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Warning: This story is rated R. If you are under 
18 years then  please do not read any further
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     Nick walked into the morgue very quietly, hoping to surprise
 Natalie.  He knew that she hated for him to do that, but this really 
 deserved a special entrance.  She was in her scrubs, leaning
 over her latest client, starting to dictate her findings when
 Nick snuck up squarely behind her. He gently touched her shoulders. 
 She  jumped.
    " Geez Nick, when are you gonna LEARN?  You're just lucky I 
didn't have a scalpel in my hand.  One day it's gonna be 'Good Bye 
Yellow Brick Road.' " Her playful tone assured him she wasn't too mad 
 because he had a real surprise for her.
     He stood there for a moment staring at her.  Where her back and
buttocks met, Nick's thoughts erotically raced as he imagined her velvety
skin underneath rough, cotton scrubs.
     "Nat, do you think you need a vacation?"
     "Why, do *you* think I need one ?" she asked defensively, spinning
around to meet the wicked glance in his eyes.
     "Yup, I do."
     "Oh really? " she responded sarcastically, an eyebrow arched
emphasizing the sarcastic inflection."And do you have any bright ideas? "
     "Actually, yes.."
     Nick's reply caught her off-guard, standing before her grinning like a
Cheshire cat.  She was curious now.
     "What's up Nick ?"
    Nick could hardly contain his excitement as he stood there silent,
purposely not answering her.
     "Nick, tell me !"
    She picked up her clipboard, eyed her target and moved towards him.
"Ok Knight.  I'll give you till the count of three."
    Playfully, he stepped back to avoid her crackerjack aim.
    She had picked up her clipboard and was aiming it at his chest.
    Nick couldn't contain himself any longer. He pulled an envelope out 
of his jacket  pocket.
    Holding his hands up, Nick confessed.  "I give up."
    She jumped and grabbed at it then pulled out its contents.
     "Oh Nick..." she murmured breathlessly as she stared down at  a pair
of first class round trip plane tickets from Toronto to New Orleans.
     "New Orleans..... I've always wanted see it, but what's the occasion?" 
     "Yesterday, I heard from the captain I'd been asked to go on a
 special assignment. I took the liberty of ordering tickets for you, on
 the off chance that *maybe* you'd want to go."
      "When Nick?"
      "That's the best part. We'd be gone from the 23rd to the 28th.
 We'd be  there for Mardi Gras.
      " Of course I'll go. I'd love it. I'll have to check with the powers 
that be, but there shouldn't be a problem getting the time."
      "Oh Nick, thank you."  She reached out to hug him. He entered her
embrace and returned it, kissed her lightly on the cheek, and started to
leave.
      "I'm really glad you're coming, Nat."
       He flashed that smile that always left her weak in the knees.
       " I'm really glad you asked me", she countered. "We'll talk later, 
OK?"
       " Sure. See you later."
       Her eyes followed him out the door and down the hall. A vacation
 with Nick, in New Orleans of all places. I hope I can get through it in 
one piece, she sighed.
     It was hard for her to get back to the autopsy.  Her concentration had 
gone down the hall with those jeans and leather coat. "Come on Nat" 
she ordered herself aloud. "Get it together. The sooner you get this 
done the sooner you see Nick. We have alot to do if we are leaving
on the 23rd."  She plunged back into her work with renewed fervor.
     For the next two weeks, Nat was on cloud 9. She and Nick spent
all of their off hours together making arrangements, and thinking of 
special things to do.  Being Mardi Gras week, he had to rely on some 
"old connections" to get hotel reservations. When they contacted him
to tell him it was taken care of, he flew to Nat's place, fairly bursting
with the news. He grabbed her around the waist, picked her up and 
twirled her around as if she was a little girl.
     "We're going Nat! The reservations came through!  Pack you best 
clothes. I don't want to see you in anything that looks like scrubs or a
lab coat. You're going to be my Cinderella and we're going to a week
long ball."
     "That's ok with me, but you don't know what you're getting yourself
into," she teased, then slyly whispered, "I'm gonna knock your socks off."
Pausing for a moment, she took a step closer then cooed, "And I'm just the
girl who can do it." 
    He stared at her for a moment, visualizing a sexy little black dress,
...her hair down.. jewelry,... heels...he smiled. Oh Nat...You sure could,
he sighed.

   Friday the 23rd finally came. They left as soon as it was safe for 
Nick to travel. The trip went smoothly and they arrived in New Orleans
late that night. They went out for  supper, walked around a bit for
Nat to take in some of the atmosphere then went on to their hotel.
     The hotel was located in the Garden District of the city. The
architecture was traditional for the area, with it's lacy white wrought
iron grillwork, and 
lush greenery all around. It was small, elegant, and overflowing with 
charm of the New Orleans of the last century. The staff was gracious,  
and treated them like visiting royalty...Nat was in heaven.

      Saturday, Nick was off limits till dusk. He first had to check in with 
the department liaison  he'd been assigned to, then they could go out 
for the night.
      Nat had purchased some new clothes for the trip and was anxious for 
her date to see her special dress, the one chosen with that first night in
mind. 
        Nick knocked on her door promptly at 7 :00. She opened it to
 find him holding a single red rose in his outstretched arm. She 
colored slightly, touched by his gesture.
      "Thank you kind sir." She accepted the flower lovingly and tilted her 
head forward to inhale its' delicate scent.
        He stared at her for a moment, captivated by the tenderness with
 which she received his gift.
       "I should be the one thanking you" he replied gallantly. He did a
 head to toe evaluation and smiled approvingly. " Natalie Lambert, 
you look beautiful." Then he quietly added, " you *are* beautiful." 
       They both sensed they were entering into dangerous territory here. 
There was nothing she wanted to do more than to fly into his arms and stay.
She took in a deep breath and let it out slowly. This wasn't the time. She
would probably live to regret this she thought, but she decided to let
the moment go and quickly changed the subject.
     "Glad you approve." She twirled, letting him get the full view. The
dress was a deep wine colored velvet. It was fitted but not skin tight
and came just to her knees. It had a deeply scooped neckline front 
and back, and long tight sleeves. The richness of the color and fabric
cast a rosy glow over her exposed skin, and lovely face. The pumps were the
same color as the dress, and not too high, just right for dancing. She
grabbed her wrap and headed for the door. A plain gold bracelet and
dangling gold earrings complemented the outfit. She wore her hair loose,
the way Nick liked it.
      "Let's go Prince Charming, your Cinderella is starving."
      "You wish is my command, my lady." He bowed deeply, took her 
arm, and swept her out the door.
      Nat dined. Afterwards, Nick knew of a place in the French Quarter
like the Raven where he could find nourishment as well. They stayed at the
LeVeau D'Or only a little while. He knew Nat was uncomfortable there, and
besides, it was time to hit the after hours jazz clubs. They sampled a few
of the best ones, listening and dancing, till it was almost dawn.
     They rode back to the hotel with Nat's head snuggling against his in the
back of the cab. He loved the feel and the scent of her. He knew she 
was far more to him than just his "Doc", or his friend. And knew too that
she loved him. What he didn't know however, was what to do about it. 
Any mortal man would have acted on these feelings. But, he wasn't 
mortal and he couldn't.... not yet. The cab pulled up to the hotel. She 
had fallen asleep on his shoulder.  
      "Nat, were back," Nick wakened her gently.
      "Ummm, OK." She opened her eyes and looked at him dreamily.
      "Good nap?"
      "Um hummm."
      "I'd better get you in and up to bed."
      "Midnight came too soon for this Cinderella," Natalie softly said as
he helped her out of the cab then through the elaborate door of the elegant
hotel.
      "Now", he said with mock authority as he led her to her room.
"Cinderella has to get her 
beauty sleep. Prince Charming has a surprise planned for his lady tonight."
      " Oooh,  sounds irresistible. " 
      " Off to bed with you."
      He kissed her on the cheek. "I'll see you later." He had started to
walk towards his room, then turned back. "Oh by the way, I want you to meet
me downstairs in the lobby.
At about 5:00, ok?"
      "Whatever Prince Charming says." She smiled and disappeared
into her room.
      She leaned against the cedar door and stared absently at the shadows
which played over the canopy of the large brass bed.  Natalie had hoped the
magic would last a little longer. But soon, exhaustion overtook the rapture
as she undressed. Languidly, she stretched her nude body on the laced
covered bed. Natalie fell asleep as soon as her head sank into the cool,
soft folds of the down pillows.

      She awoke several hours later and looked around the room. Could 
this really be happening? She thought,  I know I'm awake, I'm here... 
with Nick .. but this is too perfect. She looked over at her travel alarm 
clock which read 3:00. That feels about right.  Better get up and start
getting ready for our next little adventure. She was hungry, ordered room
service, and paced till it arrived. She ate quickly. She then decided to
take a bath rather than her usual shower. It  just seemed to go with the
ambiance. 
     The bath was dreamy. The hotel staff, seeming to anticipate her 
every desire, had thoughtfully left packets of jasmine scented bath salts
in the ornate, beautifully appointed bathroom. 
     The warmth and the sensuality of the perfume relaxed her. She felt
voluptuous, alluring, as if she were the most desirable woman in the world.
 She dressed slowly not wanting to break the mood. She enjoyed the feel of
the new silky lingerie she'd bought as it slipped over the curves of her
scented body. She let it caress her skin as she drew it on and around her.
She closed her eyes and thought of  Nick, dreaming of a time when he would
caress her in that way. She had been lost in her reverie for several
minutes when she  realized Nick would be there soon.    
       She had decided to wear another new dress. It was a  pale blue silk 
shirt dress, with a high neck, long full sleeves and a mid-calf length
skirt. It 
was soft and romantic and moved gracefully when she walked. She loved 
the effect. 
       It was almost time to meet Nick. She put the finishing touches on 
her hair and makeup and put on her pearl earrings. She
took a cashmere shawl out of her suitcase and held it up. " Perfect!"  
She was ready.
      Nick was waiting for her as got off the elevator. "Ummm." he 
breathed in her fragrance. " Nice", he whispered, as she came to
greet him.She smiled and took his hand. "Oh Nat ..." If his heart 
could beat it would have skipped a few by now. He smiled back, 
and kissed the hand he held in his. He looked at her lovingly for
a moment, then  proudly announced , "My lady, your carriage
awaits." He took her arm and escorted her out  the door.
     Sure enough there was an open horse drawn carriage waiting 
there, with a uniformed driver. She stood there speechless for a 
minute, then her eyes filled with tears.
    " What's wrong Nat? I thought you'd be pleased. "
    " I'm sorry Nick, it's just that it's all a little overwhelming. I
really do
 feel like Cinderella at the ball."
    He grinned."You'd better get in then. We wouldn't want this to turn 
into a pumpkin before our night is over would we?" He helped her up to
her seat the climbed in next to her.
    " Oh, by the way, Where are we going?" she asked.
    " On a special guided tour, New Orleans by  Knight. " He pointed to
himself, bowed and motioned to the driver to go on.
    " Very clever Nick." she grinned, and let out a tiny chuckle.
     Their magical evening had begun. Their first stop was a fancy French 
restaurant. The candlelight and wine set the mood for the rest of the 
night. When they left, they were both feeling relaxed and as if 
they had been transported back to another time, another place.
     They returned to the waiting carriage to begin the next part of the
evening's entertainment. The tour Nick had planned for her was one of
Vampire history in the city.  He showed her the buildings and streets,
graveyards and alleyways
that meant so much to his kind. He was the historian and the subject 
all at once. Natalie was fascinated. She was also deeply moved that 
he was sharing so much of himself. In all the time they had been 
together, they had talked little of his  history. Not because he didn't
trust her, but because he cared more for the here and now trying to put his
past behind him.  
     It didn't seem possible that she could love him any more than she 
already did, but his candor was bringing their relationship into another
dimension, with deeper feelings than she could have ever imagined.
      Nick too sensed the change. He didn't quite know how to handle
the feelings he was experiencing. He was totally at ease with her. The
blood lust was there.. his fangs were just starting to descend but 
something else seemed to be overriding it, keeping it in check.
He turned away for a moment till he was sure he was in control. His
thoughts turned to her. He stared..and seemed to take in a breath. Her
beauty, her caring and compassion stirred him in new and glorious
ways. He needed her...body ,mind, and soul.
     They were both silent for a long time. They heard only the
 clatter of the horse's hooves against the pavement, and the beating
 of Nat's heart. They needed the time to adjust to the changes that
 were so rapidly occurring.
   Finally, Nick spoke. " Nat, something has changed. I can't put my
finger on it, and I don't know when or how, but I know I love you very
much, in a different way than I ever did before. I didn't know I
could feel this way about anyone, mortal or vampire. You take my
breath away.....I need you Nat ".......a blood tear started to form in 
the corner of his eye. He couldn't let her see it. He dared not look 
at her for fear of breaking down completely. He continued quietly,
" I can't promise you anything, or give you more than my word that 
I will try to be there for you, to love and cherish you for as long as 
you want and need me." He moved very close to her,wanting to 
bask in her warmth. He heard her heartbeat, then a tiny whimper.
  She had begun to cry softly. He smelled her tears. He knew they 
were tears of love and happiness.
      Nat couldn't speak. The tears rolled down her cheeks. She bit her 
lip to try to regain some control. She wanted to tell Nick how much
she loved *him* and needed *him.* She did the only thing she
could. She turned her face to  his, leaned in and kissed him on the 
mouth.
     It was tender, almost hesitating. Nick responded by reaching
over and carefully unbuttoning her collar button and the top three 
buttons on her dress, all while tasting her soft sweet mouth. She 
let out a tiny gasp at the feel of his fingers on her throat.
     He drew her close, and wrapped his arms around her. Now sure that he
wanted 
it as much as she, Nat slid her arms around his neck, and opened 
up to him completely, allowing the kiss to deepen and engulf her
whole body. She encouraged him, teased him, and stirred a passion
in him that had too long lain dormant. The kiss took on a life of its
own, and seemed to last forever.
     Just when their hunger for each other was satisfied enough to separate
for a moment, one would let out a moan or gasp of pleasure, which would
stir the other,
encouraging still more exploring and tasting and caressing.  The beast 
was at bay for the moment, and Nick took every advantage, not 
knowing when the blood lust would overcome him and put an end
to these precious moments.
     Nick had the driver continue to meander the streets while they 
held each other close, talking, cuddling, kissing,  and talking some 
more. During one of their conversations, Nat asked about going 
to the Mardi Gras celebration and parade. She devilishly suggested
to Nick that they go in costume. He thought about it for a minute.
    "You know Nat, I think it's a great idea." He smiled at the 
thought of letting her see him as he could have been in another life. 
    She playfully reached over to caress his nearest thigh and knee. 
"Would you wear tights for me? " She was almost purring.
   "Actually, they weren't really tights." He began to give her an 
historical treatise on the subject, then thought better of it. "Let's just 
say I ought to know. I spent a good part of my life in them."
   "Well you know what I mean." 
   "Yeah, I do." Smiling he added, "If it will make my Cinderella happy,
I'd wear *anything.*
   Nat was staring at him. "Anything? " she giggled. Then with a 
wicked grin she started to nibble his ear and whisper, "How about 
nothing?"  Her hand continued to caress his inner thigh.
   Nick would have blushed if he could. Choking out the words, 
he managed a  stern "Enough of that Dr. Lambert." Clearing his 
throat, "We might have a problem."  
   She was amused at his seeming discomfort, but then blushed 
slightly at her own aggressiveness. She liked it though and 
liked the power she had over him. She took a breath and he resumed the
conversation.
   Thinking back to Natalie's suggestion, Nick wondered aloud, "We might
have another problem.  At this late date, you might have difficulty
locating costumes."
    Natalie grinned, "Don't you worry about that. As of now, I am a *woman* 
on a mission."
    "Hear me Roar, right? "   
    "Smartass."
    "I wonder what it would it be like to kiss a *woman on a 
mission.*"
    "Try it." They kissed playfully.
    "Not bad, but ...let's see an encore."  She reached for him and 
gave him a long kiss so full of passion and sensuality it almost 
sucked the nails off his toes. 
     "Now that's what I 'd call mission accomplished," he gasped. 
Her face flushed a bit, then she leaned over and kissed him lightly 
on the cheek. "Nat", he whispered, "you are incredible." He slipped 
his arm around her shoulder, drew her close and they snuggled 
the rest of the way back.

      It was almost dawn again as they reached the entrance of the 
hotel. He helped her out of the carriage by taking her around the 
waist and lifting her to the ground. Their closeness at that moment,
and the start they'd made towards a physical relationship caused 
each to wonder what would come next.
     They walked in and went upstairs to their rooms in silence. He slowly 
escorted her to her door.
     "Nat," Nick hesitated, then in a hushed voice said, "I want to come in
and stay with
you but...I don't think I can just yet."
    "Nick, I understand. You don't have to explain."
    "But I want you to know it's not because I don't *want* to 
make love to you," he said as his fingers brushed lightly across her cheek.
"What we had tonight made me know that. But I have some problems...."
     "Nick, I said no explanation," she interjected softly as she took his
hand and pressed it to her lips. " We'll do what we can do. Quite
honestly, it is more than I ever expected. " She reached up and tousled his
hair. "I've wanted to do that for such a looong time."
      "Take liberties with me will you, you hussy." He took her and kissed
her tenderly.
     She wriggled out of his embrace. "I think I'd better go now. 
The sun will be up soon. You have to sleep, you're on duty tonight, 
and I have my own things to do. Good Night Nick, or is it Good 
Morning ?"
     "Whatever," he said pretending to be sulking.
     "Go to bed Nick," she commanded with a twinkle in her eye. 
     "Yes DOCTOR."
     "Damn straight! " she called, as she slipped into the 
room, the door closing  quickly behind her. Another minute and she 
would have been a goner she thought. He was so beautiful... so 
tender and he loved her. She undressed quickly and hopped into bed. 
She had a busy day ahead of her and needed sleep but she couldn't 
get the image of him  and the nights events out of her mind. She 
wanted to remember each tiny detail, to recount them then she  
fell asleep smiling.

   Natalie had tried to get up at a reasonable time, like noon, to start
the hunt for their costumes. She decided to comb some antique type stores
as well as costume rental places.
    She had been on her "mission" for nearly three hours when she suddenly 
felt very tired and went back to the hotel to rest. Nick was right. 
There wasn't much around that was to her taste, all of the loveliest 
costumes already having been spoken for. She'd had her heart set on 
something beautiful and romantic, medieval or renaissance in style.    
She walked into the hotel with decidedly dejected air. The concierge 
noticed immediately and asked if he could be of any assistance. 
She told him about her search. He listened sympathetically. "There
may be something I can do for you. If you will just wait here, I'll 
make a phone call .It will only take a minute."
    Natalie thanked him and waited, not very patiently though.
    He returned after five minutes."I called the shop of a friend, about 
three blocks from here He thinks he will be able to help you. Would 
you be interested in looking into it?"
    "Why not."  The concierge also made arrangements for a cab to pick her
up and take her there. "Nice service" she thought. I wonder if it has
anything to do with Nick's "connections"?
    She arrived at the shop and was enchanted with the selection 
of period clothing. She found just what she wanted, for both herself, 
and Nick. She did find an outfit with "tights." "Mmmm" she thought. 
She tried her costume on. It was perfect. She used a practiced 
physicians eye to estimate Nick's sizes, and hoped  his would fit 
as well. The cab was instructed by the concierge to wait for her 
and bring her back. She went to  pay the driver and found it had 
already been taken care of. "Very nice service indeed."

    Natalie knew Nick was going to be late, so she ate alone in her suite.
She missed Nick. She has been very spoiled these last few days. 
Having nothing better to do, she tried the costume on again. She stood
before the full-length mirror, smoothing the deep blue velvet of the
elegant medieval styled gown. The bodice clung to her soft curves as if it
were made for her. It had the wide  sleeves, deep V neck, and dropped
fitted waist typical of the period, complete with a full cape, hood and the
required sequined mask.  When she had it on, she felt as regal and
beautiful as she looked.
    Nick's costume was equally elaborate, consisting of a deep red 
crushed velvet tunic,  pantaloons in the same fabric, a golden girdle
of medallions set with semiprecious stones, white silk hose  and shoes 
of the period It also had a hooded cape and plain mask. We will make 
a really cute couple, she thought. Hell, we already do.
    She had arranged to take a tour of the ante bellum mansions along 
the delta on Tuesday during the day. She planed to arrive back at the 
hotel at about five in the afternoon, to give her a little time to rest and
dress for the 
evening. 
      She was to meet Nick at about 7 in the restaurant where they 
had eaten Friday evening. She dressed carefully, keeping her 
makeup and hair style simple but elegant, to go with her costume. 
The only reminder of the present in her outfit, was the lovely lingerie 
she wore under the gown.
     Heading to the restaurant, Natalie walked out into the sultry evening
air with a sense of expectation, heading  to the restaurant . She was
feeling festive 
and ordered a bottle of champagne while she was waiting. An 
hour went by with  no sign of Nick. She would have been worried if she 
weren't so angry. Tonight of all nights. She was sure it was work 
related, but it didn't matter. He stood her up. And after Sunday night...
 Her thoughts were spinning. Up till then, she had been rationing the 
wine, wanting to be in complete possession of her faculties when he 
arrived. After an hour passed, she started not to care and began to 
get very drunk out of spite and because of not having eaten much 
in anticipation of a romantic dinner. She was getting restless and 
wanted  to get out.  She decided to celebrate with or without Nick.
     With a flourish, she polished off  the remainder of the bottle of wine. 
She soon found herself out in the street caught in the crowds just 
milling around. She was  trying to find the parade. She wandered 
down a few blocks, passing group after group of revelers. She asked 
for directions to the parade, but was  too tipsy to really understand 
the directions, even if they were given intelligibly, which they were not.
   She had been wandering the streets for about an hour when she 
smelled something *wonderful *and realized how hungry she was.
She followed the smell to the back yard of a charming little restaurant, 
where a group people were gathered around a large iron boiler.
"That smells delicious."  she thought out loud.
      A gentleman. obviously the host of the party offered Nat some 
of the aromatic concoction. It was a delicious crawfish gumbo. Nat noticed 
several people at the pot taking turns stirring the mixture with a wide
flat wooden  spoon they were calling a paddle. 
     "That looks like fun" Nat exclaimed and asks if she could try. She 
stood over the pot and stirred it like a pro. After a few minutes though, 
the smell, the heat and the circular stirring motion began to make her dizzy. 
She was soon feeling rather ill.  She thanked her host and asked if 
he would mind her having the paddle as a souvenir.
     "How could I refuse such a lovely lady," he replied. Nat giggled and 
left, still a bit nauseated, and still very, very tipsy. In a fog, she was 
trying to recognize landmarks which would lead her back to the hotel.
     She was  positive she was getting closer . She thought she saw 
Nick in the shadows. The cape , hose and shoes looked  familiar. 
Maybe he's come out looking for me, she thought.  She stealthily approached 
the cloaked figure. Certain  it was Nick, she moved in from behind, 
gently weaving her arms around his neck, drawing close to him and 
rubbing against his leg.
  "You feel so nice," she purred. 
   "Do you really think so?" The respondent's voice was familiar 
but it  wasn't Nick's. A shudder passed through her, chilling her to 
the bone. It was LaCroix. He turned slowly, wanting to make her 
embarrassment and discomfort last as long as possible.  
   "Yes dear Doctor, It is not your Nickolas, but I, LaCroix, rescuer 
of lost maidens. You are a little lost aren' t you?"
    She tried to say something clever but was still too shocked to do 
much more than stare.
       "You seem to be searching for a romantic interlude, if I can read 
your rather pathetic attempt at seduction." He looked around."Love 
in an alleyway. How quaint."
        "Well  Doctor, you are in luck. I am feeling benevolent 
tonight on the occasion of this magnificent fete. I would be most 
happy to accommodate you in my best vampiric way." He moved 
closer  to her. He reached for her left hand and lifted it to his lips, 
lightly caressing her palm. "Once you have been with me, lovely 
Natalie, Nickolas will seem like a rank amateur." His cold blue eyes 
captured hers. He sensed her hostility, but  also a perverse kind 
of attraction He moved to inhale the sweetness of the blood tinged with
champagne. It was quite appealing.  A little bonus, he thought as he
caressed her shoulders then slid his  hands gracefully to her breasts. She
recoiled at first, but was then hypnotized by the feel of his cold fingers
as he stroked her. He 
was  intently examining her neck, slowly fingering the veins, trying to
choose the spot that would give them both the most pleasure. She was
breathing rapidly, still  unable to speak, immobilized by feelings of guilt
and growing passion.  He circled her as a wild animal circles around his prey.
    With the paddle still firmly gripped in her right hand, Natalie waited
for her moment. As he came around and his back passed her hand, she seized
the opportunity to use the paddle and landed a blow soundly across his
back. Turning sharply, he looked at her, startled at first, shocked that
she would have the audacity to use the thing. 

     "Very interesting Doctor. This sheds an entire new light on the
situation."
He grabbed the hand with the paddle and moved it to have her strike 
him at his pleasure. After several blows he no longer needed to 
guide her. Her anger and resentment for all the years making her 
and Nick's lives miserable seemed to overpower her and she almost 
lost control landing blow after blow to LaCroix's back, chest and 
buttocks. He reveled in the unexpected pleasure she was providing.
    When he was aroused to the point of his satisfaction, he grabbed 
the paddle and bent over her, biting her delicately, eliciting delicious 
shivers all through her body She moaned and glared at him, furious 
that he could give her such pleasure. She was a warm-blooded little 
thing after all , mused LaCroix.
     Finally, she saw his fangs descend and his eyes turn gold. He 
ripped the shoulder of her gown to expose more of her soft skin. She 
felt a sharp pain as his fangs pierced her flesh. She prayed a silent 
Oh God, as the erotic sensations of his feeding wafted over her.  
She  had no idea of the depth,  intensity and sensual  power of the 
vampire's kiss until she herself succumbed  Her body felt warm and 
cold all at once. She had such burning in her loins , she thought 
she would go mad. She wanted desperately to be touched there 
and tried to get La Croix to oblige her. He pushed her hand away 
roughly, wanting her arousal to totally overcome her. She tried to 
satisfy herself, but La Croix's body was too close and the gown 
too heavy.
    He didn't want her to get images of his past as was usually the 
case  in such an intimate exchange. His vast experience over the years 
had given him the ability  to block those images and substitute shapes 
and colors, to further intensify her rapidly mounting excitement.
"Another few minutes and I am going to faint," she thought, as wave 
after wave of the most intense sexual pleasure she had ever known 
swept over her.  Able to stand no more, she cried out in agony 
     "Why can't this be NICK?" Natalie sobbed.
      LaCroix smiled to himself, his plan being set in motion in a way even
better than he could have hoped for.

   He fed on her slowly, delicately savoring each drop of her life 
force. With each sip, his hands caressed her. His erotic moans as he
took his pleasure blanketed her with sound, driving her deeper and 
deeper into a trance like state. Her arousal was total now.
     Her honey was dripping and her clit throbbing. She wanted him in her 
and was almost ready to scream from the intensity, but all she could do 
was moan and whisper a name is a deep throaty voice, choked with
passion. When she achieved her orgasm, she felt like she had exploded 
into a million shimmering pieces. Her body shook and she was about to 
collapse when he became aware of her state, then gently ended his 
exquisite blood feast.
     When LaCroix had finished feeding, he sensually licked the tiny 
drops of blood off the bite marks. He patted away the remnants of her 
blood from his lips and looked at her. Her eyes were still closed and 
he could see her trembling slightly as she began to regain her 
awareness of where she was..and with whom.
    "Well Doctor, was it as I had predicted? Could anything you 
and Nickolas have  compare with the gift I have given you?"
      She was lost. She was feeling things deep in her soul she could't 
admit. La Croix had succeeded brilliantly in his scheme, or so he 
thought. He had aroused a need in her that Nickolas would have 
to satisfy, or lose his Natalie forever. If he lost her, so much the
better. If not, he would  kill her or bring her across. Any outcome would
be acceptable. 
Either way, Nickolas would be his again.

     He watched her closely for a sign of defeat. She stood there 
quietly rubbing the puncture marks. I need to clean this as soon as 
I get back, she thought defiantly.
     La Croix picked up on it .She is remarkable. But she will soon see. 
The best is yet to come.
    "Perhaps it is time for you to return to your hotel.That is where 
you were going before you  got "lost"?"
    "I can manage".She was finally coming back to herself. She 
started to straighten her gown and realized that it was torn. She 
looked upset.
     "Don't concern yourself with such trivialities. The owner of the 
shop is a friend of mine." She stared at him .So that's how he knew......
     "Allow me", He helped hide the fang marks and the torn gown 
under the folds of the cloak.  She flinched at his touch. He smiled. 
He bent down and retrieved the paddle." I would definitely hold on 
to this if I were you. It was a charming little addition to the evening's 
pleasure." As he handed it back to her, she began to remember 
what she had done with it and blushed.
    "No, no Doctor, do not be ashamed. You handled it like a professional."
    "Damn you La Croix," she muttered. "What have you done to me?"
     He smiled menacingly. "Welcome to the dark side Doctor."

     As if out of nowhere, a cab appeared to return her to the hotel. She 
was grateful she didn't have to walk much further. The exploring she 
had done earlier, the wine, her  hunger, and the erotic pleasures of 
the last  hour left her totally spent. La Croix helped her into the cab, 
gave instructions to the driver and paid him. As the cab pulled away 
she  thought she heard La Croix wish her pleasant dreams, or was 
this *all *a dream..... a nightmare.
                                     
    She arrived at the hotel  still reeling and weak.. She needed food , 
she needed the powder room, she needed Nick. .She was  helped in 
by a porter. "He must think I'm drunk," she murmured fuzzily. "Oooh..
I guess I am."  Her head was really spinning...She managed somehow 
to get to the  elevator without collapsing, and 
then to the room, where she sat for a few minutes trying to collect 
herself .When she felt a bit stronger, she started to undress.
     As she did, Nick's face flashed into her mind.  Oh my God,
Nick....He'll be worried sick that I didn't show up... Maybe he is out
looking for me, but it's HIS fault that I .....
      She had now removed the gown and shoes. She used the 
bathroom, slipped into her robe and called for room service.
Her meal  was delivered  quickly. She ate greedily as if she hadn't 
eaten in days, took some aspirin for the hangover that was starting, 
then lay down on the bed. She groped for the paddle that had been discarded
near the bed when she began to undress.  Picking it up, she clutched it
tightly, strangely feeling the need to protect herself.
     She feel asleep soundly, the robe slipping open leaving her lacy blue
camisole and panties in full view. Her hair cascaded around her head like a
halo...barely covering the two little red marks on the left side of her
Jugular. 

       Nick was finally back to the hotel, to change and meet her.  He 
was really late and knew she'd be furious. Plus, he couldn't remember 
where they were supposed  to meet. He was really in *trouble* now. He 
paced a bit in his room, trying to collect himself enough to face her.  
He suddenly sensed  her presence in her room down the hall, and 
went to investigate.
   He knocked briskly and  called her name .He heard no response. 
He called again. What's up in there? he wondered, and proceeded 
to use his own way of opening the  locked door.
   He found her lying on the bed, asleep in the same position 
as when she had lain down, the clinging lacy camisole, plainly visible. A
strong smell of champagne was mingled with the usual fragrance of her blood.
   "Got a little carried away did you?"  No response.  "Nat, are 
you OK?"  At least she didn't get arrested, this time, he chuckled to
himself, 
thinking of her last "Girls Night Out".
    Nat started to stir, finally responding to the sound of his voice.
  He was staring at her, in her state of undress. She blushed and  
protectively closed the robe around herself. 
   "You are soo beautiful. " he whispered. If it had been a day or 
even a few hours before, she would have run to his arms, and
 loved him. Now she was angry. The mere site of him enraged her.
    "Where the Hell have you been?" The force and the anger 
in her voice startled him. He stared at her for a moment, suddenly
 noticing the familiar marks on the side of her throat.
    "Nat, what happened tonight?'' He tried to remain calm, but had 
a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach. He wanted to move closer 
to examine the marks, not believing what he had seen. Perhaps he was only
imagining the illusion of fang marks as his own hunger raged inside him. He
bent over her.
     When he came too near, she used all her strength to push him away. He
was hurt and puzzled
by her reaction. He knew he could have expected some flack for being late,
but this 
was much more than that. She started to get up from he bed, the paddle
slipping securely beneath
the blankets.  She was weaker than she thought and was dizzy  for a minute.
He 
reached his hand out to support her and again she pushed him away.
    He didn't have a clue as to what was really going on but decided 
to apologize to her.
   "Nat, I'm so sorry. I got called out and couldn't get back to you. 
I'll make it up to you, I really will."
    Stony silence.
  "Nat, for God's sake talk to me! Tell me what happened, please...

    With her voice loud with sarcasm and anger, she told him 
about her tryst with LaCroix. She told him how she found him or he 
found her, how he totally seduced her, and how  aroused she had 
been. She was torturing him, she knew, but he was going to pay 
for tonight, somehow. She stared at Nick as she concluded her 
story. His eyes were steely and his jaw fixed in silent rage. She 
could almost see the fangs dropping. He returned her gaze but it 
was slowly changing to one of love and compassion. Blood tears  
were starting to well up.
  "Oh Nat, it's all my fault. If I had met you the way..." His voice 
trailed off and he reached out to comfort her.
  "Don't you touch me" she hissed.
  "Aw Nat, I'm sorry . I really am!" He edged towards her, 
desperately wanting to hold her.
  "Don't come any closer, I mean it Nick" she growled.
  "But Nat...."
  She stealthily reached for the paddle under the blankets. Her expression
changed  from one of hurt and anger to a nasty smirk.
   "Nat?"He had no clue as to what she was thinking.
   As if she was suddenly possessed, with one lightening fast gesture, 
she landed the paddle squarely on Nick's derriere.
  " Contact" she cried.
    He flinched."What the devil...?"
    She got him again, harder this time.
   "Natalie Lambert, you give me whatever that thing is, NOW."
   "Not on your life" and started for a third whack.
    He was too quick for her this time, and stopped her arm in mid air.
    He tried to remove the offensive object from her clenched fist, and 
noticed it was a soup paddle, the kind they used to stir up the big vats of 
gumbo. He started to wrestle it from her. Although she didn't want to 
use it again, she didn't want him to have it. She fought to keep it as 
if she were fighting for her life. 
   Nick sensed she needed to  physically release the anger she was 
feeling, so he went along with her, using enough of his strength to 
challenge her but not hurt her.
     The robe slipped off her shoulders. They rolled around on the 
plush floor pushing against each other. He could feel the tension in every
fiber of her being as she would try to free herself from his hold, then 
go back for more. After about fifteen minutes of this he could feel the 
anger subsiding. She was exhausted. Maybe now they could talk. They 
remained seated on the floor in front of her bed.
   "Nat, are you ok?"
   She was still flushed and breathless."Nick, I don't know what's 
happened to me. This whole business with La Croix has affected me 
more than I wanted to admit. " At last was telling him the truth. "Nick, 
why did it have to be him to give me the kiss? Why couldn't it 
have been you ? I love you so much, and need you so.
I was  angry at myself, at you , and at La Croix for what happened 
tonight. I want you Nick .I want you more than I have ever wanted 
anything or anyone. If I could feel what I did with LaCroix, whom I 
detest, what would it be like with you.? La Croix gave me a taste of 
what it's like to be with a Vampire. I responded in spite of myself. I love 
a Vampire. I love you and I want more than that taste."
   She was deadly serious. This time had come sooner than he 
anticipated thanks to his beloved master.
    "Nat I know how you feel. I want to share that part of me with 
you as much as you want it. I'm scared of hurting you. I don't know 
if I could live if I ever did anything to hurt you."
    "I know Nick, but how do you know that you'll hurt me?" 
    "The others, Nat, you don't know my history..."
    "But I do know you. Nick, listen to me. LaCroix evidently 
set this up for me to pressure you into taking this last step before
we were ready,  so you  *would * hurt me. But LaCroix wasn't 
banking on one thing. We LOVE each other Nick. And that makes 
all the difference.  LaCroix doesn't know the power of what we 
have. Somehow, I don't think we do either. But we can find out Nick ,
we can find out...."
   "Nat, I just don't know...."
   "I'm *not * going to pressure  you my love. I want you, but I can wait. 
I just need to prove LaCroix wrong. I want him to see the power of real  
Love at work."
   She was right. This looked like it was a foolproof setup. The only way 
to teach LaCroix a lesson was to prove him  wrong. Another lesson 
it would teach him was that Natalie was nobody's fool.
   They snuggled together for a while, glad the tension and distance 
between them was resolved. 
   "You are the best thing that has ever happened to me Nat."
  He reached over to stroke her face. She caught his hand , brought 
it to her lips and softly kissed his palm. He helped her to her feet then 
led her to the bed. It had begun...
   Nick took her in his arms. His only thought was  to satisfy every 
wish she had ever made for him to love her. She melted into his 
caresses, savoring every touch of his hands, mouth, or tongue.
With one gentle movement he pushed aside one strap of the silky camisole.
It carelessly fell as he placed whisper soft kisses about her neck, throat
and shoulders.  Her head listed to one side, granting Nick access to every
nook and curve.  He brushed aside the stray curls that had fallen over her
shoulder. *Nothing* was to impede the progress of his erotic exploration.
     Starting at her shoulders, his kisses led him to the uncharted region
of her cleavage.  Suddenly realizing that a satiny hindrance was in the
way, Nick used his teeth to undo its laces.  It floated away, revealing her
beautifully formed breasts.
     She showed her pleasure by the moans and sighs that involuntarily 
escaped  her.  As he gently brought her to a climax on her own, he 
was transfixed by her sensuality as she achieved her peak. She 
loved rediscovering the erotic side of her nature, a side that had 
been in hiding for most of the last few years.
     Surprising both herself and Nick, she easily turned him onto his back.
 Slowly, she undressed him button by button allowing her own secret
fantasies to be fulfilled.  With his clothing discarded, her eyes drank in
the beauty of his translucent skin and gracefully sculpted form.  Aroused,
she could no longer resist the powerful urge to touch his body in places
that had only been conquered in her dreams.
     She found herself doing things to him she 
had never done with any man, abandoning herself totally to the task of 
giving him pleasure. He was so responsive to her ministrations, that 
she became equally aroused, and  thus, their ultimate test awaited 
them. Their bodies came together in perfect harmony. Their movements 
were quickly synchronized  for their mutual pleasure. She could 
sense the time was approaching when he would give her the KISS. 
She was ready for whatever would happen. If she died... no she 
wasn't  going to give into that...She held her breath.
    Nick felt more in control than ever before. He knew he was giving in to 
his dark side but somehow it was ok this time. He would be able to stop..
he was sure of it. He glanced at Natalie for a split second and saw the look
of love in her eyes. He lowered his head to seek her tender neck   The fangs 
were fully descended, but they barely pierced her. He sucked on her 
ever so gently, recreating all the sensations she had experienced 
earlier,  with LaCroix, but giving her so much more. Combined with the 
other facets of their relationship, the effect was overwhelming. The taking 
of her blood had truly connected their souls. Love did make a difference.
They each drifted back into a state of pure bliss till they reluctantly 
separated.
    
    Somehow it had worked for them. LaCroix was wrong. She was a 
little weak from losing more blood, but indescribably happy. Nick 
was elated too. He had fed but he had stopped. He had made love to 
her and caused her nothing but joy.  His wish had been fulfilled. She 
was his... body, mind and soul. Perhaps there was hope.....
        
   Their  magical time in New Orleans was coming to an end.  She 
missed seeing Nick in the costume but she would find a way 
another time. Other than that, it had been heavenly.  She was 
absentmindedly packing to go back that night.  Her memories 
of yesterday's events were becoming  hazy. It was weird, but 
somehow she really didn't care. She was there with Nick, and 
she knew she'd had the time of her life.
   The flight home was uneventful. Nick took her home from the 
airport. She was exhausted from the trip,  the blood loss,  and her 
lack of sleep the night before. They said good-bye at her door with 
a long tender kiss that spoke of the promise of the love they now 
shared and the hope for their future together,  a future that truly 
seemed to be within their grasp.
   She closed the door behind her, and dreamily greeted Sydney.
She checked his food and water bowls, fed him then brought her 
suitcase into the bedroom with the intentions of unpacking.
    She plopped the case on the bed and opened it carefully, pulling 
out one piece of clothing at a time. Her heart wasn't  in it. Unpacking 
meant their idyll was really over. As she reached the last pile of 
clothing,  she felt something unusually stiff  at the bottom. She reached 
in and pulled out the paddle. How'd that get in there? she wondered.
    As she held it,  the events of the last two days, even the ones 
that had become so fuzzy, came flooding  back into her consciousness,  
in detail.  Wait a minute...Nick tried to put the whammy on...
me!" She paused. "I guess he wanted to protect me from the memories of
LaCroix. I hate that....just because we're lovers now, (she smiled at that 
thought) , it doesn't give him the right...   "Just wait till I get my 
*hands* on that 800 year old so and so."  She slapped the paddle 
across her palm. A sly smile and a deep pink blush spread 
across her face.
     "Nooo, I've got a better idea..."

The End

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