The Alexandrov Family

Struggling with the shaking within you, the Light of god zipping around your insides, you felt a gentle hand touch you "Master, Master say something, are you okay?"

Belle's voice was calming, it helped you control the queezy feeling in your guts, and by some miracle... no you didn't want to hear that world right now, You managed to stand, taking a deep breath and shaking the irritation away as Belle fussed over you.

"I... I'm gonna be fine. Are you okay?" You asked, opening your eyes to look at the slightly roughed up Belle.

She nodded "I think so, whatever that... horrible light was, you shielded me from it. God look at your shoulder!"

You flinched "T-Try and not mentioning the big guy right now, it's okay, The wound is closing, I just need to drink something later, expel some of the silver."

The two of you looked where the two of them had been, and You noticed one of the broken rings of silver from Requiem's chainmail, crouching beside it as you grimaced "Who the Hell are those guys!? they were even strong er than last time. But they were human, I could feel it!" Belle insisted.

You nodded in agreement "I don't know, but I feel like they could be a problem later." the Wound on your shoulder began to close, though the burning and the light inside still burned subtly under your skin. "Come here, Let's get ourselves fixed up, we might still make it if we hurry."

Isabelle frowned worriedly "Are you sure we shouldn't just reschedule? My dad might be a dick about it but..."

"No, we'll be okay, here." You moved towards her, putting on a smile as You drew some of your blood, drawing the circular blood rune on both of your chests. "Rewind: Complete Reconstruction" The Rune glowed red, the seams in the tears sealing, the dirt flashing away, though the blood remained, and so you painted another "Beckon: Crimson banish." This rune made the blood on you both slowly start to dry, browning and darkening until it faded into the ask, scattering on the wind.

Belle looked in awe "That is cool."

You smiled "You were cooler, you really held your own..."

The Brunette grinned "Muninn is a good teacher!"

---

Bolting across the rooftops, your mind resided back there with the attackers.. the weapons they wielded, the words they spoke, it all meant one thing for you.

"Vampire hunters."

They were too well equipt, far stronger than any human had a right to be, but what was their motive? religion, that would make sense considering the way they spoke in Latin and used holy weapons, but was it because of hatred? the Girl, Lacrimosa seemed uncaring of that, she seemed uncaring in general... it was all something that You didn't need right now, your mind had another concern to address.

Ivan Alexandrov... You'd heard plenty of things about the man, none of them good, He had dealings with your father once upon a time before your old man cut him off for trying to shake down local businesses.

"That's what you get for working with the Russian Mafia."

If all of that didn't make you feel sour enough, there was his treatment of Belle, how He and her family abandoned her after you came into her life, How none of them even bothered visiting her in Hospital... it made your blood boil.

This would be an endurance test, they were merely humans so Physical **** was not remotely a problem, the aim was to keep things peaceful, hidden, no one could know about your vampirism, and you were not yet ready to return to the world, at least not until the Police called for you personally, this visit would certainly assist in that aim.

But it wasn't for that purpose that You were doing this, it was for the Beauty, sprinting along the high rooves beside you because that is what she wanted... but even then, You didn't have full confidence that You control yourself if any of them took the piss. Luckily the Beast was tired out, that would make things easier.

Belle halted at the hem of a large and fancy building, and You stopped beside her, following her eyes to see the adjacent structure, which was even fancier than the rest of this part of town.

Her Brown eyes settled on the Three-story building, it's old arched design echoing that of the Old town, yes... You remembered, The 'Alexandrov mansion' wasn't always owned by the wealthy Russian-American family, it belonged to the Bruce family.

You grimaced "Chaz and Camile's Family." You thought, recalling your bully and his airhead untouchable sister. But that family had left the Mansion long before You were born, settling further east on the outskirts of town in a more modern home, Ambassador Bruce was a much wealthier man after all.

You sensed Belle quivering, frowning as she looked to you "M-Maybe this is a bad idea..." She muttered nervously "What if... What if my Dad is in a mad mood, I know what you're like, My family can be mean and I don't want you to lash out."

Raising an eyebrow you, took her shoulders "Here, tonight, I am your tool. If you tell me to get you out of there then I will, if you tell me to leave while you stay I will. If you tell me to attack and kill, then I will. Tonight you are my Master. okay?" You whispered, feeling her eyes look deep into yours as she smiled gently.

"I care about you so much... it's kinda scary." She muttered, her beautiful copper features slipping closer to you.

"Really, being with you feels unimaginably safe." You retorted.

Belle bit her lip, chuckling "Hmmm, You are such a cheeseball."

You kissed then, your lips touching gently, carefully dancing with one another as she giggled, feeling your breath on her "That's enough, You are going to ruin my lipgloss!" She said in her spoiled tone "Come on, we are 3 minutes late!"

Belle jumped from the roof into a dark alley bellow, You rolled your eyes "How terrible of us." and You followed.

Isabelle held your hand as you approached the Alexandrov mansion, quickly speaking as You closely approached the mansion's steps "Okay so My Dad isn't always very nice but He likes to talk so just listen and everything will be fine, My stepmother, Stacy is..." She hesitated "Well you are very handsome so she will likely want to hear all about you, the exact opposite. My stepbrother Mantas is a bit of a dick, but he should stay mostly quiet, and Charlotte, My little stepsister, well I think you'll like her, she is really a sweetheart, but she is a little spoilt!" Belle said, and you listened keenly, taking mental notes.

You paused at the Mansion's lobby doors on the wide and fancy patio, seeing the Water fountain that rippled gently in the background "What about how we met?" You asked, "Can't exactly say that You caught me feeding on someone and I enthralled you with my Vampire powers."

Belle rubbed her chin "You could say that we met at a Gala! I used to attend quite a lot of those and it's not out of the ordinary for a wealthy man's son either, plus there was one just about the time I ate my ex... that's when we should say we met."

You grinned "Hell if you aren't the little planner." You chuckled.

"Oh hush." She said, checking her outfit and straightening out "Any tips... to conceal... you know?"

You thought about it, looking her over "Try and blink a little more, I know we forget to do that sometimes, try and breathe more but don't let them sense that you don't actually let out any air. Luckily it's a cold night so us being freezing to the touch isn't too out of the question, but try not to do too much touching. Hmmm oh... and try to keep as calm as you can, if we get upity then it will be a red-eyed fang party, I don't imagine humans would like that very much" You chuckled.

Belle nodded "Okie Dokey, ohh I am nervous, we got this right?"

"We got it." You approved, offering Belle your arm. She took it gleefully and together you moved to the Mansion's entrance, getting the door for Belle as you both stepped inside.

The Lobby of the Alexandrov was beautiful... and full. many very rough and tattooed men hung around the desk, smoking cigarettes and talking to the Older receptionist lady who you were glad to confirm, was Not Namina.

Many turned as you and Belle walked through, frowning deeply at you and even more at Belle.

"Ну ну посмотри кто это" One of the goonish looking men said in Russian, Belle scoffing and waving them off as she led you to the Reception desk.

"Заткнись, Alexei," Belle said, waving the man off in a very high and mighty way, the men disbursing slightly as Belle smiled warmly at the Receptionist, the kind-looking; grey-haired older woman returning the smile in contrast to the men that surrounded you.

"Isabelle. How are you, my dear?" The Woman asked, her tone accented in thick Russian.

"Privet, Miss Ki-ki, I am great thank you, Dad should be expecting us." She said rather formally, as the Receptionist, Miss Ki-Ki nodded.

"Ah yes, this must be Mr Drake... it is nice to meet you, sir." Ki-Ki said kindly.

You looked at the tattoos she had on her forearms, barely covered by the sleaved of her woolly cardigan. the thick lenses of her glasses that hung on her glasses, overmagnifying her grey eyes "It is a pleasure to meet you too..."

Ki-Ki raised her hand and you shook it very gently and politely as the men around you stared "Linda Chernyshevsky, oh but you can call me Ki-Ki, everybody does. You are really a very handsome young man, Bella wasn't exaggerating."

"thank you, Ki-Ki." You said, smiling at Belle as she flushed.

Ki-ki chuckled, although the same man who Belle had dismissed, Alexei, you thought she said rocked up "So... this is the infamous Charle's drake." He said in a perfect American accent "...I thought you were supposed to be dead, along with your father-AIYE!" Alexei grunted in pain as Ki-ki thumped his hand.

"Shut your mouth, you stupid boy, and get out of here, before I shoot you!" She yelled, making Alexi grimace. apparently, Ki-ki wasn't as harmless as she seemed.

"Блин красавчик (Damn pretty boy)" He whispered going to walk away.

"красивее, чем вы (Prettier than you," You said in the little Russian that You knew, making Ki-Ki and Belle smile, and Alexei's companions chuckle at him.

"Head straight through to the garden, Your family is waiting for you there for diner," Ki-Ki said, giving Belle and uneasy look.

Belle rolled her eyes "Probably complaining about us being late. *sigh* thank you Ki-Ki." she said with a sigh.

"Enjoy, I am happy to have been meeting you, Mister Drake."

You nodded to Ki-Ki "Ditto, Miss Chernyshevsky." You spoke as Belle led you through the Lobby and out into the main Foyer.

This place was truly lavish, from the pure white marble floors with the duel spiral staircases with steps of brown mahogany on either side, the Crystal chandeliers' that hung from the high ceiling, the main hall leading out to a revolving glass opening.

"I didn't know you spoke Russian?" Belle inquired as you stepped out towards the clear opening, the glass sliding smoothly out of the way as the sensor quietly beeped, revealing the otherworldly garden.

"Only... what Boris taught me... Holy shit." You muttered, looking out at the large, beautiful Garden, which was almost magical in its visuals. a winding staircase of polished stone curved to the east side of the Patio, the space in between it was lush with flowers of all kinds, with a water feature that sends a spiralling wave of blue water down like a stream and back unto itself.

But the Patio itself was the really impressive thing, for it was fully sheltered with a bar, in the far corner, a pool that shimmered in the golden porchlights around it, and finally, a long dining area, with a great and fancy table, with fiver people sat around it.

You felt Belle tense slightly as you moved closer, though you smiled and rubbed her arm reasuredly which seemed to calm her somewhat, as You came towards the table and everyone sat turned to look at You both.

"Isabelle." The Entire family looked, eying the two of you curiously and You doing the same. The Woman who had spoken was clearly Stacy, Belle's stepmother. A slim, over-tanned woman with a sharp nose and puffy lips that You suspected had been filled out artificially, Her bright blonde hair tied into a tight ponytail with a bright blouse to match, she wore make-up a little to much to be attractive and her large sickly amber eyes traced over you, a smile quickly forming on her face.

"Mr Drake..." It was when this voice that everybody stood politely, this voice was beckoning, shrill and sharpish, one that matched the man who spoke with it. You watched as they all moved to greet you, though you couldn't help but feel Ivan Alexandrov's Pale Blue eyes stick to you, they were shallow in their sockets and the face that they sat in was strong but hard in the jawline, laid with a neatly cut grey stubble.

Ivan's hair was thin and swept back with gell, Dark at its ends but iron-grey at the roots, you saw Belle's curved cheeks in him and that same proud smile, though he was oddly intimidating particularly because of his two gold teeth on the left side. He wore a pricy formal shirt that was grey with crosshatched lines of Brown that he filled out with a very obviously finely exercised muscle. Ivan's arms were cluttered with tattoos, dark and fading, that started from his neck and ended on the IVAN on his left fingers and the WINS on his right, partially covered by golden rings.

This was a wealthy man, a powerful man, a dangerous man. But you merely smiled, smiled widely as he can and shook your hand with a firm grip.

"So!" He said energetically "This is the son of Great Roman Drake... I am terribly sorry for your loss my friend." His voice was neither high nor low you noticed, but damn was it strong, He sounded distinctly American and not Russian at all, a father's commanding tone... or a mob bosses.

"Thank you, Sir." You said softly, Belle's father's eyes widening as He laughed joyously.

"Hoho! easy there tiger, gonna crush my hand there, You must be strong as an ox! you certainly look it, You look a little bit like Michael Jackson too! haha!" He laughed at his own joke and two others followed, making a distinct effort to make their hysterics known.

The First Man, gave a low rumbling laugh, He was medium height with dark eyes and covered in tattoos, He wore a suit and plenty of rings also, with his hair slicked back like Ivan's, only he had black hair and great brown beard that looked like it would eat half the food that He would, and his Dark grey suit was well fitted... Though you noticed the crease at his breast pockets.

"Armed." You noted.

The Second gave you the creeps, mainly because He looked like a slightly wider and younger version of Ivan himself, though he was unreasonably bloated, the sides of his hair shaved short with his dark hair falling down to his spectacles, He two had tattoos on his bloated arms, and his shirt looked to be XXL... You were sure Mantas wasn't comfortable in it... just as uncomfortable as he doubtlessly was with a salad.

"Haha, Thriller! haha... oop." Ivan pointed a finger at You, "I'm just kidding buddy!" He said continuing to laugh.

You let out a flattering chuckle... come on Charlie... can't pass judgement too early.

"Oh leave him alone, Ivan. Look at how handsome he is!" Stacy shuffled forward on her boney legs opening her arms and giving you a very sudden hug.

"Oh, uh... thank you, Ma'am?" You said, smiling nervously as she hummed, feeling at the muscles on your back hungrily.

"Look at him, Lottie! isn't he gorgeous!?" Misses Alexandrov turned to a meek-looking girl, with Short chocolate brown hair and a button nose, She couldn't have been any older than Eighteen and like her Older brother worse glasses, though hers were round instead of square, she wore a short skirt and a stripped White and teal jumper with a Black fur Vest on top, Her Brown eyes looking you over curiously before she looked down to her phone.

"Sure, whatever Mom," Charlotte said, shrugging.

Stacy frowned "Well, Mr Drake, I apologise. I am Stacy Alexandrov, Ivan's wife, Isabelle's stepmother, and that ungrateful lump over there is My youngest Charlotte."

You raised an eyebrow as Charlotte pulled a cigarette-free from a pack and lit it, flipping the bird at her mother.

"Charming."

"And this is my Boy, Mantas! Look at that stallion!? He'd give you a run for you muscles eh, Thriller!?" Ivan said, pointing to his son who waved absently as He stuffed his face from the table.

"Yeah... of course, hehe" You said, scratching your head.

Belle stepped forward, her eyes planted firmly on the ground "H-hi Daddy. Stacy." Belle's voice was quiet, you could sense the apprehension in her voice like the excitement had been drained right out of her, it made you tilt your head.

"Yes-Yes, Hello Isabelle come and sit you two, diner is ready and we don't want to wait any longer, I'm starving!" Ivan said rather dismissively, a man in waiting in a black butler's suit swiftly and quietly drew out yours and Belle's chairs, sitting you at the other end of the huge table as the Old butler gave Belle a warm smile

"Ms Harlow." He said in a gentle tone.

"Hey, Walter," Belle said, giving a meek smile as the Butler tapped your shoulder with his white-gloved hands, giving you a quiet but very friendly grin.

"Come on Walter, don't keep us waiting any longer than these two have!" Ivan cried passionately, the Butler nodding as his face became neutral again

"Right away sir."

---

The food came quickly, and you were quite amazed to see the level of Staff in this household, placing players of steamed carrots, sprouts, Baked parsnips and potatoes of gold and brown, slow-cooked beef brisket with Pulled pork that fell off the bone, pots of steaming soup: smooth skin, lentil and oxtail, rings of magenta prawns that shone with temptation, and a particularly mouthwatering roast chicken thick with meat and muscle on its wings... You stared in awe at the sheer amount of food, and grimaced as the Staff placed EVEN MORE FOOD in front of Mantas who was already fucking eating before you even sat down!

"This is... this is the worst case of gluttony I have ever seen... AND I AM A VAMPIRE! A VAMPIRE!"

"I hope you are hungry, Thriller," Ivan said from his seat on the opposite side of the table. You really didn't like being called that.

"It's amazing!" You said, dying inside, mainly because You'd probably start to get queezy after five mouthfuls let alone whatever the fuck this was.

"We spared no expense for you, Honey, only the Best for the Legendary Roman Drake's son!..." Stacy looked at Belle, who's smile was gone again "And Isabelle's new Boyfriend of course."

"Oh, you didn't have to do that, Miss Alexandrov... I-"

"Nonsense, You must need protein for those muscles eh? Bond appetite!" Ivan proclaimed.

This was an awkward situation, mainly because You hadn't tested how much Human food you could keep down, you were grateful to taste it but stuffing your face like Ivan, Mantas and the other man in the suit did was definitely not an option... it was then that You saw Belle in action.

The Brunette looked at You suggestively, making a point to show you putting an ungodly amount of food on her plate, picking up her knife and fork and starting to slice and divide the food, doing a lot of movements with her arms though never actually putting anything in her mouth...

Stacy eyed her stepdaughter keenly, a very judgmental look on her face "Actually eating today, Girl?" Stacy said in an icy tone that caught your attention.

"Yes ma'am. it's lovely." Belle said, placing a tiny forkful in her mouth and then, with her vampiric speed spitting it back out into her handkerchief and proceeding to slice endlessly again.

"Good girl, don't eat too much, you're getting a little plump." She hissed, making you frown, though Belle winked, seemingly getting away with not eating anything at all.

You followed suit, at Belle's ingenious, filling your plate and barely tasting anything unless someone was making a point to look at you, the sound of the cutlery and your arm movements, with some hums of approval seemed to be enough to distract them from the fact that you had barely eaten a mouthful in the last 10 minutes, something that You saw Charlotte doing also...

"Must be an old trick they come with, understandable if this pig's Feast is put in front of them every day."

It was quiet for a while, everybody was eating, but you caught a very strange vibe from this Family, Belle's stepbrother and Stepsister didn't seem all that concerned with either of you, but Mis Alexandrov was pretty much glaring at Belle the entire time, and Ivan... Ivan had a keen eye of his own on you.

"So... tell me, Thriller, how did you meet my daughter?" He asked inquisitively.

You smiled, taking Belle's hand and speaking certainly "Oh we met a Galla. it's a funny story actually, I was horribly drunk at the time, I was preoccupied with this girl when she spotted Me, naturally, I saw how beautiful she was and so, naturally I made a point to stumble into your lovely daughter..."

Belle gripped your hand, unable to hold back her grin

"Pfft, lovely," Ivan said, shoving more food into his mouth.

Your smile twitched but you continued "Yes. Lovely. anyway after that she kept following me around, and though she did annoy me at first I won't lie, I just couldn't help but fall to her charms!" this dulled version of the truth made your insides swell with pride, a dark part of you chuckling at the hidden joke. Belle seemed to get it too, you could feel her smooth leg slid over to yours and he refuse to let your hand go.

"Belle, charming, spoilt more like," Charlotte smirked.

"Oh shut up, Lottie." Belle spat.

"Don't talk to my daughter like that Isabelle!" Stacy suddenly snapped, making you jolt in surprise.

You looked to Belle, expecting that fury that always resided in her... but Belle merely lowered her eyes, her shoulders scrunching in "Sorry... Stacy." She said meekly.

"Behave yourself at my table, Girl," Ivan growled. your eyes flickering between them in confusion.

"Yes sir." She said quietly.

He grunted "I'm done... where's Walter? damn butler... Isabelle, take this through to the Kitchen for me, Girl." Ivan commanded.

"But..." Ivan pressed Belle with a cold stare, she nodded "Yes, Sir."

Her hand leaving yours, your confusion was slowly but surely turning to anger, You were lost... what the fuck is this? are they joking? they can't actually... No... no... way.

"So then, Thriller, What have you been up to, people have been curious about your sudden disappearance?" Ivan asked, giving you the same pressing stare as Belle took his plate and walked off.

You followed her with your eyes is disbelief "I... needed to take some time, to mourn." You said absent-mindedly, still concerned with Belle.

"Of course, it is a great shame about Roman, we were associates once as I'm sure you know."

"Yes... Sir." You said, watching as Belle came back with a bottle and a chilled glass and placing it before Ivan.

"Here, daddy." She said, leaving with her old man not even thanking her and resuming her seat next to you. You gave her a confused stare, seeing a very "Please don't make a scene" Look in her eyes, and so you took a breathe, trying to seethe your irritation.

"Yeah, I heard. He never really talked to me about you... We weren't exactly close." You said truthfully, Your dad was always consumed with work, work that you now knew was not exactly normal, though He swore to your grandfather to give up on his path as the Black-Star, meeting and studying monsters.

"He was a very distant man, I remember, but he was a brilliant man, I recall." Miss Alexandrov said, "You have his looks."

Clearing your throat you shifted, despite using Belle's technique, Ivan's gaze had been kept on you well and so you could feel the Human food churning in your stomach uncomfortably like your body knew that it wasn't supposed to be there. You stifled a belch "Th-thank you... Oh sorry." You apologised, but Ivan, Mantas and the Bodyguard laughed

"Better out than in, eh, Thriller aha!"

Your arm tensed. You did not like this man. Belle's hand touched your forearm gently, pleading with her eyes, You looked to Ivan.

"So, what was Belle like a kid, was she as sassy as she is now?" You voice picked up, became more active, you were testing the waters, it was a reflex, a very hostile reflex.

Ivan huffed "Sassy is an understatement, Mantas has always been a good lad, Charlotte is a little rude but a good gal. But Isabella, damn she was a little monster, still is, never did as she was told, great big pain in my ass with all the hassling, her Aur pair was calling me twenty-four seven..." She made a phone gesture and a funny face "...Belle wants this, Belle wants that, I am busy man, I didn't and don't have time for her silliness." He spat, making your heart thump harshly in your chest.

"It's that mother of her's blood." Miss Alexandrov added, "Hispanics have always been wild, I don't know why you ever bothered Ivan!?" She chuckled heartily like she hadn't just say... THAT.

"Oh it was a long time ago, I was young." He replied.

Belle held her arms close, frowning deeply as Charlotte looked up to her sister, giving her a kind of soft smile "Are you okay?" She asked Belle gently. You raised an eyebrow, you didn't get that vibe from her before... at least she had someone. Belle nodded, smiling at her little sister as Ivan continued.

"But never mind her, I was curious about your plans for the Future, Thriller." You really didn't like being called that.

"Charlie is fine." You said calmly, holding your temper tightly in place.

Ivan laughed "What with your creepy look, Nah come on, Thriller, Humour me."

Belle's frown turned into a glare "Daddy." she growled, her voice darkening in defence of her Master, but you took her hand again, gently sighing as You gave Ivan a smile.

"Alright, Ivan..." You said, "I am working to take over my father's work, as a philanthropic work that is, I have no intention of being mayor, I'm planning to work in favour of the business we own in the city, and I'm heading back to school soon, It was my dad's last wish and I will fulfil it." You were clear and direct, you weren't sure why you could hold your anger in so easily at the moment, maybe it's because the beast was slumbering, or because Belle needed you to be, but you were thankful for it.

"Hmmm, I see... Charlotte, Mantas, excuse us." He commanded, the two immediately getting up though groaning in the process.

Charlotte gave her sister a small smile before she left, though Mantas didn't seem to give a shit carrying a plate along with him as He waddled off.

"Isabelle, Bring your boy, a drink, the cheap white wine will do." Ivan's voice was deeper, more serious now, and any happiness he had seemed to have dulled slightly.

Belle went to stand, though you did not let go of her hand, nodding for her to sit back down. "I do not drink... Wine." You said, your voice even lower than his. Belle was not some butler that He could order around.

Ivan gave you a challenging look, his Bodyguard raising an eyebrow from his expressionless face "Watch yourself, Drake." The Man spoke, his tone was gravelly and cold as he rested his hand in his jacket pocket and the piece that was doubtlessly ready to be drawn within.

"Easy, Victor, He meant no offence, did you Thriller?" Ivan asked. Stacy and Belle both seemed tense, Even though the latter could catch a full clip and get back up, it was clear whatever this man had done to her in the past, ordering her around and insulting her wasn't the only part of it.

You smiled even wider, feeling a shimmering inside, a stifled snort agitated by your latent rage "No, not at all." You said lightly.

Ivan nodded, looking at Belle who refused to meet his eyes "I do love my little Bella, such a pretty little thing, if not a little slow, her mother might have been below her station, but she is my blood, that's why I raised her here." He said, scratching his stubble "She is family."

Stacy scoffed, crossing her arms, as if the Evil-stepmother stereotype was obvious enough. But Ivan's spirits picked back up after a short silence, giving you a smile as He stood.

"Right. Come with me, Thriller, I suppose we have to have a talk about your future with my daughter." He urged.

You hesitated, but got up from your chair, making a point to lean down and peck your beautiful girlfriend on her lips "I won't take long... if you know what happens, just leave without me." You whispered.

"But... what about you?" She asked

You merely gave her a wink, leaving her to sit with her Step-mother in silence.