A Blood Moon All Hallows Eve

What he said next nearly broke my heart, "Please know when my task is complete, I'll be taken from this earth. I have no choice. My vow will be complete and I will be called home."

"What? You can't. I don't want you to go. I want you to stay with me. What good would it do for you to leave me after you sacrificed so much for your sister and me! It's not fair."

"Vicki, I...I don't want to leave you either, but I have no choice, I'm sorry."

I launched myself into Hank's chest crying repeating how unfair it all was. He wrapped his arms around me squeezing me tightly saying nothing, but I felt a tear fall from him landing gently on my face. I turned my head up to look at him, but instead I felt his lips on mine. I instantly closed my eyes savoring his taste. Kissing this man was what I wanted for days, but now that we were sharing this first kiss it turned bitter sweet. His muscular arms held me tightly making me feel so safe. I knew as long as Hank was in my life I would be happy. The thought of losing him after he destroyed Ricardo ignited an anger inside me that I refused to dampen.

After we broke our kiss I buried my face into his chest again crying and mumbling how I didn't want to lose him and how unfair it all was.

It was then that Hank whispered that everything would be alright and no matter what happened with Ricardo that we would always be part of each other and that not even God could take that away from us. That thought lightened my soul, but at the same time hurt even more because I didn't want him only as a memory, I wanted him!

If I only had a couple more days with him then I was going to love him with all my heart and soul. "Make love to me Hank, please. Make me yours."

Hank carried me into his bedroom neither of us saying a word as we undressed each other. For me the sight of his body was even more stunning than I could possibly imagined. For Hank I seen the worry in his eyes because of the scars he carried from his first encounter with Ricardo. The scars were badges of honor and I made sure he knew he was as handsome to me as any man could be. I kissed every one as I traced their length with my fingers. The worry left him as I looked up into his eyes and I reached for his arousal.

Every kiss, every caress felt as natural as breathing for both of us. Our lovemaking was unhurried and as fulfilling as we could have ever hoped for. Sleep over took as we held each other. When I woke up in the morning I smiled when I noticed Hank watching me. "What are you doing? I must look horrible."

"Vicki, you are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. Your beauty is ever lasting and is only matched by the beauty you hold inside." The tears started all over again as I buried my face into his chest.

"You are such a wonderful man. How is it possible that I could be so lucky to have you in my life? Yet I feel cheated that you must be taken away from me."

"Let's not dwell on that. Let us live for the time we have. Besides, I need to make sure you actually live past tomorrow."

"OK Hank. But you must know I will not let you go without a fight. From Ricardo or God." The look I seen in his eyes and the feelings I felt with the help of the cross, told me he loved me. I made up my mind, if I had to die to stay with him, then so be it.

We got up and had breakfast, but not speaking much. Both of us were lost in our own thoughts. "What do we do now Hank? Do we hide away from Ricardo?"

"No baby we don't hide. This is not something you hide from. You and I will spend our time together living every moment deepening our love. Besides, I could use a workout. You have drained me in a most wonderful way. Now let us go and replenish our bodies. Afterwards, maybe we'll drain them again," as gave me a wink.

Stepping up and wrapping him with my arms, "Oh there is no maybe about it. Now let's go to the gym and get sweaty so we can come back here and get even more sweaty."

We went to my apartment to get my workout clothes. We were only a few steps inside when two men came out to confront us. Startled by them being inside my apartment, I grabbed Hank's arm pulling myself in close. Both men were big and menacing looking. "We're here for the girl. You let her go without any trouble, we'll let you live."

Hank looked both men over sizing them up. He look down to me and gave a smile and a nod that put me at ease. I released his arm stepping to a safe corner of the front room. I had a quick thought that what I was about to see was gonna be good. "I'm afraid you two got it all wrong. If you don't leave now without the girl, I'll let you live."

"What are you talking about asshole? Two against one and you think you can take us?"

"Trust me, this is your last chance. You can leave now and live, or see your boss in hell tomorrow night."

One of them went for Hank while the second made an attempt at me. The speed at which Hank moved was unbelievable. I took only seconds for both men to lay on the ground unconscious. "I thought you said you were going to kill them, Hank?"

"Yeah I know, but all I really wanted to do was scare them into thinking that. They would've died if either one of them touched you. But as long as they play nice when we get back, they'll live to see another day. Right now you get your workout clothes while I tie these two up."

"You're gonna leave them here?"

"Well yeah. At least until we're done working out. I have a feeling our workout is gonna be extra fun."

"OK Hank, I trust you."

By the time I had changed into my workout gear, Hank had tied and gagged both bad guys up. I decided to wear a little something extra for Hank that enhanced my assets. When I stepped out from the bedroom Hank looked up at me and practically drooled. His intake of breath and lustful look in his eyes told me all I needed to know. "You like what you see do you?"

"Oh my God yes. You are so beautiful Vicki. The other men at the gym will fall all over themselves. Let's go. Someone doesn't know it yet, but he's about to have a very bad night." I gave him a questioning look but let it go. I really did trust Hank and would go along with anything he asked.

Walking in to the gym was something like celebrities walking the red carpet. Everyone stopped exercising or socializing with their potential fornicator of the evening and looked at us. I leaned into Hank, "Why is everyone looking at us?"

"They're looking at you sweetheart. You are absolutely gorgeous in that outfit and believe me when I say it's taking all of my strength to keep my hands off you."

"You're a silver tongued devil, you know that? I love you Hank."

"I love you too Vicki. Now let's get busy working out. I'm going to push you hard today."

An hour later I was ready to collapse. Hank really pushed me hard on every weight machine and a two mile run on the tread mill. It surprised me how good I felt afterwards. "Let's get a drink at the juice bar, I'm buying," I told him. "Your on."

A few minutes into our drink Hank stiffened up for a moment and then relaxed, "He's here."

Ricardo walked in and when he seen us standing at the juice bar, he went pale. After a few seconds he walked over to us and looked at me, "You look ravishing my dear. Good enough to eat if I say so myself."

During this Hank stayed quiet with a smug look on his face staring Ricardo down, "Oh come now Ricardo, is that all you got to say to us? I thought you'd ask about your two friends back at Vicki's apartment. You know by the time I'm done with them I'll know exactly where you sleep during the day and I'll kill you tomorrow on All Hallows Eve without a fight. Or you forget about making Vicki your bride and you and I will fight to the death tomorrow when your at your strongest. Your choice."

Ricardo looked worried at the mention of his two henchmen back at my apartment. "OK Henry. A fight you want and a fight you'll get. But make no mistake, after I kill you, I'll still make Vicki my bride before the end of the Blood Moon All Hallows Eve." His smile scared me.

"Richard Barnes was a good man at one time, but I can truly see he is indeed gone. Too bad, because Richard's mate still had some humanity left in her. She only killed the men of the town who bullied you. She truly loved you, even if she was a vampire. You have my sympathy for your loss. But you allowed your anger to take control of you and you killed one of the God's special children, my sister Anne. Your last chance. Walk away from Vicki now and you may still get to be with your love. If not...

No matter what, tomorrow you and I will end this."

"That was a very nice speech Henry. Too bad though. You and I both know I can't walk away from Vicki. She is much to precious for that. Come now look at her, imagine her beauty never fading, never suffering the ravages of time, while we fuck our way through eternity."

I spoke up finally, "I'd rather be dead."

"Oh my dear Vicki, I'm afraid that is exactly the situation you find yourself in here. Just like sweet sister Anne."

Suddenly Ricardo was on the floor dazed looking up at us from a punch Hank threw at him. Stunned for only a moment Ricardo stood up shocked at the power behind Hank's punch. "That Ricardo is only a small example of what you are in store for tomorrow." You could see the fear in Ricardo's eyes.

The rest of the patrons in the gym stopped what they were doing wondering why a nice guy like Hank acted violently. No one said anything, but watched on intently.

Hank continued, "What? You'd expect that it would be easy like the last time. Nothing is like last time. Have no doubt, you will die tomorrow. Enjoy your last night on this earth."

Ricardo was still shocked to his core as Hank held my hand walking me out of the gym. Making it outside he smiled at me, "That was fun."

"What now Hank? Will it really be as easy as that tomorrow night."

"No Vicki it won't. I'm not going to lie to you. I told you before it would be a fight to the death and that is exactly what it's going to be. That back there was me freaking him out. It just gave me an edge in the fight. Fear my dear Vicki. He is afraid because now he knows my strength is only matched by my resolve. Let's go home and spend our last night in each others arms."

We slowly made out way back to Hank's apartment. Each step tore my heart out as his last words ran loud in my mind. I didn't want this to be our last night. I wanted a lifetime of nights with him. Every step brought a new tear. By the time we walked through his door I was a mess.

I wouldn't let go of Hank. I needed his touch more than anything. "Hank, let's just leave. He won't find us if we run away. We'll have a life together, just the two of us. Nothing else matters, please Hank."

"We can't run from this Vicki. His evil must be stopped. Too many woman have died because of him. Besides I swore my soul to God to destroy him and avenge my sister. Please don't ask me to go against all that."

"I don't like it Hank, but I understand. But tonight is for just you and I. There are no others. Take me to bed and make love to me and make me forget about everything for awhile."

Our lovemaking that night was the most wondrous of my life. I haven't been one for religion, but our time together was as close to spiritual as I ever experienced. We made love to each other most of the night. Come morning while we ate breakfast, I feared for the end of day.

I didn't hide it well. Knowing what my problem was and knowing he couldn't make it better, Hank still tried. He was upbeat and very affectionate. I smothered him until midday. Not able to take it any longer I asked Hank what were we going to do. "How is this going to work Hank. Are you going to search for Ricardo or what"?"

"No Vicki. I won't have to look for him. I already know where he's at. But he still wants you as his bride so he'll come after you come night fall. Until then you decide how you want to spend your day. What can I do for you today?"

"Just love me. All I want is for you to hold me. And make me a promise. You must promise this for me. You must not let me become Ricardo's bride. Promise me that you'll kill me before you let him take me."

Hank looked like at me like I was crazy. I don't think he considered that in order to same my soul, he'd have to kill my body. "Vicki...I can't hurt you let alone kill you. How could you ask me to do such a thing?"

"Would you rather I became a vampire?! Would you rather I have no afterlife with you in heaven?! Now you promise me and you do it now. You swore your soul to God to destroy Ricardo for your sister. You swear your heart to me, the woman you love, that you will kill me to keep me from becoming his bride. Please Hank. If you love me you'll do it."

With tears running down his cheeks and the look of absolute despair, he agreed. Deep down he knew it was better for me to die than to become what he hated most in the world.

Hank's life since he was sent back to his body has been a lonely one for him. It took the better part of two years to heal from the injuries Ricardo and his gang heaped upon him. Afterwards he went looking for Ricardo, but it was a waste of time. Too much time elapsed and there was no way to catch up with him.

He returned to the church and with it's help, he found peace in what he had to do. He traveled to churches around the world so he could be trained in different styles of fighting. Hank was literally turned into a lean mean fighting machine. The church taught him about vampires and the importance of the Blood Moon and All Hallows Eve. It seemed vampires are just like wild animals as they always return to their birth place to find a mate during the Blood Moon All Hallows Eve. Hank had to wait for Ricardo to come to him. All he had to do was just be there when Ricardo came back to Texas to find another mate.

Throughout all the years Hank lived his life for the coming event, but that's all he had. He was a lonely man. For him, it was because he was without his family. The importance of family was taught to him from a very young age by his parents. His mother and father were immigrants from Italy who came to start a new life away from the condemnation of Vatican hierarchy. You see, his father was a Catholic Priest who served as an interpreter for His Holiness the Pope and his mother was a nurse in a local hospital.

They met and fell in love even though his father's vow to the church made it impossible for them to be together. Eventually they could not deny their love and the need to spend a life together. Hank's father had a special relationship with the Pope and told his Holiness he was leaving the priesthood so he could marry the love of his life. When asked if he had broken his vow of celibacy, he could truthfully say he he did not and only wanted to do the right thing and leave his service to the church without breaking his vows.

His Holiness asked that he and his bride-to-be come before him so he may speak to them both before either made a decision that they may come to regret. Within minutes of their meeting the next day, His Holiness knew they were meant to be together. The love he witnessed between them was undeniable. As a wedding gift, he gave each a matching silver cross as a blessing to the life and marriage he hoped would continue for many years.

Hank's father and mother may have had the Pope's blessing, but many in the church frowned on his leaving the church just to marry a woman. His parents did not want to cause problems for His Holiness so they decided to leave and live their lives in another country. Winding up in Texas they started a new life with each other, eventually having two children, Henry and Anne.

It was his parents that taught them the importance of family and service to others. Then was the terrible day when Hank's parents died in a flash flood. Knowing their parents wishes that the crosses pass along to them, Hank and Anne wore them proudly and when the time came, pass them along to their children. It wasn't the cross that held power, but the love behind them that has kept Hank going for so long.

All that power was to be used in the destruction of an evil that he vowed to destroy. After, he wanted nothing more than to be called home and be with his family. Now, he finds all he wants to do is spend eternity in Vicki's arms. No final battle and no vow to God. For the first time in over 100 years, he regrets the choice he made.

Hank and Vicki spent all day holding each other. It was approaching twilight when there was a knock at Hank's door and an envelope was slipped inside. Hank knew what it was and told Vicki to get her coat as he opened it up and read the simple message from the Bishop.

"It's time Vicki. Let's go."

"Where Hank?"

"I need to take you someplace safe and I have to do what I vowed to do."

"What do you mean your taking me someplace safe?"

"Vicki, I made you a promise and I intend to keep it."

"If you think you're going to fight Ricardo alone, you are out of your mind. I'm going with you."

"No you're not! He cannot trespass on consecrated ground and the church is the safest place for you and that is exactly where you are going. The Bishop is expecting us."

"You bastard! We're in this together and together we'll fight him. I want every minute with you I can have."

"Vicki. Please understand that I may still lose this fight. If I lose he could still influence and take you for his bride if you're with me. The church can keep you safe and I cannot possibly kill you just to keep you from being turned. The Bishop has agreed to my request and he will keep you until after All Hallows Eve. You have no choice."

Vicki knew Hank was only trying to protect her, but she still felt betrayed. Reluctantly she agreed to go to the church.

Hank noticed men following them as they made their way to the church. He knew who they were and why they were following them. They made it inside the door of the chapel where they were met by the Bishop. "Henry, it is so nice to see you again. Is this Vicki?"

"Yes it is. I have your word she'll be protected?"

"My solemn oath."

Looking at the Bishop, "After tonight, I will be no more. I ask for your blessing before I go."

"Of course my son." Hank received what would most likely be his last communion.

Vicki spoke up, "Hank don't leave me like this. Please."

Hank walked over and took her in his arms, "Vicki, you must stay. I cannot have my mind filled with your safety when I'm fighting Ricardo. The Bishop and the grounds of the church will protect you because there is still a chance I'll fail and if so, Ricardo will come after you. He cannot cross the threshold and there are men here you will repel any of his minions that do."

He pulled her in tighter, "If all goes well and I destroy Ricardo, I'll see you one more time before God calls me home. I love you more than you could possibly imagine. Without my family my existence has been a lonely one, but for the short time I have known you you have taken all that away. How I wish you and I had more time. God how I wish you and I could be be husband and wife. I love you Vicki. Never doubt that."

The Bishop motioned for nuns to take Vicki deeper into the sanctuary where she will be safest, while he walked Hank to an adjacent room where his gear was being held.

In the room, Hank found six men dressed in tactical assault gear. The men, who were actually Papal Guards, were Hank's back up if he failed against Ricardo and were tasked to eliminate any of Ricardo's henchmen. Two would stay behind and protect Vicki at the church. "You all understand your mission?" The men nodded in the affirmative. "The two of you remaining here, the woman you are protecting in more valuable to me than my own soul. You understand?"

"Yes sir, we do."

Hank and the other men finished their preparations and headed down to the warehouse district. It has been known for some time that Ricardo used this area to take his victims there to feed on and to dispose of. As they approached the warehouse closest to the water front, Hank gave them assault team their final orders, "You men take out any hostiles, but under no circumstances do you interfere with Ricardo. Even if it means my death. It my sworn mission to destroy him. Only get involved if your life depends on it. Any questions?"