The Silent Girl

Prologue

Before technology people acknowledged creatures and monsters that lived amongst them. However today with technology, we had to blend in with the human race. Keeping our secrets were crucial especially when you’re the one being hunted. 

The story of my life seem I have lived many lives. To tell my sordid story would take many pages but I digress. In my past I was once a hunter who fell in love with a vampire. Once I was turned I thought we, my love and I could live away from everyone. But that didn’t work out. They found us and because my love had turned me they got to him first. I got away and I couldn’t save him; he died so that I and his child could live. Yes I was carrying his child and for him I would protect our baby with my life. Because I was once a hunter, I wasn’t exactly welcome by the creatures of the night. They too hunted me for revenge; however I believe it takes a monster to hunt a monster. So on the move I stayed. I would protect my daughter at all cost. The lies I would have to tell her would break her heart later on but for her safety it was important.

❧

I already knew I was marked by both vampire clans; one for stealing her mate and the other for breaking a treaty. Lachlan never loved Irina; but she had loved him, it was a one sided love. Months had passed when it was time to give birth; her daughter was silent yet her eyes glowed green. She didn’t scream or cry, her silence was deafening. Rachel heard a rustle and she knew why her daughter was silent. It was Lachlan’s brother, Rayburn. She was tired but she had to protect her daughter. Rayburn ready to strike till the baby eyes glowed. Rayburn saw the little girl turn into a gargoyle and he then turned his eyes on Rachel.

“What is she?”

“Put down the weapon; she will lash out.”

“I should kill you Rachel.”

She held up her ring, “This says you won’t because you swore an oath.”

“Where did you get that ring?”

“It is given to me by mother because of who my father is. Lachlan was trying to tell you all; but he was never given that chance. I invoke my rights and you must swear you’ll never tell Ariel. She will learn one day but not till it’s time for her to know.”

❧

He bowed down before her and by morning light they were on the move. He knew until he could set things right; his sister-in-law and niece would need protection. America would be their only opportunity. They headed to England and he would talk to an old friend that he could trust. 

“Alexander my friend, I need your help.”

“A vampire needs a werewolf aide; things that bad?”

“There is a treaty that was broken but the one who broke the treaty is of nobility. Until I can go to Transylvania, Rachel and her daughter are not safe. There are vampires that are hunting them. They will not go after werewolves because of the treaty they have with Igor and Sergio. Please.”

“My family is already in the Americas.”

Rayburn handed his friend money to take care of the expenses and compensate anything else.

“I will look for you and until then hide them well.”

“I’ll do this but no danger must come to my pack. If so I will cut ties in order to protect my own.”

“I understand; Rachel will probably leave once she gets her strength back, probably once the ship docks. I wouldn’t be surprised if that happens.”

Chapter 1

Humans

She hated being called after 8 p.m. especially after working 48 hours straight. She enjoyed her coffee even though she preferred her mixture; but here she had to keep humans at bay. Everyone thought monsters were only in movies when they had no clue. Even when she was a police officer she knew who was human and who was not. After a hundred and plus years had passed; humans always interest her, to live and die. She was now a detective, working another case. A shoot out here had taken place. Her nickname was bloodhound; her record of cases being near to perfect. That’s the reason she worked cold cases mainly, but on occasion, she would assist on murder cases. The unresolved cases she had were the ones that humans should never be apart of; she made it a point to solve those cases without stirring the pot. 

❧

Her night eyes adjusted as she touched the ground quickly; she tasted the blood and knew it was the victim’s blood. She already had a profile of the victims and then she finally found the murderer’s DNA. They brought the dog to sniff out any assailant. She excused herself to the lady’s room. Once out of sight she contacted her mother.

“Mom, yes I’m fine. You’re gonna need to call Alexander.”

“Is his sons okay?”

“There was a shoot out and I tasted werewolf blood. This looks like a turf war but it spilt and it’s gonna need a clean up.” 

She was annoyed at the young werewolves; she hated to get outsiders involved but the dna was tainted with silver. Silver would normally kill most monsters but in tiny amounts was more like being stung by a bee. Alexander has lycans all over in the professional world; she worked with a few when they had creatures attacking humans and/or other creatures. The last thing we needed were hunters. Alexander would have his technicians clean up on their end. Now she had to hunt the werewolves down and find out who and why. She made an oath never to kill a lycan as long as Alexander promised to be an ally. For centuries vampires and werewolves have had their wars; but her mother before she was ever turned had actually saved Alexander’s life. So there was a truce and it was still honored to this day. It took many years for my mother to be accepted in the monster’s world. Many wanted to kill her till she gave birth to me; I was the reason my mom wasn’t harmed. My dad was an ancient and many feared the repercussions. She heard the dogs whine at the scent and knew why. She headed back to the scene and probably have the stooges waiting on her to see what she thought. Vick and Terrie, those two always wanting her to fail. Jealous is a very bad thing.

❧

“So where is the great and mighty Ariel? Thought she already solved the case.”

She smiled as she walked up to Vick; he was an arrogant ass who had tried to date her in the past. She smelled vodka on his breath; she would go easy on him. He just lost his brother a couple of months ago. 

“I’m just waiting on you Vick to catch up.”

Terrie smiled wanting to say something but knew Ariel was a smooth one; never breaking her composure. 

“What do you think Ariel? A run of the mill gang war?”

She sipped her coffee that had her mixture because she was starting to get hungry.

“Territory war... the ones shot were stepping out.”

Pictures were taken and she knew those tribal tattoo pictures were gonna be missing soon. The clan had an insider working evidence, not her problem.

“I’m leaving now; you boys have fun now.”

“No one said you could leave.”

“And no one said I had to stay, either.”

She got into her mustang and left. She pulled over and got out her stash. Drinking from the blood bag was better then hunting. It kept her from having to kill unless she had no choice. She only went after bad guys; she sworn to protect the innocent and that she would never crossed. Her home was a small cottage; although she missed living in her mother’s mansion. On a detective salary; she had to keep her cover. Inside though she went all out. When vampires gathered she wore her best but mainly kept those fine dresses and jewelry with her mother. Even her classic red 1966 Ford Mustang Coupe 5 Speed, was kept with her mother. She had a thing for the classic. She went to her basement and took off her make up and aesthetic make up that made her look older. By vampire years she was 300 but she would never look old. Her skin light tan was flawless. Movies would have you believe vampires were white as porcelain. Her flesh was sun kissed like her mother’s skin. Her mother was now 325 years years old forever looking 25. Her father he was much older and many of times she had wished she could have known him. But now she was up and wanted to go out. Her jeans were boot cut and her top was silk. In her garage was her beautiful motorcycle. It was custom made just for her. She filled her goblet once more with type O negative. Her mother invested in the blood banks and other medical supplies which was a new cash cow. The underground clubs was where she was headed. Young vampires went there to go clubbing and sometimes other creatures would go there to party. She went there because Alexander’s son had information for her about a cold case. Basically a clean up mission.

❧

Ariel stepped on her motorcycle and sped through the trails where the underground party was. She loved the wind as she sped down the road way; she could go faster but human speed was important. She felt odd as though she was being followed. Hunters! Dammit, she had been careful to do clean ups but it had to been the new case that drew attention. She would need to loose them before they caught up. They maintained speed to not look they had been spotted. She maneuvered herself to the closes biker club. She gained entrance for the owner was a skin changer. They were like sisters. 

She seated at the far end as the two men stepped inside. Everyone in here were humans but loyal to her friend Esmeralda. It was a biker club and packed tonight. She just watched drawing no attention to herself. She had her leather jacket on and her sunglasses on. Everyone knew Ariel and no one would mess with her. The bar tender winked at her and sent the waitress to give Ariel a drink. Wine was always her poison. One of the guys that came in had a shiny side piece. She saw silver stake. After a few minutes they realized everyone here was human. The older looking one looked around stone faced and had a scar from his left eye down. Looks like he got into a fight with a ghoul. Nasty creatures they are but she didn’t drop her composure.

❧

The younger one looked in her direction and smiled. He asked the bartender what I was having; she could hear every conversation being said. Her pager was going off; it was Alexander’s son. She typed in code that she had hunters; that they would have to meet at another safe location. The young man came up to her and set a drink down. 

“Wine in a biker bar?”

“I can ride and be classy.”

She knew silver had no smell if in liquid form. 

“You should’ve came in sooner; I only drink one wine, especially if I’m driving.”

“Too bad.” He drank the wine not to let it go to waste. “Nice bike outside; custom on a detective salary.”

“I don’t have kids or a family, so I can spend my money how I like.” Annoyed but she never dropped her composure.

He showed her his badge; not bad considering it was fake. 

“Ah... US Marshal... what is a US Marshal doing here in the country?”

“We saw some cold case files and heard you handled most of them. Except the few that the main suspect ended up dead; after you took the case. You never did any files on their murders; why?”

“As you said, I mainly worked the cold cases. Once I knew the main suspect were dead then I let the detectives handle it from there... look, I’ve worked 48hrs and tonight is my night off. If there are any more questions wait till Monday morning.”

“Ariel we know who you are... or more importantly what you are.”

❧

She smiled, “I’m an officer, and I’m tired. I could arrest you for fake IDs. As I said wait till Monday morning.”

A big guy, Tommy Williams came up. “Ariel, this guy bothering you?” Others in the bar stopped and looked at the two new guys.

“No, they were just leaving. Nice meeting you Marshal.”

She waited an hour then contacted her mother.

“We got a problem. Hunters are here in town. They made me which means...”

“Which means nothing. A town full of monsters who protect this town; they wouldn’t try anything stupid. You’re meeting them Monday morning right?”

“Yes.”

“Just be vigilant my dear.”

She contacted Tony, Alexander’s son. “We got hunters here; I’ll be at the garage.”

Ariel headed out after 30 minutes and reached the garage about an hour later. She looked to see that she was being tailed; but she smiled. While they were watching her; she was watching them. She drove through the car shop; she changed into her jeans and t-shirt. She liked being here; working on cars. Here she felt almost normal. 

“The vamp girl; how you doing?”

She knew Tony’s voice. “Just working on the cars here; you know it would be nice if you stop dragging racing these beauties.”

“I need the speed.” He said that laughing. “I think your the daughter my father always wanted.”

“Mindy is like her mother though; nothing wrong with being a social butterfly.”

“Here is the package and Robby has your kit and ammo. Are you really going overseas?” 

❧

Ariel took her cigarette and inhaled; she only smoked when working on the cars. She didn’t want to go home yet and the sun was out. It wouldn’t kill her just drained her. 

“My father’s family especially his eldest brother never asked for help. I do these missions so they will respect my mother and make sure she is left alone. My uncle sent his daughter to meet up with me tonight; then Tuesday I’m out of the country for a little while.”

“You know that brown Jeep is still outside.”

“Yeah. I figured so. I’m surprised they haven’t came in here yet.”

She finished the motor and went to the fridge. Pushing the tab so she could drink her stash.

“I’m running low. But I haven’t been here in the last six months. Oh you gotta tell the wolves to knock it off; especially now.”

Tony smiled changed some, “Are you sure they were werewolves?”

“Yes, I tasted it and it was strong. I’ve only been doing this since forever and you know in ten years I’ll be “retiring”; and then I’ll have to wait 40 years before going through another police academy training.”

“We checked their blood; it tested human’s blood; we did find some sort of poison, everything seemed normal. Why only law enforcement Ariel. You could do anything else and make a lot more money.”

She drank another packet, “because it’s honest and I’m helping to protect humans and protect monsters. Maybe because we get such a bad rep that it’s refreshing to do the right thing. Wait! What do you mean it tested only human? I checked they had all the signs. Send me the files so I can keep up with this please.”

“I already having it delivered and Honest work eh?”

“Not what I meant Tony. I just want to do the right thing for my mom. When she betrayed the hunters; I just want to prove she didn’t raise a monster.”

“You are far from being a monster; some may say you’re too human. One day you’re gonna have to unleash the monster in you; whether you like it or not.”

She liked Tony he was a brother to her; she loved his wife too. His cubs were fun to play with. 

“You need to find happiness Ariel. It hurts to see you alone.”

“I know; but I see my mom missing my dad; I don’t want to go through that, you know. To live forever missing the one you love. It’s like a living hell.”

“Not living is hell too.”

She got the package and gear and put them in her truck. She loaded up her bike and headed out. It was an older truck but she loved it. She drove home and waved at the hunters. It was another house she owned. Her work home; she had three houses, two she kept for herself and another she rent to make extra money. This house was only for her weapons and training home. She kept her armor and outfits when she went on missions. The house was purchased back in 1930 and the other home she bought back in 1975 and the rental house was built in 1990. She also owned apartments that was built in 1980. Technically, she didn’t have to work; but it gave her something to do when was in the retirement phase.

❧

She went outside in the garage saw the packet her would be big brother had delivered. She started reviewing the files and sure enough; the boys were only human. She was on the phone asking if there were other cases nearby that the blood test came back abnormal. Soon her fax machine was spitting out papers with three other cases. She took a trip to the office and went directly downstairs, “Hey Carl; it’s me Detective Castle.”

Carl opened the door and his eyes turned orange then back to honey brown. 

“I thought you were on vacation?”

“Yeah I thought so too; here are three cases that I need you to get the evidence  for me.”

She slipped him the key, “it’s covered. Have the hunters came through here?”

“Yes, this morning. They had questions about you. Beware the older gentleman; something about him doesn’t seem right.”

She nodded, “If you come across what looks like this; especially if it’s full, contact Tony.”

“Now go on your vacation.”

She smiled and out the door she went. A beautiful day but already wanting to be on the lake and fishing. 

❧

From the cafe, a man watching her leave  on her motorcycle. 

“So that’s your niece?”

“Yes, she doesn’t even know I exist. Fortunately, her father’s uncle keeps tabs on her.”

“She doesn’t know any of this is going on; all she knows how to do her job and that going on these missions are for her family’s honor.”

“Hello brother and is this the gentleman?”

Rachel sitting down ordering her favorite drink.

“Everything good to go?”

“Yes but I haven’t told her yet.”

“Why not?”

“Brother, I don’t want her to go deeper then she already has been; she is so involved into her work to keep her busy. She’s been having her old nightmares again. I will tell her soon; very soon.”

Chapter 2

Hunters On Patrol

“Ariel Castle the daughter of Rachel Becket and the demon vampire; but she hasn’t done anything monster like; almost like she is trying to be human.”

“Monsters are all the same; the only good one is a dead one. This town is swarming with them but they aren’t killing the humans only each other. Hardly any crimes. The monsters run this town and the humans here aren’t even bothered.”

Murr joined the hunters back in 1975 when his family was killed by skinwalkers. He was a salty old man but he knew his job. He had come home from working in the mines when his wife and two young children were murdered by ghouls. Hunters who had been tracking them came too late. The ghouls were eventually killed; but Murr was forever changed and spent the rest of his days hunting down monsters.

Fisher, the younger man, on the other hand, he was born into this lifestyle.

“So we are going to ask her to help us against her own kind?” Fisher asked like the idea was crazy.

Murr heard stories about Rachel Becket; legendary that it was ashamed she turned her back on her own kind; especially her family, who today are still hunters. “Her family wants vengeance for the betrayal. They rather have her mother’s head but they will settle for another vampire’s head. Plus she already hunts down creatures.”

“Bad guys in the flesh to creatures that kill; so maybe it’s not to too far fetch.” Fisher did like this one. He wouldn’t say it out loud cause Murr probably stab him in the heart. Ariel sipping her coffee and she made two more, one black and the other just cream. She had in her mind to make peace and find out what they wanted. She was tired after working long shifts and last night was a really bad night. She didn’t know why the teens killed had the taste of werewolf in their blood. And that puzzled her because this case matched a few others in neighboring towns.

With a flash she was in the back seat of their car.

“Not the best photo of me or is that a drawing?” She handed them coffee, “It’s not poison or anything, just black coffee and the other just cream.”

They looked behind and was surprised that she was looking at files that they had of the vampires in another city. She knew them very well; they were like the mafia in the vampire world. 

“So this is the vampire you want dead. Good luck with that one. I met him once and once was enough. Who wants him dead?”

“First don’t just come in our vehicle; two who says we want him dead?”

“Y’all are hunters... what was it again; the only good monster is a dead monster? Look fellas, believe or not; I’m not here to kill you or your kind. Every guy I hunted down is in jail or prison. The monsters I killed were serial killers; they couldn’t control themselves, which is a problem for me. Let’s make this clear; you want my help just ask. Surveillance only makes me want to mess with your mind. If you think throwing that coffee out is insulting; it is. That’s expensive brew and if you don’t want it, just say so.”

Fisher put his finger tip in and tasted it, “Not bad.”

❧

The other one handed the coffee back to her and she threw it out, “don’t put silver in the coffee, you want me to trust you then it’s a two way street. You earn my respect and I’ll earn yours. Now if you want to come in that’s fine. You’re welcome by the way.”

She was back inside her home and fixing her steak... searing it for some flavor; and waiting for them to come inside. 

“Are y’all hungry or just want to talk?”

They sat down and she was eating her steak at the counter. 

“So let’s talk business then.”

“We want your help tracking down this vampire. It’s not him we want.”

She smiled, “go on.”

Fisher handed her a picture of a younger vampire. “This is who we want. Three months ago he stole items from this museum. We wanna know why.”

“Well the bad news: I’m leaving Tuesday for a job; that’s been set up for a while. While I’m there; I’ll look into what this is. Good news: I will help but not to kill. These vampires do business with my family; overseas, not here. I’ll get you the information on what these things are but that is it.”

They agreed and they were leaving when Ivan stepped to the door. She flashed him a look to step down. She told him in their language don’t start and leave them alone. He smiled and stepped away. He watched them leave and stared back her, “Those were hunters and you know they have killed our kind.”

“Just like some of our kind had killed innocent people too. If you or anyone in this town harms them; it will be hell. The only reason hunters hunt is because our own have no control. Then we create monsters and problems.”

“They say you’re trying to be human and you’re not.”

“I know I’m not. I’m trying to be me. To learn from past mistakes and not repeat those mistakes. Yes I’m a vampire and proud to be a vampire. But I also am not a mindless monsters either. I still have human family and they would like to kill my mother; that bothers me. Why do you think I love being a cop; it’s because I can bring justice.”

“You should see yourself; you have the fire to do great things. I just wanted to make sure you aren’t trying to be something you’re not.”

❧

“I will always be a vampire but not be cruel. That’s what they want and I’m not going to let myself be that.... if the day comes where I have to be a monster it’s because I had no choice.”

Her cousin touched her hands, “Who ever marries you needs balls of steel.”

“I don’t plan on getting married; so let’s go to my mother’s party.”

She had Ivan to count on to watch her homes and properties; she hired him because she trusted him. He was one that she could talk to about anything and they usually had fun; during the depression, they enlisted in the army. Back then women didn’t fight; but as a nurse she learned to take care of humans. At night Ivan and she went Nazi hunting. This town was a ghost town and her family brought life back into this place. Most of the towns people didn’t know about them; only a few. Different creatures made this town a haven. People prospered here and they respected those who ran this town. The teachers here lived history, so the education here was the best. 

❧

She drove to the city which was an hour away to pick up her dress she had ordered. Tonight, her mother was throwing a dinner party. She really hated dinner parties and social gatherings. She rather be anywhere like riding her motorcycle or going fishing or even fighting a ghoul. She had a few hours before she had to go to her mother’s mansion. The coffee shop was her affliction as she had a cup and was reading. From a distance he was watching her; this was to be his bride. He was looking her up and down; he didn’t normally go for her type. He was a noble; and even though she was from a noble family, yet she stayed beneath her stature. He noticed that she acted so much like a human and blended in too much. He knew she had the capacity to kill and he had before went on missions with but never met. He held his position with his rifle as she cleared the way and planted the C4. His team later cleared the building making sure the loose ends were tied. She of course left before meeting anyone; her part was done. 

❧

Her uncle did say she was a rogue and was good at what she does; no doubt. His lord had instructed that eyes were to be on her as the time for the truth to be known. He watched her go into a very nice, candy apple red mustang. 

“Hey Ariel!”

She turned around and saw a young man. She smiled and they talked for a moment. For some reason he started feeling jealous.

“Hello Darren, what do you got for me?”

“Some street news; Alexander has put the words out about out of town werewolf. Word is those teens were not of a pack.”

“Yeah the test came back as humans. Which isn’t possible; if there is something going on, I am puzzled.”

“The drugs that was found in their system wasn’t regular drugs. They say some vampires are making it for their human clients. Every time we send someone in; they go missing. We just found one girl and she was torn apart. Our boss says not to infiltrate it until we get the word.”

“I understand and right now we have to be on standby. Just let me know if anything changes. I should be back in a month or so.”

“Here take your girlfriend out tonight.” She handed him a card and left.

The young guy went in another direction and the deal was done.

Ariel felt she was being watched but saw no one out of place. From the alley he watched her and left. Tonight she and her would meet at last. Hopefully everything will go smoothly.

❧

She showered and freshened up as the maid laid out a dress. It was tight fitted but she carried herself well. Vampires from across the country was there along with armed security. Her uncle looking old world but he carried himself well. His wife and their three sons were talking with the mafia vampires. She knew they were not that but they played the part well.

“Ah, there is our Ariel Castle; my you are looking lovelier each time we come here. Please meet the Count Erik Gose, and his son Vincent Gose.”

She smiled at them and bent to show respect. Erik kissed her hand, “Good evening Ariel, you are very lovely. My son Vincent has heard good things about you.”

“Thank you very much for coming to our town. I see that you all do not have drinks. I will check on that.”

She moved with grace as she told the servants to get the drinks out. She went to check on the supply. She saw her mother talking to the Wagner family. 

“Hello mother and Mr and Mrs Wagner.”

My mother filled me in about a new vampire family moving in and starting a new plant. After talking and playing a part; she had to the leave to go on the balcony. What a night to be here rubbing elbows. Her beeper went off; of course it was her job.

❧

“Daughter, you’re not going into work right now, are you?”

“No. I need to make a phone call, though.”

“Don’t be too long, and try to mingle a little more; have some fun.”

She nodded and went into the kitchen to make her call.

“Hello chief....”

“He was barking orders and she held the phone away from her ears.”

He was from the major city and starting to get on her nerves. She thought about pulling rank on him but she didn’t want a lot of people knowing her mother was the mayor. Those who knew wouldn’t say anything because Ariel wanted to earn her own way. She loaded the report and emailed it to him. She made sure to make it be believable.

“I just sent the files directly to you. Don’t forget I’m gonna be on vacation next month.”

“I don’t remember approving you having a month.”

“Sir, the chief that retired already approved them two months ago. I leave tomorrow.”

“I already have you a case.”

“Sorry sir.”

She could hear him being a douche but she hung up.

❧

Technically she was already on vacation and supposed to be leaving tonight for her uncle’s country. One whole month and not a real vacation. She smelled the air and knew the hunters were nearby. Across the street and probably thinking we were drinking from human cattle. She texted the man named Fisher that she could smell them; if she could, then her mother’s guest could too. She watched them leave and told them they could stay at the apartment. Ivan already set up their rooms. Doubt they would take the offer but she was at least trying. An hour later she saw the chief and his secretary at her mother’s dinner party. Great just what I needed. Too late as he spotted her.

“What in the hell are you doing here? You’ll be in my office tomorrow or else you’re..... Mayor Becket, I’m sorry but detective here is..”

Rachel smiled but it wasn’t pleasant, “Chief Hardwick, this is my daughter and as you can see you are embarrassing her in front of my guest. I have offered my daughter your job; but she doesn’t want it because she earns her way. You were hired because a friend of our family. If you kindly look around you, you’ll see members  of the counsel and your boss. My daughter that you were dressing down can do your job and not even be paid as high. I do believe you owe her an apology and an apology to my guest.”

Ariel feeling embarrassed had excused herself. She didn’t want an apology or anybody to meddle in. She was use to getting chewed out but her mother didn’t want anyone attacking her daughter. She felt more humiliated by being exposed.

She went to the servants kitchen where most of them were playing cards. She came in and put her chips in.

❧

Rachel knew she embarrassed her daughter but no way was anybody going to abuse her daughter especially in her home in front of her own mother. The chief did apologize and as he turned to leave Rachel walked up to him quietly but firm, “Clean out your office and turn in your badge. I will pay you for the rest of the year.” 

She watched him leave and saw those hunters. She smiled until she saw Rayburn, Erik, and Vincent along with their friend waiting by the door to her meeting room.

“I’m sorry for the disruption; my daughter is reserved especially around a lot of guest.”

“She could’ve put him in his place.”

Rayburn chuckled, “She knows when to be assertive.” His smile became a grim look, “She just doesn’t like being in a crowd or loose control. She fears it.”

Her mother remembered so well what happens when Ariel loses control; it takes her daughter to a dark place.

“Enough shall we talk in the conference room.”

A few others including Alexander joined them to discuss business. She was sad her daughter never wanted to talk about important matters but she was willing to take orders. 

❧

Ariel checked on the guest and had the band to play something up beat. She mingled some more but after a few minutes she went outside under the pale moonlight. In a few hours she would be going and she found out her mother had fired the chief.  She wondered who would take his place but she came back to reality. 

The man looking outside the conference room saw Ariel walking alone. He watched her light a cigarette and heading to the pond. He did see it was a beautiful night and something about her in moonlight made her look even more beautiful. Rayburn and Rachel and the others smiled as they watched their friend excuse himself. He stepped out and approached her with confidence. 

“You’re not much of a social butterfly; I presume.”

She turned around to be face with a man who nearly took her breath away. His hair was jet black and his eyes were such an pale blue.

“Do I know you?”

He smiled showing his fangs, “No. I am Friedrich Krüger of Germany. I know you’re Ariel Castle. You really are gorgeous, if I may be forward.”

“I don’t remember seeing your name on our list of guest.”

“I came with your uncle; looks like you are working with us for a month I believe.”

“I’m sorry I don’t think my uncle...”

“He is with us my lovely. You can let your guard down. She gets her suspiciousness from her parents especially her mother.” When her uncle came out of the shadows.

“Forgive me for eavesdropping, my dear.” Her uncle was like her shadow.

His words stung a little bit but she held her composure. Her uncle left again and smiled at them. He hoped that one day Ariel would want to marry; this love she kept on ice. He would speak to his sister-in-law about this matter. 

“Your uncle seems to be very protective of you.”

“Yes you can say that.”

Music started to play inside and she rather be at the bar having a whiskey drink. Though she loved her wine; tonight seemed like a whiskey kind of night. 

“Do you want to dance?”

“I have two left feet.”

“Dance one dance and we can go have some whiskey.”

“You’re a mind reader then; I must remember that.”

She allowed Friedrich to lead her to the dance floor. His scent was like the woods only better. He seemed dark as he stood over 6ft 5. She was only 5ft 8 but her heels made her taller. He pulled her close and she felt a strong pull to him. It’s like she knew him but she didn’t. Her law enforcement instincts kicked in like he was dangerous.

❧

She was gorgeous for a vampire; a strange blend of complicated but fiery. He liked her very much even though he told her she didn’t know him, but she did. 

“So I saw what happened earlier; why let that man talk down to you when you higher in rank.”

“He was my boss and I know he was on a power trip. Plus I had ticked him  off earlier.... besides even if he had fired me; he would’ve hired me right back.”

“So you’re a noble by birthright and yet you discard it.”

“I don’t discard; I rather be respected at face value then by a title. If people knew who I am then would I truly have their respect or only because of who I am.”

“You remind me of this story my grandmother use to tell me as a child. A virtuous woman who was a queen but instead letting her people know who she was; she would have a servant sit at the throne. While the servant pretended to be the queen; the queen would go amongst her people. She would tell her servant what laws to make and what needed to be done. The servant getting power hungry killed the queen and stole the queen’s throne. You are given authority for a reason; don’t let anyone steal that.”

Ariel stopped but he picked her up and dipped her and moved with the music. He remembered always being close but never where she could see him. He saw her the first time when she was five then again in Germany. He was many centuries old and yet in he still looked as though he was 32 years old. 

The lives they lived together but never meeting. He had dated here and there but no one held his attention very long. She on the other hand never had anyone but her mother in her life very long. It mainly her mother who was guarding her daughter. Rayburn finally convinced Rachel to allow Ariel to be around family. Another song played but they continue to dance.

For someone who said she had two left feet; she moved with grace. Once the music ended true to his word they left for the bar. Tonight the bars were empty because it was a Monday night. 

“Are you sure you and I haven’t met?”

“Not introduced, but we have seen each other before. You were a child so we didn’t exactly hang out.”

Her green emerald eyes looked him over and he felt like she was studying him like a wolf looking for a weakness. He loved it. Esmeralda came out of the shadows with another bottle for them. 

“Whose your friend Ariel?”

“We aren’t friends apparently we are colleagues. Here Esmeralda this is for the bottle.”

“Beware of Ariel her heart is like steel.”

She must remember to pay Esmeralda back.

❧

The night was still young as she led him to the lake. 

“I always loved the water at night. It’s comforting I think.”

He remembered earlier he thought she wasn’t his type even though she was to be his. He saw another side of her that she rarely showed. He looked her as he lit a cigarette that wasn’t made by modern times; but like olden days.

“Do you ever think of living in Scotland or somewhere else?”

She smiled but her eyes turned back to the water.

“I have lived overseas especially during WWII; I have seen so much of the world but I always come back here. The country overseas remind me of what my uncle demands at times; to be noble and move with authority and so on and so forth. Here a country made by rebels who are willing to die for freedom and stand against kings. I guess it’s in me to stand up even if it means I stand alone. I enjoy being my own person even though my mother and her friends of stature resent that... I don’t do it to be rebellious.”

“My what passion you have; women in our counsel normally don’t have that much passion.”

He flicked the ashes from his cigarette and had another shot of whiskey. To be honest with himself, this is the first time he had ever been laid back. His family especially his mother demanded their children to be perfect, demanded perfection. She on the other hand enjoyed the simplicity of it all; as he watched her skipping rocks. 

Chapter 3

Cold Heart 

He drove her back to her mother’s home to prepare to leave for Scotland. She dressed back in her black pants and black sweater. Her boots were laced up and grabbed her leather jacket. She made sure she had everything and was out the door with everything from her suitcase and then her briefcase and her box. Once they were on the plane; she checked her guns and ammo. 

“Did you bring enough, my dear?”

“I rather be prepared then not, uncle.”

She found her seat and looked out the window. Ariel sitting by herself and stuck her ear buds in to listen to her music. Everyone in the back talking business and she was working on her tablet. She didn’t need glasses but thanks to Tony she wore them as he or anyone on her list would be able to see what she was working on. This time though; her work was being transferred onto her work computer. Ariel’s laptop was connected to her main computer at home; so no matter where she went, her work was accessible. She went through the case files and typing in the names of those teens who were killed. There were four that had been killed and silver bullets found at the crime scene. She got the Bullets and replaced them with the same type of bullets. The autopsy showed poison but could not be pinpointed. Any bullets inside the bodies were removed and bullets were switched out. She scanned the pictures of the artifacts that were taken and started looking up the legends behind it. 

❧

Those mafia vamps were collecting werewolf blades; why? The civil war between vampires and werewolves had been called off. Ariel went to sip her blood wine but was empty. She got up and refilled her blood wine again; the ladies working headed towards to see if she needed anything else, she waved them off. A shadow passed over her and  sitting across from her was Friedrich. He didn’t change but she hoped he got the message she was busy.

“Working to keep yourself busy or so that you’re left alone or ignoring everyone, so you don’t have to socialize?”

Ariel grinned, “I work so that it doesn’t pile up; besides, I don’t have much to say. Why waste time when there is much to do and before something else comes up.”

“So you push people away, you push life away, and push would be lovers away. Is there anyone you don’t push away?”

“I don’t think I need a relationship because of my lifestyle. I work hard and I play hard; and relationships don’t last very long. Someone always gets hurt and someone gets heart broken. I’ve tried to connect with other men; but they think I’m a feminist. I just think the heartbreak is worse then death. I see my mother hurting for my dad and we don’t exactly die as mortals. Then men either want a woman who would do anything for their guys; or the guys want to do everything and have a woman who will stay home.”

“But you’re not a feminist...”

She smiled, “No. I’m not in competition with men; I acknowledge that men are different as women are different. When I’m on a mission I will take orders from a man just as I would take orders from a woman. Men want to protect their wives; it is their nature to protect what is theirs. Most women would do anything for their men to prove their love. I don’t want anyone to die for me because they feel the need to protect. I chose to be single that way if I get hurt it would be because I did my job. Besides my job and my work isn’t exactly easy to handle. I’m not going to stop being me; and I could never push a guy to give up his work.”

“Or you are afraid to love.”

She looked at him with annoyance.

He looked at her and past her wall, “Because you’re not as closed off as you make yourself out to be.”

She was annoyed and it took a lot to annoy her, “If I wanted to marry, I would have. I choose never to fall in love or get involved because it gets in the way of work.”

“Want to know something... I don’t believe you. You haven’t met the right one to break your shell. Truth is you’re afraid to love.”

She stopped writing and looked up to see him gone. He was sitting across from her uncle and he winked at her which she felt her face grow warm. Her usual calm, composed self was being picked at. 

❧

As mother was as good as her word, already had a new chief in office. Frank Wheeler; she respected Frank. He wasn’t a vampire or werewolf but he wasn’t human. He was a like a big foot. The man only changed when the moon was full. Otherwise, he was a man just supporting his family and living a quiet life. He spoke to her on the cases that she had emailed earlier. He sent her cases of similar crimes in the state of Maine. She continued to type and then back to the ancient weapons. Only three hours on thee flight she had completed work. She received another fax and this one was a murder scene, as she looked it over, she knew it was a monster case. 

She contacted Murr and Fisher and gave them a lead to the next town over. She phoned her boss and told them they need to look for a white male about 5ft 11 and slender and possibly armed. She gave evidence to back it up. The case was out of her hands. The mission at hand was vampires from Africa wanted to trade diamonds but they needed protection. Her mission was to protect the shipment and then after that her uncle would take over, from there. The problem was neighboring vampires were attacking the mines to prevent the exchange and innocent people were being killed. That’s where Friedrich Krüger came in; he had the men to do the fighting in case things went down. Those diamonds would go into the bank and in exchange would help the Vampire take over and give their country a chance to be prosperous. They arrived at her uncles’ mansion. She grabbed her bags and her other stuff; everyone else had the servants carry their stuff. She unloaded her stuff in her room but she couldn’t resist. She changed and got into her jeans and T-shirt and went to the garage. She spent a lot of time in garages; maybe because it was wear she could just be herself. Her uncle had bought her a 1925 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Jonckheere Coupe. Pity whoever had it didn’t take care of it; she made it her mission to restore it. Her hands was greasy but the vehicle was coming along. She wanted to make this vehicle her own and update it for a specific purpose. 

“So you work for the police, you refuse to be served, and now you work on vehicles.”

She rolled out from underneath the vehicle, “I also play chess.”

She rolled back under the vehicle and was reaching for her tools. 

“Who taught you how to work on vehicles?”

Friedrich handed her a towel as she moved out from under her vehicle. She wiped her hands to drink her coffee.

“In July 3, 1886, a man named Karl Benz, a mechanical engineer; well he drove the first automobile in Mannheim, Germany. I was a hundred and eighty-six years old. I lived in Germany for at least fifty years. I picked up a few things.”

He bought the newer styles and dressed in the best. He wouldn’t be caught in dead in anything less. She was the complete opposite. Her clothes were from smaller stores and her shoes were low cost. Her expensive clothes she kept at her mother’s house. She kept everything expensive at her mother’s but had no problem embracing the peasant’s life.

“Are you ashamed of being a noble?”

She stood up in a noble stance. His first glimpse of her that she kept to herself.

“I need to go and shower.”

He grabbed her hands, “You didn’t answer my question.”

“Last I checked, I don’t have to respond either.”

Her eyes lit up to darker shade of green and her fangs shown through. He saw the defiance which had excited him immensely. He pulled her close and kissed her. She tried pushing him but he pulled her closer to his chest. Her defiance was drawing to him. Her very essence of life was what he was missing, in his life. Her hands were on his chest and feeling the hardness of him made her thoughts betrayed her emotions of being alone. When he was done drinking her in; she stepped away. She walked quickly to the mansion and headed for her room.

She made it a point to stay in her room to relax and have a nice hot bath. Her intentions was to regain composure because after this she and him wouldn’t see each other. There wasn’t any need. It would be like a passing by fling if she did allow anything. But that was dangerous too; one or us would get attached then something would happen and then the hurt would come in.

She dipped her head down into the water and stayed there for a while. She had way too many thoughts and didn’t know how to deal with them. Once she surfaced she felt someone else in the room. Probably the maid; she called out, “I’ll be out in a minute.” It was probably her uncle wanting to know if she was gonna stay up in her room forever.

❧

Friedrich didn’t know why he wanted her so much; as he just concluded, they were completely different in almost every way. However their kiss had told him that she was everything he needed.

He waited for her in the lounge area of her room; she had way too many thoughts, and he smiled because from what he was told, no one could get under her skin. She slipped on her robe and walked out and surprised he was there. He was dressed in black pants and blue sweater.

“Privacy isn’t your thing either.”

“You could say that; come let’s go out for the day. I got horses for us to do some riding; or did you forget?”

She looked at him with anger but that made him smile even more.

“Are you trying to tick me off?”

“No... do you want to get mad?”

“You’re an arrogant ass. You think you know me but...”

He got up and kissed her again.

“I thought we would finish what we started outside.”

“Then what? Afterwards you’ll leave and I’m another notch. I’m not looking to be anyone’s play thing.”

She tried pushing him away but he held on tighter. 

“I’m not the love them and leave them, type. Yes, I am an arrogant ass; but love is something that I treasure. There is no price on what I give.”

He kissed her with tenderness and wanted to love her. She stopped resisting and allowed him to pull her closer. Soon her lips responded back as well as her body. Ariel had before resisted but somehow this felt right.

She felt his lips still on hers and for once she was at a loss. “I can’t do this...”

“Afraid to love or be loved?”

“Love only gets you hurt or killed; and then what?”

For once her guard was down and still she felt lost. He walked up to her and kissed her gently and ran his fingers through her hair. She felt vulnerable and unprepared. His hands moved down her face to her neck as his lips kissed her neck and kissing her neck. He gently bit her then moved his hands down to her robe tie. He kissed her all over and she felt every bit of his finger tips. 

“I think a horse ride would be good.” Trying to avoid what was about to take place. 

“Ariel let your guard down. I’m not here to hurt you.”

“I just don’t want to hurt.”

He did not push her as his lips kissed her tears away. She felt him and she responded to those kisses. She allowed him to take her into his arms and he went slow with her. His fingers exploring every inch of her and moving his fingers between her legs and moved his fingers up until she felt his hand moving slowly exploring and he was kissing her. His lips kissed her chest then each breast and nipple was kissed and sucked on. He moved her hips closer to him as he raised her buttocks up he started to lick her and kiss her until her legs were shaky and trembling. He took off his jeans and Ariel removed his shirt. He had her wet and ready but he would take it easy on her. He entered inside her moving slowly and kissing her neck. She was holding on to him and her hands felt soft against his back. When he went deeper her nails dug deep. She hurt a little but it felt so good. And soon he was feeling her cuming. He went a little faster until he released. 

❧

She was asleep and he had the horses put up until later. Her uncle stepped out, “You have a prize with Ariel; she has been through a lot. Just don’t hurt her or I’ll hunt you down. Your family has always been good to us and visa versa.”

“I wouldn’t hurt her in any way. She is my mate.”

“She doesn’t understand that Friedrich, so go easy. I hope if she decides that you are hers and then it would be an honor.”

She felt the bed for him and he wasn’t there; she felt stupid but then he appeared with a smile. “I was hoping I would get here before you woke up.”

“Now what?”

“You let things happen and go from there... if you decide you want me then we will go from there.”

That evening she was quiet lost in thought as dinner was laid out. She heard the plans and knew her position, her role. Friedrich had the horses out and she went with him. 

“Questions Ariel?”

“I think there was more then you let on?”

“There is? I thought it was just connecting to you and feeling something between you and I.”

“You said you knew me when I was five but you’re close to my family; we’re we promised to one another?”

“Close but no. Your father was promised to my sister; he didn’t love her and didn’t want to get married. He wanted freedom and excitement. He was being hunted and one night he saw her; your mother. He fell in love with her and she fell for him; it was silence for years between my family and your father’s family. Then one night your father was killed; your father’s brother was enraged. He went to find your mother but saw that she had given birth  to a little auburn hair beauty. Then a compromise was planned out. But I’m not gonna force you to be mine; but honestly the moment I saw you running around your uncle’s property I knew one day we would meet. In Germany though you allowed your wild side out; your father was like a brother to me. I was close enough but only from a distance. I want you Ariel but I want you to make your choice.”

❧

She took this all in that night. The stars were out and soon they were heading back. She normally had no problem being alone but she wanted to know more about her father and know more about Friedrich. 

“It’s been way too long since I got away from responsibilities and just relaxed.”

“Small town girl has a lot of chores or what?”

“I work on cold cases for most of the state; for three counties I try to be peace maker so creatures aren’t killing each other or innocent people. Now I have two hunters trying to get help on items stolen from a museum.”

“You’re helping hunters; you know hunters killed your father?”

“And our kind and other monsters destroyed lives too; we are not exactly innocent. I took lives regardless if they are bad or good; what makes me judge, jury and executioner? Regardless of reasoning we created these hunters because our own couldn’t refrain themselves. I love my mom; I’m sure she had her reason when she was hunter, that she killed. I’m sure my father wasn’t an angel.”

He smiled, “you have so much of your father in you. Same passion and thirst for fairness. No, he wasn’t an angel but he wasn’t evil, either. When he said no to my sister; it hurt her and my family. I respected him more that day because he stood by his principles.”

“I didn’t want to fall in love because of my parents. My mom there has to live out her days by herself and she remembers what had happened to my father everyday. She gave up being human so that they could be together; but look what happened.”

He looked at her and saw the pain, “You know your mother was willing to fight along side your dad but she was pregnant with you. That’s when your mom left for America. Back then it was a different world. She was hunted by both hunters and monsters until you were born. Your uncle saw you and made it clear no harm was to come to you all.”

“We have lived many lives and yet at times I feel lost.”

“Then you haven’t really lived.”

He smiled at her as she returned the smile. Heading back to the mansion and heading up to their separate room. 

She laid down her head and thought about everything; milling things over when her phone rang.

“Hello?”

“It’s Fisher, that case you sent us on. The house it lived in had a lot of pictures; it’s no longer here, though.”

“What were the pictures of?”

“You.”

❧

The hunters gathered all the information and set fire to the house. The body that the creature inhabited, had been dead well over twenty-four hours. Great a new monster who doesn’t play by the rules. She couldn’t sleep so she got on her laptop and started doing research. What new creature came to town as she typed in codes. All monsters were accounted for except in the sewers; a red glow was moving quickly. She tracked the camera to see what was coming. She watched as the creature stopped dead in tracks and smiled at her. Dammit! Created ghouls were illegal in town. She sent an urgent message to Ivan, “We got a problem. I spotted a ghoul in the sewers. Can you go to Dr. Fraiser; you need to send me pictures of the body that was found by the hunters.”

“I thought you were on vacation and will be on a mission.”

“I got a message from one of the hunters; seems this mindless ghoul has been watching me. You or Tony or even both need to kill this thing before anyone else gets killed. Make sure the area has been cleaned up and let me know what happens. Time starts now; y’all will have 48 hours before this things kills again.”

She almost wanted to go back and be back before everybody was up; but she can’t be everywhere at once. She started looking at weather patterns of where they were going in Africa and checking out routes they would be going through. Ariel added blood to her coffee as did some research. She even went as far as to finding out about the mines there; she took the time to compare notes on what intel was already taken.

“You never sleep do you?”

She smiled as she continued to type and highlighted, “I don’t like wasting time.”

“No wonder why your uncle wanted you on this mission; you need your rest. Training starts in a few hours.”

“I’ve got training.”

“Doesn’t hurt you warm up, either.”

“I’m good for now; besides you’re awake, why aren’t you sleep?”

“When you find your mate; it’s hard to sleep away.”

❧

She stopped what she was doing and looked over at him. He was bare chested with long silky pants. She saw a few scars on his near perfect porcelain skin.

“Is that what we are; mates?”

“I want you to figure that out. If I say what I’m thinking you’ll only resist. You probably think once this mission is over; we will never see each other.”

She was getting annoyed again. 

“I’m sure you have other females you talk to and probably sleep with; I’m not the first for you and I’m assume I’m not the last.”

His smile disappeared and now looking serious at her; she struck a nerve which made her smile.

“I’ve had two wives in the last 500 years; I was born into this lifestyle. My first wife was not a vampire. She begged me to turn her but I couldn’t. When I left for war 1522 for the Siege of Rhodes. Only she wanted to be with me forever, so my lovely bride found a vampire that had other intentions. She was bled dry. I’m still looking for that bastard that killed her.”

She softened her eyes as she watched looking at the wall; only he was reliving his past. Her hand touched his face and he looked into her eyes.

“My second wife, I lost her to a werewolf. I haven’t found another since till now. We from the old country don’t sleep around. I have dated on and off; but mainly just for social gatherings. Honestly, I didn’t think of finding another until I saw you again a few years ago. Your uncle was going to introduce us but you were hunting down Likho. Your uncle had me as your spotter.”

She remembered that hunt like it was yesterday.

“He was killing teens; fifteen teens had jumped into the river, drowning. I sound like a hunter don’t I?”

“You want to fight for those who can’t fight for themselves. Maybe because you want to right the wrong. You save lives and there isn’t anything wrong with that. But who fights for you? Maybe you should stop limiting yourself.”

“I don’t limit myself.”

He grinned at her, “Sure you do. You work a job that binds you from your potential; you take jobs to hunt that you’re really good at. You want action and you get bored easily. You could join me and do what you really love. We are much alike; we both fight for those who cannot fight for themselves.”

“So what are you?”

“A Slayer. We are a Vampire militants thats the best way I can explain it. Hunters; they think they are killing us but they don’t know that they work for us. They get orders from our superiors; jobs that are smaller. How do you think they learned how to kill these creatures. We go in and find out how to kill these creatures and then hunters are given the information. Unfortunately, you have hunters that use that intel against us.”

“So you slept with me to recruit me.?”

He laughed, “I slept with you because I found my mate. I don’t mix work and pleasure; although it will be work for me to win your heart. I’m offering you an opportunity to join us and put your skills to better use then being something you’re not. I’m offering you my heart because I’ve loved you from a far.”

She looked at the screen and heard the sincerity in his voice. She thought about her mother and her town and then thought of what her friend and cousin spoke of... “What training are you talking about that I haven’t had already?”

His eyes glisten as he reached for her and led her in a dance. There was no music only the rhythm of their hearts, which slow and steady. He finally led her to her bed and that night he just held her as she fell asleep. He held onto and fell asleep himself. 

❧

That night he dreamt of the Ottoman Empire; he had just turned twenty-two years old. Married for only a year and had everything before him. Down in Spain holding off the empire. He remembered his armor and the smell of war. He had returned home only to have his brother Boris tell him about his wife. For ten years going on leads on finding that vampire. The only thing he learned was that the bastard was resided in France. He thought at times the vampire that killed his love was also the Whitechapel Murderer. He still wanted to find him; right now, his eyes were on Ariel. He studied her as she slept. Light tan skin, long auburn hair, only one scar was on back. He traced over it; it was long and angry. The more he touched it the more the vision of how she earned it came to his mind. She was fighting a witch who had a dagger. Ariel was leading a group of girls out of the woods when the witch came out of nowhere. He saw his wife change and then Ariel ripping the witches head off. Ariel fangs came out as another witch came out. She drank the blood of witches that night and absorbed their powers. That’s why a lot of monsters feared Ariel. He heard of tales of a few vampires that could absorb their enemies power. The girls she saved were virgins that were meant to be sacrificed. He wondered if she knew she could absorb power.

Chapter 4

Training Day

Ariel grabbing her pistol and shooting targets. She had just gotten her sniper rifle custom made for the new rounds that were made just for her to use. Her design that any military force would want. She timed herself as moved through the training course. It was 0800 and she had been working out. She didn’t have to train but it gave her something to do as worked out things that were going on in her mind. By lunch she stopped for her snack and went down to her uncle’s pool. Friedrich had to go to town and later he was going to teach her what training he was talking about. Her cousins were kickboxing because they too were going to Africa. It was already 4 p.m. which was 1600 by her time she was gearing up. 

“You ready?” He asked her as she slipped on her face covering only showing her eyes. 

“We only have two hours before we head out; where have you been?”

“I had to get something in the village. We have time.”

She took off her mask and followed him to the courtyard. 

“Do you know your powers?”

She hardly used her powers but she knew how to if she had to. Closing her hands she concentrated hard enough as blue and purple lights came forth. She aimed at the statues that was meant for training. One hand to freeze and the other to blast a hole through the statues.

“How about the block?”

Combining both hands she made a shield around herself.

He handed her a sword; on the sword was two stones. 

“We had scientist to develop stones to be put on swords. Even though you use your guns there are times a sword comes in handy. Using your mind you can activate these stones to give you an edge. Right now we are developing guns that will use these stones to save ammo.”

❧

She again concentrated and the sword she held was lighting up. He got out his sword as well, “I’m sure you know how to sword fight?”

“Not really; mainly hand to hand and guns.”

“It’s all in the footing. Like dancing you don’t want to be off. Trust yourself and focus.”

He went slow showing her different steps as they practice slowly with the blades. His was red while hers glowed the two purple and blue. An hour had passed when they finally stopped.

“I’ll show you more in days to come. You learn very quickly. Before I was turned I had to practice everyday and still i was never good enough for my father.”

“Your Dutch comes out every now and then, you know.”

“I lived in many countries where my accent had been muddled. Tell me, have you ever summoned or no?”

“No. I thought I did go with my side arms and etc. Honestly, I didn’t explore my abilities.”

“If you want to be a Slayer, you’ll need to explore them. Not all monsters can be killed by Bullets and silver. Draining their powers or summoning your pet could save your life. Sometimes to kill a monster, you have to be a monster. Doesn’t mean you stay one, either.”

It was time for everyone to load up in her uncle’s jet. It could fly under radar without foreign countries interfering. Reaching the zone they began to descend to the drop zone. Ariel put her time on; and jumped onto solid ground. The trucks were all loaded up and everyone in their positions. Their mission was to get to the mines and load up and be back in 13 hours less. Any longer they would have a battle with neighboring villages and/or enemy vampires. A few werewolves were hired for protection.

❧

Ghouls was all that he could do especially when trying to find out who this Ariel was; for he had his eyes on Rachel till he caught the scent of her daughter. His spies had been following Ariel for the last few months; she had stumbled onto his plans and she didn’t even know it yet. The last few years he finally found a way to make monsters pay but at the same time take on humans. Long time ago monsters attacked humans now he found a way to turn the tides. He wanted to start a war within the vampires and werewolves race by using those who didn’t play by the elder’s rules. He had planned this for hundred of years; now he found a weapon that he could use, Ariel didn’t know who she really was. He would use that against her and when the time was right he would make his move. Ariel was heading to Africa so he would stir the pot; he had already made his move against Rayburn. He wished the Scottish vampire would have killed Rachel then there; but Rayburn witnessed the birth that shouldn’t have been. The one who could destroy him; he would use to aide him. She just didn’t know it.

❧

The terrain was as expected bumpy as hell. Ariel was maybe one of five females and two were werewolves. She had went with one on a few missions. Her name was Alexia an Alpha female. Her father was friends with Ariel’s clan. 

Three hours they were at the mines having the trucks loaded. She got out to survey and had two men to do recon. The workers were loading the trucks and she found the main guy to get the papers and got the documents needed. She looked at the time again and already the five hour mark was passing. Friedrich and his men covered the area and werewolves were by the trucks. Six hours down they were ready to go. Ariel was on alert; the job was way too easy from all the other reports she had studied. Something wasn’t right. She stopped the trucks to check once more the load. Everything seemed okay. She just wasn’t sure but something had her check under the trucks. Her diligence paid off; under the middle truck was a tracker. She took it off and destroyed it. 

She gave a signal to the others arm themselves. The trucks started to haul ass when the jungle came alive. She fired a smoke that into the jungle. Within minutes those hiding gave away their positions. She leaped into action and the others fired. She was quick as she fired her weapon. Friedrich saw larger creatures coming towards her. He leaped to cover her back. He got out his blade and moved with quickness.

“Get out of here! We will give your cover.” The trucks started plowing through as Friedrich and Ariel cleared the path. She didn’t come without her bike; she clicked the button as her bike unloaded itself. 

“Drive!”

He jumped on as she got her guns set up. She looked at her watch and saw they had one hour to get to the chopper. Reaching over to the buttons she launched a small rocket and then turned around holding onto his waist. Behind them an explosion was made. They made their ride out with 15 minutes to spare.

❧

She now knew why the trucks were being attacked. There was a rat setting the trucks up. “Gotta love the Djinn.” She was angry because it was a trap. She took one of the diamonds and examined one of them; they were real, but why the trap. The tracker must have been planted while they were loading. She uploaded the images of the tracker and the body cam footage. She was burning up as she removed her shirt, dammit. She got out her medical kit. She removed the claw’s nail. She bit down on the wood as she put medicine on the wound. Before she could heal herself she had to remove the poison. She felt the oz coming out. She collected the stuff because they could make a weapon against the Djinn. Ariel finally able to drink the blood and heal herself. 

❧

Friedrich checked in on Ariel; she was asleep with her laptop open. Her wounds were healed as some green oz had dried on the bedsheets. She let out a growl as her fangs were showing but still she was asleep. He watched her nails grow and retract. She wasn’t just a vampire. He watched her sleep and whatever she was dreaming of was causing her to shift slowly. 

Ariel seeing a creature glaring at her in the mirror. She saw a black mist creature staring at her with red eyes. She saw her mother screaming for her and then she saw creatures coming at her. She didn’t want to lose control. Memories of the creature trying to attack and her mother holding stopping her daughter from losing control. She felt the strength of the creature inside and then seeing those creatures coming after her; she woke up seeing her arms in grey to turn back to her normal skin color. She looked for her shot glass but instead drank the entire bottle of whiskey. She remembered hurting her mother; who was trying to prevent her daughter from changing. She had caught the smell of Friedrich, who must have been in here. She hated her dreams; her nightmares.

The day went by slowly while waiting for the plane. Inventory was taken as she was on the mend. Friedrich reporting in with her uncle while she was still locked in the room. 

“Why didn’t you tell her about her gifts? She absorbed the power of those that she was killing. I’ve never seen vampires do that.”

“She isn’t a regular vampire. She is a weapon and she doesn’t even know the full extent of her abilities. We don’t even know. Which is why the Elder wants to meet her after you two are married.”

“She hasn’t even told me one way or another.”

“The Elder already had a vision; your marriage will be soon.”

❧

She laid down in the small room on the jet. She was having her dreams again as she saw the fire and her father being killed. He looked at her as her mother was trying to escape. Then as a child she saw the men coming after her mother; she was but a toddler. Her mother picked her up and they leaped into the ocean. Her mother was wounded but they escaped. Her mother and she got on the ship headed to America. The first ten years they stayed in the forest. Her mother working any job she could whether it was bounty hunting or even going on the gold rush. She remembered the years of never being in one place very long. The wars they saw and then seeing the ring; always the ring of a dragon. She woke up and saw Friedrich sitting across from her. He wasn’t very happy with her but she looked down to see his ring. It had the dragon. 

❧

She moved quickly against the wall.

“Your ring.... it has the dragon on it.”

“It’s my coat of arms.”

“I’ve seen that ring as a child. Every time my mother and I was on the run that ring appeared in my dreams.”

“You saw this ring before?”

“Yes. Every time something happened that ring appeared.”

“This ring is representing my family tree; of Vlad Draculalso, history would have he had two sons; but he also fathered illegitimate children. Because I was of his lineage, our family was easily turned. They say he died but historians get things wrong at times. My father gave me this ring. I’m surprised you saw this in your dreams. You’re not of the lineage or are you?”

“My uncle’s family was not. And my mother’s family is from Spain. I have no ties with Eastern Europe.”

“The ring has its own power; when enemies are nearby it will burn. For you to see it lets me know I was right.”

She climbed down from the wall as he grabbed a hold of her. He started kissing her as she returned the kisses which she wasn’t as passive. She let him know that she missed him as he grabbed her buttocks. She felt like an animal as he pulled her clothing off. She ran her fingers through his long hair and he kissed her breast. He pulled his shirt off and threw it across the floor. He pulled her pants off and pulled his pants off as well. He laid her down on the bed and pulled her hips onto his lap. He just wanted to taste her and eat her sweetness. 

❧

His dangerous broke through her walls; for she wanted him, he was her poison. He loved on her and wanted to please her every desire. Once she was ready he pulled her onto his lap and her legs wrapped around him as he moved inside her, gentle at first. Once he started to go deeper she was digging her nails into his flesh. She had the urge to bite him. Her fangs clamped down she drank him until he went harder into her. She moaned he had to put his hand over her mouth to keep her from waking anyone up. His fangs found her neck breathing warm air on her neck he bit down. He drank her up until she came. He grabbed her waist down and went harder. Her blood was sweet and he couldn’t hold back anymore. He released into her as he still was kissing her. They had marked each other. She knew that now as they shared each other’s memories. Whether it was an act of passion or this was who she meant to be with; she was his and he was hers. They fell asleep in each other’s arms. The blanket covering them and no one disturbed them until the jet landed. 

❧

They felt the jet landing as they quickly put on their clothing without saying anything. She was about to go but he reached for her, “We will need to talk to you later. I need to talk to your uncle first.” They left together as the others smiled. She should be embarrassed that they had heard; but she wasn’t embarrassed. She owned it without thinking twice.

Once they were back at the mansion she showered and looking at the mark; it was still there, proving they marked each other. After her shower she put on her pants and long sleeve shirt and her boots. Down the hall she saw her uncle excited and hugged Friedrich. Her aunt came out of nowhere and smiling. I was told to take you shopping for a dress, kicking and screaming. 

Chapter 5

Mother May I 

Rachel Becket was arranging her room; she thought about her husband many times. She missed him so. She would talk to him from time to time; for one day she would allow herself to leave this world. She worried about her daughter going on missions and never finding love. She knew why her daughter focused on work because love meant pain and sacrifice. She got an email from her brother-in-law that there was a suitor. She hoped that this was the guy and that he wouldn’t hurt her daughter. She poured a drink for herself and walked to her private room. She had made a recording for Ariel; she told her daughter the things that needed to be said, but never having the course to tell her daughter in person. Earlier she had spoken to the few that had been watching over Ariel; she told them that if anything happened to her, they would make sure Ariel knew the truth. There was one secret she wouldn’t speak because it wasn’t for her to tell. She messaged a few more people before have another drink. After Ariel had turned five the agreement was made Ariel would marry Friedrich; that would salvage the relationship and bring an end to an old feud. No one was ever fight because she was of noble blood; because of that Ariel and she was to be protected even enemies had to obey that law.

❧

That was a few days ago. Then she got an urgent call; it was her sister-in-law. “Your daughter chose him!!” Rachel was happy but she also knew what this meant too; her husband and her union was finally accepted and a truce has been completed. Their sins in the vampire world was exonerated. Her only hope was that her daughter was doing this from her heart and not because of the past. 

“When is the wedding?”

“We are shopping for a dress now but that’d up to Ariel. When can you come up?”

“Let me get a few things wrapped up and I’ll be leaving soon.”

She called Alexander for a favor, “Hey Alex, I’m leaving for Scotland. Can you send Tony or Mark here to watch things please?”

Once She packed she heard the doorbell. She expected to see Mark or Tony but it was too early for them to be here already. She looked out the window and saw a delivery truck and a man dressed in brown. She saw a package in his hands; she figured it was from her daughter. She opened the door only to see a gun. She didn’t have enough time to react when the bullet went through her eye. The man drug her inside and lifted her up and put her in the tub. He pulled out a machete and cut off her head. The head of Rachel was placed in a plastic bag and put in the bowling ball bag. He had a delivery to make as he left the bathroom. The man left the house making sure there was no witness. 

Just in case he left before anyone could come after him.

❧

Ariel trying to call her mother but no answer. She picked out her dress, dark red cocktail dress and black heels. She bought a new choker. She had her nails done and her hair put up. Her aunt promised her mother would be here as everyone was coming. She wanted her mother to be here before anyone did anything but she went ahead and went downstairs. Friedrich escorted her to the table. She had a feeling something was wrong but she thought it was the jitters. A toast was made and he gave her a ring it was his family’s coat of arms. But he with the ring he also put an engagement ring. She could get marry tonight but everyone turned to the door. It was Alexander. He looked like death had visited him. He hated to spoil his surrogate daughter’s special occasion. He told her about her mother. He didn’t go into detailed but just the words her mother was dead. Ariel screamed in horror and rage. She nearly collapsed knowing her mother was murdered and she wasn’t there... tears streamed down her face as her blood began to boil. 

“Who did it?”

“They don’t know.”

Rage overcame her as she rushed upstairs. She changed into her black pants and black shirt. She zipped up her jacket and strapped on her boots. 

“I’m coming with you.”

❧

He was quickly in jeans and sweater. He had his bag against his back.

“You don’t have to; I...”

“We are one. I can’t let anything happen to my bride.” Behind them was her uncle had his men to follow along with Alexander. He already called his sons and a few others.

She didn’t want any help as she looked down at the dragon ring. Again tragedy happened and the ring was present.

“Don’t think like that. You could’ve been killed, you were spared. This ring isn’t your curse, it’s a warning when something is wrong.”

She felt tears again as she thought about she failed. They got to her town and she put on her badge and went into the office.

“Ariel I can’t let you work your mother’s case.”

She wore her glasses as her face wasn’t asking. She grabbed the files from her police Chief’s desk.

“Ariel you’re emotional and I can’t have you going on a spree.” 

She took off her badge and threw it on the floor. 

“I’m the best here; you’ll have to arrest me in order to stop me.”

Two bigger police officers were pointed to get her but she had them down in seconds.

“Stay out of my way.”

No other officer came after her and the chief knew there was no stopping her, “you bring the murderer in alive Ariel. Alive and not dead.”

He threw her, her badge. “Alive Ariel.”

She went to her mother’s home and studied the crime scene throughly. She had to go to the morgue only to see her mother’s head missing. 

“Momma, I’m gonna find this person. I won’t rest until I find him.”

❧

First place she went to was where they found the ghoul with her pictures. Ariel began to look around to see if there was still a scent or passage. Her beeper went off and it was Fisher.

“Hey what’s up?”

“Can I meet you at your house?”

“Yes.... I’ll be there in a few. Tell Ivan I give you permission... yes tell him 318.”

She was about to leave when she turned around. She kicked the blanket over and saw a handle possibly led to a cellar. She pulled out her .357 and opened the door quickly. She adjusted her eyes to the darkness and saw that it led to the sewer.

“Really?”

She turned and saw her future husband standing at the doorway. 

“I told you to wait and we would go together.”

“My mother’s murderer waited till I was gone to strike. Because of me she is dead.”

He got out his side arm and had his glare as he jumped in first. He still had to talk to her about being gong-ho. She jumped in next. Their vampire’s eyes allowed them to see in the dark. They were silent as they moved through the sewers. Coming to the fork the smell of blood and death hit them hard. She looked behind them as they moved forward; it had seemed they had been walking down the sewer for miles. The closer that got to the source, the stronger the odor.

❧

They burst through the door to step in the middle of a death pit. Around them were bodies that had been dragged here, probably from recent burials and missing people. They heard growls to realize there wasn’t just one ghouls but several. 

“Anytime sweetheart.”

A flood of emotions swamped her as she rose of the ground from her rage to tears she called forth her inner strength. Creating a shield around them. He stayed within the shield as he grabbed his blade. He fought those who ran towards the shield; trying to weaken it but his bride had a strong force. He had to be quick clearing the way. He knew she hardly ever used her gift and won’t hold for too long. When Ariel fell to the ground she managed to hit the last ghoul before passing out. Friedrich picked her and adjusted so that he could take care of this mess. Just like in Africa something was creating an army. Once he had her in his arms he set the pit and everything in the pit on fire from his finger tips. He ran like the speed of light in case there was more. He sprung forth out of the tunnel. He set her down and locked the passage. 

Eyes were watching them not revealing their presence. 

Chapter 6

The Plot

He had taken her to the house she was supposed to meet a man named a Fisher. He cradled her on her motorcycle and sped through the back roads. He reached the house and there was the guy.

“Oh shit! What happened?”

Friedrich knew this guy had feelings but he put that aside.

“Let me get her to her bed and we are gonna talk about your missing partner.”

He bit his wrist and rubbed the blood on her lips. She drank some of his blood before she passed out again. He went back into the living room to discuss a few things.

“Your partner killed Rachel didn’t he?”

“Yes. He was paid and then he went missing. I knew he wanted to get out of being a hunter; but not like this. He took money from a woman and he never came back. I would think he left the country but he wouldn’t leave his bag with his wife and daughter’s picture. I found his Jeep on the edge of town and looked like he got attacked.”

“Ariel mentioned she was helping you both find missing artifacts that were stolen. She had showed me some pictures but things got a little messy on our mission. Tonight reminded me a lot like our mission. Someone creating an army.”

Fisher handed papers of missing people in neighboring towns plus a few cemeteries had missing corpses. He also had information that a few vagrants were reporting that they were nearly kidnapped or witnessed kidnappings. “We had a Djinn that had summoned the undead. It looks like ghouls are being created.”

Fisher handed the papers of the pictures and information that was sent by Ariel. 

Friedrich got on his phone started speaking German and then switched to an older language. Ariel walking into the room still feeling tired as she made her way to the kitchen. Filling her goblet up to drink. She was thirsty and made her way back to the living room. 

“Where is your partner?”

“He is missing and before you think I’m hiding him; his Jeep has been destroyed. And I promise you I didn’t know about your mother till he came back and said he was paid to do it.”

“By whom?”

“Some woman, I just heard the conversation on one side and I heard a female voice and no names.”

He reached into his pocket and gave her, her mother’s necklace. I found this in the Jeep. 

“Take me to the Jeep.”

“No. Not right now, you’re weak still plus we got bigger problems. Call Alexander, he needs to get everyone off the streets. I just got off the phone with your uncle. They found the Djinn. Someone summoned the thing and after torturing the creature it gave up his summoner. The young guy in this picture was killed over a year ago. Looks like the past has come back; and it’s killing those who are attached to your mother and you.”

“Something tells me you know who it is.”

“Yes. My sister is back in town.”

“So now what? Are we enemies or..”

Friedrich looked at Fisher and Fisher got the hint and went back upstairs. Friedrich held Ariel to let her know he was here for the long haul.

“We are not enemies; my mark protects you now that my sister knows we marked each other. She has called off the attack. Can you call Alexander to clear the streets, please.”

She glared but text Alexander the information and within 30 minutes there was a news report that a man hunt was going on; everyone was to stay inside and lock their doors. The creatures that ran the town were getting  the news about ghouls. 

“Okay we need to talk downstairs in the basement.”

She led the way downstairs and waited for him to speak.

“My sister, Irina was scorned by your father’s rejection. She wanted him but he told me he never felt a connection with her; when she found out your father loved a human, especially a huntress. My sister wanted your mother dead; but she didn’t know it was your father who got killed. Once news got to our family you were born a deal was made. I didn’t want to be promised to anyone; so I told my father if I or this baby girl fell in love with anyone else, our families would not be torn apart. My sister still wanted vengeance because she was still attached to the old ways. My sister by accident had your father killed by hunters and again your mother was killed by a hunter. She is very cynical and has a twisted humor. So now she knows we are to be married but because she honors the old ways she will not touch you but this town was created by your mother.”

“This town, I will sign over to Alexander; I don’t want it anymore. I need to go.”

“My sister isn’t here anymore.”

“No, but I got a mess to clean up.”

❧

Irina was now in Mexico at her private villa; the man in black smiled as he had scotch on the rocks.

“So my tip on Rachel’s daughter being in Africa helped I see.”

The vampire brat smiled, “Yes.” She purred.

“I have waited over two hundred years for that moment; poor Murr though, I attacked him from the thrill of it all. Seeing her head in that bag brought a frenzy that had been suppressed for way too long.”

“About my fee; I want to know about Ariel what is she?”

“A pure blood from a very ancient breed of vampires. Plus there are stories over her great grandfather on her grandmother’s side. She has two strong bloodlines that were never supposed to cross.”

“Like vampires and lycans?”

“Older than the two combined. Any child that Ariel gives birth to would be weapons from the moment of birth. Ariel when she was born turned into a creature that scared Rayburn. He wouldn’t say what he saw that day. It was enough that he knew that none of his or my family could kill. On top of that Ariel invoked her rights as a noble. No vampires were allowed to kill her; which is why I couldn’t kill her myself. Why I attacked Murr. Now why are you wanting Ariel?”

“She and I have unfinished business.”

They heard gun firing and she turned to see the man had left. There was fire all around as she saw the door opening. A man in white who was practically albino.

“You killed my granddaughter. I’m here to collect you; dead or alive.”

Chapter 7

Torn

Three months after I had signed the town over to Alexander; things would not change and my homes were signed over to Ivan. I just left.  I however kept my mother’s estate and would figure out what to do later on.

Everything I owned was sent to my uncle till I came back. I didn’t know where I was going and I didn’t care. By the world’s standard I was now poor. I just left for Alaska. I didn’t want to be claim by anyone but I still wore Friedrich Krüger’s ring. And I still loved him; I just needed time away from everyone. I got a job just to pass time. Working as a waitress. It was a small job that fit the age I looked. I got an apartment just to have a place to rest. At times I looked my mother’s picture and I missed her so much. I didn’t know if my beloved still wanted me but in my sleep I would still see him. Playing pool with patrons and when I thirst went into the jails after predators. I didn’t bleed them dry or changed them. I wonder how long I would stay away or would I stay away; to say I miss the hunt, everyday. My heart wasn’t in it. How could I hunt when I failed. I never knew how to fail until the moment my mother was killed. There were times I reached for my phone to talk to someone, anyone. Anger still ate me because no one was there for her.... she looked out the window as tears rolled down her face. She needed Friedrich to save her from herself. 

❧

Back in Scotland Friedrich heard his named called; the bond between his mate and him was still very strong. He picked up his phone and called another member of Ariel’s family, “I know where she is and it’s time. Our wedding is still on.”

“I’m sending my agent to assist you; are you sure she had seen the ring?”

“I believe her... her mother’s death had shaken her but I’m bringing her home.”

He notified Ariel’s uncle and letting him know he was bringing Ariel home.

Rayburn looked at him, “How do you know she is letting you know where she is? When her mother wanted to be hidden; it took years, for anyone to find her. I got lucky the night I found Rachel giving birth to Ariel.”

“Ariel wants to be found; even if she doesn’t know it yet; I heard her and I’m going to bring her back.”

Once arrangements were made; he was first meeting one of Vlad’s agent. Tides were turning and Ariel would need to be strong for what was to come.

❧

It was a Saturday night and the place was busy when a familiar scent was in the air. Fisher was having a beer at the far end table and he waved an empty beer.

“Tabitha can you take over.”

I grabbed two bottles of beer and came over to him and sat down.

“It’s funny, there have been stories of inmates being attacked but none of them were turned. So I knew I needed to check it out; maybe check in on you.”

“Rumors, gotta love them. Sometimes they can open a case up that had been cold for long periods. I’m fine just...”

“Running away.”

She glared at him and sipped her beer.

“I’m sorry about your mother and that you couldn’t give her justice. But there is still a fight and you know you’re needed.”

“I don’t care anymore. I’m retired.”

“You never retire; even your mom continued the fight, and taught you.”

“And look what happened. She died and I wasn’t there. I’m done.”

She finished her beer and got up to see Friedrich. 

He still had love in his eyes, he looked down to see the rings he had given her. She left the bar with him headed to his limo. 

“So you’re living a new life here?”

“I needed time to think and keeping a low profile.”

“Everyone is worried about you.”

She looked a way, “and you?”

“Waiting for you to come back to me. My sister is imprisoned at your uncle’s dungeon. We did have a funeral for your mother. I have tried to approach you but I know you wanted space. Maybe you think I’ve failed you or maybe you hate me now?”

“I don’t hate anyone just myself. I pride myself at one time; I thought I was making a difference but I lost.”

He held her close as she broke down. She had been strong for way too long and now she needed someone to be strong for her. He didn’t say anything; there was nothing he could say that could take the hurt away.

❧

She was back in Scotland at her parents burial. They were together again; but here she was alone an orphan. Nothing seemed to matter anymore. Her mother taught her to fight and survive; but never how to deal with failure. 

“Mom, what am I supposed to do? I feel like I’m losing a battle and I don’t have your wisdom, anymore.”

“Father, take care of momma. She has waited a long time to be with you again.”

She felt a hand on her shoulder and she turned around expecting to see her uncle or her husband to be but no. Her father and mother stood together. They were not in solid form but they were as she presumed together. She did look like her father, same eyes. She felt tears streaming down her face as they hugged her and felt them leave but their presence gave her comfort. They were gone but they would always be with her. 

❧

“Do you think she would ever recover?”

Her uncle looked at Friedrich and was at a loss, “She is a Castle, she needs time. It’s because I grew up with your father that I’m allowing your sister, Irina to live. This should’ve been dealt with long time ago.”

“And it has. She may have had them killed; but she gave my mother a gift; they are together.”

Both men looked to see Ariel dressed in her huntress outfit. Something changed for her and they saw a new fight in her.

“I want to see Irina now.”

She wasn’t asking but demanding it. Neither knew why but they hoped she wouldn’t do anything to risk a civil war. They led her to the dungeon where Friedrich’s sister was in chains. She looked up to see the bitch’s daughter.

“You want an apology or me begging for my life?”

“Nope.”

“You have your father’s eyes; if it wasn’t for your bitch of a mother getting in the way, I could’ve been your mother.”

“I want to thank you. My parents are together; and that’s what my mother has been wanting, for so long. Thank you.”

Ariel turned like she was leaving but suckered punched the woman as hard as she could. Breaking her jaw, that would take weeks for her to heal.

“Don’t call my mother a bitch... it’s not very lady like. If you ever get out and I do mean ever get out; if you try to find me or come close to me, I will kill you. I won’t show you any mercy; and no one will stop me, either.”

She walked out leaving the woman glaring. His sister turned to him and he grinned. 

“At least she forgave you.”

❧

Ariel headed back to Alaska and said her goodbyes. She got her stuff and left in the night. She was ready for a new chapter in her life and closed the chapter to her past. She had a wedding to plan and a new life to start. She sworn in as a Slayer before coming back to Alaska. No more hiding and pretending now she could be who she really was; too long had she been hiding from herself.

Chapter 8

New Start 

Finally the wedding date was set and would be small and just a few days away. Ariel held off on any missions while getting her wedding day set. Friedrich had a few places selected for them to live but she didn’t want to live in the states for a while. Her mother’s home was always opened for her to go back to; but it was still too soon. She found out about Murr,; he had lost his mind. He was brought in and his trial was held off until his insanity plea had to be investigated. 

Poor Murr wanted to treat every monster the same; but it was his unresolved feelings of what transpired from his past. She didn’t want to go to his trial but she knew it was necessary. Her dress was a mermaid dress, with jewels and the colors she chose were brilliant. Aqua and silver with deep blues. She looked as though she had scales. Her slippers were silver along with her new ankle bracelet. She had her hair style up with a few strands were free. Her aunt gave her a crown that was from the old country. They had no daughters; so she was given the gift. That night vampires were invited to welcome her into their world officially. Friedrich and she were welcomed. She finally met his parents. Ian and Gergana Krüger, next was his two eldest brothers, Boris and Dragan. She was also introduced to their wives, Carlotta and Emma.

“So this is she, the daughter of Lachlan and of course Rachel. We finally meet my dear.”

She greeted them even though their tones had a distasteful tone. “We want to welcome you to our family; I am assuming you both are moving back to our country once the honeymoon is over?”

❧

His dad didn’t say much but she felt he was examining her like she was some specimen that was revolting.

“Mother, we haven’t decided that yet.”

“Your presence is needed son; besides it would be nice to have my sons back home, all of my sons home. I’m sure Ariel would want to know her roles and get to know everyone, as well. It’s bad enough all of my children can’t be home right now.”

Ariel started to feel the tension when her uncle stepped beside her, “My dear, I am sorry to interrupt but your aunt said you had a phone call.”

Ariel smiles and excused herself and followed her uncle to the back room.

She took off her ear ring and answered the phone, “Hello?”

“Ms. Castle, it’s been awhile, hasn’t it?”

“Who is this?”

“An old friend of your mother and now your friend. I’m sorry about her death; I should’ve known.”

“Who are you?”

“We will meet soon enough. Look outside.”

She peered outside there was a man dressed in white; he waved. She hung up and went outside. “Didn’t mean to spoil your evening but your future mother in law has a tongue on her.”

“Who are you?”

“I guess she never told you. I am Creed, a Nephilim. I failed your mother but I will not fail you. I had sworn to protect your mother. Not every day a vampire helps one us out. I had gotten injured and she helped me till I was strong again. When her daughter would bring a teddy bear to make it all better.”

He handed her a worn bear; she had  not seen in forever. “I had forgotten my bear.”

He looked at the grave stone where Ariel’s parents were, he looked sad for a moment. “I won’t keep you long; but we will talk soon. My sources say you’re now a Slayer. Think of me as an ally.”

He left as quick as he showed up as she held her old bear. Something was inside the bear as she went to open it to see what it was but her uncle interrupted her.

“Creed, was wondering when he would show up.”

“Uncle Rayburn, my mother had many secrets didn’t she?”

“You sound like a child again my dear... yes, she had to in her line of work. She tried to keep you out of the lifestyle but when the past is always nipping at your heels; it’s hard.”

“Sometimes I wondered about her past and her family. She never talked about her family. I researched the Becket bloodline but it led to nowhere.”

“One day soon, I will show you her family. Her family came from a long line of knights. Her last name was not Becket. Her last name was Warrier. You are of Norman decent.” 

“Why didn’t she ever tell me?”

“Come now, your guest are waiting on you and another time. In fairness, we never gave your mother a chance. I will regret that always. I promise you to tell you about your mother’s family. However you must know your mother’s family turned their back on her and the lineage doesn’t even know you exist.”

❧

“Brother, your bride seems to have left the party that’s in yours and her honor.”

Friedrich looking at his mother’s disapproval; he looked at his brother Boris, “I don’t blame her; none of you are giving her a chance.”

Dragan stepped in, “Because of her our sister is locked up and on top of that, your love broke our sister’s jaw. So can you blame mother?”

“Well our sister did kill Ariel’s mother. Then degraded Ariel’s mother and my bride educated our lovely sister.”

“How long will our sister be locked up?”

“If it were our mother; how long would you imprison someone?”

Ariel hearing the conversation felt ill but her composure maintained.

“I do apologize for my absence; someone was apologizing for my mother’s death.”

Friedrich held out his hand for her when the music started. He led her to the dance floor and they moved to the rhythm and forgot everything and everyone as the music played. Dinner was served and night progressed without incident. By 3 a.m. everyone started to leave. The following day the women of the family got together to shop and get to know Ariel. She liked her two soon to be sister-in-laws. They wasn’t so venomous with her as she thought. She found out she was the youngest of everyone. Their home was in Bulgaria. Two days her wedding then they would go to Greece. Yesterday shopping and today Ariel escaped from everyone and decided to ride her horse. She saw her motorcycle; maybe later she would take a ride to the fishing village and enjoy the evening. Today she and Friedrich would spend a part. So today she was gonna relax. She thought about what her uncle said and she led her horse back to the stables. The wedding wasn’t till tomorrow night and she had the time. She gassed up her bike. She dressed in her jeans and sweater. She left a note to her aunt that she was going for a ride. It was a near fourteen hour trip for humans but on her cycle it wouldn’t even take that long.

❧

She put on her helmet and rode, it was 8am and by 2pm. Ariel loved the ride it was freedom. She finally reached her destination. She looked up the information and went and found the Warriers. The old headstones were a lot older then her mother said she was.. she found a stone that had Rachel Warrier born 1440 and death was 1465. Her mother was born 1440; she remembered there was no year of birth. She knew her father was born 1330. She looked at her grandparents death and she saw that they died ten years after 1465. Her parents waited two hundred and thirty-five years before they would have a child. She wondered why they waited so long. She was born 1700 and now there was so much secrecy. No wonder her mom missed her dad so much. She hadn’t even thought of children; she and Friedrich had made love so much that she was surprised but she hadn’t even checked. She may never know everything but at least she found out her heritage. She looked at her watch and groaned. Time to head back. 

The ride back was a bit longer; she reached her uncle’s gate and rode to the garage. It was now 8pm, she had 45 minutes to get ready before everyone showed up. Guest who were to be here for tomorrow’s event. Her soon to be mother-in-law guest was showing up. She really hated parties. At least with her mother’s parties, she didn’t feel like a rat. 

❧

“There is my daughter-in-law, a little late are we?”

Ariel smiled to see Gergana Krüger dressed to kill. 

“It won’t take me long to get dressed...”

“The guest are already here. Look I know you’re use to being free and doing things your way. This is a different lifestyle then being a hunter. Now you’re a Slayer. My son is gonna ask what will be your gift; it’s custom for the groom to give his bride a gift; I want my daughter home.”

Ariel eyes glared, “And I want my parents alive; your daughter killed my parents. You think that’s a gift to set my parents killer free? 

“Your father betrayed my daughter!”

Ariel looked at her parents burial and then back at Gergana.

“Your daughter is alive and my parents are gone.”

Ariel just jumped on her bike and left; screwed the party. Wasn’t her scene. She just drove to the village that was a few hours away. She just ordered whiskey and drank by herself. She lit her cigarette and had another shot. The music was familiar and joyful. Her plan was to get drunk and be merry. She remembered when the only douches she had to deal with was Vick and Terrie. In the last 100 years she fought in wars and was able to serve a purpose. She wasn’t mad any longer as the time passed she was heading to her bike. She just drove to the castle and watched the sunlight. 

By 8am Ariel wore her sunglasses, she was tired, hungry, and feeling the effects of the whiskey. Upstairs she drank so much blood and just soaked in the tub. She didn’t hear anyone just went in her room and passed out. 

❧

Last night no one saw Ariel. Only Gergana and that was enough to anger Friedrich. Her uncle sent his men to look for his niece.

“What was said mother.”

“I told her that she was late and that I requested her to ask to free your sister. I want all of my kids home.”

Raybern kept his mouth shut he had more important things to deal with. His niece was who knows where and she just started healing from her mother’s death. Now this woman wants to push his niece back over the edge. Friedrich disgusted with his mother out there looking for Ariel. Friedrich heard the door shut he sense that she made it back. He ran up the stairs and heard the water being turned off. He went in the room and saw her passed out. Her clothes smelled of whiskey and cigarettes. He got an image of her just drinking by herself and riding to the castle; he saw her driving to another country and looking at tombstones. He got the sense she was trying to find out who she was. He saw her riding her horse yesterday and saw her remembering their first ride together. She was trying to capture happiness that she missed. He also saw and heard the conversation she had with his mother. How were they going to live near his family if his mother going to cause trouble. Unfortunately, his dad had already talked to him and for family he would do what was necessary. He knew it would go over too well with Ariel; but he knew if she heard what was going she would get to fire her gun and pretend. 

❧

He kissed her gently as she reached for his hair. She looked into his eyes and smiled. Last night when he didn’t see her and saw his mother storming towards the door; he should’ve known she would try to get Ariel to release her prisoner. They kissed but she started pulling him closer. She laid her head on his chest while he rubbed her hair. 

“Are we leaving for Bulgaria after the honeymoon?”

He took a big breath in, “My father and I had a talk about it yesterday. We are needed for a while but we won’t stay there forever. However, because of everything going on; I do have my own home there so we can have our breathing room. I know what happened last night; I’m sorry you were bombarded by my mother. She can be very hard to deal with. She hated it when I became a Slayer. She is from a time where nobility meant you stayed in your castle and only came out to see the peasants.”

“I’m not much of nobility even though my family is; I think fighting with rebels against the English then going against the currents of life; I may never fit in.”

“I’m not marrying you to be like my sister in laws; they are quiet and follow my mother almost everywhere. I’m marrying you because you are a rebel with a cause. My mother is hurting because she only had one daughter. My sister is spoiled and right now you’re holding my sister accountable. This is so foreign to my family.”

“Your mother said I can ask for anything as a gift; I choose the right to reserve my gift.”

“Then I will honor your request.”

He left her and headed back downstairs. He could hear his father and Ariel’s uncle talking. He would not interfere in their discussions. Everyone was getting ready for tonight’s event. His brothers were in his room. Boris and Dragan were laughing when he came in his room.

“Mom is fuming right now. She can’t see our lovely little sister.” 

“Our Father had to honor the agreement. Our sister knew what she was doing and now there is a price to be paid.”

❧

Dragan smiled, “We just never thought anyone would stand up against our iron fisted mother. We saw Ariel last night but she was just at the bar. She just downed whiskey and smoked. She didn’t even look at anyone but be left alone. You know she won’t be fighting with us, right?”

Friedrich looked at them, “She won’t fight with either of you; but she will as a Slayer and at my side. This has already been discussed with father.”

Boris being serious, “Yes about that, she needs to respect our mother; she can’t just do what she did last night. Our guest were disrespected last night. She maybe can get away with that here or in the States; but not in our home.”

“Our mother shouldn’t have done what she did either. We won’t be staying in the castle but my old home. 

She had a lot to think about in just a couple of hours and majority had nothing to do with Friedrich Krüger’s family. Honestly she just wanted her mother with her and wishing things were different. She thought about her trip to Normandy; about the information she found out. She thought about the secrets and the lies; why so many lies. Her mermaid dress was white and gold and upon her head was her crown. A knock at the door letting her know it was time. The music started as she walked down the isle. He was dressed in his ancient garments. His long hair was sleek back. He couldn’t keep his eyes off of her. The wedding wasn’t very long; exchanging rings as they gave their vows. They kissed and walked as husband and wife. The party afterwards was extravagant and everyone was having a blast. Music and food was elaborate; guest were congratulated them. Ariel smiled and stayed at her husband’s side, when he led her to the dance floor. She forgot everything that was on her mind; she just laid her head on his chest and followed his lead. He pulled her chin up  gently with his nail, “What’s wrong my dear?”

❧

She touched his face that was hers to touch forever, “I’m just missing my mom and a few people.” She felt a tear rolled down and he started kissing her them. He held her tighter wishing he could take away her pain; but being there for her, was the best thing he could do. The disc jockey wasn’t told not to play the father and daughter dance and he started the song. Her uncle stepped in and danced with Ariel. Her heart was even more heavier but she was grateful that her uncle stepped in.

“Hey there lovely, your father would be so proud of you.”

She felt another tear but her uncle was the best substitute father she had other than Alexander.

Then the disc jockey played the groom and mother’s dance.

“That was cruel of you to do that to her, mother.”

“You already are putting family to the side for her; I can’t have my daughter so I need a little comfort. I don’t know why you couldn’t find some other female; even a werewolf would be acceptable.”

They never spoke out loud but had a conversation through their minds. Blocking anyone who could eves drop on their conversation. 

Ariel walked back to her parents burial and she put her bouquet of flowers between her parents. They never had a wedding just something that was quick. 

“You do look lovely tonight, Ariel.”

Creed dressed in white approached her, “your parents are so happy for you; your mother isn’t too crazy about your mother in law. Your father wants you to stay strong; he didn’t like her either.”

Ariel smiled as she put her hands to her lips then put her hands on her parent’s headstones. 

“I need to know about the Warriers. My mother lied about her age so I need to know why. Her immediate family didn’t live past 10 years. So it wasn’t them hunting her; I need to know what happened.”

“You’re wanting time dig up the past?”

“Yes because there was more to my father’s death. I’m not so sure it was hunters.”

“Digging up the past could start a civil war.”

“Sometimes the past comes back to bite you in the ass Creed. There was more to the story that everyone isn’t talking about. Got over 200 years my parents didn’t have kids and whatever was following them wasn’t her family. I have my suspensions. I don’t believe my   Irina acted alone.”

“I’m assuming this is the detective side of you... alright but I will say this Ariel. There is a lot at stake; the truth is gonna be a hard pill to swallow.”

“I can’t change the past but I can use it as a lesson. I just want the truth. I’m tired of being lied to.”

“Enjoy your honeymoon and give me some time to get the information.”

“A month should suffice for now.”

❧

Creed disappeared as she headed back to the mansion back into her room. On her bed was a gown with a rose. It was light pink and silky. Ariel went into the shower. The water was hot and felt relaxing. She then sprayed her body with perfume and put on her new nightgown. Stepping out of the bathroom was her husband. He had been looking for her and then seeing her dressed in the gown he picked for her. He locked the door behind him and reaching for her; tonight he wanted to love her as many times she would allow him, and never wanting to stop. 

Friedrich kisses her neck as he pulled the laces off her gown; his fingers nails glided up and down her back. Ariel using vampire’s gift dim the lights in the room. He removed his armor that he wore in battle long ago. She gently pushed him on the bed and prowling on him like he was her prey. She kissed his lips and then his neck; her tongue trailed down to his shaft. She wrapped her fingers around him and started nibbling and licking; teasing him. Her other hand was on his abdomen when she began using her nails in circles. He felt her mouth all over his shaft and he enjoyed the pleasure that she gave. 

❧

He pulled her up to him but she wouldn’t let him take over yet. She wanted to some control as she straddled  him; she then moving her hips taking her time and teasing him. He allowed her to have her fun but he started craving her more; he grabbed her waist and pulled her down and holding on to him, he began to thrust harder. He sat up and holding onto his wife by her hair. She wrapped her legs around his waist trying to match his rhythm. He just maintained an steady rhythm until she bit him on his mark. He moved her where now he was on top. He pulled her arms down and held her hands above her head. He picked up his motions and going harder. Her hips pushed upward and his other hand moving from her breast then to her buttocks. His lips kissing every each and nibbling; he grinned showing off his fangs. He went faster inside her and pushing her back down; he was in control. Once he felt her release he slowed down enough letting her hands free she wrapped around his neck. She was kissing him as took it slower with her; he began to pick up rhythm and went faster a little more each time. When he was done he stayed inside her while kissing her still. She was spent closing her eyes to sleep. He knew then she had conceived; he would protect her against anything that may hurt her. 

❧

He remembered the times he was in battle; where he had to be ruthless. Most of his life he fought because he had his orders; but now he would fight for his love. He laid down beside her and pulled the covers over them. With his hand he turn the lights off. By morning light she woke up beside her husband. He held onto her while they had slept. Friedrich felt his love, his bride move in his embrace. He smiled as he held onto her a little more tighter; while he pretend to sleep. Ariel trying not wake him but she saw him smiling. She tried to wiggle and worm but he rolled on top of her and started kissing her neck and was laughing while teasing her. 

“Cruel... let me up.” She was laughing too; real laughter. 

“Nope.”

He carried her to the shower and they showered off and dressed to go downstairs. Ariel was about to walk out the door but he picked her up again and walked downstairs with her.

“I have legs my love. I can walk myself.”

“I think I enjoy this; I may carry you everywhere.” 

She didn’t fight him but enjoyed the pampering. Everyone was at the table as the newlyweds came down. Her uncle and aunt chuckled because they remembered their wedding night and the day after. His father was there smiling because there was a time his wife was happy. Dragan and Boris were having their along with their wives Carlotta and Emma. They hardly spoke for they the perfect daughter in laws Gergana Krüger always wanted. Obedience and order, for Ariel knew her mother in law demanded it.

Gergana spoke up, “We missed you two last night. Everyone wanted to meet the elusive Ariel Castle.” 

Ariel’s aunt smiled knowing that Gergana liked to create drama where there was none.

“Ariel was spending time with her parents. Darlin your mother would’ve loved those flowers. I think we should have the gardeners to start planting flowers around your parents burial.”

“Speaking of which, I need to go back to my mother’s home. I some affairs to take care of; if we can after our honeymoon?”

Friedrich having his wine with blood, “We can cut our honeymoon short; I don’t think we will be going sightseeing too much, darlin.” 

She smiled as she made herself some coffee. 

“About my daughter’s imprisonment; no one told us how long she would be here... I want to know.”

Eyes went between Gergana and Ariel, who was making her coffee. 

Dragan looking at the coldness of Ariel who was obviously giving his mother the cold shoulder. Boris looking at Friedrich to take command over his wife but he got up and stood by his wife drinking his wine. Were borderlines being drawn. Ariel drank her first sip of coffee and stared pleasantly at Gergana but inside her blood boil.

“Gergana, how many years would you want if my mother or father had killed Irina?”

Gergana closed her mouth but her eyes were angry and sad mixed in.

“You think I enjoy this? I don’t. She had my dad killed; I didn’t have my dad growing up, when I needed a father. The day I accepted Friedrich as my mate, my husband; and I had my back turned, she has my mother killed. I didn’t have my mother with me to celebrate the happiest day of my life. I had a rotten childhood because we were always on the run. Then you demand me to tell my husband as a present for my wedding day to set your daughter free. Fine but here is my terms: She will be marked as a murderer. She will always be on the run and open season. Also, IF I set Your daughter is free; if she ever comes after me or mine I will kill her in front of you. Then I’ll come after you.

❧

Dragan got up, “do not threaten my mother.”

Friedrich stepped in front drawing out his blades, “This is my wife.”

Dragan looked at his brother, “Are you going to put her in front of our mother? She doesn’t deserve what she has been given.”

“She has had the dream brother of Vlad. Last I checked he has chosen her and not you. Yes she has seen this ring that means she must be of his bloodline. There has only been five vampires of old who have had this dream but her mother’s side was human. Her mother was destined to be a vampire. And our sister killed a descendant. By right our dear sister should be killed and those bars are protecting her.”

Ian stood up and went to Ariel, “Is this true. You saw this ring in your dreams.”

Ariel looking him in the eyes, “since I was child I saw this symbol on a white ring. When something was about to happen I would see the ring right before it happened. I thought it was evil.”

“Gergana our daughter will stay behind bars. Our son is right; and by right we would have to bring her to the courts. Since Ariel had forgiven her; our daughter will not be killed. Ariel forgive my wife and eldest son. I have allowed my wife to forget her place and my son was defending his mother. Now no more threats or animosity. We are family now. I don’t have to like what is done but Ariel has my respect and she shall have all of yours. She has earned it.”

“Count Ian, I will always forgive; I don’t want any of us to be at odds. Your wife and my mother in law will be able to see her daughter. I’m not planning on keeping your daughter there forever. She needs to know the repercussions of her actions were. I have killed many monsters and brought men to justice; but it was they did evil. Once your daughter understands the ramifications of her actions and wants to right the wrong then we shall talk about how to go about releasing her.”

“Gergana, go see your daughter and you tell her what I have said. Once she had paid her debt she will be released but not before then. After today I shall remember this day and the days before no more. Dragan I understand your need to protect your mom; but know this, I also needed to protect my family’s honor, too.”

❧

Her uncle and aunt beamed with honor for their niece had shown diplomacy.

“Why have you never told us your dreams?”

“I didn’t know.”

“You’ll need to go to Romania then. You must meet him.”

“I thought he was dead?”

They all chuckled but in all seriousness, I would meet the eldest of all the vampires. So much for our honeymoon. First thing first we went to my mother’s house; her Will was finally read and everything was put in my name. It took at least two weeks for me to go through her things. I would keep her home as it was. Business records was sent to me at my new home in Bulgaria. I went into her room and I could still smell my mother’s aroma. I decided I would add to her home and we would stay on the new side. I was about to leave when her closet seemed to call to me. I went there and started looking around as though I was possessed by her spirit. I found a button and pressed it. The closet back paneling. It was another secret of my mother; I thought I knew her but I was wrong. I entered the room and it had so many ancient items and armor and things that was now mine to hold onto. Up ahead I saw a book with my name on it. My mother kept a diary. Inside I expected to see pages upon pages of her secrecy but no, it was a button. 

Chapter 9

Truth Comes To The Surface

I pushed the button preparing for a treasure hunt but no. It was a holograph of my mother.

“Hello my beloved daughter. If you’re watching this, it must mean that I have died. There were things I wanted to tell you but could never find a way. My real name is Ana Cristina Warrier. A direct descendant of  Vlad Dracul II. My mother was a daughter of soldier named Alexandru Warrier. My grandfather left Romania and went to Normandy. The grave there are the remains of my mother and her father and his second wife Rachel. I was sent to Scotland because I could never be found and assumed the name of Rachel Becket. I was immortal so your father knew this when I found him one night. He was a Slayer and was looking for me because I was the daughter of the Dragon and an illegitimate daughter. I was a hunter but I didn’t know the whole story until your father later confessed why I was to be brought to Romania. They were looking for one who was immortal. The Order of the Dragon, “Society of the Dragonists" were looking for immortals to stand with Vlad III. I was to be turned and  later I was taught to fight. In here is the suit of arms. That was given to me by the Order; but once I ran from my duties, it put your father’s life and my life in danger. Irina told the Order’s enemies where we were out of spite. 

Your father because he was of noble blood was ordered to turn me then bring me to Romania to take my place. I did let him  turn me; however we fell in love. Our marriage was not allowed because he was supposed to be my body guard. During the ten years on the run my family was killed by Vlad’s enemies. For years I punished myself for not staying and fulfilling my duties. Friedrich Krüger is a descendant of Vlad III. His family was a distant cousin,

Why you never wanted to marry or find anyone else; it was forbidden. I had made a promise that you would marry a descendant. The oath was a blood oath. We, you and I didn’t have to run anymore. Why you had werewolves as body guards and taught to fight, and went on missions. I didn’t tell you this because I didn’t want you to run like I did. You were taught young to be a fierce warrior. Do not be mad at my beloved daughter. Your dreams was verification that you would answer the call. Creed will find you and once you ask for our family’s history remember what you learned here today. When he gives you those scrolls go to Vlad III. He will not kill you or Friedrich; he was the one who I sworn an oath to, and he will honor your oath. There is a war going on; responsibilities to be done , and your skills are needed. You once asked me who you were and this is the answer: a Princess Warrior of the Dragon Order. When you go to Romania, wear the white ring. It’s with the armor. I love you so much. Even though I’m no longer here with you, you now know most of my secrets. More will be revealed in due time.”

❧

So there it was another part of the puzzle. My head hurt as I looked into the room and there a case with a white ring; my mother never wore this but this explains why I had those dreams as a child. I saw two more rings both I would keep close to me, and next to the case a button. I pushed the button and the case rose exposing a full armor that was white with the same dragon on the armor. It wasn’t heavy metal but light weight. 

“So now you know the truth; well part of the history. Maybe you should know your real name too. Ariel was a cartoon character your mother loved. Here is your real name. Mihaela Ariel Warrier-Krüger, Daughter of Ana Cristina Warrier and Lachlan Castle and granddaughter of Alexandru Warrier. You and Friedrich are to go to Romania but I will accompany you both. Call it insurance that no harm comes to either of you and everyone keeps their oath. And yes I would bring the armor; and yes, wear both rings. Here is your scrolls they’ll want to see; and here is the key once you get to Transylvania. Also, once your business is in order, you are able to go where you or Friedrich please remember your duties come first.”

She decided to try on her mother’s armor and fitted just right. Friedrich came out and saw her in the Dragon’s Order.

“So it’s true you are a descendant of Vlad.”

“Yes, Vlad the second, I am his granddaughter. We have much to discuss before going to Transylvania.”

It took two hours for him to listen to the holograph again and all the info.

“So your mother is a lot older than you thought?”

“Yes. Here is the ring I saw in my dreams. Now I wear it.”

Creed was given the signal and we were almost out the door when Fisher was there. 

“She knows?”

“You knew?”

“Vlad III has many eyes and ears everywhere. I am not Fisher but his agent. On the plane I will tell you more, for now we gotta go.”

❧

On the trip to the plane Ariel was trying to absorb everything; why was there so many secrets. She knew that her mother had a secret life but never knew how much; until now. Once they got to the plane there was Esmeralda and Ivan both dressed in their best. 

“What the hell is going on?”

“The prince had to keep you safe; these are his best agents. We are his soldiers here to keep you safe. The princess warrior, finally comes home.”

On the plane they were seated and I of course was drinking blood because I was getting light headed. Once I was settled seeing that it was gonna be a long trip to Romania; I had plenty of time to hear the truth, I so wanted to know. 

“I am Florin Agoston, your cousin Ivan Baciu and his sister Esmeralda Baciu; we were ordered to come into your life at certain points; to keep you safe. I didn’t know Murr would kill your mother so once I found out; I had him beaten and then had him go insane. We tried looking for Irina but your uncle Rayburn stepped in. He struck a deal so that she could be imprisoned; Vlad had wanted us to kill her, but you forgave her. We wasn’t exactly happy especially your his niece; but he honored your decision.”

“Why does he want me; isn’t he afraid of me? In history family battled who would take the throne; and no, it’s not thing to rule anyone. I just want to know.”

“Vlad had us test you years ago; yes you want order and justice but you were much into battle and missions; you crave the battleground not the responsibilities. You were given a job to overcome a king because his son wanted the throne... you turned it down. You would not get into politics; you took the next job which was in Africa. You took the lesser job because you said you valued family. He knew then that you were not a threat. Although we didn’t know about the Djinn; which we haven’t forgotten that.”

❧

She looked over at Friedrich and none of this surprised him.

“You knew?”

“I knew a princess warrior was to assist in a job that was a test; I swore I was to protect her. I didn’t know it was you until the night of when your uncle told me. As I said you were my mate but I wasn’t going to push it on you; if you wanted me then an oath fulfilled.”

“Creed was given orders to find you once you were married and bring you both to Transylvania. We didn’t know who else was ordered to kill you, so when you went rogue to Alaska, I thought I was going to be killed. Failure isn’t welcomed. However I heard rumors of a new girl working at bar and not too long after inmates were being fed on. I intercepted you before anyone else could harm you. Of course I told Friedrich; he swore to protect you at all cost. Kind of like your father; the Scottish vampires are hot blooded. They were given the opportunity to join Vlad instead of being enemies. Why Lachlan was to marry Irina. Your mother was to marry an ally of Vlad. Now you’re pregnant so we hope...”

“Hold on... I’m pregnant?”

She turned to Friedrich and his eyes proved to be truth. 

“So my child is to fix the past? What if I say no?” Florin Agoston looked at her, “Then he or she will have other choices; however we hope that they choose an ally not an adversary. But I digress. So back to Africa, Djinn has attacked more of our mines and we found out because of your evidence, we know someone has summoned a creature. Your uncle Vlad admires your ability to hunt down. Our lord has many enemies but a lot of them fear your coming.”

“So I am just a pawn a tool for my half brother?”

“You are definitely a granddaughter of Vlad the second. No. You are loved by people who you don’t even know. Your uncle met you once already. He wouldn’t reveal who he was but you at parties you really are a horrible host.”

❧

She went to sleep on her husband’s shoulders till they landed in Romania. The small airport was apparently private and only for guest of Vlad. She expected her uncle to look older maybe gray haired or something like from the books she read. She really didn’t trust history seeing that much of was written by humans who took sides and rarely written from a neutral stand point. Coming to the castle she was now on her guard. Her things from her mother’s case was in the luggage including her mother’s swords and daggers. Agents were well armed and had been sent to escort her husband and her and the agents inside. She looked around and took everything in.

“My dear niece, Mihaela Ariel Warrier-Krüger, welcome home.”

It was Vincent Gose. Yes he looked older than what she looked but not more than in his 30’s. Beside him was his wife, who was at least 28 years old.

“Actually I’m well over 300 years old but 35years old works for me; my lovely, half sister. My wife she is 25. She is a lot younger than us.”

Yes, he was a mind reader. Great, good luck with reading the mess that’s on here. 

“I’ve read worse. Come join us for dinner; I’m sure you are famished.”

“Yes, very much. May I freshen up please?”

Friedrich had no problem getting ready for a dinner part; I on the other hand preferred jeans and black sweater. I found my blue silk dress. Putting on my mother’s necklace and my ear rings, I was so ready to eat. 

“Darlin, I’m sorry I did not tell you, you were pregnant.”

Ariel looked at him after the long flight, she actually loved the idea.

“Don’t be. I never thought I would get married or have a family, so now I see it as a blessing. Honestly, I wanted to know who I was and I’m accepting it.”

❧

At dinner there was rare steaks served and goblets of blood mixed in with wine. My uncle and I didn’t say much as everyone was sitting and talking. Exchanging stories and competing who got to do what; I just studied my Vlad. He and I do have some facial features, our dark hair was like ebony. He was almost as tall as my husband. I looked at his wife definitely just been turned recently; looking at her hands she wielded some power. My eyes darted at each person that I didn’t know and studied them along with the security. My husband made a block for my thoughts so that I had some privacy; which I was grateful. Some of the security were Norse and a few were military soldiers from different eras. He even had a few Scotsmen and Irish men; so everyone here is either a warrior or  of noble blood. 

“Ariel, I’m sure you had some war stories.” A woman who sat by Ivan.

He chuckled along with Esmeralda, “She doesn’t talk about her war stories.”

Another vampire who was of German decent looked directly at her, “I’ve seen her fight; she killed a few of my men.”

She looked at him; she was not apologetic or felt the need to defend her actions. He admired that about her; his half sister she did a job that needed to be done.

“Ariel, are you not happy here?”

She heard the question asked in her mind as she followed the source, “I’m soaking everything in... “

“You are not one to socialize; but staying too quiet raises flags here... especially when your husband blocks my mind reading.”

❧

Friedrich smiled at as he ate his food; and she was thinking of things to talk about.

“I have many battles and wars; both in the human world and against creatures. I worked over fifty years in law enforcement and worked different cases. Cold cases are the ones I tend to lean towards. My mother brought me on bounty hunting back in the day; I guess that’s why I’m into criminal justice.”

Everyone looked at her; which she hated but her uncle encouraged her to talk to let everyone know she was at ease. Reality is she rather have a shot of whiskey and a smoke. Living during the Wild West, she grown a liking to whiskey and smoking. Esmeralda laughed, “this is the most you spoke in a group; even at the bar, she’ll have a drink or more and watch.”

She smiled at Esmeralda but inside she wanted to leave the room and play pool or even work out. She never was social just preferred work and planning. She learned to dance only because her mother insisted but now she felt awkward. 

“Excuse me.”

She left the room and went to collect her thoughts. Friedrich came after her and she wasn’t use to the socializing. 

“What’s wrong?”

“I’m not use to talking about myself; I’m use to being around a few people then leaving. I’m gonna change and go for a jog. Learn my environment or something. You stay and I’ll be okay. I just need to chill out some.”

He kissed her and headed back into the dinning room. She changed out of her dress and into a sports bra and jogging pants. She didn’t have to exercise or work out; but it helped her focus and work out her mind. She went outside allowing her eyes to switch to night lights. She saw the gate and then saw past the perimeters. She jogged around the property and saw a pool. She quicken her pace and moved like lightning. She saw a few training area and tomorrow she could train. 

❧

Then she saw the wooden spikes in the ground. Some still had blood on them. 

“Those are for them that betray me or a reminder of who I am.”

She turned around band saw Vlad. 

“If I’m not supposed to be here..”

“None sense, you are my niece and this is your home too. Walk with me we have much to talk about.”

She walked beside him as the night air was cool but it was definitely different from home.

“You have no problem around enemies or dealing with missions; but a crowd just being friendly, you get crowded. Why?”

“Enemies I trust; they want you dead and you know what to expect. In crowds you’re around those who could be playing you; at least missions I get in and get out or make a way out.”

“We could be twins; but my wife thinks you want my throne.”

“You can keep your throne; I hate being diplomatic, even though I can be forgiven. I am a soldier, detective, a rogue and etc. My husband’s mother wanted me to be a socialite. I’m not. Why my uncle and I got along. We played chess and drank whiskey, sometimes scotch.”

“I’m sure you can be tactful.”

“You mean go undercover and collect intelligence. Yes, looking young humans tend to think I’m not aware. That’s how I apprehended criminals. Look I didn’t know I had a family until last night. I had lived many lives and lies; I’m here because I was told I had missions and to learn who I am. The only socializing I do is for business.”

“You are a killer and yet you harness your abilities to fit in a human world. Monsters know this and yet you switch it up on them. You can be beneficial when it comes to business with humans. However, you need training in our world. Guns are good but your powers need awakening.”

“You sound like Friedrich; he wants me to use my gifts more...”

“Because you been taught to avoid being a vampire. Tomorrow be ready you will train to tap into your vampire strength.”

“Why did you want to protect a possible threat?”

“Your uncle is known by many; whenever you went to visit growing up, I was there to watch. Every mission you have ever taken; was for me. It killed me in a way to keep you in the dark. However, your mother and uncle thought it best. I have to agree they were right. Now you’ll fight to know more and not be so willing to run away from the task at hand. Your mother ran because she thought that she could do better on her own. She didn’t want you to live her mistakes. You’re home now niece ; and you are needed and wanted here.”

She looked at him leave and then looked down... she remembered everyone who was close to her remind her that she needed to tap into her inner self and release the monster that she was; fear kept her from using her gift, because she didn’t want to be a monster that was mindless. She remembered the training field and headed there; she needed to let things go.

Chapter 10

Awakening 

It was 6am and she hadn’t returned home. Friedrich looked everywhere and including the staff. No one including the mind readers could trace her. She had been gone for over six hours. Vlad had men search the towns as anger wondering if she left like her mother. By 8am Vlad, Friedrich, and six others checked the grounds and there she was on the training field.

She had lifted herself up and around her was a purple bluish aura. In front of her was targets as she focused her hands she shot ice spikes at the targets. She felt drained but she just stayed focused. She lowered herself back on the ground and focused on her globe, she remembered hearing about her mother’s death and from her hands she made ice blades. She remembered sword fighting and thanks to Friedrich she was able to do a little more. She moved quickly and with agility. She started feeling thirsty but she finally knew she had skills to be a better fighter. She fell to her knees and tried getting back up. She hadn’t told anyone where she was and again she tried to get up. She was in pain and remembered she was carrying her child. She felt foolish and forgotten a rule she was taught, never let herself be drained that’s when survival mode kicked in and anyone could become a meal. She was trying again to get up and from her she made a sound of rage. Her eyes were red as she was entering survival mode. 

❧

She closed her eyes and was trying to control the monster with in.

She moved with haste to the castle, she needed her packet and focused on getting back. She was confronted with her love ones. Friedrich reached her and he lifted her to the castle. She fed on packets one after another until her thirst was levitated. She drank fifty packets and was stabilized. Her baby was okay and everything looking normal.

“What were you thinking? You could have killed yourself and our child.”

Friedrich had never talked to her like this or even raised his voice to her; although she had given him reasons to, but again she started drinking some more packets.

“I’m sorry I really am. I just was wanting to know what I could do.”

“Fine! But not by yourself and not putting our child at risk; I can’t lose you again. You are not alone anymore and you need to know that. If you die then I’m not that far from you.”

She got up and nearly fell; she was still weakened. He bit into his wrist and let her drink some more; she did but stopped once she felt tears. She stopped and watched his wounds close. He kissed her forehead and she felt his hand on her lower abdomen. 

“Just let me in Ariel; I’m not going to let you fall. We are one and together we are strong.”

He helped her in the shower and pampered her; she slept to heal and he stayed close by. He was signaled to come to the conference room where Vlad, Ivan, Esmeralda, Florin, Creed and a few others were there waiting to begin.

“How is she?”

“She drank sixty packets and I gave her my own blood. She is sleeping now.”

“She is a lot stronger than what we thought. Are you sure she won’t try to take your place?” A woman who didn’t know Ariel; but because this woman was married to Vlad she feared that someone would kill him.

❧

Friedrich bit his tongue for every noble and warrior and especially kin knew Vlad wouldn’t doubt his intuition. Friedrich also knew his wife well enough to know she disliked leadership roles. Unless she was on a mission or undercover, his wife preferred solitude. 

“I’m sorry Friedrich but i do not know your wife; from what I saw, she is still unknown.”

“Elizabeth, my dear wife, I have known about my niece for a few hundred years. She has been alone fighter for a long time. Her breeding isn’t to over throw government; to her, government is government....” He was interrupted by Ariel.

“It’s about protecting them that cannot fight; it’s about honor. No matter how many lies that have been told there are those who depend on us to do what’s right. Sacrifice and honor.” Ariel came in rested and dressed in her Slayer outfit. 

“Elizabeth, I’m not here to take over; I’m here because of family. This is my opportunity to know who I am and find my place. I’ve been lost my whole life and now I got a stepping stone.”

❧

She sat down and listened to the conversation at hand. She watched the footage of the attacks on the trucks and got the images of the creatures from the areas. Each slide showed more information as she took notes. While they discussed who maybe behind the attacks she started reading reports. Checking out the lay outs and reviewing leads. She got up and looked at the pictures over and over again. 

“Where was this?”

“This was one of the mines in Africa.”

“This wasn’t the same mine we went to six months ago right?”

“No. This was further down; why?”

“The tracker under our truck was planted while we were being loaded. This isn’t outside vampires but someone on the inside has conjured a Djinn. These creatures attacking the trucks aren’t vampires but zombies. Not like the movies; they ooz green liquid.”

She removed a vile of the green stuff that was in her case. 

“We need two teams; one to do pick up and another to clear the way. Under the truck put this under the truck. It will scrambled any tracking device. It would help if you had undercover security at the mines. Maybe plant cameras throughout the place. Can the lab use the green stuff to make this a weapon; kind of what they did with silver?”

“Where did you get this?”

“When we got attacked; I must have gotten stabbed. I had to perform surgery in order to heal.”

❧

Vlad looked at her and back at the board. 

“I think I have a mission for you; go and investigate each mine. Hunt down the monster and bring me back the person responsible for summoning the creature.”

“Three weeks is what I normally asked for along with a small team.”

Later Ariel was going through her armory that kept at her uncle’s mansion. Her rifles and ammo were set; her mother’s blades along with the sword her husband had given her. 

“So who else is on our team?”

She turned around to see Friedrich suiting up. She smiled, “Just make sure you don’t miss. We are going after the Djinn and I’m having Esmeralda and Ivan going to the mines. She is a skin changer which she can get in and get out. Ivan can disappear; he can destroy the alter the one who used to summon the demon. To break the connection. We are gonna bide them some time.” 

She nearly walked out but again the case her mother’s armor was in was calling her like when she was back in the house. “Husband, do you have your Dragon Order armor?” He just grinned.

She took off her Slayer armor; and put on her mother’s armor but now it was hers. The white and gold armor was light weight. Her helmet covered her face and only her eyes showed. 

“It’s be centuries since I’ve worn this...”

❧

She turned around and smiled. Unlike her armor; his was thicker but his helmet was opened face. They stepped out of the room to be met with five others dressed in their Dragon Order armor.

“What is this?”

Vlad showed up in his armor; which was exactly like hers except the helmet showed his face. 

“You said you work in a small team; we go.”

She put her broadsword on her back and her single blades on her side holsters. She brought her satchel and followed. Her uncle led them to the chopper but before she got on she made sure she had her case. She did a count and then loaded up. She looked over the information and reviewed the places of attacks. She marked down where the attacks happened and pinpointed the drop zone. She thought about the area where they were preparing the trucks before going to the mines. Why not attack the main zone? None of the diamonds were ever taken. What if they were not after the diamonds; what would be the motive in the attacks. They knew they can’t turn other monsters. Think think all she could do until it dawned on her. Attacks were meant as a diversion. The mine, attacks on the trucks because of a diversion, and for what? 

“How many workers came up missing or quit?”

“Twenty all together.”

“How many attacks?”

“Twenty.”

She smiled, “The shrine isn’t at the mines. I know where it is.”

❧

The chopper landed at the main landing zone; where all the trucks were, and like she thought it was quiet.”

“Esmeralda look for this shrine. It’s gonna be hidden; but it will give off energy. You’ll see a lamp.”

Esmeralda looked at Ariel like she had lost her mind.

“Don’t . Look for a lamp. Once you find it bring it to me.”

Vlad watched as his niece worked; normally he took over the missions but he was intrigued. 

She clicked on her watch to start the timer. 

“This demon Djinn doesn’t want his lamp touched. Those who holds his lamps...”

“Holds his power...”

She nodded to her uncle. 

“They aren’t attacking the trucks to kill but creating a diversion. I just don’t completely know why. I know they are after the workers but that’s....”

They heard noises and there were the zombies; they looked as though they’ve been feeding, especially on themselves. Vlad and the others drew their swords. Amongst them was the demon. He was bigger than a tree; then Ivan ran out being chased by ghouls. Ariel touched the ground freezing the ghouls as the others chopped up the frozen ghouls. Her uncle creating a fire ball into the hoard of zombies. Using my telepathic abilities to give me my case. It took seconds to snap and to unleash hell. 

“Go after the Djinn!”

The zombies she got. Vlad and the others went after the demon. When the zombies were still coming Ariel gathered her powers creating a wall about as her hands pulled out her single blades from the sheaths. They could not break the aura as she was in the middle of the hoard. When she was done she saw her husband gripping his board sword from having his face ripped off. Her uncle’s fire gift could not afflict the demon. The creature had flames around him and my uncle putting an aura around Friedrich. But the demon creature turned when a ice spike hit him in the chest. 

❧

The ice had knocked him back some; and then another one struck him and then another, she didn’t let up. The demon creature looked at her weapon; and then using his gifts, he turned the weapon against her. She saw this and creating a wall of ice so that the bullets wouldn’t penetrate and kill her. She saw the gun aiming for the others that’s when Esmeralda came out with the lamp. Ivan got the lamp and ran towards Ariel. She froze the gun and got the lamp. The others were diverting the creature again. She started repeating the words that would contain the creature as she leaped into the air. She landed on the creature and held her broadsword underneath his neck.

“Djinn you are mine; I command thee to return to your lamp, now!”

She held onto the lamp as the demon creature went and then nothing. She broke the ice from the gun; she had frozen, by removing the ice back into her. Ariel checked on wounds and already handed the lamp over to Vlad. 

“There was never an African vampire just a man who wanted to rule Africa. The Djinn made him appear to be a vampire.” Esmeralda had went back to grab the man.

Ariel looked around at over 100 people were turned and over 100 laid on the ground. Their bodies burned and ashes buried. She clicked the time off and the next three days they covered their tracks by making sure the mines were cleared of any servants of the man. They collected 15 worshippers back at the base. By day the sixth day her uncle had loyal servants staying at the base camp. He also had undercover agents working security of the mines. Her uncle Rayburn sent people to assist Vlad’s men. Work was done to secure and make sure there was order. By the tenth day we were back at the castle. 

❧

She took off her armor and put everything back in her case. All she wanted was a hot bath and to relax. The tub could fit at least five people as she took a sip of her drink. 

“May I join you?”

She smiled when Friedrich came into view. She smiled watching him get in the tub. She got up and sat in his lap for a while. The water was nice hot and soaking as he felt her stomach. Her stomach was once flat now a bump was forming. He kissed her neck and massage her back; she moved around and sat in his lap. She wrapped her legs around his waist allowing his lips to kiss her while rubbing her breast. She slid her fingers around his cock and twisted and turning it never in the same direction and then started rubbing her hand up and down then added a twist. He could feel every motion when finally he grabbed her waist and he slid his maleness into her. Her hands grabbed his long hair and pulled her close to him. She moved her hips against him slowly and taking her time. He would let her take her time until he wanted control. Finally he wanted control back and he lifted her up and pushed her against the wall and holding her hands up and took control. Slow at first but he would get faster and faster; her moaning and her not being able to squirm until she was fully into ecstasy. Slowing down his pace as he came inside her. He carried her to bed and laid her down. 

Chapter 11

 Birth

The last few months Ariel had started showing more each day. Vampire babies were encased so you couldn’t really see anything. She craved more and stayed in her room most of the time. She did try to jog and get out of the castle from time to time. A month before she was due there was a baby shower that was thrown by Elizabeth. Over the last few months they had gotten closer; Elizabeth stopped worrying about Ariel’s intentions, and began looking forward to being a new aunt. 

Again another party and she didn’t want to be there but Friedrich was trying to get her into the spirit of socializing. She thought it more of torturing procedures. Vlad laughed at her thoughts about torturing. He didn’t laugh a lot but he enjoyed her sense of humor. Many times they played chess and the game would last forever. She and Friedrich would sword fight and she learned more about vampire fighting style; even though she preferred her side arms. 

❧

At the baby shower she had gotten things for both boy and girl and they were still bickering about names. Friedrich family came down and would stay for the new baby’s birth. She let everyone talk and eat and Ariel smiled but wanted to stick her head in the oven. That night everyone was singing and dancing and having a ball. She just went to the balcony to take a few minutes to breathe. Almost every noble vampire was here and she had played the part of being pleasant. She looked at her diamond watch and went back inside. She talked and showed gratitude and dance with a few guest. Friedrich smiled because she was at least trying. She excused herself again and went to the nursery and she paid to decorated herself. They finally agreed on names; a boy he will be named after Friedrich but a girl she would name her Valentina Raquel. Ariel left and went outside towards the garden. It was cold tonight but the moon was beautiful. She got a glimpse of the past and came back to reality. 

“Momma, I wish you were here; you and father would see your grandchild.”

She felt a breeze against her cheek and looked over and saw her mother.

“Dear, I’m always here for you. Just not the way you want. I’m so proud of you.” Beside her mother was her father. The image of them together brought happy tears. 

“I don’t know what kind of mother I would be; I don’t know, I’m just afraid.”

“Darlin, you’ll be a good momma. Just remember to give love and not be so hard on yourself.”

❧

At that her parents left; and she was now alone. Felt another presence but her senses went on alert. She got up to see red eyes. A werewolf but not like from home.

“You must be Ariel.... we have a message for you.” He shifted back into werewolf form and he went after her. 

The guest heard screaming and Friedrich realized his wife was not inside. He ran outside. Ariel outside was being held against the tree but pushed back against the werewolf. She had no weapons and lately was too tired to use her powers. She grabbed a stone and struck the the werewolf in the face. The werewolf saw others coming and looked at her in the eyes, “This isn’t over!” He ran off into the night and no one was able to track him. Her arm had a gash in it and saw faces staring at her. Her husband went to touch her but she freaked out. She didn’t see who was all there and realized she had been poisoned. 

“Get my baby out, now!” 

Her wound was sizzling and she fell to the ground and started having tremors. Vlad ordered the doctors to be ready as Ariel was rushed to the infirmary. 

❧

Emergency surgery was performed as they were able to deliver the babies; triplets. The babies were crying and appeared healthy though premature. Ariel on the other hand was fighting for her life. The doctor had to induce her into a coma; as they were trying to get the poison out. Human that lived in the castle were woken up to give blood. They had to drain her and give her a transfusion. Vlad going off wanting to know how an enemy got on his property without a problem. Friedrich wouldn’t let anyone see his children unless they were a doctor or nurse. He wanted Ariel to be the first as he watched over his children because he couldn’t see his wife. Extra security was placed around his babies and his wife. 

Ariel watched the entire thing and saw a light. Creed was next to her.

“The light gives you a chance to leave and be at peace or you can stay and comeback.”

“Where am I?”

“You are on the crossroad. Basically in between life and death.”

“But I’m already an undead; so I can leave and go where?”

“Heaven or stay here on earth. You never committed crimes and you have sacrificed so much. That is your reward.”

❧

Friedrich held her hand as tears rolled down, “come back to me, my love. Fight. Please fight.”

She looked at him and back at the light, “Death is gonna have to wait a little while longer.”

He nodded and tapped her forehead and the machine was going crazy. She woke up screaming waking her babies up. 

“Ariel, it’s okay, it’s okay.”

She held onto him and shaking and realizing she was not between life and death anymore. She hugged him and saw the nurses holding her babies. She had three!! 

Vlad and the rest of the household was alerted that Ariel was awaken. 

She held her babies for the first time; two little girls and one boy. Friedrich Adalard Krüger 11 would be their son’s name; the first born, little girl was name Valentina Raquel Krüger; but for the smallest baby girl, Odette Rocío Krüger. Baby vampires drank blood but because she had been poisoned, they had to get packets of blood. By that night she was moving around and doing a briefing was out of the question, by Friedrich. Her babies were now in their nursery and she was told by the doctor to rest. 

She remembered what had happened and rest was out of the question. Something took a chance to kill her unborn babies and her; revenge seemed to be on her list of things to do. She waited till everyone left her alone she got on the computer to speak to an old friend.

“Alexander, how would you and your family like to come to Transylvania?”

Chapter 12

No Rest For Anyone 

After three weeks since she had awaken from her coma; she had taken her babies out for a walk under the moonlight. She had her side arms and blades; so she wouldn’t be caught off guard. Vlad had double his security to make sure nothing could attack on his property, again. She had to be with soldiers from her team or Friedrich or Vlad nearby. She was expecting Alexander and Tony to be here in a few days. She on the other hand read her books and did some research. Whoever that werewolf was; he knew her, wondering if it was something from her past. Her babies started crying so she knew the drill: diapers, feeding and nap. Four hours later she asked Elizabeth to watch her babies so she could do a few things. She showered and dressed in jeans and a black shirt and grabbed her jacket. She set her watch for two hours so she could go to do some research. She let her hair down and put on her sunglasses. She grabbed a couple of silver blades. 

❧

She stuck one in each boot holster; she also made sure she had her silver sword in her back’s holster. Her jacket covered it so she was ready to go. Her motorcycle was just cleaned and upgraded. A town over she found an old building that tourists loved because it was something from the scary movies. Vlad and the others were in the conference room with other nobles. Not her scene; unless it was a mission or reviewing evidence, she wasn’t interested in it. Her husband and others were on an escort mission; they were bringing here an elder of the counsel. Tonight everyone was here to see the babies. There hasn’t been a baby here in ages. But three babies was in the vampire world was almost unheard of.

There in the old building she read every book on legends. She paid the guy a nice sum to let her read without anyone in the building. Scanning through books about werewolves who disappears. Werewolves don’t just vanish. She knew Alexander long enough to know he knew the werewolves packs. Vampires and werewolves have a truce; if word got out that a werewolf tried to kill a vampire there could be a possible civil war. Writing notes when her beeper went off; dammit! She saw the old man again and gave him his money. She told him she would be back again.

“I know what you’re looking for, Mihaela Ariel Warrier-Krüger, he is not a werewolf.”

“How do you know?”

“Come we need to talk.”

She twitched her lips and turned off her beeper. 

❧

Friedrich fell in love with a wild one and he knew this; but after her being attacked, and almost dying. She still wouldn’t ask for help. She wouldn’t answer her beeper and no one knew where she went. The Elder wanted to meet the Warrior princess, but she went offline. He couldn’t tell Vlad; Friedrich looked at his children and smiled, “Your momma is one helluva woman but she’s gonna be the death of me.”

He was looking for the nanny because he was gonna go look for his wife but Vlad glaring. 

“Where is Mihaela Ariel Warrier-Krüger? The guards didn’t even know she left?”

“Sire, I tried contacting her and she turned her beeper off.”

“She needs to know she needs us and she isn’t a lone fighter. If she wasn’t my niece I would skin her hide.”

“It must be a Vlad thing.”

“Yes, you can say that; I should have known she would pull a stunt like this.”

❧

“You have to give me protection; especially if you want my help.”

“You give me something if you want my protection.”

“I lived here amongst your kind and others all of my life. Have you ever heard of Van Helsing?”

“Yes, he was a fictional character said to hunt down Dracula.”

“Well the real Van Helsing was actually named Helwing; he was a Lutheran pastor. 300 years ago he claimed he fought vampires and werewolves and whatever else was considered a man to be feared. There was a story of his youngest son was tricked by a Gypsy. Helwing killed her son because he thought the boy was a werewolf. Her son had an illness that today is treatable. Back then illnesses was looked at as curses. A son for a son; she told the lad she could help him be a better fighter for his father just drink a potion. He was never heard of or seen again, till two hundred years ago. You kicked open an old story. Helwing’s son wants to be a monster hunter. You are his competition.”

“How does America sound?”

❧

She made a call so that the old man could be taken to a safe house. Creed came to the store to closed; he smiled at her.

“I take it, you want this as your office.”

“Pretty much. This place has a lot of information; one big treasure trove. Just watch over him till I get everything set up.”

She was running late and preparing herself for an angry husband and uncle. She had managed to do what she wanted to do and at times she missed the freedom. Granted she wanted to be part of a bigger picture instead of wondering around trying to figure things out. She drove her cycle to the garage and ran up to their room. She quickly showered and dressed in her best mermaid dress. Black and silver was her choice of colors tonight. Her children were sleeping but she picked out their little outfits and finished herself up. Downstairs everyone was arriving and he saw Ariel’s motorcycle; so where she was he kept looking at the guest when he caught her scent.

She looked so gorgeous from her head to her toes; she definitely was royal. In her arms was all three of their beautiful babies.

He kissed her but he telepathic sent her a message, “You’re still in trouble darling.”

She smiled and he read her mind, “I stay in trouble, my love. Besides once I tell you what I found out; you’ll understand why I do what I do.”

❧

He held their two daughters and she cradled their son. They entered the room with their babies. His mother stern face melted at the look of her grand babies. Her uncle and aunt looked with great pride as they say their niece with her babies. 

“Ladies and gentlemen we like to introduce to you our triplets: Friedrich Adalard Krüger II, Valentina Raquel Krüger; and Odette Rocío Krüger.”

“Mihaela Ariel Warrier-Krüger, the granddaughter of Vlad II and niece to Vlad III. You are one hard vampire to meet. Friedrich Adalard Krüger, you married a rarity.” The Elder spoke with kindness. 

“I am sorry about your mother, Mihaela, but now you have taken your place. Come and walk with me; let us talk.”

“Just you and I or all of us walk with you?”

Friedrich answered, “My love go walk; I’m sure our family will want to spend time with our beautiful children.”

She nodded and allowed the Elder to take her hand and walk the gardens.

Chapter 13

A Walk With Wisdom

The Elder had very long, silver and black colored hair. Though he was the eldest of all of us; he still looked at least 48.

“You are kind to say I look 48; I am well over 700 years old. One of a few that has last this long. Tell me, when you found out your lineage, why come here?”

“Well, I wanted to know who I was. I’ve spent over 200 years living lies and I wanted to make a difference.”

“Yes, you lived amongst humans and obeyed their laws; yet when you worked with the children of the underworld, you held a standard. You have said we created monsters and you wanted to learn from our mistakes. There are many who want to know if you’re going to raise against your uncle; but your uncle feels that you are a soldier, to obey and follow through. You go by rules but you break rules; why?”

“I break rules when it interferes with my job. I am not diplomatic or one to meddle in politics. I just want to do what needs to be done and come home and be a mother.”

“You know your uncles, husband and those around you know only politics. You freed the mine now you bolster your uncles reign. Yet you come home and get back to work.”

“My mother and Alexander ran a town; I did recon, cleaned up messes; and the leg work. I was happy because they handled the affairs and enforced the laws. I was happy to keep things simple.”

“The vampire who had your parents killed; by right, she should be killed. Even the human, you could’ve killed him, but you didn’t. You left for Alaska and even there you fed on criminals; and yet you let them live to face justice. Tell me child, what was your thinking behind all of this?”

❧

She thought of everything from the past to present, “I hold my standards high and if I allowed myself to break my standards; then I lose the lessons I’ve learned. The woman who killed my parents needed to be held accountable. Yes I admit I wanted to kill her; I even suckered punched her; but I figured she never was held to a standard and I pray when she is released she’ll remember her punishment. Will she? I don’t know; but maybe her mother will remind her the consequences of her daughter’s actions and her daughter will be reminded that the next time is death. I forgave her not for her but for my sanity. The human is in prison for the rest of his life; that is a death sentence. If I kill out of anger then I haven’t learned anything.”

“Do you think you’re better at being a judge or jury or the executioner?”

“None of those.”

“Why?”

“I am no body’s judge; every person who hands out a verdict needs all the evidence to make a worthy verdict. I am the kind I want everything on the table because I can’t just hear something and not ask questions. I wouldn’t want the executioner because what if they execute an innocent man. I’ll go after the accused and let him or her have their day in court.”

“Your children, will you keep to the custom or allow fate choose who they will marry?”

“I would allow fate to deal her cards. If it’s meant to be then it shall happen. No matter what you do or don’t do, things will happen as they are supposed to.”

“Do you believe what happened to you was by chance?”

“No. Everyone that I loved had a part to play; what happened with my mother and father was fate, neither knew they would fall in love; but they did. With Friedrich and I, we met because cards were being played.”

“I am getting old, Ariel. Where I do not want to keep on going. The counsel will be convening soon; I am to find a replacement as a judge. I am to choose who would be best for being a voice of reasoning. Your uncles think you would be; but I believe you already know your heart would not be in it. But I believe you would be an excellent replacement.”

❧

She heard what he said but she looked him straight in the face, “I cannot take the position. I implore you to find another; my husband is a better choice then I.”

“Your husband, why? Why you are not a good choice but your husband is?”

“My husband knows this lifestyle of nobles better than I. My husband knew the cards that was being played to make me his wife. Instead he gave me a choice; I could’ve gone in any direction. You want a voice of reasoning, that isn’t me. You know I spent years working as a detective and hunter and tracker. I would miss that. I spent years being a bounty hunter bringing in criminals and then working cold cases. The only diplomatic experience I have is notifying a clan leaders letting them handle their own. As a judge you are handed paperwork and by the leg work will determine someone’s fate. I rather be the one who makes sure every piece of evidence is ironclad verses depending on the paperwork to be ironclad.”

The Elder looked at her with anew respect and nodded. “You are like the Van Helsing in the vampire world. You have given me a lot to think about; and I appreciate that. Most vampires especially those in power would jump on this opportunity but you refused it. Maybe one day you will reconsider a position in politics?”

“If that day comes then it will be forced on me; being a counsel position you sometimes have to play nice, I don’t play very well with others.”

He chuckled at that as they headed back, “You remind me so much like myself. There was a time I would have no part of old men bickering; but then one day my father was killed so at the time, I was thrown in to the wolves. Most of us accept our position; but you, you stand up for your beliefs even if you stand alone. Don’t lose that; it takes all kinds to make a difference. If ever another position comes open, take it.”

❧

They walked back inside and Ariel took the Elder’s voice to heart. The party the event was nearing to an end. She put her children in their crib. By 3am everyone left but those remaining were called to stay. Ariel was about to leave but her uncle Rayburn called her to the conference room. The Elder was seated at the middle seat. Vlad took his chair and the rest took their place. She stood up because all the seats were taken; even her husband and father in law were seated.

The Elder spoke, “The counsel have convened about your position, here. Your encounters from the past to recent have proven you are not ready for the position in the counsel. That being said we have talked about your position within the Dragon Order. Your armor is recognized as another position. Vlad and Rayburn have defended your sense to hunt. Your husband has testified that your abilities as a hunter are impressive. After reviewing your cases, I and others have concluded you are better in the field. We offer you a position to enforce: to hunt down and bring us those that are guilty; to face our justice. You will carry out our verdict if necessary. Can you do this task?”

Ariel looked at the faces of the counsel and saw her mother standing behind them. She realized why her armor was different why her mother had trained her the way she did. Her mother smiled and nodded.

Ariel looked again at the Elder and the counsel, “I am honored to take this position.”

“Do you swear to uphold our laws, our justice and carry out our verdict?”

“I swear.”

“Then by our decision Mihaela Ariel Warrier-Krüger, you are our weapon of justice; The Dragon Order’s Death Agent.” 

“My lord, I will pledge to uphold my duties.”

The Elder snapped his fingers and brought forth Irina Krüger. She was in silver chains and forced upon her knees before her father and brother. Pain in their eyes as she was chained to the floor’s hooks.

❧

Gergana Krüger came forth with tears, “I am here to plead my case for my daughter’s freedom. My daughter acted out foolish rage because she was heartbroken. Please, I beg you all... have mercy.”

The Elder looked at Irina Krüger, “Your crimes as follows: 

Murder of Lachlan Castle and the murder of Ana Cristina Warrier. How do you plea?”

She looked at her father and brother, “She already forgave me!”

“How do you plea?”

“Guilty... I’m sorry.”

“Yes we acknowledge that she forgave you but has Vlad III forgave you? You killed his sister and killed a Slayer. Ana Cristina Warrier was a member of the Dragon Order. Is there anyone who will speak for her of the counsel?”

Her father stood up, “my lord I ask that you show her mercy.”

The Elder looked at Ian, “I understand she is your only daughter; we recognize this. Friedrich how about you. Your sister killed your wife’s parents. Will you speak for her?”

“Sister I do love you. I know family loyalty but there is also another question, I must ask. If she wasn’t family; would we show mercy? The answer is no.”

“Brother, please!”

He sat back down not staring at anyone and his face was solemn. He loved his sister but she allowed anger to blind her; and because of vengeance, two vampires were killed.

Vlad the third stood up, “Why should we show mercy when she did not?”

Ariel looked at the woman and then Gergana and then at the counsel.

The Elder looked at Ariel, “You may speak.”

❧

She remembered criminals that committed crimes and remembered the victims especially those who could not speak for themselves. Remembering how she hunted the murderers to face justice but then justice at times never came through.

“Yes I forgave you Irina and I harbor no hate towards you. Whatever judgement is given know that it was you that chose this path.”

The Elder, “Irina Krüger you plead guilty for your crimes. Your brother asked something that rings true; if it was someone else would we show mercy? None of us would; our laws were broken and you knew what you were doing. You had the intent to kill regardless if it wasn’t by your hands. You are striped of your title. You are to be strung up and your noble blood removed. By sunlight you will die.”

As quick as lightning the Elder drained Irina; for the ability to withstand the sun was removed. Ariel escorted Irina to the tower where the sun would be opened up at dawn. 

“Ariel I am truly sorry. Tell my brother I understand and I love him.”

“I will and thank you.”

She shut the door of steel behind her and by dawn Irina died alone. Gergana collected her daughter’s ashes; she looked at her son, Friedrich. She slapped him, “You are no longer my son. You could’ve stopped this.”

“No mother, you should’ve stopped your daughter. She was responsible for her own decision.”

His father looked at his son, “Give your mother time. I know and understand why; it’s just hard. Irina’s death is mine to bare not yours.”

They hugged and returned to the counsel. Three days the counsel went over business and over crimes that had been waiting to be dealt with; on the fourth day she was sent out to deliver the punishments. 

❧

Finally Alexander and Tony arrived and met everyone; afterwards, they met Creed.

“We need to go to Creed’s cottage to meet someone who has information on that werewolf.”

An hour later they met the older man who seemed well taken care of; he handed her a file.

“This is what I have on the cursed man.”

Alexander and Tony read the files and looked at Ariel. 

“This is Helwing story; and yes he was a Lutheran pastor. 300 years ago he fought and killed vampires; many werewolves were my kin and friends. Plus he went after anyone and anything that he considered evil.” As he read and remembering the story of his youngest son; who was tricked by a Gypsy. Helwing killed her son because he thought the boy was a werewolf.

“The Gypsy story is true. Werewolves know the story very well. The boy who was mistaken as a werewolf but he had a skin condition called: Hypertrichosis, also known as werewolf syndrome, which is a condition characterized by excessive hair growth anywhere and everywhere. Many women and men were hunted down because of this excessive hair growth.”

Ariel looked again, “So her son had hypertrichosis; so then this illnesses was looked at as curses.?”

Tony said exactly what the old man said, “A son for a son; she told the lad she could help him be a better fighter for his father just drink a potion. He was never heard of or seen again.”

She looked at them with a grim face, “Until two hundred years ago. Apparently I have kicked open Pandora’s box; and now, Helwing’s son wants me dead.”

❧

“Always causing trouble eh little sister.” She laughed a little, “Now what?”

“Now we do some investigations. We still have family here in the old country. Just so you know he isn’t a full fledged werewolf. Native Americans would call him a wendigo. Cursed but still can be turned back into a human. It’s gonna take some time to get the information; so until then stay alive.”

As the days passed her husband was given the Elder position so both he and Vlad were both Elders; the other three were handling affairs from different locations that held power. The main location they met was in Italy. In the meantime, she was given cases that needed to review and went over evidence collected. London had a few vampires who were into drugs. She was sent out there to handle the situation. They agreed to stay in Transylvania, Vlad and his wife, Elizabeth, could use the extra security. For her job, she was able to turn one room into her work room. Her armor and weapons were kept there; and she made sure everything she ever owned was now with her. Looking through files until she found one that caught her eyes.

❧

A young vampire only a hundred years old and getting into criminal acts with humans. The law couldn’t track him down; only come after the humans who worked under him. Ariel dressed as a business woman was undercover watching the vampire. Only three men he had were fellow vampires but the rest were humans. The file she had on him was a long list: murder at least six counts, drug trafficking and running a human cattle circuit by using children. Twelve children were kidnapped from an orphanage. She got the evidence she needed; and now to bring him and coconspirators; tonight the hunt begins. She suited up and by midnight she went after them; the warehouse was a front, the slaughterhouse covered traces of blood and kept police from at bay. The guy who was behind the metal door asked what she wanted. She let her fangs to let him know she was one of them. 

“I’m sorry I can’t let you in; there is a new Death Agent. I need...”

She kicked open the door with her new strength. The guy flung hard against the wall. She made sure he was out because he wasn’t a vampire so local police would handle him. She cuffed him and moved onto her agenda. She moved quickly by taking out any person in her way. She put on her face mask looking for the children. She handed them a note and sent then after the police. Her timer set on her watch; time was ticking. She found the first two coconspirators and they held out their swords. She dispatched them quickly; shots were fired and her eyes lit up. She sent an ice spike through his head. Now to the last guy, Dante.

❧

He held a child as a shield against her, “I’ll kill her and not think twice about it.”

“I’m Mihaela, you are wanted for the crimes of murder, drug distribution and human cattle of children; I am here to take you in.”

“Again back off I will kill her!”

She snapped her finger and moved quickly stunning the guy with her powers. She told the little girl to run. She had 15 minutes to remove anything that had anything to do with vampires existing. An hour later she was on board on the plane and watched on the news of a drug bust and story that the kidnapped children were found. The three dead vampires were disposed of and Dante was put in a cell made of silver. She handed in her papers and handed over the evidence she collected. 

Chapter 14

Old Business 

She was spending time with her babies; five months and they were moving around and she gave them loves and hugs. She couldn’t believe how big they were getting. Their young son was into everything and had to touch everything; young Friedrich was learning to crawl and was stubborn. Her eldest daughter Valentina was biting everything though her fangs were more like little pricks she was into biting her teddy bear. She crawled over to her brother and bit his foot. She had to pick up Friedrich as he started crying but later he pushed her and it was sibling war. Odette didn’t get into her older siblings war. She sat and watch and started trying to climb the wall. Ariel has to grab her baby girl and though she was excited her little girl was advancing, but still she had much to learn. 

“They are beautiful Ariel. Your husband is coming home today.”

“Yes, the new position of an Elder has been rough but I’m sure we will get into the swing of things; Elizabeth, can you watch my babies for a little bit. I gotta go for an errand.”

“Don’t go too long, Vlad will be home shortly.”

“Yes, I know. But I got to take care of something real quick. A little old business.”

“Does this involve that werewolf?”

Ariel just looked at her, “Leave well enough alone; just help me by watching Friedrich’s babies.”

❧

Getting to the cottage was easy but it was hidden, very well. The old man was already in the states with a new identity and would live off grid. Alexander and Tony sent her a package for her and she was gonna take it to the store, she now owned. She went through everything but she felt something was off; she got out her revolver and took the package. Two men came in carrying FN SCAR rifles. 

“I thought the old man was here. He isn’t gonna like it.”

“There is a motorcycle out front; someone is here, just watch your back.”

They signal to the others to come inside. Five men and they were going through the cottage. Any other day she would fight but she had the package and needed it. She pushed the motorcycle’s key button. She lowered her revolver back in the holster. The men turned around and the motorcycle burst through the house. She used hand to hand because they were not monsters but humans, soldiers of fortune. She took the FN and shot each in the legs. On her motorcycle and grabbing the package she drove through the window. Outside she had at least six others running to the truck and shots were fired. Ariel drove past them and returned fire. She moved not going back to the castle making sure she stayed away until she reached the cave. The bullet went through her leg even though it burned she was out of sight. On the back of her cycle she kept blood packets. She drank the blood and put some blood on her wound. She put the package in her trunk. Night came and still those men were searching. 

❧

Friedrich was home and ran to his wife and children; he hadn’t been home in forever, what seemed like forever. His children were asleep and he knew Ariel had been back for over a week now. But he couldn’t find her. Vlad also came home from their trip to Italy. They had talked about taking the family to Switzerland and relax from work. Elizabeth came up to them with worry, “She isn’t back yet. The men went out looking when Ariel’s motorcycle alert went off. They found some men killed but lost Ariel’s motorcycle tracks. The bulllets were silver.”

Next thing they knew they heard rapid fire outside. Ariel was coming through the gates and firing her gun. They saw two werewolves coming at her. They rushed outside with their own guns. Ariel running out of ammo grabbed her swords and started fighting. Her motorcycle kept moving to the garage. The werewolf leaped in the air; and she moved quickly, taking her blade then driving it into his heart. Another werewolf was coming at her and she sent an ice spike into the creature’s head. She grabbed the blade and cut off the creature’s head. She knelt on the ground and felt her skin burning. She ripped off her jacket and her sweater; dammit! She got out her dagger and cut into her flesh. Gritting her teeth she ripped out a nail from one of the beast. She looked to see Friedrich and Vlad looking at her, “Don’t; not right now.”

She had a T-shirt underneath as she stormed into the garage and got the package. She went straight into the room with bar and grabbed a bottle of whiskey. All she wanted to do was calm down. She replayed the incident; she knew the smell of werewolves and these men didn’t have that scent. She finished the bottle and as she still was going through adrenaline rush.

“Okay Ariel, talk. What did we just witness?”

“We got a problem. I got to go back to London. The creature that attacked me when our babies were delivered early. He isn’t a werewolf. Those creatures tonight were not werewolves. Here is the files and I got to go.”

“Hold on; where are we going?”

❧

They rushed to get on the jet and head to London. Vlad sent a text message to his connections and got a response. They arrived in London; from there they were picked up. Ariel went to the coffee shop and had the briefcase. 

“I dispose of the drugs and switched it with cocaine. Here is what’s left.”

She grabbed the coffee cup. 

“There are other dealers here; we are in the process of finding out their locations.”

She sat by the window and dropped the key and left. The barista grinned as he went to go pick up the keys. And off he went to pick up his money at the terminal. Ariel went back to the hotel and put the drug into a safer container. Friedrich was pissed beyond measures. They were supposed to be working together but of course they made his wife an agent. He had to trust her because she has done this job and knew how to do the job. As a vampire dominance ran high; a power trip almost; he just wanted to protect her and his children. She came out of the bathroom after a shower. Their babies and Elizabeth and a few others were in Scotland. 

“Okay here is the whole story in a nutshell. That creature is a cursed son of a man who had hunted our kind and werewolves. The boy spent years looking for the Gypsy woman to take off the curse. She wouldn’t so now he wants to punish us by giving humans the abilities of us without turning them.  The drug bust I did a few years ago; apparently I stumbled onto something without even knowing it. Basically I kicked opened Pandora’s box without knowing it. This creature thinks I knew what he was doing years ago but I had no clue till now. Right before I met you I was working a case and I was thinking it was young werewolves; but now, it makes sense!! Like duh those kids were just humans who were drug addicts that stumbled on this drug, here.”

Vlad listening and Friedrich pacing back and forth, “So those werewolves were not werewolves. You said you had gotten a package earlier.”

“Alexander sent me the last five years of cases involving dna and now I’m realizing why. These were those who I thought were werewolves but they were never werewolves. His men intercepted them because they were  breaking werewolf laws. Like earlier, those soldiers of fortune did not have the scent of lycans; but they changed into wolves. The man wants a war.”

Vlad stopped and looked at her, “So we need to locate these drugs distributions sites and destroy the drug.”

She looked at him, “That and create an antidote; a major clean up.”

Friedrich looking out the window, “We need to call an emergency counsel. This isn’t just in one country or two but international.”

“We still have that vampire I apprehended, Dante. He must know more about this...”

Chapter 15

Going Fishing 

“Florin Agoston, yes this is Ariel. I need you to come to London; I have a mission for you.”

Vlad making contacts while we were in Scotland. So much for Switzerland and a vacation was out the window. What a lovely life as a vampire as I was going through a stack of paperwork. In the last three weeks she has been hunting leads. The Slayers crashing in on drug circuits and testing the drugs to find out if the drugs were laced with serum. Closing down shops and bringing in different creatures for interrogations. Alexander has been calling pharmaceutical companies to push a new drug and getting the drugs passed out to hospitals they secured. The media, when needing to create a mass hysteria; they were so good as freaking people out. Luckily the antidotes were being made quickly and sent out. In order to protect the innocent they couldn’t know what was really going on. The main focus was to: get the people vaccinated; so they could not be used in a war, they should not be put into. They already were in their own wars and too busy to see the bigger picture.

❧

Florin Agoston was back in his role as the Hunter Fisher. He couldn’t believe of all the missions he was put back with humans. His new partner was a single dad who was investigated a murder in Florida. In the town was a supposed drug ring that was said to be one of the main distribution. Pretending to be a human wasn’t so bad; but somethings he had to rely on tv to get ideas. 

His new partner was very eccentric always questioning everything. Part of Florin wanted to use knock the man out but he needed a cover. 

“Why are we here watching a drug warehouse? Aren’t we supposed to be hunting a vampire?”

“We are finding out why he wants drugs being sold.” 

“Drugging their prey perhaps?”

Inside his head he was calling this partner an idiot; Fisher just wanted one normal partner, just one time. 

After a few hours finally the vampire from Chicago showed up. Under his watch he pressed the button. Now he waits.

❧

Friedrich and Ariel were playing with their babies, their children already eight months. After staying in Scotland for a couple of months; they came back to the states. She saw the lights going off. Her husband got on the computer and contacted Vlad. Esmeralda grabbed the triplets and took them to the panic room. It took matter of seconds for them to suit up and out the door. While they were following leads in the States; Vlad was getting information from prisoners. The hunt for Helwing’s son was on going; it was like chasing a ghost, no evidence of him anywhere. Elizabeth hugged him and kissed his cheek, “Stressed my love?”

“You can say that.”

“Since Ariel came into our lives; it’s been hell. Why don’t you just let her go and let’s get things back to normal. I worry about losing you; I’ve kept my mouth shut for almost a year. Things were so much simpler back when.”

Vlad looking at his wife with loving eyes; he had turned her over three years ago. He had saved her life when she traveled to Germany. She was just back from a dig site that stumbled on vampire history. A weapon that was lost but she found it. Apparently some of his enemies wanted it. She ran from them because she knew where the dig site was, and what else was there. He also had learned bout her finding the sword. 

❧

They were going to kill her but he intervened. Once they had secured the site and got the contents secured; she had a bounty on her by the other vampire. For over a year it was nightmare.

“You don’t understand her importance and her curse.”

Elizabeth sat down as her husband talked.

“My niece, she has to be strong and endure these things. Her mother and father didn’t just create a baby; how many vampire babies or children do you see? Ariel is a weapon that others crave to have. She is stronger than the eldest vampire but she refrains herself from being power hungry. The counsel respects her because she does what is necessary and yet she doesn’t want any control. You should’ve seen her fight two werewolves that struck her with silver. Enough to kill any other vampire; she pulled it out herself. In our family we have had a lot curses; this is war. I understand you my beauty; but what’s going on now, there is much at stake.”

“But this isn’t your fight. Why do you got to fight?”

“My Elizabeth, you think I’m going die and leave you; one day I think you’ll see why I keep Ariel nearby. Don’t jump to conclusions with her... have a little faith.”

He pulled her close and kissing her to comfort her; he knew she still had reservations about his niece, tonight it wasn’t about anything but love.

He carried his bride to their chambers and tonight she allowed him to do whatever he wanted to her; she was his in every way. Feeling his fingers all over her flesh she craved him in every way.

❧

By the next the next night Ariel and Friedrich were watching the warehouse. “Fisher” was supposed to meet them but he called said he was running late. Soon a limo drove up to the warehouse; she used her vampire’s vision and smiled.

“The vampire mafia were there; money to be made.”

“They want power Ariel; and control. They could get millions and they don’t realize the damage.”

She looked over the files and frowned, “from the documents you have; these were men turned. These guys were turned during the 1920’s; no wonder I always called them the mafia. Look.”

The pictures of old crew members of the mafia; they were supposed to be killed, but someone wanted them alive. 

“So what do you want to do?”

“I’m gonna start a fight.”

She had her armor on as she walked into the warehouse. Every person in their including the mafia vampires were armed.

“You don’t want to die so put down your weapons.”

“You do see we have all the guns here and you’re here alone.”

“Am I truly alone? Now must I kill you all or are you gonna play nice.”

Friedrich was listening in waiting for his cue. 

“Kill the bitch!”

That was his cue when a blast happened. Both Ariel and Friedrich cuffed everyone in here when Florin Agoston showed up with the van. Three more vampire agents showed up to take the cuffed vampire to the plane set for Transylvania. 

“Uncle come get our babies tonight; Friedrich and I are going back to Transylvania for a few days. Yes, take them there. Yes uncle; we will be safe. Have Esmeralda and Ivan to go with you guys.”

Human cops showed up but Ariel had showed them their fake ID’s. 

“Our jurisdiction guys.”

After an hour after cops verified the agents they finally left. Now it was time to comb through everything. Everything was bagged and tagged to be sent to her uncle’s castle. She came across some pictures and one of them was the old man; someone had found him.

She had Tony go check on the old man but unfortunately, the old man was torn apart. She felt this was a chess game that every minute her enemy was setting up his pawns. She looked at her husband and realized her move was next. Her knight was needed to be moved to protect what they both loved.

“Friedrich, we need to talk.”

Chapter 16

A Knight’s Move

“Ariel, I’m not leaving you; this isn’t a game.”

“I need you to trust me; this isn’t about you being less of a man. Yes, I know you need to protect our babies and the need to protect your family. But if you want to protect our family then I need to do this. I don’t want this; but like you, I took an oath.”

“Alone.. why always alone?”

“Because I don’t to see you killed. You knew who and what I was before you married me. In order to protect our family you need to call Dragan and Boris and your father. Protect our children at all cost.”

He hated her idea but he knew she was right. Their oaths meant something to the vampire’s court.

“You promise me then; you’ll comeback win or lose you come back. If you cannot win then leave. We will find another way. But you come home.”

She kissed him as tears rolled down her cheek, “at all cost, I will come home alive.”

Going to Transylvania she went directly to her room; she put on her armor that was a lot better then what she had on. Her swords put in their sheaths, she left her electronics behind. She saw her mother’s ring glisten; she had never worn them before but she took them and put them on. 

❧

She had her satchel and was about to leave when saw her uncle.

“You’re going alone to fight a war that requires an army.”

“Uncle, I’m just going hunting.”

“Sure you are and not alone.”

“I’m not asking for anyone to come; I don’t want any more blood on my hands. I’m gonna find him and put an end to this.”

“And as you king and your uncle; I’m going with you. Now stop being the lone wolf.”

She looked hard at him; following him to the garage there were three other motorcycles next to hers. Alexander and another werewolf.

“Mihaela Ariel Warrier-Krüger, I presume; your friend Alexander contacted me a month ago. I am Igor Smirnov.”

He kissed her hand and stepped back. Alexander smiles, “Meet the Alpha of all the werewolves. He is interested in what you dug up and wants to help.”

Igor grin but his grin told her he wanted blood. She nodded and led the way to the old shop in town. She grabbed the older books that she had found. 

“This is what the old man found on Helwing’s son. And since talking with a few historians this is what I found. A common blood sucking legend says that the rougarou is under the spell for 101 days. However this person has been able to channel the curse; so instead transferring from person to person, he drew his own blood into the drugs.

However the legend has it when the rougarou draws another human's blood.; he will transform back into human form, however he or she will be sickly. Once back as a human, he or she will refrain from telling others of the situation for fear of being killed.”

“So during the 101 days they’ll exhibit the curse?”

“Yes or if they continue to take the drugs they’ll add onto to those days. However in other stories; it ranges from the rougarou as a rabbit; or the rougarou being derived from witchcraft. In another myth; only a witch can make a rougarou: either by turning the person into an actual wolf herself, or by cursing others with lycanthropy. Now going back to the wolf there is a claim of the ghost wolf or Phantom wolves; but not much to go by. From the reports I believe it’s the one we are hunting down. There was one encounter that stuck out... the red eyed phantom wolf. If the reports are correct there was explosion not too far and everything was destroyed.”

“How do we kill it?”

“I talked to a German Myth and Writer; she had told me of a woman a few years ago that supposedly found a wolf sword. The Wolfe Bane. Here is the picture of it and the legend is..”

Igor growled, “It was what we used on our own. A thousand years ago, it was made as a punishment for those who broke our laws. Over 500 years ago it was stolen and we believe it was taken by cave robbers.”

Vlad looking at and realizing that he had it, “Elizabeth.”

❧

Ariel looked at Vlad, “What about..”

He looked angry as they heard trucks pulling up. They turned and heard someone clapping. She turned and saw a man dressed all in black. 

“Well done Ariel, your mind is absolutely brilliant. Now for my next trick.” He snapped his fingers and Elizabeth was wrapped in silver chains. “Now Vlad, Don’t do anything stupid; I’m here for Ariel not your bride.”

He smiled as his teeth were razor sharped.

“Now Ariel, you had your babies and thought they would be safe. Your father and mother thought that too about you. When I saw you, I knew I had found the right one.”

Elizabeth was crying as the chains were burning her flesh.

“Oh right, those chains could kill her; so enough with the past, right?”

Vlad eyes were glaring as we wanted to attack but he had a bargaining chip.

“What do you want me to do?” I starred at him; knowing whatever he wanted was going to break my promise to Friedrich.

“I’ll trade you for her; unharmed but only if you come peacefully. No armor and no weapons.” 

“I’ll come but also no harm to my love ones especially my husband and children.”

“Done.”

Ariel took off her armor and handed them to Vlad along with her weapons. All I had on was a sports bra and stretch pants. I looked at Vlad, “Tell my husband I’m sorry I had to break my promise and I love him and protect our children.” I sent him a telepathic message, “get that blade and find me.”

Elizabeth was released and the silver chains latched onto Ariel. And then they were gone.

❧

“What happened?”

Elizabeth trying to heal herself when  Vlad gave her, his blood.

“He came out of nowhere. He bypassed the guards and got me. Then I was here.”

“Did he say anything to you or where he was taking Ariel?”

“No.”

Vlad angry knowing he would have to tell Friedrich. He realized she took her rings; he would keep that secret, not even tell his wife about the two rings.

“Ariel was onto something here; start looking through these papers and notes; there has to be something here, we must find her.”

They moved Ariel’s motorcycle inside after Vlad and Elizabeth left. They were gonna have to tell Friedrich what had happened. They must not fail the princess.

Chapter 17

Breaking Ice

Friedrich looking out the window as if something was pulling at his heart strings. The plane landed with only Vlad and Elizabeth but no Ariel, not his love. He met Vlad’s eyes and he roared in pain. Vlad knee going in there would be heart wrenching. The Friedrich holding his children as he learned what had happened.

“We have to find her; I’m not waiting here. If I have to destroy every place, I will find her.”

Rayburn angry and sad, “She wouldn’t have let him take her if she didn’t think she could escape or gave you all the information to find her. You still got those vampires, one of them should know something.”

The babies were playing except for Odette. She reached for her father’s hand. Her eyes were the same color as Ariel, of the three Odette was the only one who looked exactly like her mother.

He looked at her, “we will find mommy.”

She looked outside and cried.

“Let’s go to Transylvania and start looking.” The little girl was pulling at her daddy and wouldn’t let go.

❧

Ariel cuffed to the walls in what looked like an underground room; she pulled against the chains but could only go so far. She could hear her baby cry and she needed to find a way to escape. 

“Hello Ariel; I guess you already know we are going to be here for a while.”

She glared at him but kept silent. She wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of him causing her pain. She focused on getting away. 

“Don’t worry I plan on letting you leave as soon as I get what I want. Then you can leave and go home to your babies. It just depends if you’re willing to play nice or not. As I was saying you are one a few vampires that can have kids. I’ve tried using regular vampires but I learned that only those true of the Vlad’s bloodline can have children. Your mother already was pregnant with you , and after getting rid of your father; well she stayed on the run. You see I need a pure blood to be able to make this spell work. I need you to have my baby.”

“Never!”

“You see that’s not playing nice. I have nothing but time; and I’m sure you’ll eventually see things my way. Your freedom rest on giving me a child. Put her in the cage. There is a bed there in case you change your mind.”

❧

Ariel pushed into the cage and she kicked it but it was made out of silver. Ariel roared as frustration sat in. She wouldn’t let her touch her regardless. Blood packets were given to her and she didn’t feel like feeding at the moment. She looked at her rings; her wedding band, how could she betray Friedrich. Her ring with the dragon, and then her two rings that belonged to her mother. She didn’t know the reason behind the rings. She just grabbed because she felt compelled to grab them. Next to her she saw Creed.

“No worries, no one can see or hear me.” 

She thought for him to hear her thoughts, “Where have you been?”

“Handling business; I do have affairs, I’m like a neutral party. So you’re in pickle here.”

“No shit... either I give him a baby from him or I don’t; I need keys or something.”

“Keys are not going to get you out of here darling. I can’t get you out of here; angel proof. Now, if you will go full monster; you will have a chance.”

“You know if I go full monster what the risk are.”

“I know the risk are if you don’t. Those rings they are very strong. But you must tap into your blood. You can tell Friedrich where I’m at, right?”

“I’ve been told to stay neutral. There is a war going on and I can’t choose sides.”

“Can’t you do anything?”

“Release your inner monster, Ariel. Maybe then you’ll see why. I can’t promise anything, but stay strong.”

❧

Pacing the cell she knew she would have to do what she didn’t want to do... hunger was going to wear her down. She knew hunger would be her way out of here. She thought, “Friedrich, please find me before I lose myself.”

She pushed the blood packets away and would focus on getting out of here. 

Every day seemed to be longer then the next; they threw water on her and electric prod; she screamed as the shock would bring her to her knees. Everyday she would be asked to take his deal or not. And everyday she resisted the offer. The torture would increase but still she fought against the pain. Everyday she thought about her children and her husband but failure wasn’t an option. He put on display pictures of her children and at night she felt sadness. 

❧

The babies now about to celebrate their one year birthday but their mother wasn’t there to celebrate with them. Odette looking at her mother’s picture and still she knew her mother was alive.  Valentina and Friedrich were cool and calm; but Odette was getting frustrated.

“Momma.”

Elizabeth looking at Odette and she was climbing the wall to her mother’s picture.

“Momma!” 

She called for Friedrich and Vlad, “Look.”

They saw the one year old on the wall looking at her mother, “Momma!”

Friedrich feeling heaviness in his heart, “yes that’s mommy darling. We are still looking for her.”

He lifted himself up to grab his daughter but she started crying with a temper. 

“Momma, mommy mommy mommy!” 

Creed showed up, “looks like Odette is her mother’s mini. You’ll need your babies to find their mother.”

“Come again, how?”

“Babies knows their mother’s scent... a bond that’s never broken. Ariel speaks to her mother whenever she needs her mother. She is alive by the way.”

“Where is she?”

“I cannot intervened but if I was you; those babies should learn their country. Never too early for them to learn. Oh she is going full monster.”

Creed left as quick as he appeared. 

“Damn Nephilims. Never taking sides unless they swore to help.”

Odette and her siblings were crawling and started walking; they didn’t see Creed, but he was giving them an extra push into the library. Friedrich ran after his kids only to find them crawling on the map. Odette was slapping her hands on an old church on the outside of the city. An older village that they didn’t search. Odette glaring at her daddy, “Mommy here!”

❧

Ariel feeling more and more restless; she no longer didn’t feel like herself. They realized that she wasn’t feeding. When the guy went to shock her she grabbed the prod and ripped it from the guy. 

“She isn’t controlling her monster, sir.”

He grabs the gun to shoot her with silver but she would not go down. It took several shots to take her down. Strap her to the bed and give her blood. I’m not waiting anymore. Keep her comatose; I’ll have my way tonight!”

Her mother’s rings were glowing. She was out but her mind was entering a different state of consciousness. She saw her parents, images from her past then her children and finally she saw the Elder who she had walked and talked to that night.

“Mihaela Ariel Warrier-Krüger, awaken you’re blood.”

“How?”

“Surrender yourself.., you have used your strength; now use your mind.”

She never like to give up control; she  needed to be in control.

“Daughter surrender to the Father of the vampires. Surrender yourself.”

Ariel letting go of everything escaping into the depths of darkness.

❧

Vlad’s men were suiting up along with Friedrich, Rayburn, Alexander, and Tony. Outside Igor was outside with a few of his men. Friedrich with his brothers Dragan and Boris.

“We don’t even know big she is there but we need to look there. Let’s find my wife!”

Rayburn loaded up Ariel motorcycle; he had to hold onto hope that she was there and hoped she was alive. Elizabeth handed Vlad the Wolf Bane, “Be safe my love and bring her home.”

He tossed the sword to Igor, “Don’t miss.”

Friedrich had his wife armor and weapons; they left heading to the old monastery. A storm was coming as the thunder rumbled. 

They had moved Ariel to the master’s room. They dressed her in skimpy outfit that he had picked out. She was chained down where if she woke up she was powerless to move or resist. The chains were tight and the restraints on her neck kept her looking up. He hunched down and whispered into her ear, “you didn’t want to play nice so now I won’t be playing nice.”

She looked like she was in a deep sleep where she wouldn’t put up a fight. Too bad he wanted a challenge but by the books tonight she was in the phase where she could get pregnant. Seven months he would have his perfect child and after all the aggravation, he wanted to kill her but with her he could create more perfect monsters.

A slave for him even if it was against her will; oh Vlad the second, you killed my father now I’m gonna destroy you line. He started touching her when the the blaring sounds were going off... damn they found her. 

❧

He yelled to his creatures, “Hold them off!”

He looked at her and glaring, “sorry darling; I’m not gonna be gentle at all.”

Lightning was striking outside as they stormed the walls. The creatures fighting back stalling to give the master time to take her as his own. Tony and Friedrich bursting through looking for Ariel. Others were taking down the complex when Igor using his blade, striking justice at those they came against him.

Up in the tower the phantom wolf was kissing Ariel; he was ready to penetrate her but she came back and breaking her chain. Her face became distorted becoming a vampire lord. Her eyes glowing red when lightning struck her. She dropped the phantom wolf to the ground. Her chains were breaking and from her everyone inside and outside the building stopped. Ariel again was being struck by lightning as she changed; her wings were like a gargoyle, her smooth skin was now thick and gray. Her face was like a bat. She flew down and struck the Phantom Wolf and pushing him through the walls. Everyone outside saw the monster she had become. She roared at the wolf who was now just a man. His wolf spirit was injured. She stomped on the wolf spirit crushing it beneath her feet. 

❧

She roared at the man; she had taken his beast killing it. She wanted to kill the man; to eat him right there. 

“Ariel don’t!! Please control your beast.”

She snapped at anyone who got close to her. She was not herself but the monster. Odette and Valentina and Friedrich came out of the trunk. Their cries of joy and giggles reached their mother’s ears. She lowered the man and tossed him to the ground. She roared again but it was Creed who stood by her babies, “Mihaela Ariel Warrier-Krüger, control your beast. You can do this.” Friedrich held his children as her eyes were changing as she started to fight. Odette got out of her father’s grip and latched onto her mother. Ariel feeling her daughter’s love then Valentina and Friedrich, her son, latched onto their mother, she shrunk back down in size. She broke free of her monster and laid on the ground. Her husband Friedrich draped a blanket around his wife and picked her and their babies up. The man behind this was thrown into the van. The creatures were turned back into children and teens. They ran going back home. 

❧

Back at the castle, he had his wife back. He watched over her while she slept. Vlad knew that she truly was chosen to be the warrior. It took for her to be kidnapped to finally tap into her monster. Two weeks later Ariel was in the garden with her babies who were now over a year. They finally threw their babies a birthday party. It was her babies especially Odette that tamed the beast. She kissed Friedrich as she started to feel more like herself. She was home and for now she just wanted to be home. No missions for a while just taking time to be mommy for a while.

The drugs were finally taken care of; no more altering humans to be monsters. All those involved were locked up.

She knew there would be other cases but for now they had to wait. Case closed in her eyes. She had a lot of making up to with her little ones and looking at Friedrich.

“Darling, you know we are going to need more room.”

Three nights ago they made up for lost time and she knew then they were expecting again.

“We have more than enough room, why?”

She smiled, “we are very fertile. Are we creating our own army?”

❧

“Our own little army; many would fear us.”

“I did figure out what happened  in Africa, the ghouls and etc were connected to Helwing’s son black mist. The drugs the starting an army and everything; he wanted to payback on the monsters. He wanted us to destroy each other; payback on humans for him being cursed.”

“So no what my love?”

“I think I like to pay the mafia a small visit after all.”

“In Chicago?”

“New York. They dealt with my mother and they are supposed to be allies to me.”

“Why the mafia vampires in New York?”

“The Chicago vampires are the ones turned; New York are pure bloods. Both are sire through Papa in Italia.”

“Let me guess, the NY vamps are Papa’s children.”

She smiled as he climbed on top of her and started kissing her slowly.

“Are you trying to pregnant me again cause I’m already am.”

“I love it when you’re pregnant; I dint think we could ever have enough.”

He kissed her passionately when their children knocked on the door. 

He groaned as Ariel kissed him and laughed, “To be continued my love.”

He watched his wife open the door as their babies were hugging her legs. She walked with her children to the pool. They wanted to go swimming with their mommy. Vlad came out on his balcony watching his niece with her children. He longed to have children; his were dead and gone.

❧

“My love, I think it’s time we start planning on our own family.”

“Don’t we get we get pregnant at certain moons?”

“Yes, there is one that starts tonight till the next three days.”

“So what you waiting for?”

Vlad took off his robe for a vampire that was over 500 years old; he had the body of a 32 year old. His long black hair and light skin would set any woman heart on fire. Her loins were craving him as he climbed on top of her. Her negligee was black laced which made her skin like porcelain. He moved his hands up her thighs and moving the negligee upwards. Tonight was meant for love as their kissing would melt steel like butter. His mouth moving all over her body was thrilling as his lips moved down to her core making her wet even more.

She felt his tongue reaching inside her and soon he was inside her. The moon light came through the balcony. He knew once their passion was over; she was carrying his child. He kissed her breast and then to her neck he started biting her.

❧

Outside the castle walls the black mist eyes glowed red. It’s plans were halted but not for long. It still had cards to be dealt. The black mist saw Ariel playing with her children but it’s eyes were on the child Odette and then back to Elizabeth. Helwing’s son was lost to him; he still was in the dungeon. 

“Hold on Helwing’s son; we will be join once again, till then off to possess someone else.”

The black mist saw a stray dog just sniffing around and with a quick attack the dog eyes were glowing red. This way until he decided his next step the dog would be a perfect disguise. The dog sat at the fence as it’s teeth were razor sharp. He started barking till Odette saw him from her room. They had just gotten back from swimming. She looked at the dog and she was afraid. She knew the black mist was not destroyed and now the thing was here close to home.