"VAMPIRE" Book 2 CARRIE

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Location: Philly `burbs, Pennsylvania, United States

All characterological defenses, fetishes and addictions are life-limiting attempts to fulfill personal strivings for creative heroism in service to the denial of death anxiety. V T Deabler, 2008 c2005-2006 All Rights Reserved

Saturday, August 12, 2006

CHAPTER 13



Back in Philadelphia, van Helsing`s American friends spent the last two days preparing for the trip to France.

Dr. Elaina Koss had her practice covered by a close friend and contacted her children by phone to let them know she would be out of the country. She also made one last visit to see Sami, her horse, bringing two handfuls of carrots as a treat.

Sean and Carrie drove to Philadelphia, dropping Amie and Ann at her parents. After packing for themselves and Wolfie, the two of them made a large pot of Spaghetti Alfredo with Italian sausage and a large salad for one last relaxing dinner before the morning flight.

After feeding Wolfie chicken fingers and fries and settling him in his room with his Playstation, Sean joined Carrie on the patio. Carrie seemed pensive, staring out at the Delaware River a short way in the distance.

"Is everything OK, Hon?” he asked, putting his arm around her as he sat on their love seat.

Carrie offered a soft smile. "I`m worried for Wolfie. I just have this feeling. You know how badly I felt about our decision not to tell Vlad of his birth. I think of that every day. It`s never felt right to me despite all the counsel we received from our friends. Vlad is his father; Wolfie his progeny. Before all of this adventure is over, we may need his help. If the vampire Mondrian is alive and a threat to Wolfie, Vlad would give his life to aid his son. And who knows more about Mondrian than the one who infected her, who lived with her for hundreds of years?"

Sean kissed Carrie`s cheek. "Perhaps you`re right, Hon. We`ve always known there would come a time when Vlad should be told. Maybe that time will come soon."

At that moment they heard a car entering their driveway and the two of them entered the house and walked to the front door. Sean opened the door at the first knock and they welcomed Elaina and van Helsing with hugs and handshakes.
"You two are traveling light, Abraham," said Sean. Van Helsing smiled, "Sean, I think you know women better than that! I`m sure Carrie has as much luggage as Elaina`s. The back of the limousine is packed with suitcases. With just enough room for my carry-on and laptop! My driver will bring the luggage directly to the airport tomorrow morning."

Carrie led the group to the back patio while Sean opened two bottles of wine, a chardonnay and a cabernet. The women preferred the lighter wine, while Sean and Abraham drank red wine with everything.

After pouring everyone a glass, Sean spoke, "Abraham, were you able to reach John and Lucinda?" "Yes, Sean. They indeed were in Venice. With John`s permission, he has been assigned by the Philadelphia Police Commissioner to assist me at Interpol. They`ll meet us tomorrow in Paris."

Elaina chimed in, "And have you found a hotel with enough room to accommodate us, Abe?"

Van Helsing smiled, "I`ve done better than that, my dear. The estate that Alucard leased five years ago has remained an asset of Interpol. It`s much safer and more comfortable than any hotel in Paris. Tomorrow evening we will meet John and Lucinda at our new headquarters, the Chateau d` Destin in Versailles!"

CHAPTER 12

Vlad Tepes was a troubled man. Captain Broz had gathered much information that needed to be processed. Carrie had born him a son, of that he was sure. Yet she had not seen the need to share this wonderful news with him. Wolfgang Tepes, his son and only heir! And Broz has been aware of the child this past five years.

Vlad felt the anger welling inside him. Broz should have told me! What was he frightened of? What good is this postponement of the inevitable? Surely Broz knows me better than that. Did he think that time would affect my will? That somehow I would accept my son being raised by one of van Helsing`s boot-lickers? Sean Taylor indeed.

And what of Carrie? I can not accept that this was her decision. I`m sure that she would have wanted to tell me of my son`s birth. I`m a reasonable man! I`m sure that the two of us could have come to an understanding. Wolfie could have spent summers with me here in the Carpathians. It must be the work of van Helsing and Taylor! I`m beginning to see how Taylor got his job with Interpol!

Damn the van Helsings! Always meddling. Always manipulating. This one is no different than his grandfather. What a fool I`ve been! For the love of a woman, I gave up immense power. All of the Carpathians were under my boot! I was free to roam the world, take what and whom I wished. And here I sit alone, left with the comfort of possibly being absolved by God. Scant comfort, to live this life.

Walking to the balcony, Vlad looked at the moon rising over Borgo Pass. Once I would be flying to that moon, the world below me subject to my every whim! And here I sit a captive to my soul. The darkness that was Alucard wormed its way to consciousness. No more!

Wednesday, March 08, 2006

CHAPTER 11



CHAPTER 11

Lieutenant John Kelly had been immediately attracted to Lucinda Williams from the moment they had met in Paris. As Dr. van Helsing`s personal assistant at Interpol, she had been part of the search for Alucard and they had corresponded for months before Lucinda came to the United States for Carrie and Sean`s wedding.

During her visit, they had a chance to spend a great deal of time together and their mutual attraction had blossomed. Over the next four years, John and Lucinda had spent many vacations together, alternating between weeks in the United States and Europe. Yet their happiness was always dimmed by the parting; their work responsibilities kept them apart.

In the Philadelphia Police Homicide Division, John had become something of a legend. He had turned down numerous administrative promotions in the department, preferring hands-on detective work. The rank of Captain put you behind a desk, working with paper rather than people. However, his "solve rate" was such that he was able to negotiate a special role in the Homicide Division.

Inspector McGregor approved his position as a Detective Lieutenant Consultant; John was free to work on the most difficult homicide cases and to offer his expertise to any detectives who requested it. Although it had taken many months to overcome the suspicions of detectives who had seen everything, when it became clear that John had no interest in taking claim for their successes, his advice and presence became highly valued. John felt professionally fulfilled and couldn`t imagine a better place to work.

Unfortunately for romance, Lucinda felt the same satisfaction in her work at Interpol. As Dr. van Helsing`s personal assistant, she had risen to the rank of Chief Inspector and was therefore second in command of the Interpol unit charged with investigating all "off beat" or occult cases. She had gained vast experience under the Doctor`s tutelage and couldn`t imagine a better working environment.

Because of their deep respect for each other, they had been able to accept the level of commitment they were able to share. Therefore, they continued to cherish the weeks they were able to steal from their jobs, time to relax with each other.

And so, they were sitting on the Club del Doge terrace of the fabulous Gritti Palace Hotel in Venice, having lunch, when they were interrupted by the chirping of Lucinda`s cell phone.

John stood to give Lucinda privacy and walked a few paces to the front of the terrace, gazing at the Grand Canal of Venice, smiling at the gondoliers, thinking of the nights that he and Lucinda had shared.

His reverie was interrupted by Lucinda, who wrapped her arm in his, stealing a little kiss to his hand. "Sean, that was Dr. van Helsing. How would you like to continue our vacation in Paris?"

Thursday, February 23, 2006

CHAPTER 10

Loneliness and despair filled the soul of Count Vlad Tepes. It had been five years since he had become human, yet his life felt more barren and empty than his existence as Alucard. Other than servants, his only human contacts were with his Parish priest and with his one true friend, Captain Broz.

His conversations with the pastor were superficial, the few times that Vlad had ventured to reveal his true feelings were met with the need for prayer and forgiveness. Vlad could feel the anxiety emanating from the priest; counseling a former vampire was clearly beyond his intelligence and experience. He found himself spending less time at the church, his expectations of being eventually accepted in the community recognized as folly.

In five years his only social contact had been with Captain Broz. Although their meetings were never more than monthly, the Captain being head of a large shipping empire, Vlad looked forward to these dinners at his castle. Broz brought news of the outside world and always seemed genuinely pleased to see the Count. However, until the past month, neither man spoke of the woman who had given him human life.

Vlad had always felt a certain reluctance in his friend to speak of those days, as if Vlad should move on, make a new life! However, Vlad had been pondering the papal document that revealed the secret to making a vampire human. The German Count who had been made mortal by the kiss, freely given, of a pious woman. How did he live a happy, normal family life? Why was this joy denied him? Was he that evil, his deeds so dastardly, that God would deny him happiness?

As Vlad brooded over this, the major difference in their lives became clear to him. Count Wilhelm married the woman who had saved him; Carrie had left him to return to Philadelphia, perhaps to the arms of Sean Taylor! In five years Vlad had not spent a waking hour without Carrie`s face entering his thoughts. The night she had made him whole, lying next to him, her head resting gently on his chest.

With these thoughts overwhelming him, Vlad had demanded his friend to bring news of Carrie at their next meeting. Captain Broz reluctantly agreed and Vlad spent the intervening month with daydreams of a happy life spent with his true love. Finally, the waiting was over! Captain Broz would be at Redicz Castle within the hour!

Vlad was sitting in his library when Captain Broz arrived for dinner. He shook the Captain`s hand and poured two flutes of Dom Perignon Champagne from the bottle that had just been opened. Bowing to Broz, Vlad lifted his glass in toast. "To my oldest and only true friend."

As the two men drank the wonderful Monk`s drink, Vlad led the Captain to his sitting area and started his CD player. The overture to Mozart`s "Le Nozze de Figaro" filled the room. Broz seemed a little nervous as he heard the familiar Riccardo Muti recording; it was extremely rare for Count Vlad to play comedic Opera, especially with a theme of successful marriage! Had the Count already had access to the information he possessed about Carrie Taylor?

The Captain sat back, a forced smile on his face. He would wait `til Eternity if he could spare the Count his news. Vlad felt his uncomfortableness and spoke.

"Captain, why don`t you just tell me what news you have of Carrie? It`s clear that you are upset."

The Captain leaned over and refilled their glasses, taking time to light a cigarette. "Count Vlad, first the news I`m sure of. Carrie and Sheriff Taylor were married six months after she returned to Philadelphia. They have a home in Bucks County, PA, where they live with their three children."

"Did you say three children, Captain?"

"Yes, Count, her two daughters with James Corgan, and a young son, Wolfie."

It took all of Vlad`s steely control to remain seated, sipping his wine. "And how old is this young son?"

Sweating profusely, Broz replied, "He was born three months after their marriage."

Vlad reflected on this, remembering the night that he had spent with Carrie, only days before she returned from his Castle. "The child is mine! Why haven`t I heard of this before?"

"Please, Count, you had pledged to yourself that you would not check on her life, only that I should assure myself that she was in no need!"

"Wolfie is my child! I have no doubt! The Tepes line is continued! I must see them! I am going to Philadelphia!"

"But Count, you have vowed to van Helsing to never leave Roumania, in return for his not prosecuting you as Alucard!"

Vlad stood, pacing the floor, one of the few overt signs of anger that Vlad allowed himself. "To hell with the vow! And to hell with van Helsing and Sean Taylor! Book me immediately on the fastest charter you can arrange."
"One second, Count, I have further news. Van Helsing is in Philadelphia with Carrie and Sean. This is a very rare occurrence. You are not aware, but Sean has joined the Doctor as an Interpol investigator. Even given that, when meetings between the two of them are necessary, it is Sean that travels to Lyon, France to meet at Interpol Headquarters. Further, van Helsing has ordered the large Interpol Gulfstream jet to pick up a group of passengers at Northeast Philadelphia Airport. Something important is going on!"

Vlad stared directly into Broz`s eyes, a frightening sight to see the fire in that black penetrating gaze. "Broz, I`m sorry. We will have to postpone our dinner tonight. It is imperative that you discover the flight plan and passenger list of the Gulfstream! If Carrie is on that plane, their destination is mine!"

Monday, February 13, 2006

CHAPTER 9

Back in the apartment in Monmartre, Maurice was awakening to his immortal existence. Mondrian took his head in her lap and began to speak softly. “Maurice, Maurice, relax, calm down, take it easy. You and I are one.”

As he opened his eyes to mountains of new experience, Mondrian continued to speak this mantra. She vaguely remembered the terror she felt when Alucard awakened her hundreds of years ago in Roumania and she repeated his words to Maurice. Comforting words, welcoming him to his new life as vampire.

Maurice startled as he adjusted to the wealth of sensations that threatened to overwhelm him. Mondrian wisely directed his attention to his own paintings and Maurice seemed to relax for the first time.

“Maurice, you have entered the world of the immortals. Endless time to paint, to let your creativity reach its full fruition. You and I will live together, my love. I will teach you all that you need to know to remain immortal.”

Mondrian stood and brought Maurice to his feet in front of his framed paintings. “Do not worry, my dear. I have made arrangements for all of your paintings to be moved to your new home. But it is now time for us to fly! Please concentrate; see yourself as bat.”

As Maurice envisioned this, he found himself in the air, batwings flapping, soaring above his paintings! Beside him, Mondrian circled the room twice, pausing at the open window. As Maurice followed her, Mondrian flew out of the window, leading him to her home on Rue de la Roquette.

As the bat flies, it took only seven minutes for Mondrian and Maurice to arrive at her home on Rue de la Roquette. As bat, Mondrian led him through a window left open on the rear of the building. Mondrian transformed to human form and spoke to the hovering Maurice, “Imagine yourself as being in your former body; relax, calm down, take it easy.” In a few seconds, Maurice stood beside her, eyes wide with fright.

“Relax, my dear, we are home. How did you enjoy your flight?”

Maurice stammered, replying, “Unbelievable! Not just the flying. The things I can see! The smells! It`s wonderful!”

“Yes, Maurice, isn`t it? And this awareness is forever. There are many things you must learn about your new life, but this is of primary importance. The sun is your mortal enemy. Each morning, before dawn, you must retire to your coffin until the sun sets. The bottom of the coffin must be filled with soil from your native land. Any deviation from this rule will result in your immolation! Do you understand that clearly?”

“Yes, Countess, I do. But where will I find such a coffin?” Mondrian took his hand and led him down the back stairway into the kitchen. Sitting at the kitchen table was Brian Woodson, her hypnotized servant. Brian immediately stood and bowed, “Good evening, Countess.”

Mondrian replied, “Good evening Brian. I would like to introduce my house guest, Count Maurice. Is everything in readiness for us?” Brian walked to the doorway of the basement and opened the door. “Your instructions have been carried out, Countess. May I escort you?”

Mondrian thanked him and waved him off. “No need, Brian. I`ll escort the Count myself.” Mondrian led Maurice down the basement steps, not bothering to switch on the lights; there really was no need. At the center of the basement were two coffins, both very simply made.

Mondrian sighed, thinking to herself of the years of her escape. Oh, the many coffins she had lay in, always carrying with her the soil from her coffin in Scotland. The worry that she would be discovered, the nights spent desecrating newly buried bodies in order to use their coffins for an evening`s safety.

Ah, but now here she was safe in her own home, with a hypnotized servant to protect her against discovery during the long daylight hours. And now, a brilliant artist as her vampire protégé! Mondrian opened a refrigerator and poured two champagne glasses of plasma, offering the red liquid to Maurice.

“To your future, my dear. Drink fully and I will see you to your coffin." Both drained their glasses and Mondrian took Maurice`s hand and helped him into the coffin with French soil. “This is your resting place, my dear. I bid you good day. I will awaken you after sunset tomorrow.”

Mondrian closed the lid on the coffin and ascended the stairs to the kitchen. After assuring herself that Brian was aware of his instructions for tomorrow, especially in paying Maurice`s landlord and bringing his paintings home, Mondrian bid him good night. She ascended the stairs to her sitting room overlooking Place Voltaire and stood at the window. Smiling, she thought of Alucard.


V

Thursday, February 09, 2006

CHAPTER 8

Back at the apartment in Philadelphia, Sean was very troubled. He asked van Helsing, “Bram, if Mondrian is the vampire we are searching for in Paris, do you think that Carrie and Wolfie are in any danger?”

Van Helsing replied, “I believe that the whole question of Mondrian`s dangerousness to your family comes down to information. First, if she is aware that Alucard has been transformed to humanness there will be little to stop her from extracting her vengeance upon him. Second, if she becomes aware that Carrie has born his child, Mondrian would definitely have designs on Wolfie. I believe Carrie`s life could be in danger and …..”

“Bram?”

Van Helsing sighed and sipped his cognac. “Sean, I believe that Mondrian may try to initiate Wolfie into the life of immortal evil. She would be sorely tempted to have Alucard`s love child as her vampire slave!”

Sean rubbed his eyes in anger and stared intently at the Doctor. “Then we must catch this bitch in Paris and kill her before she can destroy any more lives! When can we leave?”

“Sean, first you must decide the best way of preparing Carrie for this news. Then, between us, we must come up with a plan to protect your son.”

“Bram, there`s no time like the present! Why don`t we drive home and talk to her now? The kids will be in bed and Carrie should be alone. Let`s get it over with!”

With that, the two men stood and left the apartment, taking the elevator to the ground floor and getting in Sean`s car for the trip up I-95 to Sean and Carrie`s home in Bucks County. When they arrived in about 40 minutes they found a Ford truck in the driveway.

“Bram, that`s Elaina Koss` truck. I`ll bet she and Carrie took the kids horseback riding today. You know, since they ended Carrie`s therapy, they`ve become the best of friends.”

“Yes, Sean, I`m aware of that and it does an old man`s heart good! Along with Lucinda, these are the most important women in my life.”

The two men entered the house and found Carrie and Elaina sitting in the family room, sharing a bottle of Chablis. All four exchanged hugs and kisses and Carrie spoke, “Bram, this is such a surprise! And shame on you, Sean, not calling to let us know our favorite guest was coming.”

“Elaina chimed in, “That`s right Sean. Look at us! Carrie and I just came back from taking the kids to ride Sami. We look a mess!” Before Sean could even reply, Carrie pouted, “And how about dinner? You bring Bram here for the first time in ages and I have nothing ready to feed him!”

Van Helsing smiled and with a hand gesture asked permission to light a cigarette. Carrie nodded and the Doctor replied, “Please Carrie. It`s my fault for arriving unannounced. As far as dinner, if we get hungry, I`d love to have one of those peanut butter and jelly on rye sandwiches that Amie first made for me. Now that`s an American treat!”

Sean rushed to the kitchen and returned with two Yuengling lagers and handed one to the Doctor, who was sitting on the sofa next to Elaina. Sean shared a love seat with his wife, putting his arm around her and kissing her neck. Van Helsing spoke, “Elaina, it is providence that you are visiting tonight. Sean and I have some troubling news and your input will be much appreciated.”

The two men took turns sharing the information and when the issue of the family`s safety was raised, including the possibility of Wolfie becoming a direct target of Mondrian, Carrie clenched her teeth with determination. “Then Wolfie and I are joining you in Paris to hunt this woman down! The girls will stay here with my parents. Mondrian has no vendetta against them.”

Elaina chimed in, “And don`t you dare count me out, Bram. I`m not staying here while all of your lives are in danger! I won`t stand for it! And how about John Kelly and Lucinda?” Both men shook their heads and smiled. Sean spoke, “I guess I should have known better!”

Van Helsing replied to Elaina, “It will be my distinct pleasure to have you along on this adventure, Elaina. And as far as John and Lucinda are concerned, I tracked them down to Venice. You are aware, I`m sure, that they are vacationing together. Or were! They will meet us in Paris in two days. And God will be with us, have no fear!"

Thursday, February 02, 2006

CHAPTER 7



Alucard had always loved the nights. As an immortal, he was excited each evening when he was able to rise from his coffin. Even on those evenings when he wasn`t hunting he could hardly wait to become bat.

Of all that he had lost following his transformation to being human, the freedom of flight, that stuff of dreams, was most grieved. He loved standing on the patio of Redicz Castle, overlooking the Carpathians and the valleys below.

Alucard would transform himself and fly for hours. He knew every inch of his domain and remembered how proud he was to show it all to Mondrian. Ah, those first evenings!

Mondrian, wide eyed, flying on his right side; her first attempts in attack mode, dropping down, swiftly through the clouds. Her first feeding; Alucard saw a human in the mountains, camping, obviously a stranger. No one from the villages any longer ventured far from their homes at night. He directed Mondrian to the campfire and nodded his approval.

Mondrian pulled in her wings and fell directly towards the victim. Wings again spread, the final swoop, tendrils ripping the victim`s face as she transformed to human form. With vampirish strength holding the man in his struggle; the biting and gnashing, the ripping. Blood spurting before she settled to feed. Alucard felt the sweat on his brow as he remembered that evening. How happy he was for her as she lay sated next to the body. How beautiful she was in the moonlight, smiling at him, calling him to herself. No more!

His evenings were now filled with unsettling dreams. Alucard had read all of the important works by Freud and his disciples concerning dreams and generally agreed with them as to the impetus for dreaming; unresolved internal conflicts and wish fulfillments.

For Alucard, as for most humans, the beginning of his dreams usually involved visions of recent experience. As he settled into REM sleep, his subconscious began seeping into his dream, things becoming more bizarre as his mind attempted to integrate more intimate parts of himself, those unfilfilled desires and conflicts which if not disguised would immediately awaken him.

Symbology of his earlier lived experince would then resurface, a somewhat more threatening attempt to rid his present conflicts of their charged energy, their cathexis. For most people, this powerful threat to their identity was enough to awaken them in the middle of their nightmare.

But Alucard had lived for hundreds of years as vampire. His dreams spiralled downward, through the killing and evil, through the destruction. Only images of his own mortality would awaken him.

Waking up, shaking, perspiring, he would get out of bed, disoriented and walk out to the patio. Sitting there, his respiration normalizing, he would think of Carrie.

Saturday, January 28, 2006

CHAPTER 6



In a small loft apartment in Monmartre, Maurice Desjardins
was just getting out of the shower. Towelling off, he smiled
at his reflection in the mirror. Tonight would be a special
evening, perhaps change his life!

After shaving, he dressed in a black pullover t-shirt and jeans and entered his small living room. The room was furnished simply; one table, two plastic chairs and a futon sofa that converted to a bed. Maurice smiled, the futon was seldom made up as a sofa; he was pleased at the little extra space that he was granted.

Maurice had bought a small bouquet of mixed flowers and they sat in a used wine bottle on the table in front of the sofa. Directly across from the sofa was a small wall unit that he had found in the trash outside the building next door. Although made of plywood and somewhat rickety, it was strong enough to hold a small television and CD player. Maurice seldom watched television, except for football, but his CD player was always playing.

He had a passion for two things, opera and his painting. Softly playing in the background was Wagner`s romantic masterpiece, “Tristan und Isolde”. The prelude to Act 1 was so soothing, something that he needed to calm his nerves. Maurice looked out of his loft window at the streets of Monmartre, then turned his attention to the walls of his living room. Every inch of the walls was covered with his paintings.

Above the wall unit were his still lifes; fruit, flowers, vases in abundance. The works were rudimentary, following the style of Cezanne, and were his first attempts at capturing the riot of colors that he had seen in his mind`s eye as long as he could remember.

Maurice then glanced to his left. On the wall leading to the kitchen, and overflowing above the refrigerator were his landscapes. In this second stage of his artistic growth he was a slave to Monet; floral scenes, lily ponds, buildings; all were fashioned after the great Maestro. And yet, as he saw his later landscapes, the use of impasto brush strokes so extravagant, so expensive, he could begin to see his true soul emerging. Impressions became mere brushstrokes of color, shaping became geometric. This continued to excite him, just looking at his emergence.

Maurice poured himself a glass of cheap burgundy and reflected on his personal journey through the French Impressionist movement onward. It made so much sense to him, the logic that finally extended to his latest works.

Sipping his wine, he returned to the living room, studying the paintings above his sofa. Four large canvasses, the only paintings of his that were framed. Bursts of color, thick impasto strokes; all reality, all geometry gone! Ah, but to him, the beauty, the glimpse of his soul that emerged.

It is with these paintings that he hopes to impress the woman that he had met at the opera the previous evening. During the first intermission of Verdi`s “Rigoletto” he had descended from the cheap student seats to have a cigarette and a glass of wine. At the serving bar a young woman of obvious wealth had asked him for a light for her cigarette.

They had struck up a conversation about the opera, which led to books and art, and Maurice shared with her his dreams. The young woman introduced herself as the Countess Mondra Czermintek and stated that she was a patroness of the arts and would like to see his paintings.

When Maurice enthusiastically agreed, the Countess insisted on one condition, that Maurice tell no one of their meeting until she had the chance to see his paintings. Maurice accepted and a viewing time was set for the following evening.

So it is; here stands Maurice in his apartment, staring at his paintings, sipping his wine. He smiles and thinks to himself, “Ah, this evening will change my life!”

Maurice walked over to the CD player and selected the new Coldplay CD to play. He was very excited about their new music, the emergence of the lead guitarist. It seems as if marriage had loosened Chris Martin`s control of the group. Though still piano driven, the addition of U2 like guitar riffs had opened up their music.
As he started the CD player, he was startled to hear a knocking at his door. He rushed to the window to check for a limousine, but there were only the usual Fiats and Renaults, along with the many mini scooters favored in this student neighborhood.

Maurice crossed the room and opened the door. Countess Mondra stood at the doorway, smiling. "Good evening, Maurice. Aren`t you going to invite me in?"

Flustered, Maurice took two paces back and gestured an invitation. "Countess, it`s a pleasure to see you. I didn`t hear your limo pull up! Please, may I offer you some wine?"

"Thank you, Maurice. I seldom drink.....wine, but if you would do the honors, I`ve brought a Chateau Petrus. Perhaps I`ll have a glass with you to celebrate the occasion."

Maurice rushed to open the noble Gran Vin Pomerol and apologized for not having a decanter. The Countess gestured with her hand, no matter and asked, "What is this wonderful song that is playing?"

"That`s 'The Speed Of Sound', by Coldplay. Do you like it?"

"Yes, very much. A perfect background to view your paintings. Perhaps you could pour us two glasses and you can escort me through your gallery."

Very carefully, Maurice poured the Petrus into his two best glasses and handed one to Mondra. "To a wonderful evening, Countess. I never expected that you would come!"

"On the contrary, Maurice. I wouldn`t miss this evening for the world."

As Maurice led her through his gallery, Mondrian began to have second thoughts about her plans. The young man had definite talent.

She could feel the excitement he felt as he showed his framed paintings. He was quite confident in his description of the journey that had taken him to his present artistic vision; as he directed her to the final two paintings, he touched her shoulder to point out some detail. Mondrian felt conflicted; she had seen the handsome young man at the opera and felt she must have him. However, having seen his work, she thought of him as someone with a future, someone who might contribute mightily to the growth of artistic expression.

She remembered the many times Alucard had expressed profound regret over his killing of Mozart. How could she be as base? And yet, she hadn`t the strength to walk away.

Alucard had also noted that when a person was subjected to hypnotic control, his/her ability to sublimate their passion into the creation of art was severely limited. This left one alternative, something very dangerous, something that had caused her great difficulty in the past.

Since Alucard had attempted to destroy her in Scotland, she had vowed never to share her blood with one of her victims. The making of a vampire was a cure for loneliness, but it left one vulnerable, as a young vampire never seemed to be able to control his/her blood lust. Witness the "Jack the Ripper" murders, which were performed by her first vampire servant/lover. Witness her own existence, evidence of how a vampire could rebel against its maker.

Yet, this young man, so handsome, so talented! Should she take the chance?

Mondrian entwined herself around his left arm and led him to the futon. As they sat, she reached for the wine and poured a second measure into his glass.

"Maurice, I am very impressed with your work. It`s seems clear to me that what you need is time to invest in your work without financial or other worldly concerns. If you would permit me, I would like to relieve you of these worries. I have been blessed with a substantial family inheritance and it would be my pleasure if you would accept my support."

Maurice smiled and sipped his wine. "Countess, your appreciation of my work is more important to me than anything you can do to free me to pursue my Muse. But, if you`re serious, I will humbly accept your support."

Mondrian drew close to him, resting her head on his shoulder. She snuggled closer and kissed the lobe of his ear, then his neck. As she felt his breathing deepen, Mondrian opened her lips wider and sunk her incisors into his aorta. She drank deeply of his fresh clean blood, losing herself in the sexual thrill. Almost without thinking, she found herself bringing her left wrist to her mouth. She opened the vein pulsing inside her wrist and brought it to Maurice`s lips.

"Drink, my dear, and you will have eternal life!"

Maurice swooned, then suckled at her vein.

As Maurice collapsed on the futon, Mondrian contemplated what she had done. It would be easier for her to believe that she had been overcome by the heat of the moment but that was not entirely true. Mondrian had arrived at Maurice`s apartment secretly, as bat. She had also been very explicit in her instructions to him at their meeting at the opera, guarding against others knowing of their furtive appointment.

Mondrian sighed and gazed at Maurice`s framed paintings. He was much more talented than she expected. Once she had seen the genius and maturity in his art, she knew that hypnotic submission was out of the question. She could not willingly extinguish that creativity; Alucard had warned her of that unfortunate symptom that greatly diminished the power of an artist`s ability to sublimate his/her passion into creative expression.

In her discussions with Alucard, he had been much less clear about the effect of becoming vampire on creativity. He spoke of the work of Cartolome in painting, Fedinger in fiction, Valmouth in musical composition. Within the dark community, it was well known that these artists were vampires, yet they continued to produce master works for many years. In fact, each of them had to publish their later works under pseudonyms since they were still productive after a human`s normal life expectancy. In his musings, Alucard had greatly admired their work over a span of hundreds of years. Yet, thoughts of them generally led him to despondency.

When feeling depressed, Alucard`s thoughts always returned to the guilt he felt after killing Mozart. He had become viciously angry about the threats on his life from the Catholic Church in Roumania. When he received word that Mozart was at work completing a major religious work, the massive “Requiem”, he traveled to Vienna as Count Vlad Tepes and drained him of his life`s blood.

Alucard`s ruminations over this unthinking destruction of perhaps the greatest musical composer caused him great pain. If, instead of death, he had shared his blood with Mozart, made him vampire! Given an immortal life span, what could Mozart have accomplished?

It was with these thoughts that Mondrian had viewed Maurice`s paintings. And it was why she had made him vampire.

The most important part of making a fresh vampire subservient to the making vampire would occur shortly. Mondrian smiled at her remembrance of Alucard`s secretiveness on the subject.

In laying the groundwork for her emancipation from Alucard, she had made her first vampire in London over one hundred years ago. It had taken her many decades of growth as vampire to plan and execute her escape from Alucard`s domination.

In planning for the evening on which she seduced Alucard to share her blood, Mondrian had already selected Adrian Greene to be her first vampire slave. As she lay with Alucard in his coffin, feeling him succumbing to their sharing, finally relaxing his ever-alertness, she left his coffin in the last hour before dawn.

She immediately flew to Adrian`s home in Knightsbridge where her dirt filled coffin was waiting. She was free of Alucard`s domination but hadn`t known the secret to her submission.

Mondrian was therefore very confused when it became evident to her that the vampire Adrian had not followed her instructions about feeding and was responsible for the “Jack the Ripper” slayings that so enraged the citizens of London. Although she was forced to kill Adrian in order to escape the clutches of the police, his treachery forced her to spend many months and a good portion of his fortune acquiring vampire lore. Through this research, she had learned of the imperative not discovered by human researchers until 1935.

It was in that year that the Swiss ethologist Konrad Lorenz published his seminal work on the imprinting of ducks and goslings on humans. His research only corroborated what all master vampires had known for centuries; for full imprinting of the slave vampire, the creator had to be present at the slave`s awakening into eternal life.

Mondrian sat on the futon, patiently awaiting Maurice`s awakening.