Darkest Memories

By April Hackett

I want to thank my beta readers, Cousin Jen (Night Hawk), Luciana Funtowicz, and Debbie Park. Their patience and support gave me the courage to finish and post this story.

LaCroix sat at apparent ease in the modest house. Heavy black-out drapes covered the windows. They were always pulled shut, though during these times that wasn't considered unusual. England was under attack; bombs were falling with deadly result. He had located this house, with Janette's help, shortly after arriving from France. With Nicholas still in need of rest and quiet to speed his healing, they decided to locate a dwelling near Oxford instead of living in London. With the bombing in London accelerating, it was probably safer as well.

The former inhabitants had left this property abandoned, its grounds overgrown with weeds and ivy, which was intruding into every crevice within reach. The small eighteenth century manor house showed signs of its past grandeur through the neglect of the present. It stood two stories high with two wings off either side of the foyer. The library was a shambles, with books laying all over the floor along with the debris and dust. The music room wasn't as bad. LaCroix knew Nicholas was pleased that the piano was still intact. Many of the rooms upstairs had been left open to the elements through open windows or in the case of the right wing, a bomb that had dropped too close to the house and collapsed part of the back wall. Fortunately, the master suites located in the front of the house were in good repair.

After sweeping and cleaning to make the house livable, LaCroix was taking a break. He couldn't break this one mortal habit from his past, cleanliness. He had drilled this same habit into his children as well. He could hear Nicholas in the library cleaning and putting things away. Nicholas. LaCroix had almost lost him this time. The Nazis almost killed my son! The thought made his eyes glow gold with anger.

A noise in the driveway broke his line of thought. As he turned to investigate his eyes faded to their normal icy blue color. Janette came through the door with a large handful of clothes. .

"There's another load in the car as well as some of the household things we will be needing." Janette said to LaCroix. She had traded in the men's clothing she wore while with the Maquis for a split skirt, riding boots, and a comfortable blouse. Her dark hair was pulled back away from her face to cascade down her back. A hip length black leather coat finished off her look. LaCroix stood up to help her with her armful. Taking half the load, he followed her up the stairs to one of the master bedrooms on the second floor.

"I managed to find enough clothes to give you and Nicolah several changes of clothing." Janette informed him while laying her bundle on the chair by the armoire. "I had to settle for grays and browns for now. I can lay my hands on some dye if you don't want to wait for everything to arrive from London." She smiled slightly to herself, knowing LaCroix's insistence on wearing black.

Janette turned around and looked at her master, her father. He was laying his armful on the bed. He was tall and pale, with blond hair cut very short. His strong face showed little of the worry she knew he had been feeling of late. With Nicholas' escape from the Germans, the mad dash out of France and a quick exit from London, this was the first relaxed breath any of them had been able to take in weeks.

"That will have to do.... unfortunately," LaCroix replied. "Once the trunks arrive from London, then all of us will have proper clothing again." Lacroix held out his hand to Janette and pulled her into a loose hug. "You have done well for us daughter, as well as can be expected in these circumstances." He placed a kiss on her forehead before breaking the embrace.

"How is Nicolah?" Janette asked. She was worried about her brother in blood. He was not recovering as fast as he should. The nightmares that had plagued him since his escape seemed to drain him so much. He had been so jumpy too, flinching at the slightest unexpected touch. He had not been able to regain very much of the weight his imprisonment and near starvation had taken from him.

"With his energy level so depleted, he's been sleeping quite a lot the last few days. I'm feeding him as often as I'm able, but.... It's going to take longer than I thought for him to get over this trauma. I may have to suppress the memories of his confinement entirely before he begins to recover. I have not done so in case the Enforcement Council needed to speak with Nicholas, but I may not have a choice if he is to recover."

Before Janette could say anything, they both heard a voice from downstairs.

"LaCroix?"

"Yes, Nicholas. I am with Janette. We will be down in a moment."

"What about the Council? Have you heard anything?" She didn't like it that the Enforcers were involved in their business, but when a vampire was exposed under any circumstances, they had to be informed. Then proper damage control could be carried out, even during a war.

"No, not yet. I need you to go back to London and complete our business affairs." Moving out of the room and toward the stairs, he continued, "Arrange with the lawyer to have the papers on the house sent here. With Nicholas' control in question, I don't think he should be moving around too much right now. Also, pick up our passports and locate a steady supply of bottled blood from the community. I'll deal with any local problems while we settle in."

"And if the Enforcers ask for you?"

"Tell them where we are. I will deal with their questions about Nicholas and what happened in France."

Janette nodded. She was glad LaCroix would deal with this problem. She would have enough to worry about trying to get everything they would need with this war waging all around them. Reaching the bottom of the stairs, Janette looked for Nicholas. She wanted to see him before she left. There was a lot to accomplish before dawn.

As they were coming down the stairs, Nicholas came out of the library. His blond hair was tousled and he was still extremely pale and thin. Janette's smile upon seeing him faded as she thought about the circumstances of his capture. The Nazis had tried to get information about her from him. It particularly hurt her to know that he had been captured and tortured because of her involvement with the Maquis, but there was little she could do about it now.

They met and linked arms as they walked toward the front door. Janette glanced over at Nicholas as they walked. Besides the dark circles under his eyes, she couldn't see any other serious problems that rest and several good feedings wouldn't fix. It wasn't until the thin lines of pain appeared in his face whenever he relaxed his guard that she realized there was more damage underneath. Damage that didn't seem to diminish with time. She knew he was fighting the demon that dwelled in all vampires, that his control had weakened.

"Where are you off to now?" Nicholas asked. He had hoped Janette would be able to stay a little while. He missed her company and her presence.

"I have errands to do in London. Things that can't be delayed. LaCroix is going to stay here with you mon chere. I will see you when I get back. Just concentrate on getting better."

"I'll be fine, Janette." Nicholas kissed her lightly on the lips. Smiling, Janette turned and leaped into the night air and was gone.

"Don't worry about Janette, Nicholas. She will return in a few days." LaCroix assured him. He stepped up behind his son and gently laid a hand on his shoulder. Gesturing toward the car with his other hand, LaCroix said, "Why don't we finish taking the supplies into the house, then we will take a break. I don't want you to over tire yourself."

Nicholas leaned back against LaCroix for a moment. He was so very tired. He didn't seem to be getting any better. I don't understand what's happening. I've never felt like this before. He knew LaCroix was worried, he could feel it through the link. LaCroix gently stood Nicholas up and walked with him to the car.

As he was bringing the last of the supplies inside the house, Nicholas suddenly sagged into the nearest chair, dropping his armful on the floor. Feeling his son's fatigue, LaCroix laid his armful on the dining room table and looked back through the foyer. Nicholas was sitting in a chair by the stairs, his head resting on the back of the chair with his eyes closed. Moving to his child's side, LaCroix stood looking at him for a moment, then leaned down and brushed the blond hair off his forehead. Flinching at the touch, Nicholas opened his eyes. Strands of gold laced through the normal blue color.

"Nicholas, you've done enough for now; go upstairs and lay down for a while." LaCroix stated as he urged his son to his feet. Nodding, the younger vampire slowly headed upstairs with LaCroix at his shoulder.

Once in his room, LaCroix helped Nicholas out of his clothes and into bed. "While you rest, I will go hunting. We'll deal with your hunger when I return." LaCroix quietly informed Nicholas as he climbed into bed. Watching his son settle and fall quickly asleep, LaCroix turned and headed out to hunt. Feeding Nicholas as well as keeping himself healthy meant he had to hunt more often. LaCroix knew he would have to go further afield than he liked so that no suspicion was drawn to the new neighbors in town. As much as he enjoyed feeding Nicholas, it was safer when they had a bottled blood supply handy.

Chapter 2

The next night

He was back in the steel cage. How did I get here? Why am I here? The memories of the past were too fresh, too raw.

"Nooooo, this can't be happening!" Nicholas screamed, still asleep, as he began to struggle against the feelings this nightmare was triggering. The vampire in him started to surface in response to his fear.

In the grip of this strong nightmare, Nicholas's rising terror arced across the connection to LaCroix, who was just coming in from a most satisfying hunt. With the link taut with fear, LaCroix flew upstairs to try and calm his son. Since Nicholas's escape, he'd been bombarded by vivid nightmares that left him badly shaken. LaCroix carefully held him down while trying to calm the escalating fear in Nick's mind.

After giving a heart-rending scream, he bolted awake, trembling and panting heavily. "It's just a dream, Nicholas. It will be all right." LaCroix murmured. Sitting on the bed, he pulled Nicholas into his arms, gently stroking his bare shoulder.

As the dream slowly faded away, Nicholas felt another need growing within him. Turning in his master's grasp, he started to unbutton LaCroix's shirt.

"Nicholas, what are you doing?"

"I'm unbuttoning your shirt."

"And why are you doing this?" LaCroix asked with a light smile on his full lips.

"Because," he softly answered, kissing LaCroix's chest, "I can't kiss touch lick your skin kiss with the shirt on kiss." He needed to feel LaCroix's love, his possessiveness, which under any other circumstance would have been smothering.

He nibbled one of LaCroix's nipples with his mouth. LaCroix leaned his head back and closed his eyes, thoroughly enjoying the sensations his child was causing. Releasing one nipple, Nicholas ran his tongue across the ancient's chest to the other one. Slowly moving his tongue around the nipple a few times, he lightly pinched it with his teeth. Oh, the young devil!, LaCroix mused as he moaned softly. He does know how to pleasure me like no other! LaCroix began to run his long fingers through the wavy blond hair.

As Nicholas worked his way down the pale, muscled chest, he slowly reached around his master's back and pulled the tucked shirt off. Placing his hands on LaCroix's hips, he licked and nibbled his way down to the navel.

Glancing up to see how LaCroix was handling his ministrations, Nicholas noticed the icy blue eyes were partially closed and his master was slowly running his tongue along his lips. Nicholas felt strong hands grasp his shoulders, as if to prevent him from retreating.

Nicholas unfastened LaCroix's belt and pants so that he could slide them down. Gently pushing his master flat on the bed, he tugged the offending clothes off the pale body with an assist from LaCroix and let them fall to the floor.

"Come here Nicholas," LaCroix whispered softly, gathering his son into his arms and kissing him deeply. They explored each others' mouths with their tongues. Nicholas pulled back, panting, as his canines started to ache from the heavy petting and kissing.

After being pulled down for another long, sensual kiss, Nicholas felt the hunger burning in his mind and body, causing his fangs to drop and his eyes to burn gold with desire and need. The hunger!

Since Nicholas refused to hunt and their supply of bottled blood wasn't established yet, LaCroix had to feed him. Aahhh, but the side effects are glorious! LaCroix thought smiling. He still had to be careful because of his child's depleted condition, but the enjoyment was just as intense.

Pulling Nicholas back into an embrace, he encouraged his son with another long kiss. LaCroix felt Nick's canines with his tongue, as well as the hot red haze of the hunger that was trying to overwhelm him through the link. His child growled deep in his throat as he broke the contact again. He licked along LaCroix's jaw down to the alabaster white neck. LaCroix turned his head a little to expose his throat and Nicholas pounced, sinking his fangs into the cool smooth neck, pulling the rich healing blood into his mouth.

The sensations that flowed back and forth between them caused LaCroix to groan in excitement. He stroked his hands down Nicholas's sides, feeling the ribs through the skin. Nicholas still needs fattening up, so bovine is definitely out for a while! LaCroix thought. LaCroix's hands continued to stroke up and down Nick's body, reveling in the feel of his son. His happiness at this turn of events was only slightly lessened by the circumstances that had brought them together once again.

Nicholas's feeding slowed, then he finally pulled away with a sigh. Leaning back and smiling lightly at LaCroix, he teased, "Is there anything I can do for you, LaCroix?"

"You know what would please me, Nicholas."

"Well, I think something can be arranged," Nicholas whispered just before he lightly kissed LaCroix again. He laid back on the bed, smiling faintly at his master. LaCroix rolled over onto his side and resting his head on his bent arm, grasped the rock hard shaft that was demonstrating his child's sexual need. Now that the feeding was behind them, LaCroix could fully enjoy himself. He knew his own penis was straining to reach the tight circle of muscles in Nicholas's buttocks.

LaCroix stroked the long, hard shaft and cupped the tight scrotum gently for a few moments. Moving closer until he was laying with his hip and legs brushing against Nick's, he leaned on his elbow, and started tracing light patterns over his son's chest. While continuing the light feather touches, he leaned down to the lean chest and flicked his tongue over the left nipple, feeling it harden at the attention. Noticing his son shiver from the touch, LaCroix reached over Nicholas and lightly played with the other nipple with his fingers while his tongue continued to stroke the left one. Shifting a little, he licked and kissed Nicholas's jaw, causing his son to tilt his head back, exposing his throat. Drawing his tongue down the slender neck, which caused a passionate moan to be released from his son, LaCroix continued down until he was back to the nipples. Nicholas, arching his body into his master's touch, closed his eyes and let LaCroix do what he willed, needing him; trusting him.

LaCroix began to lightly stroke his son's stomach with his fingers, tracing the way down to his groin. Nicholas began to squirm under LaCroix's touch, feeling his need beginning to surge out of the center of his being. LaCroix shifted positions, gaining better access to Nicholas's groin. He began to kiss and stroke the inner thighs, licking all around the straining penis but not touching it. Nicholas groaned again, knowing LaCroix liked to take his time, hoping he had the energy to last until LaCroix was ready to give him his release.

Taking the throbbing penis in his hand, LaCroix licked the head of it, which caused his son to shudder, then tense under him. Pre-come began to ooze down the shaft. Knowing Nicholas's weakened state, LaCroix decided to cut short his playtime. He was ready for the next part of their tryst.

Moving to his knees, LaCroix reached around his son's stomach and helped him turn over. Nicholas positioned himself with his head lying on his forearms as LaCroix stroked his ass and flanks. To ease the penetration, LaCroix inserted first one, then two of his fingers, working them slowly in and out. When he felt Nicholas was ready, he pushed his penis inside, slowly, steadily, until he was in to the hilt. Pulling back, he thrust again, harder, picking up the pace.

LaCroix felt Nicholas's sexual urgency building in the body beneath him, as he felt the climbing tension in his own groin. Placing his left hand on his son's shoulder for balance, he reached his other one around the narrow waist, grasping Nicholas's throbbing shaft and began to stroke in time with his thrusts. As Nick's need spiraled tighter, he arched his back and leaned his head back, exposing his neck. The link between them fairly hummed with the ecstasy that was coming! Laying down on his son's back, LaCroix bit at the joint of Nicholas's neck and shoulder, sinking his fangs smoothly in. Taking only as much blood as was needed to trigger his climax, LaCroix offered his wrist to Nicholas, who promptly sank his fangs in to complete the blood circle between them.

They both groaned together, both feeling so much pleasure it was almost pain. LaCroix felt the thick liquid squirting on his hand as Nicholas felt the spasms of his master's release inside of him. As his son sank down to the bed, LaCroix's softening cock eased out of his lover's exhausted body and he rolled off to the side, gathering Nicholas into his arms. His son sighed and squirmed into a comfortable position in his master's grasp. He slid into sleep feeling LaCroix's love and strength surrounding him, protecting him from the horrors that threatened to overwhelm him.

After reinforcing the depth of Nicholas's sleep through the link, LaCroix slipped out of the bed and dressed. He stood by the bed listening to the mound of linen that hid his son. The nightmares that are tormenting Nicholas are not lessening at all! And he is still recoiling from any unexpected touch. LaCroix frowned. With the sharing of blood, he knew what had been done to Nicholas: the incarceration, the deliberate starvation, and after the Nazis realized that Nick wasn't 'normal', the experiments to find out 'what' he was. When they found out that sunlight and wood could be a weapon against him, his life became a living hell.

Going downstairs, LaCroix began to prepare for the visitor that would be showing up soon. Janette's note had arrived at dusk warning him that an Enforcer would be popping in to question Nick about the 'incident' in France. I intend to be the one involved, not Nicholas! LaCroix thought as his lips pulled into a silent snarl. With Nicholas exhausted and deeply asleep, the Enforcer would be forced to deal with him; which was why, aside of the pleasure, he submitted to Nicholas's advances so easily. It was going to be an interesting meeting.

Chapter 3

Shortly after midnight, LaCroix stiffened, feeling the vibrations of an unknown vampire. Rising from his chair, he moved into the foyer, awaiting the other's arrival. A few minutes later, the front door opened and in walked a woman.

The Enforcer was small in stature, with shoulder length light brown hair and green eyes. She met LaCroix's gaze with an indifferent air to her bearing. She knew how most of the community felt about having the Enforcers around, though because of his age and standing in the community, Karen had to tread with a little tact when dealing with this particular vampire.

Deciding that a moderate approach would be best for their discussion, LaCroix gestured to the study off from the foyer saying, "We will be more comfortable in there."

Karen nodded and walked into the room ahead of LaCroix. She instinctively checked the room's exits and potential for weapons. Ignoring the offer of a chair, she turned to face LaCroix, stating, "I'm here to investigate the incident your daughter reported."

Choosing to remain standing as well, LaCroix replied, "I have been expecting someone to contact us. Might I know your name?"

Karen looked a little uneasy with this calm approach, then said, "Karen."

"Well, Karen, what do you need to know?"

"What are the circumstances and facts of this exposure. And where is your other child?" Karen wasn't going to let LaCroix take control of this meeting.

"Nicholas is sleeping upstairs. I've had to use a bit of manipulation to help him sleep. He is still in a weakened physical and emotional state. As to the capture, it was just a fluke. The Nazis were trying to capture someone who could give them information on the Maquis. Nicholas walked into a trap that had been set for Janette and her group."

"Yes, we know about your daughter's activities. For the most part, that's not a problem. But, we need to know if there IS a problem here! The first thing I need is to see your son."

LaCroix hesitated a moment, beginning to regret his initial decision, then nodded. "Follow me then."

Leading the Enforcer upstairs, LaCroix, with a growing sense of aggravation, continued, "I haven't suppressed any of his memories yet, but it looks like I will have to for Nicholas to heal properly." Stopping outside the door to the bedroom, he turned, looming over Karen. "He is suffering from strong nightmares about what happened: the imprisonment, the effects of the starvation; what they did to him. I don't want him upset any more than he already is," he snarled with malice lacing through his voice.

"If he is still asleep, I can find out what I need to know without waking him. He won't even know I was here. Good enough?" Tasting his blood should answer most of the questions that needed answering right now, and any later questions could be dealt with as the need arose. One of her strengths as an Enforcer was the ability to shield her presence from whomever she chose. It was an effective tool when investigating cases like this one. Though the problem was serious, the Council didn't want to unduly arouse LaCroix's ire. Everyone knew how protective he was with his children, particularly this child.

LaCroix let some of the tension leave him at her answer. He opened the door and waved her into the room, closing the door softly after he also entered.

Chapter 4

Karen glanced toward the pile of linen on the bed. Sensing a vampire under them, she moved to the side of the bed and carefully sat down on it. Pulling the linen back, she got her first look at Nicholas

LaCroix was leaning against the door, watching her. He heard her slight intake of breath when she pulled the linen down around Nick's waist. His face and neck was beaded with blood sweat and his skeleton was visible through his skin with marked clarity. Even though any external wounds were healed, she wondered how bad the emotional ones were, considering his present condition. As she examined him, Nicholas twitched slightly, then moaning softly, rolled over onto his left side. Karen noticed the half healed bite mark on his neck and glanced back at LaCroix briefly.

Bringing his arm to her lips, she slid her canines into his wrist. Taking a sip, then another, she was assaulted by the fire of him, the bright essence of his being. Screening her presence from Nicholas, she began filtering through the memories of the last few weeks, pulling the ones that she would need to the fore. The images were intense; the sun boiling his skin, the pull of the hunger during his confinement, his hatred for the men just out of reach, the beast breaking loose. She scanned for any information that would identify who knew of him and where he had been held. There was a brief glimpse of someone who had reports in their hand: Damn! She slid her fangs out of his flesh and after a moment, licked the last of the blood off his wrist. Pulling the covers back over him, she gestured for LaCroix to leave the room and rose to follow right behind him.

After closing the door, she turned to LaCroix. "What images are you getting from him?"

Studying her for a moment, he decided to be forthcoming with his answers. "The main ones are of the cage, the sun when the Nazis realized it had an effect, and two men, a captain and a colonel of the S.S." LaCroix answered as they walked back downstairs. "Nicholas thought the captain's name was Schmitt, I believe. I also have sensed something of the capture and of course his hunger."

Stopping at the bottom of the stairs, Karen turned to LaCroix. "Do you know where he was held? There was no memory of it in him."

"No, I don't. We found him unconscious on the outskirts of the village near one of my estates in France. I will give you the location before you leave."

"Yes, do so, then I will begin looking into this problem. With the memories I have now, I should be able to piece together what we need to clean up this incident." Walking to the foyer, Karen turned back to LaCroix. "Don't erase anything yet. I know it will be hard on him, but I need the memories fresh in case more information is required." After giving Karen the location of the estate, she left with a brisk rush of air.

LaCroix turned to go back upstairs. He could feel the dreams beginning again and wanted to try and soothe them before things escalated. Hopefully, this whole mess would be finished very soon.

Chapter 5 A week later

Nicholas was totally involved in the music he was playing on the piano. It was the only time lately that he could completely escape from his memories. The music soothed and carried him along to a calm place without worry or fear. Closing his eyes, he leaned into the keys, letting the music flow out of him into the fire lit room. He didn't notice when LaCroix stopped in the doorway to listen. A few minutes later, Janette joined him there.

"It's beautiful," she whispered to LaCroix. "I'm glad he has started playing again."

"Yes, it is beautiful. He has always had a way with the piano." LaCroix softly replied. He could feel the calm in his son when he played. He only wished that calm would last beyond the music.

As LaCroix moved on to prepare for his trip later, Janette stood and watched Nicholas play. He doesn't even notice anyone is nearby, she thought.

Between the feedings from LaCroix and the bottled blood they had been pushing on him, Nicholas had complained about 'too much of a good thing' but, "At least he's finally gaining some of the weight back." Janette sighed, murmuring, "even if it isn't helping with the other problems," as she moved on to the study to talk with LaCroix.

As she came into the study she saw LaCroix grabbing up his coat and preparing to leave. "Where are you off to, LaCroix?"

"That woman, Karen, contacted me earlier this evening saying it was important I come into Oxford tonight. They don't bother to keep us informed at all and then it's 'come now' like a leashed dog at a command. If it wasn't for the information she has, I would teach her who she is dealing with, Enforcer or not," LaCroix snapped. Janette knew he had been in a foul mood ever since that message had arrived. She smiled slightly at the thought of the Enforcers' meeting with LaCroix tonight.

LaCroix turned to Janette saying, "Keep an eye on things while I'm gone. I've got a feeling something is going to happen soon. I'll be back as quickly as I can." With that, he was gone.

Janette's calm feelings evaporated at LaCroix's words. He could sometimes sense trouble coming, particularly when it involved Nicholas. She would have to stay alert and hope nothing happened before he returned. She moved slowly back to the music room and Nicholas, a frown appearing on the calm beauty of her face.

LaCroix arrived at the address with a quick rush of wind and a snarl in his throat. He could sense vampires nearby. No sense rushing into trouble, he thought smiling smugly. It is better when the other party is on the defensive. Maybe a lesson is in order here. With that in mind, he moved to make his entrance, all the while keeping an eye on the feelings coming through the link from Nicholas. He didn't know why but he was sure something was going to happen soon.

Slipping into the building through a skylight, LaCroix could see two figures moving around down in the warehouse. One he recognized as Karen, the other, he had never seen before. Making sure there were no others around, he moved silently down until he was standing near the two vampires. Karen whipped around in surprise as LaCroix appeared, while the male vampire expressed his surprise by hissing and showing his fangs.

"You wanted to see me?" LaCroix asked, amused that he had provoked a reaction.

"Damn it, how did you sneak in here?" the male Enforcer demanded. Karen, recovering faster than her partner, held up her hand to quiet him. "LaCroix, I'm glad you could make it so quickly. There is news, and none of it is good!" she urgently said. "We have just returned from France, where we traced down one of the humans involved in your son's situation!. According to the information taken from him before he was eliminated, there is an attempt underway to recapture your son here in England."

"What do you mean 'recapture'?!" LaCroix growled.

"Somehow, they've traced him to Oxford. We need to capture the officer in charge of this attempt, then maybe we'll learn how they were able to trace Nicholas's movement. I want to lay a trap for these humans and finish this business once and for all. If the Germans were able to trace one of us, then we need to find out how and eliminate the threat immediately." Karen stated decisively.

"Can you trust this person's information?" LaCroix demanded as he straightened his tall frame to tower over both of the Enforcers. His voice deepened with menace at the thought of his son back in the Nazis hands. He quickly checked the link, but felt only what had been the norm for the last few weeks from Nicholas.

"The information came from the colonel that was in charge of the initial capture. Evidently, when Nicholas escaped from the holding cell, he displayed a few abilities that were unusual to them. Hitler is very interested in supernatural occurrences, so the colonel thought he would try and get the upper ranks' notice by handing over 'something' that they couldn't explain; Nicholas. There is a squad here in England which will try and kidnap him and take him back to Germany."

"What kind of trap did you have in mind?"

"David and I have a plan, and with your help, we should be able to catch all those involved and eliminate the danger to us all." Karen knew if she didn't have LaCroix's support, it would be harder to catch all of these humans, but with the danger to his son following them from across the channel, she figured LaCroix would see reason.

LaCroix listened to Karen's plan. He didn't like it, particularly putting Nicholas in danger, but she was right. They needed to be stopped, so he agreed to help.

They were discussing the details of the plan, when LaCroix felt a surge of fear and anger from Janette and Nicholas, followed by a stab of pain from Janette. Jerking upright, he threw himself into the air, leaving the two Enforcers demanding answers behind him. While en route to the house, he felt another surge of anger from Nick, then blackness. Even with maximum speed, it took nearly ten minutes to reach the house.

Upon landing in the yard, the first thing he noticed was the front door had been smashed in, and several windows were shattered. Moving into the house, LaCroix found Janette laying on the floor in the foyer, unconscious, with several bullet holes in her chest and a little trickle of blood slowly running off her forehead. In a corner of the foyer, he saw one body, unmoving. Another body was lying in the doorway to the library. Both of them had their throats ripped out. A third body was lying face down draped through one of the broken windows where it looked like someone had thrown him. There was blood leading into the music room which led to yet another mangled body.

As he was picking Janette up off the floor, the two Enforcers landed in the doorway. Moving into the house, they followed LaCroix as he carried his daughter upstairs to her room. Sending David off to retrieve a couple of bottles of blood from the kitchen, LaCroix laid Janette on the bed. Wiping her forehead clean, LaCroix growled at Karen, "You couldn't have warned me any sooner?"

"We just arrived back in Oxford when....," Just then Janette took a ragged breath and opened her eyes. The gold shining in her eyes displayed her need. David hurried into the room and handed Janette a bottle, placing the other one on the table by the bed. After drinking half the bottle, she lowered it from her mouth and looked at LaCroix. "I sensed them too late. They came in shooting their guns. Nicolah killed one of them almost immediately, but several more came pouring into the house from all directions. I saw Nicolah throw one man at the window when I felt something slam against my head. I don't remember anything else after that."

"Rest, my dear. I will deal with this now." LaCroix spoke softly to Janette, but she knew the fire of his anger was almost consuming him. Closing her eyes, she rested upon the bed.

Pushing the two Enforcers out of Janette's room, he rounded on them in a rage. "What do you know that you're not telling me!" he demanded. He could barely feel Nicholas. He had to be very far away or unconscious! They shouldn't be too far away. If he could get a direction he would be able to rescue Nicholas and deal with these..... humans!!

Karen and David looked at each other, then looked at LaCroix. Karen had been warned about LaCroix's tendencies and she knew he would be going after his son. Deciding to salvage something from this assignment, she quickly told LaCroix as they hurried down the stairs what they knew about the Germans' plan to spirit Nicholas out of the country. After telling him everything she knew, LaCroix was gone. Looking at David, she said, "Stay here with Janette and take care of this mess. I'll go after them," then leaped into the air as well.

LaCroix followed the road heading east through the countryside of England. The Germans had about a half an hour head start. He didn't know what kind of vehicle to look for, only that they would be ultimately heading for the coast. He could feel Karen a few minutes behind him. Damn that woman! If she had only told me as soon as they found out about this abduction idea, I could have been ready. He spotted a vehicle up ahead and pushed faster.

Chapter 6

Nicholas groggily became aware that he was not in the house. Wincing at the pain, he touched the back of his head and felt a couple of large bumps wet with blood. Feeling the motion of the truck, he tried to remember where he was and what was going on. He jerked fully awake as he grasped the fact he was again in a small steel cage. Memories of his last confinement caused his anger to surface. Sensing several men sitting at the back of the truck, as well as two in the front, he realized he was in trouble. There was just a few hours left before dawn. If he was to escape, it would have to be soon.

The sergeant, hearing their captive moving, turned a flashlight onto the cage. At first, all he could see was the back of a blond headed man, kneeling in the small cage. However, with the light drawing his attention, the 'man' turned giving the sergeant a good view of his glowing golden eyes and long white fangs. There was low growling noises coming from its throat as well. By this time, all of the men were watching this creature, not at all sure they wanted to be in the same truck with it. At a signal from the sergeant, one of the men walked to the front of the bed, giving the cage as wide a berth as possible. He pulled the heavy cloth that was covering the front of the truck bed aside, and spoke quietly to someone in the cab. Pulling the cloth further to the side, Captain Schmitt looked at the creature he had been sent into England to retrieve.

Nicholas stared back at this figure from his nightmares. Seeing this man now and being caged once again caused Nicholas's beast to totally flow over his reason. Lunging against the cage, he tried to reach the soldiers, but the cage was securely chained down. Raging incoherently, he beat against the bars and clawed at anyone who got to close. As several of the men in the back of the truck drew their captive's attention, Captain Schmitt picked up a thick pipe that he had leaning against the seat and slowly threading it into the cage behind the creature, brought it down hard on the back of Nicholas's head. As Nicholas dropped to the floor unconscious again, the captain nodding, closed the cloth and turned back to the front. Following prearranged orders, the sergeant quickly unlocked the cage and shackled the prisoner's wrists together with stout wrist cuffs, relocking the cage when he was through.

LaCroix was flying above the trees checking the road, when he felt a wash of rage flow over him. It was so strong, he turned toward Karen growling. Karen, not sure what to make of LaCroix's behavior, pulled up and prepared to counter attack. He was able to separate himself from the rage still battering him from the link, and looking at Karen said, "This way, I feel him!" Following the throbbing link northeast, he hoped his son's mental state would be able to survive this reemergence of the raging nature of the vampire.

LaCroix led Karen toward Ipswich. He could tell he was almost upon them, when the rage suddenly stopped. How are they controlling him?!! Continuing on in the same general direction, LaCroix and Karen saw a large covered truck driving down the road at a high rate of speed. As they moved closer, both of them began to feel another vampire near, along with several humans.

LaCroix motioned Karen toward the front of the truck as he moved to the rear. Grabbing the back of the truck, LaCroix ripped the cover away and leaped into the bed. Seeing his son in the cage, unconscious, incensed LaCroix. Turning toward the humans, who were trapped between the cage and a very enraged vampire, LaCroix started wading through these puny mortals exacting revenge. Grabbing the closest soldier, LaCroix bit viciously into his neck, draining him in seconds. Dropping the corpse, he reached for the next man, throwing him against the cage with such force that his skull cracked with a sickening wet sound.

Two of the soldiers froze at the sight of this monster, blood dripping from his fangs and mouth, as he killed the soldiers in the blink of an eye. One man scrabbled to get by LaCroix and jumped out the back of the truck, only to break his neck when he landed. LaCroix reached for the next one, practically disemboweling the man before facing the last soldier standing.

Meanwhile, Karen was dealing quite nicely with the two soldiers in the front. After slicing open the driver's throat with her hands, she opened the door and tossed him out. As she was climbing into the truck, she glanced at the passenger and recognized the man as the central figure in the recent memories of both Nicholas and the German colonel. Since she had several important questions that needed answering, she reached over and knocked out the shocked captain, then stopped the truck. She could hear screaming and vicious growling coming from the back of the truck. Jumping out of the seat, Karen ran toward the back of the truck. She stopped when suddenly, she heard gunfire, then a great roar... The truck was bouncing from the fighting going on in the back.

LaCroix faced the soldier that had fired the gun with his eyes blood red and his fangs fully exposed. The sergeant froze momentarily when he realized that the gun wouldn't help him beat this creature that had appeared out of nowhere. Grappling with the struggling human, LaCroix snatched him up and snapped his back like a twig, then moved to the back of the truck. Karen watched in surprise as a body suddenly came flying out the back of the truck to land in a heap. Within seconds, several more had joined the first on the road

LaCroix appeared with a man dangling from his fist by the scruff of the neck. He shook the man once, then threw him on the pile of dead soldiers. Looking at Karen, he waved her to the back, worry evident on his face. "Come, we must get him out of this cage and be gone. The sun will be coming up in a little over an hour." After climbing into the truck, Karen joined LaCroix in front of the cage. Both grabbed the door and pulled, ripping it open. Easing his son out of the cage, he sprang into the air with Nicholas in his arms. After cleaning up the bodies and destroying the truck, Karen followed with the captain.

Chapter 7

On the journey back to the house, LaCroix felt Nicholas moving slightly, trying to become conscious. Landing near a stand of trees, he shifted Nicholas in his arms, waiting to see what his beloved son's reactions would be upon waking. When Nicholas opened his eyes, LaCroix observed not the usual blue he was hoping for, but a fiery red staring back at him. Feeling no recognition from his son, he was ready when the younger vampire started to struggle. Using a mental trigger he had planted in his son's unconscious over 700 years ago, he sent him back to sleep again. Gathering Nicholas into a comfortable position in his arms, LaCroix leapt back into the air.

Arriving at the house just before dawn, LaCroix landed on the front steps and quickly moved into the house. Someone had tried to repair the door and cover the windows while they had been gone. The bloody carnage that had covered the foyer had also been cleaned up.

Moving towards the staircase, LaCroix heard Karen land behind him. Turning, he noticed for the first time that she had one of the humans, which she casually dropped by the front door. "Why did you bring that with you?!" he asked with heavy contempt. "They have caused enough trouble, I would say. Kill it and be done with it!" Turning away, he headed up the stairs to the bedroom with Nicholas still quiet in his arms. Janette, still looking a quite pale, met them at the top of the stairs, and followed as LaCroix moved into the bedroom.

As he was laying Nicholas on the bed, Karen walked into the room and moved toward them, gazing at LaCroix. "With the elimination of those men in the truck and the possession of this captain for the Council's examination, I believe this case is cleaned up. Do you need anything else from me before I go?"

"No, just go! I have the needs of my family to see to now!" demanded LaCroix. His patience with this woman had run out. Dawn was only a few minutes away. If they delayed much longer, they would have to stay in the house until nightfall. "I will contact the Council later in regards to any problems that might arise."

Karen turned and left the bedroom. Meeting David at the bottom of the stairs, they swiftly left, taking the German officer with them.

LaCroix sat down on the edge of the bed and turned back to Nicholas, dismissing the Enforcers from his mind. He was concerned; what condition would his son's mind be in after this run in with the Germans. If he had been pushed too far, then insanity could be the result.

"How is he?" Janette asked softly, leaning her head close to LaCroix's. She was fearful; Nick was so pale and still.

"I don't know. I had to put him back to sleep to get him here." He turned his head toward her saying, "They put him back in a cage, Janette! I just don't know what this will do to him." Returning his attention to Nicholas, LaCroix's gaze became hard as he worked on removing the cuffs that were binding his son's hands together. After a few minutes of struggle, he finally managed to break them open. Throwing them roughly into a corner of the room, LaCroix began to examine Nicholas for any damage inflicted by his abductors.

After removing his son's shirt and checking for wounds on his chest, LaCroix leaned Nicholas up against his shoulder. LaCroix turned toward Janette and said, "Check his back. I know he's been injured somewhere; I can smell it." The smell of his son's blood was unmistakable.

Janette ran her fingers across her brother's back. Seeing a large welt on the top of his shoulders, she started to slowly run her fingers across the back of his head. Feeling several lumps, she pulled away slightly, noticing the unique feel of blood on her fingers. Glancing at the pillow Nicholas had been laying on, she noticed the smudge of blood on it. Look at LaCroix, she quietly said, "It looks like someone has hit him on the back of the head several times."

Nodding in response, LaCroix carefully laid Nicholas back down on the bed. "I was wondering how they were controlling him. Effective, but rough on the body. The usual methods of the S.S."

"I think we should try and deal with some of these memories that have been surfacing while he's unconscious and easily contained. With the added trauma of last night, things are probably going to be worse if we don't do something about it. Janette, you be ready to hold him down if it becomes necessary, while I see what I can do with these memories."

After Janette sat down on the other side of Nicholas, LaCroix began to apply a little mental pressure, trying to subdue some of the more intense memories that were upsetting his son's life. Nicholas frowned in his sleep and began tossing his head as his master pushed on his mind. When LaCroix began pressing on one of the most painful memories Nicholas, thinking he was again under German attack, began fighting back. Struggling hopelessly, he cried out his denial at the pressure on his mind, his voice breaking from the torrent of emotions he was experiencing. Pulling back from Nicholas's mind, LaCroix realized that it would take more control than this contact could maintain to accomplish what was needed. It was all LaCroix and Janette could do to calm him down. It was quite some time before Nick settled back into a fitful sleep.

Leaving the bedroom with Janette, LaCroix slowly walked down the hall while talking with Janette. "I'm going to have to try and treat him through the blood bond. Too much has happened for a general contact to work."

"Are you sure he is strong enough to attempt his healing now? I will be unable to assist you if you do this today, LaCroix. What if you need help with Nicolah?" Janette replied, her worry and fatigue lacing through her voice.

"After he has slept a while, I'll try again. I dare not wait, Janette. Between the trauma and his hunger, there is no telling what kind of reaction we'll face if I wait too long. I am his master, Janette. I know what needs to be done....." He softened his words by stroking her cheek. "Why don't you go and rest my dear. There is nothing you can do for now."

"All right, LaCroix." Janette conceded, "If you need any help, you will come and get me..... Be careful." Janette kissed him goodnight and slowly walked toward her bedroom at the end of the hall. Turning back toward the stairs, LaCroix headed for the kitchen. He knew he needed to feed well before attempting to deal with Nicholas.

Chapter 8

After a couple hours of sleep, Nicholas began to slowly awaken. Feeling groggy and light headed, he carefully opened his eyes. Easing up onto his elbows, he slowly looked around the darkened room. This is my room, he thought, frowning. Looking down at himself, he noticed the feel of the linen against his skin and realized he was lying in bed, naked. Raising one hand to his forehead, Nicholas absent-mindedly wiped at the blood sweat that was beading there. "What....?" he whispered as he tried to pull his thoughts together.

Suddenly, the events of the last few hours hit him, making him sit up and grab his head in pain. "Noooo....." Nicholas moaned softly as he shook his head slightly. Feeling another vampire near and hearing a soft rustling sound in the room, he jerked his head up, losing control as the vampire took over . Golden eyes stared at the spot where the noise came from, as a rumbling, low growl began to pour past the white exposed fangs.

LaCroix had been sitting in a chair in the corner of the room, waiting for Nicholas to regain consciousness. He stood up at the first sign that his son was waking up. LaCroix was worried about the state of his son's mind. Had the recapture pushed Nicholas too far?

Moving quietly, LaCroix walked toward the bed until Nicholas, all reason buried under the fire of the vampire, snarled a warning at him. Slowing his approach toward the bed, LaCroix made soothing noises and sent calming thoughts down the link to his son, trying to pacify his nervous, bewildered child. Slowing again when he noticed the muscles tensing on his son, LaCroix tried to ease up to the bed, only to have Nicholas slide out the other side, growling softly. This is wonderful, LaCroix complained to himself, I have to catch him before I can help him. Nicholas continued to back away from LaCroix. He didn't know why, he just instinctively realized the elder vampire was stronger than he was and more dangerous.

LaCroix slowly began removing his clothing as he maneuvered his son into a corner. Still not sensing any recognition from Nicholas, LaCroix decided to use the direct approach in handing his son.

Priming himself for the coming confrontation, LaCroix let the change wash over him, looking out of gold colored eyes at the younger vampire crouching in front of him. Moving faster than the eye could follow, LaCroix rushed Nicholas, attempting to bowl him over. Slipping by, Nicholas moved down the wall-- feeling for a way out of the room but never taking his eyes from his opponent. LaCroix followed, trying to pin his son against the wall, but only got a handful of blond hair and a bite on the forearm for his trouble.

Watching Nicholas carefully glide across the room away from him, LaCroix had an idea to trap his confused child against the bed, which was where he wanted him anyway. Sliding a little to his right, he watched the younger vampire step to his left and back. Moving a little more to the right, Nicholas retreated again. Good, now for the finish of this little chase, LaCroix smiled victoriously, thoroughly enjoying the spontaneous hunt.

As Nicholas stepped up to go around the bed, LaCroix rushed his son, tackling him back onto the bed. Flailing limbs pushed and clawed at the body on top of him until LaCroix could pin his son's arms behind his back. Using his left hand to hold Nicholas's wrists, LaCroix leaned back on his left elbow, grinning at the snarling, struggling body under him. Being careful not to get within range of his child's bared fangs, the elder vampire brought his free hand up to Nicholas's hair and brushed it back out of his son's eyes. Gently stroking the side of Nicholas's face, LaCroix had to jerk his hand back as the wild creature under him tried to bite him again.

Moving his hand down to Nicholas's chest, LaCroix started slowly stroking the pale skin under him, while he began to assert his will on the wounded mind. Working to soothe both mind and body, LaCroix stroked and patted and whispered to the man who meant more to him than he wanted to admit, even to himself. After what seemed like hours, he felt the body of his son slowly begin to relax. Testing the link, LaCroix felt the fire of the vampire melting away, and the thoughts of his son beginning to come through. Looking into the handsome pale face, LaCroix saw Nicholas's blue eyes staring back at him. Reaching down to wipe away a tear that was beginning to run from his son's eye, LaCroix released a sigh of relief and smiled reassuringly at his child. Slowly he released Nicholas's wrists and rolled his leg off his son's body.

"What happened LaCroix?" Nicholas asked hesitantly.

"You lost your way for a while, Nicholas. But it's over now." LaCroix replied with a light smile.

"I don't remember anything clearly after those men shot Janette. What happened?"

"It doesn't matter now, everything is taken care of." LaCroix told him, trying to soothe the worry that appeared in his son's face.

"LaCroix..... I need to know what happened." Nicholas's worry turned to dread. What could he have done?

"Nicholas, you did what you had to while protecting Janette. As far as I can see, you did nothing wrong." He wanted to try and prevent his child from falling into a pit of guilt over his actions during the attack. LaCroix lightly started rubbing his son's chest again, resuming his efforts to calm him. He wasn't finished with the repair to Nicholas's memory. I also need to feed Nicholas, LaCroix thought with a slight smile. Of course, he needed to get Nicholas distracted away from these questions to do that. Sooo.... a little romp in the hay might be in order so to speak.

"LaCroix... ahhh," what started as a question quickly turned into a moan as LaCroix moved from rubbing Nicholas's chest to licking and pinching his nipples. Since he needed to get his son's lust flowing, LaCroix picked up the pace a little. While he continued to lick his son's nipples, he lightly stroked his fingertips down the center of Nicholas's belly to his groin. Feeling the limp cock, he began to lay feather touches down each of the younger vampire's thighs and back up again. Drawing patterns with his fingers on his child's skin, LaCroix felt the embers of lust flaring up as Nicholas began breathing harder.

Picking the semi-soft cock up off Nicholas's stomach, LaCroix stroked it gently a few times as he leaned over and kissed the partially opened lips. Feeling the hesitation in the return kiss, LaCroix leaned down and tried the kiss again. This time there was passion behind the kiss, with his son slipping his tongue between his lips and lightly brushing against his sire's lips. Opening his mouth, their tongues met and dove deep into each others' mouths. Breaking from the kiss, LaCroix leaned down to lightly kiss along Nicholas's jaw. Moving down his throat, while stroking his hand up and down the lean body, drew a deep vocal groan from his son. Tilting his head back, Nicholas closed his eyes, dug his fingers into the linen and lay there thoroughly engulfed in the feelings LaCroix was drawing out of his body.

Now that he had Nicholas's attention, LaCroix wanted to enjoy himself. Leaning down, he grabbed a quick kiss, then started placing kisses down his son's chest until he arrived at his groin. Lying his upper body across Nicholas's waist, LaCroix directed his attention to the hardening cock in front of him. Taking it into his mouth, he slowly stroked up and down the shaft, changing the rhythm as he applied varying amounts of suction. Feeling his son squirm under him, he moved his left arm onto his child's lower chest, holding him still, and continued to suck and stroke until he felt the shaft lengthen and harden.

When Nicholas's hand began lightly stroking his master's back and hip, LaCroix turned back to kiss that beautiful mouth again. As the kiss became more demanding, Nicholas threw his arms around LaCroix's neck, holding them together. After what seemed like an eternity, both men broke the embrace, panting heavily. Feeling his son's sexual need and knowing his own, LaCroix moved between those nicely muscled thighs, balancing on one hand while positioning his cock with the other, and steadily pushed.

As his shaft slid inside his lustful child, LaCroix leaned down on his elbows and kissed and licked his way to Nicholas's throat. While he thrust slowly, he felt his son's arms around his neck again. LaCroix nibbled around the area under his lover's ear until the feelings of the bloodlust overcame him and he bit into the soft throat. As LaCroix slowly fed, he gently thrust his hips in time with the mental pushes of his mind, dulling the memories and the pain of the last several months. Feeling Nicholas trying to resist the mental pressure, the elder vampire bowed his back a little and reached between them, stroking the swollen gland that had laid momentarily ignored. With the added stimulation, Nicholas became swept up into the bloodlust as well and bit into his master's throat seeking release, needing the blood. While both of them were riding the high of ecstasy and the closeness of the blood between them, LaCroix continued pressing through the link, trying to soothe the worst of Nicholas's memories. As he slowly withdrew from his son's mind, he knew for the problem to be corrected it would take several sessions, but for now, it was a start.

With the last of the spasms from their ejaculations waning, Nicholas dropped his hands from LaCroix's shoulders to his own chest and smiled faintly. Laying down next to his son, the elder vampire kissed him gently on the forehead, then after pulling up the blankets, wrapped his Nicholas into a protective embrace. Listening to his son drift off to sleep, LaCroix knew that once this crisis was over, their relationship would probably return to the sparring and fighting of old, but for now, he was going to enjoy every minute while it lasted. To have his son close again, to be needed again, Ahhhh, it is glorious!!!