One Hundred and Five…

One Hundred and Five: End of an Era

After comforting his son, Vaclav comforted his victimized lover.

Guilt consumed him.

Reznik spoke to Vaclav a few days later.

“I’m giving up leadership for a while,” Reznik said. “I’m going to stay in Paris for a few weeks or so.”

“I understand. Take as much time as you need,” Vaclav replied.

“I wrote you a letter, Dad. It’s in my bedroom on the dresser. I want you to read it.”

Slightly puzzled, he nodded.

Lauren shuffled into the room. Reznik looked at her. Guilt etched his face and eyes.

“I’m sorry, Lauren.”

She said nothing.

Reznik left.

Vaclav approached Lauren, then tightly hugged her.

She finally allowed tears to fall.

Vaclav read his son’s letter.

Dad,

You know I don’t like to talk about personal or emotional shit, so I wanted to write this in a letter.

I give you permission to stay with Lauren, and I mostly forgive you for what you’ve done. I know I haven’t treated Lauren as well as I could’ve, and I know you’ll love her. You’ll love her to a fault like you did Mom.

You and I have always been close, and I don’t want to lose you now. I hate admitting that but it’s true.

I understand why you love Lauren. Her sweetness and innocence reminds you of Mom. Right? I think that’s also why I fell in love with her, to be honest. Anyhow, the only difference between Lauren and Mom is this: Lauren doesn’t act as tough or get as angry as Mom sometimes did.

Love you, Dad. I’m going to Paris but I’ll be back in a few weeks once things are settled.

I hope Lauren can forgive me for what I’ve done.

-Reznik

He groaned as memories of Aubrey flooded his mind. Reznik was right, of course. Lauren did remind him of his late wife.

He was also relieved that his son had forgiven him. That was a lot to ask after what Vaclav had done.

Now he and Lauren had their new baby to look forward to; he or she would be Vaclav’s last child.

Perhaps they could put the past few days’ horrible events behind them.

God willing.

Yes. God willing…

And indeed, it was in God’s will that things return to normal. At least for the most part.

Kat and Lauren made up not long after Reznik’s return.

They embraced. Kat apologized for her earlier behavior.

“That’s okay,” Lauren said. “I’m glad you’re not mad at me anymore. I missed you.”

“I missed you too.”

Reznik kept his distance from Lauren.

She still felt uncomfortable around him. However, it helped that Reznik now had a boyfriend. She wasn’t too shocked when she found out, for she’d already suspected he was bisexual.

Vaclav kept his vow regarding the vasectomy. He underwent surgery once Lauren turned four months’ pregnant.

Then he asked her to exchange vows of a different kind.

“I want to marry you, Lauren.”

“I want to be with you forever. You are my new eternal love; my angel.”

“Yes. I want to be with you forever too.”

“Will you become immortal after the baby’s born?” he asked.

“Maybe.”

Lauren went into labor a few months later.

It was the very first time Vaclav saw one of his children born. Sadly, he was never there for any of the other births.

Lauren cried out as Vaclav tried to calm her.

She slumped back, grunting as she pushed.

She shrieked as the baby crowned. That familiar ripping and tearing sensation assaulted her body.

Damn! Why did I do this to myself AGAIN…?

“Almost there,” Dr. Samson said. “Give me one last big push, Lauren.”

“Ohhhhh.” She bore down one last time.

In seconds it was over. A tiny infant wailed.

“It’s a boy,” Dr. Samson said as she tended to the newborn.

Jeez. Another boy? Lauren marveled.

Dr. Samson handed the baby to Vaclav.

“Hello little one,” Vaclav said. “So this is what you look like?”

“You are my fourth son.” He chuckled. “And to me, you look like a Lance. If it’s okay with your mother, I’d like to name you that.” He glanced back at Lauren. She smiled and nodded.

“I like that name,” she said.

He brought Lance over to Lauren.

She held the infant while Vaclav knelt down and kissed him.

Awww.

Lauren beamed watching the infant. He made the cutest noises, little fists twirling as his minuscule feet kicked.

She’d never been so happy in her life. Felt so complete.

After the birth, Vaclav met Reznik in the waiting area. He’d just recently showed up.

They regarded each other for a few awkward moments.

Reznik threw his arms around his father. “Congrats, Dad. I really am happy for you and Lauren.”

“Thank you, Son. You don’t know what that means to me.”

“I love you, Dad.”

Vaclav married Lauren.

Slowly, he slipped the ring on her finger.

“I promise to love you forever,” they said before kissing.

…and Vaclav would ensure ‘forever’ meant exactly that.

Forever.

Vaclav asked her if she wished to be with him for eternity.

“Yes. I do.”

His lips covered hers in a kiss.

Then he caressed her face. Vaclav swooped to her neck…

Fangs stabbed her as the wetness poured down. He groaned, sucked hard as if trying to drain her completely.

Weakness overcame her. The room was spinning.

He parted.

“I love you, Angel.”

Vaclav tore into his own hand, wrist.

Lauren fed off him.

Something possessed her. Lauren’s body jerked and levitated as blood-colored mist floated all around.

Heart stopped. Breathing was no longer essential. Veins turned to ice. She shivered from the coldness of her own flesh.

She gazed up at him through new eyes.

Nope. This still isn’t the end of Bloodlust. Next week’s chapter will mark the beginning of the new generation’s story. Also, chapter 106 will be posted on Monday, May 28th.

Here is a ‘preview’ of the next chapter: