Forgiveness

　　Alexey’s POV

　　It was so nice of Irena to nurse me back to health after my motorcycle accident.

　　Although I wish she didn’t have to go off to that nightclub owner's convention.

　　She’s been away for more than a week now, I’ve barely seen her since I regained consciousness.

　　And now I’m completely healed up and still, I don’t get to see her.

　　It’s starting to feel like she’s avoiding me.

　　I’m being paranoid though.

　　Why would she ever want to avoid me?

　　I’m gorgeous.

　　Anyways I should probably get something to eat.

　　I made my way out of the bedroom and towards the kitchen when suddenly a voice from behind me called to my attention.

　　“You must be Alexey,” the unfamiliar voice called out, causing me to turn around abruptly.

　　“You’re as beautiful as advertised,” she continued as I struggled to figure out if I knew this person but came up short of nothing.

　　“Are you one of Irena’s friends?” I questioned suspiciously as I slowly approached the strange woman to try and get a better look at her face.

　　“Yes, I am, I’m one of her oldest friends,” she said in a creepy tone.

　　“I’ve never seen you before,” I said cautiously as I approached.

　　“What’s your name if you don’t mind my asking,” she seemed to step back whenever I got close enough to get a glimpse of what she looked like.

　　“Agatha Blud, but you can call me mother,” she said suddenly as she creepily ran towards me in a matter of seconds and blew some sort of power into my face that left me dazed and confused, and then suddenly everything went dark.

　　When I gained consciousness I was back in the bedroom laying in bed, I was confused, and when I tried to get up I realized I couldn't.

　　And that's when the woman from earlier walked into the room holding a bottle of wine.

　　“What the fuck is this?” I queried as I struggled to move.

　　“Who the fuck are you?” I continued hoping for some sort of explanation.

　　“What the fuck do you want?” I asked starting with the fear I felt.

　　“Let me tell you a story, Alexey,” she said leaning in to talk to me.

　　She began to talk nonsense spewing crazy shit like her time as a simple girl five hundred years ago.

　　She talked about human sacrifices and the price to pay for ultimate power.

　　She had it in her grasp and she was going to share it with her sister but she was thwarted.

　　Thwarted by Irena, well over five hundred years ago.

　　This was probably just some crazy lady who has a bone to pick with Irena.

　　She continued to talk on and on about some sort of plan that she had been cooking up with her partners for years.

　　And that she was going to use me as bait to draw out Irena.

　　She talked on and on while I struggled to move, she had drugged me somehow.

　　She continued to frantically talk to herself and repeatedly cackle until suddenly something happened.

　　She busted out into a deafening scream and then she started to repeatedly talk about a baby that had been murdered.

　　This lady is completely mad, I have to get away from her as soon as this drug wears off and regain functionality in my body again.

　　She turned to me and yelled in my face, her breath was absolutely foul.

　　“I'll make Irena pay, and you'll be the tool I'll use to do just that,” she said as she rubbed her fingers across my body, it felt disgusting,

　　“Look at you being all useful, and to think I was just about to kill you,” she said with a giggle before pecking me on the lips which sent me into some sort of trance.

　　I felt trapped inside my own body unable to move or escape.

　　We waited, while she frantically spoke to herself.

　　Finally, Irena returned and they had a heated argument, I could barely hear anything at all, I was right there with them, and yet I could barely hear them speak.

　　What the fuck did she give me?

　　During their heated exchange, the woman Agatha kissed me, and what happened next really messed me up.

　　I turned over to look at Irena, but she didn't look like Irena anymore, she looked like something else, like something out of a horror movie.

　　She had ghostly white skin and pointy ears, her hair appeared to be darker than its usual Auburn color and instead appeared to closely resemble oxblood.

　　Her green eyes were brighter, neon-like and she had fangs and claws. She stood across from me, and I was horrified and so taken aback that I fell to the floor in shock.

　　Irena or whatever that thing tried to approach me but I retreated further back.

　　I was conflicted. I had so many questions and then suddenly memories of past events that I couldn't remember started to flood into my head.

　　It was maddening, the pain was unbearable but even at that a lot of past events started to make sense, so many things fell into place as I grasped the main picture.

　　My girlfriend is a vampire, and she's out there fighting an ancient witch and I need to help her. (detail here)

　　I made my way to where they fought to find Irena, pinned down and in trouble.

　　Agatha had her on her back and lifted some sort of black rod over her head preparing to kill Irena.

　　I wasn't going to let that happen.

　　So I sprung into action and grabbed a nearby black rod and rushed over to the witch from behind.

　　She didn't notice me, she was preoccupied with what seemed like a huge moment for her, one that she had been waiting for, for centuries and it was finally time to Kill Irena.

　　I didn't let that happen though.

　　Before she could stab Irena I rushed closer and stabbed her from behind, the rod made her age rapidly right in front of our eyes until she turned to dust, I'm pretty sure she was dead after that.

　　I collapsed onto the floor next to Irena, still in shock and reeling from everything I had just learned.

　　"So, my girlfriend is a vampire?" Was the only sentence I could mutter out of breath.

　　Irena's eyes were slightly wide as if she was still comprehending what I had just done. Honestly, I would do everything and anything possible for her even though I barely understood anything going on. Even though I was extremely mad at her for keeping all this away from me.

　　I was still confused as to why I just remembered everything that had happened months ago. At the party, she had gotten shot because of me. I took her to my place, she was shot with a silver bullet and was going to die. She drank my blood. I remember everything. The big guy Carlos and his sister and the doctor and Magnus too, he was there. He had flirted with me. She also told me that she is a vampire. So why did I forget all those things that happened, even more, the more I thought about it, it was as if those memories were erased.

　　"Thank you," she whispered. She looked normal now, she looked the way she always did.

　　"I asked a question," I responded, and I had many more questions.

　　She sighed. "Yes, your girlfriend is a vampire. It's okay if you don't want to continue with this," she gestured a finger between us. " Having seen who I am and knowing what I've been keeping away from you."

　　I looked at her, still confused and finding her response stupid. "What are your reasons for keeping all this away from me?" I was getting really pissed. She started to respond, but I cut her off. I wasn't done. "You would say it's because you wanted to protect me, but it's obvious that I wasn't protected in any way, I mean the danger came to me," I pointed at the spot Agatha's body once was.

　　She closed her mouth, looking defeated.

　　"Especially after I had opened up to you. I told you about my childhood, I told you about my ex, and how she wrecked my life, personal information that I would never tell anyone. You know all my secrets Irena, so what makes you think it's fair that I shouldn't know a secret this huge!" I gestured with my arm in frustration.

　　She remained quiet, not having any response.

　　"I don't deserve to know? Is that it? I'm not worth it? I don't deserve to know about this huge ass aspect of your life? I shouldn't know that everyone around you is freaking fucking vampires? Irena fucking answer me!" I felt hurt, I felt so hurt.

　　She sniffed, finally finding the courage to look up at me. Her large green eyes were glistening as she held in tears, my chest tugged, but I wasn't going to let myself be moved by her sobs. I had questions and I was going to get answers this very minute.

　　"Listen," she croaked. "It is not the way you think it is, I do care about you a whole lot, you know that. And that is why I kept everything away from you, I didn't want you to run away from me when you find out, and I reasoned that exposing you to this side of me would put you in danger-"

　　" -Well you didn't tell me, and I was still put in danger." I piped in with a firm tone.

　　She sighed, " I know and I'm so happy you're not dead, I wouldn't know what to do with myself. I thought hiding everything away from you would keep you safe. That's why I erased your memories of everything that involved vampire-related kinds of stuff-"

　　Wait. " - you erased my memories?" I shot up abruptly and angrily. I started pacing around the room, trying to piece everything together. "I thought so, I knew my memory was erased. Heck, Petrulli fucking said so. But to find out that it was you behind the whole thing." I halted and stared at her, tears were running down her eyes. "I asked you if something had happened at your party, but you denied it. You made me look stupid. " I spat out angrily.

　　"And I'm sorry," she cried out. " I had no choice," her words fueled my anger even more.

　　" What do you mean by saying that? You had a choice Irena, you had a fucking choice!" I snapped.

　　" I didn't. Humans must not know about the existence of vampires, I couldn't even tell you if I wanted to." She lowered her gaze.

　　I paused and watched her for a few seconds. "So now that I know, are you going to erase the memories, just as you have done several times?" I questioned in an accusing tone.

　　Her green eyes widened a little. " No, no Alexey. I'm not going to, I'm so sorry about that. I just had to."

　　" See? That's what I've been fucking saying?" I was being loud, but I didn't care. " You're not going to make me forget now, why did you keep it away from then? It's not like I'm going to report you all's existence, heck I would be called crazy if I tried to!"

　　Her eyes welled up with tears even more. And then I remembered my dogs and my workers' terrible headaches. She couldn't be the one behind it, could she?

　　"My dogs, they nearly died. The plant at my place, my workers. We all woke up to terrible headaches. That's the day I brought you to my place after you got shot. Were you behind that?" I questioned hoping she'll say no.

　　She looked away from me, that was enough to give me an answer, but I wanted to hear her admit it.

　　"We're you responsible for that Irena?" My voice was even more harsh, even though I wished it didn't come out like that.

　　"Yes," she whispered, lowering her head.

　　"Great. Just fucking great Irena!" I needed to get the fuck out. I looked for my phone and car keys. I found my phone and took it, not having the patience to search for my keys in the wreckage of a room.

　　Irena stood up and tried to approach me, but I held my hand up, stopping her.

　　"Please, I want to get away from here, I want to be alone."

　　She retreated slightly. " You might be in danger, everything isn't settled already." Her eyes were filled with worry. And for a moment I wanted to stay back, hold her in my arms. But I had to get the fuck out of here and clear my head.

　　"It never mattered Irena. I was unaware of all this, but it was still in danger. It couldn't get any worse." I walked out of what remained of the room. Most of her rooms have been destroyed, I wonder how she'll go about taking care of them. As I walked out, I heard Sirens approaching police vehicles and I quickly rushed off not wanting to be interrogated.

　　I walked to the end of the Street and called for an Uber. Hopefully, Petrulli is home.

　　I knocked on the bastard's door and he opened it, looking surprised to see me.

　　"I didn't think you'll be coming over," he mused, looking at me curiously.

　　I sighed. " I didn't think so either. "

　　"What happened? Did you and Irena get in a fight? Did you annoy the queen again?"

　　Ignoring his questions, I walked into his living room and plopped on his sofa.

　　"Why do you have pieces of debris on you?" Petrulli asked, halting in front of me.

　　" Can you get me a fucking drink?" I requested, leaning back on the sofa.

　　" Sure."

　　He came back with a bottle of beer.

　　"Thanks," I took it from him and removed the cap with my teeth.

　　Petrulli sat next to me, still watching me. He had a beer for himself too. I could tell that he had so many questions, and honestly, I needed to talk to my best friend and I wouldn't mind answering them.

　　"So, what's up? Why do you look like you just stepped out of a demolished house?" He questioned, eyes raking my body.

　　Petrulli and his accurate guesses. Just like he had been right about my memory getting erased.

　　And so after taking what would be one of my many gulps of beer, I started to tell Petrulli everything. Every fucking detail. By the time I was done, it was late and Petrulli looked mortified. There was no surprise there, anyone upon hearing that would be mortified.

　　"You're telling me that Irena. That woman is a blood-sucking vampire?!!" He exclaimed with wide eyes.

　　I nodded and shrugged, "yeah, when you put it like that, sure. "

　　" Vampires exist!!" He exclaimed again.

　　I nodded again, " yup, that's what the whole thing means."

　　"That's so fucking cool!!! Your girlfriend is a fucking powerful vampire queen, fuck I wish I had a girlfriend like that!" He looked so excited and shuffled closer to me. That is what I should expect when I tell a gamer and Otaku that vampires exist and my girlfriend is a fucking vampire queen.

　　"You didn't hear the part of her wiping my memory and causing all that shit that happened with the dogs and all?" I questioned dryly.

　　" Oh please Alexey, it's not her fault. If I was a vampire I would have to hide that sort of information from humans in any way I can. Oh my god! That means the vampires are behind all the killings happening now in the world. People dying in their hundreds, their blood drained out."

　　" Yeah, Irena is trying to deal with it., I replied thoughtfully.

　　" And you should be helping her! She needs all your support right now. I know you feel hurt right now, but I also know you've forgiven her. You would have done the same thing in her place. Oh my gosh, can I come? I would love to help the good side of vampires. " His eyes were wide and he looked like a pleading child.

　　I thought about what he said and as usual, he was right.

　　I sighed. "Yeah, you're right. I should go back to her. Her home is in ruins and her other mansion is in Mexico. That's too far off. I should help anyway I can." I stood up and stretched, ready to head out.

　　"You should take a good bath too. You smell weird. And don't forget my offer. I would love to help. It's my childhood dream to meet vampires." He was pouting again, looking like an anime character.

　　I shook my head and went to the room I always slept in when I slept over at his place. "Su,e." I called out in reply.

　　"Yessss!" Petrulli exclaimed, holding himself from doing a happy dance. He would probably do it when I was out of sight.

　　I took a shower and rushed out of Petrulli's home. It was late and I wondered if Irena must have left for Mexico.

　　Luckily, by the time I got back, she was about to leave, her bags were carried by her chef and some guards who I was guessing were vampires too.

　　She saw me and lowered her gaze. It was so cute.

　　"Hey," I breathed out.

　　"Hey," she muttered.

　　"I forgive you."

　　She looked up, eyes gleaming. " Really? You don't mind all this?"

　　I nodded. "Petrulli made me understand that anyone would have done the same if they were in your shoes, including me. "

　　" You told your cute friend?" She asked, frowning slightly.

　　" Don't worry, he finds the whole thing exciting and cool. He wouldn't tell anyone for shit and he offers his services." I quickly replied, hoping I sounded reassuring enough.

　　She nodded. "Can I get a hug?"

　　I stretched my arms wide open, "come here my queen," she walked into my arms and I hugged her tightly, breathing in her delicious scent.

　　I've missed her a fucking lot. The guards and chef were watching us, smiling. "Where are you headed? Mexico?"

　　She nodded, her face still buried in the crook of my neck. "My home needs to be renovated. I'll be moving to my villa in Mexico," her voice sounded muffled, but I heard everything she had said.

　　"You don't have to go through all that stress, come to mine. I want to help you and your cause or whatever this is. My home is very big, you've been there, you know this. It can house you all and you can carry out any needed activities there, plus I have tons of helpful tech. That's what I'm into, remember?" I asked, taking her off my embrace and looking into my eyes. "And please don't say no this time." I quickly added, remembering the number of times she had refused my help.

　　She stared at me for a long time. I could see the internal workings of her brain.

　　She smiled, and I could tell that a yes was coming. "Alright, we'll move into yours."

　　I grinned and kissed her in jubilation, hungry to taste her lips on mine. She gripped my hair and kissed me deeply. And I let a moan slip out.

　　She broke the kiss and stared at me smiling, before turning to the rest of her staff who had been watching us unabashedly.

　　"Change of plans guys. You've definitely heard everything, you know where we're headed now."

　　God, it's so fucking hot when she's a badass boss.