt him. He regretted killing the villagers, even after they had raped and murdered his wife. ''I truly am sorry, I feel like my kind has done much injustice to yourse, just because you are different. I find it hard to see, those differences'' She took Vladimir's hand in hers and and entangled her fingers with his, before laying his hand on her cheek, pressing it agaisnt her skin with her own hand.

''Vladimir, even if your entire pure white fur is coated with the red of blood I will still welcome you within my arms. I will always be there for you, you won't lose me'' With a kind smile Sasha reached for the hand that had her ribbon tied around it and raised it, kissing the palm of his hand.

''See, a red thread connect us already. And once it is tangled with another it will never untangle''

@Ojo chan 42
Vladimir closed his eyes as she touched his earring. The item that meant so much yet seemed like it didn't. His eyes opened at the sound of her voice. His eyes still filled with emotion yet he managed to shake his head. "You do not need to defend them. You were nonexistent at the time" he kissed her forehead. "Which I hope to spare you that side of me."

Warmth flooded his eyes as she continued and lifted his hand and kissed it. He gently moved that hand to her face then kissed her deeply. He pulled back rested his forehead on hers once more. "I love you" he studied her for a moment seeing the curiosity in her eyes and chuckled. "I have the feeling you are curious about her aren't you?" he kissed her lips lightly. Should she ask he would take out the small painting....rip open the wounds fully and work on truly healing for once.

sasha didn't know it yet...but she had him wrapped around her finger already. Good for her probably bad for everyone else.

@BlackPanther

Sasha O'Neill

''I love you more'' Sasha said as she looked at Vladimir. She was curious to say the least, but for one reason Sasha did not dare to ask him. As a reporter she had asked many questions before and pulled out the awnsers from people, but with Vlad it was different. It was clear he was suffering so sasha treated this like she was walking on thin ice, carefully and step by step.

''Very curious yes, will you tell me about her. How you two met, I would love to hear'' Sasha knew Vladimir had to talk about it with someone. Sasha would listen to him, silently, asking no questions during his story. For once she would keep quiet and just listen, never breaking away from his gaze.

''What was her name? she must have been a great beauty of she got your attention''

@Ojo chan 42
A small smile appeared and he gently stood. He opened the door and pulled out the small painting. He inhaled before getting back on to the bed. He laid on his back as he handed Sasha the painting. "Her name was Anastasia....she hated dresses and much preferred my pants" he chuckled as he said that. "She stole some of my pants and tailored them to her size...I must say she looked better in them" in the painting the fiery red head looked more like a pirate then a woman of the era she was in. She wore recognizable black leather pants and a corset. Her posture and gaze was fierce yet there was love in them.

Vladimir's gaze studied Sasha. "I was a terrible influence since for that time wearing such clothes was considered...bad to put it lightly." he rolled his shoulders. "For how we met....my ship had docked there and she came to me in a red gown demanding answers as to why I was there. When I answered that my crew and I simply needed a break she glared at me" another chuckle. "I don't think she believed me....but over time we fell in love. I had courted her and decided to stay while my ship left. I got to be with her for the smallest amount of time of two years."

He ran a hand through his hair. "I always regret many things...letting her fall for me...not being able to give her children...not being able to save her....I had never tried to turn someone before....and that was when I learned my venom only numbs the pain." he looked up at the ceiling. "She did not deserve that death" his mind wondered what Sasha would think of that. A hybrid unable to turn someone else...and unable to reproduce.

Nora was in the kitchen and glanced through her window and though the sun was gone she could see Rick on a lounge chair. He looked upset. "Excuse me for a moment." She walked out back and walked up to his chair and sat down on it. "What is the matter my love?" She saw the worry, the fear and the guilt in his eyes and she knew what all of it was about. She didn't want to upset him but he needed to realize that she was not a normal woman.

Nora looked up and said, "You knew what I was from day 1. You know I can't pretend to be human and just ignore everything in my life. I have a messy life. There are werewolves and vampires and hybrids and there is someone awake in my house every hour of the day. I am the kind of woman that will drug you if I have to, if I need to go somewhere you don't want me to I won't even think twice about it. Risk and death are normal things in my life. I can't be Susie homemaker. I can't have children. I have friends and lovers from 500 years of living as a vampire and they may show up here from time to time. I do love you, but if you can't accept these things and accept them as part of who I am and you can't accept that your place in my life is not totally what you wanted then, I'll have to let you go and ask you to leave because honestly ...you deserve better."

Nora looked at the pain she was causing him and she looked away.

@ojo Chan 42@blackpanther@dabombjk

Ben Winters
Music

After introductions were made, Ben did go in the house. After being showed his room, he walked over to the bed and felt it, and then laid down. Staring at the ceiling. It was nice and comfy. So this is what it felt like? Hospitality. He almost forget what it felt like, since it was quite a wile ago since he got something like this. Maybe this was another reason that he went to go and visit Nora again. He knew she couldn't turn an old friend. Well friend...sure, he had helped her out every once and then. In return, Nora had helped him out once and then as well. They never really had the chance to talk. Since each moment he had seen her, it was only briefly. Maybe that was because of himself? He always avoided having friends, because friends were only nuisances. Yet always when he saw Nora. He had the feeling he could connect to her really. Well. It was not love. Oh no, defintly not love. He just really liked her as a person. She was one of the oldest Dracula's he knew. A source of power and information. Maybe that was what fascinated him about her. Her knowledge and power. Speaking of that. He knew that the council had an emergency meeting, because of what happend back in NY. He knew this, because he had heard of it of other Vampires. He wondered why he hadn't got an invitation. Maybe it was because nobody really knew where he was. So they didn't got an adress to send a messenger to. Well. Even if he had gotten an invitation, he would've declined it. He prefered to stay neutral. Even in times such as these. Sure, it was indeed terrible what happend back there. However, picking a side was not efficient, and was only a nuisance. He also knew that not all the members of the council liked him. Considering him a stray bullet, that can penetrate every defense, or a time bomb, waiting to explode. All, because he simply didn't follow the rules. Hypocrites. He knew that not all members followed the rules as well. Yet they weren't disliked. It was just simply because his lifestyle was different, and he prefered to be a watcher rather then a fighter.

After a while, he decided to go downstairs. See what the ruckus from just before was about. He smelled a new smell as well. This was a Vampire as well. He saw Piper, a Vampire he didn't knew, and Nora, who was just outside, discussing something with Rick. He looked a bit to the situation. /not knowing what to do with this. It was quite a while since he was with this many people in one room. He felt a sudden tension in the air. He didn't know why. He wanted it gone, so he started to talk. "Sooo, did you guys knew that butterflies can taste with their feet? Fascinating huh?" He said. In an attempt to loosen up the tension in the room.

@dabombjk@Wick

Calis Everglad
Music

Calis laughed. "I suppose so yea, however, now that she's finished, I have some free time." He still had the same feeling as he had with Dublin, every time he was with this man. Maybe that's why he did go to this man. What an interesting specimen this was as well. All three species at the house were very interesting in their own way. Different then all the other people he had met in his past. Prehaps this was the most interesting assassination he had ever had. He nodded at Jean's question. "No thanks, I don't smoke. If you want to light one, go ahead Mr. Belair." He had decided he would stay with the formal pronouncations. That way, he might come of as polite and maybe a little fragile. Which was so unlike him. He really did his best not to go into full murder mode. Something inside him just screamed. Kill the bitch already! Who cares if there are other bodyguards? You're a Vampire! You can escape in no time. Maybe it was his killer instinct that screamed this. An instinct he had to ignore for now. He was a vampire yes, but not a primitive one. Time to hear this individual out. "So what's your story? I'm sure you aren't here just because you like it." He grinned. Almost challenging.

@Ojo chan 42

@Wick@dabombjk@MrZerkon

Rick Hoover

Rick stood up and looked at Nora. He had always known that she was different and that her long past would chase her, or him.
''Nora, I know you are diffferent. It is because you are different that I fell for you, that and you are a hard to deny woman'''Rick smiled, remembering how they had met.

''But I cannot help but feel like a burden to you. Call it a mans pride but I want to protect you, and like this, if you just run away I cannot help you'' Rick sighed before he reached his hand forwards and let it slide through her hair.

''Nora, I do not want better, I want you'' Rick said taking her cold hand in his warm one.

''Lets get inside, I am curious to meet the others you have brought'' Rick smiled, but he was unsure of what to do right now.

---

It seemed like more faces were added to the group this time.

The young boy, Grand he believed was his name, was here as well, together witht he girl he had seen earlier this morning. And a slightly older man.

''Hey, my name is Rick Hoover'' Rick said, shaking the hand of each of them. They had all cold hands wich told Rick one thing. He, again, was the only human present between this group of vampires.

collaboration with @dabombjk

The house phone rang and Piper picked it up seeing how Nora and Rick were both outside. She heard a very old and ancient voice and she took a message and wrote it down. She opened the back door and stepped outside.

"Nora? I answered the phone and took a message for you. It was your grandfather?" Nora's head snapped up and the look in her eye was something that Piper had never seen from her before. Nora moved so fast Piper didn't know she was being slammed into the wall til she hit her head.

"What did he say?" Piper looked at her a little surprised. "He wants to see you in a couple of days. Here is his phone number." Nora nearly flung her aside to get into the house to the phone upstairs. She also locked the door.

Piper glanced at Rick and then walked past him into the stables and started brushing the horse in there.

Grant walked upstairs and spoke to Nora through the door."What is it that seems to have thrown you into a frenzy my dear?" Grant crossed his arms and tilted his head."What would make a women as powerful as you tremble in fear?" Grant sniffed the air and cringed slightly."The smell of fear is foreign to you that much is clear, albeit not that unknown. It does not suit you."

Nora called "Freya! I need you to prepare my bath." She opened the door and glanced at Grant. "You may stay here with Piper if you wish but you will stay out of my private affairs. Do you understand?"

Grant braced himself, and spoke to Nora confidently. "No I do not understand. Miss Nora you saved my life previously and I shall not stand by while something is seeming to shake you to your core. Now While it is your business to discuss or not to discuss what is eating away at your heart, I implore you to share."

Grant pretended to be slightly frightened, and tried to look as if he was putting his best effort into it.

Nora laughed at him with a tone to it that said he should watch himself. "I am not afraid silly man. I am excited! Now it would do you best to take care of my girl. If you hurt her I will tear you apart do you understand?" Nora looked into his eyes. "Did she not tell you?" She caught something in his eyes. "She didn't, I am her sire, I made her. Don't hurt her."

Grant almost laughed out loud, but held it in. While he never enjoyed lying about his opinions or personality, his history or his knowledge, Grant sometimes did enjoy the acting he had to perform when someone tried to threaten him physically or when someone presented information to him when that they thought would surprise him. Grant made a shocked expression, then looked as if he was trying to remain calm.

"Piper is a big girl, and I doubt a bookworm like me could ever hurt someone as strong as her."

Grant started to walk away, but paused halfway out and spoke looking forward. "When you decide that locking your door is not a sign of excitement and is instead a sign of fear, let me know. I will, in the meantime, be trying to change the definitions of the words fear and excitement."

Grant walked out the door, and towards the stables following Pipers scent.

Nora's patience was running thin with him. If it weren't for Piper she would have thrown him out already. "I locked it for privacy not fear." she said to herself as she picked up the phone and made a call.

Piper was humming a tune from her childhood and tried to calm the horse. It was not crazy about a werewolf riding it. Piper walked outside. Seeing Grant she felt the familiar pull to him and she smiled. "Everything okay?"

Grant smiled and walked up to Piper, putting a hand to her cheek softly. "Everything is fine." Grant looked around quickly then leaned in to whisper to Piper. "Nora.....is not dealing with something very well. Do you mind telling me what she is so freaked out about my dear?"

Piper grinned, "Freaked out is not what I would call it. She is not afraid. She is going to go see someone, her grandfather. Well he isn't really her grandfather. Well kind of, he is her maker's maker so he sorta is."

Grant twitched his nose and sighed. Fear and Excitement were emotions that were so similiar it is sometimes hard to differenciate.

"I fear I keep putting myself in the harsh area of Miss Nora's temper. I always seem to irritate her in some way or another."

Piper chuckled low in her throat. "That is because of me. She is protective of me and she is worried you will hurt me somehow. Nora had never sired a hybrid before so I am her favorite." Piper glanced at the car that was still in the same place. "I still think it might be best if I go find my pack though. I want nothing to do with your master or your missions."

Grant smiled and kissed Piper. "If you want nothing to do with my master or my missions, that is fine. But do not believe it will be the last time you get involved with them even if you leave. Hybrids are a dangerous creation, and my master would rather see you destroyed before letting you walk free."

Grant held Pipers hands.

"Also......you feel what I feel correct? I fear what might happen if we are apart in the way you speak of."

Piper listened to him and she nodded, "Our connection....I fear it is a soulmate connection as you suggested. It is stronger than any love I've ever felt. I think if we were apart I'd know if you were hurt or killed. I believe I would feel it. If I were with the pack it might be duller because in Wolf form I wouldn't feel it as much I think." She looked uncertain. "I've been trying to get away from this part of my life not make it my entire focus."

"I would be willing to leave with you if that would be appropriate. I would still be needed by my master, but when I am not we could spend our lives away from the vampire community."

Grant made a real expression, not an act or a lie. He genuinley showed sadness.

"I am not saying we live among your Lycan brethren, but why not live free for ourselves. Unless you wish to be away from me. Is that what you meant? To be in your Lycan form for as long as possible, to ignore me?"

Piper looked down a moment and said, "I'm not sure yet....maybe." Frustration made her burst out with "I don't know if we even can be away from each other now. All I know is that I don't want to be a part of killing people or missions that blow up cities or anything like that. I know HAHA I'm a passive aggressive werewolf!"

Grant looked down and for a few seconds was silent. Then he let go of Piper and took a step back.

"That is fine. Be whatever you would like to be. All I know is that before I met you my heart lay silent for one hundred years before I met you. But it was also one hundred years too late. I am who I am. I wish I could be someone else but I cannot, you would not understand. If you want to be with me or not, it needs to be decided. Things happen, and I could end up dead on my next mission. I wish you would want to be with me, but if you don't.....I cannot change this."

Grant started to walked away, feeling hurt. He understood her predicament but he wanted her to see his good side, not just the side of him he kept hidden.

Piper felt a tremendous sadness inside her at his words, it almost knocked her down. "Grant? Wait." She followed him and she pushed him up against the wall of the house and kissed him. The feelings that rushed through her were strong enough to make her understand how strong the connection was. "I'm not going anywhere without you." She held his hand to her heart and said, "It's yours and I'll be with you always." She took his hand in hers and said "So now what are we doing? I guess you have a partner in crime now." She seemed a little hesitant on this last part but she figured if all else fails she can help with his protection.

Grant was suprised at how quickly she followed after him, but was not unhappy. He knew a little pack mentality had to be used, and he theorized that making a unexpected statement like he did would force her instincts to make a decision. He was glad that he was correct, and that she chose him. For while his methods were slightly cruel he truly cared for Piper. She was his soul mate, there was no doubt about this.

"I feel as if fate itself determined who we would become, and extended our natural lifespans so that we could meet."

Grant switched their positions, so that he was forcing Piper against the wall. Grant held Pipers hand and held her other hand still pressed against her chest, over her heart.

"Now though...I still have my mission. I must eliminate Sasha O'Neil....or rather make it so she can no longer have access to the information my master desires. I know how you wish to abstain from bloodshed so I will make you a deal. If you promise to be my partenr, in crime and in living for eternity, I will choose the non lethal option from now on if there is one. Deal?"

Piper smiled and nodded. "I think I can manage that." Piper's cell phone rang in her pocket. She pulled it out and answered it. "Yes Nora? ......umm yeah I guess so. Ok." She hung up the phone.

"So do you want to go with me?"

"Of course. I would follow you to the ends of the earth itself......but please do not say that is where we are going. Is it?"

Grant kissed Piper and let her go.

Piper smiled a little giddy, for once she had info that he didn't. "We are going to meet Grandfather with Nora."

Grant laughed at how happy this made Piper.

"Splendid. Now if I may ask who is your grandfather? Is he someone famous or important? Or just a common Vampire?"

Piper chuckled. "That my love I can not tell you. It would ruin the surprise. I haven't met him myself yet but I know who he is. Unfortunately, Nora wants me dressed up so she can show him her favorite of her children. I have to wear heels and a dress." Piper made an annoyed expression that made him laugh.

"I cannot see you wearing heels and a dress. You have too much Lycan in you for that in my opinion. But I suppose this will be the only chance to see you in a dress besides our wedding day."

Grant smiled misheviously and laughed at Pipers expression.

Her head snapped up when he said that and she smiled. "I guess it is. It does make sense though. Come on." Piper pulled him back up to the house.

Meanwhile

Nora is barking orders and apologising to Ben profusely. "I know you said you were in need of a place to stay. Barkley will take care of all your needs. I'll be back in a few days I hope." Nora was nearly giddy at this point. Freya had drawn a bath for Piper and she was not used to being scrubbed and oiled and whatever else she had planned to do to her. Piper kept giving grant an annoyed look and finally Freya was kicked out of the room. Eventually Piper and Grant came down. She was in a Blue satin gown with matching heels and Grant came down with her. Nora was waiting impatiently.

"I know what took you so long up there. You know I'm in a hurry." Nora had given Barkley orders to give Rick his ring back. She knew with 'grandfather' back there was not going to be room for Rick. As sad as that made her she wasn't willing to change it.

After a couple of hours on the highway they approached the very wealthy and old looking house. It was almost in the middle of a wooded area similarly placed like Nora's house. They went inside and Nora went straight in and kissed grandfather blocking his view entirely. When she moved Grant and Piper were standing in front of Count Dracula himself.

From the moment Grant knew he was going to be meeting the mysterious Grandfather, he thought he had everything under control. While this was unexpected he did not believe that anything would suprise him. He had sat in the vehicle that took them here, chatting with Piper and Nora mindlessly. Upon arriving though Grant began feeling a sense of dread. He did not understand it, as he had no reason to feel such a folly emotion. Grant understood within moments of seeing Dracula why he felt what he felt. Count Dracula, one of the most famous of all Vampire.......and his master.

Grant fell to one knee and held a hand over his heart, his other hand holding Pipers. "Master I....I did not expect to see you here."

Nora turned to see Piper's smile turn to fear and anger and confusion. Nora looked at Grant and listened to what he just said. Piper couldn't get the old man's eyes off of her. He started laughing and she didn't know what to do. She looked to Nora who seemed a little confused herself.

Piper said in a whisper, "You sent people to kill me." Nora took her hand and pulled her forward. "No, he wouldn't do that. Not to my child." Nora took her hand and presented her to him.

"Grandfather this is my daughter, the hybrid I told you about. This is Piper." He took Piper's hand in his and he pulled her onto his lap and all Piper could think was I'm gonna die right here in front of Grant and Nora.

Dracula murmured something to Piper and then he told her and Nora he wanted to speak to Grant alone for a moment. Both of the girls left the room and Nora gave Piper a large glass of blood in the kitchen.

Dracula looked at Grant and the evil in him emanated in his laughter. "How ironic that the girl I ordered dead, that YOU saved belongs to my Nora. It would have been so much simpler had you done as I told you." He swung his hand and Grant was being choked by an invisible force that he couldn't stop.

His grimace was so full of loathing that amazingly changed the instant that Nora walked into the room. Grant was immediately let go and he fell back to the ground. Nora looked at Grant and then at Dracula. "Am I interrupting anything?" "Of course not my love." "Grant, Piper wants to see you in the kitchen." Nora took her place on Dracula's lap and they spoke in hushed tones.

Grant, coughing and almost unconscious, picked himself up slowly. Grant almost stared at the two of them, his master and Nora, and could not believe what was happpening. Never before in his life as a vampire had he been so unprepared for a situation. Grant avoided his masters gaze, and walked out of the room, slightly stumbling with each step. Before Grant walked into the kitchen he took a deep breath. He straightened himself up, patted himself down, and ran his fingers through his hair.

Grant took a step into the kitchen and was immediatley confronted by Piper. He knew she had so many questions and had no idea how he would be able to answer them.

Piper hugged him with both of her arms around him. "Are you ok? I had no idea he was your master. What do we do now?" Piper was unprepared for what happened next.

Nora called out. "Piper, Grant please come back in here won't you?" Piper tried not to look scared out of her mind. She took Grant's hand and they went back in together. Nora was smiling. "Grandfather and I have a splendid idea." Somehow Piper was sure it wasn't so splendid but she kept quiet.

"Since Grant already works for Grandfather we think you and he should be partners. Isn't that wonderful? You will both go on missions together." Piper volunteering was one thing but having to answer to the monster in front of her was an entirely different matter. Piper's voice was so quiet Nora had to ask her to speak up.

"What kind of missions?" "Oh, you know. Killing people or getting information. Let's see. My last one was blowing up part of New York. I'm particularly proud of that one." Piper nearly stopped breathing. Nora had broken the blood compact.

Grant was suprised again. He knew his bombs were used in the compact ending bombing, but he had no idea Nora was the one who activated them. But then Grant started to laugh, he laughed harder than he had in very long time.

"So.....I guess you saving me from the angry mob that was sent to kill me......was that all a part of some genius plan from one of you? Or was that pure chance?"

Grant held Pipers hand, tightening his grip every few seconds but not crushing Pipers hand.

"This has been a rather strange turn of events master. I would have never guessed we would end up here. I believe though Miss Nora you may have failed to mention a few things about yourself when we first met. Although getting me naked...was that part of your plan as well?"

Grant started to form a plan, and grew confident. He let nothing show but could tell how Piper was feeling, and knew she could feel how he was feeling.

Nora did not appear to appreciate his extra details. "Don't make me regret saving your life Grant."

Grant quickly interrupted. "I am the best assassin my master owns. I eliminated half the council without truly trying with no special super strength or speed or years of experience. You can regret saving my life Nora that is all you can do. You can beat me until I can no longer walk normally or see straight but in the end Master will not allow you to kill me."

Nora grinned. "You might be right Grant. However, you forget something....Piper is mine and I can do whatever I want to. I could make her serve us both in the bedroom or have her kill you or I can kill her." Piper visibly paled.

This time Grant grinned. He looked at Dracula. "Master.......in all my years of servitude and through all my completed missions. I have never asked for anything. I have done what you have ordered of me, and I have the best success rate of any of your men that you employ. You can find other assassins, even great assassins, but none will have the intellect I possess. Nor my creativity. Master I beg of you, do not permit Miss Nora to do any of what she has just described. Piper is my soul mate and now is the one thing in my life that keeps me going. With her as my new partner, I can only imagine how much better I can do. How would it affect my performance though if she was served to another, or how would I serve you if she killed me, or if she was killed by Miss Nora or yourself? My work is not yet done, I still have my missions to complete. And......I know what you intend to achieve. What all my most recent missions were for. You have made it no secret to me and only me. So I beg of you this one thing. You understand don't you...what it means to have a soul mate?"

Piper looked at Grant with so much obvious emotion that was not lost on the ancient vampire and he thought on how best to use this to his advantage. He motioned for Piper to come up to him. She looked at Grant and slowly walked up to Dracula. He patted his knee for her to sit down and she did so hesitantly.

Piper kind of shrieked when he reached over and pulled her face down and kissed her drawing blood from biting the inside of her lip. Nora chuckled a little. "Now Piper, You will serve and help Grant and everytime he messes up you will be punished." Piper sat there and nodded. Dracula pushed her off of his lap and onto the floor. She scooted over to Grant and got to her feet. Piper left the room and went to the nearest bathroom where she got violently ill.

Grant showed no emotion but inside was warring with himself to not attempt an attack.

"Well Miss Nora. Well played. You know that was very vicious of you, almost human like vicious, I suppose after sharing a bed with a human so many times it will rub off on you some humanity."

Grant looked at his master. Then he bowed and knelt again.

"Master......what are my orders?"

"I'll be right back my love." Nora went to check on Piper. She took her to her and Grant's bedroom in the mansion. "I'll send him in in a minute. You will do as you are told or he will pay for it." Piper nodded.

Dracula looked at Grant and only barely managed to contain his anger. "Your orders are the same. Eliminate the women known as Sasha O'Neil, or retrieve the information from her that I desire I no longer care which. I demand zero failure in this matter, if you do fail Piper will pay the price. You have chosen to play a dangerous game Grant. I had no idea you would become involved with my precious Nora, but this is too good of an opportunity. When the time is right my plans will finally pay off. NOW GO!"

Grant stood up and walked out of the room. Grant walked down the hall to his and Pipers room, and was suprised to still see Nora. Grant stood outside the room.

"Thank you Miss Nora but I believe your assistance here is no loner needed. You may go."

Nora smiled evilly and said, "You had better not let her get hurt. I already warned you at my house." She hugged Piper and left. Piper was in Grant's arms before the door shut.

Grant held Piper, and tried to soothe her. Grant spoke silently into Pipers ear, as to not be overheard.

"My dear, do not fret. This is only the beginning. I swear to you........when my master makes his move........Dracula and Nora will both pay dearly. Now let us rest. We have work to do in the morning."

@MrZerkon@BlackPanther@Ojo chan 42@wraithblade6

@MrZerkon @BlackPanther

Sasha O'Neill & Jean Belair

''If it is alrigth then, it is not like you can die from the smoke anyway'' Jean said as he put a sigaret in his mouth and grabbed his lighter, He held his hand infornt of his sigaret while lighthing it, protecting the flame fromt he soft breeze that went around the house. He inhaled the calming smoke and let it flow out of his longues.

''My story?'' Jean chuckled as the vampire tried to be polite. Jean had never trusted him. One day they get a dead threat to Sasha and the next day this vampire shows up and ask for refugee in this small house. He was searching for something and hiding smething. Jean wasn't exactly keen on sharing his past, or anything actually with this Alexander.

''My story is rather boring'' Jean said, inhaling again from his sigaret. ''A thick book, with a lot of boring content, and pages wiped blank''

''But as to why I am here, Sasha and I are partners. We worked together for some years and we have become a dynamic duo in our field of work. You may or may not have heard it but there is someone treathening Sasha because of a thing in her past''

Jean pushed his sigaret agains a stone and crushed it until it was no longer burning. His blue eye's shot to the side looking at Alexander with a sharp killer look.
''I am here to protect Sasha, nothing more nothing less. I hope, Mr Sanders, that when that evil vampire comes you will not stop me from killing him. I am more than capable of that'' The look in his eye's dissapeared as a smile appeared on his face. He smacked Alexander on the back as Jean stood up. ''Well, such depressing topic to talk about . I will go to sleep it is late already''

The night passes, the next morning

Jean awoke, Sasha's bed was again empty and unslept in. He sighed, he guessed where she would be, ratehr with who she would be.

---

Sasha listend to Vladimir tellen her about his wife. He spoke about her in such a way that it made Sasha a bit jealos.
''She sounds like a strong woman, I am sure I would have liked her'' Sasha smiled as she sat up on the bed. Anastasia, such a beautifull name. Sasha felt instand respect for her, seeing as she was standing in her shoes right now. Both Sasha and Anastasia loved Vladimir, and were blessed enough to recieve his love in return.

''Let me say something.....as a woman who also loves you.... I am sure she didn't mind not having childeren, nor whould she have regretted falling for you, at least I won't'' Sasha said kissing Vladimir.

''She loved you right? so she got to be with you until her last day, and you have loved and cherished her. Do not ever regret falling in love or letting someone els fall for you, love is so precious, I am sure she was happy'' Sasha carefully said. Again she felt like she was walking on thin ice, any wrong word could harm the suprisingly frail man infront of her.

''I am nothing special, of this I am sure. I am a common woman with common thoughts and I've led a common life. There are no monuments dedicated to me and my name will soon be forgotten, but I've fallen in love with you, with all my heart and soul, and to me, this is enough. I won't wish for anything you cannot give me, nor shall I try to force you and give it to me. I am sure Miss Anastasia would shared my thoughts. Love is the only thing I would ever ask of you, and you have given me that, so I am happy''

''I love you'' Sasha said with heated cheeks. She hoped it was clear, Vladimir should not blame himself so much, not trap himself in pain.

@Ojo chan 42
Vladimir ended up looking upwards at Sasha as she sat up. He nodded. he tilted his head as she spoke and felt himself working on getting past the pain. As she kissed him he kissed her back until she pulled away. He inhaled as she spoke more and nodded again. Deep down he knew she was right. He could also tell she was being careful with her words to him...he appreciated that. Her last part made him smile and sit up. He lightly took the small painting and put it back in the drawer. He then lightly pulled Sasha to him and wrapped his arms around her.

"I love you too" he kissed her neck and then nuzzled it somewhat. "For the record...you are most certainly not a common woman. No common woman would help a vampire let alone a hybrid in bloodlust" he kissed her shoulder. "And I care for you deeply" he then gently turned her head and kissed her.

He pulled back somewhat and chuckled. "I have almost forgotten....you deserve to know my last name." he shook his head. "I have not said it in so long....My full name is Vladimir Van Helsing" a name that struck fear into many a vampire and werewolf.

The next morning Piper was back at Nora's. She had made the driver take them back during the night time. There was no way she could sleep in Dracula's house. Nora had watched them get into the car and go. She had handed Piper a note for Rick and as soon as they got in she knocked on Nora's bedroom door. When he didn't answer she opened the door and went inside. She glanced at the bed and he was dressed and awake and he looked like hell. She couldn't tell for certain as the lights were dimmed to almost nothing.

"Rick? Nora asked me to give you this note."

The note said

My dearest Rick,
It tears at my heart to say this to you but someone from my past has resurfaced and I am irrevocably tied to him. You could say he is my master. If you could only understand how strong these ties are. I'll not be able to continue our relationship as it is and you being human would be killed instantly if he knew of you. Please leave the house so you won't be killed by his people.
Nora

@ojo chan 42

@BlackPanther

Sasha O'Neill

Sasha gasped when his kissed her neck. She had found out she really liked it when his lips traced the nape of her neck. Even though his fangs could give more than just a love nip if he choose so, but Sasha knew Vlad would never do that. He was a...vegetariën....well at least he did not sparkle like in that stupid movie she once saw about some vegetariën vampire's.

As she kissed him back, pure bliss washed over her body as she pressed her naked skin against his. She hesitantly let go as he pulled back, talking about his last name.

''Van Hellsing...'' Sasha mumbled, knowing the name all to well. Her master had told her, he was one of the men who had a hand in the plot wich killed Dracula. The king of all Vampire's Dracula.

''This is a rather weird and unexpected twist of fate Vladimir'' Sasha grinned as he crawled over him trying to reach her dress that was thrown on the ground. When she reached for it she tumbled out of the bed, falling to the ground.
''auch'' she said rubbing her head. However, she continued to rummage through her dress until she found what she was searching for.

She quickly slid back under the sheets as she was still not used to being naked around him, though Sasha was sure Vlad had seen every last bit of her body last night. Slowly she placed the object in the hand of Vladimir and grinned.

''It belonged to the first master of the linage my master was trained under. Seeing as my master, Alon Dublin, only had me as a student, how brief it had been, he passed this knife to me''

''it is Jonathan Harker's Kukri Knife''

@Ojo chan 42
Vladimir raised a brow when she spoke and then grinned. He went to help her when she fell, but she seemed fine. Though a hurt head which caused him to kiss her forehead as soon as she settled back under the covers. She handed him a knife that he blinked at for a moment until she spoke of whom it belonged to. Sudden recognition hit him and he chuckled. He looked at the blade and shook his head before covering it and chuckling again. "The more irony is I watched my nephew help." he handed the knife back and shook his head. "I traveled a lot and discovered my brother had continued the line...but with a human. That diluted the werewolf traits until you get to my famous nephew."

He smiled. "I was going to try to help, but that group was strong enough on their own." he tilted his head. "my pack was known to be vampire killers...we trained for it and passed the knowledge on when we produced children" an odd look went through his eyes. "My parents were the best...the alphas...and both my brother and I disappointed them. Me for becoming a hybrid and him for choosing a human" he looked at the knife once more and chuckled. "Though I must say...I am very proud of my brothers line. Though as they forgot about me and their werewolf past...I am fairly certain my nephew would have killed me" he kissed her neck and chuckled. "How ironic the fate is by us being connected so"

@Wick@MrZerkon

Rick Hoover

With trembling hands Rick read the letter again and again. He clenshed his fingers forming a fist, wrinkling the paper.
''The fuck Nora!'' He screamed as he kicked the bed in frustration. How could she leave him. just a few days ago they had sworn to spend their entire life together, as husband and wife.

A rift had been formed between him an Nora. But he simply refused to give her up, he refused to let six years of love go through the drain just like that. Rick walked past piper, laying his hand on her shoulder.
''I am sorry I startled you, thanks for giving the letter'' He said quickly turning away as he cried. This had hit him straight in the heart. She had shoved him to the sidelines, leaving him in th sunlight while she walked all alone in the dark. He looked at the wedding ring he wore around his finger. He took the jewel of and trew it on the ground, it had lost its meaning.

After taking a few steps Rick stopped, looking at the ring. He took it back in his hands and sighed. He was not going to give her up. He quickly untied the necklace he Always wore and took of the wooden owl that hung on it and laid it on a table, Nora would recognize it the moment she would see it. In place of it he hung the wedding ring and tied the necklace back around his neck.

He walked away, in search for the other vampire that had appeared today, Ben was his name, if memorie served him right. He decided to do somehting that should have been done a long time ago, he wished to become a vampire.

Quiet he knocked on the door, wich behind Ben was. As the elder opend the door Rick looked at him and swallowed.

''Good evening Sir, I have quite the bold request to make of you. I would like for you to turn me into a vampire?''