Episode 14

Alucard had been seated on the edge of his bed for over an hour, gazing at the newborn with complete fascination. Marveling at each detail of his baby, there was no doubt that this was indeed his son; the child had inherited more from the father than the mother, despite bearing a resemblance to that beautiful young woman who lingered in his thoughts. His grip on Alucard's finger was strong, prompting an immediate smile on his lips for the strength and firmness his offspring showed with such little time spent in life. He was mesmerized by the sight before him, yet anxious as well, for the baby had just drained a bottle of milk but still seemed restless, taking his finger into its mouth as if it was something sweet.

"I know, my son, you feel something is missing, don't you?" Alucard felt a lack as vital as the air he breathed, despite the joy of having his son with him, he experienced a vast emptiness in his heart from not having been able to bring his wife, his destined partner, to be with them. Tenderly cherishing the tiny being compared to him, his finger rubbed the gums searching for a trace of his paternal heritage, but the fangs would take time to appear, unlike his thirst for blood. "I'll do everything to protect you," he smiled, admiring every contour of his offspring's face. "That is why I had to bring you into this world so soon..." He brought a finger to his mouth, using one of his fangs to pierce the skin. Blood immediately welled up, which he promptly offered for his son to taste. "Humans would not understand your special need." The baby instinctively sucked the pure essence, its soft and pale skin flushing as it became satisfied and relaxed. "Nor would your mother... not yet..." He quickly noticed his son's agitation waning, as well as his eyes that began to slowly close. Taking a deep breath, he positioned his elbow on the bed, partly lying beside the tiny being he had created with a human who was becoming more significant in his life. "I had plans to bring you both together after you were born..." Frustrated, he shook his head. "And little by little, with the daily routine of a family... I would try to explain..." He continued his monologue as though his son understood every word. "But then..." he almost yelled, "Those damned creatures appeared and I couldn’t do anything I had planned..." His son whimpered softly, making Alucard immediately curse himself for raising his voice. "I would have revealed our... special condition... gradually..." He murmured to the baby, watching as the child relaxed again after pouting. "Because truly... you are very special." Moved, he remained silent briefly before adding, "But don’t worry..." Taking a deep breath, he clarified confidently, "I will find her, I promise." He tenderly stroked his head one last time. "And then we will be together... forever."

"Master..." The loyal red-haired woman swiftly approached, pausing at the threshold of the open door, not daring to cross without permission.

"Speak, Marly," Alucard ordered without taking his eyes off his son.

"They’re still there..." Marly looked apprehensive, facing her master. "For now, they've discovered nothing about the boy's mother, but..." She bit her lip before nervously adding, "But if we go there now, the staff at that clinic will be eradicated."

"I care not what happens to those humans," Alucard growled under his breath, knowing that his loyal follower was not to blame for the cursed wolves always looking for a good fight, yet feeling powerless standing there while his beloved was alone with the thought that she had lost her child. "Susana is all that matters to me." In a fraction of a second, he was on his feet, ready to face anyone, but suddenly he clenched his hand to his chest, halting abruptly.

"Master?" Marly rushed to him with concern. "What's wrong?"

"Susana..." Alucard turned to Marly, entirely transformed, but this time his expression was of pain, not anger. "She... she's suffering." Grinding his teeth, he ran towards the exit of his house. "Summon our clan." He growled, gearing up for a bloody fight. "I'm going to get Susana out of there, right now."

"Alucard!" This time, Marly did the unthinkable, standing in front of her Master, she stopped him from leaving. "She will be in danger..." Alucard seized her shoulders, prepared to fling her far away from him, yet she stood her ground, insisting, "If they learn how important a human is to you... she will suffer even more at their hands. It's better to wait until the danger passes or Susana leaves the hospital."

"BUT SHE NEEDS ME!" Alucard yelled in frustration—aware they were sound arguments, but the tightening in his heart, the pain he felt from the woman who both his son and he needed, was stronger than reason. Shaking his head, his gaze fixed on Marly. "She needs to be with her son, now more than anything."

"I know." Marly was moved by the vulnerability her master entrusted her with, but it only made her more concerned, so she insisted, "But if something were to happen to you..." She could hardly imagine the consequences for the clan. "It won't aid that lady in the least..." Swallowing hard, she pointed to the room where the baby slept peacefully. "And what will become of the baby if something happens... to both of you?"

"At this moment, I do not know what is best..." Alucard was ensnared in a profound dilemma. The wolves might only hunt Susana for the thrill, a whim, just to show they were more potent than the vampires. He paced back and forth, unsure of what to do until the cry of his son echoed throughout the place. The ache in his heart instantly doubled, and without much thought, he rushed toward the newborn. His son, too, was alone in his room, and it is at that moment he made a decision. He should wait a little longer, not just for Susana's sake but also for the well-being of the little being who had just come into the world. If he lost him, his life would lose meaning, but without his partner, eternity would also hold no interest.