by Susan R. Part Two: "Lucard's House Guest"

Lucard sat down at the dinner table and asked Jennifer about her day. She told him that she had only walked around and looked at the shops. "You didn't buy anything?" he asked.
          She looked down at the table and said quietly, "Only one small item, but I'm afraid it will offend you."
          Curiosity got the best of him, "I won't mind if you tell me," he said as he watched her pull out a necklace from under her white shirt. He could see the small cross very clearly from across the table. He could feel nothing from it and started to laugh. "That object has no effect on me whatsoever," he said, and kept laughing.
          "Now I feel stupid," she said as she looked at it. "I thought crosses kept a vampire away... not that I mean you, of course." She took a deep breath. "I do trust you, Alexander, but since I know that vampires can walk about by day, I do worry about them coming after me while I'm outside of the castle."
          Lucard stopped laughing and smiled. "I'm glad to hear you trust me, and I agree that it is a good idea. But, if you want that thing to work, you must get it blessed by a priest; otherwise it is just a piece of metal on a string."
          "How little I know about real vampires," she said. "Would you approve of me getting it blessed?" she asked.
          "Yes, but I would be more helpful to you if you only wear it when I'm not around."
          "Of course," she said. "I promise."
          "I do work almost every day, but tomorrow is Friday and I don't think I will spend much time in the office this weekend."
          One of Lucard's servants brought out a piece of cake for Jennifer. "Oh, devil's food cake, my favorite. You are beginning to spoil me, Alexander," she said with a smile.
          "My pleasure. Next, I am planning on giving you the grand tour of my castle."
          "Sounds wonderful. It is so big that I fear getting lost in it."
          A few minutes later Jennifer finished her cake and Lucard started with the tour. He loved his home and was thrilled to see that someone else felt the same about it. He took her to his study, then the library, and next his entertainment room.
          "This is the one room that puts me back in the twentieth century," she said. "Your castle is so magnificent, and part of the reason is because it was kept looking so old yet in perfect shape over the years. How long have you had it?"
          "Hundreds of years. I moved here when I was forced out of my home village. The peasants thought I was the devil himself so they forced me to leave my home land by torching my old castle. They wanted to burn me, too, so I fled."
          "Were you a prince?"
          "Yes, I changed my title to Count when I moved here, although most people do not refer to me as one now. I created my own little country until about the middle of the nineteenth century when Germany began to unify."
          I can't believe I'm friends with a real prince. You were born back in the Middle Ages, right?"
          "Yes. I met so many kings and noblemen all over Europe. Some of them were even vampires."
          "What history leaves out," she said with a laugh.
          Lucard led her into a large room with a stage at one end. "This is my own private theater. I have had plays and concerts performed here many times."
          "Must be nice. So who is your favorite playwright?"
          "Shakespeare."
          "I had a feeling you were going to say that. I love Macbeth the most. I played Lady Macbeth in high school."
          "Ah, yes, 'The sleeping and the dead Are but pictures. 'Tis the eye of childhood That fears a painted devil.' Act two, scene two, I believe."
          "Incredible. How can you remember quotes like that?"
          "Vampires have a talent for memory. I played Macbeth in 1606."
          "Wait, isn't that the year it came out?"
          Alexander just smiled, remembering his acting days with Shakespeare.
          Jennifer looked at him, amazed. "Are you telling me you knew William Shakespeare? You acted in one of his plays?"
          "I was young and it was fun. He was a good friend, and I never did turn him into a vampire. I respected him too much." He could see the smile on her face. He continued his tour of the dressing rooms and the music rooms.
          "You really are amazing. Just how many famous people from history did you meet?"
          "Anybody who was somebody. Of course, I dined with Queen Elizabeth. I was one of the many men who went to England just to spend time with her. She did love her pirate friend the most. Oh, then I remember spending time with Napoleon, and so many other great military leaders. I met artists, writers, composers."
          "Let me guess, you got to see Mozart or Beethoven perform live."
          "Yes, and if I remember correctly, one of these pianos was used by Beethoven himself."
          "I can't believe it. I know you are quite a vampire and a few hundred years old, but to have watched history in the making and met all of those people, wow! You have got to be the most fascinating person I have ever met. So, when was your favorite period?"
          "I really could not say. I've enjoyed so much of my life. The modern world is nice, too, although I do miss the days when I was younger. I still do some of the same activities that I have been doing since I was a mortal."
          "Like what?"
          "I love to ride my horse, Nightwind."
          "I picture him as a black stallion."
          "Very good. As black as the night." He showed her some of the many bedrooms he had. He told her most of them had not been used since the times when he needed servants and a court. He walked her up to the tallest tower and let her see the view of the town below. His last stop would be the stables at the far end of the castle.
          Lucard opened the door to Nightwind's stall so Jennifer could have a look. "He is a beautiful horse. His name fits him perfectly. Do vampires have a thing for the color black?"
          "It reminds us of our dark world that we live in. We also like the color red."
          "I get the picture."
          "Would you like to go out for a ride?" he asked.
          "I would love to, but only if you will join me."
          With Alexander's powers of mind control, he had one of his servants bring the saddle and reins over to the horse and put them on. Another servant brought a leather jacket for Jennifer and one of Lucard's black capes. He lifted her on first and than took a seat behind her. Alexander held on to Jennifer with his left arm and took the reins in his right hand. At first he let the horse trot, but as soon as they were far enough into the woods, he let Nightwind run as fast as he could. Alexander used his mind to control the horse.
          They rode all around the castle and far into the woods. Lucard was enjoying every minute of it. He had his head resting on Jennifer's shoulder and could see the blood flowing through her veins. When he began to feel his fangs on his lower lip, he made the horse turn back to the castle. He could feel his hunger growing inside him and had to hunt soon because having her close to him was driving him crazy. Alexander wanted her, yet he knew he had to wait. Not much longer, though, he thought to himself.
          Just as the castle came into sight, a crack of thunder filled the air, and a minute later, it began to rain. Lucard made the horse run as fast as it could, but the rain came down harder. Jennifer was laughing as the rain soaked her clothes. The horse arrived at the stables with a servant waiting. Alexander lifted Jennifer off the horse and could feel how cold she was. "Let's get you to your room where you can dry off. there is a fire burning in the fireplace," he said as he walked with her.
          "You're all wet, too, although I don't think you will get sick."
          "No, and one of the best things about being a vampire. I don't want you to get sick so just relax by the fire. I have to go out for a few minutes."
          "Yes, sir," she said as she walked into her room. "Alexander, thank you for tonight. I had a great time," she said with a big smile.
          "Me, too. I haven't enjoyed a night like this in ages. Good-night, my dear," he said as he kissed her hand and left.
          Less than a minute later, Lucard had transformed into a bat and flew out into the night. He found a young girl standing under the roof of a darkened building. She was holding her car keys in her hand waiting for the rain to stop. Lucard offered to walk her to the car with his umbrella, which he really didn't have. She accepted and by the time she made it to her car, she was asleep with no memory of what had happened to her.
          Alexander felt better as he flew back to the castle., although he still hungered for a taste of Miss Martin's blood. He flew into her room to find her asleep by the fire. He returned to his human form and carried her back to bed. He sat on the edge and watched her sleep. Lucard knew he was attracted to her, and as he watched her, he wondered if he was possibly falling for her. It had been over a year since Margo had left him for a second time, and he remembered the pain all too well. He had wanted to find someone special after that night, and wondered if Jennifer could be that girl.
          No woman could ever love me, he thought as he walked over to the fireplace. Margo had left when she found out what I really was. She was too afraid of the vampire in me to trust me, and I know Jennifer has to feel the same way. She bought that stupid cross and I'm the one who told her to get it blessed and wear the damn thing! The thought made him laugh as he walked out of the room. He decided to get an early start on the day.

After Jennifer left the castle early that morning, she went to an old church on one end of town. She walked past the little cemetery in front and found a priest walking out of the church. "Excuse me, father, but I was wondering if you would bless this cross for me. I am in town to help a sick friend and want to wear this always, especially when I pray."
          "I would be glad to, my child," he said as he walked with her back inside the church.
          After Jennifer left the church, she saw Max Townsend running off with a small bottle of water. "Max," she called out and he turned around.
          "Oh, hey, Jennifer," he said as he quickly put the water in his back pack. "How are you?"
          "What are you doing at this old church?"
          "Just walking around," he said zipping up the bag. "I like to get some exercise in the morning. How about you?"
          "I came to get this cross blessed. You know, for good luck."
          "You have no idea how much," he said half mumbling.
          "I'm going to go shopping now for a dress. I got invited to an opera tonight."
          "My friend Sophie is going. She and my brother are kind of dating, and he is actually going just to please her."
          "So when will I get to meet this brother of yours?" she asked as they walked.
          "About now, " he said spotting Sophie and Chris walking towards him.
          "Max, did you get the water?" asked Sophie.
          "Yes. Chris and Sophie, this is Jennifer, the girl I met yesterday."
          "It's great to meet another American," said Chris.
          "Thank you. I hear the two of you are going to the opera tonight."
          "Yes, are you?" asked Sophie.
          "Yes, my friend invited me. He loves it, too. I'm on my way to buy a dress, but I don't know where to look."
          Sophie laughed. "I'm on my way to do the exact same thing. Since I know the boys hate to go with me, I would enjoy the company," she said.
          Jennifer smiled. "I would love to. I'm glad to have made friends already. I came here to help out a friend in trouble, and I've never been here before. He works all day. It's a long and complicated story about why I came here to visit him."
          "That's fine. Why don't you tell me about the United States, other than football and baseball. That's all Chris and Max talk about. Oh, and of course, Rock and Roll music."
          Jennifer laughed. "That's all most American boys talk about. I'll be glad to tell you anything," she said as they walked down the street.

Jennifer enjoyed her day with Sophie. She went to an outdoor cafe for lunch. She never mentioned Lucard for fear that someone could be watching and listening in on her conversations. She kept her cross on until she had changed into her dress and was on her way to having dinner with Lucard.
          She had bought two dresses, one black and the other purple. She chose to wear the purple one and save the other for a special occasion. Both reached to her ankles, but the black one was very sexy and had a V neck in front. As she walked into the dining room, Alexander smiled at her. "You look beautiful," he said.
          "The food smells great, shrimp fetticini?" she asked.
          "Very good. I have bread sticks fresh out of the oven. Unfortunately, there is no garlic on them."
          "I understand. Butter will be just fine, thank you." Jennifer took her seat and he sat down at the other end of the table. "I had an interesting day. I met a local girl and told her all about America and she told me a little about this town and Europe."
          "Wonderful. I do feel bad for leaving you at the castle while I go to work, but Lucard Industries is my life."
          "My father is the same way. I'm bound to turn into a workaholic myself," she said with a laugh.

Sophie walked with Chris inside the theater. She looked around for Jennifer, but did not see her. She glanced at one of the boxes and smiled that it was still empty. She knew very well that Lucard enjoyed the opera, and never missed out. Maybe tonight he will, she thought. He never brings the same date twice, and I wonder why, she thought and laughed silently to herself. She took her seat next to Chris and looked over the program. After a minute had passed, she felt Chris poking at her. "What is it, Chris?" she said, still reading.
          "Uhh, Soph, I think you had better look at who just walked in," he said.
          "Lucard, right," she said, not wanting to look.
          "Yeah, but I think you will be more interested to see who he is with," said Chris as he glanced over to Lucard's private seats.
          "What unfortunate woman is it this time?" she said as she turned her head. Sophie's eyes widened as she saw Jennifer Martin's arm wrapped around Lucard's. "No way, it can't be," she said as she moved to the edge of her seat.
          "Oh, but it is. You don't think that he is the friend she is visiting, do you?"
          "It can't be. She showed me the cross she bought yesterday and said that she would always wear it for good luck. Doesn't she know who she is with? Chris, we've got to tell her," she said as she stood up.
          "No, not here. Lucard will kill us both. Maybe she will go to the restroom tonight. If so, go in and talk to her."
          "Good idea, Chris, but do you think she will believe me? I'll tell her to meet with us at the park tomorrow morning. We'll have to talk to her then. Maybe she should meet Uncle Gustav."
          "Yeah, but I hope she lives that long."
          "Wait, she said she didn't buy the cross until she came to town, and she got it blessed today. A person would have to know a little about vampires to know that an unblessed cross does not work. Maybe she knows who he really is. Who knows, Lucard could have a mortal friend."
          "I don't know. It seems a little weird. Hey, she's getting up, but so is Lucard."
          "You stay here, and I'll go follow them," she said as she stood up. She kept her distance from them, and was glad to see Jennifer walk into the ladies' room. She ran up to Jennifer, who was putting on lipstick.
          "Sophie!" she said as she put the lipstick down.
          "Hello, Jennifer. I just wanted to say hi and hope you enjoy the opera. Can you meet me in the park tomorrow, around nine a.m.? I have to talk about your friend, Monsieur Lucard."
          "You know him?"
          "You could say that. I know of him. Please, I can't explain now. Promise you will be there."
          "I promise."
          "Great, see you then," Sophie said as she walked out of the bathroom. She walked past Lucard, trying not to look at him.
          "Good-evening, Sophie," she heard him say. She glanced back and saw him smile. She returned to her seat and thought about his smile. It wasn't his usual devilish smile, but one of a man who is happy. I'm sure he is happy, she thought. He has a new victim. She sat down and told Chris that she had talked to Jennifer and about her running in to Lucard.
          "I just hope she will be alive tomorrow," said Chris.
          "I have a feeling that she will be. And, if she is wearing the cross, then we will know that something is up."
          "Do you think she is his house guest?" said Chris.
          "Could be, since she hasn't talked about where and who she is staying with. When I asked her, she said that it was outside of town, but that was it. She did seem a little mysterious."
          "Wait until Uncle Gustav hears that Lucard may have a house guest," said Chris and the lights began to blink signaling that the opera would soon begin.

Jennifer smiled at Lucard after the curtain came down. "The opera was wonderful," she said. "You are really starting to spoil me, Mr. Lucard. I may not want to go back," she said before realizing that she may have meant it.
          "My pleasure, Miss Martin." He took her arm as they left his box seats. They had just reached the outside of the theater when one of his secretaries came running up to him. "What is it?" he asked to the old woman.
          "I'm sorry," she said taking a deep breath, "but there was a problem with the computer system and I tried calling your cellular phone, but after it rang so many times, I knew you must not have it on. I even brought another one from the office." She reached down into her purse and pulled it out.
          "Excuse me for a minute, Jennifer, but I must make this call. Just wait here and the car will be here shortly," he said as he picked up the phone and walked away.
          Jennifer stood on the sidewalk and watched as couples walked away talking about the opera. She looked up at the stars and smiled. Just then, she felt an arm grab her and pull her down the street. "Hey, what's going on," she said as she turned her head to see a strange man pulling her down the street and into a dark alley.
          "Hello," he said as he turned to face her. Jennifer saw the man's glowing yellow eyes and sharp fangs and knew exactly why he had her. "Don't scream, or you will regret it," he said with a smile. "Now, where is the diary?"
          "In my... my hotel room," she said.
          "Liar, you aren't staying at any hotel. We've searched them all. You are hiding somewhere else."
          "I don't have it because I gave it to my friend, Alexander!!" she screamed.
          Before the vampire had a chance to silence her, he turned to attack the strange hand on his shoulder.
          "Who are you?" said an angry Lucard.
          "I am nobody to you. I presume you are not an ordinary vampire," he said, as he was lifted off of the ground by Lucard.
          "My name is Alexander Lucard, Dracula to my friends. But, you will not get the chance to tell anyone about me," he said as he turned around so that Jennifer would not see him rip the vampire's throat out. He turned back to look at her as he wiped the ashes from his hands.
          Jennifer looked at him, her body shaking all over. "They did come here after me. I feel like I'm back home with no where to hide," she said as she started to cry.
          Lucard walked over and put his arms around her. "You're here with me and you're safe." He kissed the top of her head and wiped her tears away. "I should not have left you all alone."
          "It wasn't your fault. He would have come after us anyway. You really did save my life tonight," she said as she looked up and smiled at him. "Thank you."
          "I made you a promise and I will not break it. Now let's get back to the castle and get you some hot tea. Would you like that?" he asked as he walked with his arm on her shoulder back to his car.
          "I would love it."
          As the car drove back to town, Alexander kept his arm around her and she rested her head on his shoulder. Jennifer knew she felt safe in his arms, and thought it was kind of ironic that she had just been attacked by one vampire yet felt safe with another.
          Jennifer changed for bed while Alexander went and got the tea for her. She sat in bed and drank it. "Alexander," she said and he walked over to the side of her bed. "You did not have to do what you did tonight. I want to thank you," she said as she put the tea down.
          "I wrote to protect you, m'lady."
          "Again, thank you, my prince," she said and she leaned over to him and kissed him on the lips. He kissed her back as he folded his arms around her. She fell asleep in his arms.

          Stay tuned for part three, "A Date With Lucard". . .

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