Eternal Night

(I) Chapter 24: Ezekiel Masthena

"Does Rémy know he's here?" Frankie whispered.

"No, I haven't told him," Carmen insisted. "He snuck in through the back and I caught him nosing around."

"Were you seen by anyone?" and she glanced at the man who was still seated on the other side of the room.

"No."

"Good. I was about to take Anna-Sophie back, but since you're here..."

"You must be Francesca Chase," he interrupted, recognition now sparkling in his eyes. "I'd call you 'mother', but Jack and Niklaus made me swear not to, as it seems the term still makes you uncomfortable."

She had no idea why, but all of Dracula's sons seemed to have the most intense eyes and Ezekiel's were no exception. He had the kind of stare that could penetrate stone, as if he could see into the very depths of her soul. Frankie half-expected herself to feel awkward by his sudden attention, but was instead surprised by how drawn to him it made her feel – connected, calm. As if he knew her. As if he could see her – really see her – as a kindred spirit would. His next words only intensified that impression.

"I've waited a long time to meet you, Francesca," he continued and the confession took her by honest surprise.

Well, this was a little embarrassing, she mused inwardly. She wasn't exactly looking her best at the moment, let alone feeling it – her nerves already shot from the events of the morning. In truth, she was nowhere near prepared to be face to face with the eldest member of the Dracul Sânge, but fate evidently had other things in mind.

"So wait a minute, you're Anna-Sophie's father?" Frankie clarified, still wrapping her head around the fact that the queen of the werewolves and the eldest son of Dracula were an item. Suddenly Isabella's push for a unification of the species was making a whole lot more sense.

She absently wondered with private amusement what the man's father would think if he knew. Hopefully Dracula was more accepting of interspecies relationships than Mr. Leinhart was.

"She certainly takes after her mother, but yes. She's mine," and he smiled affectionately at the slumbering girl in his lap before looking back to Frankie. "I apologize for arriving unannounced, but when I received word of the threat made towards my daughter – well, you can imagine my concern. And then I learned that you were involved in protecting her, and I decided that I had to see you myself. Louise was supposed to be your next interview and Jack insisted I stay put, but I hope you don't mind interviewing me this evening, as the opportunity is presently before us. I can accompany you back to the south district so you can keep to your agreement with Bella, but this way I can keep an eye on the two of you... if you have no objections, of course."

"No, I don't have any objections... I just... I feel so unprepared."

"And that is entirely my fault. I hope you can forgive me."

"No. Don't worry, its fine. I'm just normally better put together," and she glanced down at herself, finally taking note of the blood and filth all over her clothes. Had she really walked back like this? "I fear the last few hours have been especially chaotic," she answered lightly. "But of course, I'd be more than happy to interview you now, if that suits you best. And I would be grateful for the company." And the distraction. Anything to keep her mind off of Vlad Leinhart.

"I appreciate your flexibility."

His smile was soft and a flood of warmth seemed to rush over her like a wave. There was something incredibly soothing about his presence, her previous irritation already melting away, soon to be a thing of the past. She watched as the man finally rose from his seat, stepping into the light. He was tall like his brothers, but in terms of physique, he was a lot more strapping – broad shouldered, arms thick like tree trunks, each muscle exquisitely sculpted. His eyes were a brilliant summer green and Frankie soon began to see the similarities between the father and daughter. Anna-Sophie had Ezekiel's pin-straight hair, pointed nose, and round cheeks. And the shape of the eyes were almost identical.