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5 Years Ago.
Samuel walks around a park to dodge the company of John and Elma, not because he finds them troublesome but so they would not interfere with his plan.
The human fool Gabriel has taken under his wing will turn out to be a useful piece.
Somehow he has gained Count Dracula's trust but Samuel does not trust him.
To be able to gain Dracula's trust is not something any human can just do.
Besides, if immortality is what Frank McQueen wants then Dracula is better equipped for that.
So, why Gabriel? Why does Frank McQueen want Gabriel to grant him immortality?
Since he has found Dracula, why doesn't he give them his location?
Even the vampires that secretly work for Dracula do not know his location but Frank found it.
He even found them.
Samuel doesn't trust Frank McQueen and he does not believe he is out to help the twins.
Gabriel and John seem to believe the human but not Samuel.
He has his plans to snuff out Count Dracula but Frank McQueen will have to be bait.
His survival is of no concern to Samuel.
He dials a number and Bryan picks, "Have you leaked the information about Frank McQueen?" he asks, "Yes boss.
Hopefully, it will reach Dracula before the evening" "Good, don't forget to give Frank a heads up, after all, I need him to escape so he can draw out that bastard," "Yes boss", Samuel cuts the call.
Present.
Samuel stares at her as guilt hangs in his chest like a mango dangling from its tree.
The weight of his guilt grows as he senses her suspicion.
How can he tell her that he is her hero when he knows the incident of that night was all part of his plan to expose Dracula's whereabouts?
How can he look her in the eyes and tell her he was the one that caused her father's death.
A year ago humans were nothing to him, but he met Rachael McQueen.
The girl he saved, the girl who wasn't supposed to be there that night.
The girl whose presence threatens to break the hard walls of his heart.
He can never understand the horrendous feeling he put her through over the years.
Is it fate or fortuity that brought them together?
Whichever, it is a cruel reality that now holds this immortal in its grasp.
"Does it matter?" he sips his drink, "I'm curious," "Well, haven't you heard? Curiosity killed the cat, Miss McQueen" he says.
"Sounds like you are trying to avoid the question," Rachael says as she takes a step closer to him.
"Maybe I am," "And why would you do that?" "I don't know", he speaks gently, "Maybe I don't want you to fall in love with me or maybe I don't want to break your heart," Samuel says.
"I'd have to be in love with you for you to break my heart," Rachael says, only if she knew.
"Right.
Are you in love, Miss McQueen?", Samuel asks.
"With you?", she takes a sip of her drink "With anyone?" "I don't know. I have been out of the game for so long, I wouldn't know if I was" she says.
For some reason, Samuel has a naughty thought and hides it behind a mischievous grin.
Samuel takes a step closer to her, "Are you sure? I can help you with that" he says smoothly and takes a sip of his drink.
His eyes stay on Rachael, gazing at her like a graceful swan.
Rachael's heart palpitates as she senses a hidden meaning in his words, what is he saying?
She takes a sip of her liquor trying to hide her smile. She rubs her elbows as she tries to cover her chest.
"What do you mean?", she asks.
Samuel drops his glass on the pavement.
He takes off his notch lapel suit, throws it over her shoulders and gently pulls her close to him.
Rachael slowly raises her head and looks into his dark eyes.
She can perceive the bourbon in his breath as the little space between them grows thinner.
His eyes change into a blue glow and his face light up with a bright smile as his head moves closer to hers.
Rachael's hand leans against his chest while the other holds up her drink, she already anticipates his next action, his kiss.
She unconsciously stands on her toes to reach his height and he puts a hand on her lip, they feel so soft.
I bet they will be better when locked with mine, Samuel thinks.
He would love to have Rachael to himself but right now he isn't sure he is what is best for her especially since he was the one that caused her father's death.
Rachael's anticipation is shattered as she feels his lips on her forehead.
"You don't need advice from me, Miss McQueen. You will be alright" Samuel says.
Her stampeding heart slows down like the brakes of a train kick in and her breathing calms down.
She wears a warm smile, disappointed and happy at the same time.
Samuel carries his drink, "Come on, let's go inside" he says motioning her to go in.
He wanted to kiss her, he wants to hold her in his arms but he can't.
The conscience he thought he had buried a long time ago now haunts him.
'How can I fall for the daughter of a man I killed?'.
87th Street, Roosevelt.
Warren Peace pants as he uses the last of his ammo on a vampire and it turns to ash.
The three men have defeated a lot of them and moved to the top floor where Gretchen leans against the wall like a boss awaiting the arrival of the game players.
She folds her hands across her chest in the darkness of the building but the detective's human eyes cannot see her.
Gabriel's eyes are glowing blue as he clenches his fist and directs a death stare at the graceful-looking vampire.
She wears a long black sleeveless gown and leather pants with a pair of black boots.
A furry-looking creature stands beside her and the men quickly identify it as a werewolf.
"You used to love me," Gretchen says, "Past tense, used to, get over it" Gabriel says harshly.
"You know me Gabriel Stone, I hold grudges" "I don't care. Where is your sister? Is the coward hiding while you die?" he says.
Gretchen laughs, "I thought you knew her better than that. No, she isn't hiding.
While you have been killing my newborns, she left to finish what we started" she says with a sinister grin appearing across her face.
"How dare you? She has nothing to do with this?" "Any weakness you have will be exploited, this is common sense, Gabriel.
We'll take her alive as long as you will come with us but you better make up your mind soon.
After all, I can't promise that Emily will retrieve her safely" "Quite the evil one you are, madame" Marcel says, "Marcel the traitor," Gretchen says and he gives a slight bow.
Gabriel pulls out his phone and starts to dial Samuel's number; Rachael is in danger.
He can't have her lose her life because of them, not after she has lost her parents to this madness.
It wouldn't be fair to her.
"So, what will it be Gabriel?" Gretchen asks, "Let me tell my brother to surrender to Emily,".
Warren observes the situation like a ghost, quiet and invincible to the immortals.
Samuel picks up, "What is it?" he asks, "Emily is coming for you and Rachael, you know what to do" Gabriel ends the call.
"That didn't sound like surrender," Gretchen says, "No shit. You seem to forget who you are talking to.
The moment my father put you up to this, he signed your death warrants" Gabriel says as he pockets his phone.
The werewolf growls and howls.
Gretchen spreads her arms open, revealing a set of twin blades in her hands, "Come to me, Gabriel Tempestas Stone".