Archive of Our Own

“Come on, Cass, it wasn’t that big of a deal.” You heard your daughter, Evangeline, say dismissively the next room over. Your ears perked up immediately. That girl was more trouble than she was worth sometimes. You heard Cassandra growl in frustration.

“It is a big deal, little girl! When we are hunting, you need to stay out of it! Mother would have my hide if something happened to you.” You heard her voice getting louder as you assumed she was briskly approaching the room you were in. You looked up from your task, preparing lunch for the half humans, and wiped your hands off. The door, which was already ajar, burst open and a flustered Cassandra marched in with a grumpy looking Evangeline dragging her feet behind her. “Sorry to disturb you, Mom. Eve here was trying to ‘help’ during our last hunt and nearly got pushed off of the top of the stairs in the west wing courtyard by a fleeing human.” Cassandra stated, crossing her arms.

You placed your hands on your hips and leveled your eldest biological daughter with a disapproving glare. “Evangeline Dimitrescu! How many times do your mother and I need to have this talk with you?!”

“But, mom! I need to learn how to hunt eventually!” She cried in her defense.

“One day, Eve, but you’re only eight years old! And your sisters can’t hunt properly if they’re too busy worrying about you getting hurt.” You turned to Cassandra. “What happened to the human, anyway? He better be dead, or I’ll make him wish he was.” You couldn’t help it, you were concerned that Evangeline had almost gotten seriously injured by some weak little man.

“Come now, you know we wouldn’t let some man thing try to hurt any of us and get away with it. Daniela and Bela took care of him while I,” she turned back to Evangeline, “had to abandon the fun and drag you back here.” She finished with a huff.

“You’re always so mean to me, Cass!” Evangeline shouted and glared at her.

“Okay, girls, that’s enough. Thank you, Cassandra. Evangeline, apologize to your sister.” You pinched the bridge of your nose just wanting this to be over with. You were starting to get a headache already and it was only noon.

“But-“ Evangeline tried.

“Now!” You bit out. You were trying to keep cool and not shout, putting just enough heat in your tone for her to know you were serious. Your beautiful daughter, who used to be so sweet, gave the most dramatic eye roll you have ever seen and harrumphed like you were asking her to do something much worse than apologize.

“Sorry, Cassandra.” She muttered.

“Mhm.” Was all Cassandra responded with, uncrossing her arms and looking back at you with her eyebrow quirked. You nodded and thanked her again and she departed in a swarm of insects.

“Good. Now that that’s settled, you’re grounded. You’re not allowed in any of the courtyards until further notice. In addition, you are not allowed to play with Angie or Donna when they come to visit your siblings. Your mother will have a talk with you when she comes back up from work.” You listed everything off and resumed your work on lunch. “Go to your room, lunch will be ready soon.”

“But, mom! Aunt Donna was going to show me how the flower pollen works on animals!” She pleaded.

“I said no, Evangeline.” You stated, dry but firm. She growled and stomped off. “Straight to your room, Eve! No detours!” You called after her. She didn’t respond. You shook your head and tried to focus. You loved that girl but she was stubborn just like your mate. Speaking of which, you glanced over at the clock and wondered if she would be coming up soon for lunch with the kids today.

As if on cue, Alcina strode into the room holding your youngest, a four year old boy named Alistair. It was rare for a female Alpha to sire males, but it did happen. And after struggling to get pregnant for the three years it took until you conceived him, the two of you were just thankful to be having another child. You wanted to name him after a prince you read about from a book on the age of dragons, thinking it was fitting considering the rumor about House Dimitrescu having a pet dragon. Alcina agreed it was a good name for her noble son, and the rest is history.

You continued working on lunch but watched them fondly. You couldn’t help your eyes wandering over your mate. Alcina’s long legs were covered in tight red pants complimented by a black belt around her waist. Dragging your eyes up her delicious body, you saw she was wearing a flowy, low cut sleeveless shirt that showed off her muscular arms, which were on full display with the way she was holding your son. She had him tossed over her shoulder, her arms flexing as she tried to hold him steady while he kicked and giggled. You bit your lip as you ogled her ample cleavage for a moment before moving your gaze to her gorgeous face. When your eyes connected with hers, you saw she had noticed you checking her out and wiggled her eyebrows at you, making you blush.

“Hello, Draga mea. Alistair how did you get yourself in such a predicament?” You greeted and asked him with much amusement in your tone.

“Mother snuck up on me when I was coloring!” He giggled and kicked again. “Put me down!”

Alcina tickled his thighs, making him kick and laugh even harder. She then adjusted her hold and lifted him up above her head and smiled up at him. “You need to work on your negotiating skills, little prince. You have only told me to do something I don’t want to do. What will you do for me in return?”

“Mother, please! I colored you a picture! You can take it!” He cried out between fits of giggles as she tickled his sides. Her eyes widened in mock surprise.

“Oh my, why didn’t you say so!” She got down to her knees and set him down on the ground, fixing his shirt. “Well, hand it over.” She held her hand out.

He dug around in his pockets and fished out a balled up piece of paper, placing it in her hand. She eyed it curiously and opened it up. He held his hands behind his back and waited for her verdict. She viewed the picture for a moment then looked up at him with a serious expression.

“Alistair. This is a true work of art. You’re going to be very skilled like your mom someday, I can tell.” She stated with a smile, looking up at you over his shoulder. You grinned and rolled your eyes at her, finishing up lunch. You had picked up painting over the years. It helped keep your mind off of things when you found yourself going to a dark place. You actually became quite good at it and often used your mate as your muse.

“Really? You think so?” He asked, excited that she likes his picture.

“I know so. Now come, your lunch is ready.” She stood back up to her full height and walked over to the door, calling out for the other two children. Her bellowing voice got their attention and soon Freya came running into the room with a still pouting Evangeline in tow. Both you and Alcina set the table for the kids to eat and you both took your places with them, neither of you eating, merely keeping them company. The five of you talked for a while as the kids ate. Once they finished, Alcina told Evangeline that she would need to stay at the table when everyone else was done so the two of them could speak since you mentioned to her what had happened earlier.

You, Freya, and Alistair went into one of the large family rooms in the main wing. You knew that Donna should be arriving soon so the three of you sat around the coffee table in the center of the room, playing and coloring while you waited for her. You would frequently pause just to observe your two children.

Freya, the middle of the three biological children, was seven years old now. She was so soft spoken though and preferred to read quietly rather than engage in play. She, of course, still played occasionally just not as chaotically as the other two did.

Alistair, the youngest, was very creative. He loved to draw and color. Often, he would spread his creative genius onto the walls or furniture and you would have to correct him. Though, you would never admit to him, the art he would draw on the furnishings was good, but these walls cost a small fortune to maintain so you couldn’t have him wreaking havoc on every surface.

Then there was Evangeline, the eldest of your biological children and currently in the dinning hall with your mate. She was the free spirit. She played and played hard, almost always getting into something she shouldn’t be. She was quick witted and had a temper from hell sometimes. She reminded you so much of Alcina, but your mate swore she was not as bullheaded as her daughter. You disagreed.

All three of them looked so similar to Alcina, it would have been unsettling if you didn’t love them all so much. Their hair types were different than hers. Alcina’s hair was naturally straight though she styled it to be curly or wavy often. The kids all had naturally wavy hair, black just like hers. Their eyes, though, were all the same color as yours. Alcina loved it, she always talked about how she could get lost in your eyes for hours and is thankful that theirs were just as beautiful. They also all inherited her hereditary blood disease and the Cadou parasite. As they matured, so did the parasite. They became faster and stronger as they grew older and you were almost one hundred percent positive that, when the parasite fully matured, they would become immortal like their sire. They could still consume human food and it was their main source of nutrients. They did, however, need to consume human blood to maintain a healthy and balanced diet.

After a while, Donna entered the room accompanied by Bela, Cassandra, and Daniela. The two youngest kids jumped up and ran to Donna while you stood and greeted her as well. Donna had improved greatly over the years, becoming extremely close to all six of the Dimitrescu children. She still brought Angie with her due to the doll being greatly sentimental to her, but she only used her to play with the young children these days.

While the three of them went off to play, you stayed in the room with the three older girls. Even though you weren’t actually their other parent, they still took to calling you mom. It made it easier for the younger children, but also you were mated to their mother which made you like a parent to them by proxy. You rather enjoyed it. You found that the three girls were actually great company and each had their own unique personalities, which you wouldn’t have guessed prior to meeting and getting to know them.

You all were sitting and chatting amicably when Alcina entered the room alone. She gave you a look that said she was less than happy and you knew you needed to speak with her. Before you two did that, however, she wanted to ask the eldest of the Dimitrescu daughters what actually happened.

“I’m sorry, Mother,” Bela began. “We were hunting in the west wing and decided to play cat and mouse with the humans before we killed them.”

“But we didn’t know she was there, or else we would have hunted elsewhere.” Daniela added.

“Right. So we were letting them stay ahead of us a bit while we taunted them, slowly closing in.” Bela continued. “Then one of them turned and ran out of the door and onto the top of the stairs to the courtyard.”

Cassandra jumped in now. “I heard movement and when I looked over I saw Evangeline speed past us and out the door after him. She must have been following us. She was faster than him and jumped in front of him to try and scare him back inside. That’s when he tried to push her away.”

“But we got to him before he could!” Bela finished.

“Yes, and I slit his throat!” Daniela finished, sounding mighty pleased with herself, excited to reminisce on her kill.

Alcina sighed and rubbed her forehead. “Okay, thank you girls. You did well to protect your sister. From now on, please make sure none of them are following you again. Since we apparently can’t trust that they will not try to intervene.” She looked to you again. “Come, Inimioara mea. I need to have a word with you.” With that, she turned and strode out of the room.

You bid farewell to the three girls and followed after your mate. As she walked slightly ahead of you, you studied her posture. You could tell she was angry. Her stride was tight and her shoulders were tense. When you watched her facial expressions while the girls were talking to her, you could see her jaw set and her eyes harden. Oh yeah, hell hath no fury like a mother scorned.

She burst through the door to her study and strode over to her desk, waiting for you to enter. You did so and gently shut the door behind you. She leaned against her desk with her arms at her sides, hands gripping the edge of the piece of furniture beneath her. You approached cautiously and stopped a few feet from her.

“My lady, tell me what’s on your mind.” You urged gently. She huffed.

“You know what’s bothering me. Your daughter can’t seem to get her impulses under control. She thinks just because she’s fast and strong that she’s invincible! What are we going to do when her curiosity gets the better of her?” She wasn’t yelling at you but she was yelling. You heard a creak and then a cracking sound and looked down to see she had broken the pieces of the desk where her hands were holding onto. She lifted one of her hands up and opened it, looking at the shattered piece of wood she now held and growled before throwing it into the corner of the room, causing it to shatter further when it hit the wall.

You raised an eyebrow at her which she noticed. She took a deep breath before averting her gaze. You came a little closer and released some calming pheromones. “My love, I know you’re just worried about our kids. I am too. I will admit, I’m at a loss here. I know we’re both new to young children but I’m especially new to young vampires. Why don’t we focus on what we can do instead of what if’s? Is there anything you can suggest to maybe redirect their curiosity from hunting people to something else?”

She looked back at you and you could see her gears turning. “We could have them practice on animals but they can’t consume animal blood. It isn’t sufficient for our condition. But animals are just as unpredictable as humans. They could still get hurt.” She seemed uneasy at the idea of them hunting at all.

“My dear, I understand your reluctance. I don’t want them getting hurt either. But if we don’t do something, this behavior will only escalate until something more serious happens. They need to learn somehow.” You tried to reason with her.

She stared at you blankly for a moment. You could tell she wanted to argue but found the logic in your words. She sighed and averted her gaze again. “Fine. But only small animals. And only in the courtyards while supervised. Not until Evangeline is off punishment though. Wouldn’t want her thinking she won.”

You smirked at that, finally approaching her fully. “Funny, I think the same thing about her mother quite often.”

She laughed at that and threw you her own smug smirk. “The difference is I do, in fact, win. Quite often.” She replied as she kissed you sweetly. You hummed happily into the kiss and pulled back after a moment.

“Feeling better now?” You inquired.

“Much. Come, let’s go find Donna and the other two troublemakers.” She stood and held her hand out for you to take. You did so quickly and the two of you departed.

It took a while, but you eventually found the three of them. They were in the main courtyard gathered around a large potted flower Donna must have brought with her. You watched as Donna manipulated the spores coming from the plant and swirled them around a nearby rabbit. The rabbit started acting like it was chasing something that wasn’t there and acting odd. While doing this, Donna was explaining to the children how the spores worked and how she could control them. Freya was hanging on her every word while Alistair was having a blast watching the rabbit. You knew by this point how Donna’s ability worked but you were still fascinated seeing it in action.

Seeing Donna come out of her shell and thrive made your heart clench in affection. It was an added bonus that she was actually an amazing Aunt and all six of your children loved her. Watching the awe on your two youngest’s faces was priceless. Alcina wrapped an arm around you and pulled you closer to her side while the two of you observed them. These little moments meant everything to you.

-

The day started to wind down and everyone was getting ready for bed. Freya and Alistair were animatedly discussing Donna’s demonstration while brushing their teeth and Evangeline looked even more pouty than earlier, but was still listening intently. You wrangled all of the kids into their respective beds and finally had a moment to breathe. You loved your children, they just made you so tired most days.

You made your way back to your personal study Alcina cleared out for you. You pushed open the door and inhaled deeply the scent of paints and oils. You made your way over to the half finished canvas in the middle of the room and took a seat in front of it. You gazed at the sharp outlines and striking features that were making up your own face.

You stared into the half finished orbs that are to be your eyes and got lost for a moment. You’ve been working on this project for a while. You had painted countless portraits of every member of the Dimitrescu family but never any of you. It was actually Alcina that suggested this one.

“You always do portraits of us, Inimioara mea. Why don’t you try something different. Do you not wish to be immortalized so that I could look upon your face for the rest of my life?” She had stated. She didn’t say it directly this time, but she had in the past and you wondered if this was a more sly way of floating the idea.

You both knew your time here would come to an end eventually. With your deteriorating reproductive health, you did wonder from time to time if this was due to breeding with someone infected with the Cadou parasite. If that was the case, could other things be affected eventually as well? You were too scared to find out, so you pushed your worries aside. Alcina pushed back, of course. She wouldn’t force you to give her your blood to test but you knew she was desperate to understand why your body was suddenly changing.

With both of your fears in mind, Alcina had floated the idea of you potentially getting your own parasite. You didn’t like the idea. You had seen enough of the Cadou to know that the results are not always favorable. In fact, you were sure that the four lords were the only ones infected with it that lived to tell the tale and even those results varied greatly. You also knew how Bela, Cassandra, and Daniela had come to be infected after they had died. Your biological children carried it, sure, but they were born with it. You weren’t sure you liked your odds so you had to let Alcina down gently every time she suggested it.

“If this is the one way I can be immortalized, then I will do it for you, My love. Give me some time.” You replied, shutting down the alternate meaning to her statement while agreeing to the front facing request. You could tell by the look she gave you that you were in fact correct in your assumption that she was trying to suggest you become immortal again.

As you sat, staring at the canvas, all you could think about was how disappointed Alcina was every time you shut her down. You felt like she would only continue to feel that way every time she looked upon this portrait. You sighed and put your head in your hands, unsure of what to do. You felt like you were letting your family down by not even considering the idea. But what if it went wrong? What if you became a monster like Moreau or a husk of a person like some of Alcina’s maids?

‘But what if you didn’t?’ A small voice in your head pushed back. You sighed again and shook your head. The odds weren’t in your favor. You didn’t want to lose yourself or potentially traumatize your family if it went awry. You wanted their last memories of you to be of a strong, happy person that loved and cared for their family every day of their life, no matter how long or short it was.

You lifted your head and looked to the canvas staring back at you blankly. You picked up your brush and began adding to it with soft and sure strokes. That’s what you’ll give them. A portrait of life and love and joy. Even if your heart is feeling the opposite right now.

-

You awoke in strong arms carrying you bridal style through the halls of the castle. You rubbed the sleep from your eyes and met the soft gaze of your mate. Alcina gave you a soft smile.

“You fell asleep in your study again, Inimioara mea.” She said quietly. You stifled a yawn and looked around, making note of where you were and that you were nearing the bedroom.

“I’m sorry, My love. I didn’t mean to keep you waiting.” You replied groggily. “What time is it?”

“One in the morning.” She stated. You hummed but did not reply. She continued on in silence, entering the room and laying you down on the bed before lying next to you. You rolled over and snuggled into her immediately and she wrapped her arms around you. She kissed the top of your head and you felt yourself begin to drift back into unconsciousness. Just before you fell into the darkness of slumber you heard Alcina mutter quietly into your hair. “Please don’t leave me.”

-

A few weeks passed. Evangeline was no longer grounded and was currently practicing her hunting in the main courtyard. You stood, leaned over the banister at the top of the stairs, observing her quietly. Alcina was in the courtyard with her, standing about twenty paces back in case she was needed.

You watched as your daughter snuck between decorations and plants that were scattered about. She was quick but she was hardly quiet. The prey she was hunting currently, a rabbit, was sitting on its haunches, looking around the immediate area. When it turned its back to her, she struck. And missed. The rabbit heard her approach and took off. Hopping away as fast as it could while Evangeline gave chase.

You shook your head in amusement and tossed a glance over towards your mate. Alcina stood, stock still, with her arms crossed. She was laser focused on her daughter and the rabbit. While the rabbit was so focused on Evangeline, it didn’t even see Alcina standing so still as it tried to hop right past her. Like lightening, Alcina reached down and plucked the rabbit up by its scruff. It kicked and whimpered for a minute but then submitted to its capture.

“That is how you sneak, Eve. You become one with your environment. You were much too loud.” The alpha instructed.

Evangeline skidded to a halt in front of her, barely breaking a sweat. “Mother, come on! I almost had him!”

“No, you will master stealth first. If you are calm and calculated, hunting becomes that much easier. Alert your prey to your presence and it may not always end well for you.” She made her way over to the center of the courtyard again where Donna used her pollen to subdue the small creature so it would remain calm until Alcina stepped away. Evangeline sighed in exasperation but got ready to try again.

Bela, Cassandra, and Daniela were lounging across the other banister, watching intently as they silently cheered their sister on. Freya was sitting next to you reading one of your old notebooks on the research for the curative balm used for her elder sisters and asking you many questions. You were happy to answer them, of course. You loved how smart and inquisitive she was. You were sure that, before too long, she would be in the laboratory with Alcina. Alistair was doodling on the ground with chalk. He grabbed your pants leg and tugged to get your attention. You looked down and saw a rudimentary drawing of a rabbit with what appeared to be a rabid puppy behind it.

“That’s what she looks like!” He stated proudly and giggled. You couldn’t hold back your laugh, quickly trying to rein it in so as to not encourage him drawing his sister that way.

“The rabbit is very well done, little prince. But you shouldn’t draw your sister like that.” You corrected gently. He pursed his lips and crooked an eyebrow at you. Gods he looked just like Alcina right now. “Besides, she’s more like a kitten than a puppy.” You added as an afterthought. He burst out laughing at that and the rabbit in the courtyard whipped its head around and scampered away just before Evangeline got to it. She groaned and looked up at you all, hands on her hips. You threw your hands up in mock surrender.

“Mother! Mom and Alistair are being loud and scaring the rabbit!” Evangeline yelled to Alcina.

“Don’t be a snitch, Eve!” Alistair yelled down to her, sticking his head between the stones holding up the banister.

“Sometimes the environment will change and surprise you while on the hunt, Evangeline. You must prepare for this and be able to adjust accordingly.” Was all Alcina said back to her. Evangeline threw her head back and groaned in exasperation. You heard the eldest Dimitrescu daughters begin giggling at the display and you joined in. You could even swear you saw Alcina smirking while watching her daughter.

You shook your head and continued watching as Evangeline tried to readjust her tactic. Alistair started drawing vampire kittens while Freya asked you another question about your notes. You considered how perfect your life felt at this moment and felt thankful for everything Alcina had given you. You looked over to your mate and, like she could feel your eyes on her, she looked up and met your gaze. Your heart clenched as you held eye contact with the woman you loved and gave her a smile and wave. She beamed at you and returned the wave as your heart stuttered over how perfect her smile was.

You had an idea for your painting and held onto this moment for later. You knew it wasn’t exactly what she asked, but if you could give her anything, it would be a picture perfect memory of your family together; forever immortalized on canvas, since it couldn’t be in reality.