Emele's Night Goddess: Family Rivals

Emele’s Night Goddess

Family Rivals

Steve Pierce

Copyright © 2015 by Steve Pierce.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Rev. date: 09/26/2015

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Contents

Preface

A Familiar Story

The Honeymoon

A Clue To The Past

Claudia’s Four-Legged Friends

Gieves Makes A Move

Curiosity

Infatuation

The Fight

The Hunt

Claudia Meddles

An Investigation Begins

A Close Call

To Know Is Better

Someone New

PREFACE

B ORN IN TRANSYLVANIA in the 1800s, Emele Dracula was a very wealthy middle-aged man, who found his promise of longevity in an African tribe not far from his diamond mines. An interruption in the process caused an unwanted side effect of vampi rism.

Emele runs his businesses at night, leading a lonely life in darkness until he is captivated by a young woman, Constance VanHelsing, daughter of the man investigating the many disappearances in the area. Emele pursues her, but is left for dead when Constance’s father confronts Emele in front of Constance for the killer he is.

A pregnant Constance flees to America to escape the memories and start a new life.

After slowly healing in his grave for twenty years, Emele is summoned by his own daughter, Emelia, when she is violently attacked, awakening the sleeping DNA inherited from her father, changing her body forever. Emele, not knowing he has a daughter, assumes Constance is in trouble and starts the search for his true love that leads him to Las Vegas, Nevada. With the help of a new friend, Gieves, Emele finds her and learns Constance has two more daughters, Sarah and Claudia, who were changed by his own daughter, Emelia.

Emele’s reconciliation could be short lived when Constance is shot by a jealous ex-boyfriend. Not able to lose her again, Emele makes the decision to bite Constance against her wishes to save her. Fleeing Las Vegas to hide their secrets, they move to a mansion in New York City. Emele and Constance are wed and go to Transylvania for their honeymoon.

A FAMILIAR STORY

N EWS OF THE murders in Las Vegas made national papers; it even made headlines in other countries. The story of victims found beheaded with very little blood left in their bodies was news worthy to most papers. One story told of a crazed, beautiful young woman with unbelievable strength plowing her way through police until she was finally gunned down in an array of bullets. One officer commenting on how this small woman tossed his partner like a rag doll into a parked car with such force, he was crushed against it breaking many bones, killing him. Although the police were not to comment on the vampire issues of the case, one anonymous man told the press an undercover officer had two puncture wounds on the side of his neck and how the blood had to have been sucked from these wounds to kill him for the lack of blood in his body.

The stories had reached Steven VanHelsing. Steven recalled the story his father had told him about a case he was working on and what the doctor had said about his father’s death and lack of blood in the internal organs. This prompted Steven to return to his hometown to ask a few questions.

It had been over twenty years, so younger people wouldn’t have any memories about the many disappearances or rumored vigilante. He would have to talk to older people around fifty or older to find out anything. Steven talked to an elderly couple in their seventies.

The wife said, I remember about forty years ago, my cousin was supposed to come here about a job at the mill. He had left his folks and was on his way, but he never made it. I have to tell you, my cousin was no saint, and he had been in trouble for robbery. I was hoping he just needed a new start in a new town. I later sent a letter to his mother, but they had not heard from him since he had left. They thought something had happened to him because they were pretty close, and he was excited about the new job.

The husband said, I remember some questionable people just not being around anymore. Then he added, There used to be a younger fellow I’d see in the tavern once in a while. He was a strong, very capable-looking big guy, but he never had a job that anyone knew of, but he always had money. One day, we just never saw him again. A bunch of us just figured he crossed the wrong person. I remember crime went down, and there were stories of a vigilante, but nothing big really happened. There were some folks going through hard times. You would hear about thefts, oh, nothing too big, but you never heard about any murders, just people not making it to their destination, but no one seemed too concerned. There were a lot of vagrants that didn’t really have any ties, so when they weren’t seen, people just figured they moved on.

Steven talked to several others in the town, and most told him similar stories, but there was nothing about any suspects. He made a visit to the police station and asked about missing person cases over twenty years old. He talked to an older officer and found out there were several cases over the years, but there was no evidence, and policemen had nothing to go on, so most cases just got buried. Then a little over twenty years ago, it just stopped. No one knew why. The crime rate slowly started to rise again. The rumors started that a vigilante had gotten killed because some people were starting to carry guns.

Steven had come to a dead end. The disappearances started about sixty-five years ago and kept adding up until about twenty-three years ago. Steven remembered his father telling him he had taken care of the situation about that time. Then he remembered his father had told him his sister, Constance, had gone away after a falling out between them. He thought it strange how his father never talked about her after that. He also wondered why she didn’t try to contact him or their brother. With no new information, Steven went back home.

THE HONEYMOON

C ONSTANCE WAS SO happy. It felt good to be back in her home country, lying in bed with the man she loved. As she lay there her thoughts turned to her family, and she wondered what became of them. Her father would be very old now, and she wondered if he still might be alive. What about her brothers? Would they forgive her for just leaving without any word to them? Maybe they thought something had happened to her. For all they knew she could be dead, and now in a way she was. Would she ever be able to see them? Would they want to see her? Maybe, but they would probably be angry at her for putting them through so much, not knowing what had happened to her. Then again, maybe they would be so glad to see her they wouldn’t care about the past. She pondered these thoughts for a moment, then came to the conclusion it would be best to stay out of their lives, now that things had changed so much. How could she explain her new life to them? Still, she would like to just see them and see their families without them seeing her.

Constance looked over at Emele. He was still sleeping. She gave him a little poke in the side. He flinched slightly and opened one eye and looked at Constance. Staring in his eyes, she said, I would like to go on another carriage ride.

Emele rolled more on his side toward Constance. Where would you like to go?

I want to ride through town and see my old house and the bank and my father’s house. I’ve wondered if he might still be alive! Constance said excitedly.

Emele felt a cold shiver run up his spine. He tried to hold his emotions as best as he could, but Constance could tell he was upset and nervous.

I’m sorry. I know what he did to you, I was there.

Emele interrupted, What he did to us! He was trying to control his rage. What he did to us, he repeated more calmly.

Yes, what he did to us. Constance reached over and took Emele’s hand in hers and gave it a squeeze. I never forgave him for that night, but it would be nice to have some closure.

Emele thought a moment. He didn’t want her asking a lot of questions.

Constance wasn’t sure she should ask, but the words just came out. Did you see him when you woke up?

Emele looked at Constance, and although he was shocked by her question, he dare not tell her what had happened, at least not yet. After a moment of awkward silence, Emele said, I know he’s your father, but I don’t care if I ever see him again, hoping this would stop the conversation.

I know he would be really old. He may have even passed on. I just want to drive by his house, okay? We don’t have to stop.

Emele didn’t want to argue. Fine, we can drive by, he said, trying to smile. Then he added, I don’t think I could tell you no even if I wanted to.

Constance smiled at Emele. As it should be. Then she winked at him.

Emele pulled Constance on top of himself and kissed her. It will be dusk soon. I will have Hershel hitch up the horses. He looked in her eyes and added with a smile. You can have him take us anywhere you would like to go.

Constance smiled. Thank you. Then she kissed Emele and rolled him over so Emele was on top of her.

Emele smiled. You like the strength, don’t you?

Constance flipped Emele over on his back. She knew she was no match for him, but she sat up on him leaning forward and held his shoulders down. Yes, I must admit, I do. Then they both laughed.

That night, Constance told the caretaker, Hershel, where she would like to go. She was excited about seeing her memories.

Emele was silent and a bit nervous. He wondered how Constance would handle seeing her father’s house gone.

You’re awfully quiet tonight, she commented.

Emele looked at her. Just a lot on my mind.

Constance knew it bothered Emele to go by her father’s house. We don’t have to go by his house. We can just drive by my old house and the bank.

Emele smiled a little smile. I know you would like some closure after all these years. It’s okay, but I don’t want to stop. Emele thought it might be good for her to see her father’s house gone; even though he knew she would want to know what happened. Maybe it would calm her desire to contact her family, he hoped.

Thank you, she said, and she gave Emele a little hug. The city is bigger than I remember. It is good to see it growing. Constance tried to put Emele a little at ease. I suppose the crime rate is up a bit, though.

Hershel was nearing Constance’s house. Constance smiled as she looked at the house, seeing a dim light shine through lacey curtains. Looks like someone is making use of it. I had hoped it wasn’t sitting empty. It really is a nice little house.

Emele saw the sparkle in her eyes as she spoke. Yes, I think a young couple lives there now.

Hershel continued uptown toward the bank.

I can’t believe it’s been over twenty years! said Constance. The bank looks a bit different.

Yes, they did some remodeling on the inside and outside, and the clock really adds to it.

Do you know if Mr. Ramsey is still around?

He was when I left to find you. He was older, but still sharp as a tack.

Hershel turned the horses down the road toward the VanHelsing home.

Constance was looking out ahead to see her father’s house.

Emele watched her face as her excitement turned to dismay.

It’s gone! Constance said in disappointment.

The house was gone and the basement filled in. It was just an empty lot. As Hershel pulled up alongside the property, Constance saw a sign that read For Sale by Owner with a phone number. Stop the carriage, please.

Hershel stopped the horses, and Constance got out and walked around the lot where the house had stood. She walked back to the driver. Do you know what happened to the house?

Hershel looked down at Constance. A couple of years ago, the man who lived here died in a fire. Later, it was cleaned up and put up for sale. Hershel saw tears filling her eyes. What’s the matter, ma’am?

Emele got out of the carriage and somberly walked to Constance.

What was the man’s name?

VanHelsing. Did you know him?

Constance fell apart. He was my father.

Emele put his arms around her and held her close. I’m sorry.

I should have called him and told him I was all right and about my life and my girls. Constance swallowed hard. I should have made up with him. He was my dad.

Emele had not expected her to take it this hard. He almost wished he hadn’t killed her father, almost. His hatred of VanHelsing was nothing compared to his love for Constance. He hated seeing her cry. I’m so sorry, he said again.

Constance took a deep breath and wiped her eyes. I’m all right. I just need a minute. She gained her composure and asked Emele, Do you have a pen and paper?

Emele reached under his jacket to his shirt pocket and pulled out a pen and a small thin notebook and handed them to Constance.

Thank you. She walked to the sign and wrote down the phone number, then she walked back to Emele and took his hand. I’m all right now. It just took me by surprise. Then they walked to the carriage and got in.

Emele sat next to Constance. Do you want to continue, or would you like to go to the castle?

Hershel was holding the horses at bay awaiting instructions.

I feel like a ride in the country. Do you remember that old trail that ran through the back of your estate?

Emele nodded.

I remember small trees growing close to the path. They must be very big now. If it is still passable, I would like to ride through.

Emele squeezed Constance’s hand softly, then leaned his head out the window and instructed Hershel where to go.

Hershel turned the team around and headed through town to the Dracula estate. He steered the horses in a hay field entrance and to the old dirt path. The path was used by the farmer who rented the land and well maintained. The path followed a line of trees and a small stream that fed a large pond.

The trees are bigger, but it is just as I remembered, said Constance as she looked out over the pond. I love the way the moon reflects over the water. Isn’t it beautiful?

It is quite a romantic scene, isn’t it?

Emele asked Hershel to drive around the pond.

I remember Rhensfield talking about the fun he and his family had swimming and fishing here. How his wife, Jenny, would pack a picnic lunch and sit on a blanket in the shade of the big oak tree and watch them play in the water.

Constance saw sadness in his eyes. She touched his shoulder and asked, You miss him, don’t you?

He was my best friend. I miss him a lot. I miss talking to him. Emele wished he could tell Constance how Rhensfield had sacrificed himself to give him the strength he needed. Did I tell you, Rhensfield told me to go find you? ‘Whatever it takes,’ he said. He knew you were my soul mate.

I wish I could thank him. He and Jenny were always so nice to me. Constance paused a moment, then she leaned closer to Emele and in a low voice asked, How long did he know your secret?

Emele spoke softly telling her the story of how Rhensfield had seen him change and kill an attacker one night and how he could smell Rhensfield’s fear. He told her how he made him swear to keep his secret and how he was a bit distant after that, and he even thought Rhensfield might move his family away in the daylight, until his family was attacked in the castle. After that, we knew we could trust each other with anything.

Constance thought a moment, then looked at Emele. How old were you when we met?

Emele did not want to answer, but he did. I was eighty.

Constance’s jaw dropped. I knew you were older than me, but … really? she said in a squeaky voice. Eighty?

Yes, and in all that time, I had never been in love until the night I met you.

Constance got over her shock and looked deeply at Emele’s face. She remembered the image of him turning old after he was stabbed through the heart and was dying. Will I stay this age?

I don’t know for sure, but since you were bitten, you have acquired all the other characteristics I have, so I would assume you would hold your age as well.

Constance smiled. Maybe you should have bitten me twenty years ago.

They both laughed.

Hershel was following the path and coming up to the barn and stables. Do you want to continue on?

Emele looked at Constance. Well, Mrs. Dracula, what would you like?

This was fun, but I’m ready to go back to the castle.

Emele told Hershel to pull up to the castle. When the carriage stopped, Emele opened the door, stepped out, and held Constance’s hand as she stepped down. That will be all, he said to Hershel as he shut the door.

Very well, sir, he said, and he headed the horses to the stables.

Emele walked Constance to the castle door, and they went inside. How about some dinner? he asked.

That sounds good. I am a little hungry.

Emele took Constance to the kitchen and sat her down by a small table. He fired the grill and took two large potatoes, cut them in half, and put them on the grill. Then he took two steaks from the refrigerator and after the grill was hot put the steaks on it.

Constance stood up and took Emele’s hand. This is my area of expertise. Then she pushed him aside.

Emele smiled. Then I will get the plates.

Constance had acquired the taste for rare steak as well, and she cooked them perfectly.

Emele held the plates as Constance placed the steaks and potatoes on them. Then he carried them to the dining room and sat them on the table. He pulled Constance’s chair for her to sit, then he opened the bottle of red wine and poured their glasses. He sat straight across from her as they ate and talked about the carriage ride. When they finished, Emele said, My complements to the chef, as he held up his wine glass.

Constance held up her glass and clinked Emele’s. Thank you.

Emele walked around the table to Constance and picked up the wine bottle. Shall we move to the study?

Constance picked up her wine glass and stood up. Sounds … interesting, she said, as she winked at him.

Could be, Emele answered with a smile.

When they reached the study, Emele sat his glass and wine bottle down on the end table. Then he walked over to the fireplace bent down and stoked the fire.

Constance watched as the flames grew. Are you trying to seduce me? she asked coyly.

Emele stood up, took Constance’s glass, then sat it on the end table next to his. He pulled Constance to him and leaned down to kiss her. Constance closed her eyes as their lips met. Emele put his arms around her waist, feeling the curves of her body.

Constance wrapped her arms around his waist and slowly slid her hands up his back feeling the strength in his muscles.

They were both becoming aroused as their kissing became more passionate.

Constance stopped kissing Emele and just looked into his eyes for a moment. She could smell his lust and see the hunger in his eyes. She let go of him and took the quilt from the armchair and slowly spread it on the floor next to the roaring fire. Then she kicked her shoes off and stood in the middle of the quilt. She pointed her finger at Emele, staring him lustfully in the eyes. Then she slowly turned her hand over and curled her finger in and out motioning him to join her.

Emele kicked off his shoes and joined her on the quilt. This time he pulled her to him with urgency. He kissed her as his hands reached for the buttons of her blouse, unbuttoning them from the top downward, untucking her blouse from her skirt as he unbuttoned the last button.

Constance moved her hands to Emele’s chest and started unbuttoning his shirt. Her fangs started to grow along with her excitement. She bit Emele’s ear lobe teasingly. Emele unzipped Constance’s skirt, and she let it fall pushing it aside with her foot. They finished undressing each other and made love in front of the fire.

Emele had his arm around Constance holding her close to him, both facing the fire. Constance remembered when she and Emele were first getting to know each other and how she had told him she would love to go to Africa with him. Do you still have your mines in Africa? she asked.

Emele had drifted off to sleep. Constance rolled over now facing Emele. She saw his eyes open. She knew he had not heard her question. I was wondering, do you remember when I told you I thought it would be fun to travel to Africa with you?

Emele opened his eyes wider and looked at Constance. Yes, I had planned to take you there years ago.

I would like to go and see the mines.

I can take you there, but in my absence, the mines were too much for Rhensfield, and he sold them. He actually got a very good deal.

I would still like to see them. I would like to know about your past. It’s so interesting. I love hearing the stories. When you first told me how you traveled, I used to dream about going on a ship with you, standing on the deck under a star lit night, feeling the cool sea breeze on my face while you stand behind me with your arms around my waist.

Emele smiled. How can I squelch your dream? I will make arrangements right away.

Constance hugged Emele. Thank you. It really means a lot to me. She paused a moment, then added, I would like to hear more of the story of how you changed. It’s so exciting. Maybe you could show me the tribe—the Houruo, right?

I don’t know if that’s possible, they may have been killed that night, but we can ask if anyone knows anything about them. Emele looked at the clock. It will be dawn soon. We had better get to our room. We don’t want to get caught like this.

Constance would have liked to stay like