Dracula's Groom

CHAPTER TWENTY EIGHT: On The Hunt

           

Dracula

Five hours later we arrive in the city of London. Though a slight chill hangs in the air it doesn't bother me. I give my coat to Nathan instead as I flag down a cab and head for the closet hotel. I've become accustomed to living in hotels nowadays. They're so much nicer than that dusty old tomb I was forced to sleep in for centuries. But deep down, I know that Castle Dracula will always be my home. No matter what.

Once in our hotel room, Nathan moves to the bed. His body shows signs of exhaustion as he lays down and rests his head on the pillow. Thick drapes cover the windows which will make the morning sun almost impossible to penetrate and burn me alive. Next, I go to the bathroom and freshen up a bit. And by freshen up a bit, I mean shower. I call out to Nathan to join me but he doesn't answer. Instead I listen to his subtle breathing as the early stages of sleep wash over him in an attempt to claim him.

Afterwards, I slip back into my clothes and leave the room with a spare keycard in hand. Only a couple of hours till daylight therefore, I want a chance to scope out the city and to explore its people. I reach the lobby only to have all eyes upon me but I don't mind. Outside, the air is moist and wet, as a trickle of rain looms on the horizon. I calmly walk down the street until I come to a darkened alleyway that provides the perfect cover to launch myself up onto the roof.

The moon hangs in the sky, holding onto the last fleeting hours of life it has left before its brother, the sun, swoops on in and warms the earth with its golden light. A light that has become my enemy for it now burns me at the very sigh of it. Oh, how I wish I could stand under it once more. To feel the gentle warmth on my skin as the humans do now, including Nathan. But he wants to be a vampire. A blood-drinker, a creature of the night, just like me.

I've already told him no. Yet something tells me he won't back down quietly. So that is a problem for another time. Perhaps when I kill the bastard King and reclaim my right to the throne than we can discuss it at greater lengths. I go now to the last building at the end of the block where the urge to spread my wings and fly appeals to me. I step off the ledge and in a flash, transform into a pile of bats as I soar high above the city and take in the sights.

My sense of direction takes me now to the Royal Palace as I land safely on the roof and peek in through the skylight window. The Queen's servants work tirelessly in cleaning every nook and cranny while simultaneously carrying a cup of tea on a little silver tray. I open the window and sneak in as I crawl along the ceiling like a ghost. A male servant knocks on the door at the end of the hall as I swoop down and render him unconscious.

The Queen calls out to me to come in as I turn the knob and enter her dimly lit bedroom. She lays in a king-sized bed, supported by a dozen or so pillows. I sit the tray down next to her nightstand as I hand her the cup of tea so as careful not to spook her. Her eyes meet mine and it doesn't take long for her brain to fall under my spell. She appears at ease with the intruder in her room as she lays back and sips her tea.

"I've never seen you here before," she said quietly. "Are you new to Buckingham Palace?"

"Yes, your Majesty. I just flew in from Romania."

"Oh, Romania is such a beautiful country."

"It really is. But enough about that. I need your help."

"But of course. What can I do for you?"

"I'm looking for someone. A friend of mine told me that he's here somewhere in London. And I figured that since you're the Queen, you might be able to give me some information as to his whereabouts."

"What's the gentleman's name?" The Queen asked.

"Anatolie Manea."

"The King of Romania," she whispered softly. "To be honest, I don't know where he is. But I know he's in town. I have a meeting schedule with him tomorrow morning."

"Can you get me the address?"

"Possibly. But the King's detail is highly-fortified and well-trained. You won't make it."

I smirk. "I can handle myself. Just get me the address. I'll be back tomorrow night."

A private balcony that overlooks the majestic gardens stands open before me as I move towards it. I sense the Queen sit up instantly as I glance over my shoulder at her. "Who are you, really?"

"Who I am doesn't matter your, Majesty. Apologies. But I really have to go. Sleep tight."

Vaulting over the balustrade, I fall towards the ground but not enough to touch the soft, professionally groomed grass and set off any alarms. Instead, I turn into a family of bats again as I fly back to the hotel. When I return, I land in the same alleyway and walk out onto the street just in time to see the early morning sunrise change the colors in the sky. Though I do not start to smoke I can feel the singe already forming on my skin as I head inside quickly.

Back in my hotel room, I hear the shower running along with a pile of clothes lying on the floor next to the bed. When Nathan emerges a few minutes later wearing a white towel around his waist. I begin to undress and get under the covers. With the curtains fully closed I feel the essence of sleep wash over me as I give Nathan the name of Anatolie Manea. I tell him that I need as much information on the man as possible. Whatever he can find.

"Dracula, are you sure you want to do this?" Nathan asks.

"Absolutely. As of this moment, I am beginning to take back what is rightfully mine."

"I don't know, but in my opinion. To me, this sounds like a death trap."

"I can't be killed if that's what you're getting at. I'm a vampire. Death is my middle name."

"And what about Dahlia? Yes she's a witch. But what's to stop her from coming back to life and killing you for real this time."

"You're overthinking the situation here. Just find out what you can about Anatolie and let me sleep. And whatever you do, don't try to wake me."

"Okay. Fine. I'll just head down to the library then. See you later."

"No. I want you to buy a laptop and set up shop here. I don't want you walking around alone all by yourself."

"God, you're a pain in the ass." Nathan muttered.

I smiled from ear to ear as I flashed him my fangs. "You love me for it. Now go."

After Nathan left the room. I started to let mymind wonder as I closed my eyes and relaxed my body into a more immobile state.My past was just the beginning. My future the tipping point to a larger daggerthat's been hanging over someone's head for a long, long time. But now thethread is about to be cut. And I can assure you that that dagger will fall andthere will be blood. Or I will die trying.

Author's Note: Hello my lovelies! Sorry for the long wait. I've been going through writer's block this past week and it's been driving me crazy! Hopefully, I'm back now. *Fingers crossed* Anyways, hope you guys enjoyed this little chapter. :)) And remember to VOTE, COMMENT & FOLLOW for more future updates.