A/N: Welcome to the new story! This is my first crossover so please, go easy on me.

So, it's a crossover between the Dark Shadows and the Ninth Gate. This first chapter is short, but for a reason. Its purpose is to set the story. The next chapters will be longer.

If you read please, leave me some feedback. Also, if you want to be alerted of the updates you must either join me on Facebook or alert this story. Crossovers are easy to lose…

Now, on with the story. ;o)

Disclaimer: I do not own Dark Shadows or the Ninth Gate. I only own my OC and my plot.

The Vampire's Deal

Chapter 1

Some choices we live not only once but a thousand times over, remembering them for the rest of our lives.

~Richard Bach

New York, 2001

Nightmares.

Definition: frightening dreams and visions of a reality that is not actually real. Images, sceneries of situations in which we feel high levels of anxiety or fear. Dreams where you might wake up as soon as your subconscious is attacked by a scary image or dreams where the waking up is not so easy.

Dreams. What curious things. What an amazing thing our subconscious is…Beautiful, the source of hope and yet it can be our ultimate hell.

But what happens when the dream is not meant to scare away, but pull closer? What happens when the dream consists of wavy blond hair, vibrant blue eyes and cherry pink lips? An elegant corseted waist wrapped in blue silk and the gentle curve of a shoulder that really beckons you to come closer, to touch, but moving away as soon as you approach.

The small smile of a beautiful woman is really something no man can resist and he knows that the moment he wakes up with her whispered word upon his lips, he knows that he has no other option.

A groan escapes his lips and when he kicks the covers away from his sweaty form he sighs, letting the cool air of the room cool his heated skin. Rays of sunlight are not yet slipping through the windows and he is aware as he reaches out for the card on top of his nightstand that it is not the right time for a phone call. The small, tiny twitch of his lips makes it obvious that he doesn't care.

He turns on the light and blindly gropes for his glasses. He sits up against the headboard and as he slips them on he stretches his legs a bit.

He blinks away the fog of sleep and his gaze zeroes on the card.

Sophia Lockheart. Collinsport, Maine.

PA

"Collinsport." He mutters and then snorts. Is he really going to do this? Is he really going to give the woman a call back? Is he really that desperate to become involved in a rich man's quest for a fucking old book again? And because of what? Because a beautiful, innocent looking woman came in a dream and told him to do so?

His hand reaches out and for a moment he fingers the empty glass of whiskey that is resting upon his nightstand, wishing for a damn drink to clear his head, but then he sighs and pulls his heavy limb away. He rubs the back of his neck and then slams his head against the headboard. He eyes the ceiling for a while, his teeth indecisively chewing on his lower lip while tapping the card against his bare stomach.

He blinks and as he does so he sees the face of the lovely blonde. He pauses and smirks, wondering if Ms. Lockheart is as stunning as the woman from his dream. Perhaps she is the woman from his dream.

Snorting, he shakes his head. He really needs to get laid and he really needs some money. His declining bank account is a very obvious sign of his situation.

He sits up again and runs his fingers over his moustache and goatee before he dives for the phone.

"Fuck this." He mutters as he grabs the receiver. He dials the number on the card and then sits back and waits. As the line tunes in, he clears his throat from the remnants of sleep.

Ms. Lockheart doesn't answer the phone for a long time, but when she does her voice is clear, sober and not in the least groggy.

"Hello?" Her voice is smooth and he immediately realizes from her accent that she is British. He wants to smirk at the silkiness of her voice, but it is not the time.

"Ms. Lockheart?" He cocks an eyebrow as he stares at the card in his hand and there is a pause.

"Yes? Who is this?" She replies and it is not very clear if she is surprised that someone is calling her at four in the morning.

"It's Dean Corso, Ms. Lockheart. Did I wake you?" He asks politely and she is silent for a few long moments before there is a sigh.

"You knew you'd wake me, yes? But it doesn't matter." Her reply is not bitter, or angry, or sharp. Her voice is merely stating a fact. He is surprised.

"I just found your card. You were in my lecture, I suppose." He murmurs and gently taps the card against his lips.

"Yes."

"It says here that you have a proposition for me." He licks his lips before he continues, "I wonder what that proposition includes."

"I cannot give you much information, Mr. Corso. I am merely a private assistant and I was told to contact you. Mr. Collins would be very excited if you came to discuss the matter with him." Her reply is polite, but unrelenting.

"Mr. Collins? The eligible bachelor? The same Mr. Collins?" he asks with interest.

"Yes. He would really like to discuss a business arrangement with you, but you never called."

"I am calling now." He points out and there is pause.

"It's been two months, Mr. Corso." Ms. Lockheart informs him and Corso impatiently scratches his stubbled chin.

"Has he found someone else then-…"

"No. You are the best in your field."

A smirk lights up his features, but before he can have time to speak she continues.

"But we cannot go through this while on the phone. You must come meet us."

"To Maine?" He asks with a frown, "That's-…"

"All your expenses will be covered. A room will be at your disposal the moment you arrive. I can have a ticket ready by tomorrow for you." Her voice is businesslike and he likes that. He likes that a lot.

"So soon?" he asks as he runs his tongue over his teeth.

"I imagine you're just as impatient since you called at such an hour." There is amusement in her voice and he smiles.

"Touché, Ms. Lockheart." He murmurs and there is a quiet chuckle and some rustling from the line before she speaks up again.

"Well?"

Corso bites the inside of his cheek for a few moments before he nods, "It's a deal, Ms. Lockheart." He says at last and there is a relieved sigh before she goes on.

"Excellent. I will call you back later today for more information." The line goes off and Corso slowly pulls the receiver away and stares at it before he puts it away. He doesn't need to ask how she will find him. She obviously has the number.

He sits back and waits for her call.

For the first time after months, after that farce, he is excited. He chuckles and throws an arm over his eyes.

End of chapter 1

A/N: I know short, but like I said it is necessary. So, thoughts, please?

More as soon as I have some feedback.

As you can see, this takes place after the Ninth Gate's end. More will be revealed as we go on. This takes place two years after the Ninth Gate. Also, Mr. Collins will make his appearance next chapter. Promise! ;o)

Also, any ideas who the lady from his dream is?

Join me on Facebook for more info and news. The link's on my profile.

Xxx Lina ;o)