Jane watched in silent sympathy, nausea her companion as the last of the links were pulled out. Asher gasped in pained relief, and Major and Jakob Van Helsing entered the room.
Both men took in the in the scene of destruction with cheery dispositions. Jakob grinned, saying, "Vampire total dead: seven. Plus one dead human servant. Van Helsing losses were nil, but there were some minor bruises and cuts."
"All clear above and below stairs," he went on to inform them. "Jolly good show. We got every last one of the bloodsuckers."
George laughed loudly, boasting, "We came, we saw, we kicked their teeth in!"
Jane's grandfather went over to what was left of Dracul. "Looks like I finally got the biggest vampire rat of them all," he said proudly.
"And with your crossbow too," Brandon remarked. "I guess it was all that practice on the… vampire rats." He hesitated over the last part, as he'd always been embarrassed by his grandfather's insane theories about the mice. He summoned up some enthusiasm to cheer: "Tallyho, Grandfather, you got him! Finally, after centuries of murder, the Prince of Darkness has been stopped by a crossbow made for mice! It's almost too perfect." He knew he would tell his grandchildren of this night in years to come.
Jakob Van Helsing patted his father on the shoulder. "Jolly good show, old man."
The major however, was not amused. His crowning achievement was to have been Dracul's death. He frowned. "I should have come in here instead of taking the cellars. It should have been me."
Both Brandon and Jane shook their heads. Their father would never change.
"At least you didn't do the deed," the major said brusquely as he glanced over at his brother, Jakob.
Jakob and George frowned, while Jane and Brandon both shrugged their shoulders.
"Glad to see you aren't hurt, Jane. Jolly good show, old girl," the major remarked. "Proud of you."
Jane's eyes teared up. Her father was proud of her and Asher loved her. He really loved her. Life was beautiful.
Asher stood, rubbing his wrists where the worst of the burns from the silver had created red ridges in his flesh. "Dracul's dead now. And the world is a safer place—thanks to the Van Helsings. All of them." He bowed formally. "I am in your debt. I owe you my life, as well as my wife's. I don't know what I would do without her."
"You love her…" Brandon stated thoughtfully.
"With all my heart," Asher agreed.
Looks of all kinds crossed the faces of the Van Helsings in the room. Expressions of amusement, disbelief, pride and anger.
The major was the only one in a foul temper. "What is the world coming to? A Van Helsing, riding to the rescue of a vampire?" he groused.
Jane grinned, secure in herself and Asher's love for the very first time. "Elephants are flying, and I do believe I'll need to purchase a pair of ice skates," she commented, as her husband drew her into his arms and held her tight. She felt as if she had crossed a dark and desolate continent to finally find her way home. "I guess little demons all over the underworld will be shivering tonight."
Staring down at his wife, Asher threw back his head and laughed. Yes, hell had frozen over. He had fallen deeply in love with a Van Helsing. And the future had never looked rosier.
Jane joined his laughter, much to the bewilderment and bemusement of her family.
So Many Vampire Ashes Gone with the Wind
The next night, Asher discovered both the triumphs and tribulations of life in a large family. Jane had invited the Van Helsings—cousins and all—to a victory celebration dinner.
At first he was reserved and wary. It wasn't often that a master vampire was encircled by a room full of slayers and lived to tell the tale. But the Van Helsings quickly wanned to him. They were amazed by all the mirrors in his front rooms, and even more amazed that Asher's reflection could be seen whenever he stood near one. The Van Helsings learned that one of the many things they'd thought they knew about vampires was a myth. Which alerted them to the possibility more vampires might be hiding in London than they'd previously thought. They were grateful for that.
Yes, in spite of his being a Nosferatu, the Van Helsings had taken him into the bosom of their family—and what bosoms there were! Asher thought as he stared at Jane's décolletage. He really had to talk to her about her dressmaker and lay down a few laws. The neckline of that gown should be at least two inches higher. No, make that three, he decided as his wife bent slightly forward, listening to her cousin George.
Cocking his head, Asher decided that his wife looked lovely in her scarlet-colored gown. He was a. vampire, and he wanted her now in a most elemental way, with blood and body, heart and soul. Thanking his lucky stars, Asher realized how fortunate he was. In a world filled with lonely people, all searching for that special someone, he had found his. And since he was a vampire, he could have her by his side forever. He smiled devilishly, his love for his wife glowing from his eyes.
Jane returned her husband's smile, happier than she had ever been. Asher truly loved her, and she loved him with an intense passion that she knew would never die.
"Jane, pay attention," George admonished. "This story really is quite humorous."
Jane sighed and pretended to listen to her cousin's recollection of the other night's trip to the cemetery as she watched Spot approach Asher to be petted and held. With a sigh of resignation, Asher picked up the little dog and began scratching under Spot's chin. Jane hid her smile. Her toplofty earl was an old softie at heart. All the while she watched her husband talking with various members of her family. It was remarkable, but the Van Helsings had declared a truce with Asher, and they were all getting along famously. At this moment, Asher was discussing the tying of the oriental cravat with her brother and cousin Jemeny, who seemed awed by Asher's know-how.
Her grandfather was scouring Asher's home for mice. Uncle Jakob was deep in conversation with Renfield about the origin of the best red wines. Her eldest cousin, Dwight, was preening before the full-length mirror in the corner, and the major was sitting in the large brocade chair by the fireplace, his knees upon a cushion, discussing deer hunting with Douglas. (Though her father hadn't been very courteous to her husband, at least he wasn't reaching for silver chains or staring at Asher's chest with bloodlust in his eyes.)
She nodded happily at something George said, thinking how fortunate she was. They were just one big happy family—Orville, Spot, vampire hunters, vampire, human servant and all. In fact, Orville was singing his nightly song, screeching happily while Dwight, the major and Asher all wore disgusted expressions. Jane laughed. They had more in common than they thought.
After dinner, the hours sped by quickly, and the Van Helsings took their leave; Brandon, Douglas and Jemeny waved and called out their good-byes.
"Alone at last," Asher whispered dryly, as he watched his butler close the door on them. "Now you are mine, and I can have my wicked way with you." He leaned close and kissed her on the neck. "Stars fade, but I linger on, dear, just craving your kiss. I will always crave your kiss—your smile, your love, the way you argue with me…"
"Why, Asher, I rarely argue with you," Jane argued.
Asher threw back his head and laughed. Then he quoted, " 'Come live with me and be my love, and we will all the pleasures prove.'"
"Christopher Marlowe," Jane said, knowing at once who had written the words. "And speaking of quotes—"
Asher cut her off with a hot, brief kiss.
Jane pulled back, staring at her husband. "I can't believe you knew Shakespeare personally, and didn't tell me."