Shadows Evil Embrace

Chapter 1

1967

Collinsport, Maine

Collinwood Gazebo

With the setting of the sun, and the thunderhead building over the Atlantic's eastern seaboard, Victoria Winters stood under the gazebo's protective enclosure. She watched the night's shadows had began to creep and grow stretching its cloying embrace over the grounds and she finally noted how this darkness always made its trek to the huge three-storied house that sat atop the stony cliffs of Collinsport Maine. To her this dark foreboding mansion was home. Those that occupied the interior of this house had become family. She was finally comfortable with the long shadows that fell over the house making most of those not residing in the gloomy old house, feel the oppressiveness of the unknown. To her these had a feeling of normalcy and were non-threatening.

From the distance she could hear the call of a forlorn sounding owl heralding its awakening to the night. Victoria thought it so sad and sounded lonely with its long low repetitive "hooooting ". She had to smile if she had thought about the eerie call. It did give her surroundings a more unsettling atmosphere. Which could readily lend credence to those that rumored the place was creepy and haunted. To those not of Collinwood it would have been a sign of foreboding and made many wonder how many ghosts haunted the ancient house.

Dragging the novel she had been reading to her chest. She sat and watched the gathering darkness and the impending storm's arrival. That is when she was reminded of a part of her past that had become her driving force behind who she was and who were her parents? With a halfhearted sigh she watched the first streaks of lightening for-telling the arrival of a storm. Which would have been the perfect end to a dreadful day and a trying one.

David Collins, the precocious ten-year-old boy she had been hired to govern had given her a particularly rough day. Though he had softened towards her somewhat since locking her in a room in an abandoned part of the great house, he did have his days of testing her patience. Today had been one of those days. David had a bright mind, an over active imagination and a penchant for the supernatural and this distracted him from his lessons. It also caused him to be easily swayed away from what they had supposed to be doing and that was studying.

From the darkening shadows around the gazebo, the soft sound of footfalls announced the approach of another to her isolated world of what had been relatively calm. Feeling only a slight amount of trepidation at her isolation and the approaching storm; Vicki sat up straighter with a less than calm demeanor and searched the area. "Hello? Who is there?" Her voice was soft and tinged with her fear of the unknown.

The last thing she needed was for David to spring forward in his impish delight and toss a huge garden spider on her. She stood and hugged the book closer using it like armor against an impending attack. Once again, she looked around the area and called, "David if that is you, then please tell me!" The lone figure stood beside the gate leading to the garden, reached his hand up to steady his body and watched the lovely young woman that had become his obsession. Why had he been so foolish to think that a common girl named Maggie Evans had been his love reincarnated?

Why had he not realized that this beauty with her tender qualities, and delicate features was what he had transcended time and space to find and mold into the very woman he needed to share his life for an eternity? Yes he had been too hasty in his need to fill that gap that had so long been a part of his life. Maggie had looked like his lovely Josette, but alas she failed to bend to his pressures and accept the role. He had felt a brief moment of regret and disappointment at her demise. What was it Dr. Woodard had said? She had died from shock. Pity she was a lovely girl and had shown some qualities and her beauty was incomparable. However she was now nothing more than a passing memory and a figment of a failed attempt to make his life less empty and more fulfilled.

Shoving the past memories of Maggie Evans into the deep recesses of his mind. He now focused his attention and peered at this raven-haired beauty whose very nature called to him as the past had called. He watched her standing in her fear and trepidation just waiting to be molded into the very image of what he desired and wanted. It was more than her beauty, her tender qualities, and her fascination for the past that attracted him. It was a quality of the unknown about her that was now calling out to his innate senses of need and blood lust.

At this distance, Barnabas Collins could smell her pheromones stimulated by her fear and then there was the soft scent of lilac perfume she wore. In comparison she had more substance and qualities than the poor image Maggie had made of his dear sweet Josette. Becoming aware and hearing the growing fear in her voice. He knew she was like a startled doe even with the approach of what was surely to be a gully washer moving in; Barnabas stepped forward and spoke softly to the pitiful figure standing in the gazebo. "I am sorry if I startled you Miss Winters, it is I Barnabas."

He watched her face go from one of tension to relief. Her body physically relaxed and she laughed with her embarrassment. "Oh Mr. Collins you did give me a start." She stepped out of the confines of the gazebo and walked towards his approaching form.

Barnabas could hear the rush of her blood with the calming of her heart and the blood flow to her extremities was now returning to normal and away from the fight or flight condition the body always implemented when faced with the unknown and fear. "Why are you out here my dear? Do you not realize we have a storm approaching?" He lifted his hand in an affect of pointing out another brilliant display of jagged lightening and the immediate sound of earth vibrating thunder. Vicki stepped closer to him and he was caught up in the virginal innocence of her personality. He could not help but note the sweet smile that edged her lips and a brightness of pure joy that filled her gaze when she caught and held his dark sad gaze. He reasoned it was this quality about her that had drawn him to her. He was transported to the night he had intended to take Maggie and bring her over as his eternal mate.

Late Summer

Collinsport Maine

Old House Cellar

That night had been an awakening for him. Maggie had resisted his attempts to pressure her into being Josette and had actually attempted to stake him in his coffin. Had he not awaken when he had he was sure she would have succeeded in ending his 200 year old life. He was so angry, she had dared to try and destroy his love and him. His intent had been to break her neck and drain her body. It had been her scream that had alerted the pathetic excuse of slave Willie Loomis that came to her rescue. His growing suspicions had been Willie had formed some kind of attachment to Maggie while caring for her. He had even offered to die with her that night and then it was the pounding on the front door that alerted them to another arrival.

"Barnabas what are you doing?" Willie had rushed to put his body in front of Maggie's his eyes were wide with fear and he was not about to let him kill her. He was shaking with fear but not for himself but for this poor innocent girl this monster had taken and was now holding hostage in hopes of making her into something like him.

"I am going to kill her, she tried to kill me! She did not succeed. Now all I need to do is figure out how I can kill her and make it slow and painful! I will make sure once I kill her; her body will be found bloodless. "

"Barnabas, you can't kill her, she is Josette remember? You were making her into Josette!"

"Josette would have never come at me with a stake, like she did, she is Maggie, Maggie Evans, and tonight she will die as Maggie Evans!"

From the distance he had heard it but not at first. It was Willie that gasped, "Listen someone is at the door! You can't kill her now!"

"They will go away!" Barnabas snapped his anger filled gaze fixed to Maggie and the throbbing vein in her throat. Willie that blithering fool had failed to lock the door and left them all vulnerable to discovery should the visitor decide to not wait for the door to be answered. Barnabas threatened Willie to keep Maggie quiet while he went to see to the unexpected visitor at the door.

"Should she make a noise to alert the visitor of her presence I will kill them all without a second thought." His threat was real and to show his obedience, Willie covered Maggie's mouth with his hand. He could see the darkness that permeated Barnabas' soul. His rage washed over the two frightened captives with clarity that they might not be much longer for the land of the living. Willie drew Maggie close to him and with her mouth covered he held her trembling body to his. "Now he means it so don'cha make a sound ya hear?" He rasped next to her ear. Maggie struggled against his hold for a moment then calmed and nodded.

Barnabas walked up the steps to the front door with a momentary pause he glanced to the cellar door trying to hear if there was any sound coming from below, and then he turned opening the door. To his surprise an anxious Miss Winters stood nervously awaiting someone to come to the door. With a look of concern she still managed to hold on to her cordial smile. "Mr. Collins, hello."

Assuming a disposition of cordiality and apology he spoke softly, "Miss Winters! What a pleasant surprise, won't you please come in?" Barnabas stepped aside to allow her entry into the foyer.

Vicki stepped past the handsome impeccably dressed gentleman with an apologetic smile. She knew the cousin to her employer guarded his privacy well. "Thank you, I was beginning to think no one was home."

Barnabas covered his irritation with a quick lie. "I am sorry I was upstairs resting."

It was Vicki's turn to appear contrite and apologized, "I am so sorry to have disturbed you but Mrs. Stoddard sent me down with a message."

Barnabas had turned blocking the door and faced her, as she stood poised in the entryway. He kept the exit blocked in case that fool Willie allowed Maggie to alert Victoria to her location. Finding his irritation replaced with a need to at least appear cordial and inviting he smiled for the charming and pretty girl decked out in her soft green coat and comfortable low-heeled shoes. "You said that Cousin Elizabeth sent you with a message?" Again that polished smooth smile he had come to perfect.

"Oh?" Vicki nodded, and glanced around and nervously folded her fingers together while she stood facing the eccentric cousin of the Collins family. "Yes, the Sheriff was by and there has been a curfew put on the town. No one is supposed to be out after dark. Especially women."

Barnabas assumed his polite attentive look. "Oh and why is that?"

Vicki laughed a little uneasily, "I suppose it is because of all the attacks that have happened lately and Maggie Evans."

Barnabas congratulated himself on holding a look of concern to his features when she mentioned Maggie and offered, "I did not know Miss Evans very well but she was a lovely person."

Vicki felt an immediate defense for her friend. "Why does everyone use the past tense when they speak of Maggie?"

Barnabas offered a courteous and sympathetic smile. His plans were to make her past tense that is once Miss Winters left. However in polite pose he offered, "Well its difficult to be anything other than thinking of her as gone. Has there been any word of Miss Evans? If not surely the sheriff would have found something by now?"

Vicki looking rather forlorn but holding to the possibility she was still alive and being held against her will; offered her thoughts to the stoic man standing before her. "Unless she is being held by the madman that has created all this fear."

Barnabas felt a sting in those words but recovered his manner to smile indulgently. "Yes, of course." Then feeling a need to move her along so he could get back to his plans for Maggie, he graciously gushed, "Well thank Elizabeth for me for sending you with this news."

Vicki smiled, "Yes of course, oh by the way Mrs. Stoddard has been wondering why you have not been to the house in while."

Barnabas forced a look of guilt and contriteness to his voice, "Oh I must admit I have been shamefully negligent in visiting Collinwood."

Vicki feeling his embarrassment offered quickly, "Oh I am sure she understands you have been very busy. I just think she misses your company."

Barnabas nodded, "She is right of course, will you explain to her that I shall try to become more attentive?"

Vicki trying to cover her own embarrassment for truth be told she had missed his company as well. "Well yes of course I will." Averting his direct gaze she turned and saw it sitting so pristinely pretty on the hall table. "Oh isn't that pretty, what is it?"

With her slender fingers she pointed to the object of her attention while she continued to look upon the delicate gold filigree webbing of the crystal with ornate pedestal feet. "Why it's a music box."

Vicki turned excited to see something so old and lovely. "Does it still work?" Her words immediately softening with her excitement her eyes lit up at this rare find of something so old and obviously a family heirloom.

"Why yes it does would you like to hear it?"

Vicki unable to contain her excitement and pleasure of seeing and now able to hear a piece of history nodded excitedly, "Yes please."

Barnabas was unable to hide his own pleasure at sharing something so dear with another that would appreciate it for what it was; a part of his history. With tenderness uncommon to most men, Barnabas lifted the delicate music box and opened the lid. The enchantingly sweet tune with its tinkling sound filled the room and Vicki was entranced. Not realizing she had reached for the music box and with extreme care she lifted it from his hands. Barnabas watched her with much interest studying her; taking on a distant look and noted that she was filled with the hauntingly sweet tones of the music box's melody. He noted how transfixed her features were while she allowed the tune to transport her to a time long past. She listened and imagined the music box being a form of entertainment for someone long passed. While she listened he could not help but notice the soft flush of embarrassment.

"Its lovely. It reminds me of a long, long time ago. The past."

He smiled indulgently delighted to hear another that appreciated what had been his present but was now his distant past, "Yes it does and the past was very beautiful, very, very beautiful."

She smiled at him and nodded, "Yes, I am sure it was." She with a hint of regret handed the music box back to him.

"You know I just now watched your face as you listened to the music you almost seemed transfixed."

Again that delightful coloring that tinged her cheekbones. "I did?" Glancing through the stained glass panes at the top of the entrance to the door she paused and sighed, "Oh my look it's getting dark. I really must be getting back. I really don't like to be out much after dark."

Barnabas escorted her holding the music box in his hand. "Would you like for me to escort you through the woods?"

Vicki chuckled softly, "Oh no, I will be fine."

Barnabas opened the door for her and smiled graciously. "Well do give my thanks to Elizabeth and tell her I shall be by to visit soon."

Vicki smiled and turned to peer back at him, "Oh I will and good night Mr. Collins." He watched her disappear down the stairs and to the front pathway.

Calling after her, "Goodnight Miss Winters." Closing the door and sliding the bolt into place he looked down at the music box and for a moment needed to hear the subtle sweet tones of the music box and then it hit him. Glancing at the music box and then to the door she had just departed he knew he had a new plan to implement. But first, to the task at hand and once again his ire was stirred. With a delicate touch he set the music box down, frowned and walked to the cellar where his irritation factor was now growing over his botched first attempt at molding a new Josette to his designs.

Collinwood Gazebo

1967

It was after his reverie down memory lane that had brought him to his new project. He glanced at the expectant look on her face and realized she must have asked him a question. Becoming alert to an expectant pause; he realized Vicki was waiting for his answer. Ever artful and the perfect gentleman he smiled charmingly, "Oh my dear Victoria, I am sorry what did you say, I fear I was distracted by your beauty."

He waited and there it was the soft flush of color to her cheeks. "I was just asking why you had come out on a night like tonight."

He offered her his arm and then he gently guided her towards the cover of the porte concher and the front doors of Collinwood. "I wanted to tell you of some exciting plans I have, plans I am sure will excite you and offer the family some enlightenment. We all have been under so much distress lately I felt it was time to lighten things a bit."

Vicki was immediately excited. Burke Devlin her fiancé' had taken a trip to South America and she had been left feeling a bit bereft especially after hearing of Maggie's demise. The fact that Sam Evans was not inclined to have a funeral for fear of undesirables showing up had depressed her somewhat.

"Oh what is it?" He allowed her to lead him into the grand foyer and let her assist him with the removal of his Inverness cape.

"You will find out in due course, now where is my cousin Elizabeth?"

She smiled fidgeting with the charm on her silver bracelet. "She is in here with Roger." She indicated the closed doors to the main drawing room. Knocking on the door she waited for permission to enter.

The soft cultured muffled tones of Elizabeth Stoddard answered the knocking sound, "Come in."

Vicki opened the door and stepped in, "Oh Roger, Mrs. Stoddard, Barnabas Collins is here."

Both brother and sister faces lit up with pleasure hearing of the arrival of their eccentric and mysterious cousin. "Please invite him in."

Vicki turned with a hesitant but welcoming smile. "Won't you please come in?" Barnabas swept into the room seeing Roger in his smoking jacket standing nobly by the fireplace with his hands shoved casually in the pockets of his brocade jacket.

Elizabeth being gracious and stately dressed in her black sheath dress sat primly on the large sofa, ankles cross with her arm casually draped over the arm of the sofa. "Oh Barnabas how nice to see you." She greeted him in her soft New England accent.

Roger smiled, "Barnabas what a pleasant surprise. Here you live so close and yet we hardly see you."

Barnabas looked appropriately contrite and smiled charmingly. "Something I intend to correct. I beg your forgiveness. I have been busy. Thus why I have come tonight. I have some plans, some marvelous plans and I would like to share them with you."

Vicki feeling out of place was starting to withdraw slowly and politely from the room. Her intent was to close the door and disappear to her room to prepare for bed. "Really what are they?"

Roger looked to the retreating form walking to the door and Barnabas smiled graciously. "I would like for Miss Winters to stay so she may hear of them." Vicki arrested her retreat and turned.

Elizabeth always the polite and perfect hostess turned. "Of course, Vicki please come in and have a seat."

Vicki turned; pushing the long dark hair over her shoulders smiled shyly and Barnabas was immediately entranced by her sensitive and sweet mood. Her voice soft, "Thank you." her color growing with the attention she walked to the chair and sat.

"Now tell me Barnabas what are these exciting plans." Barnabas smiled and turned to give his attention to the three that occupied the grand drawing room of Collinwood.

"With all the turmoil that has occurred, I felt it was time we lightened our lives and find a little joy. Especially you Elizabeth whom has been through so much."

He watched Elizabeth lower her gaze and look stricken. She was being reminded of why she had locked herself away in Collinwood for eighteen years. Roger was immediately excited. "Well I am all for that."

Barnabas folded his hands together giving the appearance of a professor about to embark on a dissertation, with modulated and well-constructed tones Barnabas spoke to those gathered in the drawing room. "Well as you know the restoration on my house is almost complete. I know Elizabeth has not seen the house and I would like to have a party. But not just any party."

Roger already curious by the slant on this proposal offered a questioning, "Oh?"

Barnabas looked to the perplexed look on Vicki's features. "I would like to have a costume party."

Roger laughed, "Costume? What kind of costume."

Barnabas loved how his plan was starting to come together. "It will be costumes of the period. I would like to recreate a moment from the past and we all shall, come dressed as a family member from the past."

Elizabeth shifted uncomfortably and looked to her folded hands resting in her lap. Her demeanor had grown very quiet. She had become somewhat withdrawn. Roger pursed his lips and glanced to his cousin. "When do you wish to have this party?"

"Well I was proposing this Friday if it does not conflict with any plans." Barnabas smiled watching those in the room when he announced the date.

Roger shook his head. "No, no conflict but it is short notice for us to find a costume."

Barnabas was a step ahead of him. "I already took that responsibility upon myself and will provide you with a costume. They will be the clothes our ancestors wore."

Elizabeth felt a chill drive up her spine. "You mean we will be wearing those cloths?"

Barnabas quick to calm a fear he was sensing in his cousin offered, "I assure you they are in immaculate condition and good repair and I have taken it upon myself to have them cleaned."

Elizabeth chewed her bottom lip and Barnabas was immediately aware of her hesitancy. "I don't know Barnabas I am not so sure I would feel comfortable in clothing that belonged to another." Feeling his plans beginning to slip he oozed his charm to sway Elizabeth with his vampiric charm. Looking into her gaze he was stuck at how much at this moment she looked like his mother. Elizabeth sighed and looked down at her hands. "Does it mean so much to you?" Her words were soft and thoughtful. Barnabas hid his regret behind a mask of calm reserve.

"It would mean a great deal to me, but if you are uncomfortable with the idea, I suppose we could dispense with the costumes."

He studied Elizabeth but looked to the disappointment on Vicki's face as her chin dropped and she let out a soft disappointed sigh. "Say you will come Elizabeth."

Elizabeth stood with suddenness and strolled to the windows overlooking the front lawn. "No, I am sorry. I don't think I can." Barnabas' features fell and he reacted as if this had been a personal affront to him.

Sensing the unrest Roger turned to Vicki, "Vicki my dear would you take Barnabas to the study for a moment while I speak with my sister?"

Vicki stood and smoothed her skirt down and smiled. "Of course." Barnabas disappointed by Liz's refusal but delighted to share Vicki's company for a while gently laid his fingertips to the small of her back and led her down the hallway to the study.

Drawing Room Collinwood

Roger turned and closed the door to the drawing room. "I will be right back Liz, do not go any where." Liz turned with a petulant pout and walked to the fireside chair and sat pulling a magazine into her lap and putting what appeared to be a perpetual frown upon her face. "I will wait here for you Roger, do not expect me to change my mind."

Collinwood Library

Roger walked down the hallway to the study and noted that Vicki and Barnabas were enmeshed in a history lesson of the 17th century authors. "I hope I did not offend her Roger, it was my intent to offer a pleasant evening and relive our ancestral past in the surroundings of my home."

Roger waved his hand as if dismissing the idea. "Allow me time to speak with her and please do not take this as a personal affront. You must realize she has not left this house for over 18 years thinking Paul was buried in a room below and not wanting anyone to find out."

Barnabas smiled and turned his attention to the lovely young woman at his side. She appeared pensive and disappointed. "Vicki will you be so kind as to entertain Barnabas while I speak with Liz?"

Vicki smiled she readily agreed and enjoyed the company of the handsome Collins cousin. "I will call you once I have reconciled Liz to the idea of leaving this house for a party. Now if you will excuse me."

Vicki stepped over by the fireplace to seat herself in the rich leather chair. Barnabas studied her profile and was enchanted by the delicate cut of her jawline and the soft pulsating beat of her heart as her blood rushed through her veins. For a moment he could feel his need to feast and had to exert his strong will over his desires.

Mentally, he called to her, "Victoria, look at me." Her mind was strong and she easily resisted his call until he exerted more force. "I said Victoria come to me, look at me." Vicki felt the tug against her will and turned to look at the very intensive gaze Barnabas held on her. "Come to me my dear." His words were soft and subtle to her subconscious. She slowly stood, faced him, and then walked to stand in front of him. Her gaze locked to his. "I seek comfort, will you comfort me?" Vicki nodded slowly and allowed him to draw her into his embrace.

With fingers that gentled to her hair, he ran a hand into the thickness of her hair and drew her close to his chest. Pressing her to his body he was struck by the feeling of abandoned submission while in his thrall. He pushed aside her hair and exposed the purity of her throat.

With his eyes glowing an intense color of ice blue with his blood lust he lifted his chin and lowered his mouth to her throat, taking his tongue to lick the soft contours of her neck and finding the artery that acted as the portal of life giving substances to his needs. Feeling his canines elongate, he gently began to prick her throat.