Forsaking All Others (01/12)This story had some strange beginnings. Currently, LeAnn, my beta reader and editor (she is wonderful and I don't know what I would do without her), and I are working on three different long, complicated story lines. I wanted something that I could work on while moving into my new house. Nothing serious, just some quick, good, not-so-clean smut. Well, thanks to LeAnn, it grew to be much more than smut and much longer than I intended. It's a Nick and Nat story, so if you don't like them being mushy, you better find something else to read and quick. I can't help it--I think they are meant for each other. Also, I'm sad to say, LaCroix is nowhere to be found (ok, his name is mentioned twice), but Janette and Schanke both make appearances! And just to say it again and publicly, LeAnn is the best.. I love ya' sis! I also need to thank Heather-Anne Gillis. Where would my grammar be without you? Thanks a million times for a million corrections!
DISCLAIMER:
Well, by now ya'll have figured out that I don't own these characters. I only wish that I did or that Stormy or Judy (Thanks for everything!) or Amie or any one of us out here in Nick and Nat land did. But the fates were not that kind. I do not mean to infringe upon the owner's copyrights. I'm only borrowing them to play with and will return them in a much more satisfied condition when I am done.ADULT
The following story contains adult content. If you are under 18, shame on you! Now, go away and come back when you are 18! If you are offended by adult material, why did you open this file in the first place? Please, dear reader, I ask you to read no further and find some tamer material that will better suit your palette. To those of you who are 18 and beyond and willing to read some Nick and Nat smut, well, you have come to the right place (though I make no promises on how good the smut is.. please keep that in mind. I am still getting used to writing this for people to read!). I hope you enjoy...Permission to archive at Mel's Fan Fiction site, JADFE and at the ftp site. All others please just bribe me with chocolate first.
Forsaking All Others (01/12)
Tyra
1998The wind blew through Natalie's hair. She had been walking a long time trying to sort through her feelings. Another one of her classmates from college, Miriam, was getting married. She had received the invitation in the mail today. When she called to confirm, Miriam bubbled with joy over finding a man who was her friend and lover. They talked for a few minutes about how Miriam finally felt complete in her life. The conversation ended when Miriam asked if there was anyone special in Nat's life. Nat had replied, yes, then no, and then told the truth, that she honestly did not know. Miriam had said, "Life goes by too quickly, Nat. One minute we are teenagers starting college, the next we are picking out nursing homes. Do not let life pass you by Nat. Decide what you want and go get it. If
you love this guy, tell him. No regrets, remember, no regrets."Miriam's words still haunted Natalie. No matter how hard she tried to work, she just could not concentrate. She finally decided that a walk in the park would do her some good and left. That had been two hours ago, and she was still no more certain what to do next. She knew she loved Nick. She knew he was a vampire and that complicated matters. She also knew her body had longings, longings she desperately wanted to have fulfilled. No matter how much she wished it wasn't true, there was only one man she could picture satisfying those longings--Nick. There were decisions to make, and it was time she made them. The first decision she made was to ask Nick to escort her to the wedding. The wedding was at night and in an old house, not a church, so Nick would not have an excuse.
Natalie entered Nick's loft several hours later. He had not arrived home from work yet. Natalie had booked off early, wanting to ask Nick to be her date before she lost her nerve. Suddenly, she felt the urge to wear something of Nick's, so she could feel him close to her. She went upstairs to Nick's room and found the pair of pajamas he had obviously worn the night before. She liked the way his silk pajamas felt against her skin. She was lost in thoughts of Nick and his hands on her body, touching the places his pajamas were embracing. Her hands caressed her body, and she closed her eyes, pretending they were Nick's hands. She unbuttoned the pajama top and let her hand slip inside to touch herself.
Nick could not get the caddie to start when he left the precinct to head home. He had tried to find Nat at the morgue, but she had already booked off. Strange, he thought, she does not often leave early. He decided to leave the caddie at the station and get his mechanic to pick it up during the day. He took to the air, headed home.
He saw Nat's car outside his building and decided to surprise her by entering the loft through the sky light. She was nowhere in sight, but he could hear her heartbeat. He flew upstairs to his bedroom and stood in the open doorway. He could not believe what he saw there. Natalie in his pajamas, touching herself. She looked exquisite. She was so free and uninhibited. And lost in her own thoughts. Nick wondered about what, no whom, she was thinking. He heard her whisper his name as she unbuttoned his pajama top. Now, he knew who was in her thoughts. It was becoming harder for him to control the vampire inside of him and to control the man. Both wanted her, and both warred within him for control.
Nat could feel kisses on her neck and hands that were not hers on her back, caressing her. She was afraid to open her eyes. "Natalie," she heard him whisper in her ear. "You are so beautiful." Nick continued kissing her neck as his hands pulled her closer to him. Natalie opened her eyes and was startled when she saw Nick's golden eyes looking back at her. She unwillingly flinched, and Nick withdrew his hands. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have... I should have left you alone."
"No, Nick, I shouldn't have been in your bedroom. I was...I was uncomfortable, so I thought I would borrow a pair of your pajamas." Natalie turned away from him, not knowing what to say. She had no idea how long he had been watching her. She started to button her pajama top.
"I am sorry I scared you." Nick walked over to Natalie and put his hands on hers, helping her button.
"You didn't scare me, I was just startled." Nick pulled Natalie into his arms and kissed the top of her head. "You didn't have to stop."
Nick was speechless. He had not wanted to stop, but he thought he had repulsed Natalie. Replaying the scene in his mind, he realized it was him and not Natalie that pulled away. It was he that was afraid. He cared so deeply for her and wanted to express those feelings, but he did not want to hurt her. He broke their embrace and turned away from her. "To what do I owe the pleasure of your company tonight?"
Natalie's heart broke when Nick turned away from her. She knew he was fighting a battle within himself. His hands had felt so good on her body. It was a memory she would cherish. She shook her head to clear her mind and remembered why she had come to the talk to Nick.
"I came to ask you a favor. I received a wedding invitation from Miriam, one of my college friends, today. I need a date. The wedding is at night and it is not at a church. I already checked and you have the night off."
Nick knew he was caught with no way out. Natalie was that way when she wanted something. She backed you neatly into a corner and made sure all exits were blocked. "Sure, I guess I can handle it." The look on Nat's face told him that he had not responded correctly.
"If it's too much of a bother, I'm sure I can find someone else to escort me!" Natalie turned to leave the bedroom, but Nick flew to block her way.
"Natalie," he waited until she looked at him to continue, "I would be honored to escort you to Miriam's wedding or to any other function you desire." Nick realized that the last exit from the corner had been slammed in his face.
"It is a formal wedding, so you might want to get your tux out of storage. I picked out a movie if you feel up to watching one tonight."
"I'd like that." Nick bent down and quickly kissed Natalie on the lips. "Come on. I'll start the movie. You fix the popcorn."
"Race you down the stairs!" Natalie's eyes gleamed as she headed for the stairs. Nick was in hot pursuit. He scooped her into his arms and flew her to the kitchen. Nick kissed her on the cheek and went to start the movie.
End Part One
Forsaking All Others (02/12)
The wedding was less than a week away, and Natalie still had not found the perfect dress to wear. Nat knew she was being silly, but she wanted a dress that she knew Nick would love. She knew his favorite color was blue, but she worried that it wasn't his favorite color on her. She was looking at yet another fashion magazine when Nick burst through the morgue door.
"Hey, Nat," Nick said as he touched her arm ever so slightly. She had noticed that ever since that day in the loft when he caught her in his pajamas, he always tried to touch her when they were together, even if it was only briefly. "What's gotten into you? I have never known you to be a slave to fashion. You use to make fun of those kinds of magazines, but now every time I come by you are looking at one. What's up?"
Nat blushed. She knew Nick was right. She really did hate fashion magazines and the 'ideal' image they portrayed, an image that few women could ever obtain, herself included. Desperate times called for desperate measures, so she had bought a whole armful the last time she went to the store. She was determined to find the perfect dress. "Well, I just wanted some ideas for a dress to wear to the wedding. Here, what do you think of this one?" Nat flipped the magazine to the right page and handed it to Nick.
"Well, I--I don't know, Nat." Nick stared at the dress on the page in front of him. It was a black, ankle-length gown with plunging neck and back lines. His body started to react just thinking about Nat wearing such a dress, but he knew Nat was not the type to wear something so revealing. "It doesn't really look like something you would wear. It's very revealing."
"I was thinking about getting it in a sapphire blue. Do you think you would like me in it, or what about this one?" Nat opened another magazine where she had marked the page and handed it to Nick.
Nick did not know what to say. It was obvious that Nat really wanted his opinion, though he really could not understand why. The second dress was dark red and strapless with a matching drape. Nick almost gasped as the mental image of Nat in a dress that exposed her to his touch formed in his mind. "Nat, I just don't know. I've never seen you wear a dress like either one of these."
"I know. I want to try something different. Do you like the second one or the first one better? I have a few others marked, but those were the two I liked the best. And do you think I should go with blue, black or that dark red? I know blue is your favorite color, but do you like blue on me? Do you think the second dress would still have the same effect if it wasn't in red?" The whole time Nat was rolling off questions to Nick, she pointed to this feature and that feature of the two dresses. Schanke walked in about half-way through and stood behind them with a smirk on his face. "There is this other dress that I like. Here, let me get it. It's in a light, not dark, blue but I think the flowing skirt is very nice." Nat reached for yet another magazine and saw Schanke as she handed it to Nick. "Hi, Schanke. Nick's helping me pick out a dress."
"Strange, I never thought of Nick as being the best source for the latest fashion ideas."
"Nat, he's right. I don't know which one will be best."
"But which one do you like? Which one would you like on me?"
"Here, let me help you out, partner. I'm an old married man; I've been down this path before. Only the brave return." Schanke took the magazines from Nick and swallowed hard. He could not imagine Natalie in any of the dresses. Not the demure doctor. None of them left much to the imagination. "Well, Nat, I just can't say. They are all quite, quite, well.... Hey, Nick, didn't we come here for an official reason?" He handed the magazines back to Nick before his mental images of Nat and the dresses could go any further.
"Yes, yes, we did. We need to get the latest lab reports from the Davis case. We have a couple of witnesses to interview again before the night is over."
Nat fished under the magazines covering her desk and found the report. She held it for Nick to take, but then pulled it quickly back, "Nope, no report until you tell me which dress and in which color you would like to see me."
"Nat," Nick pleaded, using his best puppy dog look.
"Out with it, Nick."
"Nat, I think you would look, well, I think that any, and the color, it doesn't matter..."
Schanke could see the anger building in Natalie's eyes. If he or his partner didn't do something soon, she would probably rip their much-needed report to shreds. Schanke blindly grabbed for one of the magazines and handed it to Nat. "I think you would look lovely in this one, Nat. The color will be great with your hair, and any man could appreciate the shape of the dress. I'm sure that's what my partner here has been trying to tell you."
"Yes, thanks, partner. He is right. That dress. That color. Wonderful." Nick grabbed the folder from Nat's hand, kissed her on the cheek and pulled Schanke out of the morgue before Natalie could stop him to ask about accessories.
Once they were safely down the hall, Nick turned to Schanke and said, "Thanks, partner. I didn't know what to do. None of those dresses looked like something Nat would wear."
"I know what you mean. Wow! Certainly not the doctor I'm used to seeing day in and day out. Where is she wearing the dress?"
"To a wedding I'm taking her to this weekend."
"A wedding and you're escorting her and she's going to be wearing that dress. Man, oh man, and you guys try to tell us you're 'just friends.' Yeah, right, partner." They both exited the building, headed for Nick's car.
"Schank, we are just friends. Best friends, but just friends."
"Well, I've got news for you, Nick. That isn't a 'just friends' dress she is picking out. No siree. A woman doesn't wear a dress that sexy unless she's got lovin' on her mind. I think you better make sure you change the sheets, not to mention how you see the good doctor, not that I believe your just friends talk anyway."
"Got lovin' on her mind? Schank, what are you talking about?" Schanke looked at his partner and shook his head.
"Nick, sometimes I wonder about you. You're as thick as a brick sometimes. Nick, that is a well, you know, kind of dress." Nick stared at Schanke with a quizzical look on his face. "Nick, man, I wish I had a brick to hit you with. That is a 'make-love to me' dress. And in the colors she's looking at, it's a 'do it right now' dress too. You have your hands full, my man. Yup, sure do. I'll make sure not to call you early the day after the wedding." Schanke got in the car, leaving Nick standing alone, door open, with a dazed look on his face. After a few minutes, Schanke leaned out of the car and said, "Hey, partner, let's go. We've got people to interview!"
Nick shook his head, still not comprehending all that Schanke had said. He just could not believe that that was what Natalie had in mind. Yet, in some strange, far corner of his mind, he knew that his partner was right. It was a 'make-love to me' dress. And from the way she so badly wanted his opinion, it was a 'Nicholas Knight make-love to me' dress.
End Part Two
Forsaking All Others (03/12)
Natalie looked at the dress Schanke had picked. It was the one she wanted to buy in the first place but had been too chicken. The dress exposed considerable skin and all of her neck. Natalie looked at the clock and realized she still had an hour before the dress shop closed. She threw the other magazines in the trash and picked up her coat. Better buy it before I lose my nerve, she thought.
Nick spent the rest of the night zoning out on Schanke. He still was having problems with Natalie's choice of clothing for their upcoming engagement. He was worried and he was intrigued. Finally, he booked off early, claiming that he thought he might be coming down with a cold. Schanke hadn't bought it, but Nick had been useless since their visit to the good doctor. Not to mention that Nick always found a way to get out of paper work. Nick was starving by the time he reached the loft. He tore into a bottle of cow's blood. He finished one bottle and opened the next. His thirst was barely quenched. His desire was for human blood, but not for the Raven's private label. His desire was for one human and one human only, Natalie. The desire scared him. He plopped down on the couch and leaned his head back. Before long, Nick was asleep.
In his dreams, Nick saw Natalie in the red dress she had showed him in the magazine. He could see her breasts spilling forth from the strapless top. Her hair was free and wild, cascading over her exposed neck. And her lips and nails were the same bloodwine color of her dress. She looked at him and said, "Nick, I am yours."
Nick's dream hands dove into Natalie's neckline and cupped her breasts. Nick's mouth descended on her neck, gently nipping from her collarbone to her jaw and down again. His hands caressed her back and unzipped her dress. The dress fell in a heap at Natalie's feet. She was naked and under the care of his hands. His hands traced delicate lines down her back. Natalie purred under his ministrations. When he raised his head and looked into her eyes, he knew the beast was what she saw. She did not flinch; she only pulled him swiftly down to her neck. Down to the gently beating vein of her life. Nick's fangs entered her neck and drank of her life.
Nick awoke when he felt the blood rushing into his mouth. He was sucking his own blood from his wrist. Blood sweat covered his body. His groin was pulsating from the climax of his pleasure. His pleasure from taking Nat, of drinking her blood in his dream. His thirst was even greater than when he arrived home. He flew to the refrigerator and searched for his emergency stock of the Raven's label.
Natalie had tried on the dress again when she returned home that evening. She was pleased to see that her order from Victoria's Secret had arrived, and she wanted to see how the dress worked with the new lingerie. She had purchased a black push-up merry widow with an attached garter belt. She could not believe how much more prominent her breasts were in the dress with her new lingerie. She looked in the mirror, hoping she would have the nerve to wear the dress and underthings on Saturday when it really mattered. She carefully hung the dress back up and folded her new bra and stockings. She unwrapped the matching red purse and silver flask she had bought. The flask fit perfectly in her purse. She wanted to make sure Nick had an extra supply if needed.
Natalie climbed into bed a few minutes later, exhausted from her work and shopping. Try as she did, Natalie could not sleep. She tried first one position then another. She was so nervous and wound up about the wedding that she could not turn her mind off. She worried that Nick would not like her in the dress, that she really did not have the body for it.
Every little thing that could go wrong filled her head. Finally, as the sun was fully up in the
sky, she fell into a restless sleep.The nights that followed were much the same for both Nick and Nat. He dreamed of
making-love to her and taking her blood. She could not sleep for fear that he did not love
her and she was going to make a fool of herself. Nick ordered additional supplies from the
Raven. Janette had been very understanding. Both she and LaCroix had felt the hunger
Nick experienced because of the dreams. Basically, Nick and Nat were both miserable.
Both were becoming rather short-tempered from the lack of sleep and frustration. At
work, everyone was giving them both a wide berth. The department gossip mill had them
having a fight, but Schanke knew the truth--a little good old-fashioned sexual tension. He
noticed the change in his partner from the second he told Nick what kind of dress Nat was
buying. Nick had started zoning more than usual, which was not a good thing, considering
they were homicide detectives.Luckily, it had been a slow week. Schanke had noticed how tired Nick and Nat looked and had originally thought they had already broken the sexual ice, but when the expected euphoria was replaced by crabbiness, Schanke knew enough to not be fooled. They had not been intimate, but they were both thinking about it, and from the quality of their work, they had been thinking a lot. The latest report from Nat was living proof. She rambled on and on about the blood pulsating from the wound in the arm, gushing forth, pulsating stronger and stronger. The knife had been plunged deeper and deeper, in and out. Freud would have had a ball with the two of them, but it was Schanke
who was stuck, him and the rest of the department. The captain had half jokingly asked who wanted to draw straws to see who would throw them in a cell and tell them they weren't getting out until, for Queen and country, they had taken care of each other's needs. Schanke had assured the Captain that their dispositions would improve after the weekend. Otherwise, he would throw them in the cell himself.
End Part Three
Forsaking All Others (04/12)
Nat was surprised when Miriam called her on Friday. "What are you doing calling me?
You should be relaxing before you take the plunge tomorrow!"Miriam giggled in the phone, "Nat, I just wish you'd been able to come out with us
tonight. We're at this club where, well, you know the Chippendale dancers - well, they're
nothing compared to these boys! Take it off!!! Sorry, I was distracted for a minute. Cell
phones are great, don't you think. Here, talk to Stephen, he's the club's manager, and I think
you two could hit it off." Miriam lowered her voice to a loud whisper. "He's gorgeous,
Nat. He's going to come to the wedding to meet you." Miriam continued to laugh as she
handed the phone to Stephen."Ah, hi. You're friend here tells me you are in need of releasing some tension."
"Look, I'm not sure what she has told you, but I have a date for the wedding. Really, I
am sure she is plastered and does not know what she is saying. Just ignore her.""She showed me your picture and I am quite intrigued. I don't think I could ignore you.
She tells me the man you are interested in, your 'date,' is a little slow in the romance
department. I'm sure I could help fulfill those needs, Natalie."Natalie could hear Miriam yell for the phone in the background. "Stephen, give me that
back, you bad boy! I need to say bye to Nat.""Bye, Natalie. I do look forward to meeting you tomorrow night." Stephen handed the
phone back to Miriam."So, Nat, what do you think? Make that slow-moving detective of yours get off his butt
and do something. Jealousy, it can be a good thing! Don't you worry, girl, you are in
capable hands! See you tomorrow." Miriam giggled some more as she hung up the phone.Nat shook her head very concerned about the direction of her surprise conversation with
Miriam had taken. Miriam didn't know that making a vampire jealous was not exactly the
most constructive action one could take. It could actually be quite deadly. Nat silently
hoped that Miriam was only joking or that Stephen didn't actually show. She closed the file
she was working on and picked up the phone to call Nick at the station."Nick, hey, I'm feeling kind of restless. I haven't been able to sleep very well this week."
"I know the feeling, Nat. Sleep has not exactly been my friend either."
In unison, they both asked, "Want to watch a movie tonight?" They both laughed and said yes in unison, then laughed some more. "You pick the movie, Nat, whatever your heart desires. Meet you at the loft in an hour?"
"Sounds great. Nick?"
"Yes?"
"I'm looking forward to tomorrow night. It will be nice to get all dressed up and go out
with you.""Me too, Nat. I have to run. Schanke just came back with the witness we have to
interview. An hour at the loft?""Yes. Bye Nick."
They both stared at their phones after they hung up, wondering if tonight was such a
good idea.After Nick and Schanke finished with their witness, Schanke closed the interview room
door in Nick's face, preventing him from leaving. "Nick, sit, we need to have a talk. I
thought long and hard about keeping my mouth shut, but with the way you and Nat have
both been acting, I can't. I can't let you screw-up your life without trying to set you
straight.""Schank, what are you talking about? Everything is fine." Nick wondered if his feelings
for Natalie were that obvious, but quickly dismissed it. He was 800 years old; he knew how
to hide his feelings from people."Yeah, and we're both millionaires. Man, everything is not fine. Now, sit, we have a lot
to talk about, and I'm not going to let you leave until I'm done. That's final, partner. No
running or quick exits this time." Schanke pulled out a chair for Nick.Nick's thoughts went to Natalie at the loft waiting for him. He looked at his watch and
saw he still had 45 minutes before they were to meet. "Ok, Schank, I'll listen, but I'm
supposed to meet Nat in a few minutes for a movie." Nick sat in the offered chair. Schanke
paced around the room as he began to lecture Nick."See, that's what I want to talk to you about. For the last week yours and Nat's moods have been getting worse and worse. People have been purposefully avoiding the two of you, or drawing straws to see who would have to deal with you. You and Nat have been dancing around your feelings since you met. It's obvious to everyone how you two feel about each other. Hell, the way you've been looking at her this week, we've all been wondering if we were going to get a free peep show in the middle of the precinct. You act like a predator that hasn't tasted his favorite meal in years. And Nat is obviously your favorite meal. Lust doesn't even begin to describe how you are looking at Nat."
"Schank, lust? Nat and I are just friends." Nick could not get past Schanke saying he was acting like a predator and that he wanted Nat as a meal. If his friend only knew how accurate his assessment was.
"Nick, no you aren't. You may not have done the act, yet, but you aren't just friends. Nat is a beautiful woman, Nick, and don't think that all of the single and some of the married guys out there," Schanke pointed toward the door and the department offices, "don't have thoughts about Nat. They're all scared to go near Nat because they're afraid you'll rip them to shreds, but sooner or later, someone is going to go for her. Take this wedding you're going to tomorrow. Do you know how single men act at weddings? They know all the single women are feeling lonely. They're easy prey for a one-night stand. Do you think they are going to know that Nat is yours and stay away form her? No siree. They won't have a clue about the two of you, and they won't know enough to be scared of you either."
"Now, look, Schank..."
"I'm not done, Nick. Natalie is a beautiful woman and she has needs. Heck, you can tell that by the latest report she wrote. And I quote: 'The knife plunged deeper and deeper, in and out.' Come on Nick, the woman needs you and for some reason that no one can comprehend, she has been waiting for you. She has already forsaken all others, and you two aren't even married, yet." Schanke stopped pacing and looked directly at Nick, wagging his finger at him, "now, you do what needs to be done this weekend, partner or you let her go. No more of this pussyfooting around getting close then backing off again. You love her, admit it. Whatever has been stopping you two from getting together you can deal with together. She's a strong woman, Nick and she loves you. Don't deny yourself that. As much as I complain about Myra, I can't imagine life without her. I know she has to live with the fact that I may not come home one night, but she handles it. And Nat will handle it and anything else that you throw at her." Schanke flopped in the chair across from Nick. He had said everything he had wanted to say for several years and it felt good. He also wanted to go home to Myra and tell her how much she meant to him.
"I don't know what to say. I didn't know my feelings were that obvious. Things are very complicated, Schank, much more complicated than you can imagine."
Schanke rose from his chair and headed for the door. "No, Nick, they aren't complicated. You love her, she loves you. Everything else is just details that you can deal with together. Together, Nick, that's what it is all about. Even the darkest times are brighter just because you share them, because you go through them together. Sometimes from the darkness enters the brightest light. That's how it was for me when Myra came into my life, and I'm going home to remind her of that." Schanke opened the door and walked out, leaving Nick to think about what he had said. He hoped his words would sink into his dense partner. He would know come Monday.
Nick sat at the table, staring at the door Schanke had exited. He could not believe the things his partner had said to him. He could not believe how closely he had pegged his feelings for Natalie. He wondered if everyone knew. Did Nat know? He knew that his life was filled with darkness, but Natalie made the darkness part and light enter. He also knew that if he made-love to her that he would most likely have to either bring her across or let her die. He could not stand either thought. Would she still be filled with light if she were like him? Was that why he had not gotten closer to her? Was he afraid of losing his light? Was he really that selfish? He knew he had made it clear that Nat was his, though until today he would have said it was an unconscious act. It was not; he was marking his territory. He clung to her like a port in the storm, but kept her at a distance from him. His mind was spinning trying to understand everything, but the one thing he did understand was that he had been a selfish bastard. He knew Natalie wanted him and loved him, he just did not know if she was prepared for the consequences of that love. Maybe it was time he found out.
Janette hung up the phone and sighed. Nick had called to say he was stopping by for a case of bloodwine on his way home. Her thoughts went back to the last time they were together. She knew then that their time together had ended. Maybe she knew centuries ago when she first left him. It did not matter. She tasted it in his blood; he loved another. He was using her for his sexual release because he was afraid of harming Natalie. She had said to him, "Go be with the one you truly love, Nichola, I will not be a substitute." Their sexual relationship had started to remind her of the time before she was a vampire when men used her body to gain pleasure. She would not let Nichola do that to her, no matter how much she cared for him. Janette thought about Natalie, Nick's soul mate, she had called her. She knew Natalie would make an excellent vampire, and had even offered to bring her across if Nick could not do it himself. She hoped the two of them could eventually be friends. Over the centuries, she had longed more and more for female company. There were times when Nichola and LaCroix just did not understand, and she needed a woman in whom she could
confide.Nichola's partner, Schanke, had stopped by the Raven the night before, moaning about how unbearable Nick and Natalie's behavior had gotten. He had downed his drink and then started confiding to Janette. It had amused her that he stopped by to talk with her. The Raven had become his favorite bar. Every time he had a problem or just needed to get away, he came to the Raven. Janette was not sure why, but like it or not, she had been blessed with the loyal patronage of one Don Schanke. Schanke told Janette, "Nick's been acting like he wants to bite someone, well, not just any someone. A certain ME is who I think he has in mind." Janette had whispered under her breath, "You have NO idea..." Schanke was oblivious and continued, "Has he always been so damn irritating?"
Janette had found out from Schanke about the wedding Nichola was attending with Natalie and about Natalie's search for a "make-love to me now" dress, as Schanke had put it. Together with the emotions that she had felt from Nichola she knew what was going through his mind. It seemed he had finally reached the crossroads and she was determined that he would go in the right direction. Selfishly, she thought, there would be no living with him if he had to leave Natalie. Depressed and angst ridden would not even begin to describe how badly he would behave. Maybe, she thought, it is time to have another talk with Nichola. She saw him enter the Raven and her thoughts were drawn back to the present and what she must do. She asked the bartender to put two cases of bloodwine in Nichola's trunk.
Nick stopped by the Raven on his way home to pick up some additional supplies. No matter what happened, he did not want to embarrass himself when he saw Natalie for the first time in her new dress. He was expecting to pick up his case and leave, but Janette had other ideas - a lecture. He was starting to wonder if everyone had gotten together and decided that it was 'Nick needs a lecture' day.
"Mon cher Nichola, we need to talk for a few moments."
"Janette, can it wait? I'm in a hurry."
"No doubt, to meet with your doctor, but no, it can not wait. It is about Natalie that I want to speak with you. Here, sit down." She pointed to the barstool beside her. Two drinks appeared in front of them. Hers was the house special, his the cow's blood he insisted on drinking. "Nick, it's time you made Natalie one of us. Now," she held up her hand to silence him, "don't try to hide how you feel about her from me. I know I have tasted it in your blood. Nichola, I know you worry that she will not bring light in to your life after she is a vampire, but you know that is not true. That light is the love you have for each other. Now, I have given you an extra case of bloodwine, use it wisely, my dear. Make-love to her, Nichola. Make-love to her the way you have wanted to for a long time. She is your soul mate; do not deny her that love, that connection." Janette rose from her stool, kissed Nick on the cheek and departed. Nick shook his head for the second time that night, trying to assimilate the lectures he had received. He looked at his watch and flew out the door to his car. He was late to meet Nat.
End Part Four
Forsaking All Others (05/12)
Natalie had paced around the loft since she arrived, waiting for Nick to come home. She had to stop herself from putting his pajamas on again and climbing into his bed. No, she thought, tomorrow night, tomorrow night we find out what is between us. Tomorrow I push the man and the vampire to the breaking point.
She was worried that Nick would be detained at the station until it was too late for them to watch a movie. When she heard the lift engage, she jumped and tried to look relaxed sitting on the coach eating popcorn.
"Sorry I'm late, Nat, Schanke and I had some paperwork to clear up before I could leave."
Natalie saw the cases from the Raven he brought in with him. She wondered what he needed with two cases of the Raven's private label. "What's all the bloodwine for, Nick? Are you expecting company?" Somewhere in the back of her mind, she hoped that the bloodwine was meant for her. Meant to help her survive her first hunger, but she knew Nick would not consider that.
"Actually, yes. I thought it would be nice if I kept some bloodwine on hand for when Janette and LaCroix stop by to see me. They are kind enough to keep my vintage in stock at their homes, so I thought I should return the favor."
"But, two cases, Nick, that seems like a lot."
"Well, they're both big drinkers, what can I say. What movie did you pick out for us tonight?"
Nat sighed at Nick changing the subject. Janette must be coming by often for Nick to need that much bloodwine on hand. Now she knew her dreams of Nick bringing her across were just that, dreams. He wouldn't make-love to her for fear of hurting her, but it didn't stop him from going to Janette for comfort or Janette from coming to him. A comfort Natalie could not bring herself to find elsewhere. She couldn't live a lie, and she knew that if she was in the arms of another man that it would be that, a lie. She wanted Nick and no other man. A sigh escaped her lips as she said, "I rented 'Timecop.' It's about a cop who can travel in time and wants to change events so his lover doesn't die. I thought it would be a good movie for both of us. A cop movie for you and some mushy stuff for me."
"Sounds great. Are you all set? I'm just going to get some dinner real quick." Nick poured himself a glass of cow's blood and downed it in one swallow. It tasted rank after the human blood he had recently drank. His thoughts of Natalie's blood did not help much either.
Natalie put the tape in the VCR and joined Nick on the coach. She was pleasantly surprised when he pulled her right over to cuddle with him. She wrapped her hands around his neck and laid her head on his chest. Before the opening scene of the movie was over, they both were asleep. It was the first peaceful sleep either had had in over a week. Nick dreamed again, but it felt real this time. He could feel Natalie's body moving against him, making him grow harder. In his dream, he ripped the red dress from her body, discarding it on the floor. His hands roamed her body, settling on her breast. Her nipples felt so real under his skilled fingers. And he knew he heard her moan. He felt her hand on his groin, making him harder. The dream ended as it always did, with Natalie pushing his mouth towards her neck and him drinking her blood. The blood flowed into his mouth again. Nick's soft moans and growls woke Natalie from her sleep. Her eyes opened and immediately saw the bloodwine in the kitchen. She was afraid Nick was dreaming of Janette. Why else would he keep so much bloodwine on hand? She knew Nick was not drinking it, so it had to be for Janette. Natalie felt Nick move underneath her, and she could feel his hardness. It took her breath away when Nick started to stroke her nipples. She could tell he was still dreaming, not conscious of what he was doing. Her heart stopped, as Nick gently pinched her nipple between his fingers as he softly moaned her name. Her name, not Janette's, her name. Natalie moaned in response and stroked his hardness with her hand. She was the one he dreamed about making-love to passionately. She evoked this
unconscious reaction from him. She saw his wrist moving toward his fangs and placed her own there instead. There was no pain when his fangs entered her, only pleasure. She could feel his body spasm with the orgasm her blood brought him. She knew Nick would understand what she wanted now.Instantly, he knew something was different. He felt Natalie's feelings for him and knew what she truly wanted from him. A hand stroked his face, bringing him out of his dream and back into reality. It was Natalie and it was her wrist he sucked. She looked straight into his golden eyes, but he felt no fear from her, only love. He pushed her away from him and flew to the window, scared that he would not be able to stop. Her blood was the sweetest he had ever tasted, sweet with her love and desire for him. Sweet with her thoughts of coming across so that they could be together. Now, he knew, Natalie was truly his. "I am sorry, Natalie, I did not mean to bite you." Nick could not take his eyes off of Natalie's bloody wrist.
"That must have been some dream." Natalie glanced down to Nick's crotch, where she could see the signs of his climax soaking through his jeans. Nick actually turned red, tried to cover himself, and then turned his back to Natalie.
"Natalie, I...I, don't know what to say." Nick hung his head in shame and embarrassment. He could not believe that his dream had been so real and that in the end he grabbed Natalie's wrist instead of his own. "I am so very sorry Natalie," Nick whispered. "I don't know what came over me."
Natalie realized suddenly that Nick was not nearly as pleased with the night's events as she was. He was embarrassed, she realized, and feeling guilty because he had tasted her blood. "Nick, it's ok. Everyone has dreams. It is a very, human male thing to have a, well, a dream like you just had. I didn't mind."
"Natalie, I sank my fangs into your wrist," Nick whispered, still unable to face the woman he so desperate loved.
"That doesn't matter. You stopped. Nick," Natalie walked up behind Nick and put her arms around him, "please don't be embarrassed. I'm just flattered that you feel so comfortable with me," and that it was my name you moaned, she finished silently.
"You are my best friend, Nat." He put his hands on top of hers. He could still feel the love he had tasted in her blood. She loved him as much as he loved her. "I need to change. Do you want to stay here tonight? I'll take the couch."
"I tell you what, why don't you go change and bring me back a pair of your pajamas. Then, we'll both curl-up on the couch together and sleep."
"Nat, I'm not sure that is such a good idea."
"I'll fix you a glass of the Raven's label, ok? I may not have enough blood for you to have another dream tonight."
"Nat, I..." he turned and looked at Natalie and knew it was pointless to argue with her. He wanted, no needed, some bloodwine, and he also needed to be close to her. Somehow, he would manage to control himself for the rest of the night. He smiled, glad he knew how Natalie truly felt. "I'll go get you something to sleep in."
Nick leaned down and kissed Natalie on the lips. A soft, gentle kiss that lingered longer than he intended. It was so hard for him not to just rip Natalie's clothes from her body and make-love to her in front of the fireplace, knowing how much she wanted and loved him. He wanted to feel her love and be surrounded by it. He wanted to feel himself deep inside of her, but he knew to do that he would have to risk everything. He would have to risk Natalie.
Natalie took Nick's face in her hands as the kiss ended. They looked deep into each other's eyes, an understanding passing between the two of them. Neither wanted to speak and break the moment. Natalie reached up and kissed Nick. This time when the kiss ended, they both knew they had to get away from each other. The intensity and the passion were just too much. "I will be right back," Nick whispered into Natalie's hair, as he pulled her body into his to embrace her.
"I'll take care of a midnight snack for you. Make that a second midnight snack," Natalie giggled when she said the second part. She also gently bit his chest, eliciting a sharp intake of breath and a moan from Nick. They both could feel his manhood coming back to life, and Natalie pressed herself up against him. Nick did not bother to try to speak; he quickly released Natalie and headed for the stairs.
Natalie went to the kitchen and smiled to herself. Yes, Nick wanted her too, and it also seemed she could elicit a response from him, even awake. She thought back to the night she had tried on his pajamas and he had touched her. The thought of his cold hands on her body sent shivers down her spine and yearnings to other areas. She opened up the refrigerator, looking for the bottle of wine Nick kept there for her. She found it, uncorked it and poured herself a full glass. She needed to calm down. She then opened a bottle of bloodwine and poured Nick a very full glass. Next, she tended to her wrist. The blood had stopped flowing and the wound was healing itself, much to her surprise.
Nick was tearing apart his closet upstairs. He could only find one pair of pajamas. His nightly dreams had caused him to change pajamas every night. Last night after he awoke from the dream, he stripped his pajamas off and slept naked because he knew he had only one set left. He stared at the one clean pair of pajamas in his hands and wondered what he should do. He heard Natalie's heartbeat get stronger as she climbed the stairs to the bedroom.
Natalie softly rapped on the door, "Nick I brought you up something to drink. I thought you might need it. May I come inside?"
"Yes." Nick took the bloodwine Natalie offered him and tried not to gulp it. With great effort, he sipped the nectar. "We have a bit of a problem. I only have one clean pair of pajamas left."
Natalie smiled, "No problem. I'll take the top half; you take the bottom half. It works just perfectly." She grabbed the top from him and headed to the bathroom to change. Nick stared at the pajama bottoms in his hand. His thoughts drifted to a mostly unclothed Natalie curling up on his naked chest. He quickly gulped the rest of the bloodwine. Natalie opened the bathroom door and leaned against the frame. "So, how do I look in half of your pajamas?"
Nick wanted to say, "Good enough to eat," but instead just whispered, "Beautiful."
Natalie blushed. Her eyes rested on Nick's empty glass. "Why don't I get you some more to drink while you get cleaned up and changed?" Natalie didn't wait for his answer. She took the empty glass from his hand and headed back downstairs.
She was sitting on the couch when, after showering, Nick came downstairs in his pajama bottoms. She offered him the glass, and he gratefully took it. He had never realized how beautiful Natalie's legs were until he saw them sprawled on his couch, sticking out from his pajama top. His eyes hungrily took them in until he heard Natalie clear her throat. He blushed, unable to look her in the eye. "Nick, sit down, please."
Nick sat on the end of the couch and sipped his bloodwine. He noticed Natalie sipping on a glass of wine. They finished their drinks in silence. When they both finished, Nick took Natalie's glass and set it on the end table. He pulled her over on top of his chest and covered her with a blanket. "Comfy?"
"Hmmm," Natalie sighed as she felt the coolness of his skin against her face. She wrapped her arms around him and was soon peacefully asleep.
Nick looked at Natalie as she slept. She was so beautiful. He could not believe how lucky he was and how much she trusted him. He only hoped he was worthy of that trust. He closed his eyes and joined Natalie in a peaceful dreamless sleep.
End Part Five
Forsaking All Others (06/12)
Natalie slowly woke up around two-thirty. She felt Nick's arms around her and she smiled. She had wondered for a long time what it would be like to spend the night in his arms. She saw the clock and panicked. She had a three-thirty appointment with the hairdresser and manicurist, but she did not want to leave Nick's arms. She felt him move underneath her, his arms wrapping tighter around her as he kissed the top of her head. She looked at him and saw him open his eyes and smile. He caressed her cheek and kissed her, on the lips this time. "Good morning," Nick whispered.
"Good afternoon," she smiled back. She let her fingers run through his hair as he yawned. She did not want to leave him. She wanted to continue kissing him, touching him, loving him, but if she wanted to look like a princess tonight, she had to get up and get moving. "Nick, I've got an appointment at three-thirty and I need to go home and take a shower first. What time do you want to pick me up tonight? The wedding is at seven."
"Oh." Nick looked crestfallen. He did not want Nat to leave. "How about six. That should give us plenty of time."
Natalie rolled over on top of Nick so that they were chest to chest and looked into his eyes. "Six it is. I'll see you then, my Knight." She kissed him, her tongue just barely grazing his lips, and in a flash she was up and putting on her shoes. The electricity she felt between them was just too much. Natalie knew that if she didn't leave soon, they would never make it to the wedding. She took one last look at his chest, remembering the feel of his soft hair on her cheek as she tied her shoes. "Thank you for escorting me to the wedding tonight, Nick. It means a lot to me."
"I know, Nat, me too." He sat up as Nat walked toward the lift. Nick's eyes traveled upward from her shoes, to her naked legs, to the bottom of his pajama top that hugged her rear end. He licked his lips, wanting to run his hands up and down her exposed flesh. In a flash, he was behind her, pulling her back into his arms. His mouth hungrily kissed her neck as his hands explored the top of her thighs. "You're still wearing my pajama top. Don't you think you should give it back before you leave?" Nick whispered into Natalie's ear as his tongue traced its outline. Nick's mind raced with thoughts of Natalie turning around and unbuttoning the top, exposing herself to his gaze.
"Oh, my, oh, Nick." Nick's hands on her body made her tremble. Natalie, with all her strength, willed herself to move and to speak. "Thanks for stopping me. I didn't mean to almost expose myself to the entire neighborhood."
"Just me, I hope," Nick thought as Natalie left his arms to find her clothes. Neither realized that the vampire had not surfaced the entire time Nick had been caressing Natalie. Only Nicholas de Brabant Knight, the man, had touched her and hungered for her.
The beauty shop was all abuzz that the practical Dr. Lambert was actually having her hair and nails done. There was much debate about if Natalie should wear her hair up or down. Finally, tiring of her hair being pulled this way and that, Natalie declared that she thought Nick preferred her hair down. That settled, the styling began. One woman was working on her hands, another on her feet, a third on her hair and the make-up artist was picking out eye shadow and blush. The hair stylist trimmed her hair and curled it so that it framed her face. The manicurist painted her nails the same shade of dark red as her dress. Natalie had even found a matching lipstick that everyone in the shop loved. The afternoon was a different experience for Natalie. She had never been pampered liked this. The whole time she could barely think for all the people working on her and wanting her opinion. She loved every minute of it; it kept her mind off what she had to do tonight. When five o'clock rolled around and she looked in the mirror, she could not believe the woman staring back at her was Natalie Lambert. She quickly thanked and generously tipped everyone, promised to take pictures, and left to go home and dress.
Nick got up after Natalie left and poured himself a glass of the Raven's label. He felt so peaceful. Waking up with Natalie in his arms seemed the most natural thing in the world. He was amazed that his first thoughts were of how much he loved her instead of how tasty she was. Natalie was delicious, he thought, as he gulped down his second glass of bloodwine. His eyes grew wide with realization as it dawned on him that the vampire had not surfaced this morning when he touched Natalie. On one hand, he was grateful, grateful that the vampire had been under control and that the man was the one touching her. On the other hand, it scared him that the part of him that was a man hungered just as badly for her. He knew from his thoughts this morning that the man considered her prey too. Strange, he had never seen or felt the similarity before now. His mind filled with thoughts of Natalie in
'the dress.' He still did not know which one Schanke had chosen, for that matter neither did Schanke, but for his sake he hoped it was not the red dress. He did not know if they would make it out of Nat's apartment if it was. He finished a third glass and headed for the shower.Nat rushed into her apartment. Now that she didn't have people to talk to and decisions to make, she was nervous. Very nervous. She had to get dressed before Nick arrived. She laid her new dress out on the bed and stared at it. She loved it, but it frightened her to think she was actually going to wear it, in public, for Nick. With shaking hands she took off her clothes and put on the undergarments she had purchased for the evening. She attached the black stockings to the garter belt and looked at herself in the mirror. For the second time in less than an hour, she could not believe the person staring back at her was she. She looked at the time and forgot about being shocked. She had to finish getting ready. The whole time she kept whispering to herself, "You can do this. He loves you. You love him. You can do this."
By ten till six, Natalie was ready. She was in the kitchen filling the flask she had bought Nick when the bell rang. Natalie had sneaked a bottle of the Raven's label out of Nick's apartment that morning to use in the flask. She quickly put the bottle in the refrigerator and the flask in her purse and went to answer the door.
Nick was ready well before six o'clock. He was so nervous about seeing Natalie that he could not sit still. So, instead he went out for a drive as soon as the sun had set. He found a florist and bought Natalie two dozen long-stemmed red roses, the color of the dress in his dreams. He silently prayed that Nat had bought the black dress. He arrived at her apartment a little early, but could not stand waiting any longer.
When Natalie opened the door, Nick's eyes feasted on her beauty. "Oh, no, she bought the red dress," Nick thought. He was frozen and speechless. Natalie just looked at him, pleased that he was so stunned. "Natalie," Nick lustfully whispered, "you're beautiful." She was more beautiful and sensual in person than she had been in his dreams. Her breasts spilled forth for his gaze. Never had he imagined that they would be so lovely or that he would hunger so badly to touch them.
"Thanks," Natalie whispered as she blushed, her eyes never leaving Nick. He looked so handsome in his tuxedo, she was afraid she would start drooling in front of him. He looked like a modern day Knight, her Knight. "Nick, do you want to come inside?" she whispered, barely able to speak.
Nick blushed, realizing that he had been too busy devouring Natalie with his eyes to bother stepping inside her apartment. "Yes. Here, these are for you." He handed Natalie the roses he had bought.
"They're beautiful, Nick. Thank you." Natalie went to the kitchen to put the flowers in a vase. Nick reached for the flask of bloodwine in his pocket. He put it to his lips to drink, but found there was no need.
End of Part Six
Forsaking All Others (07/12)
Nick and Natalie both blushed a lot on the way to the wedding. Every touch, every look, would bring up thoughts of loving each other. When Natalie had placed her hand on Nick's thigh, he jerked the wheel, sending the car off of the road, nearly colliding with the barrier. "Sorry, you surprised me." Natalie quickly removed her hand, but Nick grabbed it and put it back on his thigh, his hand resting on top of hers. All too soon, they arrived at the wedding.
Miriam and her fiancé, Fred, were getting married in an old mansion on the outskirts of town. The driveway was lined with torches from the street up to the house. Natalie felt like she was entering wonderland and gripped Nick's thigh tighter. Nick tried to keep his mind on his driving and not on crushing Natalie against the passenger door in a passionate kiss. When Nick pulled up to the front of the house, valets opened his and Natalie's doors. Nick was reluctant to give the very young man the keys to his caddie. He stood there looking at the young valet, then at his car, and back to the valet again. "You will be gentle with her, won't you?" Nick asked quietly.
"Nick, give him the keys to the car. It will be fine," Natalie said, wishing he paid her half the attention he paid the caddie.
"Sir, I promise she will be in the same condition she is now after the wedding. I'll treat her right." The valet extended his hand and smiled at Nick. Cars waiting to be unloaded were quickly piling up, and the young man knew he had to get Nick's keys or the wedding would never start on time.
Nick started to hand the valet the keys, but paused. The valet wasted no time; he grabbed the keys, handed Nick a claim slip and quickly got behind the wheel of the caddie. The engine roared as he pulled off, with the door still open. "Nat, I don't think the caddie is going to be ok." Nick looked with growing concern as the valet whipped the caddie into a much too small space at a much too high rate of speed for his taste.
Natalie shook her head. "Nick, remember me, Natalie, your date?"
Nick turned and looked at Natalie. In a second, he forgot about the caddie and everything else. His eyes trailed down from her face, to her exposed neck, to her cleavage. He thought back to his dreams of ripping the dress from Natalie's body. He offered her his arm and tried very hard to think about anything other than Natalie in 'that dress.' He had to calm down. Otherwise, he would embarrass both of them, not because he was a vampire but because he was an extremely healthy man.
They entered the house and were escorted to the living and dining rooms where the wedding was to take place. The two rooms were set up for the wedding ceremony. Candles were the only source of light. "Nick, isn't it lovely?" Natalie whispered as she leaned into Nick, enjoying his closeness.
"Yes, it's beautiful. I love candlelight. It reminds me of my home." Nick put his arm around Natalie and escorted her to their seats. Natalie was surprised by how close Nick sat to her. Except for the brief incident with the caddie, Nick had not stopped touching her since they left her apartment. Presently, he held her hand in his lap, stroking it gently.
Across the room, Elizabeth, Miriam's sister, pointed out Natalie to Stephen. "Wow, she is even more beautiful in person. That's some dress she's wearing! I thought your sister said she was reserved?" Stephen could not take his eyes off Natalie's body.
"She usually is reserved. I have NEVER seen her in a dress like that. Never."
"Well, she looks like a woman who wants a man. That blond sitting next to her doesn't seem up to the task. She'll be coming home with me tonight."
"You sound pretty sure of yourself. She's in love with the blond, you know."
"I'm not talking about love, babe, I'm talking about pure animalistic sex." Stephen turned towards Elizabeth and smiled wickedly. Elizabeth was starting to wonder if it had been such a good idea to use Stephen to make Nick jealous.
Natalie rested her head on Nick's shoulder. "Tired?" Nick whispered.
"No, not really. I'm just enjoying your company. This place feels so enchanted, like we are in a fairy tale."
"Yes, in a very romantic fairy tale." Nick put his arm around Natalie's shoulders and pulled her closer to him. "Miriam did a wonderful job with everything." Nick's hand felt exquisite on Natalie's naked flesh. She brought his other hand to her lips, kissed it and placed it on her lap where she could stroke it the way he had hers.
"I'm supposed to be the one who kisses your hand," Nick smiled, his eyes filled with pure joy for the first time in centuries.
"Well, sometimes a lady wants to show her Knight her affections in public."
"So, am I your Knight?"
"Most definitely." Natalie raised her head and looked into Nick's eyes. He kissed her gently on the lips, wishing they were alone. The music began to play and startled them out of their kiss.
Miriam wore a princess-style wedding dress that fit the fairy tale mood of the surroundings. Fred, a Major in the American Marine Corps, was wearing his dress blues. The ceremony was very traditional, which surprised Natalie. Miriam was not known for doing things the conventional way. Even her choice of a husband was ironic. Miriam had campaigned for peace and less military spending during college and afterwards. It made Natalie wonder what Miriam and Fred's dinner conversations must be like.
When it was time for the vows, the minister announced that the couple had written their own vows to each other.
Fred turned to Miriam and started to speak. "Miriam, you are the other half of me. The part I have been missing since the day I was born. When we were apart during my service in the Gulf, I knew I could not live without you. I knew that you were my soul mate...."
Nick held Natalie's hand in his. He listened to the words Fred said and his mind started to drift. Soul mates. The other half of him. The words rang true for Nick, true for his feelings about Natalie. Although he had been asleep, he knew from the moment he tasted her blood that he could not live without her or her sweet nectar. Even now, he could hear her sweet blood coursing through her veins, calling to him with her love. He closed his eyes and saw Natalie in a wedding dress from the time in which he was born. The dress he pictured was made of off-white velvet and brocade, a dress that held promises of the charms hidden beneath its soft folds. Nick realized that he loved and needed Natalie. She filled him with a peace he had never known as a vampire or as a man. She cleansed his soul.
Miriam turned to Fred and started her vows. "Fred, you are the other half of me. You bring me joy just by being with me, sharing the everyday things of life. You are my Knight in shinning armor, with a Marine sword."
The tears started to flow down Natalie's face. She was touched so much by the words Fred and Miriam vowed to each other. It made her emotions about Nick rise to the surface. He was her best friend. He was her Knight in shining armor. She closed her eyes and pictured Nick in his armor as a real Knight from days gone by. How glorious he would have looked at their wedding, had it been back when he was mortal. She felt Nick's lips on her forehead and she opened her eyes. He smiled at her and handed her the most beautiful and delicate handkerchief she had ever seen. She smiled as Nick took the handkerchief and wiped her tears.
"I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss your bride."
Nick and Natalie did not hear the minister when he pronounced Fred and Miriam married, they were too busy staring into each other's eyes. Nick cupped Natalie's chin in his hand and brought her lips to his.
The wedding march started to play, drawing both couples out of their kisses.
End Part Seven
Forsaking All Others (08/12)
The reception was inside the mansion and outside on the grounds. The appetizers and cake were set up in the dining room after the ceremony. A band played music out on the lawn. There was a temporary dance floor outside for couples to enjoy. Nick got both him and Natalie wine to drink. She smiled as he drank and tried not to contort his face. Natalie laughed lightly and tilted her glass back, draining it.
"Nat! What are you doing? I don't want to carry you home tonight."
"Hold on a second, I have a surprise for you. I'll be right back."
Natalie walked away from Nick and into the lady's room. After she shut and locked the door, Natalie filled the wineglass with the contents of the flask in her purse. She smiled as she looked at its red color. She knew it would surprise, even shock Nick that she had brought bloodwine for him to drink, but for once, she wanted him not to have to worry about losing control. She knew the bloodwine would make it easier for him.
Stephen stared after Natalie from his seat in the garden. From the way she had drunk the wine, she was hot tonight, he thought. Yes, there is a woman who wants to lose control. And I'm going to help her. Stephen rose and started toward where Nick was waiting for Natalie to return.
Nick saw Natalie as she exited the lady's room and moved toward her. He could not believe what she held in her hands. "Nat, where did you, how did you, and why did..."
"I took one of your bottles, I have a flask in my purse and because I don't want you worrying about controlling yourself tonight." She held the glass out for Nick to take. She was surprised when he did not protest.
"I see we both think alike." Nick smiled and opened his coat so Natalie could see the flask in his inside jacket pocket. "Thank you for taking such good care of me."
Natalie could barely believe her eyes or ears. Nick was happy and not angsting. Actually, now that she thought about it, he had not angsted about anything other than the caddie all day. And the vampire did not seem to be surfacing. Not even when he touched or kissed her. A smile spread across her face. She did not know what had caused the change in Nick, but she hoped it was her love.
"Earth to Natalie. It's kind of fun to say that to someone rather than being the recipient for a change."
"Sorry. Nick, why don't we go outside and listen to the band?"
"Why don't we go outside and dance to the band?" Natalie nodded her head in agreement. Nick wanted desperately to hold Natalie in his arms and dance with her. She took his arm and they headed outside together.
Stephen had detoured when Natalie rejoined Nick. He had wanted to lure Nick outside and get rid of him, but the opportunity had passed. He would need reinforcements to gain some time with Natalie. He searched for Elizabeth and the other bridesmaids, Lea, he had met at the club. He was sure they wouldn't object to entertaining Nick for a few minutes for him.
Elizabeth ran after Nick and Natalie. She could not believe she was going to help Stephen with his plan, but after seeing Nick up-close, she decided that she would not mind flirting with him, especially since it was for a good cause. She slowed and approached Natalie and Nick.
"Natalie! It's so good to see you!" Elizabeth embraced Natalie and smiled.
"Elizabeth, it's been too long. This is my friend, Nicholas Knight." Natalie turned toward Nick. "Elizabeth is Miriam's younger sister. She joined us at college two years after we started."
Nick took Elizabeth's hand and kissed it. "It's a pleasure to meet you."
Excuse me, Natalie thought, what is he doing kissing some other woman's hand?!
Elizabeth stammered, "It's a..a pleasure to meet you too, Nicholas." She was totally entranced by Nick's eyes. The feel of his cool lips on her hand had been so erotic; she started to dream about how they would feel on the more sensitive areas of her body. Stephen's arrival broke into her thoughts.
"You must be Natalie." Stephen took Natalie's hand and kissed it, lingering a bit too long for Nick's taste. Good, Natalie thought, Nick was getting a taste of his own medicine.
"Yes, I'm Natalie. Who are you?" The man reminded her of a gladiator. He was well over six feet tall with dark hair and tanned skin. His muscles were nearly popping out of his tuxedo. Natalie could not believe how big he was. She preferred Nick's light hair and skin and toned, firm body. Hers and Nick's bodies fit together perfectly. She was, however, enjoying the jealousy she saw on Nick's face.
"I'm Stephen, Miriam's friend. Would you like to dance?" Before Natalie could answer, Stephen took the glass from her hand, handed it to Elizabeth and led Natalie to the dance floor.
"Nick," Elizabeth said, trying to capture the handsome blond's attention, "would you please go get me another glass of Chardonnay? My feet are so tired, I need to change shoes."
Nick looked at Elizabeth and then back to Stephen and Natalie. What he wanted to do was rip Stephen's arms off, but he thought better of it and took the glass Elizabeth held out to him. "I'll be right back."
Several single women and the entire contingent of bridesmaids flirted with Nick on his way to and from the bar. By the time he found Elizabeth and gave her the drink, beautiful women, all of whom were after his attentions, surrounded him.
Nick blushed as the women kept touching him. He enjoyed the attention, but inside he was longing for Natalie's company. He looked toward the dance floor and saw Stephen holding Natalie much, much too close. Stephen's hand trailed down Natalie's back and rested on the curve of her bottom. Nick crushed the wineglass in his hand. That was all he could take.
Natalie was shocked when Stephen pulled her onto the dance floor. She could not believe how close he held her. She knew most women would be swooning all over Stephen, but she wanted to be dancing with Nick, not this big oaf that kept trying to feel her up.
Nick extricated himself from the horde of women that were flirting with him and headed toward Stephen and Natalie. He could feel the vampire starting to emerge. Natalie saw Nick approaching her and Stephen. She could also see the golden color of his eyes.
"Stephen, I think you should let go of me."
Stephen looked into Natalie's eyes and said, "I can fulfill your needs, Natalie. Don't you want your needs fulfilled?"
"Yes, but...."
"I thought so." Stephen kissed Natalie hard on the lips. He was surprised when he felt his arm almost wrenched out of its socket and pulled behind his back.
"I think you and I need to have a little talk," Nick growled. He kept Stephen's arm locked behind his back as he led him away from the reception.
Natalie looked on in shock as Nick led Stephen away from the dance floor. The dancers around them stared, but soon continued to dance again once they realized that there was nothing more to see. Natalie slowly followed Nick and Stephen.
Once they were out of site of the other partygoers, Nick released Stephen's arm. "Man, that hurt. That wasn't very bright of you. I don't know if you've noticed, but you are an itty bitsy man compared to me, and I'm about to make you even smaller."
Nick laughed an evil laugh, grabbed Stephen by the collar and lifted him up off the ground. Stephen's head slammed into the brick wall behind him. "You are lucky that I don't destroy you right here and now. Natalie is mine. Got that? It's not negotiable and she isn't available."
"She sure liked rubbing up against me too much while we were dancing to be 'yours' and yours alone."
Nick fixed his gaze on Stephen. "You are no longer attracted to Natalie. You will not pursue her any further."
"I will not pursue Natalie any further."
"Good," Nick said as he released Stephen. Stephen looked around and headed back towards the dance floor, slightly confused as to why he left the party.
End Part Eight
Forsaking All Others (09/12)
Natalie had arrived by the time Nick slammed Stephen against the wall. At first, she had been mad at Nick for making a scene. Nothing had happened that she could not handle, but then she thought about it again and decided she liked Nick defending her. What disturbed her most was Nick whammying Stephen to make him forget his attraction for her. She wondered if Nick had done that in the past.
She approached Nick cautiously. He was still staring at the now empty brick wall in front of him. "You seemed to have handled that efficiently."
"No, efficiently would've been ripping his throat out, but I thought I would restrain myself. Are you ok? Did he hurt you?" Nick turned toward Natalie, desperately trying to control the beast that Stephen had caused to surface.
"Nick, he only kissed me once and his hands roamed a little, nothing I couldn't handle."
"Well, I didn't like him kissing you."
"So, is he the first man that has been interested in me that you've whammied?" Natalie tried to ask the question light-heartedly, but her voice came out strained.
"What? Do you think I go around and hypnotize people into not being attracted to you?" Nick did not mean to growl, but he did. He had not been able to release the anger he felt from Stephen's actions, and he took it out on Natalie.
"Well, yes, I've always wondered why no one has asked me out since we became friends," Natalie growled back.
"That is not my fault." Nick could not believe the anger that was in his voice. He did not want to talk to Natalie that way, ever. Yet, here he was doing just that.
"I might have liked going out on a date. I did not have anyone to turn to the way you had Janette! You were too afraid to make-love to me, or hell, maybe you didn't even want to make-love to me, but it never stopped you from going and being with her." The words came out of her mouth before she could stop them.
"I...I...I" Nick tried to speak, but Natalie's words hurt him badly. Partially because of the truth they contained. Nick paused to gather his thoughts. When he spoke, he looked Natalie directly in the eye and his voice was just above a whisper. "I've always wanted you, but I was afraid of hurting you. And yes, for a while I turned to Janette," Nick continued, although he saw the tears forming in Natalie's eyes. "Janette could not make me happy--she knew that and I knew that. I was in love with you, and I was using her instead of dealing with what was between us. I have not been with her in quite a while. The only woman I want in my bed is you." He held out his hand to her and she grasped it tightly.
Nick pulled Natalie into his embrace. "Please, don't cry. I am sorry I growled at you. I should not have taken my anger about Stephen out on you. You are so precious to me. I promise I'm not going to leave." He stroked Natalie's hair and let his hands run down her back. She melted into his chest. Her anger had vanished when Nick had said he wanted her in his bed. His hands felt so nice on her back and in her hair. She started kissing his neck, making her way slowly to his lips.
Nick moaned deep in his throat. He crushed Natalie's lips with his. His tongue gently probed Natalie's mouth. He felt Natalie's hands run down his chest and around to cup his rear. His fingers were lightly running all over Natalie's neck and arms. Natalie broke their kiss to breathe. While she caught her breath, Nick's kisses traveled down her neck, and his hands started to knead her breast. Natalie was losing herself in Nick and the sensations he was creating in her body. She heard the laughter from the party, and somone yelling her name.
"Nick," Natalie whispered between pants, "we need to get back."
Nick gently bit Nat's neck and started to blow in her ear. "No, we don't."
"We might be..." Natalie's voice trailed off as Nick's lips traveled from her ear and around her neck. His tongue slowly made its way down to her cleavage. Natalie pulled Nick's head to her breast and moaned.
"Nick! Nat! There you are! I've been looking all over for you!" Elizabeth shouted at the lovers. She was coming toward them, all smiles.
"Nat, tell me she is not coming over her, please!" Nick said into Natalie's chest, too afraid to look.
"Nick, she's coming over here."
Nick growled and pulled Natalie in front of him so that the bulge in his pants was blocked from Elizabeth's roving eyes. Instead, his hardness was pressing against Natalie's back, making her more aroused.
"You two! I thought I would never find you! Sneaking off for a quickie, I see! Well, you better come join us. Miriam wants to throw the bouquet, but she won't do it until Nat is there!"
"We'll be right there, Elizabeth, I promise." Natalie tried to make it clear with her eyes that she wanted Elizabeth to leave them alone.
"Ok, I'll tell Miriam you'll be right along!"
Nick and Nat took a minute to collect themselves and then rejoined the wedding party.
Miriam saw Nick and Nat as they walked back to join the reception. "Natalie, you look just, well, ravishing! I don't think I have ever seen you look more beautiful!" Miriam smiled at Natalie. From the slight blush that covered Natalie's face and chest, Miriam could tell she and Nick had been doing more than talking.
"Your dress is just wonderful, Miriam. Everything is just so enchanting. This is Nicholas Knight, the man I told you about the other day."
Nick smiled and wondered exactly what Natalie had told Miriam about him. He shook Miriam's offered hand. Natalie smiled, realizing that Stephen had served a purpose. Nick was not kissing other women's hands now.
"So, you are Nicholas Knight. Well, you had better get ready. Nat's the front runner to catch the bouquet, tonight and you know what that means! She will be the next one of us to get married. I cannot imagine whom she might want to shack up with, can you?" Miriam smiled at Nick and winked. "Come on Nat, time to get you in position."
Natalie smiled at Nick and shrugged her shoulders as Miriam led her to the bouquet tossing area.
The single women were herded into a group, and Miriam tossed the bouquet. It just seemed to land in Natalie's hands. Nick smiled. He had noticed when Miriam glanced quickly behind her to see where Natalie was standing. The women all congratulated Natalie, and Miriam kissed her on the cheek. "I hope you really are the next one. Your boyfriend had better get ready. Fred's tossing the garter next."
While the photographer took a picture of Natalie and Miriam with the bouquet, Elizabeth made her way over to Nick.
"Nick," she smiled dreamily at him, "you and Natalie looked like you were having a lot of fun when I found you. So, are you two serious?"
Nick really did not know what to say. "Yes, I guess we are."
"Well, unless you want some other man putting Miriam's garter on her leg, you better make sure you catch it." Nick stared blankly at Elizabeth. "Nick, whichever single man catches the garter gets to put it on Nat's leg. The farther up it is, the happier the couple is supposed to be."
Nick's eyes grew wide. He did not want another man touching Natalie's leg. And he certainly did not want one trying to place a garter as far up on her leg as he could with the slit that went up the side of her dress.
"Where is this garter toss being held?"
Elizabeth smiled. "Just go right over there. They'll herd you to the correct place." Nick walked purposefully toward the crowd of gathering single men.
Nick could not believe the comments he was hearing. The men were all very excited about the prospect of putting the garter on the sexy woman in red who had caught the bouquet. Nick had to restrain himself from teaching a few of them a lesson. Particularly Stephen, who seemed to have forgotten he was not suppose to be attracted to Natalie anymore. Stephen talked about how he wanted to touch Natalie's hidden charms when he put the garter on her.
Natalie could not believe that Nick was jockeying for a position in the garter toss. Then it dawned on her; of course, he would not want another man putting it on her leg. She smiled. Fred let the garter fly. It headed straight for Stephen until Nick's hand flew out of nowhere to grasp it right in front of Stephen's face. Nick smiled, relieved. He hoped no one saw him dash the short distance he needed to catch the garter. Stephen's confused look made Nick smirk. He wondered how long it would be before Stephen figured out he had not caught the garter.
End Part Nine
Peter Gabriel's "In Your Eyes." No copyright infringement is intended by its appearance in
this little ditty of mine. Thanks to LeAnn for suggesting it!Forsaking All Others (10/12)
Fred and Nick took a picture together with Nick twirling the garter on his finger. Meanwhile, a chair was placed in the middle of the dance floor. Miriam led Natalie to the chair and the band began to play "Lady in Red." Natalie blushed as Nick approached the chair, still twirling the garter on his finger.
He knelt down in front of her on one knee. "They tell me I need to place this on your leg. The higher the happier Fred and Miriam will be in their marriage. What do you say we make them very happy?" Nick's eyes glowed with mischief. Natalie stretched out her leg for Nick to touch. Whistles and hoots were heard throughout the reception. Nick's hand slowly ran up Nat's leg.
"The garter, Nick, you are supposed to put the garter on me." Natalie shivered from the effects of his touch. She looked at him with need filling her eyes. Nick could hear Natalie's heart racing, and he could smell her arousal getting stronger. He gently slipped the garter over her shoe and slowly, inch by inch, started to move the garter up Natalie's leg. The whistles grew louder as Nick's hands slid the garter to the middle of Nat's thigh. As the garter moved upwards, Nick's lips moved closer and closer to Natalie's. Nick stopped, realizing that Natalie was wearing stockings and a garter belt. Nick smiled to himself.
Natalie had surprised him again. The hearts of those in the audience were racing, and Nick could hear every one of them. He knew he and Nat were exciting a lot of people. He slid the garter as far up as it would go and leaned to kiss Natalie passionately on the lips. Cheers went up all around. Nick's hand moved further up Natalie's naked thigh until it rested ever so slightly on her panties. Nick heard Natalie's sharp intake of breath and pulled her lips closer to his with one hand. The other hand continued to stroke lightly the front of her panties, teasing her. Natalie could not believe Nick was touching her with over a hundred people looking at them. Nick felt a gentle tap on his shoulder. He kissed Natalie deeper, hoping it would go away. The tap grew more insistent. Finally, Nick released
Natalie's lips and looked for the source of the tapping."There we go, can't have you two entertaining us all night. That is my job." The band leader smiled at Nick and Natalie. "How about this very excited couple leading the next dance!"
Peter Gabriel's, "In Your Eyes" started playing, and Nick took Natalie in his arms. They moved majestically around the dance floor, their bodies pressed tightly together, their eyes locked on each other's.
Love. I get so lost sometimes
Days pass and this emptiness fills my heart
When I want to run away I drive off in my car
But whichever way I go
I come back to the place you areAll my instincts they return
And the grand facade so soon will burn
Without a noise, without my pride
I reach out from the insideIn your eyes
the light the heat
In your eyes
I am complete
In your eyesNick and Natalie continued to dance, both absorbing the lyrics of the song. Natalie's hand ran through Nick's hair lovingly. No words were spoken. None were needed. They both knew what was next. What had always been inevitable.
I see the doorway to a thousand churches
In your eyes
the resolution of all my fruitless searches
in your eyes
oh I want to be that complete
I want to touch the light
the heat I see in your eyesNick leaned down and whispered in Natalie's ear, "Let's go home." Natalie pressed her face against his and nodded in agreement. Nick danced them to the edge of the dance floor, then wrapped his arm around her, guiding her through the house to his car. They could still hear the song lilting from the party, its words still touching their hearts.
Love I don't like to see so much pain
so much wasted and this moment keeps slipping away
I get so tired of working so hard for our survival
I look to the time with you to keep me awake and aliveand all my instincts they return
and the grand facade so soon will burn
without a noise without my pride
I reach out from the insidein your eyes.....
The young valet from earlier approached Nick and Natalie. "Leaving so early? Can I have your claim slip for you car, sir?" Nick handed the young man the slip of paper and waited while he found the keys to the caddie on the board. Nick grabbed the keys from the valet's hands and steered Natalie toward the car.
"Sir, I can get your car for you. Please, sir." The valet started after Nick and Natalie.
"No, no. I think it will be better for both of us if I get it." The young man stepped in front of Nick and Natalie, halting their progress. "Thank you so much for how carefully you parked her." Nick stepped around the valet and Natalie giggled into Nick's chest.
"Nick, be nice."
"I was being nice." He smiled at Natalie and opened the car door for her. Nick went around to his side of the car and squeezed himself into the driver's seat; the BMW next to his Caddie was parked only inches away. Finally, he was sitting by Natalie in the car. He looked at Natalie again. Every time he had looked at her tonight a surge of electricity shot through his body straight to his groin. He ached with need for her. He reached out and stroked her cheek with the backside of his hand. Natalie smiled and touched his cheek in return. They were in each other's arms in a blink of an eye.
"Natalie," Nick moaned into her hair, "I want you, I need you."
"Nick." Their lips sought each other's and they abandoned themselves to the passion they had been holding at bay all evening. Natalie's tongue ventured inside of Nick's mouth and his inside of hers. Their tongues swirled together in a gentle battle of love. When hers brushed his gums, she felt his fangs descending. Nick tried to pull away, but Natalie held him close to her. She deepened her tongue's search and started to caress Nick's fangs. She lightly flicked her tongue across the surface of one, then the other. Finally, Nick pulled away, unable to stand the arousal Natalie was causing inside of him.
Nick quickly glanced at the backseat, calculating if it was big enough for the both of them. He felt Natalie's hand touching the bulge in his pants and decided that yes, the backseat would somehow be big enough. He reached for Natalie, pulling her back to him. It was then that they heard the rapping on the window.
"Sir, sir, are you having problems starting your car? Do I need to call the auto club for you?" Nick hung his head as Natalie laughed. "I told you to be nice. You should have tipped him."
"We're fine, just getting ready to leave." Nick growled.
"I was wondering sir, do you need something to defog those windows!" The young valet walked away laughing, knowing exactly what he interrupted.
Nick started the car and gently pulled it out of the parking space. Once he cleared the other cars, he put his arm around Natalie and pulled her close to him. Her hand rested on his thigh again. This time she made small circles with her fingers. Natalie rested her head on Nick's shoulder, enjoying the closeness.
They had been driving only a few minutes when Natalie began gently biting Nick's neck. Nick ran the car off the road and nearly into a tree. After he regained control, Natalie asked him, with a very wicked smile on her face, "I take it you enjoyed that?" Nick growled and pushed Natalie's head back on his shoulder. She did not stay put. She continued lightly to run her tongue up and down his neck. The car swerved in and out of their lane. Nick tried with all his might to keep control and not just pull over and take Nat right there in the car. When Natalie's hand started to caress his hardness, he had taken all he could handle. The car swerved off the road for the last time. Nick brought the caddie to a quick stop. He opened his door and pulled Natalie out behind him. He closed the door and embraced Natalie, his lips crushing hers.
End Part Ten
Forsaking All Others (11/12)
"Nick, what are we.." Natalie felt the wind rushing through her hair as Nick took flight with her in his arms. She buried her head in his chest, afraid to look down. She never dreamed that flying could be so exhilarating. Nick set them down outside his loft.
"We're home," Nick whispered as he gently brushed Natalie's hair out of her face. They entered through the garage to lock everything tight for the night. Nick was NOT in the mood for any more interruptions. He checked the security system one more time as Natalie pulled his jacket off first one arm and then the other. As soon as the lift door closed, they were in each other's arms, the jacket discarded on the floor. Their tongues explored freely as their hands roamed each other's body. Nick ran his fingers lightly up and down the exposed part of Natalie's back. She arched her back and moaned at Nick's touches. As Nat arched her back, Nick's tongue trailed up the front of her neck, plunging into her mouth again. Natalie struggled with taking Nick's bow tie off, finally succeeding and flinging it across the lift.
Natalie easily unbuttoned Nick's vest, but quickly grew impatient with the buttons on his shirt. She pushed him back against the lift's wall and ripped his shirt apart. Nick was stunned by Natalie's aggressiveness. He pulled her hard against him. His hands reaching behind her to unzip her dress. The lift jerked to a stop before he could finish, breaking their kiss. Nick scooped Natalie into his arms and carried her inside the loft.
He sat Natalie down, and they looked lovingly at each other, but their bodies could not wait. Their hands went back to exploring and their mouths hungrily collided. Natalie pulled the remains of Nick's shirt from his body. They both kicked off their shoes. There was a crash when one of Natalie's hit a wineglass in the kitchen. The lovers never noticed. Natalie unbuckled Nick's belt and pulled it loose in one quick jerk. They moved toward the stairs, Natalie walking backwards in Nick's arms. She started stroking his manhood through his pants. Nick moaned and nuzzled Natalie's neck. He could not handle Natalie's direct attention, so he grabbed her hands and wrapped them around his neck. His hands cupped her butt, pulling her hard against his manhood. He liked feeling her pressed up
against him. He continued to knead her rear as he flew them the rest of the way to the stairs.Natalie let her fingernails run down Nick's chest as she bit him on the neck again. He whimpered in response. Nick ripped Natalie's dress off her body and stared, his eyes filling with lust. "Natalie.." he growled. He devoured the sight of her in the black bustier and stockings. Natalie blushed at Nick's staring. Nick cupped Natalie's chin in his hand and looked her in the eyes. He whispered, "I have never wanted a woman as much as I want you." Nick kissed Natalie gently and then with increasing passion. He lowered her down onto the steps. His kisses left her mouth and slowly worked their way down her body. His tongue licked at her nipples through the lace of the bustier as his fingers stroked her thighs, parting them. Natalie's hands were tangled in Nick's hair as his lips and tongue continued
their assault on her body. She closed her eyes and moaned as Nick's fingers found the treasure for which they searched. He tugged at the thin straps of her panties until they came loose. Nick could smell and feel how aroused Natalie was, and he could not wait any longer. His mouth moved lower on Natalie's body.His hands parted Natalie's lips as his tongue found her sensitive nub. Natalie jerked in response to Nick's attentions. She tried to wiggle away from his tongue and its increasing pressure on her most sensitive spot, but it was to no avail. Nick's tongue continued its assault as he inserted a finger into Natalie's sweet core. She screamed his name as the sensations flooded her body. It was the first of many orgasms for Natalie. Nick stopped licking when Natalie started to come and gently started to suck her nub. His fangs descended and they gently scratched her lips, making her shake again in ecstasy. Nick tasted her blood and broke away before he hurt her.
Natalie opened her eyes and stared longingly at Nick. She crawled down the stairs to where he was sitting on the floor, his golden eyes still devouring her. Nick could not help but notice that she looked like a cat stalking her prey as she crawled toward him. Natalie slid into Nick's lap and pulled his lips down to hers. Gently she kissed him, her tongue caressing his. She licked his fangs, making him moan. She rained kisses from his lips to the base of his neck and then gently pushed him back onto the floor.
Nick closed his eyes, unable to protest Natalie's kisses. She nuzzled his neck and gently started biting her way down his chest. Each time she bit him, she could see Nick's fist clench and hear him moan. She stopped when she reached the waistband of his pants. She quickly unbuttoned them and pulled the zipper down. Her hands reached inside, caressing Nick through his silk boxers. A moan escaped Natalie's lips as she realized Nick was the perfect size. She wanted him, now. She mounted Nick, wanting desperately to feel him inside of her.
Nick's eyes flew open, "Nat, wait, not like this. Let me make-love to you. Let me take care of you."
Natalie sat across Nick, straddling him, his hardness pressing into her. She closed her eyes at the feeling of him being so close. She opened her eyes and took Nick's face in her hands and said, "I have never wanted a man as much as I want you, Nicholas Knight."
A tear slid down Nick's cheek, a tear of joy. He looked at Natalie and her disheveled hair and passion-filled eye and his heart filled with more love and joy than he thought possible. Schanke's and Janette's words filled his mind, and at long last, he put the pieces together. Natalie leaned down and licked the bloodtear from Nick's face, then kissed him gently.
"Make-love to me, Nick," she whispered in his ear. Nick pulled Natalie into his arms and held her tight against his body. He whispered in her ear, "It will be my pleasure."
Nick stood up, his pants promptly dropping around his ankles. Natalie giggled from her vantage point on the floor. She reached over and helped him finish removing them. Then she pulled at his socks, throwing them across the room. Her fingers ran lightly up Nick's legs as she stood up, stopping at the bulge in his boxers. Nick took her hand in his, guiding her up the stairs and into his bedroom.
Nick ran his hands slowly down Natalie's body while looking into her sparkling eyes. Love passed between them in waves, neither speaking but yet both knowing what the other wanted. Natalie inserted her hand into the front of Nick's boxers and started to stroke him. Her warm hand against his cool hardness made them both tingle with excitement. Natalie stopped her caresses and removed Nick's boxers. She dropped to her knees in front of him, slowly pulling the silk down his body. She took him in her hands again and stroked as Nick moaned and shut his eyes. He jumped when he felt Natalie's soft tongue caressing him. His eyes turned from blue to golden again when Natalie gently started to suck him. A fierce growl escaped Nick's lips, but Natalie did not stop her ministrations.
Nick firmly pulled Natalie to her feet and kissed her. Her tongue immediately caressed his fangs.
Nick gently pushed Natalie back onto the bed and let his hands run down her stockings. He undid one garter, then the other, and slowly pulled the stockings off her legs. He stepped back and looked at Natalie sprawled on his bed, her hair fanned out on the pillow. She reached out her hand and Nick took it, joining her in bed. They laid side by side, their hands gently caressing the other's body while they gazed into each other's eyes. Nick's hands slid down Natalie's back, trying to unfasten the bustier she was wearing. Natalie giggled when she realized Nick was not having much luck. "Here, let me do that," she whispered. Natalie sat up on the bed, her hands working behind her back unfastening her restraints. When she was done, she let the undergarment fall to the floor, exposing herself fully to Nick.Nick could hear Natalie's heart racing. He pulled her down on top of him, wanting to feel their naked bodies pressed together. They gently blew in each other's ears and kissed one another neck's.
Nick slid Natalie from on top of him so that he could caress her breast. He gently stroked her nipples until they were hard. Then his mouth eagerly began to suck first on one, then on the other. He allowed his fangs to scrap gently Natalie's nipples, making her moan. The small amount of blood Nick tasted only spurred his desires on. His hands moved lower, wanting to make sure Natalie was ready for him to enter her. He slipped one finger, then two, inside of her as she wrapped her hand around his manhood. They stroked each other to the same rhythm, their passions growing.
Nick moved on top of Natalie and gently, started to insert his hardness into her. She felt exquisite, and he could barely stop himself from pushing all he had inside of her at once, but he did not want to hurt her.
Natalie gasped when Nick entered her. She reached around and grabbed his rear, trying to push him into her faster. Their mouths found each other's as Nick quickly pushed his way inside of her. Their rhythm was slow at first, but gradually increased. Natalie moved her body in time to Nick's, meeting each of his thrusts with her own. Her fingernails made trails down Nick's back each time he pulled all the way out of her, only to quickly return. Nick kissed and softly bit Natalie's neck, barely able to control the urge to drink her blood. Natalie pulled his lips to hers quickly, her tongue caressing his fangs again. He pulled away as he felt Natalie wither below him, her body arching into her climax. He felt his own climax desperately needing release. Natalie saw his golden eyes and moved her head to the side, exposing her neck to him. Nick increased his rhythm and whispered into Natalie's ear, "I love you, Natalie." His fangs entered the vein in her neck as Natalie's eyes flew open. Her body started to orgasm again as Nick's love washed over her.
Natalie saw flashes of Nick's life. The man he was and the killer he became, both before and after he crossed over. She saw the people he had fed off of and the horror and guilt he had felt for what he had done. Then she saw him cleansed of his guilt. His heart filled with joy and love, because of her love. She knew now that he loved her and treasured her above all other things. She saw the Valentine's Day a few years ago, and understood in a heartbeat why Nick did what he had. She also happily knew that her path, their path, was now chosen.
Nick was filled with Natalie's love as he drank her blood for the second time. It filled him with hope and a promise of a future together filled with light. He felt her emotions and thoughts about him, how she loved him and believed he was the kindest, most decent man she had ever known. He knew she wanted to be with him, regardless of how. He was lost in the flashes of Natalie's life. The ray of light inside of Nick grew stronger, cleansing his soul. Something deep inside of Nick beckoned him to stop drinking Natalie's blood. He could hear her heart just starting to slow as he pulled his fangs from her delicate vein.
Nick looked into Natalie's eyes, afraid for a moment that maybe he had not stopped soon enough. Her eyes were glazed over. Natalie blinked and looked at Nick, a single clear tear rolled down her cheek. "You're madly in love with me," she said to him.
Nick nodded and said, "And you are madly in love with me."
They held each other tight, enjoying the new connection that now existed between them. They were both finally at peace with themselves and with the world. Nick rolled onto his back and pulled Natalie to curl up beside him, her head on his chest. "We've got so many things to talk about."
Natalie whispered, "But none of them really matter, do they? We love each other. Everything else we will figure out together. I'm not going anywhere, Nicholas Knight. You are now stuck with me, for better or for worse, in lightness and in darkness."
"And in darkness?" Nick asked kissing the top of Natalie's head.
"Yes and in darkness. I remember Valentine's Day, Nick. LaCroix is now a threat to me and to us. I know what we will have to do. I know you will soon have to bring me across. I will not leave you."
Nick held Natalie closer to him and smiled. "I won't leave you, Natalie, and I won't let you leave me."
"What," Natalie sat up and looked at Nick, "no protests?"
"No, I understand now. I did not before. I cannot change what I have done; I can only make better choices in the future. For the foreseeable future, I cannot change what I am. I have to deal with that. You will always be my light, Natalie, whether you are a mortal or a vampire. I will not let you be hurt and I cannot live without you. Bringing you across is not my first choice, but it is one I am now willing to make."
Natalie was shocked and pleased by Nick's words. "I promise, no matter what, I will not stop working on a cure, even if it has to be for both of us."
Nick smiled wickedly at Natalie. "Yes, but you will have to drink the protein shakes too."
Natalie's mouth fell open. "Nick!" She grabbed a pillow and thumped him with it. Nick pulled the pillow out from underneath him and whomped Natalie on the rear. Before long, feathers were flying everywhere. Natalie fell back on the bed. Her and Nick's laughter filled the room. Nick stroked her cheek and smiled brightly. They soon were in each other's arms again, cooing their love to each other.
End Part Eleven
Forsaking All Others (12/12)
The sound of the phone woke Nick from his peaceful sleep. He reached blindly on the nightstand, searching for the offending noise. "Knight," he managed as he looked for the time.
"Hey, Nick. Just checking in on my partner wondering how his date with our local coroner went. So, I want details. Did you screw up or what?"
"Schank, do you know what time it is!"
"It's four o'clock in the afternoon, Nick. I thought you would surely be up by now."
"Oh, I didn't know it had gotten so late." Natalie sighed as she began to wake up. Her fingers played in Nick's hair as she started to plant little kisses on his chest and neck. Nick moaned softly.
"Partner? You ok, you don't sound so good."
"I'm, I'm.. fine," Nick managed to get out as Natalie's kisses moved higher.
"Well, I'm waiting. Come on, we've been through a lot together, partner. Tell me what happened. I promise I won't let anyone know if you failed to score last night. Promise."
"Nick, who's on the phone?" Natalie said in-between kisses on Nick's lips.
"Schank, I've got to go." Nick kissed Natalie back and started to hang up the phone when a thought occurred to him. "Schank, you still there?"
"Yes. Hey Nick is that Natalie I hear in the background?"
"Schank, tell the captain I'll be wanting to take my vacation time soon. I think I have about a month built up." Natalie stroked Nick, making him hard again. Nick with much effort continued, "and tell Nat's boss that she will want to do the same. I don't think we'll be able to come in tomorrow night either." The next thing Schanke heard was Nick growling. Natalie had mounted Nick and had started to grind slowly.
"Nick, what are you two doing over there!?!"
"I've got to go, Schank, Nat needs me."
The last thing the precinct heard was Nick and Natalie both moaning as the phone was disconnected. The cheers and laughter did not stop in the police station for five solid minutes.
End Part Twelve - The End!
By Tyra
Send all comments and Nick to: Branwwolf@aol.com
DarkNN <list-mom>
NNpacker, NatPacker, Light Cousin, FKPagan, GWDFC
& Sister Voyeura of the Convent of the DSS.
Also a DueSer and HL lover!